Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1164 - 565: Team Formation (Part 2)

Two kids soaked by the same downpour could perhaps share an umbrella, bare their souls, and forge the strongest bond of friendship.

Once the newcomer interviews wrapped up, Fang Cheng held off on sending the group away right away.

He glanced over and gave a subtle nod to Lin Chuqiao standing nearby.

She caught on at once and slipped out of the space with soft footfalls.

Before long, Old Chen and Eagle Eye, who'd been lingering in the hallway, joined Fei Ying and Fatty Hu—still mending from graver wounds in the next room over.

Xiao Ya trailed quietly after the Professor, squeezing into the already cramped quarters and filling it to the brim.

"Take a moment to memorize each other's features."

Fang Cheng kept the introductions brief, linking the two groups together.

Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun shifted uncomfortably.

These were no ordinary folks; even bandaged up or hobbling on canes, they radiated the raw edge of survivors from bloody battlefields.

The hulking "Fatty Hu" stood out in his tight black shirt, muscles straining the fabric, eyes flashing with a wild intensity that screamed street-hardened life.

Sensing the fresh faces' nerves, Fatty Hu rubbed his gleaming shaved scalp and flashed a wide grin, baring a mouthful of gleaming teeth.

"No need to worry, no need to worry— I might seem scary on the outside, but I've got the softest heart!"

His tough facade melted into a picture of friendliness in an instant.

"We're teammates from here on out. If somebody picks on you, drop my name, Fatty Hu, and I'll sort them out quick!"

His lighthearted words eased the stiffness in Xu Kuan and the rest, drawing out a few reluctant grins.

From her spot behind the Professor, Xiao Ya offered a timid smile and a small nod all around as her way of saying hello.

"Good enough."

With introductions done, Fang Cheng coughed lightly and dove into handing out duties.

"Stick around this place for the moment."

"Yunlin Cottage sits in the West Gate outskirts. Tourist crowds haven't hit yet, so it's all fields and woods nearby, folks few and far between—ideal for staying under the radar."

Fang Cheng eyed the wrappings on Fatty Hu and Fei Ying, his voice steady:

"Things are heating up out there, with the army combing everywhere. The Illuminati doesn't need to dive headfirst into danger."

"So right now, just hole up, heal up, and learn the Illuminati ways plus your fresh roles."

"Got it, Chairman."

The group bobbed their heads, showing they'd follow through.

To lock down security and dodge prying eyes when they arrived, the Professor shelled out big to reserve the whole inn.

It stayed dead quiet most days, barely a visitor in sight.

Now with this sudden influx, the owner pocketed a fat stack of bills and beamed nonstop.

Smart as she was, she steered clear and zipped her lips on the big spenders' business.

Fang Cheng halted for a beat, then fixed his gaze on Xu Kuan and Jiang Yun:

"You pair hang tight here a bit. When the dust settles and you're patched up, link up with Chu Qiao for duties."

He motioned to Lin Chuqiao at his side, adding with a tease:

"She's our key money backer and supply boss, loaded and all. Can't send her out in a helmet to the build sites daily."

"Split the work at the upgrade spots for our two new hubs—don't run her ragged."

"You got it, Chairman!"

Xu Kuan snapped to attention, pledging with full confidence:

"I'll tackle every rough job and mess; Miss Lin won't touch a thing."

"Don't worry, Chairman—we won't disappoint you or Miss Chuqiao."

Jiang Yun dipped her head too, her face bright with determination to shine.

New folks squared away, Fang Cheng shifted to the main fighter crew.

"Old Chen, Eagle Eye."

They advanced a step, ears perked.

"Your hurts are milder, and you're bouncing back strong."

Fang Cheng sized them up fast, noting their smooth movements, before laying out precise orders:

"Come morning, swing by Old Factory Street in Jiangbei to cover for a couple of our guys."

"You'll get the full scoop from your contact on site."

His voice sharpened here, face turning dead serious:

"That's where my family lives. Watch the scene close and ping me on anything off—stay sharp every second."

"Yes, sir, Chairman."

Old Chen and Eagle Eye shared a look, then vowed solidly.

Learning it was the boss's own house stirred a rush of warmth inside them.

For edge-walkers like these, kin meant the soft spot that screamed for safeguarding.

Handing over that key defense spot proved the Chairman's rock-solid faith in their skills.

"Big Hammer and Monkey, getting pulled off..."

Fang Cheng mulled it over, then directed the Professor on the switch:

"Give them a short break, then send them straight to Wanghu Town."

Bringing up Wanghu Town drew a grave cast to Fang Cheng's stare:

"Grandpa's turf, and it'll be the Illuminati's prime outpost ahead. Set them up to plant a lookout post, wire surveillance, and guard my mom and grandpa on the down low."

"Clear, I'll line up the budget early for gear and supplies."

The Professor adjusted his specs, locking the job in his head.

"Fei Ying and Fatty Hu."

Fang Cheng regarded the pair still on the mend, easing his words:

"Take it slow—no hurry. Just mend fully here. When you're at peak, swap shifts with the team."

"Understood! Ideal time to snooze, power up, and dive into scraps at full throttle."

Fatty Hu laughed, rubbing his palms with a sharp pop of joints.

Fei Ying gave a casual lift of shoulders, replying breezily:

"All good, Chairman. We'll jump in whenever the group calls."

Fang Cheng surveyed the crowded space, a swell of satisfaction rising.

The prior night's Shen Wei extraction came with bumps and brushes with doom for several, yet it ended on a high note.

This new wave bolstered the Illuminati's inner circle yet again.

Above all, these survivors had stared down the abyss and clawed through mortal perils. Offer them due honor and cover, and their devotion was sealed.

Fang Cheng tallied it all silently in his thoughts.

Sure, hands were short still.

As the Illuminati grew, stretching this handful thin yielded little impact.

But haste wouldn't help; quality over quantity ruled.

They'd scout solid picks as time allowed.

Matters wrapped as the sun dipped low.

A soft golden glow bathed the room, draping a cozy, laid-back vibe across everything.

Lin Chuqiao peeked at the view through the glass and piped up:

"We rarely get the full crew in one spot, especially with fresh joins—why not throw a get-together tonight?"

"I've got supplies inbound; let's fire up a grill in the courtyard."

"Yes! Yes!"

Food on the menu sparked Fatty Hu's gaze to blaze, saliva nearly pooling:

"Grilled wings for me! Sheep sticks, fatty pork slices, charred aubergines... load on the heat!"

Fei Ying facepalmed in mock despair, barely claiming the guy.

That ravenous vibe pegged Fatty Hu as a total chow hound, fitting his moniker—explaining the sturdy frame.

Lin Chuqiao's idea won instant cheers, dissolving the earlier strain in a flash.

The usually stone-faced Professor even cracked a faint grin.

Catching the buzz, Fang Cheng grinned back, loath to kill the fun, and pulled out his cell:

"Fine by me—I'll call in a few extras for a real bash, our Illuminati's debut team huddle since day one!"