As Liu Hui asked when construction could commence on the undersea factory cluster. Chen Changsheng, standing nearby, replied, "Boss, since we have overcome almost all technical obstacles, we can begin formal construction on the undersea factory cluster immediately. However, this means we will need to further expand the manufacturing facilities aboard our 'City of Stars,' as their current capacity won't be sufficient to meet the simultaneous construction demands of both projects." Knowing that the Starry Sky Group could now tap into deep-sea mineral resources put Liu Hui in high spirits, and he readily agreed.

"Director Chen, I understand completely. I will immediately increase the funding allocation to build more fabrication plants, further boosting their output to satisfy the needs of these two major undertakings. As long as we can extract resources from the ocean depths, there is no cost too great for the Starry Sky Group to bear." Chen Changsheng paused, overcome with emotion.

"Boss, the achievements we've made are almost unbelievable; I feel as if I'm dreaming. When you first spoke of utilizing mineral resources from the seabed, I thought you were boasting, assuming such a capability was far in the future. I never expected that in just over a year, we would possess the means to realize it.

Does this mean our 'City of Stars' will truly be completed in the near future as well?" Liu Hui smiled. "Director Chen, you are not dreaming; you must have faith in your own abilities. And the 'City of Stars' will indeed be finished soon—aren't we striving toward that very goal right now?" Anqi suddenly asked, "Liu Hui, then what is your ultimate goal?

Surely it isn't just to finish the 'City of Stars' and then preside over it as a remote lord?" Hearing Anqi, Liu Hui pondered for a moment, organizing his thoughts before replying, "My ultimate lifelong goal is to construct a society of my ideal. To establish this ideal society, however, one requires a territory under one's absolute control—a domain where I can realize my vision. Our future direction will be toward the 'Stars,' which is precisely why our company is named the 'Starry Sky Group.'" Anqi inquired with curiosity, "I understand the concept of an ideal society, and I can grasp the need for a territory under absolute control, but what exactly do you mean by 'Stars'?" Liu Hui explained, "What I mean by 'Stars' is that I intend to lead the Starry Sky Group beyond Earth and into the boundless expanse of the cosmos.

Present human society is constrained by this increasingly barren Earth. They constantly engage in wars and conflicts over living space and resources; the entire history of human development is little more than a history of conflict, failing to foster a truly independent civilization. If we can enter the 'Starry Sky Age' and possess infinite resources within space, what need would there be for so much war and strife?

Only in that 'Starry Sky Age' can my ideal society truly emerge! That is why I wish to lead our Starry Sky Group out of Earth's cage and soar freely among the stars." Listening to Liu Hui's vision of the cosmos, a glimmer of aspiration flashed in Anqi’s eyes. She said, "Entering the stars is also one of my dreams.

Do you have a concrete plan for how we will enter the 'Starry Sky Age'?" Liu Hui chuckled. "I naturally have a detailed plan, though it is one I devised myself and might not be entirely scientific. But you can help me refine it and see if there are any flaws." Anqi nodded.

"Go ahead, Liu Hui. Let me see if this plan of yours is feasible." Encouraged by Anqi, Liu Hui’s confidence surged. "My first step is this: starting next year, our 'City of Stars' will officially sail into international waters to develop as an independent territory.

To ensure the City's security, we will construct a massive aerial fortress capable of hovering above it. This fortress will be a colossal war platform, equipped with numerous energy weapons such as lasers and railguns, to protect us in the skies. Simultaneously, beneath the ocean, we will build ten 100,000-ton deep-sea submarines to safeguard the 'City of Stars' beneath the waves.

Furthermore, we must possess our own satellites in space to guarantee communication security, handle missile interception, and monitor any abnormal shifts in hostile forces. With the protection of the aerial fortress and deep-sea submarines, coupled with the satellite's reconnaissance, warning, and interception capabilities, the defense line of our 'City of Stars' will become impenetrable; no one will be able to threaten our safety." Anqi nodded. "Given our current level of technology, realizing this first step of your plan is entirely possible." Liu Hui continued, "Once the fundamental security of the 'City of Stars' is guaranteed, we will move on to the second phase: constructing a truly massive Earth-orbit space station belonging entirely to the Starry Sky Group.

