Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 486 - 301: Promotion—Security Advisor!

Qi Yun immediately shook his head upon hearing Old Zhao wouldn’t accept money: "That’s not right, the item is too valuable, I can’t take advantage of you like this."

Old Zhao raised his hand, took a sip from his glass, and then sighed: "I don’t want your money, but I do want to ask you for a favor."

Qi Yun accompanied him with his own drink and, putting down the glass, responded with a smile: "The bond between us, you can just tell me directly, if I can do it, I surely will."

"Alright." Old Zhao wiped his mouth and pondered for a moment, "I know you’re a capable person. I’m just thinking, that when I pass away, if my grandson ever falls on hard times, I hope you’ll lend him a hand out of respect for our friendship."

Qi Yun stopped his hand mid-air as he was about to grab a cigarette, then looked up at Old Zhao. Under the dim oil lamp, the wrinkles on the old man’s face seemed to embody a lifetime of hardships.

The eyes that usually exuded shrewdness were now filled with pleading.

Without another word, Qi Yun took out his bag, pulled out a small notebook, tore off a page, wrote down Zhong Rui and Chen Wei’s phone numbers, then added two addresses before handing it to Old Zhao.

"You have my phone number, if you can’t reach me, call these two numbers and you’ll find me."

"These are my home and company addresses. Remind him to come find me directly whether he’s short of money or facing a hurdle."

"Also, the money I’m giving you isn’t a penny less. Tomorrow, when I leave, I’ll wire ten million to your account. Spend as you see fit."

The mention of ten million seemed to strike Old Zhao like lightning, leaving him shocked and waving his hands repeatedly: "No, no, no! Ten million? That kind of money could bury my house!"

He grabbed the paper with the phone numbers and addresses, folded it carefully, and tucked it into his clothing lining. "I’ll accept this, and remember the kindness in my heart, but I absolutely can’t accept the money. What you gave me last time was already plenty; to take more would be shameless, even the mountain gods would punish me!"

Qi Yun lit a cigarette, patted Old Zhao’s arm, and said earnestly: "Sir, you were right about one thing, ten million isn’t much to me. The value this ginseng brings me is worth ten times that."

"Take the money with peace of mind, even if you just bank it for interest, it’s better than scratching a living from the mountains."

"With this sum of money, your descendants won’t have to suffer anymore."

Ten million isn’t a small sum.

For the vast majority of ordinary people, it’s a fortune that can change their destiny. It means you can truly experience life in this world without having to leave your hometown and hustle everywhere just to survive.

Old Zhao opened his mouth to say something, but Qi Yun didn’t give him the chance, immediately picking up the bottle and refilling Old Zhao’s glass...

At dawn the next day, the three of them started their path out of the mountains. By noon, they reached their parked car and continued without stopping, finally arriving in Fusong County by evening.

That night, under the guidance of Huzi, the three found a good place and had a nice bath. The next day, they parted ways once again.

After a long and tiresome journey, by the time they returned to Bird City, it was already afternoon.

Right after leaving the airport, Qi Yun took Chen Wei directly to National Security.

...

Nanjing Road No. 28, inside the National Security office building.

Director Duan greeted Qi Yun with a big surprise.

"You’ve really got some connections now, managing to get gun permits issued," Director Duan leaned back in his chair, glancing at Qi Yun with a hint of teasing in his tone.

Qi Yun beamed: "Director, has the approval process been completed?"

Director Duan pushed a document on the desk over: "The latest approval from above. Tell those nine people on the list to come over tomorrow, the organization wants to conduct an evaluation review."

"If they pass the review, they’ll all be enrolled as National Security external investigators, specially authorized to carry service guns, but must abide strictly by the regulations, and use them solely for protecting you and your family’s safety."

Enrolled as National Security external investigators!?

Qi Yun was overjoyed at the news. He initially just wanted a few gun permits to ensure his and his family’s safety, but he didn’t expect they’d even grant him official status!

He picked up the document and quickly scanned it. Listed were the names of Chen Wei, Niu Da, Duan Pingyu, Eagle, An Zai, Da Pao, Old Bai, Bingzi, Gao Min among others.

"Thank you, Director! Thank you, organization!" Qi Yun expressed his gratitude with a wide grin.

"Don’t thank me," Director Duan waved his hand, "I don’t have that kind of influence. It’s all specially approved by Minister Lan, a reward for your achievements."

Minister Lan?

Before Qi Yun could process this, he saw Director Duan pull another document from the drawer and stand up to come over.

"Originally, it should have been announced by Chief Wan, but he’s ill and undergoing treatment, so I’m announcing it on his behalf." Director Duan’s tone became serious, "Now announcing the appointment for National Security external investigator - Comrade Qi Yun!"

