Chapter 565
Weapon Master, Mind Reading
The silence in the room lasted for a few seconds.
Jiang Yun turned her head and looked at Xu Kuan beside her.
Their eyes met, and they didn't speak, but they both saw the same determination in each other's eyes.
That was the expression on the face of the person who had fallen into the water and grabbed onto the driftwood.
Jiang Yun took a deep breath and broke the silence first.
"President Fang."
She stood up; though her face was still pale, her voice was no longer trembling.
“If the Illuminati is truly willing to accept people like us as partners, as you say… then I am willing to join.”
Seeing this, Xu Kuan quickly stood up as well.
However, because he moved too quickly, he accidentally bumped into the bamboo chair next to him, making a "rip" sound.
He rubbed his hands together somewhat awkwardly and nodded repeatedly:
"Me... me too. As long as I have a place to stay, I'll do anything. I'm strong and I know a little bit of technology..."
Fang Cheng sat in the main seat, not immediately expressing his opinion, his gaze passing over the two of them and landing in the shadows in the corner.
There was a tiny figure huddled there.
Douzi kept her head down, clutching the two candies tightly in her hand, the wrappers making a slight creaking sound as she squeezed them.
She seemed to have no idea what the adults were talking about regarding "ideals" or "homeland".
It was just like a frightened little quail, wishing it could bury its head under its wings.
And you, little sister?
Lin Chuqiao noticed Fang Cheng's gaze, so she turned around and asked her softly:
Would you like to stay with your older brothers and sisters and be our companion?
Upon hearing the question, Douzi trembled violently and shrank his neck even more.
A muffled sob escaped his throat; he dared not look up at the beautiful woman.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Yun quickly walked over.
She crouched down, gently grabbed Douzi's dirty wrist, and pulled her up from the corner.
Then, like a protective mother holding her child, she pulled her into her arms and said to Fang Cheng and Lin Chuqiao:
"She was willing."
Jiang Yun gently stroked Douzi's thin back, pleading earnestly:
"Although this child is not talkative and a bit slow-witted, she is very obedient and would never cause trouble for the organization."
"Please rest assured, Chairman Fang, I will keep a close eye on her."
Fang Cheng looked at the three people leaning on each other and nodded slightly.
For Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun, their statements at this moment were less a result of being inspired by their grand ideals and more a sign of bowing to harsh reality.
After all, anyone can say nice things.
Whether the Illuminati is truly the beacon standing in the dark world they claim to be, no one knows for sure.
seeing is believing.
In the adult world, trust can never be fully established with just a few passionate speeches.
Those are luxuries that need time to prove themselves.
In Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun's eyes, their thoughts at this moment were even purer and more direct.
Regardless of whether the Illuminati's aims are true or false, one thing is certain.
The man in front of me is strong enough.
So powerful that it could smash down military attack helicopters like toys, and so powerful that it could turn those arrogant mercenary inhumans into corpses.
This is enough.
In this world where human life is as cheap as grass, even being a dog for someone like Fang Cheng is far better than being a stray dog to be eaten by wild dogs.
As long as they can survive, they'll accept it even if this is another den of wolves.
"Since you've all thought it through and are willing to join the organization, there are some things I need to say beforehand."
The professor standing next to him suddenly spoke up, his previous amiable demeanor vanishing, replaced by a businesslike expression.
“Every country has its laws, and every profession has its rules. The Illuminati is not a shelter, much less a welfare institution for the elderly.”
The professor pushed up his glasses, the lenses reflecting a cold light.
"From today onwards, the three of you are on the Illuminati's probationary list, and your status is temporarily set as 'probationary members.' You must strictly abide by all the organization's rules and regulations."
"Pre-member?"
Xu Kuan paused for a moment, muttering those four words to himself.
"Yes."
The professor held up a finger and clearly explained the specific recruitment requirements:
"First, the probationary period is three months. During this period, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities, character, and loyalty."
"Only by passing the assessment can one be formally admitted and become a full member, enjoying the organization's core resources and benefits."
"Second, during the probationary period, you must unconditionally obey any assignments."
"Whether it's the president's or the department head's order, it must be carried out absolutely. If you're told to fix a car, you fix a car; if you're told to sweep the floor, you sweep the floor."
"Of course, any objections can be raised in advance, but once you participate in a formal operation, you must strictly follow orders."
"Third, and most importantly."
At this point, the professor's voice deepened, and his gaze suddenly became incredibly sharp.
"The Illuminati strictly forbids betrayal and infighting."
"If I find out that you are disloyal or leak any information here, then you will face the most severe punishment, severe enough to make you regret ever being born."
