355: Chapter 354 Xu Anguo Visits the Base, Young Masters of Aristocratic Families Display Their Styles (Part 1)

Qin Yi sorted the stocks according to the price fluctuations at the morning close, his fingers sliding quickly across the screen while silently giving a command in his heart: "System, activate the 'Financial Prophet' skill!"

"Ding!"

A System notification sound rang in Qin Yi's Sea of Consciousness. When he looked at the screen again, the timeline of the K-line chart stretched directly to 24 hours, and the future trends of the corresponding stocks were clearly displayed on the screen.

Qin Yi examined them carefully, eventually selecting a stock with the strongest upward trend at the 3:00 PM close and adding it to his watchlist; then, he chose the one with the steepest decline and added that as well. After finishing this, Qin Yi deactivated the skill and placed his phone on the table.

During this time, Si Yao had been leaning close to Qin Yi, watching him operate. Seeing him look up, she immediately asked, "Have you finished picking?"

"Yeah." Qin Yi nodded and looked toward Si Hongjun.

Si Hongjun was looking at Qin Yi with a smile, inquiring curiously, "Finished picking? I wonder which stock you chose?"

Qin Yi responded with a calm expression, "I chose two stocks. One is the one I believe will have the strongest gain at the close, stock code XXXXXX, closing price 66.9, up 9.8%; the other is the one with the steepest decline, stock code XXXXXX, closing price 34.5, down 10%!"

Before Qin Yi had even finished speaking, everyone had already pulled out their phones to check these two stocks, including Zhao Lintai, of course.

Ye Ziming, however, was the most cunning. While others were only checking the two stocks Qin Yi mentioned, he was different. Not only did he check the stocks, but he also leaned in close to Qin Yi's ear and whispered, "Young Master Qin, that one with the strongest gain won't plummet tomorrow, will it?"

"Haha, just buy it with confidence! At the very least, within the next 24 hours, that stock won't have any risk of plummeting. If you're worried, you can sell it at 80 yuan." Qin Yi's tone was confident.

Ye Ziming's eyes widened, and he stared at Qin Yi in disbelief, confirming, "Young Master Qin, do you mean that stock will rise to 80 tomorrow?"

Qin Yi nodded, which was taken as a silent confirmation.

"Holy crap! You're amazing, Young Master Qin! I believe you! Full position! I must go all-in!" As Ye Ziming spoke, his fingers moved rapidly across the screen. He intentionally raised his voice and looked at Zhao Lintai, "Brother Zhao, aren't you going to buy some? Didn't you say before to call you if there was another monster stock? The stock Young Master Qin just recommended can rise from 60 to 80 in just two days! Isn't that 'monster' enough?"

"No need! You buy it yourself! I'm not interested in stock trading!" Zhao Lintai's face turned ashen with anger, and he wished he could strangle Ye Ziming on the spot—you brat, you're definitely doing this on purpose! Don't you know this Young Master and Qin Yi are currently love rivals? You're actually asking me to bet on a stock Qin Yi chose; what are you playing at!

"Tsk~ Turning down money, are you stupid? If you won't buy it, I will!" Ye Ziming didn't care about Zhao Lintai's feelings and shot back a retort, continuing to buy the stock on his own.

Si Hongjun watched this scene and said to Qin Yi, "It seems you're really confident, kid. But don't forget, we're competing on whose prediction is closest to the actual rise or fall, not who has the highest gain!"

"Hehe, I naturally know that. So, Uncle Si, which stock did you choose?" Qin Yi asked.

"Me? Hahaha, Southwest International, of course!" Si Hongjun laughed triumphantly. "I estimate that Southwest International's closing gain today should be around 4.6%."

"Dad! That's cheating!" Si Yao immediately protested. "How can you choose your own Family's stock!"

"So what? It's just predicting the price movement, not actually buying it. I have confidence in my own Family's stock, is that not allowed?" Si Hongjun raised an eyebrow in rebuttal.

Qin Yi smiled, pulled out his phone, opened it again, and reactivated the "Financial Prophet" skill. After a moment, he nodded and said with a certain tone, "Hmm, Uncle Si has a good eye. But from what I see, Southwest International's closing gain today should be less than 3.5%."

