"Let's go. I'll drive. We can talk in detail inside," said Ling Qingyu as she headed toward the center of the convoy.
"That's not appropriate," Dean A hesitated, conflicted about letting the boss drive them around.
"Don't say more. Just follow ." Ling Qingyu didn't listen and rely gestured at the six figures, who were still a bit hesitant.
In the end, Ling Qingyu chose a vehicle and shooed away the original driver and passenger, directing them to another SUV.
Xiao Yue took Mo Yunxi and Yin Jingfei with her. The latter two understood that Ling Qingyu had more to discuss and complied with Xiao Yue's direction.
Due to ti constraints and strict security regulations, the pilots and most stewardesses remained on standby inside the Airbus, along with several guards positioned around the periter.
A few stewardesses, granted permission, took the opportunity to accompany Spirit Fox in the convoy.
After all, this was a rare chance to visit the infamous STAR Hospital in person. Within their circles, they had only heard gossip about the hospital after interacting with wealthy clientele.
No news or video streams had ever revealed the hospital's infrastructure, a testant to its strict confidentiality.
Soon, seven SUVs departed, following the lead of two vans in front. Two minibuses brought up the rear.
As the formation left the airport, the rcenaries responsible for airport security discussed the visitor's security details in awe.
"Who arms their bodyguards like special forces?"
"I feel like our weapons and equipnt are inferior to theirs. Team leader, do you have any intel?"
"Quiet! Stay vigilant. I know the chances of danger are low, but do your job well. Don't bicker like ladies in the marketplace."
"Ouch, that's sexist!"
Ling Qingyu had no idea her presence had sparked a new topic. She was simply enjoying the ride. Who didn't love black-armored cavalries?
From ti to ti, she spoke with Dean A, who sat in the front passenger seat. Occasionally, soone from the back would steer the conversation.
Ling Qingyu had no concerns about the people inside her Chevrolet Suburban. They were incapable of harming her.
Hidden weapons were out of the question, as her guards had already handled such matters.
There was no need for old-fashioned pat-downs when Athena's devices could scan through disguises effortlessly, no different from a portable X-ray scanner.
Ling Qingyu had no idea how the technology worked, but she wasn't too surprised by Jas Bond-like gadgets. Athena was better than Q in that regard.
The mont Spirit Fox operators stepped out of the Airbus before her, they had already scanned everyone and declared them safe.
Disguised weapons couldn't escape detection. Even the slightest trace of gunpowder scent could trigger an alarm.
In fact, the Spirit Fox operators didn't like Ling Qingyu riding alone. But since Xiao Yue hadn't objected, and Ling Qingyu seed determined, no one pressed the issue.
After crossing the checkpoint, the convoy passed by beautifully decorated bungalows and hotels, designed to accommodate visitors to the hospital.
Only family mbers and close loved ones were allowed to stay in the hospital dorms. In truth, the dormitories were no different from five-star hotel rooms.
However, wealthy figures had vast networks of relationships, and to accommodate such needs, it was impossible to allow too many visitors to flood the hospital and disrupt its peaceful environnt.
Thus, the hospital had hotels nearby to house them, keeping them separate from patients and their families.
Of course, these venues were built with entertainnt in mind.
Rarely did visitors who arrived in private jets stay overnight or for several days, though exceptions always existed.
Most of the ti, the hotels and the parks filled with beautiful vegetation were void of visitors. Nonetheless, the decorations were beautiful and pleasing to the eye.
There were vast green areas, creating a spacious feeling for any visitors. The blend of man-made structures and nature always showcased the best beauty.
"Don't tell your shopping mall sells well," Ling Qingyu remarked, pointing toward a group of four-story buildings.
From the labels, she understood that this retail area housed luxury goods and supermarkets. Parking spaces were available, but Ling Qingyu found it hard to imagine visitors owning cars here.
"Custors rarely enter, but the mall is ant more for our employees," Dean A explained.
Ling Qingyu nodded noncommittally. Whenever her eyes landed on a particular spot, Dean A and the other leaders behind her were quick to provide brief explanations.
The group passed restaurants, malls, a children's venue, and a residential area, likely built for the staff.
Wow, the treatnt for employees wasn't bad—except that, due to their contracts, they had to stay on the island longer and couldn't move around freely.
Fortunately, entertainnt facilities like a cinema, the park, swimming pool, sauna, and children's playground were available.
The revenue earned from wealthy clients, combined with money circulation among the staff, would generate enormous wealth.
Thinking of this, Ling Qingyu asked in a dangerous tone, "STAR Hospital must earn a huge inco. Where do you spend most of the surplus?"
Dean A straightened his spine and explained, "To ensure we maintain the quality of treatnt over ti, staff salaries are extravagant, and their benefits are imasurable, guaranteeing their ntal well-being remains at its best. The entertainnt facilities serve as a money dumper to help alleviate stress and create a relaxed environnt here."
