The employee representatives from Starry Sky Group below were momentarily stunned, then erupted into enthusiastic applause. They had originally assumed this paradise-like place was merely Liu Hui’s private retreat, perhaps with a specialized hospital tacked on. They never imagined that the "Starry Sky City" was actually built for the entire Starry Sky Group.

"Starry Sky City" belonged not only to Liu Hui but also to the Group, and crucially, to every person present. The thought of living, working, and studying in "Starry Sky City" filled these representatives with sheer excitement.

Liu Hui waited for the applause to subside before continuing, "The current area of 'Starry Sky City' is only thirty square kilometers, and construction is far from complete. However, starting after the Spring Festival, some departments of Starry Sky Group will begin moving their operations there incrementally. Within six months, every department of Starry Sky Group will be working and residing within 'Starry Sky City.'"

The employee representatives below immediately burst into even more fervent applause. They discerned from Liu Hui's words that within half a year at most, they would be living and working in this magnificent "Starry Sky City," an idea that thrilled them to their core.

Enjoying the ovation for a moment, Liu Hui proceeded, "When you relocate to Starry Sky City, you need not worry about accommodation. Starry Sky Group has constructed a large volume of employee welfare housing there, which will be provided free of charge for Starry Sky Group employees. Naturally, this welfare housing comes with conditions: only once your internal company rank reaches a certain standard can you secure a free-to-use unit in Starry Sky City. Since this welfare housing is a company benefit, ownership remains with the company; you merely hold the right of use. These units also vary in size and luxury, corresponding directly to your rank within the company. The higher your rank, the larger and more opulent your welfare housing will be. The detailed criteria for housing allocation and rank demarcation will be distributed to everyone after the Spring Festival, at which point you will know exactly what kind of welfare housing you qualify for."

The Starry Sky Group representatives paused again, then the entire sports center was filled with thunderous applause; some employees were clapping so hard their hands must have stung. It was entirely unexpected that Starry Sky Group would introduce welfare housing in "Starry Sky City," and that they—the employees—were the direct beneficiaries. If they met the internal rank criteria, they could move in for free.

This incredible news sent those representatives still struggling to secure a home into absolute ecstasy. While the majority of the world, especially the three-generation families in Huaxia, spent their entire lives fighting for a single apartment, they were now being offered free welfare housing—and in the ethereal "Starry Sky City" at that. How could they not be driven wild with happiness?

Liu Hui smiled. "Of course, the company welfare housing will only guarantee your normal living space; it won't be excessively spacious, but neither will it be cramped. If you find the space inadequate, you always have the option to pay out-of-pocket to purchase larger, luxury commercial properties being built within 'Starry Sky City.' This is to cater to the housing improvement needs of some wealthier families."

The representatives instantly breathed sighs of relief. Starry Sky would implement two distinct housing policies—welfare and commercial—in Starry Sky City. Even if they couldn't afford the large private homes, diligent work would certainly raise their internal rank, allowing them access to the welfare units without having to scramble for the outrageously priced commercial properties. From then on, working at Starry Sky Group meant they no longer had to fight for survival over a roof over their heads; any surplus funds could be used to enhance their lives or travel, allowing them to enjoy life's pleasures like their Western counterparts.

Finally, Liu Hui concluded with a smile, "That concludes my overview of 'Starry Sky City.' Specific standards will be issued to everyone in documented form after the New Year, letting you know your eligibility for the welfare housing. My final announcement pertains to this year’s year-end bonuses. The total bonus pool for Starry Sky Group this year amounts to two hundred billion US dollars. The distribution principle will strictly follow your internal company rank: higher ranks receive larger bonuses, lower ranks receive smaller ones. This is entirely irrespective of position, role, or whether you hold an executive post."

The Starry Sky Group representatives gasped again, followed by more hearty applause, this time coming from the very depths of their sincerity, without any orchestration. Last year, the total year-end bonus pool was fifty billion US dollars; this year, it had skyrocketed to two hundred billion. Averaged out, this meant roughly thirteen thousand US dollars per person. While the exact amount would vary by rank, with current rank differentials still relatively small, most could expect at least twelve thousand US dollars—over eighty thousand Hong Kong dollars—equivalent to two or three months' salary.

