Chapter 566
From today onwards, you are all under my care.
"I'm sorry, Miss Chu Qiao, I didn't mean to..."
Upon seeing this, Jiang Yun turned pale and quickly bowed her head to apologize.
She had only just joined the group when she discovered the private affairs of the upper echelons, and her heart was filled with unease, fearing that this slight offense would lead to future repercussions.
"It's okay, it's okay. Just don't look at things in private in the future."
Lin Chuqiao waved her hand magnanimously, showing no sign of blaming her.
Her shy yet reproachful expression only added to her charmingly naive and innocent demeanor.
It completely eliminated the original sense of distance and made them seem much closer.
"Jiang Yun's abilities are very valuable."
The professor aptly took over the conversation, breaking the slightly awkward atmosphere, and also provided a professional assessment:
"Although her mental energy is relatively weak and her perception is not stable enough at present, as long as she trains diligently, her future is limitless."
"I think this ability is perfectly suited for the intelligence department."
"Whether it is interrogating prisoners, verifying the truthfulness of their words, or spying for intelligence and obtaining key information, it plays an irreplaceable role."
"Even during routine missions, we can sense unusual movements in the surrounding crowd in advance and find enemies hiding in the shadows."
"If used properly, it can be a powerful tool."
Fang Cheng nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with the professor's point of view.
Such rare talents would be treated like treasures in any organization or power.
He silently raised Jiang Yun's evaluation level by one level in his mind, listing her as someone who needed special care and protection in the future.
After Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun finished introducing themselves, it was Douzi's turn to remain silent.
Feeling everyone's gaze drawn to her, the little girl instinctively shrank back and tried to hide behind Jiang Yun.
"Bean, don't be afraid."
Jiang Yun gently pushed her back and softly encouraged her:
"Tell our president what your abilities are and what you are best at."
Douzi lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes tightly, and said hesitantly in a voice barely audible:
"I...I and they...are friends."
Who are they?
Fang Cheng leaned forward slightly, trying to make his tone sound less serious.
When asked, Douzi pursed her lips, her face turning pale with nervousness, and she couldn't utter a single word for a long time.
That's right.
Seeing this, Jiang Yun quickly stepped in to explain:
"Douzi can communicate with animals, such as mice, sparrows, stray cats and dogs... She can understand what they are saying and can also command them to do things."
“Before, when we were locked in the basement, we relied on the mice controlled by Bean to secretly pass messages and find out what was going on outside…”
Just then, a rustling sound suddenly came from under the door.
A tiny, snow-white mouse, no bigger than a palm, cautiously peeked in.
It didn't seem afraid of people and scurried along the wall to the feet of the bean.
Then it nimbly climbed up her trouser leg onto her shoulder, stood up, and squeaked twice.
As soon as Douzi saw the mouse, his previously dim eyes lit up instantly.
She stretched out her dirty fingers and gently scratched the mouse's chin, a relaxed and innocent smile appearing on her face.
It was as if, in front of this tiny creature, she was a normal child, not a despised little beggar.
"That's the mouse, its name is Xiaobai."
Jiang Yun watched this scene and reached out to affectionately stroke Douzi's messy hair:
"This child has a hard life. He lost his parents when he was young and relied on Xiaobai for survival when he was a homeless person."
"Xiaobai is like her friend, helping her find food and hiding from bad guys."
"Excellent, he's practically a born scout."
Upon witnessing the interaction between the beans and the animals, a glint of insight flashed behind the professor's glasses, and he sincerely praised:
"People generally lack vigilance towards stray cats, dogs, rats, sparrows, and other small creatures."
“We can take advantage of this psychological blind spot and use animals as informants to infiltrate heavily guarded places and achieve complete penetration.”
"If used properly, the entire Eastern Capital, from the dark sewers to the open sky, even government agencies and military restricted areas, will become the coverage area of our surveillance network."
At this point, the professor turned to Fang Cheng and said solemnly:
"President, please let me take care of this child from now on."
“I will personally teach her how to develop her mental abilities, learn to build an intelligence network, and further cultivate her talents.”
Fang Cheng did not reply immediately.
He simply stared quietly at the little girl, whose clothes were tattered and who only dared to smile when facing a mouse.
In a daze, images from deep within my memory overlapped with reality.
He seemed to see Wen Xin, who always followed him around, calling him "brother".
