Now that Liu Hui had decided to take the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" public, he had to ensure he maintained a controlling stake of 51%, guaranteeing that the Starry Group would remain the ultimate authority over the company. Allowing nations and organizations to invest was fine, and they could certainly offer guidance and input on the company's business operations, but they must not interfere with the actual production processes.

Concurrently, any nation investing must open its domestic freshwater market to the "Sea Water Desalination Company," permitting the company to deliver water within their borders. Liu Hui was entirely confident that, by offering prices cheaper than drawing from underground sources, he could monopolize the freshwater market in these countries. When he calculated this out, he immediately realized that even taking the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" public would result in no economic loss for him personally.

Through the public listing of the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company," Liu Hui could temporarily distract the attention of those nations and organizations, buying the Starry Group crucial resources and time—for time was precisely what the Starry Group lacked most right now.

Moreover, if the governments of various nations became shareholders, all these countries would hold stakes in the company, and their freshwater markets would be opened to the Starry Group. Calculating this forward, the amount of freshwater the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" would need to supply daily would likely exceed ten billion tons. One must realize that once humanity solved its water scarcity problem, many previously shelved water usage projects could restart, making the future freshwater market exponentially vast.

Even if freshwater were sold at a mere $0.08 per ton, a daily supply of ten billion tons would generate eight hundred million dollars in revenue, translating to nearly three hundred billion dollars annually. After deducting all costs, even if half the profit was distributed, Liu Hui would still pocket a hundred billion dollars. Furthermore, the minerals and precious metals extracted during the desalination process—knowledge of which those countries would be kept unaware—would hold an even more astonishing value.

In this manner, Liu Hui would establish a community of interests centered around nations and major financial consortiums through this "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company." This community would wield far greater power than the previous ones based on small and medium-sized enterprises. He, holding 51% of the shares and the core technology, would control the core. The remaining 49% shared among the other nations would pose no threat, allowing him to maneuver gracefully between these global powers, extracting greater benefits from each. As for keeping the desalination technology secret, he had no concerns there. With meticulous planning, those people would never uncover the true secret behind the desalination equipment; and even if they did learn its secret, without the cheap energy supplied by the Demonic Beast Cores, the technology would be useless to them anyway.

More critically, for this major community of interests, dominated by nation-states, this desalination technology was intrinsically linked to their future development. They could tolerate the technology remaining in the hands of the Starry Group because they were now shareholders and could at least utilize it; however, they absolutely could not permit any other nation or organization to acquire it, as that would severely harm their own interests. Consequently, they would actively work to prevent the technology from falling into rival hands.

In a flash, Liu Hui considered the pros and cons of listing the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company." He turned to Director Huang and said, "Although I personally agree to the listing of the Starry Sea Water Desalination Company, I still need to discuss it with our company's senior management. After all, this matter is too significant; we must proceed with caution."

Director Huang felt his mission was largely accomplished and was in excellent spirits. He chuckled, "Naturally, that is the proper course of action. I will await your definitive news. I must rush back to the Capital now to report to the higher-ups; they have been very concerned about the developments here!"

Liu Hui smiled, "Once we finalize things, I will contact you immediately."

Director Huang nodded and left the room with a sense of urgency, needing to report back on the situation. However, just as he reached the door, he suddenly paused, turning back to ask, "Mr. Liu, there is one matter I wanted to inquire about."

Liu Hui smiled, "Please, Director Huang, ask away. If I know it, I will tell you everything without reservation."

Director Huang asked, "We are aware that you are currently constructing a massive offshore platform. This platform already covers an area of eighteen square kilometers. Could you tell us the specific purpose of this platform?"

Liu Hui laughed, "Heh heh, although the purpose of this offshore platform involves our trade secrets, it's fine to tell you. I started my career running a hospital but had to abandon it for certain reasons later on. However, my sentimentality regarding hospitals never completely faded. So, now that the Starry Group has grown to this scale, I thought about how I could benefit humanity globally. Thus, I decided to build a large, comprehensive general hospital—one that will be open to all patients worldwide. That is why I am constructing that enormous offshore platform: the goal is to build this grand hospital there, while also using it as my personal resort center. I originally intended to build both the hospital and the resort on land, but the Hong Kong government simply could not provide us with a parcel of land that large, forcing me to build it out on the sea."

