172: Security far beyond standards

Chen Yuanfang spoke up at the right time, his tone firm: "Chairman Jiang, please rest assured. Leave the safety matters to us. We have already made comprehensive arrangements."

"The Stalwart Squad responsible for your safety has arrived in advance and completed the deployment around Star River Building and your residence."

"The entire security system is divided into three layers: inner, middle, and outer," Chen Yuanfang explained calmly, gesturing with his hand.

"The inner layer is handled by the Stalwart Squad, providing close-quarters protection for your safety."

"The middle layer has plainclothes observation posts and rapid response teams deployed in locations you frequent, such as the Group, your residence, and the laboratory."

"The outer layer is supported by our municipal bureau's forces, monitoring and patrolling the entire area to form a complete protective circle."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen's heart was already in turmoil. This level, this thoroughness of security, was clearly not normal.

He was about to speak when Chen Yuanfang added: "Of course, Professor Professor Chen Yanqing's arrangements are also in place. The Blade Squad is specifically responsible for his safety, also with three layers of protection, so you can rest assured."

Jiang Chen was no longer the ignorant person he once was; he now possessed the necessary discernment and a broader perspective.

Chen Yuanfang's words, combined with Secretary Zhou Ming's earlier statement that "Solid-State Battery Technology is comparable to an industrial revolution," made him realize that this was no longer simple protection, but a strategic defense elevated to the national level.

Solid-State Battery Technology might trigger a national-level game of chess.

He and Professor Chen Yanqing were already at the center of this revolution, and a slight misstep could lead to eternal damnation.

After all, the last person to develop hydro-power was found dead the very next day.

This thought sent a chill down Jiang Chen's spine. He had a system, yes, but facing this kind of national-level game was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

He looked at Chen Yuanfang, then at Secretary Zhou Ming, and nodded solemnly, saying, "I understand. Thank you to the organization, and thank you to the country for the meticulous arrangements."

Secretary Zhou Ming spoke up at the right time: "To put your mind at ease and facilitate subsequent work coordination, I'll call up the captain of the Stalwart Squad. You two can get acquainted first."

Jiang Chen nodded.

Secretary Zhou Ming took out his phone, dialed an internal number, simply said, "Send Cold Front up," and then hung up.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the office door.

Zhu Zhe pushed the door open and reported to Chairman Jiang: "Chairman Jiang, there's a Mr. Cold Front downstairs. He says Mr. Secretary Zhou Ming asked him to come."

Jiang Chen glanced at Secretary Zhou Ming, and after receiving confirmation, he told Zhu Zhe: "Alright, please bring him up."

Zhu Zhe nodded and turned to leave the office.

A few more minutes passed, and the office door was pushed open again.

Zhu Zhe stood to the side, and behind her, a tall, ordinary-looking middle-aged man walked in, dressed in casual clothes, the kind you wouldn't notice in a crowd.

He walked into the office, went directly to Chen Yuanfang and Secretary Zhou Ming, gave a subtle but standard military salute, and said in a low voice: "Bureau Chief Chen, Secretary Zhou."

"This is Cold Front, he has many years of experience in protecting dignitaries," Chen Yuanfang introduced, then turned to Cold Front and said, "Cold Front, this is Chairman Jiang of Xinghe Group."

Cold Front turned to Jiang Chen, extended his hand, and spoke in a calm yet forceful tone: "Chairman Jiang, hello. I am Cold Front, responsible for your close-quarters security. From now on, my squad and I will fully ensure your safety, but our working methods will be very discreet and will not affect your normal life and work."

Jiang Chen quickly reached out to shake his hand: "Captain Leng, you and your team have worked hard."

"It's our duty," Cold Front replied concisely.

Chen Yuanfang said: "Oh, Chairman Jiang, I remember you have two registered bodyguards, right? Call them in to meet Cold Front. It will help them protect you better in the future, and facilitate cooperation."

Jiang Chen nodded, this suggestion was exactly what he wanted. He immediately called out towards the door: "Li Zha! Zheng Yan!"

Soon, the office door was pushed open, and Li Zha and Zheng Yan walked in. They were not surprised by Cold Front's presence and stood calmly to the side.

Jiang Chen pointed to Li Zha and Zheng Yan, introducing them to Cold Front: "Captain Leng, these are my personal bodyguards, Li Zha and Zheng Yan. They are both very experienced retired soldiers who have been responsible for my safety, and I trust them very much."

Then, he introduced Cold Front to Li Zha and Zheng Yan: "Li Zha, Zheng Yan, this is Captain Cold Front. He is the leader of the security squad sent by the country to be responsible for my safety. From today onwards, you must work closely with Captain Leng's team."

Upon hearing the words "sent by the country," Li Zha and Zheng Yan's pupils constricted slightly, and their bodies instinctively tensed. They exchanged glances, seeing shock and a hint of solemnity in each other's eyes.

They had initially thought it was just a visit from Jiang Chen's business partners or government officials, but it had unexpectedly escalated to the national level. This meant that the risks Jiang Chen would face were abnormal.

But at the same time, they also realized that this seemingly ordinary Captain Cold Front was definitely not as simple as he appeared.

Chen Yuanfang noticed their subtle reactions and spoke up at the opportune moment to introduce Secretary Zhou Ming and explain the situation: "Li Zha, Zheng Yan, I know you. You are elite veterans from the 'Snow Leopard Commando Unit,' with very strong professional capabilities. We had your information registered in the system previously."

"This is Mr. Secretary Zhou Ming, the overall head of this national-level security mission."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "The situation is special now. Chairman Jiang's safety is no longer just a personal matter, but concerns national strategic interests. To ensure absolute foolproofness, we need you to join Cold Front's team."

"This is not an order, but a solemn request based on your professional abilities."

Secretary Zhou Ming took over, looking at Li Zha and Zheng Yan with calm, profound eyes: "Li Zha, Zheng Yan, I know your duty is to protect Chairman Jiang. But now, protecting Chairman Jiang is protecting the core interests of the country."

"On behalf of the organization, I formally invite you to join the Stalwart Special Operations Squad and grant you temporary prepared by."

"Considering your familiarity with Chairman Jiang and your professional capabilities, Li Zha will serve as the deputy commander of the operations squad."

"Specific duty assignments will be clarified by Captain Cold Front in subsequent mission deployments."

"Of course, this is entirely voluntary. If you are unwilling, we will respect your choice and arrange other coordination methods with you."

Li Zha and Zheng Yan exchanged glances. Without hesitation, protecting Jiang Chen was their duty, and now this duty was closely linked to national interests.

They simultaneously stepped forward, gave a standard and forceful military salute to Secretary Zhou Ming and Chen Yuanfang, and replied in loud, firm voices:

"We are willing! We guarantee to complete the mission!"

Secretary Zhou Ming nodded at them, a hint of satisfaction on his face.

He then pulled a black card from his pocket and handed it to Jiang Chen, saying: "Chairman Jiang, when you have time, please look over the documents. They contain preliminary policies and some support. This is my contact information. For any emergency or matters requiring national-level coordination, you can call this number at any time."

Jiang Chen took the card with both hands and said solemnly: "Thank you, Secretary Zhou."

Secretary Zhou Ming and Chen Yuanfang stood up: "Alright, everything that needed to be explained has been. It's time for us to go. Subsequent security coordination will be handled directly with Cold Front."

Jiang Chen thanked them again, then escorted the two to the elevator.