501: Chapter 501 With abundant resources, base construction

This top floor adopted a semi-enclosed composite structural design.

The west side was the completely preserved main building body, while the east side was an unobstructed open-air platform.

The gray concrete balustrades enclosed a vast viewing area.

The surrounding houses were generally low and completely unobstructed, allowing sunlight to pour down and slightly heat up the rough floor tiles.

Leaning against the railing and looking into the distance, the rolling buildings and the winding coastline seamlessly connected.

The container terminal in the distance was operating busily, with the boom of a giant crane moving slowly.

Sparkling ripples flickered and danced on the sea surface, intertwining with the industrial vibe of the port to form a unique urban landscape.

When the wind was slightly stronger, one could even faintly hear the sound of the waves, making this platform in the bustling city appear even more vast and transparent.

"Hoo—"

Lin Chuqiao let out a long breath, as if wanting to completely exhaust the stuffy turbid air accumulated in the warehouse just now.

She lifted her face, opened her arms, enjoyed the sunlight and sea breeze, and exclaimed in pleasant surprise:

"I really didn't expect that such a dirty, chaotic, and poor place would have such a great spot. In the future, we can even hold an open-air tea party here."

"It truly is a good location."

Fang Cheng held onto the railing and took a deep breath. The sea breeze ruffled his hair, but it could not blow away the sharp gleam in his eyes.

Standing here, one could not only overlook the entire busy port, but the intricate market lanes downstairs, resembling an ant nest, were also in full view.

Professor Ye Zhiren stood by his side and also slightly nodded:

"The field of vision is not bad. As long as we set up an observation post on the rooftop, any slight disturbance within a radius of two kilometers cannot escape our eyes."

"Moreover, the surrounding houses are dense and the flow of people is complex, which can form a natural cover. Coupled with the secret passages in the basement leading directly to the waterways, once we encounter an irresistible force, there are also many choices for evacuation routes."

Seeing that everyone was full of praise, Xiao Sa, who had been somewhat apprehensive all along, finally put his heart back into his stomach.

He puffed out his chest, unable to hide the smug look on his face, as if saying, "Rest assured when I handle things."

"Then it's settled. From now on, this place will be our Number One Main Base."

Fang Cheng immediately made the decision, turned around to scan the surrounding environment, and satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

The four of them then stood on the terrace, bathed in the sunlight, and began discussing the specific implementation details.

"Since this place is decided, the renovation must be hurried."

Lin Chuqiao took out her portable notebook and fountain pen from her bag, and while recording, she said:

"According to the results of our discussion just now, the first floor can be disguised as an ordinary trading company, used for reception and cover, while the second and third floors will serve as the organization's administrative office area and meeting rooms."

"The fourth floor and above are considered the core area and safe house, including the intelligence room, equipment room, and temporary lounge. High-specification security Systems must be installed."

"There are many things we need to buy: office supplies, monitoring equipment, servers..."

As she spoke, she raised her head and looked at Fang Cheng:

"I will list out the specific procurement list when I go back. However, the property rights issue of this building..."

"The landlord of this building is in a rush to sell, asking for 12 million."

Xiao Sa immediately took over the conversation, obviously having done his homework:

"I see that he lost money in stock trading and is in a hurry to pay off debts. We can still squeeze him down a bit, and I figure we can secure it for just over 10 million."

"There's no need to squeeze him down, so as to avoid prolonged nights leading to many dreams."

Fang Cheng waved his hand, his calmness exuding a sense of being filthy rich:

"Later, I will transfer the money directly to your account. This time we brought back 50 million in startup capital, which is enough to buy this building in full and renovate it according to the highest standards once again."

"F-Fifty million?!"

Xiao Sa widened his eyes and couldn't help taking a sharp gasp of cold air.

Looking at Fang Cheng's gaze was simply like looking at the God of Wealth. He didn't know how the president managed to raise so much money in less than half a month.

"Funds are not a problem."

