565: Chapter 565 Weapon Master, Mind Reading

The silent atmosphere inside the room briefly lasted for a few seconds.

Jiang Yun turned her head and looked at Xu Kuan beside her.

Their gazes met without speaking, but both saw the same resolution in each other's eyes.

That was the expression of a drowning person grabbing a piece of driftwood.

Jiang Yun took a deep breath and broke the silence first.

"President Fang."

She stood up. Although her face was still pale, her voice no longer trembled:

"If the Illuminati is truly willing to accept people like us as partners as you said... then I am willing to join."

Seeing this, Xu Kuan hurriedly stood up as well.

But because his movement was too hurried, he accidentally bumped into the bamboo chair nearby, making a "creak" sound.

He rubbed his hands somewhat awkwardly and nodded repeatedly:

"I... I'm the same. As long as I can have a place to settle down, I'll do whatever it takes. I have strength and know a bit of technology..."

Fang Cheng sat in the main seat without expressing his stance immediately, his gaze crossing the two and falling into the shadows in the corner of the room.

A small figure was still huddled there.

Douzi still buried her head, tightly clutching those two candies in her hands, the wrappers making a slight rustling sound from her grip.

She seemed completely unable to understand what the adults were saying about "ideals" or "homeland".

She was just like a frightened little quail, wishing she could tuck her head under her wings.

"What about you? Little girl."

Lin Chuqiao noticed Fang Cheng's gaze, so she turned around and asked her softly:

"Are you willing to stay with your older brother and sister and be our partner?"

Hearing the question, Douzi's whole body shuddered violently, and her neck shrank even tighter.

A muffled whimpering sound came from her throat, and she didn't dare to raise her head to look at this beautiful woman at all.

Seeing this, Jiang Yun walked over quickly.

She squatted down, gently pulled Douzi's dirty wrist, and pulled her up from the corner of the wall.

Then she hugged her into her arms like a mother protecting her calf, and said to Fang Cheng and Lin Chuqiao:

"She is willing."

Jiang Yun's palm stroked Douzi's scrawny back, pleading with a sincere tone:

"Although this child doesn't like to talk and her mind is a bit slow, she is very obedient and will never cause trouble for the organization."

"Please rest assured, President Fang, I will watch over her."

Fang Cheng looked at the three people leaning against each other and nodded slightly.

For Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun, their stance at this moment was less about being inspired by the grand ideals he depicted, and more about bowing their heads to cruel reality.

After all, anyone can say nice words.

Whether the Illuminati was truly the lighthouse standing in the dark world as they claimed was something no one was sure of right now.

Seeing is believing.

In the adult world, trust is never completely established just by a few impassioned speeches.

That was a luxury that required time to verify.

In the eyes of Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun, their thoughts at this moment were purer and more direct.

Regardless of whether the purpose of the Illuminati was true or false, one point was unquestionable.

The man in front of them was strong enough.

Strong enough to smash military armed helicopters down like toys, and strong enough to turn that group of arrogant superhuman mercenaries into corpses.

That was enough.

In this world where human life was as cheap as grass, even being a dog for a figure like Fang Cheng was much better than wandering outside and being torn apart and eaten by stray dogs.

As long as they could survive, even if this was another wolf's den, they would accept it.

"Since you have both thought it through and are willing to join the organization, there are some things I must say in advance."

The professor standing aside suddenly spoke, his previous easygoing appearance completely gone, presenting a strictly business face.

"A country has its Laws, and a profession has its rules. The Illuminati is not a shelter, let alone a nursing home for retirement."

The professor pushed the glasses on the bridge of his nose, and the lenses reflected a cold light.

"Starting today, the three of you are included on the Illuminati's probation list, with your status temporarily designated as 'probationary members', and you must strictly abide by all the rules and regulations of the organization."

"Probationary members?"

Xu Kuan was stunned for a moment, muttering these four words.

"That's right."

The professor raised his finger, systematically explaining the specific recruitment requirements:

"First, the probation period is three months. During this period, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities, conduct, and loyalty."

"Only by passing the assessment can you subsequently transition to become formal members and enjoy the organization's core resources and treatment."

"Second, during the probation period, you must unconditionally obey deployment."

"Whether it is the order of the president or the department head, it must be executed absolutely. If you are told to fix a car, you fix a car; if you are told to sweep the floor, you sweep the floor."

"Of course, if you have any objections, you can raise them beforehand, but once you participate in a formal operation, you can only strictly follow orders and act."

"Third, and most importantly."

Speaking of this, the professor's voice sank, and his gaze suddenly became extremely sharp.

"The Illuminati strictly prohibits betrayal and internal fighting."

"If I find out that you bite the hand that feeds you, or leak any information here, then what awaits you will be the harshest punishment, harsh enough to make you regret coming into this world."

