319. Chapter 318: Perhaps I Should Teach Him How to Be a Qualified Superhero
Soldier Boy, wearing plain clothes and sitting in the Co-pilot's seat, shook his head.
"I went to the address Legend gave me a week ago. There were indeed traces of Crimson Countess having lived there, but I didn't see her in person. At first, I thought she had gone out temporarily for something, but I waited in the Room for two days and she never came back."
"You don't mind if I smoke in the car, do you?"
Thinking about the time he spent with Crimson Countess in the past, Soldier Boy felt an inexplicable irritation arise in his heart. Without getting Xia Shang's permission, he took out a plastic lighter, lit a cigarette with a click, then frowned tightly and began to puff away.
Actually, the reason he was looking for his former girlfriend, Crimson Countess, wasn't for revenge, but to find out from her who the real culprit behind the scenes of the war back then was. Even now, Soldier Boy was unwilling to believe that his girlfriend would betray him. Simply put, he just wanted to get an explanation from Crimson Countess.
"Perhaps she saw the news about you blowing up Central City. After hearing the information about your return, she moved to another place overnight."
Although that was said, Xia Shang was 80% certain that Crimson Countess's disappearance was related to Billy and others.
"If it's really like you said, that she's deliberately hiding and doesn't dare to see me, then it means she was either aware of or participated in what happened back then."
Soldier Boy's face was cold. He chewed the burning cigarette into his mouth bit by bit. The tense muscle lines on his face from the effort made it seem as if he wasn't chewing a cigarette, but Crimson Countess herself.
...
"Welcome, both of you, to the charity gala hosted by Vought International, Starlight's Night."
After checking the invitation letter Xia Shang handed over, the security personnel's gaze lingered on their faces for a moment. Because Soldier Boy had shaved his beard and cut his hair, he didn't look like the same Criminals from the news who blew up Central City. Furthermore, the Soldier Boy in the video was disheveled and dirty-faced, and the roadside cameras couldn't capture him clearly, so he didn't arouse the suspicion of the security personnel.
"The gala is about to begin. Please follow me."
The security personnel maintained a professional smile, handed the invitation letter back to Xia Shang, and then led the two into the Meeting Hall.
Afterward, Xia Shang easily found the corresponding seats based on the seat number on the invitation letter.
"What was the surprise you mentioned last time? Are you trying to say that besides a son, I also have a grandson?" After taking his seat, Soldier Boy looked straight towards the stage in front.
"It seems you already know."
The matter with Ryan caused such a stir last time that a simple investigation would reveal the relationship between Ryan and Homelander. Xia Shang smiled without surprise. "How does it feel to suddenly have children and grandchildren everywhere? Do you feel the joy of having a child late in life?"
As he spoke, he looked around.
It was clear that those attending the gala were all social celebrities, wealthy persons, and news reporters from various Media outlets. Among them, he even saw the Director of the Federal Bureau of Superhuman Affairs, Victoria Neuman.
"I guess so." After all, it was the continuation of his bloodline. Soldier Boy wasn't averse to it, but he wasn't so excited that he was dancing and gesticulating either. He could only say that his mood is very complex right now.
"Do you know which year Homelander was born?" Soldier Boy suddenly asked.
"I think it was 1981." "Forty years ago, in 1980, I received a notification from Vought to participate in a gene experiment. I estimate that's when, without my full knowledge, they preserved my sperm and bred Homelander."
Soldier Boy was about to take out a cigarette, but stopped his hand after seeing a no smoking sign.
*Click!* Suddenly, all the lights in the venue went out. Immediately after, the dim stage lit up with a bright yellow glow. On the Stage, statues of Superheroes could be seen. At the same time, the large screen behind them also began to display Superheroes one by one: Lamplighter holding a torch and wearing a black suit, The Deep with his hands on his hips and a silly grin, Black Noir, who flashed by, completely shrouded in a dark suit, and Queen Maeve, holding a shield in one hand and a sword in the other.
Of course, there was also the deceased A-Train. Presumably, because of insufficient staff, Vought put him up there to make up the numbers.
Next, the sixth to appear was the sunny boy with an exceptionally bright smile: Homelander! "He's not even the Leader, and he can still fucking smile." Soldier Boy curled his lip. One must know that back in the day, he was the undisputed American Hero, the absolute ruler of Payback, practically a tyrant. He never expected his own son to turn out like this; it was truly embarrassing him.
"Perhaps I should teach him how to be a qualified Superhero."
Soldier Boy stroked his chin, preparing to meet his biological son after the gala ended.
"Oh shit!" When he saw Starlight appear as the final Hero, Soldier Boy even lowered his head somewhat ashamed. Letting a Woman become the Leader of The Seven, he felt embarrassed for Homelander.
"It's a pleasure to have everyone here tonight for Starlight's Night. I'm the Vice President of Vought International and the Host of tonight's gala, Ashley Barrett." Ashley Barrett walked onto the stage with a smile on her face. Holding the microphone, she was in an extremely pleasant mood.
Skipping the boring performance segment, as there was really nothing to see.
Dancing, singing, acrobatics... Xia Shang had seen it more than once. As for Soldier Boy beside him, he was almost falling asleep watching.
About two hours later, The Deep, who had just finished his Dolphin Diving performance, pushed a giant aquarium while shouting, "Now, let's welcome our Co-Captain, tonight's Shining Star, and the King of Popularity, Homelander! Let's hear some applause!"
In an instant, a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the venue!
"Don't mess up, be careful of someone's mood." Ashley Barrett came up to Starlight and whispered nervously.
"Got it."
Starlight looked at Homelander, whose complexion was terrible and who wore a reluctant expression, and nodded.
"Go on."
As Homelander passed by Starlight, he lowered his voice and said, "Remember Supersonic, your childhood sweetheart? Guess what I did to him? Motherfucker! How dare he steal my limelight!"
Walking onto the stage to the music, Homelander faced the screams and applause from the audience. He feigned humility by clapping his hands, then retreated to the side with a smile on his face.
"Damn Vought!" After seeing the smile on Homelander's face, Soldier Boy finally understood why Legend called Superheroes dolls in front of the cameras.
"If you don't want to smile, then don't fucking smile."
Soldier Boy looked around angrily, as if wanting to find something to vent his anger on.
(End of this chapter)