The aftermath of the gunshot incident left Jiang Han's family shaken. While the immediate crisis had been averted, it marked a turning point in Jiang Han's perception of personal and familial safety. Reflecting on the fragility of security, Jiang Han decided it was time to establish a protective force that not only shielded his family but also presented new business opportunities. Thus, the idea for Aegis Sentinel Corps was born.
Jiang Han didn't rush into the decision. He spent days researching security trends, meeting experts, and consulting with his most trusted associates. Among them was Colonel Yusof, a decorated former special forces commander known for his sharp tactical mind and unwavering integrity. Their meetings began informally, with Yusof advising Jiang Han on basic safety measures. However, Yusof soon realised that Jiang Han wasn't just another wealthy entrepreneur looking for bodyguards—he was a visionary.
One afternoon in Jiang Han's office, Yusof leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Jiang Han, you have potential—not just as a businessman but as a leader. I've worked with many in my time, and your ability to inspire and plan strategically is rare."
Jiang Han smiled, pouring tea into Yusof's cup. "Colonel, your words are flattering, but they're also misplaced. I simply see the gaps and work to fill them. Right now, the gap is security. People need it, and they'll pay for it if done right. That's where you come in."
Yusof's brow furrowed. "And what exactly are you proposing?"
"A partnership," Jiang Han replied smoothly. "Help me build a security firm—one that doesn't just provide brute force but combines intelligence, strategy, and cutting-edge technology. I want Aegis Sentinel Corps to set the gold standard for private security in Malayuna."
Yusof leaned back, considering the offer. He had retired from the military to escape the chaos, but Jiang Han's vision reignited something in him. "You have yourself a partner," he said finally, extending his hand.
Jiang Han shook it firmly. "Welcome aboard, Colonel."
With Yusof on board, the groundwork for Aegis Sentinel Corps began. Jiang Han divided the organisation into five specialised divisions:
Training Division: Led by retired special forces officers, this unit focused on creating elite bodyguards, security guards, and support staff.
Bodyguard Division: Comprised exclusively of ex-commandos, this division offered personal protection services for high-profile clients.
Security Guard Division: Experienced martial artists were recruited and trained by the Training Division to patrol residential and corporate spaces.
Support Division: Split into Cybersecurity and Counter-Surveillance units, this division employed tech experts and surveillance specialists to thwart threats in the digital and physical realms.
Intelligence Division: A standalone unit reporting directly to Jiang Han, responsible for gathering actionable intelligence on rivals and potential threats.
To lead these divisions, Jiang Han and Yusof began recruiting top-tier talent. Yusof tapped into his military network, bringing in retired officers with impeccable records. Jiang Han, leveraging his tech-savvy background, reached out to cybersecurity specialists and counter-surveillance experts.
While some recruits were eager to join, others required convincing. One notable prospect was Major Azlan, a brilliant tactician who had left the army under controversial circumstances. Jiang Han approached him personally, recognising his potential.
Over coffee, Jiang Han laid out his vision. "Major, I'm offering you a second chance—not just at a career but at a legacy. Aegis Sentinel Corps will redefine what security means in this country. Be a part of it."
Azlan hesitated. "I've made mistakes, Jiang Han. Are you sure you want someone with my history?"
"I don't care about your past," Jiang Han replied firmly. "I care about your skills and what you can bring to the table."
Moved by Jiang Han's confidence, Azlan accepted, becoming the leader of the Training Division.
Within weeks, Aegis Sentinel Corps was operational. Their first mission came unexpectedly when Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, a prominent businessman and father of Jiang Han's rival Rayyan Hakimi, hired their services.
Tengku Hanafiah's company was hosting a high-profile gala, and rumours of a potential security breach had surfaced. Despite his personal disdain for Jiang Han, Tengku Hanafiah recognised the professionalism of the Aegis Sentinel Corps.
During a briefing with his team, Yusof outlined the strategy. "This isn't just about guarding entrances. We need counter-surveillance teams monitoring every angle, cybersecurity experts protecting digital networks, and a rapid response unit on standby."
