Charles fell silent, for he had to admit that Qinuo was right; the Black King and Apocalypse were incredibly powerful, and the X-Men defeating them largely depended on luck.
If it were them, perhaps they truly could change the plight of Mutants.
But what then? Even if a wrong path could bring temporary change, it would ultimately lead to destruction. Charles frowned, deeply conflicted.
Jean, meanwhile, gazed at Qinuo in a daze. An existence that could contend with a nation—wasn't that exactly what they needed? A flicker of hope ignited in her heart.
"Then what about you? Can you become our Demon King?!" As soon as Jean uttered these words, Qinuo was stunned.
He thought to himself, 'My plan isn't ready yet, and you're just offering yourself up.'
"You must have already taken her in, she's so cooperative with you." Venom's voice echoed in his mind.
"You've been with me all this time, wouldn't you know if I've taken anyone in?" Qinuo retorted in his mind.
Professor X also looked at Qinuo, deep in thought. Wasn't there a ready-made option right here? And he was an Easterner, completely neutral, with no discrimination against Mutants, even open to friendship.
Moreover, his power was immense; the demon invasion incident still had no follow-up, as if it had never happened.
The Professor's gaze was filled with anticipation and scrutiny, as if weighing the pros and cons.
Scott was still wondering why Jean had become like this.
Logan, on the other hand, thought it would be quite good for the kid to become his boss; such a generous boss was hard to find.
Qinuo fell into thought, trying to organize his words.
He frowned deeply, his eyes profound, various thoughts swirling rapidly in his mind.
Seeing his hesitation, Jean assumed he was unwilling. It made sense; after all, who would oppose the entire World for an unfamiliar race?
"Didn't you say before that Mutant abilities could be used for construction? Our X-Academy has many abilities—weather control, Cyclops, energy shields, so many. We can help you earn a lot of money."
Jean said eagerly, her eyes full of longing and expectation, hoping Qinuo would agree.
"But I'm not a Mutant, I won't be accepted," Qinuo said, a hint of difficulty on his face.
"It doesn't matter. As long as you shelter us, Mutants will be your subordinates. Professor, isn't that right?"
Jean looked at Professor X, her eyes filled with urgency.
"Yes, I can't guarantee for other Mutants, but the Mutants of X-Academy will definitely acknowledge your identity."
Charles had also made up his mind. All three previous paths were dead ends, and now that the most promising one had finally appeared, it was worth a try.
His gaze was fixed firmly on Qinuo, as if all his hopes were placed upon him.
Qinuo was practically laughing hysterically inside; it was truly a freebie. He was just about to reluctantly agree.
Jean thought about what other leverage she had, then gritted her teeth: "I can bear you a child. It would be the same to have your child inherit the title of King of Mutants later."
At these words, everyone present was stunned.
Logan spat out the wine he had just drunk, Scott's eyes widened like brass bells, and Charles was so shocked his jaw nearly dropped.
Qinuo was also taken aback by these sudden words, momentarily unsure how to react.
"She's dreaming! My first child must be mine, then Pamela and Xi! Who does she think she is?!" Venom shrieked madly in Qinuo's mind.
Venom didn't care how many women Qinuo had; after all, only she could always be by his side.
But how could a Jean, who just appeared out of nowhere, get ahead with a child!
Calm down, calm down, I haven't agreed to her.
Qinuo patted his head, quickly appeasing Venom.
He looked at Jean's resolute eyes and realized that the Black Phoenix already showed signs of awakening, which had affected Jean's personality.
Because Qinuo had depicted such a desperate future, Jean saw Qinuo as her last straw of salvation.
Qinuo estimated she would even be willing to kneel and lick his shoes.
Thinking of this, Qinuo couldn't help but feel a headache.
"Becoming a King isn't as simple as you think. Go back and think about it carefully," Qinuo said slowly.
Jean looked dazed, as if she had lost her soul.
"However, my company will be recruiting personnel soon. If anyone from your Academy is interested, you are welcome to apply."
Jean's eyes lit up. She knew Qinuo had agreed. She took a step forward and hugged Qinuo, her delicate body trembling slightly.
"Thank you, Demon King. I will try my best to bear you children, as many as you want."
Scott, who was behind them, heard this and his heart shattered, his face instantly turning pale.
Logan gave a thumbs up; knowing he once had a lover, he temporarily had no interest in finding women.
Qinuo sensed that the Venom inside him was about to burst out and hit someone, so he quickly pushed Jean away.
"No, I already have a lover. I don't need your help with having children," Qinuo waved his hand.
Jean smiled, seeing Qinuo's flustered expression. "You are still so devoted, but I won't give up."
Jean, what are you even saying? Becoming a mistress?
Scott's face had turned various shades, both angry and annoyed. Having a lover and still provoking Jean—what kind of behavior was this?
But he also had no standing to say anything; his relationship with Jean was currently just colleagues.
"Ahem, the discussion is mostly done. Let's end this gathering. Before we part, I have a Meeting Gift for you all."
Qinuo quickly changed the subject. Now he just wanted to finish things and leave quickly, sweat beading on his forehead.
"It's getting late."
Charles also cooperated well. He said with a smile, a hint of imperceptible expectation in his eyes.
He actually hoped Jean could become Qinuo's lover and bear him a child.
Since ancient times, alliances have existed for a reason.
The door opened, and five maids entered, each carrying a small silver box.
"Kid, what's this?"
Logan took out a red potion.
"Enhancement Potion, an internal product. It can strengthen physical fitness by two to three times. The stronger the subject's physical fitness, the weaker the effect, but it will..." Qinuo explained.
"Good stuff."
Logan had no doubts whatsoever. He injected himself without hesitation, a single shot.
As the potion was injected, his body quickly reacted. First, his body heated up, his muscles swelled slightly, bulging as if they would tear through his clothes.
Then his muscles contracted, and a pained expression appeared on Logan's face.
After a while, he returned to normal, exhaling heavily, his eyes full of excitement.