Mr. CEO, Spoil me 100 Percent! - Chapter 370

Chapter 370: Sudden Change of the Appointment

 

Xinghe and Mubai were no saints. They would not hesitate to decimate their enemies, and this time, their enemies happened to overlap so that person would not have a good ending. Now they were waiting for Mubai to return with the good news and Feng Saohuang would be nothing but a worry in the past. In other words, Feng Saohuang’s days were numbered.

Similarly, Saohuang also thought the same way about the Xi family. This was because with the Lin family’s help, the letter of appointment that named Munan as the leader of the Flying Dragon Unit had suddenly been changed!

Both Munan and Saohuang were up for the appointment.

They were each given a separate platoon to train. After six months, they would participate in a drill. Whoever’s platoon was better would be the leader and the other would be the platoon’s vice leader. In other words, the meat that was in front of Munan’s mouth had suddenly been taken away. The commander’s role had now become something up for grabs. His opponent couldn’t be taken down easily, he would have to focus completely to have a chance at winning.

When they received this news, the Xi family quickly went to investigate the truth. Needless to say, it had everything to do with the Lin family. The Lin family’s influence enabled the opportunity to fall into Saohuang’s laps as well.

“Looks like the Lin family is planning on making an enemy out of us,” Grandfather Xi said solemnly with obvious displeasure.

Jiangnian added with equal distaste, “Father, they already did. This is such an obvious move to oppose us.”

“Just because we were impolite to Lin Yun?” Munan scoffed. Their impression of the Lin family had dropped below ground. Actions spoke louder than words, and their actions proved their narrow-mindedness and despicability.

Grandfather Xi shook his head. “There’s much more to it than that. The Lin family must have some darker plans against our Xi family. Everyone must be extra careful, we’re taking on a whole family here.”

“Grandfather, don’t worry. I will not let Feng Saohuang take this away from me!”

Grandfather Xi nodded. “You’re right, the most immediate thing now is to help you beat Feng Saohuang. No matter what, you mustn’t let him win, we can’t miss this opportunity. If we do, our weakness will be exposed and that will give our enemies the opening they need.”

“Yes!” Munan promised with severity. Underneath his happy-go-lucky appearance was a reliable young man. Grandfather Xi believed in his capability.

However, they also knew that Saohuang was not ordinary. Saohuang had the ability to back up his ambitions. He would have made a bigger name for himself if he was born in a better family. However, the fact that he had managed to get so far was proof of his immense talent.

If he snatched a win, he would soar high into the sky. Then, the Xi family’s days would be numbered. Therefore, no matter what, they had to ensure that Munan became the commander of the Flying Dragon Unit!

…

To facilitate the appointment, the training soon began. Saohuang and Munan reported to the military camp.

They were given equal amount of resources. This was to be a fair competition and the victor would be decided six months later. Therefore, the following six months would be a high-pressure period.

Munan had great experience under his belt and valuable contacts. His platoon improved tremendously on the first day alone.

The same happened with Saohuang’s platoon. He was equally capable but had a more militant training style.

Chapter 371: A Challenge

 

Every day, both platoons grew at an incredible speed. No one dared to slack off because if one did, they would be chased out. Munan spent his every waking moment in the military camp; he didn’t even have time to eat. The same was for Saohuang.

The platoons they trained were equally good, it was hard to predict an obvious winner. However, there was one thing that would decide their difference in strength. Flying Dragon Unit was a high-tech military unit so they required talents that would be good with high-end technology.

Talent like this was something inborn, it couldn’t be trained. This would be the variable that decided the difference in strength of the two platoons. The Xi family was never lacking in human and monetary resources. The group they assembled for Munan was top of the field.

They thought they would have an upper hand over Saohuang on this factor but to their consternation, the talent Saohuang found was even better!

Software to simulate military training was written quickly. With the aid of such software, the training of Saohuang’s platoon became more effective and convenient. Their improvement occurred a lot faster.

Munan quickly felt the distance between them increasing. This worried him deeply, he was afraid that the small gap would soon become a giant chasm. His men had tried their best but still couldn’t overcome Saohuang’s talents.

At a time like this, Saohuang dropped them a gauntlet. The official reason was constant competitions was conducive for improvement. People would only improve with comparison!

To seek improvement, Saohuang had tried everything he had his hands on. His feisty attitude was truly something else.

