The press conference continued, and Mei Peng called on another reporter for a question.

“Respected Dean Mei Peng, hello, I am Jia Zhen, a reporter from Huaxia Metropolis Daily. If there are patients who have no money or have not signed the Medical Cooperation Agreement with your StarSky Group, and they come to your ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ demanding treatment, what will you do?” asked an adorable, porcelain-doll-like female reporter.

Mei Peng chuckled, “That’s a very good question, but I think Mr. Liu Hui, the owner of our StarSky Group, would be better suited to answer it.”

The reporters’ gazes immediately turned to Liu Hui, who smiled, “Ladies and gentlemen, StarSky Group is a company with social conscience. Morality flows in our veins. My father educated me from a young age that one must always remember the source of one's blessings, and know how to repay kindness. We have also considered the situation of the terminal illness patients you just mentioned. Therefore, our StarSky Charity Foundation is already in action, striving to secure excellent terms for those patient friends. That is, in the countries that have signed the Medical Cooperation Agreement with us, we will jointly select one hundred individuals each year from among the terminally ill patients who cannot afford treatment, and our ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ will provide them with free, gratuitous medical care. Of course, these terminal illness patients must be genuinely in financial difficulty; no one must fabricate the truth. If we discover that any country is engaging in fraudulent behavior, we will cancel that country’s annual quota of one hundred free treatments. Naturally, countries and regions that have not signed the Medical Cooperation Agreement with us are not included in this scope.”

The reporters below were momentarily stunned, immediately beginning to calculate. There are currently over two hundred countries and regions in the world. If all of them signed the Medical Cooperation Agreement with StarSky Group, theoretically, the ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ would treat over twenty thousand terminal patients for free annually. This would mean StarSky Group would forgo over twenty billion US dollars in annual revenue, which is quite a substantial investment. Once they understood the figures, they were filled with admiration for Liu Hui’s grand gesture.

Seeing that Liu Hui had begun addressing the reporters' questions, the journalists became excited and quickly shifted the focus of their interviews, seizing the opportunity to pose questions to Liu Hui.

“Mr. Liu Hui, what is the construction cost of this massive floating island?”

……

“Mr. Liu Hui, is this massive floating island a resort you built for yourself? Will you open this resort to the public?”

……

“Mr. Liu Hui, what construction technology did you use to make the scenery on this massive floating island so beautiful?”

“Mr. Liu Hui,……”

……

Liu Hui began answering these reporters’ questions, feeling a slight headache coming on. The media reporters’ questions were exceptionally tricky, but fortunately, he managed to navigate past all of them.

As Liu Hui finished answering the last question, Li Zhi appropriately halted the journalists’ inquiries. She announced, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, due to time constraints, this press conference is now officially concluded. Following this conference, we have prepared small gifts for all of you, which you may collect at the main auditorium entrance. Furthermore, if you are still interested in the ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital,’ you are free to take photographs and conduct interviews here, provided you do not interfere with our normal work order.”

As soon as Li Zhi finished speaking, the astonishing press conference hosted by StarSky Group officially ended. However, the live television and online broadcasts were not over; their specially invited guests continued to provide commentary and evaluations of the event. The reporters were permitted to take photos and conduct interviews near the ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital,’ allowing the world’s populace a more direct understanding of the facility.

At the auditorium entrance, reporters were lining up to receive the small gifts presented by StarSky Group. These reporters had high expectations for the StarSky Group’s tokens. After all, the reputation of StarSky Group preceded it; any gift given by them should be highly anticipated.

“This… this… how is it this item?” A female reporter, after receiving her gift from a staff member, flushed deeply when she clearly read the instructions on the item, then quickly tucked the small gift into her pocket.

More people who received the gift were equally surprised, as this item was highly unusual. What they held was an exquisitely packaged health supplement box labeled “StarSky ** Elixir,” with a brief description of its purported function: enhancing marital harmony between men and women.

Holding this small gift, it was understandable why the previous female reporter felt somewhat embarrassed. However, others began to speculate. They had never heard of a product called “StarSky ** Elixir” before. Did this mean StarSky Group was about to launch this new product soon? Recalling the exceptional effects of StarSky Group’s other products, the reporters holding these gifts suddenly felt a stir of anticipation, eager to find a place to try it immediately and see what the product’s effect truly was.

Although the press conference held by StarSky Group had concluded, public opinion around the world did not quiet down; instead, it became even more fervent.

The ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ had emerged suddenly, claiming it could cure all known terminal illnesses in the world. Although StarSky Group’s assertion sounded somewhat science-fictional, given the numerous effective products StarSky Group had launched previously, people worldwide chose to believe their words. After all, who other than the irrational would not wish for terminal illnesses to truly be curable by humanity?

Under this backdrop, high-level leaders in other countries began frequent meetings and communications, aiming to reach a consensus domestically before negotiating with StarSky Group regarding the signing of the Medical Cooperation Agreement, thereby securing the medical guarantees provided by StarSky Group.

Because, with the medical guarantees from StarSky Group, they would surely live out their full lifespans unless they died of old age or accidental death. Conversely, if their nations failed to reach a consensus and could not sign the Medical Cooperation Agreement with StarSky Group, it would spark civil unrest within their borders, potentially leading to their immediate overthrow by their own citizens and thus ending their political careers.

Liu Hui and Mei Peng paid no mind to the troubles these nations were facing; they returned together to Liu Hui’s home. Today’s press conference appeared to be a resounding success. They had not only successfully launched the ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ but also showcased the existence of ‘StarSky City,’ a paradise on earth, to the world. Furthermore, they had announced their strategic intentions, successfully signaling to the world that if they wanted access to medical care in the future, they should not provoke StarSky Group. Otherwise, not only would they lack medical access, but the citizens of their countries would rise up and overthrow them.

The main reason Liu Hui chose this timing to introduce such a tough policy was that he observed the United States was currently mired in its own domestic troubles, lacking the capacity to suppress StarSky Group’s development. Among the rest of the world, no other nation possessed the strength to challenge StarSky Group. Thus, StarSky Group seized this rare opportunity to enact its strategy of curved diplomacy, using the ‘StarSky Terminal Illness Hospital’ as a decisive weapon to compel the rest of the world to grant them recognition and acceptance.

By the time the United States resolved its internal issues, they would be astonished to find that StarSky Group had already won over the majority of the world’s nations, making it virtually impossible for them to contend with StarSky Group again.

It was already seven o’clock in the evening when Liu Hui brought Mei Peng back to his residence. Since the day was cause for celebration, Liu Hui had specifically invited his relatives and brothers for a gathering at his house.

Upon arriving home, Liu Hui found many people already present. His parents, Hu Xian’er’s father Hu Qingyang and his newlywed wife Sister Ling, Mei Peng’s wife Liu Lin and their son, the fourth brother Yue Wang—everyone was chatting merrily. Seeing Liu Hui and Mei Peng enter, they all laughed.

Yue Wang, shamelessly grinning, teased, “Old Mei, you were quite the star today! So many beauties were vying to talk to you. Seeing how flattering they were to you, I’m incredibly envious.”

Liu Lin, standing nearby, laughed, “That’s just his job; he didn’t do it intentionally. It was just part of the act.”

Mei Peng broke out in a cold sweat, quickly nodding, “My wife understands me best. She knows I was doing it for work.”

Liu Lin picked up their son, Mei Doudou, and handed him to Mei Peng, saying, “This little fellow has been asking for you all day. Since you’re back, hold him.”

Mei Peng was overjoyed, taking Mei Doudou into his arms, intending to kiss his face. Unexpectedly, Liu Lin’s demeanor instantly changed. She grabbed Mei Peng’s ear and roared, “You good-for-nothing Mei Peng! You just went out for work and started acting like you’ve never seen a woman before! You let all those beauties ask questions, and you were staring right at their chests! Now the whole world knows how lecherous you are.”

Mei Peng hadn’t anticipated Liu Lin’s sudden shift. With his hands full holding Mei Doudou, he couldn’t ward off Liu Lin, resulting in her wrenching his ear tightly. The pain was excruciating, but he couldn’t fight back or dodge, feeling deeply wronged as he repeatedly pleaded, “Wifey, don’t! I was working! You just said so yourself!”

Liu Lin didn’t let go, stating fiercely, “Even if it’s work, you shouldn’t act like that! Didn’t you see the live broadcast? They recorded all the ugly scenes of you staring at those women’s chests, complete with slow-motion replays! It’s embarrassing enough for you, why drag your wife and child into it?”

Mei Peng was startled; he hadn't realized the camera had broadcast his subtle glances at the women’s chests. He cursed his bad luck. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He began to feign fainting, leaning back on the sofa while still holding the child, becoming completely still.

Liu Lin paused, calling out, “Mei Peng, what’s wrong with you?”

Liu Hui, witnessing Liu Lin’s sudden fierce expression, felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He instinctively glanced at the smiling Hu Xian’er beside him and decided to help his brother. He said, “Well… Old Mei seems quite tired today. He’s been busy since morning and hasn’t rested or eaten. He might be experiencing low blood sugar, which caused him to faint.”