This super-large orbital station will be immense, equipped with everything one could need, ultimately accommodating ten thousand people for work, life, study, and various scientific research endeavors. Armed with the data and experience gained from living and studying on this massive space station, the Starry Sky Group will then use it as our base to venture toward the 'Stars.'" Anqi and Chen Changsheng listened as Liu Hui slowly detailed this enormous plan, both engrossed. Anqi pondered for a moment before saying, "Technically, this second phase isn't overly difficult; we should solve it quickly.

What comes next?" Liu Hui smiled. "We will formally advance toward the 'Stars' via this super-large Earth orbital space station—that is our third step. Our first destination in this journey toward the 'Stars' will be landing on the Moon, where we will establish our Starry Sky Group's forward operating base.

This large base will feature a fully self-sustaining ecological environment, offering excellent conditions for work, study, and life, capable of housing over one hundred thousand people. Once this forward base is complete, we will use it as our departure point to officially enter the 'Stars.'" Anqi and Chen Changsheng were growing excited. Anqi considered carefully and remarked, "Building a large base on the Moon, housing a significant population and achieving self-sufficiency—that presents a considerable technical challenge.

But if you give me a few years, I believe I can resolve that issue. What follows that?" Liu Hui stated, "The subsequent fourth step is my ultimate lifelong goal: Mars. Although Mars is currently uninhabitable for humans, I will find ways to transform its desolate environment to make it suitable for habitation.

I plan to build several giant human cities on Mars, entirely populated by members of the Starry Sky Group. Mars will become the true home of our Starry Sky Group, where we will construct an ideal society. Only after establishing this ideal society on Mars will we proceed further into the cosmos to eventually conquer the entire universe.

I call this entire endeavor—the Mars Project!" Chen Changsheng, who had been listening dumbfounded, interjected, "Boss, not to pour cold water on your ambition, but your four-step Mars Project is simply too massive. It involves countless aspects. Even the United States, the most powerful nation on Earth, might not be capable of executing this plan, let alone our Starry Sky Group.

Moreover, even if the Mars Project is ultimately completed, who knows how long it will take? We might not even be alive to see that day!" Liu Hui laughed. "Director Chen, I never imagined achieving what I have today, yet I accomplished all of this in just three years.

So, please don't view these tasks as insurmountable. If we work hard enough, perhaps in just a few years, we could be living freely on Mars!" With the aid of the dimensional exchange device, achieving this ultimate goal remained difficult, but the hope of success was significant. This was why he spoke to Chen Changsheng with such certainty, though he certainly could not reveal this secret to him for reassurance.

Anqi's expression became somewhat vacant upon hearing Liu Hui's ultimate Mars Project; she hadn't expected his ultimate target to be Mars. However, she quickly recovered. "Liu Hui, while your Mars Project is incredibly challenging, it also holds a very high probability of success.

To achieve it, we must begin strengthening our reserves of technology and talent immediately. My prior knowledge is somewhat outdated regarding this plan, but given time, I am confident our science and technology can meet the requirements for Mars colonization. If everything proceeds smoothly, perhaps we could be living on Mars in less than twenty years." Liu Hui was overjoyed.

Receiving the endorsement of Anqi, a super-genius scientist, meant his plan wasn't wishful thinking but possessed genuine viability. Chen Changsheng, increasingly trusting in Anqi's research prowess, immediately let go of his concerns now that she saw a possibility of success, filling him with confidence for the future. Liu Hui said with rising excitement, "Then let us work together!

Let us realize this monumental Mars Project together!" He extended his hand, and Anqi, being young herself, felt a surge of inspiration, placing her right hand upon his. Chen Changsheng was equally thrilled, and as he moved to join their hands, he saw Liu Hui suddenly embracing Anqi in a deep kiss again. "Damn it, the boss truly is a lustful animal!

