Chapter 390: Advancement and Communication
Chapter 390: Advancement and Communication
The security personnel outside the estate received their rewards and promotions within half an hour of Chen Chuan's return, with outstanding performers receiving additional adjustments to their positions. This further motivated the team, as they were not only rewarded financially but also experienced the psychological boost that came with promotions.
After all, salary increases and promotions provided not only tangible rewards but also a sense of mental satisfaction, which was far more uplifting than any drug injection.
Thanks to Chen Chuan's meticulous planning, everyone reacted swiftly during the incident, reaching their defensive positions almost immediately. The outer perimeter was left to the biological weapons, ensuring no casualties among the team. This success boosted their morale, making them feel ready to handle another raid.
Chen Chuan exited the residence, nodded to the security guard at the entrance, and returned to his own villa. He set his broken gun aside, flipped through the communication directory on his Boundary Token, and found the contact for the Venom Sect's Zuo Handan. He connected the call and said, "Mr. Zuo, thank you for your previous support and information."
Since the Viper Team was a splinter group from the Venom Sect, the most straightforward way to gather information about them, aside from the Handling Bureau's files, was to ask the Venom Sect directly. The Venom Sect would provide surface-level information for free, but anything beyond that would require payment, which, of course, Chen Chuan didn't have to cover himself; the Bureau would handle the expenses.
This included the advice on how to handle the problematic ingredients and daily necessities that had been transported, which the Venom Sect also provided.
Zuo Handan replied, "You're too kind, Mr. Chen. I hope you'll consider supporting our business in the future."
Chen Chuan responded, "I'll visit when I have the chance."
He had previously reviewed the Venom Sect's services for Third Level Combatants, which included not only powerful muscle-enhancing snakes but also ritual services for cleansing residual toxins and external infections after consuming special medicines. This aligned with their original identity as a secret sect, and he intended to explore these services if necessary.
After expressing his gratitude, Chen Chuan ended the call, tidied up, took a quick shower, and changed into casual attire. He then sat down and slowly sipped a cup of green tea.
The recent confrontation with several Third Level Combatants had been intense, and without the detailed information and well-planned tactics, the outcome could have been very different.
Xu Xianwen, as a team leader, would typically delegate tasks to his subordinates, ensuring his own safety. While it was uncertain how many team members would survive, Xu Xianwen's chances of escaping unscathed were high.
However, being a team leader came with its perks, and it was natural for leaders to stay out of the front lines, delegating tasks to their subordinates. After all, what was the point of being a leader if one didn't enjoy its benefits?
Xu Xianwen, despite his accumulated wealth and formidable strength, couldn't be solely judged as a fighter. When he sensed something amiss, instead of completing the mission at all costs, he chose to retreat, a decision that likely saved his life.
Chen Chuan, on the other hand, had gained valuable combat experience and fully mastered the skills he had been practicing. Moreover, he had developed a new way of observing his opponents.
Most importantly, his Second Self had made significant progress, with the fusion time now reaching nine days. His Second Self's strength was rapidly approaching the level of his Second Level Combatant days.
However, Chen Chuan sensed that as his Second Self's strength neared his own, the rate of advancement seemed to slow down. Yet, even a slight improvement at this advanced stage was immensely valuable, so he remained patient. As long as he continued to practice, he believed he would gradually elevate his skills.
After the intense battle earlier, Chen Chuan decided to take a break from training. He leisurely finished his tea, and just as he was relaxing, a communication from Ni Qianqian came through.
"Chen, you're amazing! The Bureau won't need to assemble a Viper Team to handle this; you've single-handedly taken care of everything. They should give you a certificate of appreciation and a raise!"
"I think so too," Chen Chuan agreed.
Ni Qianqian laughed and added, "The Bureau has decided to keep your position unchanged but promote you to the next rank. Normally, it would take at least a year for such a promotion, but Director Wu approved it immediately due to your outstanding performance this time."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Please convey my gratitude to Director Wu on my behalf."
"I will," Ni Qianqian replied. "But when you return, it's best to thank Director Wu in person. Well, I've delivered the message. Take some time to rest."
Chen Chuan expressed his thanks and ended the call. He then picked up a book and moved to the window, leisurely reading while enjoying the view of the red maple leaves outside.
The afternoon passed by, and in the evening, Yan Yi contacted him through the Boundary Token, "Chen, there's an urgent matter I'd like to discuss with you."
"I'll be right there," Chen Chuan replied.
He left his villa and headed to the main house, where he found Meng Shu and Yan Yi waiting in the living room. Yan Yi's expression was particularly serious, and Chen Chuan asked, "What's the matter?"
