On the western horizon from Liu Hui, a white line was rapidly rushing toward his position. Liu Hui focused his gaze, only to realize the white line was a tsunami, twenty meters high, bearing down on the island where he stood. Xiao Hei, having spotted the wave, immediately woke Liu Hui up.

“No way? We’re almost three thousand kilometers from the nuclear blast epicenter; how could the tsunami still reach here? Does that mean the entire Indian Ocean coastline will be hit by this wave?” Liu Hui felt a wave of frustration. Without hesitation, he leaped onto Xiao Hei’s back, gripping the creature’s scales tightly, and commanded it to dive to the seabed. Xiao Hei quickly descended to a depth of two hundred meters, pressing its body flat against the ocean floor.

Soon, the massive tsunami above struck, but it could not harm Liu Hui and Xiao Hei, hidden two hundred meters below. After about ten minutes, the wave finally passed completely. When Xiao Hei surfaced, Liu Hui discovered that the small island where they had just taken cover had vanished entirely—whether destroyed or submerged by the tidal surge, he couldn't tell. The tsunami continued its rampage forward.

Only then did Liu Hui have time to check his watch. It was past two in the afternoon, Hong Kong time. His GPS system had failed during the nuclear explosion and had not yet reactivated, leaving him unsure of his exact location. He estimated roughly that he was still somewhere in the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka.

With the temporary island gone, Liu Hui had no choice but to direct Xiao Hei to submerge and continue moving east. After swimming over a hundred kilometers, they found a slightly larger, uninhabited islet. This island had also been struck by the tsunami, but it hadn't been completely wiped out. Liu Hui sheltered there to rest, only ordering Xiao Hei to proceed east again once night fell.

Given the nuclear detonation in the Indian Ocean, security checks at the Strait of Malacca would certainly be far stricter than usual. Liu Hui dared not take that sea route anymore, fearing accidental discovery. Since he wasn't in a rush to rescue anyone, he could easily opt for a much safer path back. Fortunately, after a period of silence, his GPS system recovered its functionality, allowing Liu Hui to navigate according to the coordinates shown, preventing him from getting lost in the vast ocean.

Xiao Hei swam across the Indian Ocean but bypassed the Strait of Malacca. It proceeded southeast across the ocean, passing Sumatra in Indonesia, weaving by Java, reaching Timor-Leste, then entering the Banda Sea in Indonesia, traversing the Maluku Strait, arriving at the Philippines, entering the South China Sea of Huaxia, and finally returning to Hong Kong.

This detour added over three thousand kilometers to Xiao Hei’s original journey. Thankfully, the waterway they chose was exceptionally safe, and they encountered no dangers along the way. Xiao Hei’s only cost was an extra three hours of travel time.

When Liu Hui stood on the beach outside the Starry Sky Group headquarters, it was already four in the morning, Hong Kong time. Liu Hui sent Xiao Hei back to the trench to rest, while he slipped past the security personnel’s surveillance and quietly returned to his new home.

Upon arriving, Liu Hui found Hu Xian’er asleep in bed, curled up as if uncomfortable. Not wanting to disturb her, Liu Hui washed up and quietly lay down beside her. Back home, Liu Hui felt an immense sense of peace and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, when Liu Hui woke up, Hu Xian’er was sitting by the bed watching him. As soon as she saw him stir, she said, “Water Buffalo, you’re finally back. Do you know how much I missed you?”

Liu Hui smiled. “What’s this, missing me already? It’s only been one day.”

Hu Xian’er’s eyes were slightly red as she replied, “I was just worried about you, you know? Yesterday, there was a nuclear explosion in the great ocean near the African continent in the Indian Ocean, and it triggered a massive tsunami that attacked all the coastal nations of the Indian Ocean. You wouldn’t tell me where you were, which made me worry about you all night.”

Liu Hui gently stroked Hu Xian’er’s head and chuckled. “I just went out for a little stroll; I certainly wouldn't go to those dangerous places. Besides, I’m back now, aren’t I? Don't worry anymore.”

Hu Xian’er smiled. “Then what do you want for breakfast? I’ll make it right away.”

Liu Hui gave a mischievous grin, suddenly pulling Hu Xian’er into his arms and shouting dramatically, “I am the little white rabbit, and I want the big gray wolf!”

After breakfast, Liu Hui, refreshed, headed to his office. Hu Xian’er’s initial plan was to take over company matters if Liu Hui hadn't returned within three days, ensuring business wouldn't descend into chaos. Since he returned after only one day, she was able to resume her normal duties. Thanks to tight security, the company’s high-ranking executives were completely unaware that Liu Hui had traveled to Africa.

Liu Hui’s secretary, Li Lian, had compiled the newspapers published across various countries that day and placed them on his desk. Liu Hui immediately picked them up to read.

It seemed nothing overshadowed yesterday’s nuclear explosion. The Washington Post in America screamed the headline: Apocalyptic Nuclear Blast in Indian Ocean, Thirty-Meter Tsunami Rages Everywhere, accompanied by an aerial photograph taken from a plane showing the colossal tsunami advancing.

