This is such a terrifying ability!
As long as someone stands before her, they are stripped of all secrets, their life threads from birth to death laid bare. If used wisely, she could become the country's greatest asset.
The National Security Department is currently ramping up its counter-espionage operations, determined to eliminate the leeches clinging to the dragon's body. However, some malignant tumors are too deeply hidden to be discovered in a short time. With Xiang Wan's presence, past issues would become trivial.
If they could protect her under the watchful eyes of the country, countless foreign spies entering Longguo would try their best to harm the nation's top talents. With too many tragic precedents, these spies are careful about their actions, fearing being targeted by someone with ill intentions.
Every country and every industry has its elite departments serving them. Longguo has them, and so do other countries. The competition regarding mysticism is conducted in the shadows, and if one loses, they can only blame their inferior skills.
After witnessing Xiang Wan's abilities today, Wei Wentao felt she was truly unfathomable. He was afraid he might not be able to handle her himself.
Learning this information actually comforted him; as long as someone was better than him, he could avoid dangers, both natural and man-made, and thus preserve his life.
The more exceptional individuals Longguo has, the better, as they help to continue the traditions of a nation with a history spanning thousands of years.
Xiang Wan smiled and extended her hand for a handshake. "You can just call me by my name, Xiang Wan. May I ask how I should address you?"
Wei Wentao smiled back. "I'm the Minister of the Folk Safety Department. You can call me Minister Wei. The one in black is Cheng Baichuan, and the one in white is Duan Ling."
Cheng Baichuan greeted her with a friendly smile, while Duan Ling in white merely nodded, acknowledging her.
"It's not convenient to talk like this. How about we find a teahouse to discuss?" Wei Wentao suggested.
Xiang Wan nodded. "That sounds good."
Next to her hotel was a teahouse called Shuiyun Bay. The four of them entered in sequence, and Wei Wentao booked a private room, a type where no service was provided unless summoned.
Once in the room, Duan Ling confirmed that there were no listening devices nearby and nodded slightly, signaling that the conversation could continue.
"Xiang Wan, let's get straight to the point. I'm here on behalf of the country to sincerely invite you to join our Security Department," Wei Wentao said, handing her his identification. "We offer comprehensive benefits: five insurances and one fund, paid vacations, a thirteenth month salary, normal rest during holidays, and if you work overtime, your pay for that day will be multiplied by ten. The base salary is thirty thousand, and for every commissioned task you complete, you'll receive thirty percent of the total fee. For instance, if the fee for solving a case is three million, you would earn nine hundred thousand as a commission."
Wow, this is quite an offer!
If it weren't for the Raccoon Live Platform, and if these people had come to her earlier with such an olive branch, she might have joined without hesitation.
This is incredibly tempting! When presented with a thirty percent commission, what's a base salary of thirty thousand worth?
Duan Ling couldn't hold back a cold snort. "Minister, you can fool your own people with holiday perks, but how can you trick an outsider? Aren't we always solving problems or on the way to solve them throughout the year?"
Wei Wentao's expression soured, and he shot a fierce glare at Duan Ling. "Shut up. If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute."
Cheng Baichuan laughed and played peacemaker. "Minister, that's a bit unfair, bullying a young lady, isn't it? Don't forget that she's currently the top streamer on Raccoon, if not the entire network. One live stream's earnings can cover half a month's worth of our tasks. Your salary offer isn't really attractive."
Wei Wentao shot him another glare. "You all shut up!"
Turning back to Xiang Wan, his smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum. "Xiang Wan, the salary and benefits are secondary; the main draw is the various resources and perks—such as secret techniques, elixirs, and mutual support among peers."
"If you're not interested in these, we also have specialized..." Wei Wentao diligently promoted the idea of recruiting new members for the Security Department.
Initially, he thought it would be hard to convince Xiang Wan, but to his surprise, she responded decisively, "Sure."
Her assertive attitude made Wei Wentao momentarily hesitant. "Y-You agreed?"
Xiang Wan nodded with a smile. The country cannot tolerate any tangible or intangible force overshadowing its people. Moreover, she had no intention of establishing a sect in this world. In an age where spiritual energy was scarce, even if she managed to gather followers, she couldn't help them ascend with the power of merit.
It would be better to rely on the state and let it handle potential challenges.
"However, I have a request…" Xiang Wan's voice trailed off.
Wei Wentao straightened in his seat, extending a hand as if to invite her to speak.
"You've seen that I often need to stream live. Can I forego your base salary in exchange for being officially recognized under your Security Department?" This was her best solution. Given her thriving streaming career, being affiliated with the Security Bureau could allow her live streams to become her main profession. She would likely be traveling for work even during holidays, just as Duan Ling had mentioned.
She didn't care about the salary; the money she was currently earning was enough for her to live comfortably. This was solely from her fortune-telling, and if it weren't for her need to establish a presence, she could have easily transitioned into semi-retirement.
Wei Wentao understood her intent. "You mean you want to be an external staff member of the Security Department?"
Xiang Wan nodded. "Yes, that's one way to put it."
Wei Wentao thought for a moment. "That's acceptable! But…"
She knew that negotiating for a position in the Security Department was a bargaining process. The back-and-forth could be intense.
Xiang Wan maintained a calm demeanor, waiting patiently.
"You must participate in at least one operation each month…"
"That won't work!" Xiang Wan firmly rejected. "That frequency is too high!"
Wei Wentao looked at her intensely, his aura and presence growing stronger. "What do you mean, 'too high'? Do you know how many missions our department staff undertake on average each month? The minimum is fifteen, and the frequency is determined by the complexity of the tasks. We're already being lenient with you."
"No, no, you need to reduce that!" Xiang Wan shook her head vigorously, resolutely refusing.
Cheng Baichuan and Duan Ling exchanged surprised glances; it was rare for someone to remain so composed and unyielding in negotiations under Minister Wei's intense demeanor, seemingly oblivious to the pressure.
Xiang Wan remained steadfast, and Wei Wentao ultimately realized he had to concede a bit to this tenacious woman. After some back and forth, they settled on her participating in an operation every two months, with her next task determined by the task's difficulty level.