454: Chapter 454: Invitation from National Security 454: Chapter 454: Invitation from National Security At the Public Security Bureau, Tangyu had not visited for the first time; he had previously come here to meet Director Yang, although the person in charge was no longer Director Yang.
Song Qingyu directly took Tangyu to the reception room.
As soon as they entered, Tangyu’s gaze swept across the room and landed on the sofa, where he saw two middle-aged men sitting and drinking tea.
One of them was naturally Director Huo.
The other, clad in a deep green uniform that bore no clear indication of its type but only a badge made up of a dragon and a sword on his chest, which seemed quite unique.
By the sofa, there were also two soldiers in camouflage, standing guard like poles, their gazes sweeping around the room like scanners.
Under their watch, Tangyu felt as though he was being pierced by a sword, their eyes fiercely sharp.
Such intense gazes revealed that these men were not ordinary.
Song Qingyu did not follow Tangyu inside but instead saluted Director Huo and the so-called dignitary and then stepped back out.
The door was closed by the duty officer as Director Huo stood up and gestured to Tangyu: “Come Tangyu, this way.
Let me introduce you to Minister He, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of State Security.”
Upon hearing Director Huo’s introduction, Tangyu finally understood what this dignitary was all about – the Deputy Minister of the State Security Bureau, indeed a significant figure.
No wonder Director Huo was so reverent toward him.
To ordinary people, State Security was a mysterious organization, the highest-level department in the country, much like America’s FBI.
State Security was always responsible for the safety of national leaders, for example, personal bodyguards are affiliated with the Ministry of State Security.
So hearing about State Security, one would naturally take it very seriously.
Although Tangyu was merely a rookie who knew very little about national affairs, he recognized that State Security was no small entity.
“Minister He, hello,” Tangyu greeted.
Minister He did not stand up, but instead fixed his gaze on Tangyu, sizing him up, and after a moment nodded and said, “Indeed, a young hero, well done, come, take a seat.”
“Thank you, Minister He,” Tangyu nodded and sat down opposite the Minister.
Minister He was a non-joking figure in his fifties, with a slightly plump physique, his aura not fierce but rather gentle.
Yet there seemed to be a bone-deep pride and authority reminiscent of a military man.
In the presence of such a significant figure, even without intentionally trying to please, it was important not to offend, so Tangyu behaved as respectfully as possible.
“Tangyu, I have taken a close look at this incident, and your performance was commendably brave and resolute, displaying both responsibility and transcendent abilities, I heard you’re also skilled in defusing bombs.
Your performance in all aspects has been commendable,” Minister He said with a cheerful smile.
Upon hearing Minister He’s repeated praises, Tangyu felt even more puzzled.
What exactly was Minister He intending with such flattery?
For such an important figure to come all the way to Donglin City to see him, it couldn’t just be to offer praise.
If so, these people must be way too idle.
Tangyu did not believe this was the case.
When something unusual happens, there must be a reason behind it; this matter couldn’t be so simple.
“Hehe, Minister He, that’s too much praise,” Tangyu said, not taking the bait but continuing to play the role of a listener, waiting for Minister He to state his business.
This way, he could respond to whatever move Minister He made.
With a serious expression, Minister He said, “Then I won’t waste any more time, and I’ll get straight to the point.
Actually, my main reason for coming here was to ask if you would like to join our State Security?”
Join State Security?
Even Director Huo sitting beside him showed a hint of surprise clearly unaware of Minister He’s purpose prior to this visit.
It turned out that he was considering recruiting Tangyu into State Security.
Anyone who enters State Security is the crème de la crème, the absolute elite.
Being part of State Security means being a key talent nurtured by the country.
Each member is extremely skilled in some field, be it martial arts, literature, or other skills, being the top talent in Huaxia capable of joining State Security, which has highly stringent entry criteria, unimaginable to ordinary people.
This was like becoming a top scholar in ancient times, entering State Security could transform one’s fate dramatically.
This indeed was a momentous opportunity.
Director Huo also looked at Tangyu with a delighted expression, almost wishing he could accept the offer on Tangyu’s behalf.
After all, Tangyu had emerged from Donglin City, and if he could join State Security, Director Huo had reasons to be happy too.
Director Huo’s expression was not lost on Tangyu, who understood the benefits of joining State Security well enough; it was undoubtedly a great opportunity for anyone.
However, Tangyu was not interested in such opportunities.
He had his own path to pursue, and his aspirations didn’t lie in serving the country.
Thus, no matter how appealing the offer, even leading the Ministry itself held no attraction for Tangyu.
What suits you is the best, and what doesn’t, no matter how grand, is of no use.
For instance, even if you were given a hundred billion Joss Papers, it wouldn’t be suitable for you, would it?
What use would it have for you?
“Hehe, thank you, Minister He, for your undue praise and misplaced affection.
I am conscious of not possessing the capability to join the Ministry of State Security, and such an opportunity is beyond my luck,” Tangyu said.
