Volume 1, Chapter 14: The Enhanced Version of the Beauty Elixir

Li Dingguo’s speech was gradually drawing to a close.

Shen Yuwei and Su Baitao’s moods began to settle.

Although they still harbored deep resentment toward Ye Tian, the two tacitly agreed not to discuss Ye Tian’s identity any further.

After all, they were insignificant and powerless.

Regardless of whether Ye Tian’s status as a genius alchemist was true or not, they had no right to question it.

They didn’t even have the standing to speak publicly.

As long as Ye Tian remained under the protection of the Li family, they were helpless against him.

And equally powerless against the Li family.

They were merely small players, unqualified to shake the foundations of the towering Li clan.

Even if the Li family was staging a grand farce here, they couldn’t budge them an inch.

So all they could do was watch silently from the sidelines.

They watched Ye Tian bask in the limelight on stage, radiantly triumphant.

Yet deep down, their jealousy simmered quietly.

Soon, Li Dingguo’s speech ended.

A warm, sustained round of applause erupted from the audience below.

After the applause, Li Qingcheng finally ascended the stage.

She stood beside Ye Tian.

Their proximity was close enough to breach the usual safety distance a woman keeps from an unfamiliar man.

Anyone with keen eyes could see that Li Qingcheng’s relationship with Ye Tian was far from ordinary.

It was Li Qingcheng, not the Li family as a whole.

Their connection seemed to transcend mere business partnership.

“What a perfect pair—like a golden boy and jade girl, matching talents and beauty…”

Flattering guests, quick to offer praise, launched into distant applause, lavishly complimenting Li Qingcheng and Ye Tian on stage.

Shen Yuwei and Su Baitao exchanged glances, a chill running down their spines.

Weren’t these sycophants just praising us moments ago?

Now they’re shamelessly fawning over Ye Tian’s foul feet?

Golden boy and jade girl?

Matching talents and beauty?

Not even changing the lines.

Those words were nothing but tools, devoid of sincerity.

Shen Yuwei and Su Baitao sneered silently.

“Distinguished guests…”

At last, Li Qingcheng spoke.

Her voice was crisp, pleasant, and filled with strength.

The audience immediately quieted.

Their faces showed anticipation, excitement, or jealousy.

Everyone focused intently on Li Qingcheng’s every move.

Beneath the dazzling crystal chandeliers, bathed in spotlight, Li Qingcheng appeared like an exalted queen.

Her stunning beauty, coupled with her distinguished status, naturally made her the center of attention.

The genius alchemist Ye Tian, by contrast, faded into the background.

Li Qingcheng parted her ruby lips.

“Honored guests, I feel deeply privileged to gather with you all at this grand unveiling today.”

“As you know, the ‘Youthful Radiance Elixir’ from the Li Group sparked a sensation upon its release, winning the favor and trust of countless consumers in the beauty and skincare realm…”

She paused briefly, prompting a round of applause from the audience.

A hint of pride and satisfaction shone in her eyes as she continued, “However, we were not content to rest on our laurels.”

“On the pursuit of excellence, striving to create even more flawless beauty for everyone, we have pressed onward with courage.”

“Therefore, on this momentous day, I am thrilled to share an exhilarating announcement…”

At this point, the entire hall fell into a hushed silence.

Everyone seemed to hold their breath.

Their eyes fixed unblinkingly on Li Qingcheng, fearful of missing a single word.

Li Qingcheng smiled gently and lightly linked her arm with Ye Tian’s.

“The gentleman standing beside me is the brilliant Mr. Ye Tian. With his profound medical knowledge, deep research in pharmacology, and unmatched spirit of innovation, through countless days and nights of relentless effort and meticulous exploration, he has successfully developed an upgraded version of the Youthful Radiance Elixir…”

“Upgraded Youthful Radiance Elixir!”

As she spoke, Li Qingcheng turned slightly, her gaze full of reverence and admiration directed at Ye Tian.