He didn't elaborate, but simply swept his cold gaze across the necks of the three men.
The lingering chill made Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun shudder, and they nodded hurriedly.
"Understood, we understand!"
Although the rules sounded strict and even somewhat inhumane, the two of them felt much more at ease.
They had never been involved in any supernatural organizations, but they had all worked and knew a simple principle.
Even a company needs rules and regulations, let alone an organization of supernatural beings that lives on the edge of a knife.
If the Illuminati immediately started befriending them and promising them wealth and glory, then they would truly resemble a pyramid scheme.
I'm afraid that when I get sold out, I'll be the one helping them count the money.
The stricter the rules and the clearer the rewards and punishments, the more it shows that the organization is doing practical work and has long-term plans.
This sense of "formality" is precisely what these homeless wanderers lack most.
After the professor finished explaining the rules and regulations, the atmosphere became slightly tense.
Seeing the two men's respectful and obedient expressions, Fang Cheng coughed lightly, indicating that the white-faced man had finished singing.
Seeing this, Lin Chuqiao clapped her hands at the right moment, and the crisp sound instantly broke the silence in the room.
"Alright, everyone, just keep the professor's words in mind."
"Actually, these rules are not only for newcomers, but all of us, including the president, need to strictly abide by them. As long as we are of one mind, we will be family members eating from the same pot in the future."
Lin Chuqiao's face brightened with a smile again. She walked over to Jiang Yun and, as if treating an old friend, patted her shoulder naturally.
"Although the Illuminati doesn't have many members now, as long as we work together, I dare not say how far we can go in the future, but at least we will definitely have a place to settle down in the underground world of Dongdu."
As she spoke, she generously extended her right hand, her eyes and brows beaming with a smile:
"Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Lin Chuqiao. In private, you can call me Chuqiao."
Looking at the slender, pale hand extended in front of her, and then at the sincere gaze in the other person's eyes, Jiang Yun was momentarily at a loss for words. She subconsciously wiped the sweat from her palms on the hem of her clothes before cautiously extending her hand:
"Hello, Miss Chu... Miss Chu Qiao".
Although the other party said she could call him by his first name, Jiang Yun dared not actually do so.
The way she called out "Miss" was exceptionally respectful, and her eyes were full of flattery.
Lin Chuqiao did not correct her address on the spot, but simply tightened her grip on Jiang Yun's hand slightly.
The initial slightly cold and hard barrier between the two sides melted away somewhat as the two women looked at each other and smiled.
"Now that you've joined, let's skip the formalities."
After the group calmed down, Fang Cheng spoke in a deep voice and continued:
"The Illuminati is indeed short of people right now, but I value the value that each person can bring."
"Whether you're fighting on the front lines or providing logistical support, I need to place you in the most suitable positions based on your abilities and strengths."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over the three of them:
Who wants to introduce themselves first?
"I...I'll go first."
Xu Kuan hesitated for a moment, then raised his hand and stood up first.
After that heart-to-heart talk, he seemed less fearful, and his back straightened up a bit.
"President, I'm not well-educated and don't understand complex mechanical principles."
Xu Kuan swallowed hard and raised his calloused hands:
"But strangely, as soon as I touch the machine, it's like a perspective view automatically unfolds in my mind."
"No matter how complex the structure is, I can tell how the gears mesh and how the circuits run just by looking at it and touching it."
“Back in my hometown, I used to work in a CNC machine tool factory. I could master any process after the master taught me just once.”
Once he started talking about his area of expertise, Xu Kuan's eyes lost their earlier timidity and instead shone with a bright light, and he spoke more and more fluently.
"Later, I came to Dongdu to avoid trouble, and I found a shady shop that modified underground race cars to make a living."
“I can tell at a glance whether those modified Formula One cars have enough cylinder pressure or how many millimeters the suspension is off. Give me the tools, and I can tune that pile of scrap metal into obedience.”
He looked at Fang Cheng with eager eyes, his hands unconsciously mimicking the motion of tightening a screw, as if he couldn't resist the urge to do so.
"If you don't believe me, just take any broken engine or other equipment, and I can fix it for you on the spot, or even improve it."
Seeing his eager expression, Fang Cheng did not immediately let him demonstrate his abilities.
Instead, he turned to the professor beside him and asked:
"When you came, the van you were driving was still downstairs, wasn't it?"
The professor understood immediately, adjusted his glasses, and continued the conversation:
"Yes. That car's powertrain is severely outdated, and the suspension is as soft as cotton; it definitely needs a major overhaul."
