The pleasant conversation continued late into the night. However, during this time, it was mostly Dr. Helen Cho speaking while Hong Fei listened, occasionally asking a question or two. This was because Dr. Helen Cho gave a detailed account of her "Regeneration Cradle" project. Currently, more than half of the theoretical research and planning for this project had been completed; it was a case of everything being ready except for the funding. The reason she had stayed in New York for so long, besides the academic conference, was the more important task of finding investors.
However, although Dr. Helen Cho had already begun to make a name for herself in the scientific community, she was, after all, young. Consequently, those who had paid attention to her so far either had designs on her personally or wanted to seize her plans and results through trickery or force. The reason she had agreed to Hong Fei's meeting invitation was also because she came with a sliver of hope. If things still didn't work out with Hong Fei, her plan was to turn to the embrace of the U.S., as their conditions were relatively less harsh.
Compared to those people, Hong Fei felt he was truly an out-and-out gentleman. In a friendly atmosphere, the two reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation. Since it was late at night, Hong Fei arranged accommodation for Dr. Helen Cho. It wasn't until the next morning after breakfast that he sent Number One to personally drive her back.
Watching the vehicle drive away, Frank suddenly said, "I don't think you're just interested in her knowledge."
Hong Fei's smile stiffened, and he immediately retorted, "Nonsense."
"Humph, I know what young men like you are thinking. She is quite good." Frank turned and left before Hong Fei could argue.
Hong Fei rolled his eyes helplessly. Frank was both right and wrong, because intellectual capability definitely had to come first; he didn't need a trophy. But after satisfying the first requirement, he would naturally lean towards someone good-looking. Everyone has a love for beauty; is there a problem with that? None at all!
Formal cooperation with Dr. Helen Cho would have to wait until she finished some of her current project arrangements, and a more detailed cooperation agreement would require further negotiation. However, in Hong Fei's view, the matter was already a sure thing; no one should even think about snatching this person from his hands. Otherwise, he would not hesitate to release Frank Three-Cannon. Having completed another short-term plan, Hong Fei was in a great mood, and his practice sessions became even more exhilarating. Two days later, Number Four and Number Five returned from Sokovia with a group of people.
"Boss, they are all Sokovians who lost their families or jobs due to the war. After an inspection by Number Five and me, these twenty people can be trusted for now. Additionally, thirty others remain at the Sokovia Castle."
Standing upstairs and looking at the neatly lined-up crowd through the window, Hong Fei nodded with satisfaction. "Good job. Go hand them over to Frank; he's been waiting for manpower."
"Understood." Although twenty people weren't many, they could solve the immediate crisis.
The expansion of the underground space was underway, and as for the renovations, it wasn't suitable for outsiders to know. Frank had been clamoring for help for a long time. Overlooking New York, Hong Fei's gaze shifted rapidly, and the corners of his lips curled up. It was time to do something bad. The improvement of his energy had already fallen behind the growth of his physical fitness; he wondered if energy also had periodic breakthroughs. Of course, the line between good and bad is blurred; from different perspectives, there are always different discoveries.
As for the specifics, it would depend on whether Hong Fei improved his energy or his physical fitness after finishing his business. Besides that, if one were to use gaming terms, he should now take the initiative to go out, kill mobs, and farm skill cards.
As night began to fall, Hong Fei informed Frank and drove away. Hells Kitchen is located in Manhattan, a primary settlement for immigrants with a chaotic and backward environment, frequent ethnic conflicts, and a high crime rate. If they had any choice, almost no ordinary person would be willing to live here long-term.
This is a wasteland in the eyes of many, yet it is a paradise for many gangsters. After nightfall, no one goes out without a reason; this is a place where even patrolling Police are reluctant to come.
Before the Afghanistan operation, Hong Fei often frequented this area. After putting his car in a parking lot, Hong Fei carried a cloth bag, avoided the surveillance cameras along the way, and climbed onto a rooftop. Unzipping the bag, inside was a set of black clothes and a white mask. "Tony, I promise this is the last time I'll wear these," Hong Fei murmured softly.
After changing, he stood at the edge of the rooftop, scanning the surroundings. After a moment, Hong Fei focused his gaze nearby. He then crouched slightly and pushed off hard with both legs. His body instantly shot out like an arrow from a bow. After crossing over ten meters of street space, he landed steadily on the opposite rooftop. Without stopping, he moved quickly, traversing between the high-rise buildings like a nimble ape. Before long, as he approached his destination, Hong Fei slowed his pace.
Before Frank appeared, Hong Fei had already located the positions of several heroes or villains. Out of caution, Hong Fei hadn't been in a hurry to act then. Now, the time had come. He pushed open the rooftop door and headed down.
The stairwell was dark, filled with a mixture of strange scents. Hong Fei's footsteps were extremely light, almost silent. When he reached a certain door, he pressed his ear against it and listened quietly. Hearing, as a physical attribute, had also been enhanced and improved. Hong Fei heard extremely subtle movements inside.
Confirming the other party was home, Hong Fei initially wanted to kick the door open and charge in. But after a brief thought, the corners of his mouth curled slightly under the mask, and he raised his hand to knock gently. Knock, knock!
It was silent inside, as if no one was there. Hong Fei turned and leaned against the wall, then reached out and continued to knock. After three such attempts, there was still no response from the room. Hong Fei quickly turned back to the door, raised his leg, and channeled immense strength through his muscles, his foot landing precisely on the lock. Boom!
With a loud bang, the door swung wide open, and Hong Fei quickly dodged to the side. The sound of gunfire followed immediately. However, the opponent soon discovered there was no target at the door, and the gunfire stopped abruptly. Hong Fei reached into his pocket, and a small cylindrical "cutie" suddenly appeared in his hand. Pulling the pin and tossing it into the room, the faint clinking sound was distinct. Hong Fei immediately turned around and covered his head tightly with his arms. Boom! With a muffled explosion, a bright light suddenly erupted, followed by a sharp, piercing ring.
Two seconds later, Hong Fei instantly activated his Eyes of Death and turned to rush into the room. Inside the room, a man had his eyes tightly shut, one hand covering an ear while screaming in pain, and the other hand holding a gun and pulling the trigger toward the doorway. After entering, Hong Fei's body suddenly and rapidly pivoted; the bullet grazed past him. Taking large strides, Hong Fei leaped into the air off a sofa and a dining table in just a few steps. As he drew near, he twisted his waist, his long leg instantly snapping straight, smashing down like a battle-axe.
The gunman's shoulder let out a cracking sound of breaking bone, and he instantly fell to the ground, unable to get up. Looking at the target-like tattoo on the man's head, Hong Fei smiled unkindly.