Liu Hui saw the Old Superman and paused for a beat, then smiled, "Uncle, I didn't expect you to be here as well."
The Old Superman returned the smile, "Brother He and I are fast friends; it's his birthday today, so of course, I had to come and offer my respects."
The old man seated opposite the Old Superman watched Liu Hui with keen interest. Seeing his distinguished bearing and extraordinary conversation skills, he nodded approvingly in his heart.
The Sixth Miss stepped forward, affectionately wrapping an arm around the old man's neck, and said, "Grandpa, this is Liu Hui from the Starry Sky Group."
Old Master He chuckled, "Very good, very good. He has the vigorous spirit of a young man."
Liu Hui smiled and brought out a bag from behind him, saying to Old Master He, "It’s your ninetieth birthday, Old Master, and your nephew doesn't have anything grand to present, so I brought some health supplements. If taken regularly, these supplements can help inhibit certain ailments common among the elderly."
The Sixth Miss stepped forward to accept the bag and handed it to the Old Master. He took it happily, glanced at it, and said, "Since this is a gift from Boss Liu, I will accept it. I trust that whatever Boss Liu gives is certainly not ordinary."
Liu Hui laughed, "Old Master, calling me Boss Liu is too distant. Why don't you just call me Xiao Hui?"
Old Master He smiled, "Then I shall be rude no longer, Xiao Hui."
Liu Hui immediately responded with an 'En,' and the Old Master's face lit up with joy. He said to the Sixth Miss, "Liu, why don't you step out for a moment? I have a few things to discuss with your Grandpa Li and Xiao Hui."
The Sixth Miss knew when to retreat and quietly stepped out, closing the room door behind her.
The Old Superman laughed, "Brother He, what is it you need to discuss with us? But let me state one thing in advance: you cannot discuss matters beyond my capabilities. If I cannot manage it, it will spoil your good mood today."
The Old Master smiled, "Xiao Li, after all these years of friendship, I never thought you’d keep something from me, even under threat of death. That doesn't seem right, does it?"
The Old Superman feigned ignorance, "I don't quite understand what Brother He means?"
The Old Master chuckled, "I know your physical condition very well. A year ago, you were much like me—an old man nearing the end, liable to pass on any moment. Yet, in such a short time, you've become so full of vigor, and your appearance even looks younger. You refuse to tell me the reason; that's not how good friends behave."
The Old Superman glanced at Liu Hui and laughed, "It's not as exaggerated as you put it. Perhaps it’s just a final burst of energy before the end; I could pass away any moment."
A jolt went through Liu Hui. He immediately grasped the true purpose behind Old Master He's invitation, but he remained silent, watching the two old men debate.
The Old Master smiled, "I don't believe your tale. That's why I specifically called Xiao Hui over today—I want to ask him clearly: did you get some benefit from Xiao Hui that caused you to become so young?"
The Old Superman spread his hands and said, "You'll have to ask Xiao Hui about that." He deftly passed the responsibility to Liu Hui.
The Old Master turned to Liu Hui and said, "Xiao Hui, surely you wouldn't deceive an old man like me? Just tell me, how did you make this Old Man Li so young?"
Liu Hui smiled, "Old Master, why do you fixate on me? I certainly don't possess the ability to make people younger."
The Old Master stated, "This time last year, Xiao Li was in poor health, and his company was under attack. The situation was extremely critical. Then, suddenly, his health improved, and he resolved all the crises facing his company. I investigated carefully. Around that time, Xiao Li was very close to you, and your company excels in pharmaceuticals, having created many miracles before. Therefore, making Xiao Li look a bit younger is entirely plausible."
Liu Hui forced a wry smile, "Old Master, you truly have a vivid imagination."
The Old Master laughed, "Do you think I've become senile just because I'm old? In some aspects, my imagination is no less sharp than a young person's."
Liu Hui smiled, "Is this what they call a Hongmen Banquet?"