Director Huang was momentarily stunned, likely not expecting that this massive offshore platform was genuinely intended for building a hospital. He remarked, "Actually, we have a lot of vacant land in our country. Why didn't you consider building the hospital and resort there?"

Liu Hui chuckled, "Director Huang, you know that I don't tolerate being constrained. If I were to set up this hospital and resort there, all those various departments—fire safety, public security, urban management, tax collectors—would be constantly investigating us, making it impossible to operate. You must know, I ran a hospital domestically before, so I am aware of the many unscrupulous dealings involved. Furthermore, you know who took over my previous Hantang Hospital... As the saying goes, once bitten by a snake, one fears a well rope for ten years!"

Director Huang offered an embarrassed smile and conceded, "If that is the case, I won't press the matter." He was well aware of Liu Hui's prior experiences in the mainland; strictly speaking, the nation owed Liu Hui a debt. Seeing it from his perspective, even Director Huang wouldn't dare to return home to undertake such a venture after experiencing that, especially since the Guo family, who annexed the Hantang Hospital, still held influence!

When Director Huang left the Capital, the higher-ups had instructed him to discreetly ascertain the purpose of the large offshore platform the Starry Group was building. Now, having accepted Liu Hui's explanation—believing it was truly for a hospital and resort, as the first major construction site on the platform was indeed taking shape as a large hospital—he was satisfied. While the platform seemed excessively large for just a hospital and resort, Director Huang attributed this to the youthful desire to show off, leading to an over-sized construction.

Therefore, having largely smoothed over the issue of listing the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" and learning the supposed purpose of the Starry Group's massive offshore platform, Director Huang finally left Hong Kong contentedly to report back to the influential figures behind him in the Capital.

Watching Director Huang depart, Liu Hui sneered inwardly. He had long anticipated inquiries from the mainland about the offshore platform, so he had his narrative prepared. Combined with the fact that the very first genuine structure being built on Starry City was, in fact, the Starry Terminal Illness Hospital, Director Huang was immediately convinced by his explanation. Perhaps Director Huang also assumed that an offshore platform appearing under their noses was not a major threat, which is why he did not press the issue further, much to Liu Hui’s relief.

Once Director Huang and his entourage left, Liu Hui immediately summoned all the senior executives of his company for a meeting. He proposed the listing of the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" and solicited input from relevant department heads on how to manage the situation.

Soon, the senior management reached a consensus: the listing of the "Starry Sea Water Desalination Company" was beneficial for the Starry Group's overall development, given that the shareholders would be nations and major organizations worldwide, which was advantageous. They also offered suggestions on the commercial operational aspects to mature the market company’s running, and Liu Hui now had a complete operational framework in mind.

After the meeting, Liu Hui sought out Chen Changsheng of the Research Institute to consult on technical confidentiality measures. After a brief consideration, Chen Changsheng advised Liu Hui to employ the "Diversion of Attention Method."

The core principle of the "Diversion of Attention Method" was to focus all key protection efforts onto the desalination unit installed on the vessel. This would lead outsiders to believe that this desalination unit was the true source of mass freshwater production, thereby drawing all their focus there.

Naturally, the Starry Group would need to exert maximum effort to safeguard this desalination unit, feigning intense concern for its security. This would misdirect those seeking the Starry Group’s desalination technology toward the wrong target, causing them to overlook the power source for the desalination unit—the Demonic Beast Core. Since this power source was extremely small and strategically concealed, they would likely pay it no mind. Coupled with the Starry Group's covert, stringent protection of this power source, the secret of the Demonic Beast Cores would never be leaked.

The desalination unit and the ship's hull were fixed together by a formation array. If one attempted to move only the desalination unit, the array connecting them would be destroyed, which in turn would deactivate the internal array within the desalination unit itself. Therefore, even if the desalination unit were unfortunately seized by others, they would ultimately discover they had only captured a pile of useless scrap metal. Those unfamiliar with array application would be entirely unable to discern the cause of its failure.

Upon hearing Chen Changsheng’s "Diversion of Attention Method," Liu Hui immediately found him deviously clever. This also reminded him of another person: Mei Peng. Back when Liu Hui managed the Hantang Hospital in Bashan, Mei Peng had suggested using the "Diversion of Attention Method" to protect the secret of the AIDS medication. Mei Peng had fabricated a fake formula, guarded it fiercely, and in the end, not only did the deception cover up the secret of the AIDS drug, but it also led the Guo family down the wrong path, obtaining a useless fake formula while Liu Hui cleverly escaped consequences.