He didn't spell it out completely, but just coldly swept his gaze over the necks of the three.

That lingering chill made Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun's hearts shudder, and they nodded repeatedly like pounding garlic.

"Understood, we understand!"

Although the rules sounded strict and even somewhat unfeeling, the two felt much more at ease in their hearts.

They had never mixed in any superhuman organizations before, but they had both worked regular jobs and knew a simple principle.

Opening a company requires rules and regulations, let alone a superhuman organization licking blood from the edge of a blade?

If the Illuminati came up and called them brothers and promised glory and wealth, that would truly be like a pyramid scheme scammer.

I'm afraid by then they'd be sold and still helping others count the money.

The more strict and clear-cut the attitude of rewards and punishments was, the more it showed that this organization was practical and had long-term planning.

This sense of "formality" was precisely what these drifting and homeless wanderers lacked the most.

After the professor finished explaining the rules and regulations, the atmosphere seemed a little heavy.

Looking at the two's awe and submissive appearance, Fang Cheng gave a light cough, signaling that the act of playing the bad cop was almost done.

Seeing this, Lin Chuqiao timely clapped her hands, and the crisp sound instantly broke the depression in the room.

"Alright, everyone just keep the professor's words in mind."

"Actually, these rules are not just for newcomers; all of us, including the president, need to abide by them strictly. As long as we are of one heart, from now on we are family eating out of the same pot."

Lin Chuqiao put a bright smile back on her face, walked over to Jiang Yun, and patted her shoulder as naturally as if treating an old friend:

"Although the Illuminati doesn't have many people right now, as long as we work together, not to mention how far we can go in the future, at least in the underground world of Dongdu, we will definitely have a foothold where we can settle down."

As she spoke, she generously extended her right hand, with smiles lingering around the corners of her eyes and brows:

"Let's officially get acquainted, my name is Lin Chuqiao. In private from now on, you can directly call me Chuqiao."

Looking at the fair and slender hand extended in front of her, and then looking into the other person's sincere eyes, Jiang Yun was at a loss for a moment.

She subconsciously rubbed the sweat on her palms hard against the corner of her clothes, and then cautiously extended her hand:

"Chu... Young Miss Chuqiao, hello."

Although the other party said she could call her by her name, how could Jiang Yun dare to be presumptuous?

That "Young Miss" was called with exceptional respect, and her eyes were full of being pleasantly surprised.

Lin Chuqiao did not correct her form of address on the spot, but just exerted a little more strength to hold Jiang Yun's hand.

The originally slightly cold and rigid barrier between the two parties melted away a corner in the gaze and smile of the two women.

"Since you have already joined the association, those polite words can be spared."

After everyone's emotions calmed down, Fang Cheng spoke in a deep voice and continued:

"The Illuminati does lack people right now, but I value what value everyone can bring into play more."

"Whether it's going to frontline combat or logistics support, I need to place you in the most suitable positions based on your abilities and specialties."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the three:

"Who will introduce themselves first?"

"I... I'll go first."

Xu Kuan hesitated for a moment and took the lead to raise his hand and stand up.

After this heart-to-heart conversation just now, he didn't seem so terrified anymore, and his spine straightened a bit more.

"President, I am someone who has read few books and don't understand any complex mechanical principles."

Xu Kuan swallowed a mouthful of saliva and raised his calloused hands:

"But strangely enough, as long as I touch a machine, it's as if a perspective view automatically unfolds in my mind."

"No matter how complex the structure is, a glance and a touch allow me to know how the gears inside mesh and how the circuits run."

"When I was in my hometown, I worked in a CNC machine tool factory. Any craftsmanship, once the old master taught it once, I could fully master it."

Probably mentioning his professional field, Xu Kuan's eyes lost the cowardice from just now, instead revealing a bright light, and his words became more and more fluent.

"Later, to avoid trouble, I came to Dongdu and found an underground shady shop modifying racing cars to make a living."

"Those modified Formula One cars—at a glance I can tell if the cylinder pressure is enough and how many millimeters the suspension is off. As long as you give me tools, I can train that pile of scrap metal into complete obedience."

He looked at Fang Cheng eagerly, his hands unconsciously gesturing the action of tightening screws, seeming a bit impatient with itchy hands:

"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 modify it better."

Fang Cheng looked at his eager-to-try appearance and didn't let him demonstrate his ability immediately.

Instead, he turned his head to look at the professor beside him and asked:

"When you guys came, the van you drove is still downstairs, right?"

The professor understood tacitly, pushed his glasses, and took over the conversation:

"Yes. The power System of that car is severely aging, and the suspension is as soft as cotton, it really needs a major overhaul."

"Not only to increase speed, but in order to adapt to future organizational operations, bulletproof steel plates and concealed weapon slots also need to be installed."

"Alright, in a couple of days, let Xu Kuan practice on that van."

