Liu Hui finished speaking, glanced around, and suddenly his eyes lit up. He hopped onto the road, flagged down a passing motorcycle, and said to the young girl riding it, "Hey there, my sister and I need to register our marriage, but we don't have transport. Could you possibly lend us your motorcycle?"
The girl glanced at Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er, then turned away, saying nothing. Liu Hui took the watch off his wrist and flashed it in front of the girl. "Listen, this is a gold watch, worth hundreds of thousands. How about trading it for your motorcycle?"
The girl replied, "This motorcycle belongs to my grandfather; it can't be exchanged, but I can rent it to you for a while."
Liu Hui chuckled, "Renting is fine too."
The girl’s eyes darted around, and she said, "Even if it's a rental, I need this gold watch."
Liu Hui was slightly annoyed. "You little miser, you're already obsessed with money at such a young age. What will you be like when you grow up? Forget it, this gold watch is yours."
With that, the girl happily snatched the gold watch, hopped off the motorcycle, and handed the keys to Liu Hui.
Liu Hui teased her, "Hey, aren't you afraid I won't return your motorcycle?"
The girl laughed, "I know who you are, Liu Hui. I'll just come to your Starry Sky Group to claim my bike back. Oh, and thank you for the gold watch."
Liu Hui smiled, suddenly remembering something. He borrowed the girl's phone and called the legal experts at the Starry Sky Legal Consulting firm, instructing them to immediately finalize the paperwork for his and Hu Xian'er's marriage registration and meet him at the Wan Chai Registry Office.
Having sorted out the procedures, Liu Hui relaxed. He had Hu Xian'er sit on the back seat of the motorcycle while he drove. However, the motorcycle was far too small, clearly meant only for a young girl; it was impossible for two adults to ride comfortably. But Hu Xian'er pressed herself tightly against Liu Hui, wrapping her arms around him, her legs stretched straight out, sitting in a rather awkward position. Liu Hui smiled, stretched his own legs straight, and started the engine, heading towards the Registry Office.
On the road, Liu Hui asked Hu Xian'er a question. "You haven't been to work for days; I thought you were genuinely ill, but it turns out you were out taking photos."
Hu Xian'er blushed shyly. "It was because I drank too much that night and said some foolish things, so I was too embarrassed to see you and just hid at home. A friend came by asking for help, and since I really wanted to wear a wedding dress, I came here out of spite."
Never mind the sweet conversation they shared on the little motorcycle. Dressed in their wedding attire and riding the small bike down the highway, their appearance was strikingly conspicuous, drawing constant attention from passing drivers.
"Hey, two people in wedding clothes on such a tiny motorcycle? That's hilarious," remarked one driver suddenly.
"Where? Let me see. Good heavens, the one driving the motorcycle is Liu Hui! Old Huang, follow them quietly. It looks like Liu Hui might be getting married—this is huge news! I need to film the whole thing. I'm going to apply for a live broadcast from the station right now," exclaimed a female reporter excitedly inside a car. She had prominent cleavage and was none other than Yang Simin, who had successfully covered the Black Hero incident.
Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er, hearts brimming with sweetness, were intimately close the entire way, completely unaware that they were being broadcast live. Liu Hui kept riding forward, then suddenly turned the bike around, stopping in front of a house.
"Shui Niu, why stop?" Hu Xian'er asked.
"Xian'er, look at the little garden inside that house. The roses are blooming so beautifully; I want to pick a few for you," Liu Hui said with a smile.
Hu Xian'er glanced cautiously left and right. "Maybe we shouldn't. It wouldn't be good if someone saw us, and the wall is so high."
Liu Hui laughed, "Let me show you the capabilities of your husband." He dismounted, paused briefly at the gate, and then, with a powerful leap leveraging his momentum, vaulted over into the garden inside.
Liu Hui spotted several beautiful roses and had just plucked them when he heard barking from within the garden. Several large hounds burst out and lunged toward him, followed by a loud shout: "Peeping Tom! Catch the flower thief!"
Startled, Liu Hui immediately grabbed the roses and fled in panic. Before the hounds could catch him, he swiftly vaulted back over the wall, jumped onto the motorcycle, handed the roses to Hu Xian'er, and beat a hasty retreat, leaving behind only the growling of the dogs and the owner's curses in the yard.
Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er's escapade of 'flower picking' was entirely captured on camera by the trailing reporter, Yang Simin. Furthermore, her superiors had already approved a live broadcast of Liu Hui's wedding, meaning Liu Hui's act of 'stealing flowers' was instantly known throughout Hong Kong.