“This upgraded elixir represents a qualitative leap beyond our previous formula. It not only nurtures and improves the skin’s surface but penetrates deeply, working at the cellular level to activate the skin’s self-repair and regeneration capabilities. It precisely targets the various marks left by time—whether stubborn wrinkles, sagging skin, or issues caused by prolonged late nights and environmental pollution such as dullness and rough texture—all can be fundamentally resolved by this miraculous upgraded elixir…”

Ye Tian shrugged helplessly.

Back in prison, he had indeed promised to hand over the upgraded elixir to the Li family for operation.

He hadn’t expected the Li family to move so swiftly, already advancing to the promotional and sales stage.

He could already imagine how wildly the Li Group’s stock would soar tomorrow.

Li Qingcheng’s revelation of the upgraded elixir at today’s launch had truly maximized the opportunity.

“With long-term use of the upgraded Youthful Radiance Elixir, the skin will seem forgotten by time, maintaining youthful elasticity and radiance indefinitely. It promotes a massive generation of collagen, tightening the skin as if newly born, and effectively regulates moisture balance, keeping the skin perpetually hydrated and plump. Furthermore, the elixir contains a variety of rare herbal essences with potent antioxidant properties, capable of resisting attacks from external free radicals, preventing skin aging, and allowing the complexion to glow with health and vitality from within…”

Li Qingcheng continued eloquently.

The upgraded elixir had completed all testing and production phases and was soon to be launched. By unveiling its effects early, she had captured everyone’s attention.

Many guests in the audience could already hardly contain themselves.

Every merchant involved in the medical beauty industry eagerly hoped for a chance to cooperate with the Li family.

Their eyes, fixed on Li Qingcheng and Ye Tian, burned with intense greed and desire.

“This is a major breakthrough in the field of beauty and skincare, a precious gift from Mr. Ye Tian to the world. We at the Li Group are fortunate to collaborate with Mr. Ye Tian to bring this Youthful Radiance Elixir to market, offering a blessing to all who pursue beauty and eternal youth. I believe that soon, the upgraded elixir will become a shining star in the beauty industry, leading a new wave of cosmetic trends.”

Li Qingcheng’s speech finally concluded.

She bowed slightly.

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

Immediately, the guests surged toward the stage like starving wolves spotting a fat prey.

Li Qingcheng and Ye Tian barely had time to step down before they were surrounded.

“Miss Li, our company has a vast sales network. If you partner with us, the upgraded Youthful Radiance Elixir will surely capture the global market swiftly!”

A middle-aged man in a suit, his face flushed with excitement, shouted as he waved a business card, trying to catch Li Qingcheng’s attention.

“Mr. Ye, we’re prepared to offer enormous funding for research and development, only seeking to share in the profits of this upgraded elixir’s success.”

A fashionably dressed, finely made-up woman equally pressed forward, her eyes locked on Ye Tian, filled with eagerness and expectation.

Other guests followed suit, pressing to the edge of the stage.

They surrounded Ye Tian and Li Qingcheng, chattering over potential collaborations.

For a moment, the stage was abuzz with activity.

The clamoring resembled the cacophony of a thousand ducks quacking, filling every corner of the banquet hall.

Amid the crowd, Ye Tian’s expression remained calm and composed—neither humble nor arrogant.

The Youthful Radiance Elixir was indeed his creation.

But how the business would proceed was none of his concern.

That was Li Qingcheng’s matter.

So he chose silence, quietly accepting the business cards thrust toward him, offering only polite nods in return.

Such tedious socializing…

These people were merely drawn by the enormous commercial value of the elixir.

Like flies drawn to a foul odor.

They couldn’t comprehend the medical and pharmaceutical essence behind the alchemy.

All they saw was money and profit, not his passionate pursuit of traditional medicine nor his noble vision for human health and beauty.

Ye Tian had no interest in engaging with them.

…

Shen Yuwei’s face darkened ominously.

She fixed her gaze on Ye Tian, surrounded by the crowd, jealousy flourishing wildly within her like invasive weeds.

Unable to resist, she slowly stepped toward Ye Tian.

Su Baitao, standing beside her, was momentarily stunned.

Shen Yuwei finally reached Ye Tian’s side.

She leaned in quietly, lowering her voice as she said, “Don’t get too cocky, Ye Tian. You fraud. I will find a way to expose your true colors…”