Throughout the year, Liu Hui generally felt quite content, though moments of confusion occasionally crept in. He constantly missed Liang Jingyue, worrying about her safety. Especially after learning she hadn't betrayed him, he longed to find her immediately, to tell her just how much he missed her. Yet, to his regret, Liang Jingyue hadn't reappeared before him all year, leaving his immense yearning with nowhere to go.

Although Liu Hui yearned for Liang Jingyue, he couldn't pinpoint when the image of another girl began to naturally appear before his eyes. This girl always made silent contributions for him: a cup of clear tea, a plate of snacks, a gentle massage, files neatly sorted—all brought him a feeling of deep comfort. When this girl came to his home, did his laundry, cooked his meals, and dined with him, a strange illusion always struck him: that this girl was his wife, that they had lived together as husband and wife for a long time. It was a peculiar sensation, impossible to articulate. This feeling intensified particularly after his mother insisted that Li Zhi clarify their relationship at the press conference, leading him to inexplicably seek out the so-called rival, creating an entire misunderstanding.

Recently, Liu Hui's mood was deeply troubled. He simultaneously savored the sweetness of being with that girl while introspectively examining his feelings for Liang Jingyue. He still cared for Liang Jingyue, but why was he now developing feelings for this other girl too? Did this mean he wasn't as devoted as he imagined? Was his true nature that of a fickle person, falling for whomever he met?

Lost in these thoughts, Liu Hui’s gaze unconsciously drifted toward Hu Xian’er, seated beside him. Sensing his look, Hu Xian’er turned, offering him a slight smile. Liu Hui immediately turned away, feigning not to have noticed.

Jiang Lu quickly concluded her work report. It was brilliant, earning enthusiastic applause from the employees. The stirring data she presented captivated the staff listening below, making them feel the grandeur of Starfall Group. Invisibly, their loyalty to the corporation deepened, fostering a strong sense of belonging within their hearts.

Jiang Lu’s work report did not announce the management innovation slated for the following year: the implementation of the "Employee Experience Points Program." Liu Hui had specifically cautioned her to wait until work resumed in the new year before unveiling the plan, fearing some employees might become unsettled or burdened by the news, potentially ruining their New Year celebrations.

Liu Hui had already discussed the "Employee Experience Points Program" with the senior management of Starfall Group. After intensive deliberation, the executives unanimously agreed that while this management style was highly progressive, it would benefit the entire company’s positive development trajectory. Their benefits and compensation packages would see a temporary dip upon the initial implementation of the program, but provided they worked long enough and contributed significantly, their welfare would soar drastically. Upon calculating privately, they realized that within a few years, their benefits would far surpass what they currently received, cementing their decision to remain with Starfall Group. After all, their boss, Liu Hui, possessed a remarkable quality—the ability to create miracles. Following him promised not only significant future achievements but perhaps the chance to witness a legend being born.

After Jiang Lu’s report, it was time for the heads of the subsidiary branches to present their annual operational reviews.

First up was Li Zhi of Starfall Sales Company. Her sales company had stolen the spotlight this year, successfully launching a series of new drugs, including "Starfall Myopia Relief," which sold briskly worldwide. Li Zhi herself had become a major figure in international commerce. Her compelling report garnered thunderous applause from the employees. Next, Zhao Yuanhua of Starfall Pharmaceuticals presented his report. His pharmaceutical company had also enjoyed remarkable success; the output value from a single factory surpassed the GDP of some small nations. His summary also received waves of applause.

When it was Yin Shunli’s turn to report for Starfall Logistics Company, he appeared somewhat embarrassed. Although Starfall Logistics had revenues exceeding three hundred billion US dollars this year, their profit margin was negative. This was due to the company’s aggressive expansion throughout the year, fueled by the massive capital Liu Hui injected for integration and acquisitions. This direct investment propelled Starfall Logistics to become the world's number one logistics firm, its logo visible in most corners of the globe. The fleet size of Starfall Logistics dwarfed that of the second-place company, encompassing not only countless transport trucks but also extensive networks of freight trains, ocean-going vessels, and cargo aircraft. Despite this year's negative profit, once this vast infrastructure was established, Starfall Logistics was certain to secure exceptionally lucrative returns in the future.

Sun Ning of Starfall Construction Company also began his review. His situation was not much better than that of Starfall Logistics. Starfall Construction had also undergone rapid expansion this year. By the end of the year, the company boasted twenty-five specialized construction teams, totaling an astonishing twenty-five thousand employees. These elite construction units, equipped with the best machinery and adhering to the strictest management protocols, quickly made a name for themselves in the industry. Under Liu Hui’s mandate to heavily train the teams, they accepted numerous large-scale construction projects. Since the primary goal was team development, the compensation received for these projects was quite low, resulting in substantial overall losses for the company, with total annual revenue reaching only one billion US dollars.