After saying that, Fang Cheng turned his head to look at Professor Ye Zhiren:

"The key is the lack of manpower. Professor, how are the two team members from your former team doing?"

"I have already contacted them."

Professor Ye Zhiren pushed up his glasses and replied with a firm expression:

"Dachui lost all his money in Macao and is being chased for debts. As soon as he heard there was work, he agreed immediately."

"As for Monkey, he couldn't stay put in his hometown with his skills having nowhere to be used, so he's also willing to come over and try. He should be able to arrive in the next couple of days."

Saying this, he paused and added:

"Although Dachui's brain is a bit straightforward, his ability to transform into a werewolf is very practical. He has thick skin and thick flesh, and is extremely resistant to beatings. Placing him in the Action Department to charge into battle is most appropriate."

"Monkey is a retired scout, proficient in all kinds of reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance tactics, and is meticulous. We can put him into the Intelligence Department to help me build an information network."

"Very well."

Fang Cheng nodded in agreement:

"You will be solely responsible for building the department framework; just report the progress to me regularly."

"As for the personnel in other vacant departments, we will look for them slowly, preferring quality over quantity."

At this time, Lin Chuqiao closed her notebook, her willow eyebrows slightly furrowing as she interjected:

"Brother Cheng, manpower is indeed a big problem, especially the logistics part. Relying on me alone definitely won't be enough to handle it."

"Especially in terms of finance, with such a large capital flow, if there isn't a reliable accountant to coordinate overall, it's very easy for things to go wrong."

"Speaking of accountants..."

Hearing this, Fang Cheng's gaze fell on Xiao Sa:

"How is that person I asked you to investigate before?"

"Checked out clearly!"

Hearing the president bring up this matter, Xiao Sa instantly perked up and hurriedly reported:

"That Wang Li has a very clean background. His wife's illness is uremia, and dialysis costs a lot of money every month. Now his family can't even afford to put food on the table, but he still remains devoted and doesn't abandon her."

"I sent a few brothers from the streets to test him a few times. Although this person is down on his luck, his bones are very tough. He has never touched anything unclean and is a person who sticks to principles."

Saying this, he hesitated:

"It's just that his temper is a bit stubborn; I'm afraid it won't be easy to persuade him. After all, our organization is not a proper... cough, a company in the regular sense..."

Xiao Sa observed Fang Cheng's expression, hesitated slightly, and lowered his voice to say:

"President, how about I find a few unfamiliar faces to cause some trouble for him?"

"For example, urging debt collection, or cutting off his livelihood, forcing him into a dead end, and then we step in..."

"No."

Fang Cheng directly raised his hand to interrupt him. Although his tone was calm, it exuded an unquestionable severity:

"Our Illuminati is an organization that wants to establish a new order, not some low-life underworld society. Those we recruit must also be people with shared ideals and aspirations."

"Using such methods to force him to submit—even if the person comes, his heart won't be here."

"Yes, yes, yes. The president's lesson is right; it was this subordinate who was short-sighted."

Xiao Sa was scolded until cold sweat poured out, and hurriedly lowered his head to admit his mistake.

Fang Cheng did not blame him too harshly, just gave a few pointers, and then instructed:

"You send someone to keep an eye on him. If he really encounters an insurmountable hurdle, then step in to help."

"Dealing with this kind of person, the best method is providing timely assistance in the snow, saving emergencies rather than chronic poverty."

"Also, compile a detailed profile of Wang Li, including the situation of his family members. I need to look it over."

"Yes, this subordinate will go handle it immediately."

Xiao Sa nodded like pounding garlic.

Fang Cheng's gaze was calm, but in his heart, he had other considerations.

As long as there was an opportunity for contact, relying on the skill special effect of Mind Resonance, recruiting this person as a believer would not be a difficult task.

At that time, would there still be any need to worry about the issue of loyalty?

While pondering, his eyes shifted. Seeing Chuqiao and Professor Ye Zhiren showing curious expressions, he briefly explained Wang Li's situation to the two of them.

