It had been a full month since Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er's wedding, and during that time, Liu Hui had lived a life akin to that of an immortal. Emotions suppressed for hundreds of years finally bursting forth, neither Liu Hui nor Hu Xian'er could restrain themselves; they were inseparable, clinging to each other day and night, as sweet as honey mixed with oil, unwilling to be apart for even half a minute.
However, Starry Sky Group still required Liu Hui's command. After enjoying a month-long honeymoon leave, Liu Hui had no choice but to return to the company to resume handling corporate affairs. Hu Xian'er, having officially ascended to the role of the boss's wife after marrying Liu Hui, did not wish to disrupt the company’s established order. She applied for resignation, intending to return home and settle contentedly into the role of a homemaker. Yet, Liu Hui valued her capabilities too highly to accept her resignation; he only permitted her to rest at home for a while, allowing her to return to work whenever she felt ready.
On the day of Liu Hui’s grand wedding, many guests attended, including the global distributors of Starry Sky Group. Arrangements for future cooperation had been finalized by the company's senior executives, further strengthening the ties between all parties. During Liu Hui’s period of leisure, Starry Sky Group, under the joint management of the senior executives who remained, displayed a scene of thriving prosperity.
Liu Hui settled into his office chair, just beginning to familiarize himself with the working environment, when his secretary, Li Lian, delivered a massive pile of documents demanding immediate attention. The sight of the files stacked like a mountain made Liu Hui’s head instantly swell. But with hundreds of thousands of employees now depending on him for their futures, he had no choice but to rally his spirits and deal with these miscellaneous matters.
Learning that Liu Hui had started work, Chen Changsheng from the Starry Sky Scientific Research Academy mysteriously appeared at Liu Hui’s office. Ignoring Liu Hui’s protests, he grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the Academy.
Liu Hui felt a mix of exasperation and amusement. When he asked Chen Changsheng the purpose of his visit, the latter refused to say, only stating cryptically that he would know once they arrived. Helplessly following Chen Changsheng, after navigating some tedious procedural steps, Liu Hui finally found himself back inside the research laboratory of the Scientific Research Academy.
In the small laboratory Chen Changsheng specifically used for studying bizarre and unusual items, over twenty researchers were now diligently engaged in scientific investigation.
Liu Hui took a careful look and discovered three research teams at work. Besides the groups studying that magical Cold and Heat Peeling Tree and the Divine-Grade Magical Beast Crystal Cores, a new research team had been added to the laboratory.
“Dean Chen, what exactly do you want me to see?” Liu Hui asked.
“Boss, I will tell you about the other research findings later. Let me first show you the results from our newest research team,” Chen Changsheng said, leading Liu Hui toward the newly established group. He then picked up a glass vessel and presented it to Liu Hui.
“This is…” Liu Hui looked strangely at the glass vessel, which contained a small pinch of white powder.
“This is our latest research breakthrough,” Chen Changsheng announced proudly.
“What is this stuff? It looks utterly ordinary,” Liu Hui inquired curiously.
“Heh, Boss, take a guess what this is?” Chen Changsheng suddenly adopted a childlike demeanor.
Liu Hui thought for a moment and honestly shook his head: “I have no idea.”
Chen Changsheng then asked, “Boss, do you still remember that incredibly foul-smelling black goo you gave me before?”
“I remember it vividly. I recall you fainting from the stench,” Liu Hui laughed.
“Boss, this white powder was refined from that stinking black goo,” Chen Changsheng explained.
Liu Hui was greatly alarmed and instinctively covered his nose. He knew the overpowering stench of that black goo; it was unbearable. If this white powder was refined from such an odious substance, wouldn't it be even more deadly in smell?
Chen Changsheng burst into laughter. He opened the white container and inhaled deeply over the white powder.
“Well, is it terribly smelly?” Liu Hui asked.
Chen Changsheng chuckled, “Boss, although that black goo was foul, the substance refined from it is completely odorless. Smell it yourself if you don’t believe me.”
Liu Hui was skeptical, but seeing that the research team members showed no reaction and Chen Changsheng appeared perfectly normal, he relaxed. He lowered his hand from his nose, carefully took the glass vessel, and brought it close to his face to sniff. Indeed, the white powder carried no foul odor whatsoever. Strictly speaking, it had no scent at all.
“Hmm, this is strange. How can something refined from a putrid goo have no smell?” Liu Hui asked, intrigued.