How did I never notice before?" Chen Changsheng finally exclaimed. When Liu Hui returned home, his heart was still pounding violently. He had just impulsively kissed Anqi again.

When he regained his senses, he felt utterly awkward, managing only to whisper an apology to Anqi before hastily retreating, leaving Anqi and Chen Changsheng behind him in the laboratory, even more embarrassed than he was. Liu Hui cautiously glanced toward Hu Xian'er. She was in the kitchen preparing dinner and hadn't noticed his discomposure.

Watching Hu Xian'er bustling happily, Liu Hui was immediately filled with guilt. Although he couldn't quite decipher why those strange incidents with Anqi kept happening, the fact remained: he had kissed her, a physical act that constituted infidelity toward Hu Xian'er. Burdened by his guilt, Liu Hui felt compelled to perform some good deed to atone for his feelings toward Hu Xian'er.

He walked over and leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen. "Xian'er, how about I help you peel those garlic cloves?" Hu Xian'er smiled. "Water Buffalo, you’ve worked a full day; you must be tired.

I can handle things at home; why don't you go watch some TV?" Liu Hui laughed. "What's there to watch on TV? It’s nothing but endless melodramas about romance.

It’s much more satisfying to help your wife. How about I peel potatoes for you?" Hu Xian'er chuckled. "Water Buffalo, you are a man; your place is out there building your career.

You shouldn't be doing housework. I'll peel the potatoes myself." Seeing how considerate Hu Xian'er was, Liu Hui felt an even deeper pang of guilt. "Xian'er, you are my wife.

It pains me to see you doing everything alone. Why don't you just let me help you?" Hu Xian'er smiled. "Water Buffalo, I am your wife; doing these things is natural!

Besides, cooking for you every day is what makes me happiest!" Liu Hui remained standing at the kitchen entrance, refusing to leave. "Xian'er, just find something, anything, for me to do. I am truly bored stiff!" Hu Xian'er suddenly frowned, asking with suspicion, "There's an old saying: Unsolicited generosity often hides ill intent.

Your behavior today is so contrary; have you done something to betray me?" Liu Hui froze, wondering how Hu Xian'er had detected a flaw in his demeanor. He quickly tried to argue his way out. "Xian'er, where is your mind going?

Isn't it just because I care about you? Fine, if you insist, I'll go watch my television." Hu Xian'er suddenly smiled. "How could I not know my Water Buffalo?

I was just teasing you. My Water Buffalo is the best man in the world; you love me so much, how could you ever do anything to betray me?" Feeling guilty, Liu Hui returned to the living room. He sat on the sofa and wiped his forehead, realizing he was breaking out in a cold sweat.

He inwardly breathed a sigh of relief that Hu Xian'er had been focused on cooking and hadn't noticed his distress. The next day when Liu Hui arrived at work, Li Lian placed a pair of gloves on his desk. "Boss, why did you suddenly decide to buy gloves?

The weather isn't cold," Li Lian asked curiously. "Go on, go on, you little girl. What do you know?

I have my reasons for buying gloves," Liu Hui snapped, irritated by his own internal turmoil, chasing Li Lian away. Liu Hui had asked Li Lian to purchase the gloves because whenever he had any physical contact with Anqi, inexplicable, bizarre phenomena would occur. Yet, he couldn't avoid seeing Anqi, terrified that he might again initiate physical contact in a moment of excitement.

That was why he had asked Li Lian to buy the gloves. Liu Hui decided he must wear these gloves every time he met Anqi. If there was no direct skin-to-skin contact, perhaps those strange events wouldn't happen!

Then he wouldn't have to feel so guilty toward Hu Xian'er; he certainly didn't want Anqi disrupting his marriage. Following his discussions with Chen Changsheng and Anqi yesterday, Liu Hui immediately began allocating funds for massive procurement across the globe. He intended to use the purchased machinery to expand the manufacturing facilities on the 'City of Stars,' further increasing their production capacity to hasten the completion of the undersea factory cluster, thereby initiating its operations and securing resources from the deep sea.

