Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 978 - 490_2

Many prior actions, including this pursuit of Xuan Zhen in Tian Nan Province, were all orchestrated by him.

His opinions are significant, even directly affecting Big Hammer and Monkey in East Capital.

What’s more, the proposal to establish the organization was first put forward by the Professor, yet now Fang Cheng has "stolen the thunder."

Lin Chuqiao’s words earlier were meant to persuade the Professor, and also to smooth things over for Fang Cheng.

Ye Zhiran furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly still pondering Fang Cheng’s earlier words, or perhaps carefully weighing the pros and cons.

He fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded:

"I have no objections."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chuqiao’s heart relaxed, and she laughed sweetly:

"Since everyone agrees, starting today, the four of us are officially part of the Illuminati. We’ll be comrades in arms from now on."

"That’s great. We are part of an organization now!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling immediately clapped her hands excitedly:

"When the Illuminati grows strong in the future, we’ll be the elders and bosses!"

Li Dingjian also broke into a reassuring smile, sighing in relief.

Ye Zhiran’s lips curled slightly, and a trace of relief appeared in his eyes behind his glasses.

He had little interest in power.

His previous hesitation was merely a concern that Fang Cheng was too young and inexperienced to bear the burden of a leadership role.

But from the words earlier, it’s clear the young man before him possesses not only exceptional martial prowess but also an extraordinary maturity for his age and a broad perspective.

As such, his impression of Fang Cheng improved greatly, no longer seeing him merely as a fighter, but acknowledging his leadership potential.

Thinking of this, Ye Zhiran picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Moreover, it was evident that everyone present greatly admired Fang Cheng.

One was a blood-related relative, another a close partner.

As for Bai Ling, she might as well have "I’m the boss’s number one fan" written on her face.

Even if he wanted to raise a differing opinion, it would be pointless and make him seem out of place.

The group exchanged smiles, relaxed in demeanor.

A sense of "belonging" quietly spread through the lounge.

At this moment, a discordant voice suddenly sounded.

"Wait... why only four people?"

Pan Wendi pointed to himself, looking abandoned and aggrieved:

"Hey, hey, hey, don’t forget me. You all joined the organization, what about me? I want to join too!"

Lin Chuqiao glanced at him and retorted irritably:

"Go back to being the bigshot son of a financial conglomerate. Why join an organization that involves fighting and killing? Aren’t you afraid your aunt will deal with you when she finds out?"

"As long as you don’t tell her, how would my mom know?"

Pan Wendi stubbornly raised his neck and asserted:

"I insist on joining. How can I miss out on something so interesting — no, so meaningful?"

The current scene felt reminiscent of the secret formation of a clandestine party, making his blood boil.

Ye Zhiran looked at Pan Wendi, a glint flashed behind his glasses, and he spoke:

"This young fellow is also being targeted by Ideal Land; it’s best if he’s with us for mutual support and safety."

"Besides, he has a deep family background that could unexpectedly aid our future operations."

These words from the Professor served as a stepping stone for Pan Wendi.

He instantly climbed up, confidently puffing out his chest:

"You hear that, cousin? Don’t underestimate me. With my capabilities, I could easily be a key member or even a leader in the organization in the future."

Lin Chuqiao sighed helplessly, no longer opposing.

Fang Cheng looked around at everyone, seeing that all had reached a consensus, then spoke gravely:

"Alright, from today onward, our first batch of core members of the Illuminati is officially assembled."

Pausing for a moment, his gaze became sharp and resolute:

"The days ahead may be perilous, but as long as we remain united, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome."

"Our Illuminati will dispel all darkness and defeat every enemy!"

"Great!"

Bai Ling clapped vigorously, her face flushed.

Lin Chuqiao and others also clapped in congratulation, their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation.

Fang Cheng looked at these people before him, and his heart surged with passion.

From today, he was no longer alone, having genuine comrades by his side.