Chen Changsheng laughed, “This must be the wonder of nature; sometimes things that appear repulsive are actually treasures. Our initial idea was to further concentrate this black goo and turn it into a super stink bomb. Due to its stench, it could instantly incapacitate opponents, solving many urgent problems that would otherwise be difficult to handle. Thus, this specialized explosive would have very broad applications and a large market. But unexpectedly, while concentrating this black goo, we actually managed to isolate this white powder. The most miraculous thing is that this white powder isn't just odorless; it possesses a very unique function.”
“What unique function does it have?” Liu Hui asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Boss, you should experience it yourself; it will be more intuitive that way. You Zi, please demonstrate for the Boss,” Chen Changsheng instructed the leader of the research group. The young woman named You Zi took out two woks, retrieved a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer, divided the vegetables equally into two portions, brought over a single stovetop, placed the woks on it, lit the burners, and began pouring oil into the pans.
Liu Hui watched with growing astonishment, whispering, “Dean Chen, what is she doing? It looks like she’s cooking stir-fry.”
Chen Changsheng smiled, “Boss, you aren’t mistaken, she is indeed cooking. As for the reason why, you will understand once you see the result.”
So, Liu Hui watched You Zi cook intently. She first stir-fried one plate of vegetables and set it aside. Then, she used the exact same method to cook another plate, the only difference being that she added a small amount of the white powder to this second dish.
Soon, both steaming hot plates were placed before Liu Hui. Both dishes emitted the same heat and aroma; externally, there was no discernible difference between them.
Chen Changsheng handed him a pair of chopsticks and gestured for Liu Hui to try. Liu Hui curiously took the chopsticks and picked up a piece from the dish without the white powder, placing it in his mouth to savor carefully. It seemed You Zi’s cooking skills were mediocre; that plate of food was not particularly tasty. Next, he picked up a piece from the dish containing the white powder, placed it in his mouth, and tasted it slightly.
“En… why is this so delicious? What is going on?” As the food entered his mouth, Liu Hui froze. He realized the dish with the powder was a delicacy he had never tasted before, making him almost swallow his tongue. He immediately grabbed another piece, then several more, quickly finishing the entire plate.
“How does it taste, Boss?” Chen Changsheng asked proudly.
“What is this?” Liu Hui inquired, licking his lips with satisfaction.
“Heh heh, we studied this white powder refined from that foul black goo for a long time and finally discovered its sole function: it makes food incredibly delicious. With this powder, even a cup of plain water can be transformed into a savory thick soup—and this deliciousness is incomparable to low-grade additives like MSG or chicken essence. You experienced it just now; add a tiny amount to the same dish, and it instantly becomes exquisitely flavorful and palatable,” Chen Changsheng explained.
Liu Hui was profoundly shaken and instantly had an idea. “Does this white powder have any side effects?” he asked.
Chen Changsheng sighed, “Boss, I must say, I have never encountered anything so miraculous. The only function of this white powder is to enhance the flavor of food, yet it has no inherent use itself; it causes no effect on the human body. Therefore, it not only has no negative side effects but also no positive effects; the body gains nothing from it, nor does it suffer harm. In fact, once mixed with food, it completely vanishes; no instrument can detect its presence. Moreover, when mixed with food, there are no external anomalies; only the person eating it perceives its deliciousness.”
Liu Hui pressed further, “Are you saying that the only function of this white powder is to make food extraordinarily tasty, but the powder itself serves no purpose? Furthermore, after making the food more delicious, the powder completely disappears, undetectable by others, and causes no side effects to the human body?”
Chen Changsheng confirmed, “Although what you describe sounds somewhat fantastical, this is indeed the unique capability of this white powder.”
Receiving Chen Changsheng’s affirmative reply, Liu Hui was overjoyed; his grand earlier vision finally had a chance to materialize. His Starry Sky Gourmet Company, established previously, had not been successful in the West because its offerings didn't suit Western palates. However, Liu Hui had been subsidizing its operation, building brand recognition while continuously expanding the gourmet company, aiming for a massive future customer base.
Now, with this magical white powder, his Starry Sky Gourmet Company could be revived. Imagine adding this powder to food, transforming bland dishes into unparalleled delicacies without altering their nutritional value or causing any adverse physical effects—wouldn't those Westerners go mad after one taste? They would likely flock to and overwhelm every Starry Sky Gourmet restaurant.
