Hearing Chen Changsheng mention a problem they discovered during their research, Liu Hui immediately asked with curiosity, "What exactly is the problem that could stump our Dean Chen?"

Chen Changsheng gave a wry smile. "Although our research team has been established, we don't have a true scientific genius among our researchers. Consequently, many of our research areas are lagging behind the world's advanced levels. If our institute had someone like an Einstein, with the boss's strong support, these research challenges should be resolvable quite quickly."

Liu Hui chuckled. "Dean Chen, you mustn't lose heart! I think your work is going quite well; at least I was very satisfied with your progress earlier. As for the Einstein you mentioned, he is a world-class genius who appears perhaps once in a millennium for humanity. Where am I supposed to find such a person for you?"

Chen Changsheng smiled, knowing what he said was somewhat unrealistic. He continued, "Although our previous research has yielded some results, as the Star City Project develops, the technological demands placed on it will only become higher. Take, for instance, the planned aerial fortresses, artificial satellites, orbital space stations, and deep-space forward bases—these things are quite challenging with our current research capabilities. However, if we truly had a research genius join us, our chances of conquering these high-tech hurdles would be much greater."

Liu Hui pondered for a moment and replied, "I will keep this issue in mind. If a suitable candidate emerges, I will find a way to resolve this difficulty for you."

Although Liu Hui had already established a massive scientific research institute covering various fields of science and technology, the personnel he could currently recruit were not the top figures in their respective industries; their qualifications were merely average. Despite achieving certain successes with the aid of his many advanced creations, their overall research strength remained somewhat lacking, trailing significantly behind the peak scientific capabilities worldwide. Chen Changsheng had already identified this problem, yet Liu Hui had no immediate solution.

Soon, the first month's sales figures for Star Group's newest product—Star Spirit Reducer—were tallied. Fifty million units of Star Spirit Reducer were sold in Star specialty stores across the globe within one month, generating sales revenue of seventy-five billion USD, setting a new sales record for a single product. It was utterly unprecedented, as no product before it had achieved monthly sales of seventy-five billion USD, not even the wildly successful Star Myopia Corrector. Of course, this calculation excluded the global energy, mining, and arms industries, sectors that might potentially surpass this record during wartime.

Liu Hui understood clearly that the sales of Star Spirit Reducer could not maintain this level every month, as reduction also had seasonal aspects. However, he remained confident that selling between two hundred million and three hundred million units within a year was achievable. After all, there were simply too many overweight people globally, and the majority of them were concentrated in developed nations like Europe and America, where purchasing power was substantial. Spending just fifteen hundred USD a year to achieve a slender figure was something they would likely be very willing to do, as the desire for beauty is universal.

Calculating this way, Star Spirit Reducer alone could bring Star Group three hundred billion to four hundred and fifty billion USD in sales revenue annually, and this income was recurring, not a one-time event. This was far superior to one-off products like Star Myopia Corrector, which consumers rarely purchased a second time after initial use. Star Spirit Reducer, however, allowed beauty-conscious individuals to use it once every year.

Seeing the good news of Star Spirit Reducer’s hot sales, Liu Hui finally breathed a sigh of relief. This new product was, at last, a success, and it could continue to generate immense profits for Star Group going forward. After all, the undertaking of Star City had already begun to spread its scope, transforming into a veritable money sink that devoured countless funds from Liu Hui daily. If he didn't accelerate his pace of earning, the largest construction project in history—Star City—might collapse into a colossal unfinished wreck, dragging Star Group down entirely and destroying Liu Hui's dream.

The experts who had begun studying Star Group were growing increasingly frustrated. Every time they predicted the group would falter due to a lack of new product launches, Star Group would suddenly release a new product, shattering their supposed forecasts. Some experts even chose to withdraw from researching Star Group due to the immense pressure. After all, other phenomena followed discernible patterns that allowed for conjecture and prediction, but Star Group's development seemed utterly patternless; its actions were completely unconventional, leaving everyone guessing its next move.

With the success of the new product, Liu Hui temporarily set aside his worries. Coupled with a feeling of fatigue and some unusual internal sensations he had been experiencing lately, he suddenly remembered Hu Xian’er’s suggestion to take a long vacation. A sudden impulse struck him, and he felt a strong desire to travel. He summoned Ah Huo, told him to make arrangements, and without informing anyone else, set off on his trip with a group of bodyguards.

Liu Hui instructed his bodyguards to remain as low-key as possible during the journey. He himself wore a slight disguise, sporting a pair of oversized sunglasses, preparing to visit Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's highest point. Liu Hui chose not to take the tram; instead, he walked the mountain path toward the summit. His bodyguards dispersed around him, maintaining covert protection for his safety without making Liu Hui appear too conspicuous or spoiling his enjoyment.