"Oh? Interesting!" Si Hongjun became intrigued. "Alright, then let's wait and see who guessed more accurately!"

...

While Qin Yi and the others were drinking and harboring their own thoughts, three cars were winding along the mountain road and came to a steady stop inside the iron gates of the Security Bureau Modu Branch Special Training Base.

The Special Training Base was a place under the Security Bureau used for routine annual training. Although it wasn't in use for long each year, dedicated personnel were arranged to clean it regularly. Not a single fallen leaf could be seen on the concrete ground, the camouflage netting was stretched neatly along the edges of the training field, and even the fire hydrants in the corners were polished to a shine.

As soon as the three cars came to a halt, Director Wang was the first to get out, standing quietly in front of the two Coasters, his gaze sweeping over the thirty scions of great families who were getting out one after another.

These people seemed loose, but they had their own order—following the strength of their families, they quickly formed five columns, faintly creating an air of confrontation.

"Ahem." Director Wang cleared his throat, his voice hitting the open ground and bouncing back with a faint echo. "An important announcement: this afternoon, Director Xu Anguo of the General Bureau will personally visit the base to meet with everyone. Now, go to the cafeteria for a meal first, then dormitories will be assigned. At 2:00 PM, everyone will gather here on time—is that understood?"

"Understood..." The responses were sparse and scattered. Some were still looking down at their phones, and some even yawned, as relaxed as if they were strolling in their own backyards.

Director Wang sighed in his heart: As expected, they're a group of pampered Young Masters. Forget about comparing them to the military, they aren't even as good as the Security Bureau's Field Teams. If something really happened, they would probably fall into chaos first...

Unexpectedly, just then, a thunderous shout suddenly rang out: "Haven't you all eaten! Again! Did you understand Director Wang's words?!" That voice was wrapped in a sense of toughness, making one's eardrums ache.

While the other scions were still dazed, Si Hongwu of the Southwest Si Family had already stepped forward half a pace. His eyes were as bright as knives, and the five people behind him straightened their backs in unison, shouting out a thunderous: "Understood!" The sound wave even caused the distant leaves to tremble.

"Holy crap, what a show-off..." Chen Man of the Taiji Chen Family muttered with his neck shrunk.

"Does he really think he's something?" Someone in the Liu Family of Qingcheng's team rolled their eyes, but was silenced by a sharp glare from their leader, Liu Qing.

Director Wang's gaze rested on Si Hongwu for two seconds, and he felt slightly relieved: At least there was someone who could hold the fort. He cupped his hands in a salute, "I'll have to trouble you all this afternoon. Now, please go to eat first; someone will deliver your luggage to the dorms."

Everyone followed Director Wang to the cafeteria. As soon as they entered, they smelled the aroma of food—six round tables had already been set up, each with four meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and one soup. Even the angles at which the bowls and chopsticks were placed were identical, obviously prepared in advance according to the number of people.

The five families tacitly sat at five different tables, while the five leaders, including Si Hongwu and Liu Qing, sat at the main table with Director Wang.

Director Wang picked up the teapot and filled the tea for the five of them in turn. A faint steam rose from the rims of the cups. "The Security Bureau has rules against drinking alcohol, so I will toast you all with tea instead. Today's reception was hasty; if there is anything lacking, I hope you will be understanding."

Si Hongwu was the first to raise his cup, lightly clinking the rim against Director Wang's cup. "Being mobilized by the state is our honor. Director Wang's personal arrangement is already a sign of great importance."

Liu Qing immediately followed, "To be held in such high regard by the Security Bureau, the Liu Family can only repay it with wholehearted dedication."

Seeing that the two great families of Si and Liu had expressed their stance, the leaders of the Chen, Shen, and Li families also raised their cups in agreement.

Afterward, Director Wang spoke again, "Since you are all the leaders selected by your respective families, I will speak plainly."

Hearing this, the five people present all straightened their bodies, listening confidently to what Director Wang would say next.