Yan Yi stood up and said, "Mr. Meng has requested to meet with Miss Meng tomorrow, but he didn't specify the reason."
Chen Chuan's Extreme Challenge"
Chen Chuan's gaze shifted slightly, and he asked, "Are you sure it's him?"
Yan Yi nodded solemnly and replied, "It's indeed Meng Gong, although it's not Meng Gong contacting us directly. But the message came from someone very close to him, and they used the same private signal that Miss Meng uses. It's just that..."
At this moment, her thoughts were clear—to remain unmoved. If Meng Huang had no way to deal with them, the longer they dragged this out, the more advantageous it would be for them. They could simply wait for the situation to change.
As the helmsman of the company, Meng Lai couldn't possibly be unaware of this matter. Yet, he was now summoning them, which undoubtedly indicated one thing...
"Meng Gong might be getting involved," she frowned, "but this goes against his usual approach. We're not sure what he's thinking..."
This could be a good thing, but they couldn't rule out the possibility of something unexpected.
Meng Shu looked at Chen Chuan, and since she had entrusted the security issue entirely to him, she would maintain absolute trust. If Chen Chuan decided not to go, she wouldn't either.
Although this decision might affect her position as the heir, she remembered a phrase her grandfather, Meng Lai, had once said to her: "In crucial moments, when you're truly unsure of what to do, trust the person you can rely on. Their opinions are often more reliable than your own thoughts."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment; the situation was complex. He needed to discuss this with the bureau and felt that Meng Lai, as the helmsman, must have considered this matter as well.
"I'll be right back," he said.
Meng Shu and Yan Yi understood his intention and nodded in agreement.
After leaving the main residence, Chen Chuan contacted the bureau and reported the intelligence. Soon, a notification arrived.
"Executor Chen, please locate a secure border node nearby."
Chen Chuan glanced below the manor and spotted a border node, the very spot where the Viper Team had placed the biofield-disrupting organism. He walked out of the manor and approached the node, stepping onto it. Once he reestablished communication with the bureau, a massive holographic screen appeared, revealing the figures of Director Wu and Deputy Director Fang.
In the 6-9-1-9-1-8 version, there's no mistake!
Deputy Director Fang spoke, "Executor Chen, we've received your report. As the situation may change at any moment, we'll keep this brief."
He emphasized, "After discussing, we believe Meng Shu should make the trip."
Director Wu added, "Supporting Meng Shu's claim to the inheritance is crucial for securing the succession rights.
You've done an excellent job so far. At this point, everyone knows that Meng Huang has just suffered a significant setback. Aside from his most loyal followers, others will undoubtedly choose to wait and see.
By inviting Meng Shu at this time, Meng Lai has already shown a certain degree of favoritism, which enhances Meng Shu's status and reputation within the Meng family and company."
He paused, "If our guess is correct, he might be coordinating with us."
Chen Chuan considered the possibility. These assumptions were based on Meng Lai's intentions, but was that truly the case? He asked, "Can you confirm that Meng Lai isn't being controlled?"
Deputy Director Fang responded, "We had similar suspicions initially, but after further verification, we can rule out that scenario.
However, Meng Lai is likely aware of Meng Huang's situation. For the overall benefit of the company, he made certain compromises, granting some authority to Meng Huang while establishing another heir. This move stabilized the company and family, preventing them from fully siding with Meng Huang."
Director Wu continued, "Executor Chen, after you eliminated the Viper Team, Meng Huang's military power has significantly diminished. So, we can afford to take a risk; this move is worth trying."
He spoke gravely, "However, it still depends on Meng Shu's decision. You can inform her of our analysis, as this matter isn't without risk."
Deputy Director Fang added, "Since we haven't obtained concrete evidence of Meng Huang's collusion with the other side, we can't take any action against him yet.
But based on our assessment of Meng Huang, this matter might provoke him. If he reacts excessively, there's a chance the hidden entity will be exposed."
Director Wu assured, "We've also made the necessary preparations. Currently, we're closely monitoring several key targets, including Meng Huang's residence, Fusion Boundary, and Ferris Wheel Company.
If Meng Shu makes her decision, we'll dispatch a team to follow you. At least you won't have to worry about anything during the journey.
However, once you reach Meng Lai's estate, you'll have to adapt to the situation. His manor has a high-security level, and we can't enter. In case of emergencies, you're authorized to use forceful measures."
Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment and nodded, "Since the bureau has arranged this, I'll convey these points clearly to Meng Shu."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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