Upon receiving this news, Liu Hui was utterly bewildered, unsure why the Saudi King would choose to visit his Starry Sky Group.

In terms of business scope, the Starry Sky Group and Saudi Arabia seemed to have absolutely no overlap; they were utterly unrelated. Saudi Arabia's largest industry was petroleum, and while Starry Sky Group planned to eventually tap into undersea oil reserves, they hadn't yet solved the deep-sea extraction problem. Thus, the petroleum sector remained merely a concept on Liu Hui's drawing board. So, what was the King’s purpose in visiting Starry Sky Group?

Regardless of Liu Hui's musings, Saudi Arabia was still a nation, and a visit from its head of state was certainly cause for welcome. It would not only showcase the soft and hard power of the Starry Sky Group but also signify that the company was beginning to step onto the international political stage.

Consequently, the Starry Sky Group swiftly provided an affirmative response to both the Hong Kong government and the Saudi delegation, declaring they were prepared to welcome His Majesty and awaited King Abdullah’s arrival at any moment.

Soon after the Starry Sky Group’s formal confirmation, the specifics of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia's visit were finalized. The Saudi royal family dispatched personnel to initiate preliminary communication with Wu Yuanjia of Starry Sky Group. Once security assurances were clarified, King Abdullah officially proceeded with the visit.

Liu Hui, leading the top executives of the Starry Sky Group, greeted King Abdullah and his entourage at the main entrance. As this was the first foreign head of state hosted by the Starry Sky Group, the reception was quite grand. The Hong Kong government, being pragmatic rather than seeking the limelight like mainland officials, was only present where it could boost their own image. Thus, no local Hong Kong officials accompanied the Saudi King during this visit; they merely dispatched police escorts for perimeter security of the Saudi royals.

Although King Abdullah was ninety years old, he appeared robust and vigorous, his hair and beard still dark. Dressed in a traditional Arab robe and radiating good health, the moment he saw Liu Hui, he strode forward before Liu Hui could even speak, embracing him warmly.

“Inshallah, I have finally met the most successful businessman on this planet today. This brings me such joy,” Abdullah said enthusiastically in English while hugging Liu Hui.

“I am equally delighted to meet Your Majesty today. You are an old friend to the people of our Huaxia nation and have made significant contributions to our country. I heard of your great name when I was very young,” Liu Hui replied humbly in English.

Abdullah glanced cautiously around, then leaned in close to Liu Hui, whispering in his ear, “Mr. Liu Hui, I beg you, please do not call me an old friend of your nation! Look at those frequently labeled as your nation’s old friends on the international stage—they are either overthrown by their own people, currently imprisoned abroad, or dead. Being a friend to your country seems rather unlucky.”

Liu Hui was momentarily stunned. He had merely recited phrases often heard during televised meetings between national leaders and foreign dignitaries, never expecting it to provoke such a remark from Abdullah.

Seeing Liu Hui’s blank expression, Abdullah suddenly roared with laughter. “Hahahaha, Mr. Liu Hui, I was just joking; please do not take it seriously. Don’t judge by my advanced age; my spirit is quite young, and my sense of humor is no less than any of you younger men. In truth, I would much rather be an old friend of your Starry Sky Group.”

Only then did Liu Hui snap back to reality, suddenly finding the old Arab gentleman far less imposing than he appeared on television, resembling instead a kind and approachable neighborhood grandpa. He smiled, “Heh heh, the Starry Sky Group also hopes to become a good friend of Your Majesty.”

“Mr. Liu Hui, I have actually been closely following your Starry Sky Group and am deeply intrigued by your legendary entrepreneurial journey. That is why I took the liberty of visiting your Starry Sky Group today. I trust you will satisfy this old man’s little wish?” Abdullah chuckled.

“We are, of course, most delighted to welcome Your Majesty. Esteemed King, please come inside!” Liu Hui gestured an invitation.

“Hahaha, Mr. Liu Hui, let us go together!” Abdullah took Liu Hui’s arm, and the two walked side-by-side into the Starry Sky Group premises. Save for a few close retainers and personal bodyguards, the rest of the Saudi royal contingent waited at the main entrance. This arrangement had been agreed upon earlier between the Saudi Royal Family and Wu Yuanjia, an outcome that had slightly irked the royals, who felt insulted by the Starry Sky Group’s protocol. However, their sentiments were later smoothed over by the King himself, leading them to comply with this seemingly unreasonable arrangement.

