Chapter 548: Chapter 544 Difficult Trade (1)
"You are right about that, but the problem is, if we were to equip them with firearms, it would violate the country’s laws. You know full well that the country has very strict gun control, and there are no loopholes for you to exploit."
"I am aware of that." Ling Chen gave a slight smile and said, "The weapons and equipment I’m referring to are not firearms. We live in an era of advanced technology; our options are not limited to guns. There are many alternatives."
Jiang Yunkai asked, "What do you suggest, then?"
Ling Chen’s lips curved upwards, his face bearing a hint of a mysterious smile as he spoke deliberately, "Exoskeleton armor."
"Exoskeleton armor?" Jiang Yunkai replied, full of curiosity, "What is that?"
"It’s the latest cutting-edge technology which allows the wearer to multiply their abilities several times over in a short period. However, since the exoskeleton armor is classified as a secret project by the state, we need to ensure the loyalty of our subordinates, which is the most important point. All members of the three security companies were handpicked and nurtured by you; you should know best in this regard."
Jiang Yunkai nodded and said, "That shouldn’t be a problem; I know who can be trusted."
"That is for the best. Determine the personnel as soon as possible, then submit a list to me."
"Alright."
After finalizing the plan with Jiang Yunkai, Ling Chen did not stay long and left the security company on his own.
Exoskeleton armor was a recent idea that Ling Chen had come up with. The intelligence network in East Sea City had been fully established, but intelligence alone was not enough; what he needed most at the moment was manpower. He had considered recruiting some experts, but given his circumstances, he doubted many would be willing to serve him. Thus, after much thought, Ling Chen settled on exoskeleton armor.
He had personally experienced the power of the exoskeleton armor. If he could use it to build a team, they would be more than capable of handling crises, and he himself would have an easier time.
Although the technology for the exoskeleton armor was traded to the military, Nanrong Wanqing still retained the core technology. As long as they kept a low profile, he believed the military would not discover it. Besides, with the old General secretly looking out for him, there should not be any problem.
On the way back, Ling Chen suddenly received a call from Tang Yuan.
"Hello! Old Tang, how are things progressing on your end?"
"Let’s not even talk about it. By the time we got there, that base had been destroyed; not a soul was found, not even bodies. Someone must have been there before us."
"Really?" Ling Chen was taken aback. The only people who knew about that secret base were he and the members of the Secret Society. If someone had gotten there ahead of them, it had to be the Secret Society.
"You didn’t find anything?" Ling Chen asked with reluctance.
"Nothing. All indications are that the people from the base had evacuated a while back; even the equipment was gone."
"Forget it! They probably knew their location had been exposed, so they left early. I’ll let you know if there’s news later. Oh, and one more thing, do you have any leads on Lin Guodong?"
"Nothing so far. We’ve searched the national archives, and there are many people named Lin Guodong, but their identities are all clean, without suspicion. I’m beginning to wonder if Lin Guodong is a made-up name; it might not be his real name."
"Maybe. Ok, let’s not talk about that now; we’ll be in touch later."
After hanging up, Ling Chen drove his car, intending to go to the Old City to see Hu Fei and ask about Yi Shuiyan and others.
But as he was driving, before he had entered the Old City area, Hu Fei called.
"Ling Chen, where are you?" Hu Fei’s voice had a tinge of urgency.
"I was just about to come to you; what’s up?"
"You better hurry back to Hongyu Group. I just got word that those people are on their way there by car."
Hongyu Group?
Ling Chen was startled. What were they doing at Hongyu Group? Could it be they were looking for him?
In a flash of insight, Ling Chen changed direction without another thought, speeding towards Hongyu Group.
On the way, Ling Chen called Zhong Wei and ordered him to immediately gather a team to protect Nanrong Wanqing. He made his way as fast as he could, and a little over ten minutes later, Ling Chen finally arrived at the Hongyu Group headquarters.
Upon entering the elevator, Ling Chen held his phone and asked, "Fatty, where are those people now?"
"Five minutes ago, they entered the underground parking lot but haven’t been seen since. They’re probably already in the building."
"How many?"
"Five. Have your security department connect their surveillance system to the network, so I can remotely control the surveillance throughout the entire building."
"Got it; keep in touch, and inform me immediately if you spot them."
In the midst of their conversation, Ling Chen took the elevator up to the top floor of Hongyu Group.
Pushing open the door to the Chairman’s office, he saw Captain Zhong and Liang Zhao Hui inside. After confirming Nanrong Wanqing’s safety, Ling Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. However, the infiltrators who had entered the building had not been found yet, and the crisis was still at hand, allowing no room for complacency.
"What’s going on, Ling Chen?" Nanrong Wanqing asked.
"I received intel that there are several criminals inside the building; their purpose is not clear yet. For safety’s sake, have all the staff in the building evacuated immediately."
Nanrong Wanqing did not doubt Ling Chen’s words and, without a second thought, immediately picked up the intercom phone, instructing her secretary, Wang Lan, to relay the order.
"Captain Zhong, have the vehicles ready to take the Chairman back first."
"Understood."
"Aren’t you coming back with us?"
Looking into Nanrong Wanqing’s eyes, which shone like brilliant stars, Ling Chen smiled faintly and said, "I’ll return after handling the situation."
"Alright then." Nanrong Wanqing advised him with concern, "Be careful yourself."
Watching the convoy leave the parking lot through the glass windows, Ling Chen went directly to the security office. He watched Wei Jun, who was busy, and asked, "Wei, have all the company’s employees left?"
"Everyone’s gone; I’m arranging for the floor check to ensure no one is left behind."
Ling Chen nodded and said, "After you finish checking, you should head home as well."
"We’re not standing guard?"
"No need. The Chairman said all staff have the day off today."
Wei Jun grinned and said, "That’s good news. It’s almost Chinese New Year; I can finally go out and buy some New Year's goods for the house."
Half an hour later, the entire building had been checked; Wei Jun said goodbye to Ling Chen and left for home.
Once all the members of the security department were gone, Ling Chen was left alone to lock down the entire building.
"Hello! Fatty, have you found those people?" Ling Chen called Hu Fei.
"Wait a moment; I’m still searching. There were so many employees leaving just now; I’m not sure if those few people could have blended in with the crowd."