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Chapter 501 With abundant resources, base construction

The top floor features a semi-enclosed composite structure design.

The west side features the intact main building structure, while the east side is an unobstructed open-air platform.

Gray concrete railings enclose a spacious viewing area.

The surrounding houses were generally low and exposed to the sun, which poured down and made the rough floor tiles slightly hot.

Looking out from the railing, the rows of buildings and the winding coastline blend seamlessly together.

In the distance, the container terminal is bustling with activity, and the boom of a giant crane is moving slowly.

The shimmering waves sparkle and dance on the sea, intertwining with the industrial atmosphere of the port to create a unique urban landscape.

When the wind picks up a bit, you can even faintly hear the sound of waves, making this platform in the bustling city seem even more open and airy.

"call--"

Lin Chuqiao let out a long breath, as if to completely expel the stuffiness that had accumulated in the warehouse.

She tilted her face back, opened her arms, and enjoyed the sunshine and sea breeze, exclaiming with delight:

"I never expected that such a dirty and chaotic place could have such a nice spot. We could hold an open-air tea party here in the future."

"It is indeed a good location."

Fang Cheng leaned on the railing, took a deep breath, and the sea breeze tousled his hair, but it couldn't dispel the sharp light in his eyes.

Standing here, you can not only overlook the entire bustling port, but also have a clear view of the intricate market alleys below, which resemble anthills.

Ye Zhiren stood beside him and nodded slightly:

"The view is excellent. As long as we set up an observation post on the roof, nothing within a two-kilometer radius will escape our eyes."

"Moreover, the surrounding area is densely populated with complex population flow, which can form a natural cover. In addition, the underground passage leads directly to the waterway, so there are many evacuation routes to choose from in the event of an unavoidable force."

Seeing everyone praising it, Xiaosai, who had been feeling a bit uneasy, finally felt relieved.

He puffed out his chest, his face beaming with undisguised pride, as if to say, "You can rest assured that I can handle things."

"Then it's settled. From now on, this will be our primary base."

Fang Cheng immediately made the decision, turned around and scanned the surrounding environment, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

The four of them then stood on the terrace, basking in the sunlight, and began to discuss the specific details of implementation.

"Now that we've decided on this place, we need to get the renovations done as soon as possible."

Lin Chuqiao took out her notebook and pen from her bag and began writing as she spoke:
"According to the results of our discussion, the first floor can be disguised as an ordinary trading company for reception and cover purposes, while the second and third floors will serve as the organization's administrative office area and meeting rooms."

"The area above the fourth floor is considered the core area and safe house, including the intelligence room, equipment room and temporary rest room, which must be equipped with a high-standard security system."

"We need to buy a lot of things: office supplies, surveillance equipment, servers..."

As she spoke, she looked up at Fang Cheng:
"I'll make up the detailed purchase list when I get back, but the issue of the building's ownership..."

"The landlord of this building is in a hurry to sell and is asking for twelve million."

Xiao Sa immediately picked up the conversation, clearly having done his homework:
“I see he lost money in the stock market and is in a hurry to pay off his debts, so I can try to negotiate a little further down the line. I estimate I can get it for a little over ten million.”

"No need to press it anymore, lest things get complicated."

Fang Cheng waved his hand, his nonchalant demeanor revealing an air of wealth and power:
"I'll transfer the money directly to your account later. This time we brought back 50 million in start-up capital, which is enough to buy this building outright and renovate it to the highest standards."

"Fifty, fifty million?!"

Xiao Sa's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but gasp.

They looked at Fang Cheng as if he were a god of wealth, wondering how the chairman had managed to raise so much money in less than half a month.

"Funding is not a problem."

After Fang Cheng finished speaking, he turned to look at Ye Zhiren:

"The key issue is the lack of manpower. Professor, what's the situation with those two team members from your previous team?"

"I've already contacted them."

Ye Zhiren adjusted his glasses and replied with a confident expression:

"Big Hammer lost all his money in Australia and was being chased by creditors. As soon as he heard there was work to be done, he immediately agreed."

"As for Monkey, he can't stay in his hometown. He has a lot of skills but nowhere to use them, so he's willing to come and try. He should arrive in the next couple of days."

He paused, then added:

"Although Big Hammer is a bit simple-minded, his ability to transform into a werewolf is very practical. He is tough and extremely durable, making him the most suitable person to charge into battle in the operations department."

"Monkey is a retired reconnaissance soldier, proficient in all kinds of reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance tactics, and meticulous. I can put him in the intelligence department to help me build an information network."

"can."

Fang Cheng nodded in agreement:

"You are fully responsible for setting up the department's framework. Just report the progress to me regularly."

