As Wu Yuanjia and Huang Huali departed, Liu Hui asked, "Desheng, with such a major event unfolding in the Middle East, did your Starry Eye receive any prior intelligence?"

"Boss, I apologize. Our intelligence penetration within the US military apparatus has been minimal, leaving us with very few sources for US military intelligence. We received no actionable information before this incident occurred," Desheng confessed, his voice heavy with shame. The sudden military action by the Americans posed a massive threat to the Starry Group, a failure that weighed heavily on Desheng, who managed intelligence gathering.

Liu Hui sighed, "Desheng, there’s no need for apologies. Part of the responsibility is mine. I viewed the US military as excessively disciplined and benevolent, which is why we didn't infiltrate their ranks. But I forgot that their actions are dictated by command structures within the US, and their maneuvers must align with their nation's self-interest. Thus, when the US military receives orders from their superiors, they are capable of enacting all sorts of drastic measures."

Desheng responded, "Boss, immediately following today’s event, I activated our highest-level spies embedded in the United States. They have since provided me with some useful information."

Liu Hui leaned forward eagerly, "What kind of information?"

Desheng explained, "According to their intel, the US has developed serious disagreements with Huaxia regarding the IPO of our 'Desalination Company.' Consequently, they are preparing a direct move: to seize our desalination technology in the Persian Gulf, effectively cutting us out to monopolize the global desalination market independently. Their original plan was to launch a swift, overwhelming offensive to capture our desalination vessels and acquire the technology, creating a fait accompli. What they hadn't anticipated was that our desalination vessels are no soft targets; not only did they repel the comprehensive assault they launched, foiling their quick-victory strategy, but we also captured two of their soldiers. This has enraged the US military command, and they have decided to rely on their formidable military might to resolve this conflict with us—not only to take our technology and rescue their soldiers but also to salvage their reputation."

Liu Hui sneered, "If they can't steal it, they resort to outright robbery. This behavior is far more consistent with their self-image as the world's most powerful armed entity. Their films endlessly promote how benevolent their forces are, how they fight for the welfare of the global populace—it's all nonsense. Now that they've dropped the pretense and are acting shamelessly, while detestable, at least they are less nauseating to behold."

"Boss, our intelligence indicates the US has urgently mobilized the 'Eisenhower' Carrier Strike Group stationed in the Arabian Sea. This strike group is currently steaming toward the Persian Gulf region, intending to directly capture our desalination vessel. The 'Eisenhower' Strike Group is incredibly powerful; how should we prepare to counter their attack?" Desheng asked, deeply concerned by the perilous situation Starry Group faced with the formidable US carrier group on the move.

Liu Hui suddenly smiled, "Since ancient times, the principle has been: block incoming troops with formations, and meet rising water with dams. Since they intend to use brute force against us, we will naturally meet them head-on to the end. They aim to seize what is ours, and we refuse to let them. Even if we conceded ground, they would still come for it. Therefore, our only viable path is vigorous resistance."

Desheng worried, "But relying solely on the weaponry deployed on the desalination vessel in the Persian Gulf, I fear our resources are insufficient to counter the battle-hardened US forces!"

"In reality, the US military isn't as invincible as their movies portray. The fact that we repelled their initial assault using only electromagnetic cannons demonstrates that. So, don't worry; I naturally have methods to deal with them. On another note, with the US stirring up such a massive incident, were there absolutely no anomalies in their activities beforehand?" Liu Hui inquired.

Desheng was momentarily confused by the sudden topic shift but answered truthfully, "Boss, our Starry Eye compiles and presents you with intelligence reports daily; you should be aware of global happenings?"

Liu Hui stated, "I have seen those reports, but they are not the intelligence I need. I am specifically asking about intelligence concerning the United States—whether any events occurred that seemed odd, yet were plausible within the context? Perhaps we could find some clues leading to the American attack within those details."

Desheng pondered for a moment, then said, "Everything in the US appears normal. If there's anything peculiar, it would be the strange remarks and actions Wei Chao has recently been making in America."

Liu Hui asked out of curiosity, "What strange statements and actions has Wei Chao made in the US?"

