After Chen Changsheng showed Liu Hui the progress of their recent work, he walked to an electronic door, entered the password, verified his voice, and scanned his fingerprint and iris before the door slid open. Chen Changsheng led Liu Hui inside, and the door sealed shut behind them immediately.

Beyond the electronic door lay another laboratory, though smaller than the previous one. Only about a dozen scientists were engaged in research within the room.

Liu Hui asked, astonished, "Director Chen, what is this place? Why aren't they working with the staff outside?"

Chen Changsheng chuckled, "This is our secret research base, dedicated to studying peculiar and strange things, which is why we keep the work separate from the general researchers."

"Peculiar things?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Indeed," Chen Changsheng replied. "For instance, that magical tree that is both intensely cold and intensely hot, which you gave me last time, along with those two Level Nine energy stones—they are all being studied right here."

Liu Hui’s interest immediately piqued. "Have you yielded any results from your research?"

Chen Changsheng smiled. "Boss, please follow me." He led the way toward a research section, with Liu Hui quickly following suit.

In that area, the two sections of the miraculous tree trunk Liu Hui had obtained from the magic plane were displayed. They had been sawn apart, and several researchers were currently running tests on them. Seeing Chen Changsheng and Liu Hui approach, the staff paused their work and greeted them, "Greetings, Boss!"

Chen Changsheng stepped forward and touched the two pieces of wood, instantly grimacing as if in discomfort.

Liu Hui laughed. "Director Chen, are the temperatures of these trunk sections still so bizarre?"

Chen Changsheng managed a wry smile. "They are. The hot section remains scorching hot, and the cold section remains intensely frigid. The temperatures are exactly the same as before."

Liu Hui asked in surprise, "Are you saying that in over a month, their temperatures haven't changed at all?"

"Not entirely," Chen Changsheng corrected. "We used the most sensitive thermometers available to examine them and found that their temperature fluctuation over this period was only 0.1 degrees."

Liu Hui sighed. "Truly miraculous. But why are these two trunk sections like this?"

A female scientist standing nearby offered an explanation. "Boss, after acquiring these two sections of the magical tree, we first analyzed their genes. We discovered they are indistinguishable from any other large tree on Earth; they are composed of identical genetic material. As for the phenomenon causing the cold and heat, and how they maintain such stable temperatures over time, we have not yet found the cause."

"And where is your current research direction focused?" Liu Hui inquired.

The female scientist continued, "We conducted detailed internal scans of both trunk sections, and the results revealed something extraordinary." She then manipulated the computer, displaying the scan images on the screen.

Liu Hui stared, unable to comprehend what he saw. Chen Changsheng provided context. "Boss, look here. Through the scans, we discovered that the wood inside these massive tree sections isn't solid. Instead, it is composed of concentric, very thin plant fibers, almost like cicada wings."

"And so?" Liu Hui prompted.

"So, we dissected the two trunk sections," the scientist explained. "When we removed the outer bark, we found the interior was entirely made up of layer upon layer of transparent, cicada-wing-like plant fibers, almost as if they could be peeled away—one layer after another."

Liu Hui asked curiously, "Peeled? Is this perhaps a 'peel-off' tree?"

The female scientist paused, then remarked, "Your description is quite vivid, Boss. They really do resemble a peeling tree, but the 'peel' they shed is quite remarkable..."

"How so?" Liu Hui pressed.

The scientist then retrieved two items, thin as cicada wings, from a specialized containment box and carefully handed them to Liu Hui. Curious, Liu Hui accepted them and immediately noticed their strangeness: one item felt intensely cold, while the other radiated significant warmth. He tried to stretch them, finding the materials incredibly tough and elastic, impossible to tear.

"These are..." Liu Hui asked, puzzled.

"The ice-cold sheet was peeled from the frigid trunk section, and the warm one from the searing trunk section," the scientist explained.

Liu Hui held them again, re-examining the sensations. "It feels rather strange. Their temperatures seem constant. Even held in my hand for this long, they haven't changed at all. Why is that?"

The female scientist responded, "We can't fully explain why these two sheets maintain their temperatures this way. They originate from those trunk sections, but their temperatures aren't as extreme as the wood itself. Yet, they constitute the wood. This creates a temperature differential problem that we currently cannot resolve."

Liu Hui followed up, "Are their temperatures truly fixed?"

"No," the scientist corrected. "Their temperatures are actually changing very slowly. The cold sheet is currently at ten degrees Celsius, but its temperature will gradually rise, while the warm sheet, currently at thirty degrees, will slowly drop until it matches the ambient room temperature."

"How long can they maintain this peculiar thermal property?" Liu Hui asked.

"Based on our initial trials and observing the rate of temperature decay, we estimate these two materials can maintain their specific temperatures for about six months. Of course, if exposed to extreme external conditions—say, submerged in cold water or intense heat—their internal temperatures will change rapidly. Even under those circumstances, however, this unique thermal property should persist for at least a month."