The female reporter, Yang Simin, suddenly expressed concern. "Old Huang, do you think he might sue us if we broadcast Liu Hui's disgrace on television?"
Old Huang chuckled. "I doubt he'd sue. I think he’d just send people to finish us off. Look at the security guards at his Starry Sky company—every one of them looks like a thug. If we've offended him, we might as well prepare for death."
Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er were oblivious to being broadcast live. They only found it strange that pedestrians and drivers seemed to look at them differently, but they paid it no mind, continuing on the little motorcycle until they finally reached the Registry Office just before the staff started to clock out.
At the entrance, Liu Hui spotted the legal expert from the Starry Sky Legal Consulting firm waiting for them, though the expert’s gaze upon them was somewhat peculiar.
"Are the papers all ready?" Liu Hui called out loudly.
"Boss, all the procedures are complete, including Miss Hu Xian'er's documents," the legal expert said, handing over a folder.
Liu Hui happily took it, about to enter the registration area with Hu Xian'er. The legal expert started to speak, but Liu Hui laughed, "Today is a big day for me; we can discuss anything tomorrow." Without another word, he walked inside, disregarding the expert.
Hu Xian'er suddenly stopped, looking at Liu Hui. "Shui Niu, if we register now, what about Liang Jingyue?"
Liu Hui never expected Hu Xian'er to mention Liang Jingyue's name at this crucial moment. He paused only for a moment before decisively declaring, "Jingyue and I were destined not to be together; I wronged her, it’s true. But right now, I don't want to talk about her—I’ve waited hundreds of years for you, my wife, and I won't let you go today no matter what."
Relieved, Hu Xian'er happily linked her arm with Liu Hui's and walked into the Registry Office. The clerk inside was preparing to close when they entered. He took their marriage application forms without even looking at the contents and told them to return in fifteen working days to collect their marriage certificate.
Liu Hui was anxious. He said to the clerk, "We're in a rush. Can you possibly process it immediately?"
The clerk replied impatiently, "No matter how urgent it is, you must wait that long. That's the regulation. Do you think this place is run by your family?"
Furious, Liu Hui grabbed the phone from the legal expert beside him and called the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. On the phone, he explained that he was registering his marriage that day and needed the certificate immediately, asking the Chief Executive to find a solution.
Upon hearing that Liu Hui was getting married, the Chief Executive quickly offered congratulations before agreeing to look into the matter.
It was only then that the clerk reacted. When he opened the application materials and realized the applicants were Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er, he was momentarily stunned.
Soon, the clerk’s supervisor called him, instructing him to handle the matter exceptionally, stating that since Liu Hui was a public figure, there was no need for public notification procedures.
Thus, the clerk processed the marriage certificates for Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er with utmost speed.
Liu Hui happily took the marriage certificate and viewed it with Hu Xian'er; both were immensely joyful. With this certificate, they were now legally recognized as husband and wife.
Liu Hui clapped the clerk on the shoulder and smiled, "Thank you. Things were so rushed today, I didn't prepare any celebratory sweets. We'll make up for it tomorrow."
The clerk was momentarily taken aback, thinking Liu Hui was dissatisfied with his service and was about to file a complaint. To his surprise, Liu Hui was in such a good mood that he overlooked the clerk's rude behavior.
Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er left the Registry Office. Holding their marriage certificate, they were overcome with emotion. Right at the entrance, they embraced and kissed passionately. They did not realize that major media reporters, having seen the live broadcast on television, had already arrived at the Registry Office, setting up their long lenses. Seeing the couple kissing passionately, they began clicking their shutters furiously, capturing the moment. On the live television screen, a frozen frame of Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er kissing intensely appeared.
In Hu Qingyang's villa, Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er sat on one side, facing Hu Qingyang.
Liu Hui nervously said, "Father-in-law, I didn't ask for your opinion before registering the marriage with Xian'er. You aren't angry with us, are you?"
Hu Qingyang glanced at Liu Hui, expressing dissatisfaction. "What else can I say? You acted first and reported afterward; the die is cast."
Hu Xian'er poured a cup of hot tea nearby, gesturing to Liu Hui with her eyes. Liu Hui understood, picked up the teacup, and toasted Hu Qingyang.
Hu Qingyang sighed, took the cup, and drank it all down before saying, "Since this is the path you chose yourselves, I have no right to object. But Xian'er grew up without a mother; I raised her single-handedly. She is my heart and soul. I hope you won't let her down. Otherwise, no matter how powerful you are, I won't let you off easily."
Liu Hui immediately promised, "Father-in-law, please rest assured. Xian'er is the love of my life; I will never fail her."
