"I don't understand what you mean!" Mr. Stacy's brows furrowed at Mr. Zhou's words. As a Director who started as a Police Officer and worked his way up, he couldn't stand hearing remarks that tarnished their profession. What did he mean by a 'worthless sacrifice'? It was practically saying their efforts were without value.
"Sorry, perhaps there's a misunderstanding," Mr. Zhou shrugged, noticing the dissatisfaction in Mr. Stacy's expression. "What I mean is, some sacrifices can be avoided. Of course, I'm not trying to sell any products; that's what employees do. I'm referring to something else."
"Then what are you referring to?" As a Politician, Mr. Stacy was not yet seasoned enough; his Police career had left too many indelible marks, making him somewhat slow in this regard. And this was precisely what Mr. Zhou valued about him. He still possessed a conscience and genuinely desired to achieve something significant. He acted for the Police's duty and the citizens' safety, not for so-called political achievements.
"I hold shares in a school, and this school has a group of students with special abilities. They can control Fire and ice, pass through walls, and are even impervious to blades and bullets. Think about it: if these people joined the Police or Fire department, becoming one of you, would your casualties still be as they are now?"
Hearing Mr. Zhou's candid confession, Mr. Stacy's brows furrowed even deeper. He felt like he was listening to the most absurd joke, yet he also sensed that Mr. Zhou wasn't joking. So, he asked hesitantly,
"Mr. Zhou, if I heard correctly, you want a group of Mutants to become Police and Firefighters? Don't you know what just happened in Paris? If the citizens found out, they would surely turn the entire Police department upside down. Besides, my pal under me certainly wouldn't agree."
"The citizens are merely worried. Once they taste the benefits, they naturally won't have any objections. As for other issues, would you like to hear my plan?" Mr. Zhou took a cocktail from a passing waiter and raised his glass to Mr. Stacy.
His confident self-assurance was enough to make Mr. Stacy temporarily set aside his concerns. He took a sip of his drink and gestured to Mr. Zhou to continue.
"I will provide talent and funding. All of this will be separate; they won't demand a single cent from you, yet they will still accept your deployment. All you need to do is give them a nominal identity and a normal partner. Of course, to reassure their partners, I will also provide them with additional financial subsidies."
"Furthermore, to reassure the public and your pal, I will also bring in a person of some standing as a guarantor. My Lord, you only need to hold a press conference in your name and preside over this project. Other matters are actually not an issue."
"When the casualty rate among your pal significantly decreases, and the safety of New York City's people improves, then Mr. Stacy, do you think the Mayor's position will still be far from you?"
Hearing Mr. Zhou's plan, Mr. Stacy's breathing became heavy. He tugged at his tie, trying to make himself more comfortable. But the turmoil in his heart was not something that could be easily calmed in a short while.
As Director, it could be said that his political career had almost reached its end. In a place like New York, the persistently high crime rates almost cut off the path to promotion for all Police Directors. They always received complaints and grievances, and gaining public support was harder than ascending to the heavens.
And wanting to reach the Mayor's position based on approval ratings was almost like a story from a dream.
So, when he heard Mr. Zhou's plan, he immediately felt a ray of hope. This was an opportunity, he knew clearly. But he also understood the risks involved. If there were any problems with the Mutants, he, as the project leader, could directly submit his resignation.
Great rewards naturally came with great risks. The crucial question was whether to gamble or not! Mr. Stacy felt it was an uphill battle; he was indeed very tempted. However, he always felt the stakes weren't high enough. To increase his internal stakes, he had to delve deeper into the plan's details.
"May I know who the guarantor you've found is? You know, the risks involved are too great; I can't bear them alone."
"That's a friend you and I both know. Believe me, his approval rating among the public is no less than that of the President, especially here in New York." Mr. Zhou smiled strangely, leaving Mr. Stacy puzzled. "A Superhero, isn't that enough of a stake?"
"Enough!" Mr. Stacy's face flushed. He drained the wine in his glass in one gulp, looking utterly invigorated. It was the look of a man whose ambition and goals had been ignited. When Mr. Zhou mentioned that person, he realized that Lady Luck was smiling upon him, and the position of New York City Mayor was beckoning.
In this World, at this moment, there was only one person who could be called a Superhero and was supported by most New York people: the Dawn Knight. A legend in the real World, a great figure who had saved countless lives. As long as he was involved, a bit of public opinion and noise would not be a problem at all; the public almost blindly followed him. Few people knew this better than he did.