Liu Hui added, "One last thing: to thank everyone for their hard work over the past year, we have prepared a lavish dinner following this meeting. All dishes will be prepared by our Starry Sky Gourmet Restaurant, guaranteed to be delicious."

Hearing the name Starry Sky Gourmet Restaurant, the representatives instantly swallowed hard. Having dined there often over the past year, they knew the quality firsthand, causing an immediate, involuntary salivation response at the mere mention of the name.

Liu Hui continued, "After dinner, we have arranged entertainment right here in the sports center. We have invited the world's most famous entertainment stars to perform a colorful array of shows and festivities. I guarantee you will enjoy them."

The younger representatives cheered loudly. They were overwhelmed by how thoroughly their boss had considered their enjoyment, even scheduling celebrity performances. Someone spontaneously shouted, "Long live the boss, long live the boss..."

Instantly, the entire venue erupted in a tidal wave of chants: "Long live the boss!" Liu Hui smiled and waved to his employees.

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

After the main conference, Liu Hui joined the banquet with his family. The dinner was held in the enormous plaza adjacent to the sports center. A dining scene involving one hundred thousand people was truly spectacular; without such a vast open space, accommodating so many guests would have been impossible.

Holding his wine glass, Liu Hui casually walked up to several tables of employee representatives, beaming as he toasted them and expressed his gratitude for their diligent work. This thrilled the representatives immensely; they incessantly engaged him in conversation and asked for photos, all of which Liu Hui readily granted. This evening was meant for celebration, free from excessive formality.

After toasting a few tables, just as he was about to return to his own seat, he was stopped by someone.

"Boss, hello. I’d like to offer you a toast," said Sister Gao, holding a glass of wine. Her complexion was rosy, and she looked slightly nervous while standing next to Xiao Yao, who was now just over nine years old.

"Haha, Sister Gao, I absolutely must drink this toast. And not just you—our little Xiao Yao has also made a significant contribution to the company. Her commercials are still airing," Liu Hui agreed readily, drinking with Sister Gao.

Seeing Liu Hui drink, Sister Gao was delighted. She bent down toward Xiao Yao and said, "Xiao Yao, come give the boss a kiss."

After three years of growth, Xiao Yao was no longer as shy around strangers. Though still under ten, her eyes shone with an even greater brilliance; anyone who met her gaze felt, in that instant, that life was beautiful. Hearing her mother, Xiao Yao walked forward confidently, tugged on Liu Hui's sleeve. Liu Hui bent down with a smile, and Xiao Yao planted a hearty kiss on his cheek.

Liu Hui laughed heartily, lifting Xiao Yao up. "I remember when I first met you, Xiao Yao, you were just a little girl playing in the mud. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. Your eyes, Xiao Yao, have become even more captivating. Uncle finds it hard to blink when looking at them. If you grow up and marry someone you love, will Uncle never get to see your beautiful eyes again? That would make Uncle sad."

Sister Gao laughed from the side, "Since the boss likes Xiao Yao so much, when she grows up, she can stay by your side forever, never leaving you. What do you think?"

Xiao Yao murmured quietly, "Uncle, when I grow up, I will stay by your side forever, okay?"

Liu Hui laughed, "Haha, that would be the best. Xiao Yao, Uncle will surely dote on you then."

He then pinched Xiao Yao's plump little cheek. Understanding the innocent, uninhibited nature of children’s words, he certainly wouldn't object now. He figured Xiao Yao would naturally forget such impractical childhood notions when she was older.

Xiao Yao’s face suddenly flushed red. She kissed Liu Hui again, then struggled down, retreating behind her mother, hesitant to look at him.

Liu Hui paused, then chuckled, "Hahaha, our Xiao Yao knows how to be shy now."

Sister Gao smiled, "Children are shy, but they aren't when they grow up."

Liu Hui smiled, then spotted An Qi waving to him in the distance. He said, "Sister Gao, Xiao Yao, please enjoy your meal. I need to step away for a moment."