Fang Cheng turned back and said to Xu Kuan, who was full of expectation:

"Since you have this skill, vehicle modification and weapon maintenance in the organization will be entirely up to you from now on."

"Brother Cheng, there is another task that also needs Xu Kuan to help out."

Lin Chuqiao suddenly interrupted, and immediately took out a folded construction blueprint from her bag:

"Right on time, our two bases are currently under renovation."

"I've drawn some ideas for defensive mechanisms and traps, but they are too theoretical. We are lacking someone who knows the ropes to help me draw construction blueprints and implement these designs."

She then looked at Xu Kuan with full anticipation:

"How about it? This is a big project, dare you take it?"

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Upon hearing that there were real things to fiddle with and blueprints to look at, Xu Kuan was so excited that his face turned red, patting his chest with loud thuds:

"As long as the Materials are enough, I guarantee to make the base like an iron bucket!"

Hearing this, Lin Chuqiao immediately smiled with her eyebrows curved:

"Xu Kuan, from now on you will follow me and first support this logistics side of things."

Fang Cheng naturally had no objection to this.

After arranging Xu Kuan's position, he then cast his gaze towards Jiang Yun.

Jiang Yun took a deep breath, tidied up her slightly messy hair, and said softly:

"President, my ability is mainly in the aspect of spiritual perception."

Her words and deeds were much more appropriate than Xu Kuan's, and her voice was very gentle:

"I can see the color of the aura on everyone, and perceive their current emotional fluctuations. For example, anger is red, greed is yellow, fear is gray, and liking is pink..."

"By relying on this ability, I can tell who harbors malicious intentions towards me, thereby avoiding danger in advance."

As she spoke, her gaze turned to Xu Kuan beside her, and her eyes became a bit softer:

"Back then when I lived alone in the urban village, it was because I saw that Kuan's color was very clean, a very warm light white, that I dared to trust him, slowly interacted and associated with him, and finally fortunately ended up together."

Hearing his girlfriend's words, Xu Kuan scratched his head embarrassedly and stood aside grinning foolishly.

After hearing this, Fang Cheng asked thoughtfully:

"Besides perceiving emotions, do you have any mind-reading abilities?"

Hearing this, Jiang Yun was slightly startled, and after hesitating, she did not deny it:

"Not long ago... I did suddenly develop a very wonderful feeling."

"Occasionally I can hear one or two thoughts flashing through other people's minds, but this feeling works sometimes and fails sometimes, just like a radio signal is not very good, so I dare not be sure whether this counts as mind reading."

"You can actually try it right now."

Fang Cheng leaned his body slightly forward, pointing at himself, as well as Lin Chuqiao and the professor beside him:

"See if you can read what we are thinking."

Jiang Yun nodded in acknowledgment, then held her breath and concentrated.

As her gaze flickered, she slowly swept across the three.

After about a dozen seconds, a layer of fine sweat seeped out of her forehead, and she took a hurried breath.

Then she shook her head helplessly, a look of frustration appearing on her face:

"Sorry, President."

"You, the professor, and Miss Lin are all the same. There seems to be a thick psychic barrier around you. My perception was bounced away the moment it touched it, and it couldn't get in at all."

Fang Cheng's expression remained unchanged, and he nodded inwardly.

It was normal that she couldn't read it.

As a top powerhouse who practices both spiritual and physical Dual Cultivation, if his inner thoughts could be easily seen through by a newly Awakened newcomer, that would be a joke.

As for the professor and Lin Chuqiao, they were also expert Great Masters in spiritual aspects, naturally possessing the ability to defend against others' prying.

But since she could perceive the existence of the barrier, this in itself was enough to show that her talent was not bad.

"However..."

Jiang Yun paused, seemingly eager to prove her value, and looked at Lin Chuqiao somewhat hesitatingly:

"Just now when entering the door, maybe Miss Chuqiao's mood was relatively relaxed and her guard wasn't that strict... I vaguely heard a sentence of her inner voice."

"Oh?"

Fang Cheng raised his eyebrows and couldn't help asking:

"What is she thinking?"

Lin Chuqiao also curiously stared at Jiang Yun, her autumn-water-like eyes blinking.

Jiang Yun bit her lip and said softly with some embarrassment:

"Miss Chuqiao seems to be struggling... after finishing the afternoon matters, which restaurant should she take Brother Cheng to for dinner tonight, whether to go to that newly opened French restaurant, or go to eat seafood food stalls..."

The air suddenly fell silent for a second.

Hearing this, Fang Cheng glanced at Lin Chuqiao with some surprise.

On Lin Chuqiao's originally poised face, two clouds of red flew up with a whoosh.

She gave a dry cough, looked away with somewhat panicked eyes, and argued stubbornly:

"I... I was just caring about the leader's meals. This is the responsibility of the Logistics Department manager."

End of Chapter