"They are truly astonishing; this functionality seems disproportionate to their small size. But does this property have any specific practical application?" Liu Hui first expressed his awe before posing the question.

The female scientist mused, "We haven't conceived of a specific application, but I feel this material would be perfectly suited for manufacturing stockings for sale. Imagine, during sweltering summers or freezing winters, beautiful women who prioritize fashion could wear stockings made of this magical material to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to wear whatever clothing they desired. Picture it: a stunning woman walking down a street in deep winter, clad only in thin thermal stockings and heels, showcasing her graceful figure—the impact would be immense! Or conversely, in the blazing summer, wearing cooling stockings beneath fashionable winter attire—that would certainly turn heads!"

Liu Hui blinked, then was instantly inspired. "If that's the case, this material isn't limited to just stockings. We could use it to create all sorts of intimate apparel—for both men and women. Since they are so incredibly light and thin, they wouldn't impede movement. With this base layer, complete thermal regulation becomes possible, letting people wear their preferred outer garments regardless of the season. This means the distinction between summer and winter clothing effectively vanishes—it’s a complete revolution in apparel!"

Chen Changsheng and the female scientist exchanged glances. They had only considered making stockings, never imagining Liu Hui would extrapolate so boldly to create universally applicable thermal base layers, freeing everyone from seasonal dressing constraints. They were utterly impressed by Liu Hui’s insight—perhaps this was precisely why Liu Hui was the Boss and they were the scientists.

The female scientist exclaimed admiringly, "Boss, your concept is incredibly powerful and highly feasible. However, we must continue our research into the mysteries of this tree, and we will certainly consider the possibilities you've mentioned."

Liu Hui was delighted to discover such an unforeseen utility for the miraculous tree. "Director Chen, have any results come in regarding the research on those two crystal cores?"

Chen Changsheng snapped back to attention. "Boss, the research on those two crystal cores has also yielded some findings." He led Liu Hui away from the tree section and into another research area.

In this second area stood two tall racks, upon which rested the two god-level beast crystal cores. They were emitting a dreamy, seven-hued divine light into the air, captivating Liu Hui.

Chen Changsheng, momentarily entranced himself, quickly refocused. "Boss, we've preliminarily analyzed the situation with these two cores. They are similar to the energy stones you provided previously, but these two cores are significantly higher grade."

"Are there any differences?" Liu Hui asked.

Chen Changsheng explained, "The previous energy stones required us to inscribe a specific formation directly onto them to convert and utilize the internal energy. Due to the overhead of that formation, we incurred a 10% energy loss. Through continuous refinement, we managed to reduce that loss to 5%. However, for these two high-level energy stones, we don't need to inscribe the conversion formation directly. We only need to deploy a 'Spirit Absorption Formation' using lower-level stones of the same type outside to draw the energy from the core."

"Does this eliminate the energy loss?" Liu Hui asked.

"Yes, it does. But if we wish to change the attributes of the extracted energy, we can still manipulate it through the absorption formation. However, if we modify the attribute during absorption, the extracted energy will still incur a 5% loss."

"Have you tested the quantity of energy contained within these two high-level cores?"

Chen Changsheng shook his head. "Boss, with our current technology, we cannot even measure the total energy contained within them. However, the Level Eight energy stones we tested contained one hundred billion units of electrical energy. Therefore, as Level Nine energy stones, the electrical energy they hold should not be less than one hundred trillion units. Our current instruments simply cannot detect the precise figures. Furthermore, during the research, we observed a strange phenomenon: we have drawn some energy from these two cores, yet for reasons unknown, the energy within them seems capable of self-recovery. After a short time, the energy levels are full again."

Liu Hui exclaimed in surprise, "Are you saying these two high-level cores can regenerate their energy? As long as the amount drawn does not exceed a certain limit, the energy inside will not diminish?"

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Although we are equally perplexed by how they restore their energy, that is indeed the situation."

Liu Hui felt a surge of secret delight. These two god-level beast cores were truly extraordinary; not only did they possess automatic repair capabilities, but the energy they contained reportedly surpassed the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam. He needed to utilize this asset wisely.

"Director Chen, I am very pleased with today's showcase. I am satisfied with the results from the Array Energy Monitoring System, the Deep-Sea Submersible technology, the research on the miraculous tree, and the current findings on these two cores. However, I urge you to intensify your research efforts to uncover their ultimate secrets and apply them to practical uses as soon as possible," Liu Hui concluded.

Liu Hui left the Science Research Institute in high spirits. His substantial investment in the Institute over this period was clearly worthwhile, as it had delivered tangible research achievements. Naturally, these advancements were all built upon the foundations of array technology and the beast cores he provided; without his support, these discoveries would never have materialized.

Liu Hui returned to his office, still elated. Upon pushing the door open, he found a beautiful woman waiting inside. She stood up with a hint of melancholy as soon as she saw him enter.

"Miss Six, why are you here?" Liu Hui asked, smiling.

Miss He Six asked with a trace of reproach, "Why can't I come? Don't tell me that just because you're getting married, you don't want to see me anymore?"