Liu Hui had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage of cultivation, and incredible changes had long taken place within his body. His physical prowess was, naturally, no longer a topic for discussion. He ascended the mountain with great ease, reaching the top without breaking a single sweat. Others were climbing along the way, but none matched Liu Hui's relaxed and leisurely pace.

Arriving at the summit of Victoria Peak, Liu Hui looked down upon the entirety of Hong Kong Island. He took the whole expanse into his view at once, feeling an immediate sense of expansive peace. He had previously only visited the peak in the dreamscapes manufactured by the Inception micro-team; this was his first time in reality. He hadn't expected the view from this vantage point to be so breathtaking.

From the summit of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong appeared extraordinarily prosperous and vibrant. The last time Liu Hui surveyed Hong Kong Island from this spot was within the memories of his Inception space, but at that time, Hong Kong had been devastated by a super-tsunami. Now, standing in the same location, recalling the experiences from the dreamscape, the events that transpired in Hong Kong felt entirely different from reality. This contradictory sensation struck him as profoundly novel.

On the summit, Liu Hui experienced a vastness of spirit and an inspiring surge of excitement. He let out a long, deep breath, expelling all the gloom and dissatisfaction that had been weighing on his mind. As this stale air left him, he felt instantly rejuvenated, as if no problem in the world could ever defeat him again.

This feeling compelled Liu Hui to reflect: staying cooped up in an office like an ascetic could cause one's mood to deteriorate imperceptibly. Conversely, venturing out more often to see the world could instantly clear the mind and broaden the chest. In the future, if he had the chance, he should definitely travel more around the globe. This would not only expand his horizons and perspective but also serve as an indirect method of refining his own strength.

Liu Hui stood on the summit, resting his eyes, when suddenly a familiar voice drifted into his ears, speaking deferentially: "Miss An Qi, this is Hong Kong’s highest peak. From this angle, you can see the most exquisite scenery of Hong Kong."

A clear voice responded, "I had only seen Hong Kong in pictures before. Finally seeing it in person is incredible. It truly lives up to the saying that seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times! Hong Kong is indeed a captivating city; I like it very much."

Liu Hui's heart stirred. The familiar voice belonged to Wei Chao, who had been absent from his life for a considerable time. Liu Hui wondered when he had returned to Hong Kong and who the woman accompanying him was.

Just as Liu Hui was contemplating Wei Chao, Wei Chao approached with the woman. He was followed, as usual, by that beautiful female bodyguard, though none of the other beautiful women typically seen with him were present this time.

The summit of Victoria Peak was quite small; even if Liu Hui intentionally tried to stay away, he couldn't avoid Wei Chao's line of sight. Wei Chao was explaining the scenery and anecdotes of Victoria Peak to the woman when he suddenly spotted Liu Hui standing there, causing his voice to drop abruptly.

Liu Hui smiled. "What’s wrong, Little Wei? Have you forgotten me after such a short absence?"

Wei Chao’s expression remained hard to read. He walked over with the woman and said, "It's Boss Liu! What a coincidence to run into you here. By the way, what brings you here instead of running your big businesses?"

Liu Hui laughed. "Aren't you also not running your big businesses? Right, and who is this young lady...?"

As Liu Hui waited for Wei Chao and the woman to draw closer, he noticed the woman was quite young, perhaps in her early twenties. She possessed a delicate, refined appearance, clear eyes, and an air of curiosity about everything. She maintained a respectful distance from Wei Chao, not seeming overly intimate, suggesting she wasn't his partner—hence Liu Hui's question.

Wei Chao introduced her with a hint of resignation. "This is Miss An Qi; she is from America. Miss An Qi, this is Liu Hui, the boss of Star Group."

Miss An Qi looked at Liu Hui with great interest and smiled. "Hello, Liu Hui. I am An Qi. I've only ever seen you in the media before. I never expected to have the chance to meet you in person."

Liu Hui smiled. "Hello, Miss An Qi. I'm pleased to meet you too. By the way, judging by your appearance, you look East Asian, and you speak fluent Chinese. Are you an overseas Chinese living in America?"

"That's right, I am Chinese. My parents always told me so, but I have lived in America my whole life and have never returned to China. I don't really know what China is like. I accepted an invitation from Mr. Wei Chao this time to visit Hong Kong and understand the actual situation in China. Our next stop is the Mainland," An Qi replied sweetly.

Wei Chao interjected, "Miss An Qi, it's getting late. Shall we go visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple now? It might close soon."

An Qi smiled at Liu Hui. "Liu Hui, we must take our leave now. I am very interested in your company; I’m sure we will meet again."

Liu Hui nodded with a smile. "Miss An Qi, farewell. I also look forward to seeing you again."

An Qi politely bade Liu Hui farewell and turned to leave with Wei Chao. But at the instant An Qi turned, her foot suddenly landed on a loose piece of gravel. This stone caused her to lose her balance, and she pitched forward, falling directly toward the precipice.

