The next day, Liu Hui arrived at the command center atop "Star City" early in the morning, beginning to arrange the restoration of construction projects and the reopening of external shipping matters.

During the time they were surrounded by the five warships, the interruption of maritime transport to the outside world had led to a massive backlog of finished products on "Star City." These goods could not be shipped out, and conversely, a large amount of necessary supplies could not be brought in.

Now that maritime transport was resumed, the several colossal docks of "Star City" immediately buzzed with activity. Countless materials were shuttled between the various piers, and ship after ship of supplies began their outward journey. With the resumption of both sea transport and construction engineering, the entire "Star City" instantly regained its potent vitality.

And having survived this crisis, the personnel on "Star City" now carried an added layer of confidence—a self-assurance that further solidified the cohesion of the entire metropolis.

Liu Hui worked in the operations command center, coordinating the myriad affairs of "Star City" while simultaneously monitoring the movements of the American and Russian warships on the sea.

"Boss, the US and Russian warships and submarines have all retreated beyond the two-hundred-kilometer perimeter of our 'Star City' waters."

"What are their current movements?" Liu Hui inquired.

"After pulling out of our territorial waters, the fleets of both nations have stopped retreating; they are currently loitering in the vicinity."

"Heh heh, still clinging to some hope, are they! Right, what about their two support fleets?" Liu Hui asked.

"The support fleets of both countries are also holding their positions, neither advancing nor retreating."

"Heh, it seems they can't make the final call; they're likely waiting for a decision from back home," Liu Hui chuckled.

"Boss, according to our satellite surveillance, the warships from the UK, France, and Germany that were originally heading toward our 'Star City' have all ceased their advance and are now returning along their original routes toward their home countries."

"Those European nations are quite quick to react! What about the fleet from Huaxia?" Liu Hui stroked his chin and asked with a smile.

"The Huaxia fleet has been continuously withdrawing since they started retreating last night; they are now five hundred kilometers away from us. Judging by their course, they are preparing to return home."

"Mmm, good. It seems they have some self-awareness," Liu Hui nodded. Just then, he received a call from the Luo family back home.

"Old Master Luo, what made you think of calling me?" Liu Hui asked playfully, chuckling.

"Xiao Hui, I'm currently on a plane flying to your 'Star City.' I should arrive in about two hours. Let's discuss whatever it is in detail once I get there!" Luo Tianmin stated over the phone.

"Very well, then I shall await your esteemed presence here at 'Star City,'" Liu Hui replied.

"What was destined to come has finally arrived," Liu Hui murmured with a sigh after hanging up the phone.

In the few days Liu Hui had been suddenly absent, an immense amount had transpired. Not only had "Star City" faced the predicament of being encircled by the combined navies of four nations, but domestic negotiations had also been suspended, and warships had even been dispatched towards "Star City." This action had reopened fissures in the relationship that had begun to mend between the two sides. Luo Tianmin’s personal visit now was undoubtedly intended to smooth over those strained ties.

Two hours later, Luo Tianmin's aircraft touched down at the airport on "Star City," and he was immediately escorted to Liu Hui's office.

"Old Master, you’ve arrived!" Liu Hui greeted him with a smile.

"Yes, I have," Luo Tianmin replied with a wry smile.

"In that case, let's have all unrelated parties step out. Let's hold a closed-door meeting between the two of us," Liu Hui suggested with a smile, signaling his own staff to exit.

Luo Tianmin paused for a moment, then waved his hand, dismissing his own entourage from the room.

With all non-essential personnel gone, Luo Tianmin asked, "Xiao Hui, where were you these past few days? Why did I hear they were saying you were missing?"

Liu Hui laughed, "That’s absolute rumor. I’ve been right here on 'Star City,' how could I be missing?"

Luo Tianmin asked doubtfully, "But if you were on 'Star City,' why didn't you show your face?"

Liu Hui sighed, "After working for so long, can't I be allowed a short break? The only reason I didn't show up was simply to rest properly for a few days—surely that's acceptable? Old Luo, it’s actually some of the things you people did these past few days that were rather unkind!"

Seeing Liu Hui brush off the matter of his absence so lightly, Luo Tianmin also pretended not to understand and inquired, "Xiao Hui, where were we unkind?"

Liu Hui stated, "What was the deal with your negotiation team in Hong Kong? Why did you suddenly halt talks with us and return to the mainland?"

Luo Tianmin laughed, "It seems the head of that negotiation team suddenly had a child and had to rush back. The members under him misunderstood his intent and went back with him. You must understand, these people were all professionals we hired temporarily. While they possess professional insight, their personal actions do not represent the stance of our senior leadership."

Liu Hui, who was taking a sip of tea, spat it out instantly upon hearing Luo Tianmin’s words. He coughed violently a few times before saying with a bitter smile, "Old Luo, I truly pity you people."