They were equally lonely and helpless, and equally struggled to survive in the darkness.
Fang Cheng's hardest spot softened slightly for a moment.
"it is good."
He snapped out of his reverie, nodded at the beans, and unconsciously softened his voice:
"From now on, you should study hard with the professor. Remember, from today onwards, the Illuminati is your home, and no one will dare to bully you anymore."
Bean seemed to sense this kindness and paused in stroking the mouse.
She raised her head, her timid big eyes glanced at Fang Cheng, and then quickly lowered them again.
This time, however, she didn't hide anymore, and her eyes shone with a new light.
Fang Cheng withdrew his gaze, lost in thought.
After Wen Xin finishes her exams and starts her summer vacation.
This would be a good opportunity for these two girls, who are about the same age, to get to know each other and keep each other company.
Two children who have both been caught in the rain might be able to share an umbrella with each other, open their hearts, and become best friends.
The interviews with the new recruits were now over, but Fang Cheng didn't rush to dismiss everyone.
He turned his head and nodded to Lin Chuqiao beside him.
Lin Chuqiao understood immediately and walked out the door with light steps.
Soon, Old Chen and Hawkeye, who were waiting outside, as well as Feiying and Fat Tiger, who were resting in the next room due to their serious injuries, were all called in.
With Xiaoya quietly following the professor, the not-so-spacious room was suddenly packed with people.
"Let's all get to know each other."
Fang Cheng briefly introduced the two parties.
Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun seemed a little awkward.
After all, these gentlemen in front of them, although some were wrapped in bandages and some were using canes, could not hide the murderous aura that seemed to have crawled out of a pile of corpses.
Especially that big guy called "Fat Tiger," wearing a black stretch shirt, with bulging muscles all over his body and a fierce look in his eyes, he looked like someone who had been through the wringer.
Seemingly sensing the newcomer's nervousness, Fat Tiger scratched his shiny bald head, grinned, and revealed two rows of big white teeth.
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I just look a bit older than I am, but I have a very good temper!"
As he spoke, his originally fierce face instantly became incredibly kind.
"From now on, we're all on the same side. If anyone dares to bully you, just mention my name, Fat Tiger, and I'll make sure you're all taught a lesson!"
His witty remark immediately eased the tension in Xu Kuan and the others, who even couldn't help but smile. Xiao Ya, standing behind the professor, smiled shyly and nodded slightly to everyone as a greeting.
"All right."
Seeing that everyone already knew each other, Fang Cheng cleared his throat and began to assign tasks to the relevant personnel.
"You will stay here for the time being."
“Yunlin Xiaozhu is located in the Xiguan suburbs. It’s not peak tourist season yet. It’s surrounded by farmland and woods, and there are few people around. It’s a pretty good haven.”
Fang Cheng's gaze swept over the bandages wrapped around Fat Tiger and Flying Shadow, his tone calm:
“The situation outside is quite tense right now, and the military is conducting a large-scale search. There’s no need for us, the Illuminati, to walk into the line of fire.”
"So during this period, everyone's only task is to keep a low profile, focus on healing and recuperating, and also familiarize themselves with the rules of the Illuminati and their new identities."
"Yes, Chairman."
Everyone nodded in agreement, indicating that they understood.
When the professor stayed there before, to ensure safety and avoid being seen by unauthorized personnel, he spent a lot of money to book the entire guesthouse building.
This place is usually very quiet, with hardly any tourists.
With so many people arriving all at once, the landlady beamed from ear to ear, clutching a thick wad of cash.
They wisely kept their distance long ago, never asking a single question about the God of Wealth's affairs.
Fang Cheng paused briefly, then looked at Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun:
"You two stay here for a few days. Once things have calmed down and you've recovered, you can start working with Chu Qiao."
As he spoke, Fang Cheng pointed to Lin Chuqiao beside him and made a joke:
“She’s our big spender and logistics manager, a rich young lady. We can’t expect her to wear a hard hat to the construction site and carry bricks every day.”
"You two should share the workload at the renovation sites of those two new bases, so she doesn't get overworked."
"Please rest assured, Chairman!"
Xu Kuan immediately straightened his back and made a solemn promise:
"I'll take care of all the dirty and hard work; I won't let Miss Lin lift a finger."
"President, please rest assured, we will definitely live up to your and Miss Chu Qiao's expectations."
