Christmas Day. The manor was decorated inside and out with a festive atmosphere. A Santa Claus made of snow stood on the lawn, colorful lights and streamers hung outside the main house, and Christmas trees lined both sides of the main path. At an unnervingly long dining table, more than twenty people dined together cheerfully. Peter sat next to Hong Fei, restless. At his young age, he'd already begun to show the essence of a chatterbox. The food Mei had spent most of the day preparing was completely wiped clean by the group, not a single scrap wasted.
On such a holiday, Hong Fei played the part of the gracious host, accompanying them throughout. As the only child present, Peter received gifts from everyone. The boxes, large and small, almost filled his entire room. When dinner ended, Peter couldn't wait to rush back to his room.
Hong Fei, meanwhile, took a stroll across the snow with Frank.
Frank said, "That lady doctor—I thought you would have invited her over."
"Out of politeness, I did invite her, but she had her own plans."
"That's a shame."
Hong Fei turned his head. "Are you overthinking things?"
Frank said as if it were a matter of course, "What's the big deal? You're still young, don't be so thin-skinned. If you want it, you want it; there's no need to put on an act."
"I don't."
"Stubborn."
Suddenly, bright fireworks rose over the distant city, their brilliant light illuminating half the night sky. The two watched for a moment before Frank spoke again. "The Mafia doesn't seem to have been misled by you. They haven't touched The Hand at all."
"Hmm?"
"In current New York, only those two are left running side by side. The father of the guy you killed is furious, but he hasn't taken any action. Lately, things have been very peaceful between them, with no conflicts whatsoever."
Hong Fei suddenly smiled. "Before a storm, there is always a period of tranquility. Just wait; they will definitely start fighting. The Mafia doesn't belong to just one person. Aside from his old man, probably no one else cares. In fact, they might even be eager to get rid of a competitor. Now that the excuse has been handed to them, if this group really manages to hold back, then they aren't mobsters—they're politicians."
Frank nodded in agreement and added, "The entanglement between gangs and politicians is deep. Many district councilmen are regulars with the gangs."
"After all, they are professionals. And in a capitalist society, as long as you can produce the money, not many people care where it came from."
"But you still have to pay taxes first!"
Hong Fei couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha, true. Guess if I've paid mine?" Over the next few days, Hong Fei spent some quality time playing with Peter until Mei used a stern gaze and a cold tone to subdue the wild stallion in Peter's heart, finally taking him back.
In late January, Hong Fei received a call from Dr. Helen Cho. She invited him to meet in New York to officially sign the agreement. Following The Punisher, Hong Fei was about to welcome his second associate.
At seven o'clock, Hong Fei changed into a suit and was driven into New York by No. 1. It was the same hotel, but this time he went directly to the rooftop restaurant. Guided by a waiter, he soon saw Dr. Helen Cho sitting by the window in a black dress. After some pleasantries, Dr. Helen Cho took out a thick contract.
"Mr. Hong, I've reviewed the contract. There are no issues, and I have already signed it."
These mere dozen or so pages were worth five hundred million dollars. Hong Fei took it and set it aside casually, then picked up his wine glass.
"Welcome aboard."
"Thank you!"
After a clink, Hong Fei took a small sip, and his features immediately scrunched up. It tasted terrible! Seeing this, Dr. Helen Cho asked, "Mr. Hong, is it not to your taste?"
Hong Fei shook his head. "No, it's just that I've never had alcohol before."
"Sorry, I didn't know." Dr. Helen Cho gave a surprised smile.
"It's fine. The atmosphere here is nice."
Hong Fei turned to look at the city's night view. "Have you considered a location for the laboratory?"
"Of course. New York is great, but I hope to keep a certain distance from the city, though not too far."
Hong Fei pointed toward the distant mountains behind them. "How about over there?"
Dr. Helen Cho looked over and said uncertainly, "Is there a suitable place there?"
"Yes, I live out that way. It's very large, enough to build a laboratory that meets your needs. Of course, I can also apply to develop a new piece of land; the scenery there is quite good."
After a moment's thought, Dr. Helen Cho nodded. "It seems you've thought of everything. I don't think I have a reason to refuse."
It was just an address; as long as it wasn't some inaccessible backwater, there was nothing to argue about.
The two then ate in silence until several rumbles of thunder suddenly sounded in the dark sky. Hearing the thunder, Hong Fei's first reaction was to look up at Dr. Helen Cho. This elegant doctor before him would become a fan of Thor in the future; he just didn't know if she liked the lightning or the muscles.
Hong Fei held his water glass and looked out the window, his gaze suddenly freezing. Amidst the skyscrapers, fire suddenly erupted on a distant street. Then, the scope of the explosions gradually expanded, and the sound of gunfire could be faintly heard. Watching a car fly up, crash down, and suddenly detonate, Hong Fei abruptly stood up. Dr. Helen Cho was startled at first, then followed Hong Fei's gaze and couldn't help but let out a cry of alarm. Immediately after, everyone in the restaurant noticed the scene. People swarmed to the window, staring out in shock.
On the street, congested vehicles were being flipped over one by one by a black dot, exploding in the air. Rapid, continuous gunfire echoed between the buildings. Everyone watched in doubt and alarm, many already pulling out their phones to record.
Hong Fei's expression was even more bewildered. He hadn't expected to encounter this kind of event at such an unprepared moment. "No. 1!" he shouted toward the door, and No. 1 immediately rushed in. He'd also discovered the anomaly outside.
Looking at the latest photos and videos on his phone, No. 1 said, "Boss, a monster has appeared on the street. It looks like that Hulk guy who was in the news before. It's wreaking havoc, and the military is exchanging fire with it. We should leave quickly."
Hong Fei frowned and pushed the shocked Dr. Helen Cho toward No. 1. "Take her back to the manor. Whatever you do, don't go near the incident site."
"Yes, Boss."
Hong Fei was about to leave when Dr. Helen Cho suddenly grabbed his wrist. "Wait, aren't you leaving?"
"I want to go take a look." After saying that, he looked down at his wrist.
Dr. Helen Cho immediately let go. Hurrying out of the restaurant, Hong Fei dialed Frank's number. "Notify everyone to act immediately. A big job is coming!"
"What?" Frank asked.
"Don't ask yet; check your phone in a bit. Gather and set out quickly. The target location is Harlem. Also, those small toys are useless—bring the big ones, the biggest ones you have!"