Desheng reported, "Since separating from Miss Anqi and returning to the US, Wei Chao has seemingly gone mad, publicly short-selling the US economy. He asserts that the American economy is destined for a massive downturn following the impact of two successive bubble economies. However, his comments have been ridiculed by mainstream US media and economists. Everyone believes Wei Chao has lost his mind; the US possesses the world's strongest military force, making a significant economic decline an impossibility. Even if the US economy did face trouble or a sharp decline, the US would undoubtedly shift the losses onto other nations like Huaxia, Japan, or the EU. If anyone has to fail, it will be the other regions first; the US will remain secure until those other nations collapse. Therefore, the US economy is the safest in the world, and Wei Chao's attempt to short it is an utterly foolish move. Furthermore, due to his significant financial misstep during the previous Indian Ocean nuclear event, which caused him heavy losses, his current venture of shorting the US economy hasn't garnered much support or traction. Even the young masters and mistresses from the great Hong Kong families who once followed him into battle have not joined him in this action."

Liu Hui chuckled, "It seems a single investment failure has shattered the undefeated halo around Wei Chao’s head; no one believes him anymore. However, knowing Wei Chao as I do, he wouldn't engage in meaningless endeavors. I remain optimistic about him; I believe he must have discerned some underlying problems within the US government, and this might present an opportunity for us to resolve the current crisis."

Desheng asked in surprise, "Does this mean the Boss doesn't have confidence in the US economy either, and is planning to make a move in the financial markets?"

Liu Hui shook his head, "Our primary issue right now is the military pressure exerted by the US. Until that is resolved, we cannot counterattack in other areas. Desheng, I have a matter that requires your immediate attention."

Desheng straightened up immediately, "Please instruct me, Boss. I guarantee I will handle this matter flawlessly."

Liu Hui stated, "I have just notified our super-submarine, the 'Starry Two.' It is scheduled to depart for the Persian Gulf in three hours. You will accompany the super-submarine. Once you reach the Persian Gulf, I need you to handle one task for me."

No one knew what Liu Hui and Desheng discussed in that room, but after their conversation, Desheng went off to make preparations.

Two hours later, Liu Hui returned punctually to the basement of the Starry Group headquarters and summoned Zeg. Zeg appeared quickly, exchanging one hundred units of the specialized truth-serum substance with Liu Hui. Zeg priced this substance at the exchange rate of ten units for one kilogram of narcotics (the previous price for the AIDS-related substance). For these one hundred units, Zeg acquired ten kilograms of drugs from Liu Hui.

Liu Hui handed ten units of the substance to Desheng. After gathering a few trusted subordinates, Desheng boarded a speedboat and headed for the 'City of Stars.' They proceeded to the sealed dry dock, boarded the prepped super-submarine 'Starry Two,' and this massive, fifty-thousand-ton deep-sea vessel officially activated, plunging into the deep ocean and accelerating toward the Persian Gulf in the Middle East.

Liu Hui did not proactively call King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Only after Desheng and his team departed did Abdullah’s call finally connect with Liu Hui.

"Mr. Liu Hui, how did your desalination vessel provoke the US military? And you even captured their soldiers?" Abdullah asked immediately, sounding anxious after learning of the incident, having failed to reach Liu Hui earlier.

Liu Hui corrected him, "Your Royal Highness the King, I must clarify one point: our Starry Group did not provoke the US military. Rather, the US troops stationed in your country became envious of our desalination technology and attempted to seize it forcefully, attacking our desalination vessel, which is why we engaged them in conflict. Strictly speaking, they are the aggressors, and we acted in self-defense."

Abdullah sounded troubled, "But you truly should not have engaged in conflict with those US soldiers! I hear you not only captured two US soldiers but also shot down several of their aircraft, though thankfully there were no casualties. Why don't you transfer the two US soldiers to us immediately? Saudi Arabia can act as a mediator to help you resolve this matter with the US military?"

Liu Hui began to laugh coldly, stating bluntly, "Your Royal Highness, given your failure to protect the security of our Starry Group's desalination vessel in the Persian Gulf, you have violated the agreement signed between us. Therefore, we have decided to recall the desalination vessel from the Persian Gulf, cease supplying you with fresh water, and cancel all cooperation between us. Furthermore, you must compensate us for all our losses."

Liu Hui had every reason to be angry. After their desalination vessel was attacked in the Gulf, instead of offering protection, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attempted to persuade Liu Hui to hand over the two captured US soldiers so Abdullah could play the role of peacemaker, aiming to offend neither side while benefiting from both. However, Liu Hui would never allow Abdullah such an opportunity to play both ends. He intended to force Saudi Arabia to choose between backing the US military or securing the supply of massive amounts of fresh water; getting both simultaneously was impossible.