Liu Lin was greatly alarmed. She quickly took the child off the sofa and shook Mei Peng, crying out, “Mei Peng, what’s wrong? Wake up quickly! I won’t hit you anymore.”

Hearing Liu Hui’s words, Mei Peng immediately pretended to just open his eyes, saying weakly, “Wifey, what happened to me? How did I end up on the sofa?”

Liu Lin replied, “You might have had low blood sugar and passed out. Sit right here and don’t move; I’ll find you some sugar water.” She then turned to look for the sugar water.

Everyone in the room was dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events with Mei Peng. Yue Wang was utterly impressed by Mei Peng’s quick wit, giving him a thumbs-up. Mei Peng, feigning weakness, watched Liu Lin enter the kitchen, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes as he silently conveyed his gratitude to Liu Hui.

Liu Hui smiled inwardly. Seeing the situation resolved, he went to his room to change. Hu Xian’er, seeing Liu Hui had returned, joined Sister Ling in the kitchen to prepare food, chatting casually as they worked.

“Xian’er, I wanted to ask you something,” Sister Ling said.

Hu Xian’er laughed, “Sister Ling, what is it? Go ahead and ask.”

Sister Ling lowered her voice, “Xian’er, are you and Liu Hui intentionally avoiding having children? Why is there still no sign of movement in your belly?”

The smile on Hu Xian’er’s face instantly vanished. She said, somewhat lost, “Sister Ling, it’s not that we don’t want a child; we actually desperately want one. But we just haven’t been able to conceive. We’ve been trying hard recently, but there’s been no effect.”

Sister Ling asked with suspicion, “Xian’er, is your method wrong? You are both young, and there shouldn’t be any physical issues. Why can’t you get pregnant?”

Hu Xian’er blushed and replied, “Sister Ling, our method isn’t wrong, and we are adults; we know about these things…”

Sister Ling sighed, “Actually, the reason I asked you this isn’t just for myself; your father also wants to ask, but he’s too embarrassed to ask directly, so he sent me.”

Hu Xian’er was startled, “What? Even Dad is starting to worry about me having a child?”

Sister Ling said with a hint of disappointment, “Xian’er, are you truly naive, or are you not grasping the seriousness of this issue? Liu Hui’s career is at its peak right now, and his future prospects are limitless. To use ancient terms, he is akin to an emperor in the commercial realm. Do you know about emperors in ancient times? Do you know why those emperors needed so many consorts?”

Hu Xian’er countered, “That’s because those emperors were debauched and shameless, which is why they had so many consorts. Our Liu Hui is not that kind of person; I understand him.”

Sister Ling shook her head, “You still don’t understand what I mean. What I was implying is that besides their own needs for indulgence, the primary reason ancient emperors took many wives was to produce numerous descendants. Any dynasty remains truly stable only when the emperor has heirs; otherwise, internal conflict will arise. Your Liu Hui is currently like an emperor in the business world; his fortune is no less than that of those ancient rulers. If he has no children, how will his commercial empire be inherited?”

Hu Xian’er listened, momentarily dazed, but she finally grasped Sister Ling’s meaning. She said, “You mean, even if Liu Hui himself doesn't mind the issue of children, his brothers and subordinates, for the sake of securing their own interests, will pressure Liu Hui to find a way to have a child? Because only with that child as the heir can StarSky Group achieve long-term development without internal strife, and the interests of their future generations can also be guaranteed. Is that right?”

Sister Ling replied, “It’s good that you understand. Your father has these concerns, which is why he asked me to bring up this question.”

Hu Xian’er mused, “But isn’t it too early to consider this now? Liu Hui and I are still quite young; we have a long road ahead of us.”

Sister Ling smiled, “I know you have a long life ahead, so I am only reminding you to pay more attention in the future. Once you have a child, regardless of whether it’s a boy or a girl, no one will be able to threaten your position.”

Hu Xian’er nodded, “Sister Ling, I understand the issue and will be more mindful in the future.”

Under Sister Ling’s reminder, Hu Xian’er suddenly recalled the topic of children that Liu Hui’s mother had brought up before. At the time, she felt it was too soon to have children and wasn’t overly concerned. But now, it seemed the matter of having a child was indeed somewhat serious.

Thus, Hu Xian’er’s previously cheerful mood became slightly unsettled and turbulent, but she suppressed these thoughts, not wanting this small issue to dampen Liu Hui’s happiness while he was celebrating.

Liu Hui came out after changing clothes and saw Mei Peng lying happily on the sofa, a small, steaming hot towel covering his head, while Liu Lin stood nearby feeding him sugar water. When Mei Peng saw Liu Hui emerge, he secretly gave him a triumphant look, which left Liu Hui both amused and frustrated.

Yue Wang said enviously, “It seems marriage is good; at least someone takes care of you when you’re sick.”

Liu Hui laughed, “Fourth brother, since you think marriage is so great, why haven’t you found a woman to marry yet and keep wandering around? Oh, I remember you mentioned last time you found someone you liked and might even get married. How’s that going?”

Before Yue Wang could reply, the doorbell rang. Liu Hui checked and saw it was Zhou Tengyun.

“Third brother, why are you so late? We’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” Liu Hui greeted him cheerfully.

Zhou Tengyun had contacted Liu Hui earlier, saying he would rush back to Hong Kong that evening, which is why Liu Hui had gathered his brothers and relatives for a lively celebration.

“I was delayed by something on the road,” Zhou Tengyun replied. Behind him stood a small, slender figure—it was little Xie Yuxin, who had visited Liu Hui’s house once before.

“It’s little Yuxin! Do you still remember Uncle?” Upon seeing Xie Yuxin, Liu Hui was delighted and began to tease her.

However, Xie Yuxin appeared very silent, completely ignoring Liu Hui. She was nothing like the girl he remembered from their meeting last year. Back then, although Xie Yuxin was shy around strangers, she was quite lively and adorable once they got acquainted. It was strange how, after a year, the little girl had become so uncommunicative.

Zhou Tengyun said, “Boss, let’s talk inside.”

So they entered the room. Mei Peng’s son was playing alone on the sofa. The moment he saw Xie Yuxin, he froze for a moment, then suddenly recalled a past memory. He stretched out his small hand toward Xie Yuxin, calling out, “Sister, hug Doudou.”

Xie Yuxin seemed not to hear Mei Doudou’s call, lowering her head and staring silently at the floor. Liu Lin smiled, “Little Yuxin, do you remember Auntie? I held you last year.”

Xie Yuxin remained silent, appearing very detached. It was only then that everyone in the room noticed Xie Yuxin’s strange behavior.

Liu Hui felt a flicker of surprise and quickly gave his mother a meaningful look. His mother took the initiative, speaking gently to the little girl, “Little Yuxin, do you remember Grandma? You even called me last year. How about Grandma takes you to the room to have some candy?”

Only then did Xie Yuxin timidly raise her head, but her eyes were filled with a vast blankness, devoid of the innocence of childhood. Liu Hui’s mother felt a pang in her heart and quickly took Xie Yuxin’s hand, intending to lead her into the room. Xie Yuxin, however, turned back to look at Zhou Tengyun. Zhou Tengyun nodded and said, “Yuxin, be good, go inside with Grandma and have some candy.”

Xie Yuxin then cautiously followed Liu Hui’s mother into the room, with Mei Doudou quickly trailing behind. Once Xie Yuxin was gone, not only Liu Hui, but also Mei Peng, Liu Lin, and even Yue Wang looked at Zhou Tengyun with a degree of indignation.

Liu Hui asked, "Third Brother, tell us, how did you turn an adorable young girl into what she is now?"

Zhou Tengyun sighed instead, saying, "I never wanted this either. I racked my brains for her upbringing, even specifically hiring a private tutor for her from Europe. Who knew how she would end up like this?"

Hu Xian'er, being sharp, inquired, "Are there no women or young children at your African base?"

Zhou Tengyun replied, "Since it's a military base, how could there possibly be women and children there?"

Hu Xian'er then asked, "So, did Yuxin often get to witness your training sessions?"

Zhou Tengyun nodded. "She was just a child, and with no women or other children to play with at the base, she would watch us conduct military drills whenever she was bored."

Liu Lin asked, "And did you talk with Yuxin often?"

Zhou Tengyun shook his head. "No, I rarely had time normally, so I seldom chatted with her. However, whenever I did have time, I would personally tell her stories."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lin became furious. "Zhou, Third Brother, how could you treat a young girl this way? Do you realize that because of your ignorance, little Yuxin was exposed to these terrifying things from your training at such a tender age? Do you know what a massive shadow that would cast over her young mind? Moreover, even though you hired a specialized teacher for her education, you never cared about what she felt inside. Her current isolation and coldness—you are entirely responsible for all of it."

Thanks to the book friend: Qixi※Lou Jinye for the 588 coin tip.

Thanks to the book friend: Dahan Guoxing LIU for becoming the second Deacon of this book.

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