"First, let me explain what makes the Special Operations Department so special."

"The Special Operations Department is subordinate to the Dragon Country Security Bureau and is on the same administrative level as the Security Bureau Modu Branch. Its direct superior is the Director of the General Bureau—Xu Anguo, and the person directly in charge is Ye Qingcheng."

"This afternoon, Director Xu, Captain Ye, and the newly appointed Director of the Modu Branch, Director Miao, will all be present! Although we have all just been mobilized into the Special Operations Department and haven't undergone professional military training—meaning our mobility and discipline are far from standard—this is all understandable. However, I still hope that those of you here can restrain the scions of your respective families so as not to leave a bad impression on Director Xu and Captain Ye."

"Rest assured, Director Wang. My Southwest Si Family originally comes from a military background, and our daily training is carried out according to military requirements." Si Hongwu's voice was as resonant as metal striking stone.

Liu Qing also spoke up at this time, "Rest assured, Director Wang. Although my Liu Family is not from a military background, there are rules within the Family. I guarantee that what happened just now will not occur again!"

Shen Biao also thumped his chest loudly, making a serious guarantee, "Director Wang, same here. When we welcome the leaders later, if anyone dares to let my Shen Family down, I, Shen Biao, will definitely let them know why the flowers are so red!"

Subsequently, Li Zifan and Chen Mohan also expressed their stances one after another, stating they would definitely restrain their own Family's scions.

However, the man from the Chen Family who had previously threatened to spar with Ye Qingcheng still made Director Wang a bit worried.

Thus, Director Wang looked at Chen Mohan of the Taiji Chen Family and gave a meaningful reminder, "Mr. Chen, regarding that brother from your Family who wants to spar with Captain Ye, I hope you can exercise more control. Director Xu is coming personally today, firstly to offer his regards to everyone, and secondly, presumably to support Captain Ye's rise! At this juncture, I hope everyone behaves themselves and doesn't go looking for trouble."

Director Wang's words were already very blunt. Chen Mohan's heart tightened, and he thought to himself: I must definitely give Chen Man another warning later! However, his face remained calm: "Rest assured, Director Wang. I already scolded Chen Man on the bus. No matter how stupid he is, he knows he cannot mess around in front of Director Xu."

"That's good." Director Wang nodded. "Sparring between Martial Artists is common, but there's plenty of time for that later; wait until Director Xu has left."

With the matters explained, the few of them began to eat.

After a simple meal, everyone headed to the dormitories to settle in.

Director Wang returned to the base entrance, checking his watch repeatedly as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

About twenty minutes later, the sound of engines came from the distance. A black HQ official car and a Jeep off-roader sped toward them, their wheels kicking up a small amount of dust before coming to a steady stop at the entrance.

Ye Qingcheng and Miao Fengren got out of the cars one after another. Director Wang jogged to meet them: "Director Miao, Captain Ye!"

"Hard work." Ye Qingcheng shook hands with him, her gaze scanning the open ground like a scanner. "Where are the people?"

"I had them go to the dorms to pack their luggage first. We agreed to gather here at 2:00 PM; there are still ten minutes left, so they should be arriving soon." Director Wang quickly explained, his palms sweating slightly.

Ye Qingcheng glanced down at the time on her wristwatch and nodded, saying nothing more.

Miao Fengren, however, frowned and said, "Should we urge them? It would look bad to make Director Xu wait."

"Right, right, I'll go urge them now." As Director Wang spoke, he made a move to turn around and call for them.

Unexpectedly, before he could finish his sentence, the sound of synchronized footsteps suddenly came from the distance.

Led by Si Hongwu, the five people from the Southwest Si Family came running while shouting slogans. Their movements were clean and sharp, just like an elite squad!

Seeing this, the other four families followed suit in a disorganized manner, looking as pathetic as a ragtag army.

Watching the first team to arrive, the corners of Ye Qingcheng's mouth curled up imperceptibly. "Who is the leader?"

"Si Hongwu of the Southwest Si Family!" Director Wang responded.

"No wonder." A look of appreciation flashed in Ye Qingcheng's eyes.

