Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 998 - 499:

A tricycle overflowing with seafood dashed through the streets, vendors haggled with flying spittle, and hurried passersby maneuvered through, creating a lively yet slightly chaotic street scene.

Fang Cheng stood at the alley entrance, accompanied by Lin Chuqiao and Ye Zhiran.

After finishing his morning exercise today, he indulged in a refreshing shower, washing away the sweat.

He then slowly savored the breakfast prepared by his mother, and with the excuse of club matters, drove to the city center.

Picking up the two who had been waiting at the appointed location, they sped to the destination.

The three of them were impeccably dressed and carried themselves with distinction, looking somewhat out of place amidst the greasy and noisy environment, yet firmly grounded amidst the clamor.

After a moment, a young man in a brand-new suit with slick hair walked briskly toward them.

Despite trying to maintain a solemn "elite face," his slightly exaggerated gait and eyes betraying a hint of mischief exposed his true nature.

This was Xiao Shuai, whom Fang Cheng arranged to remain in the East Capital for business.

"President!"

Xiao Shuai quickened his pace from afar, coming to Fang Cheng and bowing respectfully at a ninety-degree angle, drawing the attention of passersby.

"You’re finally back. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your return to lead the way during these days."

"Hmm."

Fang Cheng nodded slightly and turned to Lin Chuqiao and Ye Zhiran beside him, introducing:

"This is Xiao Chu, responsible for the organization’s logistics and finance from now on, he’s our housekeeper."

"This is Professor, specializing in intelligence analysis and strategic planning, he’s our strategist."

He then pointed to Xiao Shuai, speaking solemnly:

"This is Xiao Shuai, a capable recruit I discovered in the East Capital, and the first official member of the organization; he handled the site selection of the base single-handedly."

Upon hearing phrases like "capable recruit" and "first official member," Xiao Shuai blushed with excitement, standing even straighter.

He turned to Lin Chuqiao and Ye Zhiran, although he didn’t know their specific identities, their demeanor indicated they were anything but ordinary.

"Greetings, leaders! I’m Xiao Shuai. If there’s any dirty or demanding work that needs help, feel free to instruct me."

He extended his hand as if mimicking a movie scene but withdrew it somewhat awkwardly.

Eventually, he clasped his hands in a traditional gesture, appearing slightly incongruous yet exuding an earnest spirit.

Lin Chuqiao smiled gently, nodding warmly in response:

"Hello, Xiao Shuai."

Ye Zhiran adjusted his glasses, a flash of appreciation in his eyes.

He had already heard Fang Cheng’s brief account of Xiao Shuai’s background and family situation while waiting.

Clear in his mind, a young man emerging from the grassroots, grateful with a tough character, when utilized correctly, could become a sharp weapon.

"Alright, let’s lead the way."

Seeing it was a good time for them to get acquainted, Fang Cheng interrupted the pleasantries.

"Yes, President, please follow me."

Xiao Shuai promptly responded, turning swiftly to guide the way.

Avoiding the bustling main street, the group weaved through several intricate alleys, ultimately arriving at a six-story old building.

The building’s exterior walls were somewhat mottled, covered in dark green moss and climbing vines.

It appeared inconspicuous yet occupied a very strategic location.

Situated in a hidden cul-de-sac, its front was easy to defend but hard to attack, and the back closely neighbored a concealed water channel leading to the port.

Surrounded by dense residential buildings, anyone unfamiliar with the terrain would struggle to find here.

"President, this is it."

Xiao Shuai pointed at the building before them, methodically explaining:

"This building was formerly the office of a seafood freezing factory, later abandoned when the owner disappeared with the funds."

Observing its slightly dilapidated appearance, it is surprisingly sturdy structurally using authentic materials as it was originally the inspection team office of the Harbor Bureau, adhering to quasi-military facility standards.

At this, he lowered his voice, a slyness flashing in his eyes:

"Moreover... there’s another benefit here, the basement connects to that water channel, previously used for moving goods, hehe, you all understand."

