After wrapping up the tedious onboarding process, it was already past three in the afternoon.
The newly hired security guards were on a two-week probation period, and Xiao Chen planned to use that time to observe their personalities and integrity.
In his eyes, the elite team he wanted to build for Su Qing needed not only strength but also character — otherwise, this "sharp blade" might one day turn and hurt its own master.
If he were planning to stay in Longhai for good, he wouldn't have worried so much. Even if some recruits caused trouble, he could easily deal with them.
But since he wouldn't remain in Longhai forever, he had to be extra cautious. He even intended to have Li Hanhou watch over the team to make sure no one harbored ill intentions.
"Minister Xiao, the files of all the new security staff are ready."
A knock came at the door, and Tong Yan stepped in, interrupting Xiao Chen's wandering thoughts.
"Good work today, Tong Yan." Xiao Chen smiled, standing up. "I should also report to Assistant Qin, right?"
"That's right."
"Heh, let's go together then."
"Okay."
Tong Yan smiled. Despite the chaos during recruitment, things had gone smoothly overall. She figured she might even secure a permanent position now.
But when she remembered Xiao Chen's ruthlessness earlier that day, a chill ran down her spine. Maybe it was safer to keep her distance from this violent and terrifying man.
"What's wrong with you?" Xiao Chen asked, noticing her strange look.
"Huh? Nothing, nothing at all." Tong Yan quickly shook her head and walked ahead in a hurry.
Watching her leave, Xiao Chen frowned. What's this girl thinking? Forget it. Women's thoughts are too complicated — their chests might be big, but their minds sure are deep.
When he arrived at Qin Lan's office, he knocked.
"Come in."
"Assistant Qin, I'm here to report."
"Oh, Tong Yan. Have a seat." Qin Lan smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Assistant Qin."
Tong Yan sat upright, ready to give her report.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen slouched casually on the sofa, pouting. "Sister Lan, are you ignoring me? Not even offering me a seat?"
Qin Lan rolled her eyes. "I didn't tell you not to sit — and you weren't exactly standing."
"Hah, I'm just being considerate then."
Ignoring him, Qin Lan turned to Tong Yan. "Let's hear about today's recruitment."
"Alright…" Tong Yan began her detailed report, even recounting the earlier incident.
Bored, Xiao Chen lit a cigarette and glanced around. His eyes drifted — first to Qin Lan's chest, then to Tong Yan's — comparing the two. Hmm… seems like Tong Yan's got the edge.
"What are you staring at?" Qin Lan suddenly snapped.
"Looking…" Xiao Chen almost blurted "at your chest," but quickly recovered. "Looking at the scenery outside — beautiful view!"
Qin Lan rolled her eyes again but didn't call him out. "You were impressive today, Xiao Chen. I wish I'd seen the whole thing myself."
"Heh, nothing much — just a few clowns," Xiao Chen said with a grin. If Tong Yan hadn't been there, he probably would've added a suggestive remark.
"Really? You're becoming the guardian of Qingcheng Company," Qin Lan teased, though her eyes glinted oddly.
"Then shouldn't I get a raise?"
"You can try."
"…Forget it then." Xiao Chen shrugged. "But Tong Yan really worked hard today. Didn't you say she could be made permanent early?"
Qin Lan nodded, looking at Tong Yan. "Yes. You did well. You'll be officially permanent starting this month, and your salary will reflect that. Consider it a reward."
"Thank you, Assistant Qin!" Tong Yan beamed with excitement.
"Heh, keep it up."
"Yes! I won't let you or President Su down!"
They chatted a bit longer before leaving.
"Minister Xiao, thank you for putting in a good word for me," Tong Yan said gratefully.
"Heh, no problem. You earned it. Congratulations on becoming a regular."
"Thank you! When I get my paycheck, dinner's on me!"
Seeing her genuine excitement, Xiao Chen smiled. "Deal! Don't forget, I love free dinners with pretty girls."
Tong Yan instantly regretted her offer, but it was too late. He probably won't be too scary outside of work… right?
"Minister Xiao, I'll get back to work now. Thanks again for your help."
"No need to be so polite."
"Goodbye, Minister Xiao."
"See you."
Watching her leave, Xiao Chen smirked. At least she doesn't treat me like a pervert anymore.
Back in the security office, he found Ding Li and the others huddled around a computer.
"What's this? Watching a movie without inviting me?" he teased, frowning in mock anger.
Hearing his cough, they jumped and quickly turned around.
"Brother Chen! We're just watching the local news — something big's happening in Longhai!"
"Oh? The bank robbery?"
"Not just that — another armored cash van got robbed too!"
"What? By the same people?"
"Yeah, those four fugitives. They're completely fearless!"
Xiao Chen frowned deeply. Are these guys insane? Robbing a bank, then an armored car? That's not courage — that's suicide.
No matter how strong or well-equipped they were, taking on the state would only end one way — death.
"Maybe they figured they're doomed anyway. Rob once, die. Rob twice, still die — might as well go all in," one guard said.
Xiao Chen shook his head. No, something's off. This isn't just about money.
But then he chuckled to himself. Whatever their goal, as long as they don't mess with the Su sisters, it's none of my concern.
There were police, and if needed, the military would take over. Against that, no criminals could survive.
"Eh, the banks make so much anyway — getting robbed once serves them right," Ding Li said carelessly.
Smack!
Xiao Chen smacked him on the head. "You gloating idiot! Back to work!"
The guards laughed and scattered.
Back in his office, Xiao Chen had just lit another cigarette when his phone rang.
The caller ID made him raise a brow. Huh? The little brat's calling me?
"Hey, Xiaomeng. What's up?"
"Brother Chen, what are you doing?" came Su Xiaomeng's sweet, sing-song voice.
Xiao Chen shuddered. What's with that tone? Did she take the wrong meds?
"You still at work? My sister's not with you?"
"Ahem. Xiaomeng, can you just tell me what's going on?"
"Okay, fine — Yin He challenged you!"
"Challenged me? What is this, a fight?"
"No, a race!"
"Racing? No time." Xiao Chen blew out a smoke ring. "I'm a busy man — hundreds of thousands at stake every minute."
"Pfft, you're not scared, are you?"
"Scared? Please. You've seen how I drive."
"Then why won't you race?"
"No time, no interest."
"But I already accepted for you…"
"…You what?"
"If you don't show up, how am I supposed to save face at school?"
"That's your problem, not mine."
"Xiao Chen, you—" she began angrily, then softened her tone. "Brother Chen, please?"
"Alright, enough. Your sister's calling me. Gotta go."
Before she could reply, Xiao Chen hung up.
Beep…
Staring at her phone, Su Xiaomeng fumed. He hung up on me?! Just wait!
"Xiaomeng, did the racing master agree?" her friends asked.
"No, but don't worry — he won't escape me!"
"Maybe try a beauty trap?" one girl teased.
"Get lost! Do I look like that kind of girl?!" Su Xiaomeng snapped — though a tiny smirk played on her lips. Beauty trap, huh… maybe that's worth a try tonight.