Why did both of these men devise security methods based on "Diversion of Attention"? Were they fellow disciples? As Liu Hui bid farewell to Chen Changsheng, a humorous notion popped into his head: perhaps they shared the same master.

Later that day, as Liu Hui was meticulously considering the future development of the Starry Group in his office, Li Lian quietly approached and softly informed him that a woman outside the Starry Group entrance was requesting a meeting. Because the woman had no prior appointment, the security personnel at the gate had stopped her.

"What? A woman wants to see me?" Liu Hui asked, surprised. He had worked here for over two years, and no woman had ever come to the company entrance looking for him. However, he was preoccupied with the company's future strategy and was not in the mood to meet this visitor. He instructed, "Have the security guards at the gate register her information, take down her contact details, and I will meet her if I have time later!"

Li Lian spoke softly, "Boss, I wouldn't normally trouble you with something like this, but the guards at the gate mentioned this woman is quite beautiful, and she claimed you saved her life. That's why, even without an appointment, she desperately wants a moment to express her gratitude in person. The guards were cautious about any potential issues, so they reported it to me."

"What? I saved her life?" Liu Hui's mind began racing, though for a moment he couldn't recall when he might have saved someone's life—especially a beautiful woman's... Wait, he suddenly remembered someone and shot up excitedly.

"Boss, what's wrong?" Li Lian asked curiously.

"Li Lian, what is the woman's name?" Liu Hui asked with excitement.

"The security personnel said the woman's name is Anqi," Li Lian replied.

Upon hearing the name Anqi, Liu Hui leaped up in joy. He told Li Lian, "Quickly, go and invite Miss Anqi in."

Although Li Lian didn't understand why Liu Hui reacted so strongly to the name Anqi, she immediately turned to leave, preparing to bring in the woman who could elicit such excitement from her boss.

"Wait!" Liu Hui suddenly shouted.

Li Lian froze, stopping mid-step, and looked at Liu Hui with doubt.

Liu Hui smoothed down his clothes and said, "I'll go myself."

He had already been keen on recruiting Anqi, hoping to bring her into his Science Research Institute for advanced study, but she had returned to her home country for travel, leaving him unable to act. Now that Anqi had suddenly appeared and come seeking him out at his company, he needed to demonstrate sincerity; this would make persuading her to join much smoother.

"Li Lian, what do you think of my attire?" Liu Hui asked as he adjusted his suit.

Li Lian looked at Liu Hui’s expression, which resembled a man preparing for a date, and felt very surprised. Her boss was known for being incredibly devoted, and she had never heard any rumors about him; even as his secretary, she had never experienced any impropriety from him. Why was he so concerned about this particular woman now?

Despite her internal musings, Li Lian responded verbally, "Boss, your attire is neat and sharp, exuding the aura of a successful man. It naturally showcases your temperament best."

Reassured, Liu Hui walked out of his office. Approaching the main entrance of the Starry Group, he spotted a woman sitting in the reception area from a distance. The woman was Anqi.

When Anqi saw Liu Hui emerge, she also stood up and smiled at him.

"Miss Anqi, hello. It is a pleasure to see you again!" Liu Hui greeted her warmly.

"Liu Hui, it's great to see you too!" Anqi looked somewhat travel-worn and carried a bag, but her face held a new layer of firm resolve. It seemed her trip back home must have involved some significant experiences.

"Miss Anqi, this isn't the place for a proper conversation. Perhaps we could move to my office?" Liu Hui invited.

Anqi smiled, "I would certainly like to see your office. My former female classmates always speculated about what your office might look like."

So, the two walked side-by-side down the main road within the Starry Group premises. Liu Hui willingly acted as the guide, explaining the company's facilities in detail. He was determined to persuade Anqi to join his company, and Anqi listened to his explanations with great interest.

They arrived at Liu Hui's office. Liu Hui invited Anqi to sit on the sofa. Li Lian promptly prepared a cup of tea for Anqi, took a few glances at the young, elegant beauty, and then returned to her own office.

Anqi took a sip of tea and surveyed Liu Hui's office, remarking with a smile, "Liu Hui, your office is so simple! I expected to see a large bookcase filled with all sorts of books. To think there’s nothing here but an office desk and a sofa."