Next was Wu Yuanjia reporting for Starfall Security Company. Starfall Security had already gained recognition in the protection industry, with government agencies and wealthy businessmen hiring their personnel for security details. The security staff of Starfall Security had performed spectacularly since beginning their assignments. Their high capabilities and adherence to protocol resulted in zero errors, earning widespread praise from clients. Although their revenue this year was only one hundred million dollars, and they were also operating at a loss, their development prospects were incredibly bright once they cultivated a large pool of qualified security personnel.

Liu Wenqi’s Starfall Legal Counsel office had already departed for the United States, preparing to file lawsuits against the individuals and entities that had maliciously slandered Starfall Group earlier, thus preventing their attendance at today's assembly. Mei Peng’s compact hospital, Chen Changsheng’s scientific research institute, and Wang Yilang’s asset management firm were present at the meeting, as required by confidentiality agreements, but they had no presentations scheduled for today’s proceedings.

Once the senior leaders of these companies had concluded their reports, it was time for the main event—Liu Hui’s appearance.

Liu Hui cleared his throat and chuckled, “The achievements this year have been truly magnificent. Hearing them just now got my blood pumping a bit, leaving my throat a little dry and scratchy.”

A ripple of good-natured laughter immediately spread through the audience.

Liu Hui smiled again. “I know everyone is eager for me to finish quickly, because I felt the same way when I was working for others. So, I’ll keep this brief.”

Another wave of laughter echoed through the hall.

Liu Hui continued, “The brilliant success Starfall Group has achieved this year is inseparable from the diligent work of everyone present. I want to express my deepest gratitude here. Because of you, the tomorrow of Starfall Group will undoubtedly be even brighter. This time last year, I had just arrived in Hong Kong. I told you then that you would be proud of the choice you made today, that I would ensure Starfall Group’s name resonated worldwide, that I could offer you opportunities to showcase your talents, and that I could help realize your dreams. Now, a year has passed, and I can proudly say: I have fulfilled every promise I made. Thank you for trusting me; I love you all.”

The audience erupted into fervent applause. The long-term employees who had joined the company when Starfall was first established recalled Liu Hui’s words from this time last year. Back then, they had dismissed them as mere reassurances to soothe the staff, never imagining that in one short year, they would actually come true. The realization struck them as incredible.

“Alright, enough platitudes. I know everyone is anticipating this moment. Yes, it’s time to hand out the bonuses.” Liu Hui laughed, perfectly understanding the employees' mindset, as he himself had eagerly awaited this moment in the past.

“Long live the Boss!” The chant from the employees below was instantly ignited, as everyone’s primary concern revolved around their own interests.

“I now announce the standard for distributing these bonuses: ordinary employees will receive 200,000 annually; middle management will receive 250,000 annually; senior management will receive 300,000 annually. Those who worked less than a full year will have their bonus prorated based on actual time worked.” Liu Hui announced this bonus structure, a standard remarkably high, even surpassing the normal annual wages of general laborers. Starfall Group’s breathtaking expansion this year naturally called for the workers who grew alongside the company to share in the fruits of that success.

Upon hearing this, the employees below rejoiced. Both regular staff and management tiers were extremely satisfied with the generosity of the bonuses, as it far exceeded their expectations for such an occasion.

“Long live the Boss, Long live the Boss!” The spontaneous chanting began echoing below. Soon, more people joined in, including the executives seated on the main platform. For a moment, the cry of "Long live the Boss" filled the entire space.

Liu Hui basked contentedly in this rare moment of vanity. Hu Xian’er smiled and moved closer, standing beside him to share in this feeling of triumph.

The reason Liu Hui distributed such enormous "super bonuses" was twofold: not only did he want the employees to enjoy the company’s growth, but the management reform—the "Employee Experience Points Program"—was set to launch next year. At that point, all employee benefits would be directly tied to their rank, and handing out spontaneous cash bonuses would cease, unless linked to extraordinary contributions. Thus, Liu Hui decided on one last moment of glorious abandon, dispensing such a massive farewell bonus.

When Liu Hui finished speaking, the employee assembly officially adjourned, followed by a celebratory banquet. Liu Hui, accompanied by Hu Xian’er, still displayed his characteristic zeal as a 'God of Wine,' raising glasses with employee representatives at every table.

An interesting interlude occurred when Liu Hui approached Gao Dasao’s table. Gao Dasao had brought her child, Gao Xiaoyao, and insisted that Xiaoyao give Liu Hui a kiss.

The little girl, Gao Xiaoyao, could be considered the youngest employee of Starfall Group. After becoming the face of Starfall Group’s products, her appearance had transformed dramatically, from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. She was now exquisitely charming and lovely, especially her large eyes, which captivated anyone who looked at them. Her cuteness earned her widespread affection, and consequently, her disposition had become much brighter; she no longer hid behind her mother as she used to.

Liu Hui bent down. Gao Xiaoyao wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a fierce kiss on his cheek. Liu Hui burst into laughter, affectionately

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