When Munan’s camp received the challenge, the few important adjutants were furious.

“The guy is too arrogant!” a buff soldier by the name of Yan Lu roared angrily. “Does he think we’re really afraid of him? When I joined the military, he was probably still chasing after girls! I say we accept his challenge and teach him a lesson or two!”

The strategist of their team, Gu Li looked at him and shook his head. “It is undeniable that Feng Saohuang is a capable soldier and leader, we cannot accept his challenge so easily. This will be the first contest between us, it will be crucial to morale. If we lose, our morale will plummet so much that I fear we will have to deal with the soldiers developing a defeatist attitude. That will not help us one bit.”

Yan Lu glared at him. “So what? You’d have us run away like coward? If we do that then we’ll really lose!”

Gu Li smiled. “I didn’t say that. But every fight has its strategy, we need better preparation.”

Munan nodded. “Both of you are right. We have to accept this challenge but not without sufficient preparation. This contest is too important for our morale. If we lose, our morale will be lower than theirs all the way to the actual drill. The one thing that a military unit needs is morale; we cannot afford to lose.”

“Then, when will we finish preparing and accept his challenge?” Yan Lu asked, getting straight to the point.

Munan frowned. “We’ll have a team discussion tonight and we’ll accept the challenge tomorrow!”

For this contest, Munan’s group spent the whole night coming up with strategies. According to Saohuang’s platoon weaknesses, they came up with many strategies. Of course, the strategies weren’t perfect but it was still better than nothing. Plus, if they gave it their all, who knew what the result would be?

With the strategies in place, Munan accepted Saohuang’s challenge the next day!

Chapter 372: Grind the Xi Family into the Ground!

 

Saohuang cackled evilly when he received the reply. “Very good! This time, I will make them taste despair!”

Sun Yu, in his gold-rimmed glasses, gave a thin smile. “Last night, they even came up with strategies. They are not bad, alas, they’re all useless now.”

Saohuang laughed smugly. “Well, useless people can only come up with useless plans. Watch me, from this moment onwards, I will personally start grinding Xi Family into the ground!”

“Congratulations, boss.” Sun Yu praised.

Saohuang continued laughing. He could see the victory in his grasp. Of course, his life target was more than winning this little contest. One day, he would have the whole world under his feet. His target was the very top of the human pyramid! And he would reach there by stepping on the Xi Family’s dead bodies!

…

Every single drill within the military was highly anticipated. However, this particular drill was even more attention grabbing than usual because it was deeply related to the life or death of either platoon. It was indefinitely hard to come back from an early defeat. Furthermore, the superiors only gave them both six months to prepare. They couldn’t afford any missteps or victory would probably be taken away from them. Therefore, for the purpose of this drill contest, each party swore to win and deal a heavy blow to their opponent’s morale!

From Munan’s perspective, even though Saohuang’s platoon was slightly better, his men weren’t that much worse. If they gave it their all, they had a chance to win. This thought was shared by his entire platoon. Alas, they didn’t expect defeat would arrive so soon!

Their initial hope and confidence were completely decimated by reality. Their loss was so absolute it was laughable. They had the strength but, for some reason, the losses kept coming…

Air combat, LOSS!

Marine combat, LOSS!

The final ground combat was also close to being lost…

Munan was beside himself with shock at this development. “How could this happen?”

This was the biggest loss he had experienced in his military life. His adjutant, Yan Lu, who had fought alongside Munan almost from the very beginning couldn’t believe it either. “This is impossible!”

He slammed heavily on the table and the layered glass top started to crack. “Our soldiers aren’t that bad. We’re a military unit that has taken down multiple international, illegal organizations before, how can we be losing so badly‽”

Within this platoon, many followed Munan since the start of his career. They were comrades that had been through many harsh challenges together, like taking down drug lords, insurgencies, and various criminal organizations…

They were like a sharp knife; no one could stand in their way. No matter how strong their opponents were, they wouldn’t be defeated so completely. However, for this drill contest, Saohuang’s platoon wiped the floor with them. They were annihilated without even taking down one of their opponent’s soldiers.

Chapter 373: Humiliation and Loss!

 

The ease with which Saohuang’s platoon defeated them showcased their absolute failure. A failure of this scale was hard for anyone to accept.

“Report!”

At a time like this, a scuffed-up soldier rushed in. “Sir, our opponent has broken through our last line of defense, we’re going down fast!”