Liu Hui led Abdullah through the production workshops beneath the Starry Sky Group, personally acting as the guide while Abdullah listened with rapt attention. Yet, Liu Hui only provided explanations from outside the workshop areas without escorting him inside. After all, the inner workings involved Liu Hui’s core business secrets, a stance Abdullah completely understood. Moreover, he had no grasp of manufacturing details anyway; his true objective for the day lay elsewhere.

Although the Starry Sky Group boasted staggering sales, its actual production footprint was compact, spanning less than one square kilometer. Thus, Abdullah finished touring the entire facility quickly, though the elderly man began showing signs of breathlessness after the brief activity. Nevertheless, his spirits remained high. Following this site visit and Liu Hui’s personal narration, he expressed profound fascination—repeatedly calling it unbelievable—regarding how the group generated products valued at over a trillion US dollars within such a small area. Liu Hui accepted the praise for the Starry Sky Group with calm composure.

Concluding the tour of the production facilities, Abdullah smiled. “Mr. Liu Hui, having toured your Starry Sky Group, I find your achievements remarkable. I now have a thought: could the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia initiate a cooperative relationship with your Starry Sky Group?”

Liu Hui chuckled. “Perhaps we should discuss this further in my conference room? I notice Your Majesty seems a little fatigued.”

Abdullah smiled in agreement. “I was thinking the same thing!”

They proceeded to a specially prepared conference room. Abdullah sat down on the sofa and suggested, “Since Mr. Liu Hui understands English, how about we ask our entourages to leave this room, allowing just the two of us to communicate privately? What do you think?”

Hearing this request, and recalling the King’s sudden interest in visiting Starry Sky Group and now requesting solitude, Liu Hui immediately understood that the King had sensitive matters to discuss, ones unsuitable for a crowded audience. He replied with a smile, “Certainly, as Your Majesty wishes.”

With all aides and staff cleared from the conference room, only Liu Hui and Abdullah remained.

Seeing they were alone, Abdullah looked at Liu Hui and asked, “Mr. Liu Hui, how secure is the confidentiality of this conference room?”

Liu Hui smiled reassuringly. “Your Majesty may rest assured; whatever is spoken between us in this room will absolutely not reach outside ears.”

Abdullah let out a breath, his demeanor instantly turning serious. “Mr. Liu Hui, my purpose for this visit is quite simple: I wish for the Starry Sky Group to perform the rejuvenation surgery for me!”

Liu Hui was inwardly startled but played dumb. “Your Majesty, I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

Abdullah laughed. “Mr. Liu Hui, you must know that I have been long-time friends with the Old Superman of the Li family in Hong Kong. I am aware of everything that has recently transpired with him. When I arrived in Hong Kong this time, my first stop was to visit my old friend. It was from him that I learned he has begun reversing his aging, and all of this is thanks to your Starry Sky Group. So, we are both sensible men; I shall skip the pleasantries.”

Liu Hui considered the statement carefully. He had initially been surprised that the Old Superman might have leaked the rejuvenation secret, but he quickly realized the impossibility: the Old Superman would never leak such information, and if he had done so accidentally, he would have informed Liu Hui immediately—yet Liu Hui had received no such warning. Furthermore, if the Old Superman had revealed his secret to Abdullah, this elderly King would not be visiting Starry Sky Group alone; the Old Superman would certainly have accompanied him to advocate on the King's behalf.

Thus, with a brief thought, Liu Hui saw through Abdullah’s bluff; the old King was testing him.

Liu Hui asked calmly, “Oh, has something happened to the Old Superman that I am unaware of?”

Abdullah replied with a wry smile. “Mr. Liu Hui, you cannot possibly say you don't know about the Old Superman getting younger! You two are so close; you must have noticed the seismic changes in his body long ago. Moreover, not long ago, the Old Gambling King of the Ao He family also visited you. Shortly after his return, his health began to improve dramatically. Are you suggesting the Starry Sky Group had nothing to do with that?”

Liu Hui had long anticipated this day. After two years of treatment, the Old Superman’s body had completely reverted to the prime vigor of a twenty-five-year-old; his current physique was even younger and stronger than the Young Superman’s. However, this brought a major complication: every time the Old Superman left home, he required heavy makeup to hide the secret of his ongoing rejuvenation. Even with cosmetics, occasional slips occurred, drawing the notice of the observant.

Therefore, when Abdullah uncovered his secret, Liu Hui felt no great alarm. His current standing was vastly superior to what it had been two years prior. Back then, he was defenseless against challenges; now, he possessed enough strength for meaningful countermoves that commanded consideration.