The Starry Group had supplied fresh water to Saudi Arabia for two months, and starting this month, the daily supply reached a staggering twenty million tons. The Saudi population had deeply felt the benefits of cheap water, unleashing a long-suppressed enthusiasm for usage. They had even initiated several large-scale domestic water conservancy projects, intending to fundamentally transform the arid Saudi landscape into fertile land suitable for cultivation, reasoning that the Starry Group could provide limitless fresh water. This way, even after their underground oil reserves were depleted, their citizens would have an alternative means of survival.

The Starry Group's water supply was critical to the future development strategy of Saudi Arabia, and outside of the Starry Group, no one else in the world possessed the capability to supply Saudi Arabia with this volume of water. Thus, Liu Hui was unconcerned that Abdullah might slip from his grasp, and he absolutely would not permit Abdullah to play both sides between the Starry Group and the US military.

Abdullah hadn't expected Liu Hui to directly threaten to abandon the water supply to Saudi Arabia. He forced a smile, "Mr. Liu Hui, we can discuss matters reasonably. Aren't we friends?"

Liu Hui scoffed, "We are friends, naturally, but Saudi Arabia and the Starry Group are not. Since you cannot guarantee the safety of our desalination vessel, we have no choice but to withdraw it back to Hong Kong. Our Starry Group has numerous other industries; we can certainly manage without the desalination operation. Oh, and one more thing I must remind you: you must return to the Starry Group for a follow-up examination in three months, or the effects of the previous treatment will be entirely wasted."

Liu Hui threatened Abdullah without reservation. Abdullah’s water supply depended entirely on Liu Hui. Furthermore, when Liu Hui previously administered the rejuvenation agent to Abdullah, he had simultaneously injected a sustained-release agent, meaning the rejuvenation effect would only last six months. If Abdullah failed to attend the follow-up check at the Starry Group after that period, his body would rapidly age and revert to its previous state. With these two trump cards in hand, Liu Hui was confident Saudi Arabia would side with him.

Abdullah suddenly understood Liu Hui's point. He realized the Starry Group genuinely did not care about the Saudi domestic water market; they could withdraw at any time, abandoning the Saudi market since their water production facility was merely a ship, easily moved. However, his nation's future development would be disastrous without the support of massive amounts of cheap fresh water. Moreover, he needed the follow-up examination in three months to truly lock in his rejuvenation. Having tasted the benefits of long-lost good health, he certainly did not wish to lose that feeling of well-being. Therefore, both publicly and privately, Abdullah was dependent on the Starry Group's support.

Once Abdullah grasped the dynamics of the vested interests, he quickly stated, "Mr. Liu Hui, rest assured, we will guarantee the safety of your desalination vessel. However, please allow us a few days. I will immediately convene a national meeting, where I will convey your intentions to some of the tribal leaders in our nation. Afterward, we will fully support you in the Persian Gulf and suppress the movements of the US military. What do you think?"

Liu Hui replied, "Impossible. If you cannot immediately guarantee our safety and restrict US military movements in the Persian Gulf, our desalination vessel will choose to depart immediately." He had no intention of allowing Abdullah to intentionally stall for time, demanding an immediate decision.

Abdullah considered this, then proposed, "How about this: give me twenty-four hours. Within that time frame, I guarantee the safety of your desalination vessel and its crew. How about that?"

Liu Hui pondered briefly, realizing he couldn't push Saudi Arabia too hard, as it might backfire. Moreover, he had made his own arrangements in the Persian Gulf. He conceded, "Very well, I grant you twenty-four hours. If, by then, you are still unable to guarantee our safety, we will formally withdraw from the Persian Gulf and terminate our cooperation."

Abdullah sighed wryly, "Alright. We will convene a meeting immediately to discuss this. I will give you a firm answer as soon as possible."

After hanging up with Abdullah, Liu Hui calculated in his mind. Saudi Arabia was the US's greatest ally in the Middle East, and their mutual reliance was extremely high—neither could do without the other. Saudi Arabia depended on the security umbrella provided by the US, while the US depended on Saudi oil. However, that was the past. Since the US overthrew and executed Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Saudi Arabia's national security concerns had not been as critical as before. Although the military threat from Iran remained, Iran was currently preoccupied and lacked the capacity for foreign military aggression. Consequently, Saudi Arabia's dependence on the US military had lessened. Simultaneously, as the US economy continued to expand, its domestic demand for oil increased further, leading to the US becoming increasingly reliant on Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Saudi Arabia now had the optimal moment to break free from the US military threat. If Saudi Arabia could stand with the Starry Group this time, Liu Hui would have sufficient confidence to manage the current crisis posed by the US military attack.