Hu Qingyang nodded. "My biggest worry my whole life has been Xian'er's happiness. Now that she has found her happiness, I suppose it's time for me to retire."
Hu Xian'er smiled, "Father, you are still young; how can you talk about retiring so lightly?"
Hu Qingyang chuckled. "I came from the Hong Kong underworld; I've been involved in gangs my whole life, doing all sorts of bad deeds. I've always intended to retire honorably, but because Xian'er wasn't settled, I feared I couldn't guarantee her safety after quitting, so I stayed in this position as the gang leader. Now that Xian'er has your protection, I am naturally at ease, and I can step down as the gang leader."
Liu Hui smiled, "I understand what you mean, Father-in-law. Are you perhaps worried that your identity as a gang leader will affect my reputation and, consequently, my relationship with Xian'er? Don't worry; I don't care about those things. Being in the underworld isn't a good career. After you officially retire, come live in the Starry Sky Group's dormitories; it will be more convenient for Xian'er to look after you then."
Hu Qingyang was overjoyed. "It's settled then. I will hand over the gang's affairs immediately, and after you two are married, we will move into your company housing."
Liu Hui smiled, "That’s naturally how it should be; it’s good for family to live together and look out for one another. I will arrange for my parents to meet you so you can discuss the wedding details together."
Only after receiving Hu Qingyang's blessing was Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er's relationship truly cemented. In Hu Xian'er's room, Liu Hui and she began to get affectionate, but since Hu Qingyang was still in the villa, they couldn't be too unrestrained. After cuddling intimately for a while, Liu Hui returned home. Hu Xian'er, being more demure, and having just changed her status, didn't dare to go see Liu Hui's parents right away.
The moment Liu Hui walked through his own front door, he found many people inside—his parents, Mei Peng, and Yue Wang were all there. When everyone saw Liu Hui return, they cheered loudly; the atmosphere was vibrant.
Yue Wang was extremely moved. "Boss, you usually seem so slow on the uptake, but I never thought you'd come up with the trick of riding a motorcycle to register, and even becoming a flower thief! Why didn't I think of doing something so romantic before?"
Mei Peng pushed Yue Wang aside and smiled at Liu Hui. "Boss, congratulations, congratulations! You've finally achieved success."
Liu Hui laughed, "You're still faster than me; your son is already born. By the way, when are you planning his full-month celebration?"
It was that same month that Mei Peng's son was successfully born. He replied, "I'll certainly notify you when we have the celebration. But when are you planning your wedding banquet?"
Liu Hui laughed, "Soon, soon."
Liu Hui’s father walked over, chuckling, and playfully hit his son. "Son, you really have a knack for this. We were worried sick about you, and suddenly you've taken care of your wife."
His mother stood nearby, smiling proudly. "Of course! Look who he's from. My son is naturally very popular."
Liu Hui was in high spirits that day, so he invited everyone to stay for dinner. The gathering was joyful and harmonious, but Liu Hui started acting shamelessly, using his storage space to ply his brothers with alcohol until they were thoroughly drunk.
That evening, Liu Hui went to the basement of his office building and summoned Xiaoyaozi. Xiaoyaozi soon appeared on the screen of the Plane Trading Device, grinning at Liu Hui.
"Young friend, your complexion looks much better. How is it? My minor world really works, doesn't it?" Xiaoyaozi asked proudly.
"Senior, do you really believe that what is sealed inside the minor world is merely life experience?" Liu Hui asked.
"It is! Is there something wrong? I've deeply experienced it myself," Xiaoyaozi replied, puzzled.
"Senior, I think this minor world possesses a magical power that can trace directly back to the origin of the human soul, allowing one to recall events experienced in a past life. Therefore, the life insights you experienced inside were actually events you lived through in your previous incarnation," Liu Hui explained.
"Past life, soul—what are those things?" Xiaoyaozi was even more confused.
"Young friend, do you not have concepts of souls and reincarnation where you are from?" Liu Hui asked, surprised.
"Young friend, I truly don't know what you are talking about. Why don't you explain to me what these things are like?" Xiaoyaozi genuinely seemed unaware of souls and reincarnation.
"A soul is... never mind, this is too complicated to explain quickly. Let’s save it for when we have time. Oh, by the way, you mentioned needing my help yesterday?" Liu Hui asked.
When this was brought up, Xiaoyaozi became serious. "I actually just wanted to ask if you needed my help recently. Our Suspended Peak has just been repaired, and we are critically short of the spirit stones needed to power it."
Liu Hui paused, immediately recalling Chen Changsheng’s warning that the true essence stored in the energy storage spheres was about to run out. He said, "I need a large number of those energy storage spheres, ones that hold a substantial amount of true essence. Can you manufacture many of them?"