“If events concerning them are indeed related to our Starry Sky Group, what do you propose to do, Your Majesty?” Liu Hui asked playfully. The Saudi King was the wealthiest monarch in the world, and now that he was offering himself up, Liu Hui had no intention of letting this ‘sheep’ walk away. His previous exchanges were merely a probe into Abdullah’s intentions.

Abdullah’s spirits lifted immediately. Liu Hui hadn't entirely denied the Starry Sky Group’s capability for rejuvenation, which was excellent news, offering hope for success. He immediately stated, “Mr. Liu Hui, I did not intentionally seek to pry into the secrets of the Starry Sky Group; I learned of this purely by chance. You must understand, a ninety-year-old man is constantly monitoring news related to physical health, and the Old Superman’s anomalous condition was precisely what drew my attention, leading me to this secret of your company. My purpose here is to request that the Starry Sky Group perform the rejuvenation surgery for me, just as you did for the Li family of Hong Kong and the Ao He family. As for treatment costs, you need not worry; the Saudi Royal Family has ample wealth and can certainly meet your requirements.”

Liu Hui smiled. “The Starry Sky Group only performs this surgery for our strategic partners. Furthermore, the Starry Sky Group is not currently lacking funds. Why should you assume we would perform this surgery for you?”

Abdullah paused, then brightened immensely. Since Liu Hui hadn't outright refused treatment, it implied agreement was possible; this was now merely a matter of negotiation. He offered, “How about we also establish a strategic partnership? We could give you preferential access to selling us low-cost petroleum. What do you think?”

Liu Hui shook his head. “I am not in need of oil right now, so that holds little appeal for me.”

Seeing Liu Hui reject his oil, Abdullah grew anxious, unsure of Liu Hui’s true aims. Subterranean oil had always been his most potent weapon, unfailingly effective against anyone. He was baffled that this weapon lost its efficacy against Liu Hui, leaving him momentarily lost.

Liu Hui spoke slowly. “I hear your nation suffers from a severe water shortage, is that true?”

Abdullah didn't grasp the direction of the question, but Liu Hui’s words clearly struck a nerve. He sighed. “Most of our country is desert; annual rainfall is minimal. We don't have a single river. Moreover, our population growth is rapid, so we are desperately short of water. We spend over five billion US dollars annually just on freshwater, yet even that is insufficient to meet our nation’s needs.”

Liu Hui asked, “Is it true that half of the world’s seawater desalination plants are constructed in your country?”

Abdullah nodded. “That is correct, but even with that, our domestic supply remains critically tight. Even our capital, Riyadh, receives water only once every three days. We require many more desalination plants. God granted us subterranean oil but took away our water sources.”

Liu Hui smiled. “Your Majesty, how about letting the Starry Sky Group supply you with fresh water processed through seawater desalination?”

Abdullah was momentarily taken aback. “But the Starry Sky Group has no prior history in desalination. How can you meet our nation’s massive water demand? Forgive me, I’m not doubting you, but I find it peculiar.”

Liu Hui chuckled. “Your Majesty, the reason the Starry Sky Group hasn’t engaged in desalination before is simply that we have too many other industries we can pursue, so desalination never crossed our minds. In fact, our desalination technology is already extremely mature. Meeting Your Majesty today has suddenly made me realize that the Starry Sky Group should undertake this water provision project, which can benefit the world’s people.”

Abdullah considered this. “Mr. Liu Hui, if the price your Starry Sky Group quotes for desalinated water is too high, I cannot agree to your condition, even if you agree to perform the rejuvenation surgery.”

As the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah was highly knowledgeable about desalination technology. Seeing that Starry Sky Group lacked experience in the field, he was wary of their capabilities and feared that even if they could desalinate water, the price would be exorbitant. Thus, he preemptively cautioned Liu Hui against leveraging the rejuvenation opportunity to overcharge Saudi Arabia for its water supply.

Liu Hui smiled. “Your Majesty, please be assured. Our Starry Sky Group’s technology is absolutely reliable, and the price for the desalinated water will definitely be much lower than other companies. Of course, provided you agree to let us supply water to your country, that forms the basis of our cooperation, and the rest can be left to our experts to negotiate!”

Hearing that Liu Hui was willing to negotiate under standard commercial terms rather than demand a special exemption, Abdullah was immediately relieved. At least any matter that could be negotiated openly would likely result in a manageable outcome. He replied, “Naturally, that is how it should be.”

Liu Hui smiled. “Since we have established a foundation for cooperation, let us now discuss that matter concerning the rejuvenation surgery!”

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