“F*ck, I’ll go kill them myself!” Yan Lu slammed on the table again as he picked up the drill-specific laser gun.

Munan stood in front of him and said seriously, “I’m coming with you, if we fail, we’ll fail together!”

“Let’s all go then!” Everyone picked up the laser guns, prepared to have a last stand with their opponent. This might be a drill, but they treated it with the severity a real combat deserved. They were overwhelmed by grief and indignation facing this imminent lost. However, even with Munan personally leading, their loss was inevitable.

They were merely delaying their inexorable defeat. Their strategies were broken through before the war even started. They were destined to lose. When everything was said and done, self-doubt cropped up in Munan’s mind, but he quickly tossed that out of his mind. He was the commander. He was the only person that couldn’t be affected by the defeatist attitude!

Plus, one loss didn’t equate to total loss. The real drill was still several months away. However, from Saohuang’s team perspective, their opponent had already lost.

“This is just a small drill, was it really necessary for Major Xi to enter the battle?” Saohuang sauntered towards Munan and commented with a nasty smirk. Compared to Munan, who had mud all over his uniform, Saohuang did not have a speck of dust on him.

Over the few days of the drill’s duration, he’d led his team from behind. He didn’t once participate in actual combat. A contrast was immediately made between the two. Munan was the obvious loser…

Such a loss was an unmitigated humiliation.

However, Munan kept his cool, his gaze as sharp as ever. “What’s wrong with entering the battle personally? It’s my pride to fight alongside my brothers.”

Saohuang sneered. “Indeed, one must find pride even in losses.”

His words were dripping with sarcasm.

The commented irked Yan Lu. “Feng Saohuang, let’s have a one-on-one if you dare! This defeat doesn’t define our ability, one of our men could easily kill any of yours!”

Saohuang shot him a chilling gaze and scoffed. “Indeed, your people are very impressive, so impressive that my men barely used their full might to crush the whole lot of you. Do you know what my platoon’s fatality rate is?”

Under Munan and his adjutant’s saddened gaze, the words floated out of Saohuang’s mouth. “Twenty percent.”

The faces of Munan’s group fell. Only twenty percent…

While they had already suffered sixty percent loss and it was still climbing!

Such a stark contrast highlighted how severely they had been defeated. It was a one-sided slaughter. Facing such a startling statistic, Munan’s group barely had the energy to summon a retort. The atmosphere lowered even more.

Saohuang patted Munan on his shoulder with a condescending smile and consoled him, “But don’t let it get you down. This is a test drill, after all. Maybe next time you can turn the tables on us. Major Xi, good luck. At least give my men a challenge next time.”

Chapter 374: We Are The Best

 

Saohuang parted with a smile. His adjutants also left with smug smiles on their faces. Their arrogance was palpable. It was something that weighed down heavily on Munan’s men. Everyone felt angry and aggrieved!

“F*ck! I want to smash that guy’s face in so badly!” Yan Lu growled angrily. The anger was shared by every soldier in Munan’s platoon…

“Sir, we’ve failed you this time, we’ve brought you shame!”

“We’re sorry, sir. We promise to do better next time.”

No one blamed Munan, they took on the blame themselves instead. Munan looked at this group of people who had been through life and death situations with him, his brothers-in-arms that he would gladly sacrifice his life for, and he felt ashamed.

“No, this is entirely my fault! I underestimated our enemy, I didn’t think they would see through our strategies completely, I’ve failed as your commander. I’ve brought shame to this platoon. I’m very sorry!” Munan bowed ninety degrees to ask for his men’s forgiveness. The men were touched.

“Sir, this is not your fault, in fact this is no one’s fault. We’ve lost once but we will definitely next time!”

“That’s right, we’ll show them next time!”

Yan Lu also said confidently, “Boss, we’ll definitely beat the shit out of them next time, because we are the best!”

“That’s right, we are the best!”

Munan took in the faces of these men and he was moved. He smiled. “Thank you. And yes, next time we will win! I’m sure of it!”

None of them would surrender after a small defeat. If they did, they wouldn’t have survived so long. However, a loss was a loss. That reality couldn’t be denied.