Luo Tianmin looked surprised. "Why do you pity us?"

Liu Hui replied, "How many tall tales do you have to invent every day? Aren't you tired? And is telling falsehoods like this enjoyable day in and day out? Furthermore, the quality of these lies is declining. How did it end up being blamed on temporary staff? How could temporary staff be involved in such crucial negotiations?"

Luo Tianmin’s old face flushed red with embarrassment. "Heh heh, well... perhaps we should stick to business matters!"

Liu Hui immediately dropped his smile and said, "Fine. I won't dwell on what has passed. Let's discuss the main issues now."

Luo Tianmin’s spirits lifted, knowing that the most critical part of the meeting had arrived.

"Old Luo, I am very dissatisfied with your actions this time. You not only terminated negotiations with us but also deployed warships to our 'Star City.' These actions severely damaged our mutual interests and have led to an increase in the points of divergence between us," Liu Hui stated sternly.

"Well... Xiao Hui, you must understand, I personally opposed that course of action. But as you know, I don't have the final say back home; I must execute their resolutions," Luo Tianmin thought for a moment, deciding to be frank.

"If that is the case, then there is no need for me to talk with you, as you can't make the decisions anyway," Liu Hui said coolly.

"This..." Luo Tianmin was surprised; he hadn't expected Liu Hui's attitude to become so rigid.

"If you can meet one prerequisite, our cooperation isn't entirely off the table..." Liu Hui suddenly said.

Luo Tianmin immediately asked, "Which prerequisite?"

Liu Hui stated, "Old Luo, you know my relationship with the Guo family is somewhat tense. I believe this recent incident had a significant push from the Guo family behind the scenes."

Luo Tianmin nodded. "That is true. Although their influence is gradually waning, they still hold decision-making power in many matters."

Liu Hui suddenly shifted his tone. "Old Luo, there is currently a matter that could bring great glory to Huaxia. I wonder if you have the interest to pursue it?"

Luo Tianmin was momentarily stunned and quickly asked, "What matter could bring glory to Huaxia?" In his view, almost nothing seemed capable of achieving that honor currently.

Liu Hui smiled, "Isn't the South China Sea issue causing such a huge stir right now? Not only Vietnam and the Philippines are causing trouble for you, but the US, ASEAN, India, and Japan are also preparing to get involved. You are quite passive right now, aren't you?"

Luo Tianmin admitted with distress, "Indeed, the South China Sea issue is highly troublesome; it’s rapidly becoming an international problem. We are constantly on the defensive in that regard."

Liu Hui proposed, "If you could fully reclaim the South China Sea now, do you think that accomplishment would qualify as honoring your ancestors and warranting eternal fame in history?"

Luo Tianmin sighed and stated honestly, "We certainly wish to do that, but the South China Sea situation is deeply intertwined and involves numerous facets. With our current strength, we are incapable of fully reclaiming the entire sea."

Liu Hui suddenly smiled cryptically, "The South China Sea issue was indeed complex in the past, but it is different now. As long as 'Star City' makes a move, we possess the absolute capability to help you reclaim the entire South China Sea."

Luo Tianmin started, rising excitedly. "Xiao Hui, are you jesting with me? This involves the US and Japan, as well as several other factions. What capability do you possess to take back the South China Sea?"

Liu Hui laughed, "Old Luo, you are of such advanced years, how can you still be so impatient? Sit down first, let's talk."

After his initial excitement faded, Luo Tianmin sat down, suppressing his astonishment, to hear Liu Hui's explanation.

Liu Hui said, "Old Luo, if our negotiations succeed, we can immediately help you fully reclaim the South China Sea. If the negotiations fail, then just consider I never mentioned this matter."

Luo Tianmin responded, "If reclaiming the South China Sea is included as one of the negotiation terms, then we could certainly make concessions in many other areas."

Luo Tianmin was confident in saying this. He knew that if they could recover the South China Sea, their prestige within the country would soar to unprecedented heights, mitigating their current difficulties significantly. They could even leverage this prestige to push through reforms that had previously obstructed Huaxia's rise. Thus, reclaiming the South China Sea was an event of monumental importance to them, and the one who accomplished this great mission would inevitably be recorded in the annals of Huaxia's history. ～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～ Thanks to the book friend: Big Han Country Name Liu for the 5888 coin reward. To be honest, this is the largest single reward the book has received so far. I also want to thank you for becoming the Helmsman of this book! Thanks to the book friend: Ambassador for the 588 coin reward, and thanks for your two 6000-character update tickets. Thanks to the book friend: ￠Dolphin Swim￡ for one update ticket. Thanks to the anonymous book friend for one rating ticket! Thanks to the book friend: Blue Fantasy for your support! Thank you all; it is precisely because of your support that this book will become more and more exciting! RO