Other severely water-scarce nations in the Middle East, such as the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait—major oil exporters—had begun contacting the Starry Group, hoping their nations could secure large supplies of fresh water from them. If Liu Hui could skillfully leverage these nations, which depended on him, the US would be constrained by their oil exports, those nations would be constrained by their water supply, and Liu Hui would be constrained by the US military threat. This configuration could potentially form a fragile balance circle.

Liu Hui finally grasped why, in the Middle East, fresh water was more valuable than oil. By controlling the water supply, he effectively had an indirect grip on the US's throat. This was precisely why the US dared to risk global censure to seize his desalination technology: they wanted this potent desalination tool to counter these water-scarce Middle Eastern oil nations, preventing them from using their oil production capacity to threaten US national security.

However, considering the sheer power of the US military, Liu Hui had made comprehensive preparations. His submarine manufacturing facility was currently constructing a third super-submarine, a behemoth of 100,000 tons. Its main structure was complete, and engineers were installing its internal systems and weapon arrays, meaning it could not be deployed to fight the US military yet. However, the 'Starry One' super-submarine had already been dispatched toward the Pacific near Hawaii, while the 'Starry Two' was en route directly to the Persian Gulf. The powerful electromagnetic cannons and the terrifying ten-thousand-meter diving capability installed on these vessels guaranteed their invincibility beneath the waves while posing a massive threat to US naval vessels.

Yet, these two super-submarines were only one of Liu Hui’s tools. His true reliance was on the twenty-three-meter-long Xiao Hei. Xiao Hei had already set off toward the Persian Gulf, ensuring that the US Navy would definitely not gain an advantage there. The reason he still needed Saudi Arabia to help manage the US military threat was simply to prevent his true trump cards from being fully exposed. Moreover, he could use this crisis to gauge Saudi Arabia's true allegiance and see if he could secure a genuine national ally.

Having secured the defenses in the Persian Gulf and the Pacific, Liu Hui activated the electromagnetic cannon and laser weapon systems installed on the Starry Group headquarters and the 'City of Stars' as a final precaution, ensuring no mere upstarts would cause trouble at this critical juncture.

Then Liu Hui made another call. In the phone conversation, he said, "Third Brother..."

Putting aside Liu Hui, who was racking his brain at the Starry Group headquarters to counter the US military threat, Xiao Hei was already speeding toward the Persian Gulf following his command.

Xiao Hei set out from the Pacific, traveling past the southern coast of the Philippines' Mindanao Island, entering the Sulawesi Sea of Indonesia, then traversing the Java Sea, passing Jakarta, entering the Indian Ocean, and heading toward the Arabian Sea.

Xiao Hei moved with astonishing speed. Unburdened by Liu Hui, it dove deep beneath the seabed, traveling in the abyssal depths where neither human eyes nor detection equipment could find any trace of it.

After swimming rapidly for over six hours, Little Black finally reached the Arabian Sea. It was already eleven o'clock local time. Little Black continued toward the Strait of Hormuz, intending to pass through the narrow strait into the Persian Gulf. However, it discovered the presence of a large naval fleet in the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of kilometers away, Liu Hui immediately received the information transmitted by Little Black. He ordered Little Black to halt its advance and begin carefully observing the situation of this massive fleet.

Little Black instantly deployed its sensory capabilities, and within moments, all activity within a three-kilometer radius was subject to its perception. As its senses continued to stretch outward, Little Black gained complete mastery over the surrounding conditions. Through Little Black, Liu Hui also learned the status of this large naval group.

Within Little Black's perception, it detected a massive warship on the surface of the sea. From the image conveyed by Little Black’s senses, Liu Hui immediately recognized it as a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Little Black had the good fortune of running right into a U.S. carrier strike group.

Liu Hui had previously heard Sheng describe the deployment and movements of U.S. carriers in the Gulf region, and he had studied U.S. carriers before. Thus, as soon as he saw the image of the carrier sensed by Little Black, he instantly knew it was the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The large warships accompanying the Eisenhower were the guided-missile cruiser USS Ticonderoga (CG-52) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG-64), USS Farragut (DDG-51), and USS McFaul (DDG-74). Additionally, there were two smaller frigates; because they were less well-known, Liu Hui did not know their names. It seemed the main combatants of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group were all present. Furthermore, following behind the Eisenhower Strike Group were their replenishment oiler, USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204), and ammunition ship, USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-29). Beneath the surface, two Seawolf-class attack nuclear submarines were protecting the safety of this Eisenhower carrier formation.