"He really is a talent..."

Professor Ye Zhiren finished listening and praised:

"A professional accountant with a bottom line and able to withstand hesitation is exactly what we need. If we can successfully recruit him, our financial security will be guaranteed."

Lin Chuqiao subsequently also added:

"Right now we are just a makeshift setup, so we don't need to consider too complex a financial structure."

"But in the future, the organization's capital transactions will become larger and larger, and the sources of many funds are quite sensitive."

"By that time, we must have an Advanced financial expert who knows how to legalize and transparentize these 'grey funds' through complex offshore accounts, shell companies, and investment channels."

"This is not just as simple as bookkeeping, but rather building a secure financial firewall for the organization."

As she spoke, she gazed intently at Xiao Sa, with a bit more expectation in her eyes:

"This Wang Li, if he truly has ability, absorb him in as soon as possible."

"Understood!"

Xiao Sa nodded vigorously.

The matters had been discussed almost completely, and Fang Cheng finally made a summary:

"Later once the money arrives in the account, Xiao Sa, you go immediately to handle the transfer procedures."

"In addition, to deceive people's eyes and ears, we also need to register a legitimate trading company as a shell."

"Leave this to me."

Lin Chuqiao smiled slightly and confidently took over the conversation:

"Registering a company involves equity structure design, tax planning, and the declaration of business scope."

"To avoid being targeted by regulatory authorities in the future, we can adopt a VIE structure, register an offshore holding company in overseas islands, then establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, and finally make a round-trip investment into this trading company."

"This can both enjoy tax benefits and protect shareholder privacy to the maximum extent..."

She spoke eloquently, ranging from company law to tax coordination, leaving Xiao Sa dazed and full of worship in his eyes.

Although Fang Cheng only understood some professional terms related to law, he also knew that this woman genuinely had ability.

So he smiled, patted Xiao Sa on the shoulder, and exhorted:

"Xiao Sa, from now on you will listen to Chu's words for these matters, act as her assistant, and temporarily wrong yourself by being the second-in-command of the Logistics Department. Learn well from her."

"Not wronged, not wronged at all!"

Xiao Sa shook his head like a rattle-drum, glanced at Lin Chuqiao, and muttered inwardly.

This pretty woman not only looked like a Heavenly Immortal, but her abilities were also so great, and she didn't act like an outsider when talking to the president. It seemed their relationship definitely wasn't ordinary.

Following the future "boss's wife" to handle matters, wouldn't that mean his future prospects were boundless?

"Sister Chu, from now on I will hang out with you. Wherever you point, I will fight!"

Xiao Sa changed his tune immediately, calling her so affectionately.

Lin Chuqiao, however, slightly raised her willow eyebrows, and the corner of her eye twitched.

Sister Chu?

This guy clearly looked older than her, yet this cry of "Sister" made her feel entirely uncomfortable all over, as if she had grown several years older out of thin air.

She just wanted to correct him, but caught a glimpse of Fang Cheng's gaze full of trust, and the slight awkwardness in her heart instantly vanished into thin air.

Fang Cheng had clearly entrusted his most loyal subordinate to her to guide, treating her as a true "house manager".

Thinking of this, a trace of sweetness welled up in her heart, and she no longer haggled over the addressing issue, just reservedly nodding:

"Alright, do things diligently in the future."

The four of them right in this empty old building depicted the future blueprint of the Illuminati.

Unknowingly, the sun had risen to the exact middle.

"Gurgle—"

An untimely sound came from Xiao Sa's stomach, breaking the serious atmosphere.

Xiao Sa awkwardly covered his belly and gave a silly chuckle.

Everyone looked at each other and couldn't help smiling.

"Let's go, let's go eat first."

Fang Cheng lifted his wristwatch and looked at the time:

"In the afternoon we still have to go to Jiangbei's industrial park. That place is especially huge, and the task is still quite heavy."

"President, I know there is a seafood stall nearby whose taste is absolute perfection. Today, I'll treat!"