It was impossible for the morale to not get affected. Some became dispirited, others disheartened. The worst was that some started to doubt Munan’s capability…

Munan was a military child, his schooling years were spent in military school. He’d taken on assignments since he was a teen and he had about eight years of combat experience. He might be young but his ability was indisputable. However, for those that didn’t know him personally, they assumed the reason he could climb the ranks so high was because of his family background.

Why else would he lose so horribly this time?

This caused even Jiangnian to lose face among his colleagues. This time, Munan’s defeat had brought immensely shame to the Xi family name…

The Xi family had been at the top for so many years, deserving and demanding other’s respect. However, recently, troubles kept assaulting them at every turn. Some even said this was the beginning of the end for the Xi family.

Grandfather Xi, when he was young, was a decorated general, capable both on the battlefield and in the political waters of Hwa Xia. Now that he had reached a certain age, people started to walk all over the Xi family. This made him sigh out of sadness and irritation. Of course, he wouldn’t give up just like that.

The Xi family had gone through hell and high waters to reach its current standing, how could he let it fall so easily overnight? Even with his last breath, he wouldn’t surrender without putting up a fight!

Therefore, the only thing they could do now was to dust themselves off, recuperate, and try again.

“Tell grandfather honestly, do you have faith in yourself‽”

In the study, Grandfather Xi asked Munan a relatively broad question. His pair of intelligent eyes scanned Munan’s facial expression closely.

Munan answered with no trace of fear or evasion in his eyes, “Definitely!”

“Very good.” Grandfather Xi nodded satisfactorily. “As long as you have faith in yourself and your team, victory will eventually be yours. Grandfather knows how good you are and will support you every step of the way. Make us proud because the Xi family’s future is now on the shoulders of our younger generation.”

Chapter 375: Spirit of the Xi Family

 

“Yes, sir!” Munan straightened himself and gave his grandfather a standard military salute. “Grandfather, I will not let you or the whole Xi family down.”

“Good, good.” Grandfather nodded and laughed from pride and relief. “I know you won’t. Now, go busy yourself. Come to grandpa if you need anything. Remember, you have the whole family supporting you.”

“Yes, sir.” Munan’s lips quivered slightly and something glistened in his eyes. He said no more and turned to leave.

His most recent defeat might be serious but he understood it was nothing more than a bump compared to the Xi family’s illustrious history. Therefore, he wouldn’t live in self-doubt or self-denial. He must rise above the defeat or he wouldn’t have the right to bear the Xi name. He had to power on and face the cruel reality with courage and determination.

…

The belief and bravery exuded by Munan had a lasting impact on Lin Lin who was also in the study. The little fella would spend time with his great grandfather to study every day. Therefore, he heard all of their conversation.

Grandfather Xi didn’t have him leave the room also because the words were intended for Lin Lin’s ears as well. After Munan left, Grandfather Xi asked Lin Lin in a low voice, “Do you think your second uncle will rise above the occasion?”

“Definitely!” the little fella answered without thinking. His eyes shone the same way Munan’s did earlier. The spirit of the Xi family was apparent in them.

Grandfather Xi looked at him and saw the shadows of Mubai in his four-year-old great grandson. Mubai had never shied away from difficulties. To him, difficulties were nothing but challenges that were meant to be overcome.

Lin Lin would grow up to be an upstanding young man like his father. Grandfather Xi was sure of it.

“Xi Lin, I had you stay in the room because I want you to know you have a great responsibility on your hands. You are also the hope of the Xi family’s future. The Xi family’s glory came from a bloody and stormy history, so you mustn’t look down on the contribution of each Xi before you, and more importantly, you mustn’t let them down. For the sake of every Xi that has paved the way for you, you must make sure that the Xi legacy lives on. Do you understand?”

The little fella had on a serious countenance and nodded determinedly. “Great grandfather, I understand. I will do my best to be better than Daddy and second Uncle!”

Grandfather Xi started laughing again. He felt gratified because he knew that the Xi family was in competent hands.

…

After Lin Lin got left Grandfather Xi’s study, he was deep in contemplation. He knew he shouldered a lot of responsibility so he never once slacked during his studies.

However, after the talk between Grandfather Xi and his second uncle as well as Grandfather Xi and himself, he had a new understanding of the Xi family name. He understood his family’s status was more precarious than he assumed.

Second uncle’s small mistake had caused the whole family to be on edge. It made him more determined to study harder so that he would not disappoint the sacrifices of the Xi’s that came before him.