The incident happened so suddenly, and Liu Hui was still some distance away, that Wei Chao and his bodyguard behind him failed to react instantly or take any effective rescue measures. Thus, under An Qi's horrified gaze, she began to plummet down the cliff. At that critical moment, Liu Hui moved faster than thought, surging to the edge of the cliff. He thrust out his right hand, snatching An Qi’s helplessly flailing right hand mid-air, and with a powerful heave, pulled her back up.

Although Liu Hui hauled An Qi up instantly, his mind was utterly shaken, as if a monstrous tide had surged through him. The moment his right hand gripped An Qi’s, an intensely peculiar sensation flooded his consciousness. He felt as if An Qi were someone critically important to him; his body registered a profound sense of familiarity with her, a feeling that emerged spontaneously, as if his very body had known her intimately for a long time. This familiarity, hidden deep within his cells, was suddenly awakened by their contact.

Yet, Liu Hui was certain he had never met An Qi before. She was too unfamiliar; if he had encountered her previously, he would surely remember her face. But why would his body sense such intimacy? And why did that strange sensation arise immediately upon touching her?

Liu Hui’s rescue of An Qi from the edge of the cliff brought immense relief to Wei Chao. An Qi’s safety was paramount to the future survival and development of his company; thus, any major accident involving her was unacceptable. Fortunately, she seemed unharmed. What immediately displeased Wei Chao, however, was that Liu Hui still held tightly onto An Qi’s hand.

Liu Hui was momentarily overwhelmed by shock, which kept his grip firm. But An Qi, too, did not seem inclined to pull her hand away. In her heart, a tempest raged as well, for a shocking feeling had transmitted itself from her right hand to hers.

Wei Chao stepped forward somewhat indignantly, forcibly separating Liu Hui's hand from An Qi’s. He said stiffly, "Thank you for your assistance, Boss Liu."

Liu Hui snapped back to the present. His gaze toward An Qi had begun to shift; he became convinced that she held some secret, otherwise such a strong reaction upon mere physical contact would be inexplicable. While he didn't know the exact situation, he recognized the faint traces of something he'd seen in movies and television: that distinct spark between a man and a woman. But for such a feeling to erupt upon their very first meeting, especially since he was a married man, seemed wildly exaggerated!

An Qi’s look toward Liu Hui also transformed. When she first learned he was the boss of Star Group, she hadn't paid him undue attention. But after Liu Hui pulled her back from the cliff and the miraculous sensation that passed between them during their skin-to-skin contact, she began to regard him with newfound respect.

Sensing the situation was precarious, Wei Chao swiftly inserted himself between Liu Hui and An Qi, blocking their gazes. Liu Hui and An Qi both realized themselves and awkwardly turned their heads away.

Wei Chao asked, "Miss An Qi, are you alright?"

An Qi replied quietly, "I'm fine, thanks to Liu Hui saving me."

Wei Chao offered an awkward response. "It seems this summit isn't entirely safe. I'll need to file a complaint with the management department upstairs for letting Miss An Qi experience such a scare."

An Qi smiled. "It's alright; I'm standing here perfectly well, aren't I?"

Wei Chao said, "If you are alright, Miss An Qi, perhaps we should head to the Wong Tai Sin Temple now?"

An Qi glanced at Liu Hui. "Liu Hui, thank you for saving me. I will come find you."

Liu Hui nodded. "Miss An Qi, you exaggerate. It was merely a small effort on my part; you shouldn't take it too much to heart."

An Qi insisted, "Though it was a small effort, you saved my life, and my life is very important to me. I will definitely repay you someday."

Wei Chao grew impatient beside them and, with repeated urging, An Qi finally said goodbye to Liu Hui and left. Watching An Qi’s retreating figure, a thoughtful expression flickered across Liu Hui's eyes. He called out, "Ah Huo."

Ah Huo immediately appeared beside him. "Boss, what is your order?"

Liu Hui instructed, "Immediately take a photograph of that young lady's appearance, then mobilize your resources to investigate. Have her detailed file sent to my desk."

"Understood, Boss. I'll handle it right away." Ah Huo nodded, then instructed the other security personnel to tighten protection around Liu Hui while he followed Wei Chao, using the camera in his hand to capture An Qi’s image.

Liu Hui had encountered this mysterious An Qi, and upon physical contact, discovered a powerful sense of familiarity between their bodies, as if his own had touched hers often before. Yet, Liu Hui was certain of his life experiences from childhood onwards; he had never seen An Qi before. Moreover, she was an American who had never returned to China, making a prior meeting impossible. Ruling out prior acquaintance, could it truly be like what was depicted in movies and television—that they had generated that electric spark between a man and woman? While An Qi was certainly attractive, with refined features and a statuesque, womanly figure, this was their first meeting, and he was a married man. How could he develop any romantic feelings for her? How could such an electric current possibly arise?