Liu Hui laughed, "I never read much, and even my university degree was earned later in life. So, I don't keep books in my office to flaunt knowledge; that would be terribly hypocritical."

Anqi smiled, "You are quite honest!"

Liu Hui replied, "I'm just being myself! That's how my mother taught me to be."

Anqi suddenly said, "I left in too much of a hurry last time and didn't get a chance to thank you properly for saving my life. I came straight here from my trip back home; I hope you don't mind my lack of manners?"

Liu Hui smiled, "How could I? I think Miss Anqi is quite polite; otherwise, you wouldn't have come here looking so travel-worn."

Anqi gave a slight smile and took a paper box from her shoulder bag, placing it before Liu Hui. "Liu Hui, I have no way to repay the life debt I owe you, so please accept this small gift as a token of my gratitude. I hope you won't dislike it."

Liu Hui curiously accepted the paper box and opened it, finding a grey scarf inside. He took out the grey scarf, wrapped it around his neck, and said happily, "Not bad, this scarf suits me very well, and it's quite beautiful too. Where did you buy this, Miss Anqi?"

Anqi smiled, "I didn't buy this. I knitted it, stitch by stitch, during my travels in the mainland. But it’s June now; aren't you warm wearing it?"

Liu Hui felt a moment of awkwardness, took the scarf off, placed it back in the box, and laughed, "I didn't realize Miss Anqi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also possessed such fine needlework skills as knitting scarves."

Anqi stated, "I don't know how it is, but ever since I was old enough to understand things, it felt like I knew how to knit clothing—not just my own, but I've knitted many garments for my parents too. However, knitting a scarf for someone else—you are the first."

Liu Hui was delighted, "It seems I carry considerable weight; Miss Anqi was willing to go to the trouble of knitting a scarf for me."

Anqi laughed, "Because this is repayment for saving my life, and simultaneously, it's a bribe. Wouldn't I need to put effort into it?"

Liu Hui paused, then laughed, "I can understand repaying a life debt, but what do I need bribing for?"

Anqi winked and said, "Because I want to work in your Starry Group's Science Research Institute! But I was afraid your company might reject me, so I used this scarf to bribe you."

Liu Hui was overjoyed and asked, his voice trembling slightly, "Miss Anqi, you aren't tricking me, are you? Are you certain you just said you want to work in our Science Research Institute?"

Anqi smiled, "Of course, it's true. I just wonder if you are willing to have me?"

Liu Hui was beyond ecstatic and burst out laughing, "How could I possibly refuse? It would be our greatest fortune if Miss Anqi would come work at our Starry Science Research Institute. How could I possibly refuse?"

Angel rose, extending her right hand with a smile, and declared, "In that case, you are now my boss. By convention, shouldn't we shake hands?"

Liu Hui, swept up in his delight, had completely forgotten one thing, and he too extended his right hand toward Angel's.

The moment their hands clasped, that familiar sensation surged through Liu Hui’s body once more, this time far more intense than before. His body instinctively executed a familiar movement, one carried out entirely by his physical self, as if it were an inherent necessity, bypassing conscious thought entirely.

Liu Hui gripped Angel’s right hand, smoothly pulling her closer as he wrapped his left arm around her waist, then dipped his head, finding himself, in a haze, pressing his lips against hers.

Angel, seemingly affected by the sensation radiating from her own right hand, only paused momentarily before realizing Liu Hui was kissing her. She didn't know how it had happened, but as their lips met, she too felt an intensely familiar rush, a feeling so intoxicating that she couldn't bring herself to pull away immediately, allowing the kiss with Liu Hui to deepen.

The sudden sound of books hitting the floor jolted Liu Hui back to reality. He quickly separated from Angel, steadying her frame, only to see Li Lian standing awkwardly in the doorway, several stacks of documents scattered at her feet.

“Um… Boss, I didn’t see anything just now!” Li Lian stammered anxiously.

Thanks to the reader 'Wu Chen' for the generous tip. However, since I have to travel for work again today, I can only update six thousand characters, thus falling short of your expectation for a three-chapter update totaling 9,000 characters!

I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the reader 'Second Hobby.' The detailed and thoughtful critiques offered by 'Second Hobby' for my work, along with encouraging other friends to support the book, have deeply moved me.

Qian Yu Chu Hai wishes to thank every reader who cherishes this book. It is precisely because of your support that I find the sustained motivation to write! A