When Liu Hui reached An Qi, she immediately grabbed his arm and pulled him toward an area with fewer people. Liu Hui was startled and quickly looked around, ensuring no one was watching them, before finally relaxing.

An Qi led Liu Hui behind a large tree before releasing his hand and turning away, ignoring him.

Liu Hui was puzzled. "An Qi, why did you pull me over here?"

An Qi offered no reply. Liu Hui felt a touch of awkwardness. "An Qi, do you have something you need to tell me?"

She remained silent. At a loss, Liu Hui tried tentatively, "An Qi, if you don't speak soon, I'll have to go back."

An Qi suddenly whispered, "Liu Hui, I want to ask you one question."

"Ask away," Liu Hui replied. "If I know the answer, I will tell you."

An Qi suddenly turned, her eyes fixed on Liu Hui’s, and asked, "Liu Hui, tell me honestly, have you ever liked me?"

Liu Hui was shocked; he hadn't expected An Qi to ask such a question at this moment. Her face was flushed, and she carried the faint scent of alcohol; she must have had a little drink and then boldly dragged him here to uncover the truth of his feelings.

Liu Hui thought for a moment before speaking. "An Qi, perhaps some strange occurrences in the last little while have caused you to misunderstand my feelings for you. The reason I kissed you back then—the situation was very complicated, not something that can be explained in a few words. Even if I explained it, you wouldn't believe me. In short, my action of kissing you was absolutely not the true feeling in my heart. If I caused any misunderstanding, I apologize."

An Qi countered, "Liu Hui, I am not asking why you kissed me. I am asking if you have ever liked me, yes or no?"

Liu Hui paused, instantly recalling the intense sense of familiarity he felt when his body touched hers. It was as if An Qi was meant to be the person he loved most. This feeling was uncanny; it didn't seem to originate in his mind but rather felt like a natural reaction stored within his very being.

Thus, every time Liu Hui saw An Qi, a physical impulse suggested he loved her. Yet, in reality, he was married to Hu Xian'er, and before that, there was the missing Liang Jingyue. Logically, being a devoted person, he shouldn't develop feelings for others, but inexplicably, he felt this attraction toward An Qi. This conflict troubled him deeply. So, when An Qi asked if he had ever liked her, Liu Hui found himself unable to answer immediately.

Seeing Liu Hui’s silence, a flicker of joy crossed An Qi’s eyes. She said, "Liu Hui, I know now. You did love me once in your heart. Knowing that is enough to satisfy me."

An Qi paused, then continued, "Liu Hui, do you know? Regardless of any other reasons involved, I have started to love you now. I love you, do you understand?"

Liu Hui was thoroughly flustered. An Qi had just confessed to him, and his head began to spin. By some strange impulse, he blurted out, "But I’m already married, and I love my wife very much."

An Qi seemed even happier, laughing, "So what you mean is, you do love me, but because you are married, you cannot accept my love. Is that it?"

Liu Hui immediately waved his hand, about to deny it, but An Qi reached out and touched his hand. As if guided by destiny, Liu Hui and An Qi passionately kissed again. The previous fervent kiss was purely instinctual, but this one, exchanged after discussing their feelings, carried an element that defied simple explanation. In a way, this kiss truly marked the beginning of a mutual, complicated intimacy between them.

They remained locked in the embrace, and as their rational minds caught up, they did not immediately separate. The physical contact grew slightly beyond their control. Liu Hui wrapped his arms around An Qi, his hands slipping inside her clothes until he grasped the soft, full mounds of her breasts. The silky texture intoxicated him. At this intimate contact, An Qi let out a soft moan, and her whole body trembled.

It was An Qi’s trembling that jolted Liu Hui out of his passion. He swiftly withdrew his hand, looking at An Qi somewhat awkwardly, ready to offer an explanation. An Qi immediately placed the index finger of her right hand on his lips, halting his words.

"Liu Hui, you don't need to explain anything to me," An Qi said. "I understand this feeling of losing physical control. So, I believe you."