At that point, the Gourmet Company would cease to be a burden on Starry Sky Group and instead become its most stable source of revenue. While medicine offered quick money, once patients were cured, the income stream stopped. But people must eat every day. If they became loyal to the Starry Sky Gourmet brand, consuming their offerings daily, the Gourmet Company would generate unimaginable wealth for Starry Sky Group—a wealth that would never deplete.
“Boss… Boss…” Seeing Liu Hui lost deep in his reverie, Chen Changsheng called out to him cautiously a few times.
“Huh, what is it?” Liu Hui wiped a bit of drool from the corner of his mouth and finally snapped back to attention.
“Boss, they are still waiting for your instructions,” Chen Changsheng pointed toward the research team beside him.
“Right, I am very satisfied with your work. Next, you must continue researching this substance, focusing particularly on whether it is truly harmless to the human body. This research must be thorough; I need the most precise data possible,” Liu Hui stated happily to the researchers. Being an outsider, he knew nothing about research methodologies, so he avoided meddling in specifics. He simply laid out his requirements and left the researchers to conduct the detailed investigation.
Seeing that Liu Hui approved of their findings, the researchers, including the team leader You Zi, were elated. According to the company’s “Employee Experience Points Plan,” any research project endorsed by Liu Hui would grant substantial experience points to the participating staff. This meant they could level up faster than others, gaining access to better company benefits and perks sooner.
Having seen this latest marvel—the white powder—Liu Hui was tremendously happy. As long as subsequent studies confirmed the substance was entirely benign to the human body, it could be formally implemented in the Starry Sky Gourmet Company, turning it into Starry Sky Group’s fastest-growing entity. His only current worry was whether Alexander from the magic plane could supply him with enough of that black goo.
Chen Changsheng led the way again, taking Liu Hui to the section researching the Cold and Heat Peeling Tree. The team leader here was the same middle-aged female scientist Liu Hui had met previously. Upon seeing Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng arrive, they paused their work and chorused, “Greetings, Boss, greetings, Dean!”
Liu Hui smiled, “We meet again. How is your research progressing?”
The female scientist pointed to a display case and said, “Following the Boss’s previous suggestion, we have successfully produced both insulating and cooling stockings, and concurrently, insulating and cooling undergarments. These items here are the samples.”
Liu Hui looked with interest at the few gossamer-thin items displayed in the case. They were shaped like stockings and underwear, apparently crafted from the bark peeled from that magical Peeling Tree. However, whatever method the researchers employed, the bark had been transformed so that it no longer resembled plant fiber; it looked exactly like silk.
The female scientist handed him a pair of sheer, thigh-high gloves and said, “Boss, this is a pair of long gloves we made. You can feel it first.”
Liu Hui took the long gloves and immediately felt the coolness emanating from them. He pulled the glove onto his hand and instantly sensed a refreshing chill enveloping the area covered by the glove, a sensation that was quite pleasant. After wearing the glove for a while, he noticed no decrease in this cooling effect.
“At the current room temperature, how long can this cooling sensation be maintained?” Liu Hui asked. It was the height of July, but the interior was air-conditioned, so the temperature wasn't high.
“In this room, this temperature can be maintained for about three months or more. If exposed to direct sunlight outside, the cooling effect would last about a month. If washed several times with water, the duration would be even shorter,” the female scientist replied.
“Are there any issues with the production process for this material?” Liu Hui continued to inquire.
“We have mapped out the production process. Once the factory is built and operational, we can mass-produce these stockings and undergarments quickly,” the female scientist answered.
Liu Hui was delighted. “Excellent, very good. I am extremely satisfied with your work. Please organize your technical documentation; you will serve as technical consultants for the upcoming manufacturing plant.”
Receiving Liu Hui’s approval as well, these scientists were overjoyed, as they would now receive generous experience point rewards according to the company’s system.
Seeing this latest miraculous white powder, Liu Hui was thrilled. Once research confirmed the substance was completely non-toxic and without side effects, it could officially be deployed in the Starry Sky Gourmet Company, making it Starry Sky Group’s fastest-growing venture. His only concern now was whether Alexander from the magic plane could supply him with sufficient quantities of the black goo.