While speaking, Xiao Shuai took out a large bunch of keys, unlocking the padlock on the rolling shutter door.

As the shutter was pushed up with a clatter, a stale smell immediately greeted them.

Fang Cheng glanced around, stepping inside first.

The first floor was a high-ceilinged lobby, quite spacious.

Some abandoned desks, chairs, and file cabinets were stacked in the corner.

Despite being idle for long, with thick dust on the floor, its original grandeur was still apparent.

Sunlight poured through filthy floor-to-ceiling windows, forming beams in the air with countless dust motes dancing within.

"Not bad."

Ye Zhiran observed around, offering a reasonably fair assessment:

"The building’s interior is much more spacious than its outward appearance, and the layout is sensible, suitable as an intelligence transit point and daily office."

"Though the lighting is overly good, making it easy to see inside from outside, lacking privacy."

"That’s easy to resolve."

Lin Chuqiao, in heels, lightly navigated the clutter on the floor, approaching the window and gesturing:

"We can install one-way perspective glass with a layer of frosted film; it’ll appear as an ordinary company facade from outside."

"This space is roomy enough for a reception area, making it look formal to mislead others."

"Exactly, that’s what I thought too."

Xiao Shuai echoed beside her enthusiastically:

"I also considered placing some greenery and brochures at the front desk, looking more convincing!"

Fang Cheng nodded slightly, quite satisfied, then said:

"Let’s go upstairs and have a look."

Everyone ascended the dusty stairs, their footsteps softly echoing in the empty hallway.

The second and third floors were the original office areas of the seafood company, cramped into tiny rooms with cheap plasterboard partitions.

The lighting was dim, oppressive.

Fang Cheng frowned, pushing open a rickety office door:

"This place is too cluttered, feels more like a maze than a company."

Xiao Shuai promptly offered an awkward smile, explaining:

"The former owner was stingy, running a seafood business, cramming employees like sardines."

Lin Chuqiao couldn’t help covering her mouth, lightly laughing at this.

"The layout is inadequate, if we buy this place, major renovations are necessary."

Ye Zhiran shook his head, tapping the partition wall, producing hollow "thumping" sounds from the plasterboard.

"All these messy partitions need to be torn down."

"Once open, the second floor can become an administrative office area, and the third floor can be converted into several large meeting rooms and private offices."

"Although we’re a secret organization, we need a proper place to meet, we can’t keep meeting at hotels or teahouses."

"Understood."

Xiao Shuai immediately chimed in: "I’ll find a construction crew and have everything cleaned out within three days."

The group continued upstairs to the fourth and fifth floors.

The ambiance changed dramatically, appearing to have been used as storage.

No windows, all walls covered with thick insulating panels, exceptionally cold and claustrophobic, even voices echoed.

The stale smell mixed with fishy odors, accumulated over years, much stronger than downstairs.

Lin Chuqiao frowned, covering her nose, coughing lightly:

"The smell is unbearable, didn’t they ventilate previously?"

Fang Cheng on the contrary showed satisfaction.

He paced in the empty floor, listening to his footsteps closely, then stomped firmly.

"I think it’s great."

Fang Cheng turned to Ye Zhiran seeking his opinion:

"Such a closed environment is perfect for installing high-grade security systems."

"The fourth floor could be an intelligence room and server room, the fifth floor an equipment area and temporary rest zone for core members."

"Once ventilation and temperature systems are upgraded, this place will be a secure fortress."

Ye Zhiran nodded in agreement:

"Indeed, the non-transparent design is advantageous for confidentiality, adding a few layers of lead panels can even shield electronic signals."

As the four inspected their surroundings, they discussed specific renovation plans.

After a moment of discussion, they finally pushed open a rusty iron door, stepping onto the rooftop terrace of the sixth floor.

A blast of salty sea breeze immediately filled their clothes, the view opening up brightly.