Hearing this, Xiao Sa instantly perked up and eagerly led the way in front.

Lin Chuqiao and Professor Ye Zhiren packed up their things and followed behind Fang Cheng.

Life became busier, but in everyone's eyes flickered the light named "hope".

The giant ship "Illuminati", just like the giant vessel in the port, had already set sail, heading towards a broader sea area.

...

Lunch was settled at a seafood stall near the fish market.

Although the environment was noisy and the tables and chairs were somewhat greasy, it won in that the ingredients were fresh and the taste was authentic.

Fang Cheng and Xiao Sa weren't picky.

Facing a table of stir-fried clams and salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, the two of them went straight in with their hands, eating heartily with oil dripping from their mouths.

Lin Chuqiao, a Young Miss who usually frequented high-end restaurants, rarely ate at such roadside stalls, yet she didn't show the slightest bit of disdain.

She peeled a crab with great interest. Although her actions weren't as uninhibited as Fang Cheng and the others, they exuded a down-to-earth casualness.

On the contrary, Professor Ye Zhiren had an overly refined eating manner.

He leisurely picked out fish bones with his chopsticks, chewing and swallowing slowly with every bite, his movements more elegant than a woman's.

This demeanor caused Xiao Sa beside him to frequently glance sideways, muttering inwardly.

Could the strategist have been a descendant of some fallen nobility in the past?

The afternoon's itinerary was much tighter.

After eating, the four of them drove to the Dianqiao Industrial Park located in the western suburb of the JB District.

That abandoned textile factory was indeed desolate, with weeds growing rampantly in the yard, almost half a person high.

But after the group penetrated deep underground, they pleasantly discovered that the air-raid shelter built during the war-preparation period back then was preserved quite well.

The space was huge, ventilation was smooth, and the structure was solid. As long as it was slightly remodeled, it would be an excellent secret training ground.

"Here, not only can we practice martial arts, but it can also serve as a warehouse. With a bit of cleanup, accommodating a few hundred people won't be a problem."

Professor Ye Zhiren took a turn around the spacious cavern and gave an affirmative reply.

Lin Chuqiao also nodded in praise:

"And this place is remote enough, surrounded entirely by abandoned factories. Even if we make some commotion here, we won't be afraid of being discovered by others."

Fang Cheng was very satisfied and decided on the spot to take down this base as well.

After the group carefully inspected the inside of the building and underwent a round of discussion, they similarly finalized the specific layout plan.

Afterward, they had Lin Chuqiao and Xiao Sa, the two capable members of the Logistics Department, interface with the factory owners, while contacting a reliable construction team to prepare to enter the site and start the remodeling work.

After finishing all this, the sun had already shifted to the west, casting long shadows from the industrial park's abandoned factories.

"President, then I'll withdraw first."

Xiao Sa looked at the time and said apologetically: "There are still some matters to handle over at Yuanchen Group; I need to go back first."

"Go ahead, proper business is most important."

Fang Cheng nodded.

Xiao Sa bid farewell and left, hailing a taxi straight to the urban area.

Fang Cheng acted as the driver, carrying Lin Chuqiao and Professor Ye Zhiren, driving onto the expressway for the return trip.

Just at the off-duty rush hour, the road conditions here were considered relatively smooth.

The setting sun spilled in through the car window, gilding the seats with a layer of warm golden-red.

In the distance, the city's densely packed cluster of high-rise buildings was soaked in the evening glow across the sky.

Fang Cheng held the steering wheel steadily with both hands, his gaze fixed on the road extending ahead, seeming to ponder something.

Soothing light music flowed inside the carriage; nobody spoke, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Suddenly, Fang Cheng spoke up to break the silence:

"Chuqiao, Professor."

The two people in the back seat raised their heads upon hearing this.

Through the rearview mirror, Fang Cheng's deep eyes looked at them calmly:

"Do you still remember when we discussed the issues of various Meditation schools of thought in today's world back in Cui City?"