Jiang Yun nodded with a smile, her eyes full of eagerness to show off.
After assigning the new recruits, Fang Cheng turned to look at the other core combat personnel.
"Old Chen, Hawkeye."
The two people whose names were called immediately stepped forward and listened attentively to the command.
"Your injuries are relatively minor, and I think you've almost recovered."
Fang Cheng looked the two men up and down, and seeing that they were fairly agile, he carefully instructed them:
"Tomorrow morning, you will go to Jiuchang Street in Jiangbei to take over the positions of the other two members of the organization."
"Someone will contact you later to explain the specifics."
At this point, he emphasized his words slightly, his expression becoming particularly serious:
"That's where my family lives. You all keep an eye on things over there for me. Report any suspicious activity to me immediately. Don't let your guard down."
"Yes, Chairman."
Upon hearing this, Old Chen and Eagle Eye exchanged a glance and then responded in a deep voice.
Upon hearing that it was the chairman's house, a surge of warmth welled up in their hearts.
For these people who live on the edge, their families are their most private and vulnerable area, the one that needs the most protection.
The fact that the chairman entrusted such an important rear area to them demonstrates his absolute trust and importance to the two of them.
"As for the replaced hammer and monkey..."
Fang Cheng pondered for a moment, then turned to the professor and made a new arrangement:
"Let them come back and rest for a few days, and then go directly to Wanghu Town."
When Wanghu Town was mentioned, Fang Cheng's eyes became particularly serious:
“That’s my maternal grandfather’s house, and it will also be the future rear base of the Illuminati. I plan to have them set up a base there and deploy a surveillance network to secretly protect my mother and grandfather.”
"Understood, I will prepare the funds in advance and purchase the relevant equipment and materials."
The professor adjusted his glasses, making the task a mindful note.
"And Hiei and Gian."
Fang Cheng looked at the other two wounded soldiers who had not yet fully recovered, and his tone softened:
"You don't need to rush. Just rest here and fully recover from your injuries. Once you're feeling better, you can take turns with the others to defend."
"Alright! This is a good opportunity to sleep in and get plenty of rest so I can fight with more energy."
Fat Tiger chuckled, clasped his hands together, and cracked his knuckles.
Fei Ying shrugged and said nonchalantly:
"No problem, Chairman. I'm ready to serve whenever the organization needs me."
Looking at the room full of people, Fang Cheng felt a sense of satisfaction.
Although the rescue operation for Shen Wei last night was somewhat bumpy and even dangerous for many members, the result was undoubtedly commendable.
With this influx of fresh blood, the core leadership of the Illuminati has been expanded once again.
Most importantly, these people have experienced despair and their character has been tested by life and death. As long as they are given enough respect and protection, their loyalty will not be a problem.
Fang Cheng silently made plans in his mind.
Of course, manpower is still in short supply.
As the Illuminati expanded its reach, such a small group of people became virtually invisible.
However, these things can't be rushed; it's better to have nothing than something bad.
We can only try to recruit a suitable candidate later.
After we finished discussing the important matters, the sun was already setting.
The light inside the room began to turn orange-yellow, spilling onto the floor and adding a relaxing warmth.
Lin Chuqiao looked up at the scenery outside the window and suddenly suggested:
"It's rare to have so many people here, and with new members joining, how about we have a get-together here for dinner tonight?"
"I had some ingredients delivered, and we had a barbecue in the yard."
"Yeah!"
Upon hearing that there was food, Fat Tiger's eyes lit up instantly, and he almost drooled.
"I want grilled chicken wings! And lamb skewers, pork belly, grilled eggplant... all insanely spicy!"
Seeing this, Fei Ying helplessly put his hand to his forehead, almost saying that he didn't know him.
Look at how greedy Gian is! He lives up to his name; he's definitely a glutton. No wonder he's so strong.
Lin Chuqiao's suggestion was immediately met with a positive response from everyone, and the previously somewhat serious atmosphere instantly became lively.
Even the professor, who was usually stern and unsmiling, had a slight smile on his lips.
Seeing that everyone was in high spirits, Fang Cheng smiled slightly, not wanting to spoil their fun, and then took out his phone:
"Alright, I'll invite a few more people over. Let's have a lively time tonight; consider it our first official team-building event since the Illuminati was founded!" (End of Chapter)