The news report detailed the nuclear explosion that occurred off the coast of Kenya, estimating the yield between 150,000 and 300,000 tons of TNT. This blast completely devastated the entire eastern coastline of Kenya, causing countless Kenyan lives to be lost. The resulting tsunami swept across the region; every nation bordering the Indian Ocean was struck. Fortunately, many governments received early warnings and executed emergency coastal evacuations, yet massive losses were unavoidable. The report also mentioned that, as of press time, nations along the eastern coast of the African continent had suffered severe impacts, with initial casualty figures reaching 110,000 dead and countless more injured.

A joint investigation force, led by the United States, had been formed and would immediately depart for the blast epicenter to conduct detailed surveys, analyze the cause of the explosion, and guide relevant nations in managing nuclear radiation prevention efforts.

Liu Hui felt a heavy weight in his heart; he hadn't realized the explosion would claim so many lives. If Duoming (Life-Claimer) had a conscience, how would he react knowing he had caused the deaths of so many innocent people? Only a madman like Duoming could pull something like this off. Liu Hui had tried to stop it, but to no avail. Nevertheless, since the explosion was fundamentally linked to him, he felt obligated to offer some form of redress to Kenya and the nations harmed by the blast.

Liu Hui picked up another paper—the British The Sun. Its headline read: What Lies Behind the Nuclear Explosion, with the accompanying image showing pictures of the UK’s reserve nuclear arsenal.

In this report, the British offered their perspective: using the consequences of the blast as evidence, they argued for a total ban on nuclear weapons, urging humanity to cage this ferocious Pandora’s beast once more. Otherwise, countless future nuclear incidents could occur, leading to the harm of innumerable people—people just like you and me. The article concluded by specifically pointing out that nuclear powers must unite to track the whereabouts of all nuclear stockpiles, ensuring no weapons fall into the hands of terrorists or rogue governments, as that would spell doom for all humanity, plunging the Earth back under the shadow of Cold War nuclear threats.

Having witnessed the sheer power of a nuclear explosion firsthand, Liu Hui clearly recognized the horror of nuclear weaponry and internally leaned toward The Sun's viewpoint. However, given the chaotic state of the world, he knew nuclear weapons would not be eliminated unless the world achieved total unity, eradicating the threat of war, allowing nuclear arms to retire from the historical stage.

Liu Hui reached for a third paper, the Japanese Asahi Shimbun. Its front-page headline was a letter—a missive issued by the long-silent Al-Qaeda. In the letter, the organization claimed responsibility for the Indian Ocean nuclear detonation, stating they possessed several more nuclear warheads. They threatened to detonate the other bombs in densely populated Western areas if their political demands were not met, framing the sea detonation as merely a warning to Western nations.

The Asahi Shimbun published the entire letter from Al-Qaeda without any commentary, suggesting that even the Japanese dared not easily voice their opinions during this sensitive period. Liu Hui grasped the Japanese motive: by publishing Al-Qaeda’s letter during this crisis, they aimed to sow panic among the populations of Europe and the US. Since Japan's feud with Al-Qaeda wasn't as deep as that of the US/Europe, stirring up anxiety there was a way to slow down their rivals’ momentum. Otherwise, why would only the Japanese media print this letter when other countries’ media outlets ignored it? Al-Qaeda would certainly not have limited its distribution to just Japan.

Yet, Liu Hui found it somewhat amusing. Why did Al-Qaeda feel the need to claim credit for every major event? Last time, when the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was attacked, Al-Qaeda immediately claimed responsibility. Now, with the massive nuclear explosion, they eagerly jumped in to take credit again. In any light, the "SN" organization had nothing to do with Al-Qaeda. It seemed Al-Qaeda’s power was waning severely, their operational capability diminishing, forcing them to snatch credit just to assert their existence.

However, Liu Hui reconsidered: the more Al-Qaeda drew attention to itself, the safer he and the Dragon's Tooth Mercenary Group remained, the less likely they were to be discovered. In a way, Al-Qaeda had inadvertently helped him again.

Liu Hui picked up a domestic newspaper. Its headline read: Huaxia Nation Urges Prudent Use of Nuclear Weapons, featuring a tsunami photo copied from their American counterparts.

The Huaxia media adhered to its consistent style, demanding in the report that nuclear-armed states use restraint to avoid widespread devastation. It then called for resolving issues under the relevant UN framework... through dialogue to eliminate... Regarding this nuclear incident, we express strong concern... We condemn this terrorist act... We urge... reaffirming that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence remain the fundamental path to solving international problems.

Liu Hui found this rather comical. Huaxia’s decades-long pattern of expressing concern, urging, and condemning, coupled with consistent abstentions in UN votes, had resulted in its voice being largely ignored by major international powers due to its lack of tangible impact on international affairs.

Subsequent papers provided detailed accounts of the nuclear explosion from various angles. The content was largely similar, but they shared one consensus: this was an event of monumental significance.

After reading all the papers on his desk, Liu Hui paused in thought, then instructed Li Lian to notify all the executives to attend an immediate meeting. He specifically asked her to invite his parents as well.