"As for the vacant positions in other departments, we will look for them slowly, and we will rather have none than to have bad ones."

At this moment, Lin Chuqiao closed her notebook, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and interjected:

"Brother Cheng, manpower is indeed a big problem, especially in logistics. I definitely can't handle it all by myself."

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

"Speaking of accounting..."

Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng's gaze fell upon Xiao Sa:
"How's that person I asked you to investigate?"

"It's all been found out!"

Upon hearing the chairman mention this matter, Xiao Sa immediately perked up and quickly reported:
“That Wang Li has a clean background. His wife has uremia and dialysis costs a lot of money every month. Now the family can’t even afford to eat, but he still stays by her side.”

“I sent a few of my underworld brothers to test him a few times. Although he’s down on his luck, he’s very principled. He’s never been involved in anything shady and he’s a man who sticks to his principles.”

At this point, he hesitated somewhat:
"He's a bit stubborn, so it might be difficult to persuade him. After all, our organization isn't exactly... well, a company in the proper sense..."

Xiao Sa observed Fang Cheng's expression, hesitated for a moment, and then lowered his voice to say:
"President, how about I find a few unfamiliar faces and cause him some trouble?"

"For example, we could collect the debts, or cut off his livelihood and force him into a corner, then we'll step in..."

"No."

Fang Cheng raised his hand to interrupt him directly, his tone calm but stern, leaving no room for argument:
“Our Illuminati is an organization that aims to establish a new order, not a low-life criminal gang. We recruit like-minded people.”

"If you force him to comply with this method, even if he comes physically, his heart won't be here."

"Yes, yes, the chairman is right. I was short-sighted."

Xiao Sa was so scolded that he broke out in a cold sweat and quickly lowered his head to admit his mistake.

Fang Cheng didn't criticize too harshly, but offered a few words of advice, and then gave the following instructions:

"Have someone keep an eye on him. If he really encounters an insurmountable obstacle, then step in to help."

"The best way to deal with this kind of person is to offer help when it's in dire need, providing immediate relief rather than long-term support."

"Also, compile a detailed list of Wang Li's information, including details about his family. I need to review it."

"Yes, I will take care of it immediately."

He nodded casually, as if pounding garlic.

Fang Cheng's gaze remained calm, but he had other plans in mind.

Given the opportunity to make contact, it is not difficult to recruit this person as a follower using the "Mind Resonance" skill effect.

At that point, will there be any need to worry about loyalty issues?

As he pondered, his eyes darted around and he noticed the curious looks on Chu Qiao and Ye Zhiren's faces, so he briefly explained Wang Li's situation to them.

"He's quite a talent..."

After listening, Ye Zhiren praised:
"A professional accountant with principles and the ability to withstand hesitation is exactly what we need. If we can successfully recruit one, our financial security will be guaranteed."

Lin Chuqiao later added:
"Right now we're just a makeshift team, so we don't need to worry about overly complex financial structures."

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

“By then, we will need a senior financial expert who knows how to legalize and make transparent these ‘gray funds’ through complex offshore accounts, shell companies and investment channels.”

"This is not just simple bookkeeping; it's about building a secure financial firewall for the organization." She said, gazing intently at Xiaosai, her eyes filled with expectation.
"If Wang Li is truly capable, we should recruit him as soon as possible."

"understand!"

He nodded vigorously and confidently.

With the matter mostly settled, Fang Cheng gave his final summary:

"Once the money arrives in your account, Xiaosa, you should immediately go and complete the transfer procedures."

"In addition, to avoid suspicion, we also need to register a legitimate trading company as a shell company."

"Leave this to me."

Lin Chuqiao smiled slightly and confidently took over the conversation:

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

"To avoid being targeted by regulators in the future, we can adopt a VIE structure, register an offshore holding company in an overseas island, then set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, and finally invest back into this trading company."

"This way, we can enjoy tax benefits while protecting shareholder privacy to the greatest extent possible..."

She spoke eloquently, from company law to tax planning, leaving Xiaosa listening in awe, her eyes filled with admiration.

Although Fang Cheng only understood some legal jargon, he knew that this woman was truly capable.

So he smiled, patted Xiaosai on the shoulder, and gave him some advice:
"Xiaosai, from now on you'll listen to Xiaochu in these matters and assist her. For now, you'll have to be the second-in-command of the logistics department. Learn from her."

"I'm not wronged at all, not even a little bit!"

Xiao Sa shook his head vigorously, glanced at Lin Chu Qiao, and muttered to himself.

This beautiful woman is not only stunningly beautiful, but also incredibly capable. She speaks so casually to the chairman, their relationship must be quite special.

If I work for the future "boss's wife," wouldn't my future be limitless?
"Sister Chu, from now on I'll follow you. I'll do whatever you tell me to do!"