Liu Hui clearly grasped the immense scale of the Eisenhower carrier formation and immediately gasped. Not to mention the hundreds of various combat aircraft stationed on the carrier group, the sheer volume of missiles carried by these warships alone was terrifying. If this formidable war machine were allowed to reach the Persian Gulf, his four desalination vessels would stand no chance and would undoubtedly be captured. Fortunately, Little Black had arrived near the Persian Gulf in time; with Little Black here, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group would be incapable of making any trouble.

Under Liu Hui’s direction, Little Black swam silently beneath the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. After its second evolution, Little Black’s swimming movements became increasingly subtle, and the noise it generated grew quieter. Unless it physically brushed against a towed sonar array in the water, it would not be detected by sonar. Little Black proceeded cautiously, evading several towed arrays, and managed to glide silently directly beneath the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower without alerting any U.S. military personnel or equipment.

Liu Hui maximized Little Black’s sensory range and then projected it through the hull above. He instantly heard various sounds emanating from the compartments inside the ship—a marvelous application of Little Black's sensory ability that Liu Hui had discovered during this time.

Little Black rapidly processed the content of these sounds, though most were merely sailors conversing and the noise of the ship’s engines. It slowly identified and filtered the signals until Liu Hui detected the voice of the Eisenhower Strike Group’s commander, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Phillip Davidson. Liu Hui immediately quieted his mind and listened intently.

He heard someone say, "General Davidson, we have entered the Strait of Hormuz. We are now five hundred kilometers from Dammam Port. It will take only ten hours to reach our destination."

"Mhm, very good, Pete. You remain here in command. I need to return and rest for a while. I must be fully rested before I can teach that small company a lesson tomorrow—the one that dared to fire upon our U.S. military. They are far too arrogant," General Davidson chuckled.

"But, General Davidson, I don't quite understand. I know about this Starry Sky Group. My daughter and I both had our myopia cured by using their company's products, and we both love the food from their gourmet restaurants. Their products have brought us great joy and changed our lives. But why would such a great company attack our U.S. military?" Pete asked, confused.

General Davidson replied, "My dear Pete, we are soldiers; we only need to carry out the orders from above. What you are discussing is not for us to consider."

Pete suddenly said, "General Davidson, I just received some inside information suggesting that they opened fire on us because we intended to seize the Starry Sky Group's desalination technology. Is that true?"

General Davidson paused, then said, "My dear Pete, I don't care what actually happened there. What matters is that the Starry Sky Group has successfully angered us. What we must do is capture them, and that is our duty as soldiers."

Pete sighed and said, "To be honest, I truly do not wish to fire upon the Starry Sky Group. I used to like them very much; I even considered sending my daughter to work for that company. Oh, General Davidson, why aren't the ground troops stationed in the Middle Eastern countries being deployed? Why must we be mobilized?"

General Davidson fell silent for a moment and then said, "Pete, what I am about to tell you is highly classified information. I need your absolute assurance that you will keep it secret. Can you do that?"

Pete’s tone immediately turned serious. "I swear to God, I will keep it absolutely secret."

Only then did General Davidson speak, "The reason the higher-ups ordered our carrier strike group to depart for the Persian Gulf to seize those desalination vessels is that Saudi Arabia has allied with the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait—several major oil-exporting nations. They collectively lodged a protest against us for using bases established in their countries to attack the Starry Sky Group's desalination vessels. They have now blocked the route our ground troops were supposed to take toward the Persian Gulf. Therefore, the higher-ups had no choice but to urgently mobilize us to enter the Persian Gulf and capture those desalination ships by sea. Moreover, in the previous skirmish, we had two soldiers captured by them, so we must reach Dammam Port quickly. Once we complete this mission and make it a fait accompli, our country will have room to maneuver diplomatically. This mission, therefore, must be fast, or it will become very complicated."

Pete never expected such insider details. He sighed, "I hope what we do today truly helps our country!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hui’s heart was filled with both excitement and alarm. He was elated that Saudi Arabia had finally united with the Gulf states to pressure the United States; they had chosen to stand on his side. He was alarmed, however, that the U.S. government was determined to use force to acquire the desalination technology.

But Liu Hui quickly reacted: since the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on the sea was heading to capture his desalination vessels, they were his enemy, and he had no reason to be polite to them. He decided to destroy the entire Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

With that, Little Black curved and snapped its tail, its body shooting out like an arrow. Its target was the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on the surface.

Thank you to book friend: Yun Zhi for the monthly ticket support, and thank you to book friend: Wu Chen for the three chapter update tickets for three thousand characters. Therefore, Qian Yu Chu Hai is working himself to the bone today and is posting an 8000-character mega-chapter. I hope everyone enjoys it! A