The executives soon filed into the conference room. Liu Hui’s parents were seated among them; his mother appeared composed, but his father seemed noticeably uneasy. After all, his entire life had been spent as a worker in some obscure small factory, whereas everyone present was unequivocally an elite among humans.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Liu Hui cleared his throat and began, “Gentlemen, the single topic for today’s meeting is this: As everyone is aware, a nuclear explosion occurred in the Indian Ocean, causing immense catastrophe for the coastal nations and their people. My view is that Starry Sky Group, being an international corporation, has both the responsibility and the obligation to aid all nations and people affected by this nuclear disaster. Therefore, I have decided that Starry Sky Group will commit a total value of two billion US dollars in various materials and funds to assist the most severely affected countries and populations. This relief operation will be spearheaded by the Starry Sky Charity Foundation, and I expect everyone’s full cooperation to execute this work effectively. This will not only provide aid to those in need but also expand the recognition and reputation of Starry Sky Group.”

The executives were stunned. They had been shocked by the nuclear blast and expected their boss to initiate disaster relief, but they never imagined Liu Hui would commit two billion US dollars. No individual in history had ever donated such an enormous sum for a single relief effort; this contribution would surely set a world record in the field of charity.

What the executives didn't know was the profound guilt Liu Hui felt. He merely sought to alleviate the guilt in his heart with money. If he hadn’t feared drawing suspicion with too large a sum, Liu Hui would have considered setting the relief fund at five billion dollars. His willingness to contribute so much wasn't born of benevolence; it was a quest for peace of mind. Having experienced the Plane Trading Device and various fantastical dimensions, Liu Hui now harbored a growing reverence for unseen forces.

Liu Hui’s words were law, and his principles were immediately acted upon. Since Starry Sky Group was making such a significant contribution, the executives were eager to leverage the operation for the company's benefit.

“Son, so much money, I’m afraid I can’t handle it properly? Perhaps someone else should be in charge,” his father said hesitantly. Liu Hui had assigned the Starry Sky Charity Foundation to manage the operation, yet his father, who chaired the foundation, lacked confidence.

As soon as his father spoke, his mother immediately tapped him on the head. “What are you afraid of? I’ll be watching over you, and you have the company personnel assisting. Even if you were a pig, you couldn’t mess this up.”

His father mumbled, “But I’m not a pig…”

His mother immediately pulled him out of Liu Hui’s office. “I think you are a pig. Didn't you notice your son is busy? We can discuss things at home.”

Liu Hui watched his parents with a mixture of amusement and helplessness. However, his decision to assign his father this task was deliberate. Ever since Chen Shaokang visited their home previously, his father had been living in constant anxiety, severely lacking self-confidence, feeling utterly inferior to Chen Shaokang, and fearing his mother might leave him. Thus, Liu Hui arranged this pleasing duty to both develop his father’s work capabilities and boost his reputation, consequently strengthening his self-esteem for the battle over his mother’s affection against Chen Shaokang.

The nuclear explosion occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. Its impact was profound, causing human history to begin developing along a different trajectory, deviating from the established historical path held in people’s minds. In short, history had been rerouted, and nothing could be predicted anymore.

New York, USA. Dream Investment Corporation Headquarters, Wei Chao’s office.

Wei Chao violently threw the newspaper he held onto the floor. The headline reported the nuclear explosion, and the financial news on the second page detailed the sharp decline of the global stock market following the blast.

Wei Chao slumped back onto the sofa in dejection. He couldn't understand why a nuclear explosion, which hadn't occurred in his memory, was now a stark reality. Liu Hui had appeared previously as an anomaly, but Liu Hui hadn't substantially altered history, so Wei Chao hadn't been overly concerned, continuing to amass his fortune.

He was currently executing a critical capital operation, which was at its most crucial stage, when this unforeseen event suddenly struck. The nuclear explosion triggered massive volatility in the financial markets. This unexpected shift caused a slight deviation in what had been a near-perfect maneuver, directly resulting in a huge loss for this specific operation.

This investment failure was Wei Chao’s first in many years; his undefeated myth had finally been shattered. His heart filled with despair. This frustration wasn't about the monetary loss—his Dream Group was vast, and such an amount was negligible. What terrified him was the premonition that history had begun to change course right here. He had a dreadful feeling that he would be completely ignorant of future events. With his precise grasp of the future gone, how should his Dream Group proceed?

His greatest reliance had suddenly vanished, and his courage seemed to disappear with it. He began to ponder why Liu Hui had suddenly appeared and managed to build such a massive enterprise. In his memory, the figure of Liu Hui had never existed, nor had his technologies and products. Why? But now, it seemed pursuing tangible industry, like Liu Hui, was far more stable. Even if earning money was slower, it provided a steady stream. Unlike himself, whose development relied mainly on finance; once the financial sector faltered, his company’s growth trajectory would stall, allowing others to eventually surpass him. But what competitive industries did his Dream Group possess to offer?

Wei Chao frowned, thinking for a long time, when a spark flashed in his eyes. He might not have the capability himself, but he knew someone who did. It was July 2013 now, and that person should have graduated from university. Why not recruit her to his company? With her, his company's development would never be a concern again—and she was a beauty, too…