…

After Lin Lin returned to his own small study, he called Xinghe. After their little outing, he would have daily phone call with his mother.

Normally, he would tell her about his day but today he wanted to discuss something different.

Xinghe was still at the lab doing her research. She was studying and improving her computer skills. Even though she might be the best computer expert in the world, it didn’t mean that she had reached the pinnacle of her ability. Study is never-ending.

When she saw it was Lin Lin calling her, she decided to take a breather.

However, from her son’s first word, she could tell something was different about Lin Lin’s mood that day.

“Lin Lin, what’s wrong?” Xinghe asked over the phone.

Chapter 376: Can You Help Munan?

 

Lin Lin told Xinghe everything, not withholding any information.

“Mommy, I feel so weak because I don’t know how to help everyone even though I want to,” Lin Lin told Xinghe helplessly. “Plus, Daddy is not home now. This must be very hard for second uncle to face alone.”

Xinghe consoled her, “Actually, no one has it easy but they definitely can handle it well, so don’t worry yourself too much.”

“But great grandfather said, second uncle mustn’t lose or it will greatly affect his future.”

“Your second uncle will not lose, he will succeed,” Xinghe said affirmatively.

“Really?”

“Of course, you have to believe him. You have to believe that the Xi family will not be defeated so easily.”

Lin Lin finally smiled. “Mommy, of course you’re right…”

Lin Lin felt better after talking with Xinghe. They chatted for a while longer before hanging up.

Xinghe put down her phone and started thinking. Her thoughts were interrupted by Mubai’s phone call. Much like Lin Lin, Mubai would call her daily as well.

Mubai was still overseas. The armed organization was a lot more elusive than he’d predicted. He was still trying to sniff them out. Mubai faced a bit more resistance because he was not in Hwa Xia. The Xi family, albeit still influential, weren’t as influential overseas as they were within Hwa Xia. However, after exhausting much money and manpower, Mubai still managed to unearth some information regarding this mysterious group.

Of course, Mubai never once burdened Xinghe with those issues. In any case, for Mubai, issues that could be solved with money weren’t technically issues.

“I heard from Lin Lin that it is not going so well with Munan, is that right?” Xinghe asked Mubai.

“That’s right, things are a bit bumpy. Honestly, that is what I want to talk to you about today. I was hoping you could lend Munan a hand,” Mubai told her directly.

Xinghe asked in return, “In what way?”

Her tone implicated that she was willing to help.

Mubai smiled and said, “We’re losing on the computer science front. Go look for Munan and he will fill you in with the details. This might turn out to be pointless because it is very hard for us civilians to get involved in military affairs. Of course, I wouldn’t pin that on you if it happens, you’ve tried your best.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

“Thank you,” Mubai told her gently, “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t disturb you, but Munan really could need your help.”

“That’s alright, I need to contribute my fair share after all.” Xinghe said truthfully. Furthermore, she wasn’t doing the heavy lifting. The only thing she could help with was computer stuff, the real dangerous part was carried out by Mubai and Munan.

Xinghe’s perspective had changed. She understood she couldn’t take on the world on her own. Along the way, she realized that Mubai’s aid had been instrumental in helping her defeating certain enemies. They needed each other’s help and Xinghe wasn’t so conceited to think she could do everything on her own.

“Then, take care and be careful.”

“I know.”

“Alright, I won’t disturb you anymore. Call me if you need anything,” Mubai said with reluctance.

“You be careful too,” The words slipped out of Xinghe’s mouth. It surprised even herself. Mubai on the other end of the phone was smiling wickedly.

Xinghe was an action-orientated person. After she put down the phone, she stopped her research and went looking for Munan.

With Mubai’s orders, Munan quickly met up with Xinghe and explained to her everything.

Chapter 377: A Special Talent

 

After Munan filled her in, Xinghe had roughly figured out the bulk of his problem.

“I can try,” she said softly.

Munan was overjoyed. “Big sister Xia, if you can help us overcome this problem, name any reward that you want, and if possible, I will fulfill it!”

Xinghe shook her head. “By helping you, I’m helping myself, so I don’t need any reward.”

“Regardless, I’m forever in your debt.”

“I’ve not done anything yet; you can save your appreciation for later.”

“Okay!” Munan didn’t waste time, he told her directly, “Big sister Xia, getting you into the military camp will be a bit troublesome. We have to go through some procedures first. Temporarily, you’ll be joining my team as a special civilian agent.”