"It's not just about increasing speed; to adapt to future organizational operations, we also need to install bulletproof steel plates and concealed weapon slots."
"Okay, let Xu Kuan practice driving that van in a couple of days."
Fang Cheng turned back to Xu Kuan, whose face was full of expectation, and said:
"Since you have this ability, you will be in charge of all vehicle modifications and weapon maintenance in the organization from now on."
"Brother Cheng, there's another task that requires Xu Kuan's help."
Lin Chuqiao suddenly interrupted, and then took out a folded construction drawing from her bag:
"Perfect timing, both of our bases are currently undergoing renovations."
"I drew up some ideas for defensive mechanisms and traps, but they were too theoretical. I need someone knowledgeable to help me draw up the construction drawings and bring these designs to life."
She then looked at Xu Kuan with great anticipation:
"So, what do you think? This is a huge project. Are you willing to take it on?"
"No problem, leave it to me!"
Upon hearing that there were real tools to play with and blueprints to look at, Xu Kuan's face turned red with excitement, and he thumped his chest loudly.
"As long as there are enough materials, I guarantee I'll make the base as solid as an iron barrel!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuqiao's eyes crinkled with a smile:
"Xu Kuan, from now on you'll work for me. First, get the logistics up and running."
Fang Cheng naturally had no objection to this.
After assigning Xu Kuan his duties, he turned his attention to Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun took a deep breath, tidied her slightly disheveled hair, and said softly:
"President, my main ability is in the area of mental perception."
Her manners and speech were much more refined than Xu Kuan's, and her voice was also much gentler.
"I can see the color of each person's aura and sense their current emotional fluctuations. For example, anger is red, greed is yellow, fear is gray, and liking is pink..."
"With this ability, I can tell who is hostile to me and thus avoid danger in advance."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Xu Kuan beside her, her eyes softening slightly:
“Back then, I lived alone in an urban village. It was because I saw that Brother Kuan’s clothes were a clean, warm, pale white that I dared to trust him, gradually got to know him, and eventually we were fortunate enough to be together.”
Hearing his girlfriend's words, Xu Kuan scratched his head sheepishly and stood aside grinning foolishly.
After listening, Fang Cheng asked thoughtfully:
"Besides sensing emotions, do you have the ability to read minds?"
Jiang Yun was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, hesitated for a moment, and then did not deny it:
"Not long ago... I did suddenly have a very strange feeling."
"Occasionally I can hear one or two thoughts that flash through other people's minds, but this feeling is sometimes accurate and sometimes not, just like a radio signal that is not very good, so I am not sure if this counts as mind reading."
"You can try it out now."
Fang Cheng leaned forward slightly, pointing to himself, Lin Chuqiao, and the professor beside him:
"Let's see if we can understand what we're thinking."
Jiang Yun nodded in acceptance, then held her breath and concentrated.
His eyes flickered as he slowly swept over the three of them.
About ten seconds later, a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead, and she gasped for breath.
Then he shook his head helplessly, a look of frustration on his face:
"I'm sorry, President."
"You, Professor, and Miss Lin are all like this. It seems like there's a thick mental barrier around you. My senses are bounced back as soon as they touch it, and I can't get in at all."
Fang Cheng remained expressionless and nodded secretly.
It's normal that she can't read it.
As a top expert who cultivates both mind and body, it would be a joke if my heart were so easily seen through by a newly awakened newcomer.
As for the professor and Lin Chuqiao, they are both experts and masters in the field of spirituality, and naturally possess the ability to defend themselves from being spied on by others.
But the fact that she can sense the existence of the "barrier" is enough to show that she has extraordinary talent.
"but……"
Jiang Yun paused, seemingly eager to prove her worth, and looked at Lin Chuqiao with some hesitation:
"When she came in just now, Miss Chu Qiao was probably more relaxed and less guarded... I vaguely heard her say something in her mind."
"Oh?"
Fang Cheng raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but ask:
What is she thinking?
Lin Chuqiao also stared at Jiang Yun curiously, blinking her eyes, which were as clear as autumn water.
Jiang Yun bit her lip and said in a slightly embarrassed voice:
"Miss Chu Qiao seems to be struggling with... After finishing her work this afternoon, she should take Cheng Ge to dinner tonight. Should they go to that newly opened French restaurant, or go to a seafood stall..."
The air suddenly went silent for a second.
Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng glanced at Lin Chuqiao with some surprise.
Lin Chuqiao's originally poised and elegant face suddenly flushed red.
She coughed lightly, her eyes darting away nervously, and stubbornly said:
"I...I was just concerned about the leaders' meals; it's the logistics minister's duty." (End of Chapter)