Two children who have both been caught in the rain might just be able to hold an umbrella for each other, open their hearts, and beco the closest of friends.
With the interviews for new mbers complete, Fang Cheng didn’t rush to dismiss everyone.
He turned his head, nodding slightly to Lin Chuqiao beside him.
Lin Chuqiao understood imdiately and, with light steps, walked out of the room.
Soon, Old Chen and Eagle Eye, who had been waiting outside, along with Fei Ying and Fatty Hu, who were resting in the adjacent room due to more severe injuries, were called in.
With the addition of Xiao Ya, who silently followed the Professor, the not-so-spacious room was suddenly packed with people.
"Everyone, get a good look at each other’s faces."
Fang Cheng simply introduced both sides to each other.
Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun appeared a bit uneasy.
After all, these esteed figures, though so were wrapped in bandages and others leaning on crutches, couldn’t hide the aura of people who had crawled out of a pile of corpses.
Especially the big guy nad "Fatty Hu," clad in a black elastic shirt, his muscles bulging, with a fierce glint in his eyes, clearly soone who lives on the edge.
Noticing the newcors’ tension, Fatty Hu scratched his shiny bald head and grinned, revealing two rows of big white teeth.
"Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, I just look a bit intimidating, but I’ve got a really good temper!"
As he spoke, his previously fierce-looking face instantly transford into one of pure amiability.
"We’re all on the sa side now. If anyone dares to bully you, just ntion my na, Fatty Hu, and I guarantee to make them behave!"
With his humorous interjection, Xu Kuan and the others visibly relaxed their tense nerves and even couldn’t help but smile.
Standing behind the Professor, Xiao Ya gave a shy smile and nodded gently to everyone, serving as her greeting.
"Alright."
Seeing that everyone was acquainted, Fang Cheng cleared his throat and began assigning related tasks.
"For the ti being, you’ll all temporarily stay here."
"Yunlin Cottage is located in the West Gate Suburb. It’s not yet the tourist season, so the surrounding area is mostly farmland and forests, sparsely populated, making it quite a good hideout."
Fang Cheng scanned over the bandages on Fatty Hu and Fei Ying, speaking calmly:
"The outside situation is tense, and the military’s search efforts are extensive. There’s no need for us, the Illuminati, to run into the line of fire."
"So for now, your only tasks are to lay low, focus on recovery, and get familiar with the Illuminati’s rules and your new identities."
"Understood, Chairman."
Everyone nodded in response, indicating their understanding.
When they first moved in, to ensure safety and prevent unwanted eyes and ears, the Professor directly spent a large sum to book the entire guesthouse.
The place was usually quiet anyway, with hardly any tourists.
Now that suddenly so many people have arrived, the landlady was handed a thick wad of cash and couldn’t stop smiling.
She had wisely kept her distance, never asking a single question about the affairs of such generous patrons.
Fang Cheng paused briefly, then looked at Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun:
"The two of you will stay here for a few days. Once things settle down and you’re fully recovered, you’ll start working with Chu Qiao."
As he spoke, Fang Cheng gestured towards Lin Chuqiao beside him, joking:
"She’s our major financier and logistics chief, a young lady of great ans. We can’t have her wearing a hard hat to the construction site every day."
"You two should share the load at the renovation sites of the two new bases, don’t wear her out."
"Rest assured, Chairman!"
Xu Kuan imdiately straightened up, confidently assuring:
"I’ll handle all the tough and dirty work, won’t let Miss Lin lift a finger."
"Rest assured, Chairman, we won’t let you and Miss Chuqiao down."
Jiang Yun also nodded, smiling, her eyes eager to prove her capabilities.
With the newcors settled, Fang Cheng turned to the other core combat mbers.
"Old Chen, Eagle Eye."
The two n quickly stepped forward half a pace, listening intently.
"Your injuries are lighter, and you seem to have recovered quite well."
Fang Cheng gave them a quick once-over, seeing that they were moving quite agilely, then carefully instructed:
"Tomorrow morning, head to Old Factory Street in Jiangbei to stand in for two other mbers."
"Details will be provided when soone contacts you then."
At this point, he slightly intensified his tone, his expression particularly serious:
"That’s my family’s residence. Keep an eye on the happenings there and report any suspicious activity to imdiately, and don’t let your guard down."
"Yes, Chairman."
Old Chen and Eagle Eye exchanged a glance, then firmly agreed.
Upon hearing it was the Chairman’s ho, a warm feeling surged in their hearts.
For those who live on the edge like them, family is the most private, vulnerable part needing protection.
Entrusting such an important rear position to them showed the Chairman’s absolute trust and regard for them.
"As for Big Hamr and Monkey who will be replaced..."
Fang Cheng pondered a mont, then turned to the Professor with new arrangents:
"Let them rest for a few days, then head directly to Wanghu Town."
ntioning Wanghu Town, Fang Cheng’s eyes beca especially serious:
"That’s my grandfather’s ho, and the future major base for the Illuminati. I’m planning to have them establish a station there, set up a surveillance network, and secretly protect my mom and grandfather."
"Understood, I’ll prepare funds in advance to purchase the necessary equipnt and materials."
The Professor pushed his glasses up, committing this task to mory.
"As for Fei Ying and Fatty Hu."
Fang Cheng looked at the two injured mbers yet to fully recover, his tone softening:
"No need to rush, just rest well here and recover completely. Once you’re back to full strength, you’ll rotate posts with others."
"Got it! Perfect chance to catch up on sleep, recharge, and get engaged in a fight with full energy."
Fatty Hu chuckled, clasping his hands together, causing his knuckles to crack loudly.
Fei Ying shrugged, nonchalantly saying:
"No problem, Chairman. Ready whenever the organization needs us."
Looking at the full room, Fang Cheng felt a sense of contentnt.
Last night’s operation to rescue Shen Wei had its twists and turns, even so close calls for many mbers, but the outco was definitely positive.
With this fresh blood injected, the core team of the Illuminati was strengthened once again.
Most importantly, these people had faced despair and survived life-and-death trials. As long as they were given enough respect and shelter, their loyalty wasn’t an issue.
Fang Cheng was quietly calculating in his mind.
Of course, manpower was still lacking.
As the Illuminati expanded more, spreading this few people around barely made a sound.
However, such matters can’t be rushed, better to have fewer but better people.
They’ll just have to find the right ones down the line.
With business concluded, the sun was beginning to set westward.
The light inside the room turned a warm orange-yellow, casting a relaxed and warm atmosphere over the floor.
Lin Chuqiao glanced at the scenery outside the window and suddenly suggested:
"We seldom have everyone together, and with new mbers joining, how about we hold a gathering here tonight?"
"I’ve had so ingredients delivered; we can have a barbecue in the yard."
"Aweso, aweso!"
Upon hearing about food, Fatty Hu’s eyes instantly lit up, almost drooling:
"I want grilled chicken wings! And lamb skewers, pork belly, grilled eggplants...all extra spicy!"
Seeing this, Fei Ying helplessly held his forehead, almost disowning him.
With Fatty Hu’s greedy look, it was clear he was a foodie, matching his na, no wonder he was so well-built.
Lin Chuqiao’s suggestion was imdiately welcod by everyone, quickly lightening the previously tense atmosphere.
Even the normally stern-faced Professor showed a hint of a smile.
Seeing the high spirits, Fang Cheng smiled, not wanting to dampen the mood, and then took out his phone:
"Alright, I’ll invite a few more people over, let’s have a lively evening, marking our Illuminati’s first official team-building event since its inception!"
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