Xiaoyaozi calculated for a moment and replied, "We happen to have some of the raw materials needed to make those storage spheres here. We can make ten more."
Liu Hui said, "The true essence stored in the last energy storage sphere you gave me is simply not enough for our normal usage. So, I hope you can increase the storage capacity of those spheres. If you could store a quantity of true essence one hundred times greater than before, that would be nearly enough for us."
"Are you measuring the amount of true essence in the previous spheres as one unit?" Xiaoyaozi asked curiously; he had never quantified true essence before.
"Yes. For ease of calculation, I'll consider that standard amount of true essence as one year's worth. So, can you manufacture storage spheres capable of holding one hundred years' worth of true essence?" Liu Hui asked.
"Storage spheres capable of holding a hundred years of true essence? I can manufacture those too, but where would we find that much true essence?" Xiaoyaozi understood Liu Hui's quantitative standard but immediately worried about the source of the true essence.
"Senior, can't you trade your high-grade spirit stones with others for true essence? Give them a high-grade spirit stone and ask them to infuse the true essence they cultivate into the storage sphere. They are desperately short of spirit stones right now; they should agree to such a deal, right?" Liu Hui suggested.
Inspired by Liu Hui's idea, Xiaoyaozi quickly reverted to his shrewd self, chuckling slyly. "Young friend, true essence is the most fundamental thing for a cultivator; they are usually unwilling to exchange it. But if your price is high enough, I could swallow my pride and beg those cultivators."
Liu Hui felt helpless. "What price do you think would be reasonable, Senior?"
Xiaoyaozi’s eyes darted around. "If it’s ten high-grade spirit stones for one year’s worth of true essence, I think people would be very interested."
Liu Hui calculated mentally. Data obtained from Chen Changsheng indicated that one year’s worth of true essence could power about one hundred small formations. If his Starry Sky City were fully constructed, the number of formations required would be calculated in the billions, and there might even be large-scale formations needed, meaning his demand for true essence would be astronomical. Waiting for his own people to cultivate enough true essence to support this monumental project was unrealistic; external support from the cultivation world was necessary. However, Xiaoyaozi was a shrewd merchant, and Liu Hui needed to calculate carefully to avoid being taken advantage of, especially since this trade would be long-term and involve the exchange of Level Four Demon Beast crystal cores, which were counted in the tens of millions. The electrical energy contained within those cores was an astronomical figure; any decimal point error would involve immense profits.
Having considered this, Liu Hui shook his head. "My supply of high-grade spirit stones is limited and cannot bear such an exorbitant price. I think I’ll pass and try to find another way without using these storage spheres."
Xiaoyaozi laughed, "Young friend, I'm just starting with a high asking price. Can't you offer a counter-price on the spot? Every business is negotiated; why take this attitude?"
Liu Hui smiled, "If it were one high-grade spirit stone for one year’s worth of true essence, I might consider it. After all, one high-grade spirit stone can allow an ordinary person to cultivate for two years."
Xiaoyaozi laughed, "Young friend, your price is too low. Cultivators won't agree if there’s no profit to be made. How about nine for one year?"
Liu Hui shook his head, "I know my limits. Maximum of two for one year."
Xiaoyaozi: "Eight for one year."
Liu Hui: "No, three for one year."
...
"Five for one year."
"Fine, deal."
After a period of haggling, the two finally struck a deal regarding the exchange rate between high-grade spirit stones and True Essence. Five high-grade spirit stones (equivalent to a Grade Four Monster Core) would be traded for one year's supply of True Essence. Xiaoyaozi would manufacture energy storage orbs calibrated to hold a century's worth of True Essence, and the amount contained within would be exchanged for the high-grade spirit stones held by Liu Hui.
With the business concluded, both men were immensely pleased. One had finally secured a steady source of True Essence, and the other had gained a substantial profit in spirit stones. Each secretly believed they had driven a hard bargain while considering the other a fool.
After ending his communication with Xiaoyaozi, Liu Hui returned to examining the spectacle-like Minor World. He channeled spiritual energy into it, but the Minor World showed no further anomalies. It seemed the item’s function had a limit; perhaps each user was granted only a single opportunity.
As Liu Hui was brooding over this, Xingkong Zhiyan (Starry Sky Eye) called him.
“What? You finally found evidence that can take down Guo Jia?”
Gratitude to: Kai Huang for the evaluation vote, gratitude to: Lan Se Bei Shang for the tip, and gratitude to: Zuo Lao Po Hao Bu for the tip (300 coins) A