Soon, Si Hongwu led his people to the three of them, then abruptly stopped and snapped a standard military salute: "Si Hongwu of the Southwest Si Family, reporting with the Family scions! Please give your instructions!"

Ye Qingcheng raised her hand to return the salute, her fingertips lightly tapping his arm, her tone carrying a bit more praise: "The Southwest Si Family truly lives up to its reputation as the number one great Family in Dragon Country."

"Captain Ye, you flatter me." Si Hongwu straightened his back even more. "Before coming, the old master specifically instructed that the state's mobilization of us into the Special Operations Department is both a sign of trust and an opportunity. We will never fail the Family's upbringing, let alone the state's trust!"

Listening to Si Hongwu's response, Ye Qingcheng felt for a moment as if she had returned to the military.

At this time, the other four teams also arrived one after another. The four leaders followed Si Hongwu's example and hurriedly stepped forward to introduce themselves, though it was truly a poor imitation.

Ye Qingcheng glanced at them, her gaze circling through the group—many people's eyes hid defiance, and some looked at her with doubt. She was all too familiar with those looks; they were just like the veteran team members who had been defiant when she first became a captain.

However, before Ye Qingcheng could say a few words to boost morale, another sound of an engine came from the distance—a black HQ official car with a Beijing license plate slowly approached. The special serial number on the license plate made everyone hold their breath.

Director Wang immediately whispered a reminder, "Captain Ye, Director Miao, Director Xu has arrived."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone subconsciously straightened their backs, and even their breathing became light—the thirty people stood in a neat formation. Although it had been somewhat chaotic before, it now carried a sense of solemnity, much like soldiers waiting for inspection.

After the car came to a steady stop, Miao Fengren stepped forward quickly and opened the rear door.

Xu Anguo got out of the car, his Security Bureau uniform crisp, the silver shoulder straps gleaming brightly in the sunlight, and the "000001" police number on his chest was particularly striking.

After getting out, he first shook hands with Miao Fengren, then turned to Ye Qingcheng, his handshake firm: "Captain Ye, thank you for your hard work."

"Serving the country is not hard work." Ye Qingcheng's tone was firm.

Finally, Xu Anguo shook hands with Director Wang, then his gaze swept over the thirty people in front of him, his eyes gentle yet authoritative. "Is everyone here? Captain Ye, give me an introduction."

Ye Qingcheng nodded and introduced the leaders of the five great families to Xu Anguo in turn.

Xu Anguo shook hands with each of them one by one. When it was Chen Mohan's turn, his hand paused slightly, and his grip became firmer: "Chen Mohan? I know you. Your Family's old master, Patriarch Chen Kui, was a brother-in-arms in the same trench as my father. It's just a pity that my father died on the battlefield back then. However, we still have a photo of him and Old Master Chen at the front line at home. How is Old Master Chen's health now?"

Chen Mohan hadn't expected Xu Anguo to know his Family's old master, and his tone immediately became a bit more respectful: "Thank you for your concern, Director Xu. The old master's health is still quite robust; it's just that he's getting on in years, so he walks a bit slower."

"Sigh, the older generation didn't have it easy." Xu Anguo sighed and patted his shoulder. "The future of Dragon Country depends on you young people. Work hard in the Special Operations Department; don't let the old master down."

"Yes! I will definitely not fail Director Xu's expectations!" Chen Mohan quickly replied.

Next were Li Zifan of the Longxi Li Family and Liu Qing of the Qingcheng Liu Family. Xu Anguo was not familiar with these two families, and compared to the Taiji Chen Family and the Southwest Si Family, these two families seemed to have a gloomy aura in their bones. Thus, when Xu Anguo shook hands with them, he only gave a few symbolic instructions to "cooperate well with the work of the Special Operations Department" before finishing.

When it was Shen Biao's turn, before Xu Anguo could even speak, Shen Biao craned his neck and said in a loud voice, "Director Xu! My name is Shen Biao! Shen as in Shenyang, Biao as in valiant! I'm from the Shen Family of Guandong! My grandfather is Shen Shiwan, do you know him?"