Even now, his Police station still held many fools who dressed up as the Dawn Knight and went around acting as vigilantes. Oprah openly invited him on all media to participate in her talk show, and Hollywood was even raising funds hoping to acquire his publicity rights to film new hero movies. Just looking at these things, one could tell how much influence this guy had in people's hearts. It could be said that if he ran for President, the current idiot would almost not need to strive for re-election anymore.
Having understood all this, Mr. Stacy extended his hand to Mr. Zhou with almost no hesitation.
"Pleasure working with you, Mr. Zhou. I believe this plan will be very successful!"
"Pleasure working with you, future My Lord." Mr. Zhou complimented him with a smile, shaking the hand of the man whose ambition had just blossomed. This moment was a win-win for both of them.
As long as Director Stacy agreed, his plan was halfway to success. As for the remaining half, it could be completed by the previous arrangements. Charles's complacency wouldn't last long; internal forces would breach all his defenses. Mr. Zhou was very confident about this.
Perhaps feeling that he and Mr. Zhou were now partners, or perhaps losing some control over his emotions after drinking too much, Mr. Stacy began to inquire about Mr. Zhou's *background*, hoping he could satisfy his curiosity.
"Honestly, Mr. Zhou, I'm very curious why someone of your standing would want to help a group of Mutants. They don't seem to be able to help your career in any way, do they?"
Mr. Zhou smiled. At this point, some things were no longer secrets. Since the plan had been initiated, many things could pretty much be made public.
"I have my reasons for doing this. Mr. Stacy, sometimes for the sake of your loved ones, you have to make a tremendous effort."
Director Stacy, at this moment, appropriately adopted a listening posture. He needed to understand some inside information to ensure their partnership was more solid. And this was exactly what Mr. Zhou was doing.
"I believe you've already seen my daughter.
Airesha is a Mutant. In fact, her mother and my sister are both Mutants. To allow them all to live normal lives, I must make such an effort. After a man has money, fame, and status, if he can't even protect his own family, letting them live like mice hiding and trembling in the shadows, wouldn't that be too pathetic!"
Mr. Zhou's image in Mr. Stacy's mind was immediately solidified as a good father and a good husband. A man who could achieve such a degree was undoubtedly admirable. He patted his shoulder, encouraging him.
"Believe in us, Mr. Zhou. This plan will definitely succeed, and after that, the status of Mutants will improve, and your loved ones can also appear in the World openly."
"This is exactly what I hope for."
The exchange between the two ended quickly. At this point, Mr. Stacy dared not appear too intimate with Mr. Zhou. Their plan was very sensitive, and if the news leaked before it officially started, it would be a huge trouble for both of them.
So, when he saw Young Miss Gwen Stacy return with Airesha, he took Gwen and left Mr. Zhou. Nominally, he was still the host of this banquet, so he had many reasons to confuse some people's sight. Of course, there would always be discerning people among them.
When the charity auction officially began, an acquaintance sat beside him. While raising his paddle to signal his bid to the auctioneer on stage, he said to Mr. Zhou,
"Is it really a good idea to discuss cooperation with a Director? He doesn't seem to have as much influence as you think."
"How dare I cooperate with someone too influential for such a matter? And his identity is just right, isn't it? It won't touch your nerves, nor will my plan completely become empty talk. Also, Phil, your hairline has receded further."
Phil Coulson touched his hair, a weary expression involuntarily appearing on his face.
"You know, there's been too much to do lately; I've been working overtime for a long time."
Mr. Zhou suddenly became a bit curious. He had no idea what S.H.I.E.L.D. was busy with at this time. So, he interjected curiously,
"You've been very busy lately? If you don't mind, can you tell me what you're busy with? Honestly, I'm quite interested. Is what you Agents do really like in the movies?"
"I really like the kind of life you described, like in the movies—exciting and fulfilling. Although sometimes it's overwork, if you complete it, the vacation is quite long. But thanks to you, I haven't had such a mission for a long time."
"It took me almost a month to clean up the mess you left in Canada. The reason for the flood, the reason you were there, just dealing with the Canadian Government Officials almost wore out my tongue. Honestly, pal, next time, can you not make such a big commotion? Can't you be a bit more civilized, like us?"
Coulson's words were full of complaints, but Mr. Zhou could only smile it off. Such things were impossible for him to control, so he knew Coulson was just complaining purely, with no other meaning.
"My apologies, pal. If there's a next time, I'll try to open an underground river. However, did you come all this way just to complain that I indirectly increased your workload and want another salary from me?"
"It would be best if you would give it." Coulson smiled and got to the point. "But I came specifically to tell you something: our cooperation can begin; the prey is already in trouble. It's the best time for you to appear! I believe they will contact you very soon."