“I don’t mind either way.”

Just like that, under Munan’s arrangement, Xinghe entered the military as his platoon’s special civilian agent.

For the past few days, Munan’s platoon had been idling. Even though they had lost but they didn’t consider the option of giving up. However, Saohuang’s platoon had increased greatly in morale from their victory. They trained even harder, dragging the difference between the two platoons even farther. Furthermore, Saohuang’s platoon had the better computer expert. Their training was a lot more efficient. This placed a huge psychological weight on Munan’s men, causing a pervading sense of hopelessness among his troop.

Under such a condition, training was practically a waste of time. There was zero improvement. The fiery Yan Lu spent his days in a haze of anger. Even the comparatively mellow Gu Li was at his wits’ end. The only one staying strong was Munan. He was the commander; he had to hold the fort no matter what.

One day, Munan arrived in the camp with the solution to their problem: he had them a computer expert of their own.

After Yan Lu and Gu Li heard the news, they were excited. They couldn’t wait to find out who this expert was.

…

On the day Munan said he would bring the mysterious expert to the camp, his adjutants had been waiting at the office since early in the morning.

“I wonder, what kind of person this expert will be like? Since he comes with Boss’ recommendation, I’m sure he is someone impressive,” Yan Lu commented confidently.

Gu Li nodded smilingly. “I also believe in him.”

They had been through a lot with Munan and he had never once let them down so they were in great anticipation about the talent whom Munan said he would bring.

Just as they were discussing excitedly among themselves, Munan entered the room with Xinghe behind him.

“The boss is here!” Yan Lu yelled happily when he saw Munan walked in. Everyone’s gaze turned to Munan immediately before falling on Xinghe.

Everyone was confused. Why does boss bring with him a woman?

“Boss, where’s the expert?” Yan Lu asked with confusion. He looked around but couldn’t see the so-called expert.

Munan said with humor, “Are you blind? Here she is.”

He motioned at Xinghe.

Yan Lu widened his eyes as he once again looked at Xinghe. “Her? She’s the top expert you mentioned?”

Munan nodded even though he heard the disbelief in Yan Lu’s words. “That’s right. Come, let me make some introductions, this here is Miss Xia Xinghe. She is a computer science expert that I’ve spent a lot of effort in locating. So, please show some respect.”

“No offense, boss, but you’re kidding, right?” Yan Lu exclaimed, “Number one, she is a woman. Number two, she’s so young. How can she be a top expert?”

Chapter 378: A Woman?

 

Disbelief was plainly written on everyone’s faces. After all, Xinghe was indeed too young…

There was a stereotype that experts were all wizened old men who got where they were with years of experience behind them.

Even Gu Li stepped forward to ask, “Boss, you’re not kidding?”

Munan replied with a solemn expression, “Do I look like I’m kidding?” He certainly did not, but…

“How can she be a computer expert?” Yan Lu groused unhappily, “Boss, you got lied to by certain people it seems.”

“What nonsense!” Munan lectured him severely, “Do you guys not believe in me?”

“We do, but… this is too unbelievable…” Yan Lu grumbled.

“I’m sorry Miss Xia, if you don’t mind me asking, which university did you graduate from?” Gu Li decided to give Xinghe the benefit of a doubt.

Xinghe replied insouciantly, “I was once an Academy S student but I dropped out.”

Gu Li was impressed. “Academy S is a good school, not everyone can get in, but why did you drop out?”

“Personal problem.” Xinghe’s answer was rather unapproachable.

Gu Li thought Xinghe did have the temperament of an expert. “Then you majored in computer science as well?”

“Mathematics.”

Yan Lu couldn’t help but object, “A drop out majoring in mathematics, how does that have anything to do with computer science? Is this woman capable or not? We need the best of the best, not some rookie who only knows only to write some rudimentary programs!”

“That’s right, Boss. You sure she can do this?”

The suspicion spread across the room quickly. Munan knew this was inevitable. If he didn’t know Xinghe, he would’ve been suspicious as well. However, since she came with his big brother’s recommendation, she must be incredibly good. Munan believed in Mubai’s eye for talent unconditionally. However, it was a different story with his men.

“None of us believe her? Then, let us try her out! Gu Li, you can give her a test and find out for yourself,” Munan said directly.

