Free Web NovelChapter 1012: Chapter 393: Rewashing District 9 (Part 2)
The fact that Zhang Beixing refers to someone as a genius clearly signifies they are truly formidable, and in Zhang Beixing’s eyes, this person’s strength is not lacking either.
If their strength were lacking, they wouldn’t be able to fulfill the role of intelligence work. After all, gathering intelligence without being discovered is one thing, but being discovered in the process is another.
If one’s strength is not strong enough, being discovered means certain death, which is why Zhang Beixing believes that this intelligence officer’s own strength is not lacking.
"But even if this is true, what does it have to do with me?"
Zhang Beixing leaned back, showing no sign of any thoughts about the matter.
In terms of combat, Zhang Beixing didn’t take the people here seriously, and in terms of psychological warfare, he cared even less about the people of this country. After all, the ancestral art of handling people is no joke.
With a cultural legacy spanning thousands of years, Zhang Beixing understood even more what it means when something pursued eagerly turns sour. Moreover, if Pike didn’t actively express the desire to cooperate with him and come with sincerity, it wouldn’t affect Zhang Beixing at all.
After all, with Zhang Beixing’s strength, he didn’t need any cooperation; his team could easily turn the Ninth District or even the entire state upside down, with power being reshuffled.
"I know you may not be interested in such matters, but this is a matter of life and death for me. Since everyone knows you are here leading your team for training, you might also need a proxy, as sometimes locals handle things more easily than outsiders."
Pike was as anxious as ants on a hot pan. Although this was the case, he could only patiently communicate with Zhang Beixing, as Pike knew very well that at this time, aside from Zhang Beixing, no one else could help him.
"So you mean to be my proxy?"
Zhang Beixing’s mouth curved into a faint smile, but nearby members of the Second Team had a bad feeling, as they detected a hint of conspiracy in Zhang Beixing’s smile, thanks to their shared cultural education from their ancestors.
Poor Pike seemed unaware, nodding vigorously, fearing that Zhang Beixing might regret it.
"You can indeed be my proxy, as you are the first to come to me voluntarily."
Zhang Beixing’s words brought a smile of joy to Pike’s face.
However, Leng Bing and others sneered, shaking their heads, noting how young Pike was, not understanding the usual talk flow. Typically, when someone speaks in this manner, the following sentence will definitely include a ’but.’
Sure enough, Zhang Beixing soon followed with a ’but.’
"But although you’re the first to come to me, apart from those three forces, there are other organizations whose strength is on par with yours. Why should I pick you instead of them?"
Lightly spoken by Zhang Beixing, this sentence plunged Pike’s excitement into an abyss. Pike wanted to argue but found no grounds.
What Zhang Beixing said was indeed reasonable, he wasn’t the strongest outside the three major powers; there were even others subtly suppressing him economically or in firepower.
In Pike’s mind, if he were to swap identities with Zhang Beixing, he wouldn’t consider his organization the first choice either.
However, now Pike had no other options, placing all his hopes and investments on Zhang Beixing.
"I know my strength is not the strongest among others, but I believe I am the most suitable for Minister Zhang!"
Pike’s words made Zhang Beixing’s face show a look of interest; seeing the change in expression rekindled a bit of hope in Pike’s heart.
"Give me a reason that convinces me."
"Loyalty!"
Pike’s face displayed an expression of resolute determination in stating these two words.
Hearing Pike’s statement, Zhang Beixing smiled slightly, then stood up, took a paper from the pocket of his chest, and pushed it towards Pike.
Pike looked at Zhang Beixing with confusion. Zhang Beixing smiled slightly and gestured for him to open the paper.
Seeing the content on the paper made Pike pause slightly, while Zhang Beixing stood, patted Pike’s shoulder, and smilingly spoke.
"Many people want to show loyalty to me, but I do not accept everyone’s loyalty, I value capability more. I believe if you put in your best effort you can handle it; I will stay here for a while, and I’m giving you only three days!"
After saying this, Zhang Beixing left the room, but Pike’s men blocked his path outside!
"If you don’t want to die, move out of my way immediately. My patience is limited!"
As soon as Zhang Beixing finished speaking, those blocking him suddenly let out a scream unknown as to whose, as everyone looked towards the direction of the scream. Leng Bing had somehow appeared amidst Pike’s men.
"All of you get in here immediately!"
Suddenly, Pike’s voice came from inside the room.
Following Pike’s order, all the subordinates entered the room. Seeing the situation in front of him, Zhang Beixing smiled slightly, not engaging too much with these small crooks but headed outside instead.
"Minister, are you just letting them off like that?"
Leng Bing displayed an expression of disbelief towards Zhang Beixing.
In his memory, Zhang Beixing was someone who avenged every slight. Not to mention enemies, even colleagues damaging items in his office would face severe reprimand.
Clearly, he still remembered Zhang Beixing making him compensate for wall damage, yet this time Zhang Beixing uncharacteristically showed great generosity.
"This kid will have many opportunities to pay me back in the future; after this incident, the Ninth District will definitely be reshuffled, allowing us to secure significant advantages here!"
Leng Bing’s face showed disbelief at Zhang Beixing’s words. He never expected that Minister Zhang Beixing would still be concerned about money, given that the Ninth Bureau was already quite wealthy, and their operational funds could possibly surpass the sum of all other bureaus combined.
Seeing the expression on Leng Bing’s face, Zhang Beixing guessed his thoughts and, with a ’disappointed in you’ expression, knocked Leng Bing lightly on the head.
"Do you honestly think you don’t know about the rewards system within the bureau? If I didn’t hustle for money, who would pay your salaries and bonuses? You don’t seriously think it’s handed out by those old guys above, do you?"
Facing Zhang Beixing’s reprimand, Leng Bing reflexively retracted, though knowing Zhang Beixing wasn’t truly angry, yet within the Ninth Bureau, Zhang Beixing was almost a god, so provoking him even slightly could cause such a reaction from Leng Bing.
"The Minister is absolutely right, our captain’s line-of-thinking seems overly simplistic!"
Suddenly, Su Yan’s voice chimed in. This time, even Zhang Beixing wore a surprised look. This usually introverted, quiet girl displaying such a significant change was unexpected.
Despite being rebuked by his subordinate, Leng Bing wasn’t angry.
Given that, he wasn’t a stern captain, and being taunted by his own team members was quite common, leading these girls wasn’t easy.
"I think you ought to exert a bit more of a captain’s authority!"
Zhang Beixing, wearing a ’there’s no hope for you’ expression, patted Leng Bing’s shoulder and turned away to leave.