Chen Changsheng continued leading the way, escorting Liu Hui to the research area dedicated to the Cold and Heat Peeling Tree. The team leader here was the same middle-aged female scientist Liu Hui had met before. Seeing Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng approach, they stopped their work and collectively shouted, “Greetings, Boss, greetings, Dean!”
Liu Hui smiled, “We meet again. How is your research progressing?”
The female scientist pointed to a display case and said, “Following the Boss’s previous suggestion, we have successfully produced both insulating and cooling stockings, and concurrently, insulating and cooling undergarments. These items here are the samples.”
Liu Hui looked with interest at the few gossamer-thin items displayed in the case. They were shaped like stockings and underwear, apparently crafted from the bark peeled from that magical Peeling Tree. However, whatever method the researchers employed, the bark had been transformed so that it no longer resembled plant fiber; it looked exactly like silk.
The female scientist handed him a pair of sheer, thigh-high gloves and said, “Boss, this is a pair of long gloves we made. You can feel it first.”
Liu Hui took the long gloves and immediately felt the coolness emanating from them. He pulled the glove onto his hand and instantly sensed a refreshing chill enveloping the area covered by the glove, a sensation that was quite pleasant. After wearing the glove for a while, he noticed no decrease in this cooling effect.
“At the current room temperature, how long can this cooling sensation be maintained?” Liu Hui asked. It was the height of July, but the interior was air-conditioned, so the temperature wasn't high.
“In this room, this temperature can be maintained for about three months or more. If exposed to direct sunlight outside, the cooling effect would last about a month. If washed several times with water, the duration would be even shorter,” the female scientist replied.
“Are there any issues with the production process for this material?” Liu Hui continued to inquire.
“We have mapped out the production process. Once the factory is built and operational, we can mass-produce these stockings and undergarments quickly,” the female scientist answered.
Liu Hui was delighted. “Excellent, very good. I am extremely satisfied with your work. Please organize your technical documentation; you will serve as technical consultants for the upcoming manufacturing plant.”
Receiving Liu Hui’s approval as well, these scientists were overjoyed, as they would now receive generous experience point rewards according to the company’s system.
Having seen this latest marvel—the white powder—Liu Hui was thrilled. As long as subsequent studies confirmed the substance was entirely non-toxic and without side effects, it could be formally implemented in the Starry Sky Gourmet Company, turning it into Starry Sky Group’s fastest-growing entity. His only current worry was whether Alexander from the magic plane could supply him with enough of that black goo.
Chen Changsheng continued leading the way, escorting Liu Hui to the section researching the Cold and Heat Peeling Tree. The team leader here was the same middle-aged female scientist Liu Hui had met before. Upon seeing Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng approach, they stopped their work and chorused, “Greetings, Boss, greetings, Dean!”
Liu Hui smiled, “We meet again. How is your research progressing?”
The female scientist pointed to a display case and said, “Following the Boss’s previous suggestion, we have successfully produced both insulating and cooling stockings, and concurrently, insulating and cooling undergarments. These items here are the samples.”
Liu Hui looked with interest at the few gossamer-thin items displayed in the case. They were shaped like stockings and underwear, apparently crafted from the bark peeled from that magical Peeling Tree. However, whatever method the researchers employed, the bark had been transformed so that it no longer resembled plant fiber; it looked exactly like silk.
The female scientist handed him a pair of sheer, thigh-high gloves and said, “Boss, this is a pair of long gloves we made. You can feel it first.”
Liu Hui took the long gloves and immediately felt the coolness emanating from them. He pulled the glove onto his hand and instantly sensed a refreshing chill enveloping the area covered by the glove, a sensation that was quite pleasant. After wearing the glove for a while, he noticed no decrease in this cooling effect.
“At the current room temperature, how long can this cooling sensation be maintained?” Liu Hui asked. It was the height of July, but the interior was air-conditioned, so the temperature wasn't high.
“In this room, this temperature can be maintained for about three months or more. If exposed to direct sunlight outside, the cooling effect would last about a month. If washed several times with water, the duration would be even shorter,” the female scientist replied.
“Are there any issues with the production process for this material?” Liu Hui continued to inquire.
“We have mapped out the production process. Once the factory is built and operational, we can mass-produce these stockings and undergarments quickly,” the female scientist answered.
Liu Hui was delighted. “Excellent, very good. I am extremely satisfied with your work. Please organize your technical documentation; you will serve as technical consultants for the upcoming manufacturing plant.”
Receiving Liu Hui’s approval as well, these scientists were overjoyed, as they would now receive generous experience point rewards according to the company’s system.
Finally, Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng arrived before the research team studying the Divine-Grade Magical Beast Crystal Cores. The two Divine-Grade Magical Beast Crystal Cores were still placed on high shelves, still radiating kaleidoscopic divine light in all directions. Although Liu Hui was mentally prepared, the divine radiance still dazzled and intoxicated him.
“Boss,” Chen Changsheng began to speak.
“What is it?” Liu Hui asked.
“Boss, we feel quite ashamed; there has been absolutely no progress in the research on these two Grade Nine Energy Stones,” Chen Changsheng admitted apologetically. The members of the research team specifically assigned to these Divine-Grade Crystal Cores were flushed with embarrassment. They had just witnessed Liu Hui approving the findings of the other two research teams, yet they had nothing tangible to present, feeling deeply ashamed.
“It’s fine; just take your time researching them. I haven't figured out how to utilize these two Divine Crystal Cores anyway. However, if you need any assistance during your research, you must bring it up, and I will certainly resolve it for you,” Liu Hui said, somewhat disappointed but careful not to dampen the researchers' morale, offering them words of encouragement.
“Boss, rest assured, we will definitely uncover the secrets within these energy stones,” the team leader of that research group stated.
“Heh, then I look forward to your results,” Liu Hui smiled.
After touring the three research teams within this small laboratory, Chen Changsheng invited Liu Hui to his office.
“Dean Chen, I am very pleased with the two research findings I just saw,” Liu Hui said contentedly, accepting a cup of tea brewed by Chen Changsheng.
“Boss, the achievements of our Scientific Research Academy extend beyond just those two projects,” Chen Changsheng chuckled.
“Oh? Are there other new inventions?” Liu Hui asked curiously.
“There are no entirely new inventions. But our researchers have made some progress on things you saw previously,” Chen Changsheng replied.
Liu Hui was overjoyed. “What other progress? Tell me quickly!”
Chen Changsheng elaborated, “First, the monitoring system that can gauge the strength of formation energy has been perfected. It can now be used to monitor all the formations we have deployed. Secondly, our new submarine technology is fully mature. Construction has already begun on the keel for the ten-thousand-ton deep-sea submarine we designed. With the application of solid formations, suspension formations, and large energy stones, the construction speed of this submarine is extremely fast. We expect this ten-thousand-ton deep-sea submarine to be fully completed in about three months, at which time it can finally descend into the deep ocean. As for the third point…”
Seeing Chen Changsheng trail off after starting the third point, Liu Hui felt helpless. “Dean Chen, please finish everything at once. Don't you know I’m very anxious right now?”
Chen Changsheng laughed, “This third point is that the first batch of components for the Starry Sky City we ordered has been manufactured. They are currently on their way back and should arrive in Hong Kong in about a week. Then, we can begin the assembly of Starry Sky City.”
Liu Hui was ecstatic. “The assembly of Starry Sky City is starting already?”
Chen Changsheng cautioned with a smile, “Boss, don't celebrate too soon. The quantity of this first customized batch of parts is very small. Even if they are fully assembled, they will only cover an area of 0.5 km by 0.5 km, with a thickness of ten meters—a mere drop in the bucket compared to the Starry Sky City we planned. We are starting assembly now merely to familiarize ourselves with the workflow.”
Liu Hui smiled, “As long as construction begins, Starry Sky City will only grow larger. When the world finally witnesses the true scale of Starry Sky City, I wonder what expressions they will wear.”
After touring the Starry Sky Group’s Scientific Research Academy, Liu Hui felt mentally invigorated to the extreme. The mountain of pending official duties no longer troubled him; he handled them with exceptional efficiency. Shortly after leaving work, around seven in the evening, he managed to clear all the accumulated paperwork.
Liu Hui stretched, preparing to head down to the basement to gather more of that miraculous Flaying Tree timber and the foul black sap from the Stinking Tree. Just then, a jarring ring shattered the silence—a sound emanating from the crimson telephone locked away in his secret drawer.
Liu Hui's expression immediately darkened. This red phone was his private line to the Dragon’s Tooth mercenary group in Africa. It never rang unless something critically important had occurred. If that phone was ringing, it meant trouble had struck the Dragon’s Tooth mercenaries.