"I don't understand what you mean!" Zhou Yi's words made Stacy frown. As a police chief who had worked his way up from a police officer, he couldn't stand such words that defiled their profession. What did he mean, the sacrifices weren't worth it? It was as if their efforts were worthless.
"I apologize, perhaps you misunderstood," Zhou Yi shrugged, noticing the displeasure on Stacy's face. "What I mean is, some sacrifices can be avoided. Of course, I'm definitely not selling any products; that's what the employees do. I'm referring to something else."
"Then, may I ask what you are referring to?" As a politician, Stacy wasn't yet experienced enough; his career as a police officer had left too many marks on him, making him somewhat slow in this regard. And this was precisely what Zhou Yi valued about him. He still had a conscience and genuinely wanted to make a difference. He was doing it for the police's duty and the safety of the citizens, not for the so-called political achievements.
"I have shares in a school that houses a group of students with special abilities. They can control fire, ice, pass through walls, and even be invulnerable to blades and bullets. Think about it, if these people joined the police department or the fire department and became one of you, would your casualties still be like they are now?"
Hearing Zhou Yi's frank admission, Stacy frowned even deeper; he felt like he was hearing the most absurd joke, but he also felt that Zhou Yi didn't seem to be joking. So he asked hesitantly.
"Mr. Zhou, if I heard correctly, you want a group of mutants to become police officers and firefighters? Don't you know what just happened in Paris? If the citizens found out, they would overturn the entire police department. Moreover, the guys under my command certainly wouldn't be willing."
"The citizens are just worried, but they will naturally have no objections when they taste the sweetness. As for other problems, would you like to hear my plan?" Zhou Yi took a cocktail from a passing waiter and raised his glass to Stacy.
His confident demeanor was enough to let Stacy temporarily set aside his concerns. He took a sip of his drink and gestured for Zhou Yi to continue.
"I will provide the personnel and the funding. These will all be separate, and they won't ask for a single penny from you, yet they will still be at your disposal. 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 some additional financial assistance."
"In addition, to reassure the public and your subordinates, I will also have someone of some weight act as a guarantor. Mr. Director, you only need to hold a press conference in your own name and host this project. The rest of the matters are not a problem."
"When the casualty rate of your subordinates significantly decreases, and the safety of the people of New York improves, then Mr. Stacy, do you think the position of mayor will be far from you?"
Hearing Zhou Yi's plan, Stacy couldn't help but breathe heavily. He tugged at his tie, trying to make himself more comfortable. But the fluctuations in his heart were difficult to calm down for a while.
As the police commissioner, it could be said that his career path had almost reached its end. In a place like New York, the high crime rate could almost cut off the promotion path of all police commissioners. What they received was always complaints and grievances. It was harder than ascending to heaven to gain the support of the public. And wanting to become mayor by relying on popularity was almost like a dream.
Therefore, when he heard Zhou Yi's plan, he immediately felt a glimmer of hope. This was an opportunity, he knew very well. But he also understood the risks involved. If the mutants were to have any problems, then he, the project host, could directly submit his resignation.
The returns were huge, and naturally, the risks were also huge. The key question was whether to gamble or not! Stacy felt that it was difficult to take a step, but he was actually very tempted. But he always felt that the stakes were not enough. In order to increase the stakes in his heart, he had to delve deeper into the content of this plan.
"Can I know who you've found as the guarantor? You know, the risks involved are too great, I can't bear it alone."
"It's a friend we both know, trust me. His approval rating among the public isn't any lower than the President's, especially in New York." Zhou Yi chuckled strangely, leaving Stacy bewildered. "A superhero, isn't that a good card to play?"
"It is!" Stacy's face flushed, and he downed the rest of his drink, looking invigorated. It was the look of a man brimming with ambition and purpose. When Zhou Yi mentioned that person, he sensed the smile of Lady Luck, and the position of New York City Mayor beckoned.
In this world, at this moment, there was only one person who could be called a superhero and be supported by most New Yorkers: the Dawn Knight. A legend in the real world, a great figure who had saved countless lives. With him, a few murmurs and noises wouldn't be a problem at all; the public was almost blindly obedient to him. No one knew this better than him.
He still had several fools in his precinct, dressed up as the Dawn Knight, running around playing hero. Oprah had publicly invited him to her talk show on all media platforms, and even Hollywood was raising funds to acquire his rights to make a new hero movie. 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 fool wouldn't need to bother trying for re-election.
