Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1371 - 613: One Day
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Lu Qiaochun interjected, "Mr. Diao, different positions naturally come with different responsibilities. Our unit generally handles only combat-related tasks; intelligence operations are managed by others."
Combat tasks...
Was he short on fighters?
No, what he lacked were managerial talents, individuals with business acumen, the kind who could make him a truly hands-off proprietor.
He dismissed the thought, figuring he could always scout or train such personnel himself; there was no way he was taking on that burden.
Fighting was Fang Yu's forte.
Managing subordinates, however, was quite the headache.
Deciding rewards and punishments, overseeing operations – these were all scholarly pursuits.
"Lu Qiaochun..."
"Minister, please just call me Xiaochun," Lu Qiaochun replied, fitting the petite and adorable archetype, with a hint of sprightliness.
"Are you acquainted with those who lead the intelligence organization?"
Lu Qiaochun responded swiftly, "It's hard to say. I'm somewhat familiar with some, while with others, I have virtually no interaction. It primarily depends on their focus areas. For instance, the kind of demon intelligence you're seeking now involves personnel who have minimal overlap with us combatants, so at most, we're acquaintances, not close confidants."
The organizational structure was quite intricate.
Fang Yu glanced at Yu Ji, who also shook his head, clearly in the same predicament as Lu Qiaochun.
Fang Yu let out a sigh, musing that if these two had strong ties with the intelligence agents, he could have found a way to acquire demon intelligence beyond the marked red zones on the map.
Simply put, Fang Yu worried the Rebel Army's provided demon intelligence might be insufficient for his intended targets.
"Sir, why do you require this intelligence concerning demons lurking within the city?"
Yu Ji inquired with a touch of confusion at that moment.
While the Rebel Army did gather such intelligence, their approach was mostly passive monitoring rather than active intervention.
Perhaps the higher-ups in the Rebel Army were cautious, or maybe for other reasons. Since they were strictly combat personnel, they never delved into such matters.
However, for a new Minister like Fang Yu to prioritize intelligence on city-dwelling demons right after taking office was unusual, suggesting he was planning a significant endeavor.
Could this be the customary display of authority by a new official?
"You will understand soon enough."
Fang Yu offered little explanation; certain information known to the Rebel Army's leadership remained obscure to those below.
As for the demons, he was resolute in eliminating them that very day – not even Jesus himself could stop him!
Nian Jiachen, as if by chance, mentioned Floral Street, which was some distance from the Forest Snake Gang's territory. They traversed several bustling workshops before finally arriving at their destination.
After confirming they were not being followed, Fang Yu led the duo directly into a pawnshop.
The proprietor was a diminutive old man, half-asleep behind the counter, appearing as though he was on the verge of dozing off completely.
"Shopkeeper, I am here to redeem an item," Fang Yu stated.
Bam!
Fang Yu struck the counter and declared his purpose pointedly.
The sudden impact jolted the Shopkeeper awake, but his expression also shifted to one of annoyance, regarding Fang Yu with clear displeasure.
"You startled my old bones! Had I suffered a mishap, you might not be redeeming anything today. Be prepared to pay compensation!"
Upon hearing that Fang Yu intended to redeem an item, the old man's demeanor noticeably soured.
Fang Yu suddenly grasped why Floral Street, despite its decent foot traffic, housed such an unpopular establishment.
And yet...
"I am here to redeem my family's piece of Xia Yu."
"What Xia Yu? Never heard of it!" the old man huffed, his eyes glinting.
"It's that large red jade! Pawned to your shop just two weeks ago!"
The moment Fang Yu finished speaking, the little old man's demeanor underwent a rapid transformation; he lowered his voice.
"I, Ji Xiangsong, greet the Chief of the Black Department!"
Fang Yu was taken aback; could this code Nian Jiachen provided directly identify a person?
He had assumed it would at best serve to instruct the recipient to relay the demon intelligence.
It appeared the Rebel Army's communication methods were remarkably efficient, truly deserving of their ability to thrive under the Foolish Underworld's scrutiny.
"No need for formalities."
Fang Yu handed him the map.
"Provide me with the intelligence."
"Please wait a moment, sir."
Despite his internal bewilderment, the old man, casting a glance at Lu Qiaochun and Yu Ji positioned behind Fang Yu, quickly retreated to the back room with the map.
"You two, guard the entrance. Ensure no one enters."
"Minister, that seems unnecessary. This pawnshop has no open windows; it's as dark as night inside, lit only by the candle on the table. Even if someone on the street were to peek in, they would only see our silhouettes and wouldn't discern what's transpiring within."
Disobedience.
Such casual disregard.
Fang Yu began to reminisce about Che Linfang and her group; at least they were obedient and effective, carrying out instructions without any resistance.
Ultimately, it all boiled down to the fact that this sudden appointment as Minister lacked any real credibility. However, Fang Yu couldn't be bothered to manage them; their usefulness to him would depend entirely on their individual performance. If they proved to be more of a hindrance than a help, he could simply send them back to Xu Qingqi. Being a sole commander might prove more convenient than having two unnecessary burdens trailing behind him. Thud, thud, thud. The elderly man emerged from the inner chambers at this precise moment, his expression grave. With utmost seriousness, he presented the map, now embellished with gathered intelligence, to Fang Yu. "Minister, you must safeguard this intelligence with the utmost vigilance. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, prioritize its immediate destruction to ensure it never falls into the wrong hands. Furthermore, understand that access to this information is strictly limited to you alone; even those two subordinates accompanying you are forbidden from viewing it." Despite the old man's hushed tones, both Yu Ji and Lu Qiaochun managed to overhear the entirety of their conversation. Yu Ji, for her part, remained unconcerned, displaying an air of nonchalance.