The air in the office seemed to freeze instantly, Qi Yun stood upright, his breathing became quick as his gaze fixed on the document in Director Duan’s hand.

Director Duan cleared his throat, his voice steady and powerful: "After **** meeting deliberations, it has been decided due to the outstanding performance of external investigator Comrade Qi Yun on multiple special events involving national interests, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and a sense of responsibility, he is hereby appointed as the reins safety advisor for National Security!"

"Directly report your work to Comrade Wan Lingchuan."

"Yes!" After listening, Qi Yun promptly stood with his legs together and saluted formally.

Ever since he saluted in that office a few days ago, he suddenly realized that he might often use this gesture in the future. So he intentionally asked Chen Wei to provide him with professional guidance, and now his movements were much more standard.

After the appointment was read out, Director Duan’s expression softened, and he patted Qi Yun on the shoulder, smiling warmly, "But for now, since Director Wan is not here, your work will still be under my supervision in the future."

Seeing this, Qi Yun immediately relaxed, hurriedly bent down to pick up the teapot on the table, and poured a cup of tea for Director Duan, handing it over with both hands and grinning, "That’s wonderful! I’m willing to work under your wise leadership, Director!"

Although he wasn’t quite sure what a security advisor specifically does, it sure sounds a lot more prestigious than an external investigator—a small step forward for the little guy!

Director Duan took the teacup, sat back in his chair, his smile unfading, "You, with that mouth of yours, would be wasted if not in diplomacy." He sipped his tea and put down the cup, then changed the subject, "From now on, your identity in national security can be disclosed."

"Don’t assume that a security advisor is just a nominal position; it carries quite a bit of authority." As he spoke, he pulled out a black leather box from the drawer and pushed it over. Upon opening it, inside was a silver badge, with the national emblem on the front and some of his personal information printed on the back.

"With this, you will be able to receive support from National Security liaison points nationwide, access documents below third level secrecy without approval, and temporarily call upon local assistance in emergencies."

Qi Yun held the badge in his hand and examined it closely, overwhelmed with emotion.

This badge weighing less than two hundred grams felt as heavy as a thousand pounds...

Although this position of security advisor indeed grants more authority than that of an external investigator, with it comes greater responsibility...

"If I ever get carried away and misuse it, would I be charged with abuse of power?"

Director Duan was amused by him, tapping the table with his hand, "You certainly have self-awareness; the authority is given to you for work, not for showing off, and you must strictly adhere to relevant regulations."

"Every action you take will be recorded, so it’s best to think carefully before using the authority in your hands. And that goes for me as well."

Qi Yun understood that the other party was concerned about him getting ahead of himself, hence the special reminders. Just these two sentences showed that Director Duan truly regarded him as his own.

"Yes, Director, I got it."

Director Duan, satisfied with his attitude, nodded approvingly, "Alright then, that’s all I wanted to talk to you about. Generally, there’s no need for you to report for duty; I’ll contact you when there are assignments."

"Okay, then I’ll take my leave, Director."

Qi Yun pocketed the black leather box from the table and took his leave from National Security.

Back home, he gathered Chen Wei and the other nine in the gym on the first floor and informed them about the external investigator positions at National Security.

"Tomorrow, you’ll divide into two groups, taking turns to complete the assessments at National Security. From then on, you’ll be external investigators, with firearms issued simultaneously."

The nine were visibly excited, their faces lighting up.

They were all former special forces soldiers who constantly dreamed of serving the country again. Although this status wasn’t part of the formal setup, they were finally back on the path to serving the nation.

"Firearms!?" Niu Da’s voice was the loudest, exclaiming excitedly, "Boss, we can legally carry guns!?"

Qi Yun nodded with a smile, "Yes, but firearm use must strictly adhere to regulations; the specifics will be explained to you tomorrow."

"Additionally, I’ve already asked Zhong Rui to handle the entry formalities for the newly established security company, with an annual salary of two million for everyone! I’ll also allocate a portion of the bonus for special assignments!"

The gym fell silent for half a second, then erupted into even more fervent excitement.

"Thank you, boss!" An Zai was the first to shout.

"Boss, you’re generous!"

"..."

The excitement hadn’t yet dissipated when Qi Yun threw in another bombshell.

"Quiet down, I haven’t finished yet."

"Seeing everyone’s hard work this period, I’ve decided to reward each of you with a two-million bonus. Tomorrow I’ll have Ah Jiao deposit the money into your accounts."

This matter had been decided before Qi Yun left for Beijing, but it hadn’t been announced at the time, so only Chen Wei and Ah Jiao knew.

The atmosphere in the gym seemed to freeze, everyone motionless, even forgetting to breathe.

"B-... Boss, could you say that again?" Da Pao rubbed his ears, doubting what he had heard, "Two million... bonus?"

To the big shots, begging for monthly votes!