Liu Hui asked, surprised, "How could you possibly understand this feeling of physical compulsion?"

An Qi replied, "Because when bodies make contact, you are not the only one whose actions become spontaneous and uncontrolled."

"Not just me?" Liu Hui asked, astonished. "What does that mean?"

An Qi explained, "It means that when I touch your body, I also feel a sense of familiarity deep inside, as if we have known each other for a very long time. And our bodies naturally initiate actions like deep kissing and embracing, as if these movements are emerging from instinct. That’s why, when you kissed me, I didn't push you away; instead, I kissed you back."

Liu Hui was startled. "So you have this strange feeling too? I thought I was the only one. You are so knowledgeable; do you know what causes this?"

An Qi shook her head. "I have researched extensively in private, but none of the materials explain what is happening. If an explanation must be forced, perhaps it can only be described by that 'electric shock' feeling sometimes experienced between men and women."

As Liu Hui was about to speak, An Qi suddenly shrank back behind the large tree, whispering, "Go quickly. Your wife is looking for you."

Liu Hui turned sharply and saw Hu Xian'er nearby, looking around as if searching for someone. Liu Hui instantly felt like a thief caught in the act. He whispered back, "An Qi, I need to go back now."

An Qi also whispered, "Go back. I will contact you again."

Liu Hui quickly straightened his clothes and walked toward Hu Xian'er. The moment she saw him, Hu Xian'er ran happily towards him.

"Shui Niu, what are you doing here? People from the charity committee came to toast you, but they couldn't find you anywhere, so I came looking. I just heard someone mention you might be here, so I came over. Oh, why are you standing here alone?"

Liu Hui smiled. "Oh, nothing much. I drank a little too much wine and felt a bit stuffy, so I came to this quiet spot for some fresh air. Let's go."

Hu Xian'er happily took Liu Hui’s hand, leading him back. But after only a few steps, she stopped, looking doubtfully at his hand. "Shui Niu, what did you touch just now? Why does your hand feel so smooth, and there’s a strange fragrance on it."

Liu Hui froze. His hand had just touched An Qi’s chest, naturally acquiring some moisture and fragrance. He hadn't expected Hu Xian'er's senses to be so sharp as to notice this anomaly immediately. He quickly explained, "I saw a very beautiful flower nearby, so I touched it. I didn't think you'd notice."

Hu Xian'er laughed. "I was just wondering why my Shui Niu would smell of such a strange perfume."

They continued walking, but suddenly Hu Xian'er stopped again, gazing at Liu Hui’s face with confusion. Liu Hui spoke nervously, "Xian'er, what are you looking at?"

Hu Xian'er suddenly reached out, touched his lips, then rubbed her fingers together and sniffed them. She asked with suspicion, "Shui Niu, why is there a woman’s lipstick residue on your lips?"

Liu Hui was alarmed; cold sweat immediately broke out on his back. He had just been kissing An Qi, and naturally, her lipstick transferred to his mouth. He hadn't anticipated Hu Xian'er would notice. Thinking fast, Liu Hui blurted out, "Oh, I guess even little kids wear lipstick these days! She kissed me just now and left some behind."

Hu Xian'er clapped her hands suddenly and laughed. "So it was from Xiao Yao’s kiss! I thought you were being intimate with another woman! Luckily I saw Xiao Yao kiss you just now. Shui Niu, I’m sorry. I wrongly suspected you."

The cold sweat on Liu Hui’s back hadn't even dried before a new sheen of perspiration began to bead on his forehead. His heart was surging with relief. Luckily, Hu Xian'er had seen Xiao Yao kiss him; otherwise, he truly wouldn't have been able to explain himself. He managed a strained, forced smile. “Xian'er, let’s head back. I’m worried Dad and the others have been waiting too long.”

And so, Hu Xian'er linked arms with Liu Hui, and the two walked back intimately. Only after they were a good distance away did An Qi emerge from behind the large tree. She watched the lingering, affectionate silhouette of Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er, a flash of sharp pain crossing her eyes. . ..

More to follow at address RH