The Old Master said, "This is not a Hongmen Banquet, merely the plea of an old man. Xiao Hui, if you truly have a way, lend me a hand and help my body recover as well."
Liu Hui understood the aspirations of an old man who had achieved success and fame. He did not wish to die; he wanted to continue enjoying life. Even an ant clings to life, let alone a human being. He glanced at the Old Superman beside him; the Old Superman looked at him calmly, saying nothing, clearly signaling that the decision was Liu Hui’s, though a flicker of entreaty was hidden in his eyes.
Liu Hui sighed and said, "Old Master, you prepared a bank loan for me when I faced a crisis. Though it wasn't ultimately used, I still owe you a favor. Moreover, the Sixth Miss is a good friend, and we share common interests in many matters; we can be considered allies. Therefore, I am obliged to explain one thing to the Old Master."
Hearing Liu Hui’s tone soften, the Old Master rejoiced and asked, "What is it that Xiao Hui wants to tell me?"
Liu Hui asked, "Is it safe to speak here, Old Master?"
The Old Master paused, then immediately understood, "Xiao Hui, rest assured. This study of mine is the safest place in all of Macau."
Only then did Liu Hui smile, "We have a miniature hospital under the Starry Sky Group; they have already mastered the ability to revert people to their youthful state."
The Old Master was greatly shocked, "Revert to youth? Are you certain you mean actual rejuvenation?"
The Old Superman nearby chuckled, "You heard him correctly, Brother He. Xiao Hui is talking about full rejuvenation. I was treated at that miniature hospital, which is why my health recovered. I promised Xiao Hui I wouldn't reveal this secret, so I ask for your understanding, Brother He."
Liu Hui continued, "Our hospital can indeed perform rejuvenation, but under current technological conditions, the cost is extremely high: one hundred million US dollars for every year younger reversed. Furthermore, a person can only undergo this treatment once in a lifetime; a second treatment yields no effect."
Seeing that the Old Master had correctly guessed the secret of his ability to rejuvenate people, and given that the Old Master was an ally, Liu Hui no longer concealed anything and admitted it readily. However, Old Master He was quite wealthy, so Liu Hui naturally intended to profit from him, applying the same terms he had used to persuade the Old Superman.
The Old Master gasped sharply. He had initially assumed the Old Superman's recovery was due to Liu Hui curing his illnesses, but he never expected it to be rejuvenation. Once a person became younger, all their age-related diseases would vanish. However, he hadn't anticipated the treatment cost would be so exorbitant—one hundred million dollars for one year younger! He was ninety years old; to return to his prime would cost fifty or sixty billion dollars? Though he was wealthy, he didn't have the kind of readily available liquid assets like the Old Superman. Moreover, Liu Hui had specifically stated there was only one chance for treatment; if he didn't rejuvenate significantly now, future rejuvenation would be impossible. Thinking of this, he became intensely conflicted.
Liu Hui and the Old Superman simply sipped their tea, awaiting the Old Master’s decision. After some thought, the Old Master smiled bitterly, "The ancients said, an inch of time is worth an inch of gold, and an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time. Only now do I truly grasp the meaning of that phrase. Xiao Hui, this matter is of great importance; I must consult with my family before making a decision."
Liu Hui nodded, "I understand that, but you must guard this secret. If this secret leaks out, I will deny everything and will not proceed with your treatment."
The Old Master laughed, "Naturally so. Now that the important business is concluded, let's go out for a light meal before heading to the Lisboa Casino for my banquet."
The Lisboa Casino was the He family's largest establishment, and the Old Master's birthday celebration was being held there, serving as a showcase for the most brilliant achievement of his life. Liu Hui had not brought a female companion that evening, so the Sixth Miss volunteered to act as his date. They arrived at the reception arm-in-arm, appearing intimate, just like a couple.
Liu Hui smiled, "Sixth Miss, with us looking like this, won't your boyfriend get jealous?"
The Sixth Miss laughed, "I'm more worried about your girlfriend getting jealous. But let's not discuss that tonight. I'll introduce you to some good friends."