The mission was a success. Guests praised the seamless security, and Aegis Sentinel Corps gained credibility among Malayuna's elite. Tengku Hanafiah, though reluctant to admit it, was impressed.
Amid the company's growth, Jiang Han faced a personal challenge. A rival business magnate, Syed Azlan Shah, attempted to frame him in a legal case involving corporate espionage. Jiang Han was summoned to the police station for questioning, a move designed to tarnish his reputation.
Anticipating such tactics, Jiang Han had recently hired Mikhail Darmawan, a brilliant but disgraced lawyer, as his legal head. Mikhail's keen understanding of the law and his unwavering loyalty to Jiang Han proved invaluable.
At the police station, Mikhail dominated the proceedings. "Unless you have concrete evidence, this entire interrogation is baseless," he told the officers. "You're not just wasting Mr Jiang's time; you're undermining your own credibility."
The officers, unable to counter Mikhail's arguments, released Jiang Han without charges. Outside, Mikhail turned to Jiang Han. "That's one battle won. But we need to be prepared for more."
Jiang Han nodded. "And we will be. Together."
As the Aegis Sentinel Corps grew, so did Jiang Han's ambitions. He envisioned the company not just as a security provider but as a cornerstone of his expanding empire. Plans were made to offer services to residential communities, corporate events, and even international clients.
With Yusof overseeing operations and Jiang Han focusing on strategy, the company quickly became a household name among Malayuna's elite. High-profile clients, impressed by their professionalism, recommended Aegis Sentinel Corps to others, creating a ripple effect of demand.
Jiang Han sat in the quiet corner of his office, the events of the past week playing in his mind like a silent film. The sudden escalation of threats had unsettled him, not because he lacked the resources to counter them, but because they had caught him off guard. This was unacceptable. His family, his growing empire, and his vision for the future required him to be proactive, not reactive.
The solution was becoming clearer with every passing moment—he needed to fortify his intelligence capabilities. Aegis Sentinel Corps was already a powerhouse in protection and counter-surveillance, but there was a glaring gap. He needed eyes in places he couldn't be, information before it reached his enemies, and the ability to outmanoeuvre anyone who dared stand in his way.
The faint knock on the door pulled him out of his reverie. Jiang Yu peeked in, his brows furrowed with concern. "Ge, it's about Colonel Yusof's proposal."
Jiang Han gestured for his brother to enter, his expression softening. "Tell me."
"He suggests accelerating the recruitment process for intelligence specialists," Jiang Yu explained, handing over a neatly compiled report. "He's identified potential candidates, but he's hesitant to proceed without your approval."
Jiang Han flipped through the report. The names listed were impressive—ex-military strategists, cybersecurity experts, and even a former intelligence operative known only as "Adrian Yong."
"Adrian Yong," Jiang Han murmured, tapping the name with his finger. "I've heard of him. Disgraced for exposing corruption, but his skills are unparalleled. Interesting."
Jiang Yu hesitated. "He's not an easy person to convince, Ge. His reputation suggests he's…difficult."
Jiang Han smirked, a flicker of determination lighting up his eyes. "Good. That's exactly the kind of person we need—someone who's not afraid to challenge authority, someone who sees the bigger picture."
Standing up, Jiang Han placed the report on his desk and adjusted his cuffs. "Arrange a meeting. I'll speak to him personally."
"Personally?" Jiang Yu asked, surprised.
"If we're building the foundations of an empire, Yu, then every cornerstone must be chosen with care. And if Adrian Yong is as brilliant as they say, then he deserves more than just a phone call. We're not just hiring talent—we're creating loyalty."
As Jiang Yu nodded and left to make the arrangements, Jiang Han allowed himself a rare moment of anticipation. Convincing someone like Adrian Yong wouldn't be easy, but Jiang Han thrived on challenges.
For Jiang Han, this was more than just recruitment. It was a step toward ensuring that he was never caught unprepared again—a promise to himself and everyone he cared about.