"Miss Ling wouldn't want to abolish that, right?" Dean A asked nervously. He had long known that businesspeople prioritized profits and liked to cut costs to maximize earnings.
In the past, he could manipulate shareholders into providing benefits and better conditions for his subordinates through his influence.
But this ti, Ling Qingyu was the sole owner of the hospital. No matter what she said, he had to comply.
Noting his reaction, Ling Qingyu understood and continued questioning the hospital's financial flow. Where the six leaders hesitated, she filled in the gaps.
Six people wiped cold sweat from their foreheads, silently lanting their luck—and their foresight in not embezzling funds.
Was this an inquiry from the boss? No, this was clearly a test of their competence, skills, and responsibility.
Their future depended on Ling Qingyu's next decision. They couldn't afford to disappoint her, could they?
Athena: "…"
It turned out most of the inco was indeed spent on salaries, but the entertainnt facilities were running at a loss.
The surplus, squeezed out from the wealthy, was used to compensate for these losses.
Of course, the most costly sector was dical research. As a renowned elite hospital catering to the world's wealthiest, STAR Hospital had its own research base and teams.
With so many research directions—cancer treatnt, AIDS, genetic therapeutic cloning, etc.—it was no wonder that millions were burned so easily.
The latter wasn't heavily pursued due to ethical concerns. However, Ling Qingyu had different ideas, unbound by traditional ethical values.
Despite its many advantages, what worried most people was that this research could be weaponized, posing a threat to human civilization.
Setting aside religious and moral theories, the research had to continue.
Soon, the convoy reached the hospital sector—a true dical zone, resembling a university campus.
The ergency area was rarely active unless a disaster occurred. There was a patient zone, surgery rooms, and individual buildings for each departnt.
Compared to the private hospitals Ling Qingyu was familiar with, STAR Hospital shone like a diamond among grains of sand.
As the group toured the hospital after a brief refreshnt—eating and drinking—Ling Qingyu, her confidantes, and the six leaders road around.
From hospital wards, apartnts, teaching labs, research labs, and offices to the university itself, no area was left unvisited.
Yes, despite having a small pool of students, the university only accepted the best of the best—those talented enough to earn the opportunity to study here under the guidance of great ntors.
Ling Qingyu had to endure the nonstop whining of Mo Yunxi and Yin Jingfei, who regretted missing the opportunity to study here and had to settle elsewhere.
She comforted them multiple tis and made promises after reaching a deal with the deans. Only then did Mo Yunxi finally stop, hugging Ling Qingyu with a smile—her eyes hinting at success.
Ling Qingyu laughed and shook her head, allowing them to run around the hospital. Anyway, they didn't have a tight schedule, even though the plan was to stay on the island for no more than three hours.
Currently, she was standing atop the tallest building along with the six leaders, who had nothing to do. Her gaze hovered over the seaport.
A world cruise trip was held each season, bringing wealthy passengers. Checkups and ergency treatnts were always on standby since the cruise ships had to pass through STAR Hospital as part of their navigation route.
Honestly, the island was no different from a small country.
Ling Qingyu shared her plans with the deans.
"My deans, I plan to build schools—from primary to secondary—for the families of our staff and the surrounding community."
"That's a great idea," the deans praised her with relief. Their boss wasn't solely focused on capital; she also had a sense of humanity.
"In addition, don't hesitate to invest in the welfare of our community. This will benefit both the patients and us," Ling Qingyu added. "For energy independence, I intend to build a tidal power system around the island."
Ling Qingyu described her vision one after another. She aspired for the island to possess its own independent network, relying less on external support.
Of course, in today's modern era, total independence was nearly impossible. Even now, food, drinks, and other supplies had to be transported in.
Nevertheless, Ling Qingyu's goal was to sever ties with the forr owner as soon as possible. Elephant Continent was notorious for chaos, wars, and crises. The country that originally owned the islands could leverage its control to pressure her and siphon away its wealth.
As for military threats, Ling Qingyu rely scoffed—Elena provided the ultimate backing.
She had reined in her daughter to prevent the nation's complete downfall. But if they pushed too far, she wouldn't hesitate to release the rope.
This was why she intended to visit the head of state after arriving on the island.
Speaking of which, when Ling Qingyu ntioned her next plan, one of the won, Carlos, a manager, stepped forward, pursing her lips.
"Ms. Ling, you must be careful when you go there. I'm afraid they're prepared to bully you."
"Thank you for your warning, but I'll be just fine," Ling Qingyu said with a reassuring smile.
The group returned from the highest pillar, and Ling Qingyu dismissed her six followers, sending them back to their posts.
After all, while they might not be busy, she found their constant presence an eyesore, as if they were monitoring her every move.
Ling Qingyu grasped Carlos's shoulder and pulled her into a private room. Seeing her actions, her guards imdiately understood and locked down the vicinity.
"Tell , you have more to say than you acted, am I wrong?" Ling Qingyu wall-banged Carlos with an intimidation tactics and lifted her chin frivolously.
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