So, the Sixth Miss led Liu Hui around the banquet hall, introducing him to various friends in Macau. Liu Hui chatted politely with everyone. His wit and extensive knowledge surprised them; they found him very approachable, not at all like a billionaire boss or one of those country bumpkins who had suddenly struck it rich from the mainland.
A slightly overweight woman said to Liu Hui, "Boss Liu, I see your company produces so many medicines, but why haven't you developed any specialized health supplements for obesity? Look at me; I'm so fat and can't seem to lose an ounce."
Liu Hui paused. This woman's remark struck him like a bell. He had always prioritized medicine as his company's primary development goal, overlooking research into health supplements. The market for health supplements was almost as large as that for pharmaceuticals, and their application was broader, catering to more people. With the Zerg's genetic technology, manufacturing health supplements should be simpler than manufacturing drugs. Thus, Liu Hui’s thoughts began to expand. If they could make health supplements in the future, why not cosmetics as well? Products for spot removal, acne treatment, whitening, skin firming, and anti-aging should also be feasible. As he connected the dots, a golden path opened before him, paved entirely with money, dazzling his eyes.
"Boss Liu, Boss Liu..." The woman, noticing Liu Hui had spaced out, quickly called out softly.
Liu Hui snapped back to attention and smiled, "Thank you for the reminder. Our company will soon launch a weight-loss supplement, and I will invite you to be the very first to try our product."
The woman exclaimed happily, "Is that really possible? Will the effects of this weight-loss product be as good as your other products?"
Liu Hui laughed, "No one has ever been able to question the golden signboard of Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals yet!"
The woman replied happily, "Then it's settled! I'm so excited; I can finally get rid of this hateful fat."
The Sixth Miss watched with amusement and laughed, "You really are a businessman, making a deal even in an environment like this."
Liu Hui smiled, "As long as one observes keenly, business is happening everywhere and at all times. I am merely adhering to that principle."
Afterward, the two toured the banquet hall, and Liu Hui met many new friends in Macau, feeling the trip was worthwhile.
Just then, a group of people entered from the main entrance of the hall, surrounding one person and eagerly vying to speak with him. Liu Hui looked closely and realized the person in the center was Wei Chao, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. The people surrounding him were the young masters led by the Dong, Huo, and Bao families.
The moment the Sixth Miss saw Wei Chao, she glanced back at Liu Hui. Seeing no unusual expression on his face, she cautiously explained, "Grandpa also invited Wei Chao. Grandpa said Wei Chao is also the pride of the Chinese people and wanted to meet him."
Liu Hui smiled, "You don't need to explain. There are only some misunderstandings between Wei Chao and me; it hasn't reached the point of never speaking again."
Wei Chao was accompanied this time by a mature beauty—the same sophisticated older sister figure he had brought when he first sought treatment at Han Tang Hospital. He entered the banquet hall, surrounded by the young masters, and upon seeing Liu Hui, he froze momentarily. He gave Liu Hui a slight nod and hurried away. The young masters accompanying him also looked somewhat awkward; they nodded to Liu Hui and quickly followed suit.
"Liu Hui, they only chose different sides; please don't take offense," the Sixth Miss said, feeling somewhat displeased by the young masters' behavior, and worried Liu Hui might be angry, she quickly clarified.
Liu Hui laughed, "Everyone has their own path; you cannot force it. I will not be angry."
Not long after, Old Master He, accompanied by the Old Superman, arrived at the venue. The Old Master delivered a brief speech, thanking all the guests for attending his birthday banquet. He announced that the VIP rooms at the Lisboa Casino were open to everyone for the evening and invited those interested to try their luck gambling, hoping everyone would have a good time. Afterward, the Old Master and the Old Superman departed, leaving the He family's younger generation to entertain the guests. Everyone understood; after all, he was ninety years old, and his health was paramount.