Liu Hui smiled. "Miss Six is a rare visitor; I am delighted to see you. But speaking like that, aren't you worried about misunderstandings?"

Miss He Six replied firmly, "I am not afraid of misunderstandings, Liu Hui. Why are you rushing into marriage? Why didn't you consider me?"

Liu Hui laughed heartily. "Miss Six, don't tease me. I know you have someone you care about. Come now, what brings you to see me today?"

Miss He Six smiled faintly, her previous sadness vanishing. "I am here on my grandfather's orders to extend an invitation to you."

Liu Hui was highly intrigued. "Your grandfather's order? Is something major happening? Otherwise, he wouldn't need to invite a junior like me personally."

Miss He Six chuckled. "It's my grandfather's ninetieth birthday the day after tomorrow. You are quite famous now, so naturally, he wants to invite you and pay his respects to the world's richest man."

Liu Hui scratched his head, offering a wry smile. "Old Master He is a renowned figure in Macau, someone I've admired since childhood. I should have visited him personally, and yet I receive an invitation from the Old Master himself—I am truly humbled."

Miss He Six laughed. "You are a very busy man; ordinary people find it hard to get a glimpse of you. If it weren't for my grandfather's birthday, I doubt you would even be in Macau right now, would you?"

Liu Hui smiled. "The Old Master showed concern for me when I faced a crisis previously and even arranged a bank loan for me. I absolutely must visit him for his birthday."

Miss He Six agreed. "Then it’s settled. You must come the evening after tomorrow!"

"Rest assured, I will be there punctually," Liu Hui confirmed.

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Three days later, Liu Hui prepared to travel to Macau for Old Master He's birthday celebration. He had initially planned to attend with Hu Xian'er, but Hu Xian'er felt it wouldn't be appropriate given their impending marriage. She disliked being the center of attention and declined his invitation to accompany him.

Liu Hui then invited Mei Peng, only to discover that since Liu Lin gave birth, Mei Peng had transformed into the consummate family man. Aside from work, he resolutely refused to leave the house, spending all his time looking after his child and accompanying his wife—truly fulfilling his promise to be a good man who indulged before marriage but doted on his family afterward.

Left with no choice, Liu Hui decided to attend the reception alone. That afternoon, he boarded one of Starry Sky Group's luxury cruise liners and set sail toward Macau. He was extremely vigilant about his security; for such a short journey, he even summoned Xiao Hei to escort the liner from below the water, fearing any potential ambush.

At six o'clock in the evening, Liu Hui's luxury liner docked at the Macau pier. The He family had dispatched personnel to await him. The leader was none other than Miss Six herself. Upon seeing Liu Hui arrive, she walked over affectionately, linked her arm through his, and they boarded a stretched limousine. Liu Hui’s bodyguards immediately took their places in adjacent vehicles, closely flanking the limousine.

As the car moved through Macau's streets, Liu Hui gazed at the dazzling, kaleidoscopic neon lights. Realizing he was in the world-famous gambling hub, he felt a momentary sense of unreality.

"Liu Hui, what's with that expression?" Miss Six asked from beside him.

Liu Hui smiled sheepishly. "When I was living in harder times back in the mainland, I once entertained a thought: to sell everything, convert it all to cash, bring it to Macau, and bet it all at the casino. Win, and go back to a good life; lose, and jump into the sea."

Miss Six laughed. "I didn't realize you harbored a gambler's spirit inside! But it's a good thing you never came, or you wouldn't be successful today."

Liu Hui chuckled. "I’ve always understood the principle: small stakes for pleasure, big stakes for disaster. That’s why I never gambled in Macau. Telling you this, the heir to a casino dynasty, won't make you want to kill me, will it?"

Miss Six teased back, "If I wanted to kill you, I'm afraid your bodyguards, who have been eyeing me with suspicion the whole time, would immediately rush over and eliminate me, right?"

Liu Hui burst into laughter. He and Miss Six chatted casually inside the car. She shared some intimate secrets about Macau with him, prompting gasps of surprise and admiration from Liu Hui. The journey passed pleasantly.

The car soon arrived at the He residence. Miss Six arranged for the He family's guards to settle Liu Hui's security detail, then personally led Liu Hui inside to pay respects to Old Master He.

Liu Hui felt a genuine sense of anticipation. When he was a child, he often watched Hong Kong triad and gambling films, fascinated by the legendary figures of the underworld they portrayed. Old Master He was, in essence, the archetype for those screen icons.

Miss Six guided Liu Hui into a study, where he saw a vibrant, energetic old man seated on a sofa, deep in conversation with another elderly man opposite him.

The man across from the Old Master was also elderly, but in excellent spirits—it was the Old Superman of the Li family. Seeing Liu Hui enter, the Old Superman stood up and laughed. "Xiao Hui, why are you only arriving now? Brother He and I have been waiting for you for a long time."

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～ Grateful to reader: Huoyun Dashi for the monthly ticket support V