Outside, a few birds chirped, as if celebrating this significant moment.

Even the morning light pouring in seemed warmer and brighter.

A destiny-changing, storm-stirring organization.

In that morning, within a secluded lounge at the Chen Family Mansion, it quietly came into existence.

Though it was still immature at the moment, like a seed, it would eventually root on this land and grow into a towering tree.

The applause gradually faded, but the excitement on everyone’s faces remained.

"Is this how... we become part of the organization?"

Bai Ling blinked, somewhat unsatisfied, asking:

"Shouldn’t there be a ceremony, like swearing an oath or something?"

Li Dingjian laughed:

"Young lady, you think it’s like taking an oath to join the party?"

Lin Chu nodded with a gentle smile:

"A true bond is in actions, not words. As long as we treat each other as trustworthy companions, that’s the most solid pledge."

"Chu Qiao’s right."

Ye Zhiran pushed up his glasses and added:

"However, as a formal organization, we will indeed need some ceremonial norms in the future to enhance the members’ sense of belonging and cohesion."

"For now, as founders, simplicity is best."

Speaking, he looked at Fang Cheng, his tone shifting to a "strategist" role:

"As for organizational structure, personnel arrangement, action guidelines, etc., when we return to East Capital, I will assist President Fang in carefully planning and improving together."

Ye Zhiran’s remarks were clear, assuming the role of the second person in the organization.

Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly, with no objections.

After the excitement in the room slightly subsided.

Ye Zhiran pushed up his glasses again and continued:

"There’s another matter that must be handled swiftly."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chuqiao’s eyes flashed knowingly:

"Is it concerning the Chen Family? I’ve already instructed Chen Xu’an to keep things discreet and clean up all loose ends."

"That’s not enough."

Ye Zhiran shook his head, his gaze sharp behind his glasses:

"Ideal Land targeting the Chen Family is no coincidence, there’s certainly some unknown scheme behind it."

"Though Xuan Zhen is dead, their plan might still proceed. We must stay informed of the situation here to prevent problems before they arise."

Saying this, he looked at Fang Cheng, solemnly proposing:

"President, our Illuminati has just been established, facing numerous challenges. Whether it’s setting up safe houses, acquiring equipment, or gathering intelligence, substantial funding is essential."

"The Chen Family runs a jewelry business, with abundant assets, essentially the wealthiest around. If we can develop them into stable supporters in the secular world, it will make many endeavors easier in the future."

His words, though blunt, pointed directly to the most real predicament faced by this nascent organization.

Fang Cheng’s gaze was calm, nodding slightly.

Then he turned to Lin Chuqiao beside him, instructing:

"Chu Qiao, go call Mr. Chen over, tell him we have something to discuss."

Lin Chuqiao understood, nodded in agreement, and got up to open the lounge door.

A moment later, Chen Xu’an followed Lin Chuqiao in.

He had changed into a formal suit, with meticulously groomed hair, looking much steadier than before.

But seeing everyone’s serious expressions in the lounge, his heart couldn’t help but skip a beat, feeling somewhat anxious.

Lin Chuqiao casually closed the door, isolating external sounds.

Chen Xu’an first smiled apologetically at Ye Zhiran and Li Dingjian, expressing regret for his previous concealments.

Then he looked at Fang Cheng, his expression tinged with worry:

"Mr. Bai, what do you need me for? Is it... concerning our Chen Family’s current plight?"

Indeed, his thought was perceptive, directly pointing out the core of the issue.

Fang Cheng looked at him and, without beating around the bush, said directly:

"The Evil Spirit residing in your grandfather’s corpse has died, a major setback for that organization, but perhaps they might strike again."

"Due to this matter, your Chen Family won’t be peaceful going forward and might face retaliation."

"To protect yourselves, a choice must be made."

"What choice?"

Chen Xu’an asked nervously, palms unconsciously sweating.

Fang Cheng looked at him sharply and calmly uttered two words:

"Cooperation."