The banquet officially began, and dance music started playing. The Sixth Miss danced a few sets with Liu Hui. During a break in the music, Liu Hui noticed that Wei Chao and the young masters had already left the venue, their whereabouts unknown.
Seeing Liu Hui seemed a bit bored, the Sixth Miss smiled, "Young Master Hui, how about I take you to the VIP rooms for a look?"
Liu Hui laughed, "That sounds great. I've never been in a VIP room before; I'm really curious if it's like the movies."
The Sixth Miss chuckled, "It's actually quite similar; a lot of movies are filmed right in our VIP rooms."
So, the Sixth Miss took Liu Hui to the top floor of the Lisboa Casino and entered one of the most exclusive VIP rooms. A sign on the door read, "VIP Guest Room, Keep Out," guarded by two tall security personnel in suits.
As Liu Hui entered the VIP room, he saw a large table where several people were gambling, with onlookers seated in nearby chairs, and service staff attending to them.
Coincidentally, Wei Chao was seated at the table, with the mature older sister figure sitting beside him, checking his cards. The young masters sat in the surrounding chairs, observing the game. When they saw Liu Hui enter, they merely glanced over without speaking before returning to the game.
There were five people playing at this table, including Wei Chao. They were playing Stud Poker, and it appeared they were betting high; the chips on the table already amounted to over a hundred million. Liu Hui had only seen this game in movies; he didn't play himself, only knowing which hands were stronger than others, but nothing else. Curious, he and the Sixth Miss found seats nearby to watch.
"Boss Wei is very straightforward. In that case, I'll call; fifty million," said a very handsome young man, tossing in a chip worth fifty million. However, his Mandarin sounded strange, clearly not that of a native Chinese speaker.
"Since Han Junxi-sang has called, I certainly can't fall behind! I'll match, and raise another hundred million," said another middle-aged man with a small mustache, casually throwing in chips totaling one hundred fifty million. His Mandarin was also odd; he didn't appear to be Chinese either.
"I fold," said a bearded man in a white robe, covering his cards. His attire clearly marked him as an Arab from the Middle East.
"If Prince Halde folds, I fold too," said a very elegant Caucasian man, also covering his cards.
Wei Chao smiled, "Even Count Fox folds? That truly surprises me. Then I'll fold too." With that, he covered his cards and forfeited.
Only the two men with non-standard Mandarin remained to duel. Seeing that Liu Hui didn't seem to recognize the two, the Sixth Miss introduced them: "That handsome man called Han Junxi is the heir to Korea's Myth Group. He's rumored to be so charming that every woman in Korea wants to sleep with him. The little mustache is a Japanese man named Nishikido Heiyo, the chairman of a medium-sized electronics company. He has some wealth, but far less than Han Junxi."
"Mr. Nishikido, since it's just the two of us left, let's be decisive. Let's each put five hundred million US dollars on the line and see who the final winner is," Han Junxi said with a smile so captivating that even the Sixth Miss was momentarily stunned.
Nishikido Heiyo spread his hands, "Very well. Gambling is my favorite pastime. I'll match your five hundred million. Let's see the cards!"
The two exposed their hole cards, and Nishikido Heiyo was the victor. Nishikido Heiyo was elated and beaming, while Han Junxi appeared unconcerned, as if losing five hundred million dollars was no different from losing five dollars; his charming smile remained unchanged.
Nishikido Heiyo raked in all the chips on the table. He glanced at Wei Chao and laughed, "Han Junxi-sang certainly has guts, unlike some people who have billions in assets but don't dare to take risks."
Wei Chao was not annoyed and continued to flirt subtly with the mature older sister beside him. The older sister, however, looked a bit embarrassed. She glanced at the smiling Han Junxi and lowered her head, blushing.
The dealer collected the cards and began shuffling, but Liu Hui’s expression suddenly changed. His gaze became incredibly sharp, and he saw Han Junxi lightning-fast swipe a card from the table. He quickly tucked the card up his sleeve. His entire motion was instantaneous; no one at the table or among the spectators noticed anything amiss.