"I sent a few brothers to test him a few times. Although this person is down and out, he has a strong backbone and hasnāt dabbled in anything unclean. Heās a man who sticks to his principles."
He hesitated a bit as he continued:
"Heās just a bit stubborn. Iām afraid itās going to be hard to persuade him, after all, our organization isnāt exactly... a legitimate... a regular company..."
Xiao Shuai observed Fang Chengās expression, hesitated for a moment, and then lowered his voice:
"President, how about I find some new faces to give him a little trouble?"
"Like press him on his debts or cut off his livelihood, force him into a corner, and then we can step in..."
"No."
Fang Cheng raised his hand to interrupt him, his tone was calm yet carried a sternness that allowed no dispute:
"We, the āIlluminatiā, are an organization aiming to establish a new order, not a low-level gang. Those we recruit must be like-minded individuals."
"Using such means to force him to submit, even if he came, his heart wouldnāt be with us."
"Yes, yes, President, youāre right. It was my shortsightedness."
Xiao Shuai broke into a cold sweat from the reprimand and quickly lowered his head to admit his mistake.
Fang Cheng did not criticize him further, only offered a few words of advice and then instructed:
"Have someone keep an eye on him. If he encounters any real hurdles, then step in to help."
"The best way to deal with someone like this is to offer help in times of need, not to relieve oneās poverty."
"Also, organize detailed information on Wang Li, including his family situation. I need to review it."
"Yes, Iāll get on it right away."
Xiao Shuai nodded, like a bobblehead.
Fang Chengās gaze was indifferent, though he had plans in mind.
As long as thereās an opportunity for contact, using the āSpiritual Resonanceā skill effect, recruiting this person as a Believer would be easy.
Then, would there still be a need to worry about loyalty issues?
While contemplating, he glanced at Chu Qiao and Ye Zhiran, who were curious, and briefly explained the situation with Wang Li.
"He is quite a talent..."
Ye Zhiran said approvingly after hearing the explanation:
"A professional accountant with principles, who can withstand hesitation, is exactly what we need. If we can recruit him smoothly, our financial security will be assured."
Lin Chuqiao added:
"Right now, weāre just a makeshift team and donāt need to consider too complex a financial structure."
"But in the future, the organizationās flow of funds will increase and many of these fundsā sources will be somewhat sensitive."
"By then, we must have a senior financial expert who knows how to legalize and make transparent these āgray fundsā through complex offshore accounts, shell companies, and investment channels."
"This is not just about bookkeeping. Itās about building a secure financial firewall for the organization."
She said this, looking at Xiao Shuai with more than a little expectation in her eyes:
"If this Wang Li truly has talent, then bring him in as soon as possible."
"Understood!"
Xiao Shuai nodded vigorously.
With the matters mostly discussed, Fang Cheng made a final summary:
"Once the money is in, Xiao Shuai, immediately handle the transfer procedures."
"Additionally, to cover our tracks, we also need to register a legitimate trading company as a shell."
"Leave that to me."
Lin Chuqiao smiled, confidently taking over:
"Registering a company involves designing the equity structure, tax planning, and declaring the business scope."
"To avoid being watched by regulatory bodies in the future, we can adopt a VIE structure, register an offshore holding company in the overseas islands, and then set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, finally reinvest in this trading company."
"This way, we can enjoy tax incentives while maximizing shareholder privacy protection..."
She spoke eloquently about everything from company law to tax coordination, leaving Xiao Shuai in awe, with admiration in his eyes.
Although Fang Cheng only understood some of the legal terminologies, he knew this woman was truly capable.
So he smiled, patting Xiao Shuaiās shoulder and advising:
"Xiao Shuai, from now on, listen to Xiao Chu on these matters, assist her, and temporarily take the position of second-in-command in the logistics department. Learn well."
"No grievance at all, not at all!"
Xiao Shuai shook his head like a rattle, glancing at Lin Chuqiao, secretly thinking.
This beautiful woman not only looks like a goddess but is also so competent, and she speaks to the President in a familiar way, clearly indicating they have an unusual relationship.
Following the future ālady bossā in handling matters... isnāt that promising?
"Sister Chu, from now on Iāll follow you, wherever you point, Iāll strike!"
Xiao Shuai immediately changed his tone, calling out affectionately.
Lin Chuqiao raised an eyebrow, her eye twitching slightly.
Sister Chu?
This guy seemingly looks older than her, yet the moment he called her āsisterā, it made her feel uncomfortable, as if aging several years out of nowhere.
She was just about to correct him, but then caught Fang Chengās full-of-trust gaze, and the bit of annoyance dissipated instantly.
Fang Cheng was clearly entrusting his most loyal subordinate to her care, treating her as a real āhead housekeeperā.
Thinking of this brought a sweet feeling to her heart, so she no longer fussed about the title, simply nodding reservedly:
"Alright, do your work diligently."
The four of them painted the blueprint for the Illuminatiās future in this empty old building.
Unbeknownst to them, the sun was already at its zenith.
"Grrrrā"
An ill-timed sound came from Xiao Shuaiās stomach, breaking the serious atmosphere.
Xiao Shuai awkwardly covered his stomach, chuckling foolishly.
They looked at each other and couldnāt help but smile.
"Letās go, have something to eat first."
Fang Cheng checked his watch and looked at the time: