The New York Police Department finally arrived at the scene, only to find Levi Wei in the midst of a media frenzy.
While officers secured the area, the relentless reporters pressed on.
"Mr. Levi, do you think your arrogance led to this retaliation?" a male reporter asked provocatively.
Levi, however, had a clever retort ready. "I don't like you. Let's have a question from the beautiful lady. You're very pretty," he remarked, pointing to a blonde, blue-eyed reporter.
The female reporter, flattered, straightened her posture and displayed her impressive figure. Professionally, she nudged the male reporter aside, but not before discreetly dropping a small card into Levi's car.
"Mr. Levi, can you tell us what happened here?" she asked with a smile.
The male reporter, though disgruntled, listened intently.
Levi, feeling much better, launched into an explanation. "As you can see, our research was attacked. The data inside pertains to the limb regeneration serum…"
He elaborated on the company's research, inadvertently boosting Professor Connors' reputation. Connors, however, felt the weight of the increased attention.
"And who was behind the attack?" the female reporter inquired.
"I don't know," Levi replied, then had a sudden inspiration. Why not involve Tony Stark?
"I suspect Tony Stark thought I was too handsome for his liking, so he sent people to sabotage my research," Levi joked.
The reporters buzzed with excitement at the mention of Stark's name.
Levi then closed the window, ignoring the reporters' pleas for more.
The blonde reporter gestured for Levi to call her, while the police finally dispersed the crowd.
"Mr. Levi, are you alright?" asked a middle-aged police chief.
"I'm fine, Chief George," Levi replied. "Please tend to my employees."
"No problem, this is our oversight," George Stacy said, slightly embarrassed.
As Gwen Stacy's father, George was a known figure, and Levi had no intention of blaming his secretary's father.
The officers confirmed that Future Technology's security guards were unharmed, while the gang members suffered heavy casualties. The mysterious woman who appeared last had been the most formidable opponent.
Afterward, Levi and his team transported the items back, this time with a police escort.
---
"Master, why would you do something so dangerous?" 2B asked, her expression cold.
"I didn't leave the car," Levi replied.
"But you could have been exposed to danger when I wasn't by your side," 2B analyzed calmly.
Levi nodded in agreement, appreciating the value of his growing reputation. He picked up the card with the reporter's number and casually tossed it out the window. He wasn't one to indulge like Tony Stark.
"Professor Connors, are you alright?" Levi asked, turning to Connors, who clutched his research.
"I'm fine. She called herself Yelena, but I'm not sure who she is," Connors replied, frowning.
"Yelena?" Levi's curiosity piqued at the mention of the name.
He had 2B display the recorded image. Levi immediately recognized the woman as a strikingly beautiful version of someone he knew.
"Li, do you know her?" Connors asked.
"I didn't expect the Russians to make the first move," Levi mused.
In this world, there weren't many female agents named Yelena; she was likely from the Red Room. In America, it was always convenient to blame the Russians.
"Russians?" Connors tightened his grip, then declared, "We won't let them stop us."
"Exactly," Levi agreed. "We aim to create a world without weakness."
This was Connors' dream, one that Levi shared.
With the police escort, they safely reached the Future Technology Company building, adjacent to Stark Industries.
The security team swiftly moved the items inside. As Connors got out of the car, his wife, Martha, rushed over.
"Martha, I'm fine," Connors reassured her.
Martha, a college graduate and steadfast supporter of Connors' work, was relieved to see him unharmed.
"It's good you're safe. If the data is lost, you can always research it again," Martha said, casting a glance at Levi.
Levi shrugged, nonchalant.
"Let's head inside; it's safer," Levi suggested.
"Yes, yes, yes," Martha agreed, more nervous than anyone else.
They quickly entered the company, with 2B close behind, ensuring Levi's safety.
"Let's head to the lab," Connors proposed, relaxing now that they were inside. "I plan to stay at the company for a few days; it's safer."
He knew Yelena was after him and was determined to avoid capture.
Levi nodded in agreement. "The company is very secure. Anyone who tries anything will regret it."
Levi admired Connors' dedication, diving back into research immediately.
At Future Technology Company, Connors wasn't the only one pushing the boundaries of science.