Gu Li accepted easily. “Alright, I don’t mind learning a thing or two from Miss Xia.”

“Please.” Xinghe was as calm as ever, not a trace of nervousness or dissatisfied on her face.

Gu Li nodded somewhat approvingly, at least Xinghe appeared to be a sensible person.

Gu Li was the computer expert in Munan’s platoon. Whether Xinghe was bluffing or not, he would know with a test. Everyone else was also interested to find out, they crowded the office, none of them willing to leave.

Yan Lu even made a bet out of the occasion, to see whether Xinghe would pass Gu Li’s test.

Faced with the troop’s suspicion, Xinghe kept her composure. She didn’t feel the need to defend herself with words because actions spoke louder than words.

Gu Li, due to his compassion, gave her the task of hacking through a computer’s password as her first test.

“Our computers here are fitted with the best security. If you can crack through them, it means that you’ve passed my first test.” Gu Li informed here.

Xinghe nodded before working on the computers. The moment that happened, Gu Li was convinced Munan really wasn’t lying. Xinghe’s speed was not something achievable by a rookie. He was immensely surprised by the speed at which Xinghe cracked the password. Her fingers flew over the keyboard so fast that he had trouble following her motion…

The code that appeared on screen kept on appearing that they had a hard time catching up!

Chapter 379: Actions Speak Louder than Words

 

Yan Lu had no idea what was going on, but he was duly impressed by Xinghe’s performance. “Gu Li, what is she doing so fast?”

“I have no clue either,” someone in the crowd answered.

Yan Lu nodded. “Same, could it be that she’s just typing nonsense?”

“Done.” The moment she said that, Xinghe stopped and leaned back in the chair. Gu Li was dumbfounded because the computer had been successfully hacked!

Everyone widened their eyes in shock. They might not understand much about computers but they could still discern whether a computer was still locked or not, and the fact was Xinghe’s was definitely not. The bigger issue was how long did she take?

The whole process had gone on for less than half a minute! She took less than half a minute to hack through the military’s computer. Even Gu Li couldn’t do that.

Munan was equally shocked, he had no idea his sister-in-law was that good! For some reason, he felt proud. He looked at his men as if saying, See, you people should have trusted me.

“What’s the second test?” Xinghe asked Gu Li softly, pulling him out of his shock.

He asked with utter disbelief, “It was really you who hacked the computer?”

Xinghe didn’t answer. Instead she rolled her eyes at his stupid question. Who else if not me? A ghost?

Gu Li also later realized how dumb he sounded. He coughed awkwardly and praised, “Miss Xia, I didn’t expect you to be so good at this. You took so little time to overcome the first test.”

“It’s nothing, give me something harder,” Xinghe said directly.

The crowd was silent. Truth be told, the room of men felt she was being a little bit too arrogant but they did doubt her first. This was their idea to begin with.

“Give her the hardest test!” Yan Lu yelled excitedly, “Gu Li, give her the hardest test you have, I want to see whether she can pass it or not!”

He wasn’t making things difficult for Xinghe but was egged on by the hyped-up atmosphere in the room. Since Xinghe wanted something harder, they might as well give her their hardest test and have this settled once and for all!

Munan glared at Yan Lu a bit unsatisfactorily. Can this guy not be so easily swayed by the crowd’s emotions, what if you make my sister-in-law lose face?

Then again, he knew this couldn’t be helped. Xinghe wouldn’t win them over without passing the most difficult test.

So many years ago, he had also challenged this group of men many times, and each time winning absolutely until they surrendered to his authority.

This group of men could only be won over by real talent. Xinghe understood that so she didn’t object to be tested with the hardest task. Gu Li didn’t hold back, he also wanted to find out how good Xinghe really was.

“Alright then, I will give you the hardest test there is!” Gu Li agreed and had someone get him a stack of information. “This here is the programming detail for a mini-sandbox software. If you can write it out by the end of the day, then you’ve passed the test.”

The main reason Xinghe was there was to help create high-end software, so naturally, the test was to challenge her programming skill. The software Gu Li wanted from her was simple but it would normally require more than a day to finish.

If she could complete the task within the time limit, it proved that she was truly a genius at computer science. If not, she would have to leave. In the military, actions spoke far louder than words. Incapable people would be cut off, it was the natural way of things.

Therefore, her eventual fate of staying or not depended completely on Xinghe herself.