Having understood all of this, Stacy reached out his hand to Zhou Yi almost without hesitation.
"A pleasure doing business, Mr. Zhou. I believe this plan will go very smoothly!"
"A pleasure, future Mayor." With a laugh of flattery, Zhou Yi shook the hand of the ambitious man. This moment was a win-win for both of them.
As long as Police Commissioner Stacy agreed, his plan was as good as half-successful. As for the other half, it could be completed with the arrangements made earlier. Charles's stubbornness wouldn't last long, and the forces from within would break through all his defenses. Zhou Yi was very confident of this.
Perhaps it was because he considered Zhou Yi a partner, or perhaps he was a bit too inebriated to control his emotions. Stacy began probing into Zhou Yi's personal life, hoping he would satisfy his curiosity.
"Seriously, Mr. Zhou. I'm curious, why would someone of your stature want to help a group of mutants? They don't seem to be of any help to your endeavors."
Zhou Yi smiled; at this point, some things were no longer secrets. Since the plan had been initiated, many things could be made public.
"I have my reasons for doing so, Mr. Stacy. Sometimes, you have to make great efforts for your loved ones."
Director Stacy at this moment assumed a posture of attentive listening; he needed to understand some of the inside story to ensure their cooperative relationship was more solid. And this was precisely what Zhou Yi was doing.
"I believe you've already seen my daughter. Aresa is a mutant. In fact, her mother and my sister are both mutants. To allow them to live normal lives, I must make such efforts. A man who has money, fame, and status, if he can't even protect his family, letting them live like mice, hiding in the shadows and trembling with fear, wouldn't that be too pathetic!"
Zhou Yi's image in Stacy's mind was immediately fixed as a good father and a good husband. A man who could do this was undoubtedly admirable. He patted his shoulder and encouraged him.
"Trust us, Mr. Zhou. This plan will definitely succeed, and after that, the mutants' status will improve, and your loved ones can appear openly in the world."
"That's exactly what I hoped for."
The exchange between the two ended hastily. At this moment, Stacy didn't dare to appear too intimate with Zhou Yi. Their plan was highly sensitive, and if news leaked before it officially began, it would be a huge problem for both of them.
So, when he saw Miss Gwen Stacy returning with Aresa, he left Zhou Yi's side with Gwen. He was still nominally the host of this cocktail party, so he had many reasons to confuse some people. Of course, there would always be those who understood.
When the charity auction officially began, a familiar face sat down beside him. He raised a paddle, signaling his bid to the auctioneer on stage, and said to Zhou Yi,
"Is it really okay to cooperate with a police chief? He doesn't seem to have as much influence as you think."
"How would I dare to cooperate with someone with great influence in a situation like this? Besides, isn't his identity just right? It won't offend you, and it won't make my plan completely empty. Also, Phil, your hairline has receded again."
Phil Coulson touched his hair, and a look of weariness appeared on his face.
"You know, there are too many things that need to be dealt with recently. I've been working overtime for a long time."
Zhou Yi immediately became curious. He had no idea what S.H.I.E.L.D. was up to at the moment. So, he interjected curiously.
"You've been busy lately? If you don't mind, could you tell me what you've been up to? I'm really interested. Do the things you agents do really happen like in the movies?"
"I really like the kind of life you described, like in the movies. It's exciting and fulfilling. Although sometimes it can be exhausting, as long as you complete the task, the vacations are quite long. But thanks to you, I haven't had that kind of mission in a long time."
"It took me almost a month to clean up the mess you left in Canada. The cause of the flood, the reason you were there... Just dealing with the Canadian government officials almost wore me out. Seriously, buddy, can you try not to make such a big commotion next time? Can't you be a little more... civil, like us?"
Coulson's words were full of complaints, but Zhou Yi could only smile. He couldn't control this kind of thing at all, so he knew that Coulson was just complaining, with no other intention.
"Sorry, buddy. If there's a next time, I'll try to create an underground river. But, did you come here specifically to complain to me about indirectly increasing your workload, hoping to get another paycheck from me?"
"If you're willing to give, that would be the best." Coulson smiled and got to the point. "But I came specifically to tell you something. Our cooperation can begin. The prey is already in a predicament. This is the best time for you to appear! I believe they will contact you soon."
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