Xiao Sa immediately changed his address, calling him in a very affectionate way.

Lin Chuqiao raised her eyebrows slightly, and her eye twitched.

Sister Chu?

This guy looked older than her, but calling her "sister" made her feel uncomfortable, as if she had aged several years out of nowhere.

She was about to correct him when she caught a glimpse of Fang Cheng's trusting gaze, and the slight awkwardness in her heart instantly vanished.

Fang Cheng clearly entrusted his most loyal underlings to her care, treating herself as the true "housekeeper."

Thinking of this, a sweet feeling welled up in her heart, and she no longer cared about the issue of how to address him, simply nodding demurely:
"Okay, I'll try my best to do things well from now on."

The four of them were in this empty old building, sketching out a blueprint for the future of the Illuminati.

Before we knew it, the sun had risen to its zenith.

"Gulu——"

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

Xiao Sa immediately clutched his stomach in embarrassment and chuckled awkwardly.

The group exchanged glances and couldn't help but smile.

"Let's go and eat first."

Fang Cheng raised his wristwatch and checked the time:

"We're going to the industrial park in Jiangbei this afternoon. It's a huge place, and we have a lot of work to do there."

"President, I know a seafood stall nearby that's absolutely delicious. Let me treat you today!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Sa immediately perked up and eagerly led the way.

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

Life has become busier, but everyone's eyes still gleam with a light called "hope".

The Illuminati, like a giant ship in the harbor, has set sail for a wider sea.

....................................

We had lunch at a seafood stall near the fish market.

Although the environment was noisy and the tables and chairs were a bit greasy, the ingredients were fresh and the taste was authentic.

Fang Cheng and Xiao Sa don't care much about manners.

Faced with a table full of stir-fried clams and salt and pepper mantis shrimp, the two of them immediately started eating with their hands, enjoying the meal immensely, their mouths dripping with oil.

Lin Chuqiao, a young lady who usually frequents high-end restaurants, rarely eats at roadside stalls, yet she shows no sign of disdain.

She peeled a crab with great interest, her movements not as unrestrained as Fang Cheng and the others, but exuding a down-to-earth and carefree spirit.

On the contrary, Ye Zhiren's eating manners were excessively refined.

He slowly and deliberately picked out the fish bones with his chopsticks, chewing each bite carefully and slowly, his movements more elegant than a woman's.

His demeanor drew frequent sidelong glances from the dashing man beside him, who muttered to himself inwardly.

Could the strategist have been a descendant of some fallen noble family?

The afternoon schedule was much more packed.

After finishing their meal, the four drove to Dingqiao Industrial Park, located in the western suburbs of JB District.

That abandoned textile factory was indeed desolate, with weeds growing wildly in the yard, some almost waist-high.

But when the group went deeper underground, they were pleasantly surprised to find that the air-raid shelter, which was built during the war preparation period, was well preserved.

With its vast space, excellent ventilation, and sturdy structure, it can be transformed into an ideal secret training ground with just a few modifications.

"This place can not only be used for training, but also as a warehouse. With a little tidying up, it can easily house several hundred people."

Ye Zhiren walked around the empty cave and gave an affirmative answer.

Lin Chuqiao also nodded in approval:

"Besides, this place is remote enough, surrounded by abandoned factories. Even if we make a commotion here, we won't be discovered."

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

After a thorough inspection of the building, the group discussed and finalized a specific layout plan.

Then, Lin Chuqiao and Xiaosa, two logistics department staff members, were put in charge of liaising with the factory owner and contacting a reliable construction team to prepare for the renovation work.

After finishing all this, the sun was already setting, casting long shadows over the abandoned factory buildings in the industrial park.

"President, I'll be leaving now."

Xiao Sa glanced at the time and said apologetically, "I still have some things to take care of at Yuanchen Group, so I have to go back first."

"Go ahead, business is more important."

Fang Cheng nodded.

He bid farewell gracefully and took a taxi straight to the city center.

Fang Cheng then acted as the driver, taking Lin Chuqiao and Ye Zhiren on the expressway back.

It was rush hour, but the traffic here was relatively smooth.

The setting sun streamed through the car windows, bathing the seats in a warm, golden-red hue.

In the distance, the city's towering buildings are bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

Fang Cheng gripped the steering wheel firmly with both hands, his gaze fixed on the road stretching ahead, seemingly deep in thought.

Soft music played in the carriage, and no one spoke, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Suddenly, Fang Cheng broke the silence:

"Chu Qiao, Professor."

The two people in the back seat looked up at the sound.

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

"Do you remember when I discussed the various schools of meditation in the world today with you in Cuicheng?"

(End of this chapter)