13 Recruit

[POV Hu Qiang]

I left my wife's place. I went back to my Villa. We talked all night long though it was mostly working and shop, still we talked; that matters. I glided through the front doors my steps light; I went to my bedroom and went to sleep.

[Ring Ring... Ring Ring... Rrrr..ing]

I woke up to this annoying phone call.

Without looking at the screen I answered,

"Hello".

"Sir, you have a meeting with 'Tech lab' group in another hour."

"What time is it?" I asked groggily.

"Sir, it is 9 AM."

(Shoot, I overslept.)

"I will be there in another 45 minutes."

I disconnected and looked towards the small table clock. I felt my mood uplifted. I slept a good sleep. I hurriedly freshened up and rush to the office.

***

Inside the pent office of the Hu Corporations office building, I went through my schedule. After sending Li Jie to Bai Changs' side I had Ming Li transferred over from International branch. This man is a capable person just like Li Jie with only one drawback - he is a little more playful.

"Boss, you totally overslept today, right."

I gave him a look.

"Wow Boss, that's real. So what happened?"

I kept my silence.

"Boss, have you exhausted yourself from all work? Do you want to take a break?"

Well, another point to be duly noted about Ming Li is; he is super talkative and can continue a conversation without anyone playing support to him.

"Focus, call Cyrus."

"Okay, Boss" he left cheerily.

[Knock... Knock]

"Come in"

I looked up. Cyrus came in still wearing sweatshirts. This times at least no puffy eyes. He looks comparatively healthy.

"Morning"

"Morning Cyrus, I need you to work with something, you will have to pass the test then you may join Bai Chang. She will teach you and train you it may become an opportunity for you. Do not miss it, but before all that re-route this money to this account, it is urgent."

"Yes boss, anything else?"

"Nothing as of now."

He left quickly. This kid, the shine on his dull angular face was a giveaway to his excitement. I was right, he would become a fan of Bai Chang.

I finished my work fast. I am looking forward to meeting her today. I didn't know, the feeling of courting my own wife all over again is simply divine.

***

[POV Bai Chang]

After Hu Qiang left, I went to have a quick nap in the outdoor activity room. I woke up after three hours of sleep. I feel refreshed. I freshened up, had my morning coffee and went through the list of materials that we were able to procure through unknown channels.

"Bai Chang, those men would arrive today morning for an interview. Are you good to go?", Zhang Wei inquired.

"Yes, I am good, when they arrive let me know. I would be here." I replied.

I enjoyed the early morning sunshine and rested myself. I am disciplining myself to not become a workaholic again in this life. It is my second chance to live, so I want to live a quality life.

"Young lady... Young lady" Li Jie called out.

I dozed off.

"Young lady, the people you want to interview are here."

"Huh...let me wash my face and I would join them shortly after. Ask them to gather in the outhouse. You and Zhang Wei be there as well."

I walked down the stairs to the outhouse wearing training outfits, as I entered I came across the line of well-trained individuals but also a cohesive team. There was this feeling inside of me telling me they are worth my time and resources.

So far so good.

"Morning gentlemen, I won't bother you much. You will fight one-on-one with me, all of you and that's it. Zhang Wei, you will also join this exercise."

Both Li Jie and Zhang Wei were surprised but they didn't say a word of disagreement in front of these men. I appreciated this quality about them; they would advise me in private but never contradict me in public.

"There is not much rule here, only if you are put down to the floor, the fight stops. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am". All of them replied unanimously.

The first man moves forward on the mat and immediately went for my shoulder, very clearly going for over the head lifting and drop.

His midriff was open to me. I punched him hard on his gut and he lost his balance, taking the opportunity I kicked forward to his calf region hard and strong.

He touched the mat.

According to the rules we decided before he was out. He stood up gracefully, greeted and left joining ranks with the rest of his men.

The eyes of the rest of these men became a little tight. It looks like an ordinary punch and kicks but professionals would know that - right move at the right time to defeat your opponent is the best moves, whether it is simple or complex.

Rest of the men came to the mat one-by-one and I fought them all. I only won twice the rest I lost them.

(After the fight, I stood still, closing my eyes I took in the entire fight and my body conditions. I hate to admit it but my body is still not strong enough. I might need to have some other tools by my side in case of emergency. I opened my eyes and looked at these men they are strong but they are smart and seems loyal.)

"Okay, you are all hired. Move your belongings to this Villa as soon as you can. I will officially meet you when you come and report to me starting the next day. Today I give you the choice if you want to work for me or not, I leave the choice to you."

I said my piece and left.

The outhouse was quiet there was no commotion, looks like I can work with these men and then turn them into my sharp weapons.