Chapter 44: The olive branch thrown out by the Information Section, another one to poach me!
In the corridor corner, Tang Xinyi scrutinized Chen Ming. No longer sporting a gentle smile, her face now displayed seriousness.
“Two months ago, using hacking techniques, you found a loophole in the military network, obtained administrator credentials, and checked the personal data of several recruits’ instructors. Was it you?”
Tang Xinyi got straight to the point, infusing a touch of accountability in her tone. Her approach was making Chen Ming uneasy, breaking through his psychological defenses, and leading him along.
Indeed, Chen Ming’s heart skipped a beat after hearing these words. He hadn’t anticipated that the incident would be discovered. But at that time, he only possessed advanced hacking skills in the red domain, excelling in offensive intrusions. Erasing intrusion traces and anti-reconnaissance were weak points, and the rushed timeline left several clues.
If he were to operate now, he could ensure that Tang Xinyi wouldn’t even know the military intranet had been breached. After hearing this accusation, Chen Ming thought momentarily, calming his flustered state.
He admitted, “Reporting, indeed, it was me.”
Tang Xinyi observed Chen Ming’s almost unchanged expression, finding it somewhat surprising. Wasn’t this guy supposed to be panicking?
Pausing, Chen Ming continued, “Chief, it was just a moment of curiosity at that time. I don’t think it qualifies as a significant mistake.”
Although he had invaded the military network, Chen Ming’s actions differed. He merely glanced at some instructors’ information, causing no substantial harm. It didn’t qualify as a major issue.
Tang Xinyi nodded, “Strictly speaking, it’s not a big deal.”
Chen Ming, now relieved, continued, “Chief, I only invaded out of curiosity. It shouldn’t be considered a serious offense.”
With this admission, Tang Xinyi couldn’t help but wonder – was he not feeling any pressure?
After invading the intranet, she reviewed Chen Ming’s records, learning about his background before joining the army. He was just a high school graduate, not likely to have a formal education in computer science. Living in a mountainous area, he couldn’t have been exposed to such skills early on or found a mentor.
So, self-learning was the only possibility.
Tang Xinyi looked at Chen Ming, who maintained his composed demeanor, and asked, “Did you teach yourself these hacking skills?”
She had to admit that his talent was remarkable if self-taught, breaking through the military intranet firewall.
Chen Ming wouldn’t disclose the system’s role, casually responding, “I picked it up during my free time after getting tired of playing games online. I wondered if I could crack the system at the internet cafe and get free internet access.”
Tang Xinyi was somewhat puzzled. Such advanced skills just to avoid paying for internet access?
From the bottom of her heart, Tang Xinyi realized that hacking truly depended on innate talent. Some people spent a lifetime studying without mastering it, while others, playing games, inadvertently learned the skill.
Tang Xinyi shook her head with a wry smile, “To have such ability through self-learning means you have high talent. If you receive systematic training, your future prospects are limitless.”
In the face of praise, Chen Ming thought there’s no need for systematic study. If I play games for half an hour daily, my future should be secure. After all, the system is here, and playing games for half an hour daily to receive rewards might elevate my abilities to an astonishing level.
“Chief, you’ve praised me,” Chen Ming smiled and shook his head. “My abilities still have many shortcomings.”
Facing Chen Ming’s humility, Tang Xinyi was pleased. At least, unlike those with some skills who flaunt it, humility is always the best virtue.
“As the recruitment period is ending, are you interested in joining our information department?” Tang Xinyi revealed her purpose, realizing that her previous attempts to intimidate and tempt Chen Ming had been futile.
“With your talent, the information department will be the best stage to showcase your abilities.”
Chen Ming finally understood the chief’s motive – another attempt to recruit him. This wasn’t the first time. Many company commanders from other companies had sought him out during training, each eager to bring him to their unit. They even removed their epaulets, sneaking into the camp as if dealing with a prisoner.
Lin Changfeng, the company commander of the recruits, caught one of them in the act during an inspection. He gave no face and ordered the offender to be dragged out of the camp. Lin Changfeng emphasized the importance of holding one’s ground and understanding whose soldier one was.
Observing these attempts to recruit him, Chen Ming felt he was being treated like a commodity.
In response to Tang Xinyi’s proposal to join the information department, Chen Ming thought about the various companies vying for him. He realized that he had to carefully consider which was most suitable before deciding.
Although tempted by the information department’s offer, where he could spend his days in front of a computer without much training, Chen Ming pondered the implications. After all, joining the army was not solely for playing computer games.