As Liu Hui began waving bundles of green dollar bills, equipment suppliers worldwide immediately swarmed in, quickly absorbing the Starry Sky Group’s super-order. In this single transaction, the Starry Sky Group spent one hundred and fifty billion US dollars. This super-order delighted the equipment suppliers, who were also forced to admire the Starry Sky Group's immense financial power.

Some suppliers resolved to maintain excellent relations with the Starry Sky Group and strengthen cooperation to secure more contracts from them in the future. What these suppliers didn't realize was that many of these orders were actually routed to Liu Hui's own companies. Since enterprises in which Star Asset Company held shares also manufactured machinery, Liu Hui channeled a significant portion of the orders to these holdings—after all, charity begins at home.

Liu Hui could profit from the equipment sales through these companies, thereby lowering his own costs. The Starry Sky Group’s money was spent, and the equipment was quickly shipped back to Hong Kong. The production capabilities of the manufacturing plants aboard the 'City of Stars' were immediately enhanced.

Their output now not only met the simultaneous construction needs of the 'City of Stars' and the 'Undersea Factory Cluster' but also left a considerable surplus, allowing the Starry Sky Group to produce equipment and goods for other purposes. While Liu Hui was busy, the 'Starry Sky II,' the super-submarine dispatched to the Persian Gulf region, finally returned to Hong Kong, bringing back Desheng and his team who had completed their mission in the Middle East. Desheng found Liu Hui's office to report on the events in the Middle East.

Liu Hui listened intently, even feeling a jolt of suspense during tense moments. He was extremely satisfied with the performance of Desheng and Zhou Tengyun in the region. Desheng concluded, "Boss, after the captured American soldiers were returned, Commander Zhou returned to the African base, mentioning he plans to visit Hong Kong next month.

Additionally, our desalination ships have resumed operation, now supplying Saudi Arabia with twenty million tons of fresh water daily. While I was in the Middle East, Saudi King Abdullah, along with senior officials from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, came to pay respects. They indicated they plan to visit Hong Kong shortly to discuss the provision of water supply services by the Starry Sky Group." Liu Hui smiled.

"It seems you did an excellent job; you've brought us many potential new clients." Desheng replied, "This is all due to the credit of your foresight and strategic planning, Boss, which led these nations to choose to stand with us." After Desheng finished his Middle East report, Liu Hui suddenly recalled something. "Desheng, immediately dispatch men to investigate a man who frequently interacts with the Sales Company’s Li Zhi. His name is Donnie, and I hear he is a Chinese expatriate from Europe." Desheng looked puzzled.

"Boss, do you suspect something is wrong with this Donnie?" Liu Hui laughed. "No, not at all. Li Zhi is the belle of the Starry Sky Group, and someone in our company is fond of her.

However, she appears to be dating this man named Donnie, so I want you to investigate this man's background to provide accurate information for that colleague of ours, helping him defeat the rival and win the lady’s heart. We can't just let the water flow outside our own field, can we?" Desheng stared blankly for a moment, then asked quietly, "Boss, is the colleague you mentioned perhaps yourself?" Liu Hui blinked, then became suddenly furious. He looked cautiously left and right before whispering, "What nonsense are you speaking?

Am I that kind of person? I have a family, and my relationship with Xian'er is very strong. The person I referred to is from the Starry Sky Scientific Research Institute; his name is Yang Hua.

Where did your mind wander to?"

Desheng kept his head bowed, muttering in a low voice, "I know you're married, but I heard your relationship with Miss Anqi is a bit… ambiguous…"

Liu Hui was momentarily stunned, saying, "Desheng, what are you saying? Speak up a little."

Desheng immediately retorted, "Boss, I didn't say anything. I said I'll go check on this man named Tony right away and guarantee Brother Yang Hua will get what he desires." Then, he scrambled out of Liu Hui's office almost crawling.

"That despicable fellow, how dare he doubt me? Have I really become that unreliable? Good heavens! What about my once so pure image?" Liu Hui had actually clearly heard everything Desheng mumbled, but at this moment, he could only feign ignorance. He sighed inwardly; was his once pristine image truly ruined just like that?

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