Tangyu’s refusal somewhat surprised both Director Huo and Minister He; Director Huo was even slightly shocked as he stared at Tangyu and said, “You’re actually refusing?
Do you realize how precious this opportunity is?
It is truly a great chance for your life, one that could transform you into a dragon and elevate you above others.
Countless people couldn’t even dream of such a great opportunity.”
Tangyu shook his head and said, “I’m aware of that too, but the truth is, I don’t have the capability, nor am I suited for the job, so I can only express my regrets.”
Director Huo wasn’t mad or hasty—although he mainly was hasty, considering if this had succeeded, he would have felt greatly honored.
The Ministry of State Security was for him an immensely admired and sacred place.
Minister He smiled and said, “Tangyu, perhaps you aren’t fully aware of some specifics about our Ministry of State Security, which is why you are refusing so decisively.
Why don’t you listen to what I have to say first, then reconsider whether to refuse me.
As for capability, since you’ve been noticed by several of us, especially since our minister greatly appreciates you and personally decided to recruit you into the Ministry of State Security to serve the country, your skills are extremely outstanding, particularly your ability in bomb disposal, which is unmatched.
Just these aspects alone qualify you to join our Ministry of State Security.
Of course, the Ministry of State Security is just a starting point; if you are capable and perform exceptionally, you can ascend to higher echelons of the forces.”
Tangyu knew what Minister He meant by the higher echelons of the forces—he definitely referred to the four forces: Azure Dragon Group, White Tiger Group, Vermilion Bird Group, and Xuanwu Group.
However, Tangyu was not interested in any of them.
After thinking for a moment and carefully considering, Tangyu candidly said, “Minister He, to be honest, I really like my current life and job, and I quite enjoy this city and its people too.
I’m just someone from an ordinary family, with no great ambitions or goals in life, and I never thought about becoming an official or a soldier or the like.
If you talk about serving our ancestors, I certainly have that intention.
But entering the Ministry of State Security for work?
I wouldn’t fit in, it’s just not right for me, truly.
I know this is an extremely precious opportunity and I am very grateful for your misplaced affection, and for the affection of several leaders from the Ministry of State Security.
Nevertheless, I now prefer the life I’m living; beyond that, I desire nothing else.
Therefore, I still request you, Minister He, to withdraw your command.”
“Tangyu, how can you refuse?
This is an excellent chance for you to make your mark,” Director Huo was somewhat anxious.
Minister He glanced at Director Huo and said, “Young people have their own ways of thinking, Tangyu, are you reluctant to leave your girlfriend?”
“You could say so,” Tangyu replied nonchalantly.
“Hehe, a deep affection for someone isn’t unworthy; it’s actually quite good.
However, working in the Ministry of State Security will not affect your personal life or love life, as you would also be on an administrative shift.
Of course, there will be overtime, but you would still be able to live with your girlfriend, and we can arrange for her background checks and employment,” Minister He said.
Tangyu shook his head and said, “It’s not about whether or not I would work, my girlfriend’s family is in Donglin City, and it wouldn’t be possible for her to abandon her family to move to the Capital City with me.
Besides, I wouldn’t leave Donglin City either; I have many friends here and many things that make it worth staying.
I wouldn’t give them up.
I’m quite satisfied with my current life, so however good the opportunity might be, I have no desire for it.”
Despite Tangyu’s repeated rejections, Minister He was not angry; his face still showed a pleasant and amiable expression as he said, “Alright, but I do hope you will carefully consider it; there’s no need to rush your answer.
How about this—I’ll give you some time to think it over while I’m dealing with some matters here in Donglin City, and I will return to the Capital City in three days.
Within these three days, you can think it over, and if you decide, you can contact me anytime directly through Director Huo.”
Tangyu immediately stood up, nodded to Minister He and said, “Alright, Minister He, I will consider it carefully.
If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave now.”
“Yes, you may go,” Minister He nodded.
Director Huo stood up and said, “Minister He, shall I see Tangyu out?”
Director Huo walked Tangyu out of the reception room and immediately pulled Tangyu aside and said, “Tangyu, are you crazy?
Such a fantastic opportunity you are refusing!
A man should prioritize his career; with a career, why worry about not having women or love?
Do you really want to live an ordinary life forever?
If you’re willing to join the State Security Bureau, your future could possibly be that of a great figure—an existence you should aspire to lead.
This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity; if missed, it won’t come again.
Do you understand what entering the State Security signifies?”
Tangyu said, “I don’t know, nor do I want to know.
I know what I want, and that’s enough for me.
I have the life I want to live, and not every life is suitable for everyone.
Let’s just say, I don’t have much ambition—leading a simple life is true for me, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Not everyone in the world can be a great person.
Me, I just want to be a low-profile, ordinary individual.”
“Uh—” Watching Tangyu’s back, Director Huo was so choked up that he couldn’t speak.