A sudden cry of surprise echoed through the air, disrupting the tranquil atmosphere. "Our esteemed No. 2 has returned, marvelously!" the voice exclaimed.

Beneath the watchful gaze of onlookers, a colossal crocodile emerged from the depths of the water, venturing onto the open expanse of the hall. Every pair of eyes fixated upon the creature, gradually discerning the extent of its plight, causing many to gasp in disbelief.

"Oh heavens, this cannot be true!" exclaimed one person, their voice fraught with disbelief.

"How could our beloved number 2 be in such a state?" queried another, their tone filled with doubt.

"Damn it! What on earth has happened?" cursed someone else, their frustration palpable.

Silence permeated the surroundings, broken only by the murmurs of astonishment. Ram Scott, seething with anger, clenched his fists tightly. These two crocodiles were his cherished companions, and to witness the second one adorned with injuries was nothing short of an insult.

A wound of staggering proportions was of concern, measuring a meter in length and reaching a depth that seemed to graze the very bone. The severity of the injury cast doubt upon No. 2's chances of a smooth recovery in the coming days.

Who could have committed such an act?

The question resounded within Ram Scott's mind, each syllable echoing with rage. His eyes burned with an infernal fire, reflecting the depths of his fury.

The scientists, aware of the gravity of the situation, hurriedly embarked upon a lengthy sequence of instructions. The crocodile, eventually succumbing to slumber, became the focus of their meticulous examinations.

The more they probed, the greater their alarm grew.

The injuries sustained by the crocodile bore the distinctive marks of biting and the punctures of sharp implements. Their hearts quivered at the thought—what manner of creature could inflict such wounds upon No. 2?

And what could have caused the deep gashes inflicted by a sharp object of such considerable size? Who possessed the strength to wield such a colossal instrument?

Their thoughts spun in circles in their perplexity, confounding any semblance of resolution.

With its belly satiated, Bawang luxuriated in a profound slumber lasting over ten hours. Upon awakening, a sense of contentment coursed through its body. The fish had proved to be a delectable treat, enticing it to seize another for its indulgence.

This newfound abode exuded an air of serenity and comfort, albeit temporary. Sleep came quickly without disturbance, making it an idyllic haven.

Contemplating its surroundings, Bawang ventured outside, yearning to explore the periphery of its newfound home.

Following the cavern's winding path, Bawang soon arrived at the shore, casting its gaze across the vast expanse of the ocean, stretching for dozens of nautical miles.

Located amidst an archipelago, this area formed part of an expansive underwater mountain range spanning thousands of kilometres. As the mountains emerged from the depths, some transformed into picturesque islands.

The water surrounding the island chain exhibited varying depths, ranging from shallow tens of meters to profound hundreds of meters. The abundance of marine life lent a vibrant tapestry to the ocean's depths—a colourful realm teeming with diverse fish, akin to an underwater forest in regions adorned with sprawling seaweed beds.

Bawang devoted an hour to familiarising itself with the surroundings, gradually assimilating the details. Yet, its insatiable hunger tugged at its stomach, compelling it to return to the cavern's enticing feast.

A deep hunger pervaded its being, intensifying with each passing moment.

Overlord seized a great white shark, only to find its taste sorely lacking. It was akin to a connoisseur of fine cuisine being forced to endure the mediocrity of a meagre roadside eatery's fare—a dull and lacklustre experience.

Guided by instinct, Overlord retraced its steps into the cavernous hall, positioning itself before the colossal prehistoric fish with its gaping maw. Without hesitation, it began feasting; its jaws extended wide to accommodate the bountiful meal.

It consumed fifty to sixty tons of fish in one continuous motion, and its stomach finally satiated. A comforting sense of fullness permeated its being as it reclined leisurely upon the ground.

A peculiar warmth spread throughout its body, induced by the consumption of these fish. Gradually, drowsiness settled upon it, and it was not long before it surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

This time, it slumber lasted no more than five or six hours before he awoke, roused by a persistent hunger. Bawang promptly indulged in yet another substantial meal.

In the ensuing days, its routine revolved around eating, sleeping, and eating. Occasionally, it ventured outside to bask in the surroundings for a brief respite, never exceeding two hours.

While at the entrance to the community gate, Liu Jianping, Liu Wenkang, and Liu Hongyuan stood, their gaze fixed upon the rows of stacked villas before them. A tinge of trepidation gripped their hearts, rendering them hesitant to venture further.

They had journeyed from their rural hometown precisely to locate Liu Yong, having obtained his address from Liu Hongfu. However, the sight of the majestic villas proved overwhelming for individuals unaccustomed to such luxury, leaving them uneasy.

"Jianping, why don't you give him a call and inquire?" suggested Liu Wenkang, the village party committee secretary. Liu Hongyuan, Liu Hongfu's cousin and a relative, nodded in agreement.

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Following their suggestion, Liu Jianping extracted his mobile phone and swiftly dialled the number. The call connected promptly, and the familiar voice of Liu Hongfu resonated from the other end, brimming with delight.

"Jianping, have you arrived? I'll come to pick you up," Liu Hongfu exclaimed. Within minutes, he arrived, exuding sheer joy. The joy of their reunion was palpable.

Guided by Liu Hongfu's enthusiastic lead, they embarked on the journey. "Behold, that building is my humble abode," he declared.

Stepping into the villa, Liu Jianping, Liu Wenkang, and Liu Hongyuan resembled characters from the classic novel, "Dream of the Red Chamber," marvelled and envious at every turn. Everything seemed novel and pristine, leaving them captivated.

Liu Hongfu extended a warm invitation. "Please, make yourselves at home. Treat this place as your own, and feel free to sit wherever you please."

With cautious steps, the trio gingerly settled onto the luxurious sofa. Liu Jianping voiced his thoughts, addressing Liu Hongfu, "Hongfu, this is the house your son purchased. It must have cost several million."

Millions!

To rural inhabitants, such an astronomical sum represented a fortune beyond comprehension. Liu Wenkang and Liu Hongyuan concealed their astonishment, their hearts rendered speechless.

Casually, Liu Hongfu revealed, "I heard it was acquired for a mere 2,000 yuan initially."

What!

Over twenty million!

The collective gasp that escaped the three men's lips painted a portrait of utter disbelief. They had never fathomed the exorbitant price tag attached to this grand house.

At that moment, Zhou Xiuying approached with a tray of fruits, her voice brimming with warmth. "Please, enjoy the fruits. They are absolutely delightful."

These fruits were of the highest quality, imported luxuries unfamiliar to the trio. While trepidation prevented them from partaking, Zhou Xiuying insisted, pressing a few fruits into their hands.

Liu Jianping sampled a cherry and inquired, "Where is Liu Yong? Has he left for work?"

Liu Hongfu responded, "He should be at the company. Nowadays, he rarely returns home, preferring to reside in his spacious villa."

What!

Liu Yong had acquired another villa, an expansive property. It became apparent that the contemporary villa was reserved solely for the elderly couple's use.

Liu Wenkang contained his curiosity and posed the question, "Liu Yong has procured yet another villa. It must have covered a considerable area and incurred substantial costs."

Liu Hongfu beamed with pride, proclaiming, "It occupies around five or six acres, and the price tag came to a staggering one or two hundred million yuan."

Good heavens!

The three men were dumbfounded, struggling to process the concept of spending one or two hundred million yuan on a mere five or six-acre property.

While they were aware of Liu Yong's wealth, they could never have anticipated the extent of his affluence.