Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1154 - 562
Previously on Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups...
Traffic crept along sluggishly on the overpass.
Fang Cheng held back his reply for a moment, instead drumming his index finger steadily against the steering wheel, generating a dull thump-thump rhythm.
Moments of quiet passed before he finally spoke up:
"How are they holding up right now?"
"They're being very cooperative and obedient."
Clearly ready with his response, the Professor delivered it clearly:
"To ensure their safety, I've placed them at Yunlin Cottage, where Old Chen and Eagle Eye alternate in guarding them."
"With their keen instincts and constant alertness, they'll spot any unusual activity right away."
This statement suggested: Without your approval, these three are treated as both saved individuals and detainees confined to the premises, with zero possibility of slipping away.
A subtle nod came from Fang Cheng, followed by another question:
"Did you investigate their histories?"
"We grilled them all through the night yesterday."
Rustling pages sounded as the Professor leafed through his notebook, then he provided a thorough update:
"The pair of youngsters form a couple. The guy's Zhang Kuan, age twenty-four, once a regular mechanic, whose awakened power is 'Mechanical Intuition.'
It's an exceptionally uncommon gift. While he can't invent devices from thin air, he has an astonishing knack for picking up technical knowledge. Anything his hands have handled, he instinctively understands the inner workings and functioning principles of machinery, allowing him to fix and tweak them swiftly.
From his own admission, in merely two months after awakening, he rose to become the premier tuner in East Capital's underground racing world. It was this extraordinary tuning skill that drew the interest of the Bloodthorn Mercenary Corps, who sought customized vehicles.
His partner is Jiang Yun, twenty-two, previously a nurse, whose powers lean toward mental sensing.
In addition to keenly picking up on the feelings of those nearby and telling apart hostility from friendliness, she appears... to hold some aptitude for 'Mind Reading.'
Uncertainty tinged the Professor's voice:
In the interrogation, on multiple occasions before I even voiced a query, she seemed to foresee it and promptly responded.
Yet this remains my impression alone, and more scrutiny is needed.
After a brief hesitation, the Professor went on:
Regarding the young girl, she's an orphan without an official name, going by 'Bean,' and she's just twelve this year.
Her power is 'Animal Communication,' letting her command urban critters such as rats, sparrows, or wandering cats and dogs.
Before, she managed street life by guiding these small animals to pilfer meals from eatery kitchens.
Once he finished describing the trio, the Professor let out a sigh:
All of them migrated here from distant provinces, lacking family ties in East Capital; their pasts are spotless, like empty sheets.
Right now, they're gripped by fear and disorientation, cowering in their quarters, too scared to venture out, unsure of their next step.
Here, the Professor's tone lifted a bit, carrying a note of testing:
From my initial watch, these folks don't come across as malicious or sly in nature.
Though their power levels are modest and fighting strength is weak, they shine in support positions, each with distinct strengths.
Zhang Kuan excels in gear upkeep and car alterations, Xiao Yun manages intel evaluation and advance alerts, while Bean serves as an innate reconnaissance asset.
With proper guidance, they could prove highly valuable to the group's upcoming growth. I recommend attempting to recruit them.
Fang Cheng's brows arched faintly.
The Illuminati stands at its early stage, short on personnel.
Should their histories truly check out as pure, it offers a chance to bolster the team with new members.
Yet the key issue is exactly that notion of 'trust.'
People's motives are unpredictable, and absent extended dealings and tests, who can vouch that their origins are truly untainted and that they're dependable?
The Professor's earlier hires like old Chen, Eagle Eye, Xiao Ya, Fatty Hu, and Fei Ying.
Those rest on the Professor's own reputation; they're offspring of longtime comrades or folks known for years, fully versed in one another's stories.
That assurance allowed Fang Cheng to welcome them fully.
Furthermore, following the trial by fire from last night's clash, these fresh recruits have demonstrated their faithfulness and dependability through deeds, ready to shoulder key duties, and perhaps eyed for even greater positions ahead.
These three outsiders, however, differ entirely.
Fang Cheng's wariness arises not solely from worries over spies betraying Illuminati secrets.
More crucially, it concerns establishing guidelines right from the organization's birth.
The Illuminati aims to light the way in the Dark World, not act as a haven or a chaotic gathering for all comers.
Ideas raced through his head, and he checked the navigation's clock.
Just ten minutes remained before the scheduled meet with Lin Chuqiao.
"Understood."
Fang Cheng eyed the road ahead, now beginning to ease up, and remarked offhandedly:
"Watch them closely, ensure no issues arise."
"I'm heading to fetch Chu Qiao now, and we'll link up this afternoon."
With that, he ended the call and flung the phone back into the passenger-side bag.
As the path opened, the motor growled deeply, and the dark car, nimble as a darting fish, weaved through the gaps in traffic and sped into the express lane.
Fang Cheng directed his sight along the stretching overpass, his gaze profound and steady.
As for whether those so-called 'promising talents' merit enlistment.
Reports alone won't suffice; a personal evaluation this afternoon will determine it.
In the end, rumors are one thing, but witnessing is reality.
.........
In Jiangbei Suburb, at Qinghe Ancient Town.
Through a dense woodland, hidden within the foliage lies a countryside lodge called 'Hidden Cloud Cottage.'