The yacht was, of course, rented. Although Hong Fei had money, he wouldn't spend it on something with zero practical combat value at the moment. After returning the yacht, Hong Fei went straight home, while Frank quietly slipped away. He wanted to investigate the recent changes in New York's underworld.
There were many more police on the streets, and even soldiers carrying guns. Armored vehicles cleared the way, and most pedestrians stayed far away at the sight of them. It was clear that these people were going crazy searching for Hong Fei.
The bookstore reopened, and Number One, who had been waiting, handed a stack of documents and photos to Hong Fei. The top photo showed an estate nestled against mountains and near water, far from the bustling city. The documents stated the estate covered over twenty acres. Setting aside the luxurious main building and scenery, the grounds included forests, lakes, hills, and various other terrains.
Standing atop the main building, one could overlook most of New York City. Additionally, it featured a spacious, completed two-story underground space.
Fifty million dollars.
Hong Fei's face was beaming when he read the initial description, but the moment the price caught his eye, his smile vanished instantly. Number One, observing his expression from the side, whispered, "Boss, there are two other locations below."
Hong Fei continued flipping through the documents, his brow furrowing from time to time. The prices for the latter two locations were at least half as cheap or even more, but they didn't quite align with Hong Fei's requirements. He knew all too well what he would be doing in the future.
Looking at those aerial views, he could directly map out their general future uses. Preventing spying, maintaining privacy, and building a powerful, multi-layered security defense were his top priorities. Since New York would be the core for a certain period, and Master Hong had to rely on those heroes and villains for a living, it was even more impossible for him to move far away.
After a moment of contemplation, Hong Fei tapped the first estate. "This is the one. Get it done as soon as possible."
"Understood. Boss, the information you need is at the very bottom."
Hong Fei pulled out the last set of documents, which had a clear photo clipped to the outside of the folder. It was a woman with black hair and yellow skin, with delicate features and a gentle temperament. She was wearing a white lab coat, her eyes looking away from the camera, and her lips were slightly upturned in a rather moving smile. Dr. Helen Cho, a Korean scientist who applied the interdisciplinary field of combining biology and mechanics to practical medicine. In this regard, she was indeed at the forefront of the World.
Currently, she was in New York attending a top academic exchange conference; the timing was perfect.
The reason he was looking for her wasn't because she was beautiful, because Hong Fei was face-blind; he couldn't tell if she was pretty or not at all. Hong Fei didn't want to see that Doctor who charged two million per visit ever again, so he thought of Dr. Helen Cho. She understood biology; in the future, she could study the Hulk and aliens. She understood mechanics; she could help with the Arc Reactor or other things.
She understood medicine; that was great—he wouldn't have to worry about headaches or colds in the future. As for whether she would join, Hong Fei wasn't worried at all. Since Master Hong had decided he wanted this person, her opinion on the matter wasn't actually very important. Of course, it would be even better if she were willing. Seeing Hong Fei's determined expression, Number One tentatively suggested, "Boss, Number Three is tailing her. She only has two pathetic-looking bodyguards with her. Should I just have Number Three..."
Hong Fei suddenly turned to stare at him, and Number One immediately shut up. After a short while, Hong Fei rubbed his chin and said, "The idea isn't bad, but it's not necessary for now. Keep it as a backup plan. Let's try diplomacy before force. Help me set up a meeting with her in the name of Gonggong Laboratory."
Number One was bewildered. "Boss, what is Gonggong Laboratory?"
"A name I just thought of. A private biological laboratory. Treat it as the third task to handle."
"Alright."
After Number One left, Hong Fei took out his phone and looked at it repeatedly before finally sighing and calling Tony.
"Something up?"
Judging by his tone, Tony didn't seem to be in high spirits. It made sense; being knocked unconscious while wearing the Iron Man Armor would indeed make a narcissistic genius feel a bit frustrated.
"Mr. Stark, can I ask you for an autograph?"
"Ha, we've known each other for nearly two months, and you only now think to ask for an autograph? And over the phone?"
Tony babbled, "An autograph is fine, of course, but you'll have to wait a while.
I'm very busy right now." As soon as he finished speaking, the call was disconnected. What could Tony be busy with? At this stage, it was nothing more than tinkering with and modifying his armor. Especially after being knocked out by Hong Fei's bare hands, Tony would surely work hard to make the armor closer to perfection. If it weren't for his promise to Peter, Hong Fei wouldn't have made this call. He also hoped Tony would quickly become Iron Man so that those guys hiding in the nooks and crannies would gradually be drawn out.
Hong Fei wanted to have a 'heart-to-heart' with them, no matter if they were good or evil. He tossed his phone aside and glanced at the date. Tomorrow was the first of the month, the day Mei Parker and he had agreed upon. Starting tomorrow, Master Hong wouldn't have to spend every day in the bookstore, daydreaming. Late that night, Hong Fei closed up and went upstairs. Frank Three-Cannon, who had been out roaming all day, also returned.
"Any news?" Hong Fei asked, taking the initiative.
Frank nodded, a grim smile on his face. "It's quite lively out there right now."
New York was an absolute market, whether for ordinary business people or those involved in criminal activities. People, money, and profits were there to be made, and money to be spent. With Kingpin dead, the balance of the underworld had shattered instantly. A delicious cake had lost its Master; how could the onlookers possibly resist? The Hand was the fastest to act, undoubtedly. They were already a large international organization with personnel in many countries and regions across the globe.
With Kingpin dead, The Hand wasted no time gathering their forces to swallow up the territories he left behind. Next came the Russian Mafia. Although these 'bears' were equally audacious, they were a step slower than The Hand, and in the end, they only secured a small portion. The Mexican Gangs were the most low-profile. They stayed put, watching the fire from across the river, as if everything happening outside had nothing to do with them. However, considering their status as 'suppliers,' it made sense.
After all, no matter how much you fight, or how big your territory is, wouldn't you still have to come to me to buy goods in the end? Kingpin's subordinates, after losing their leader, also wanted to establish themselves as kings. However, The Hand and the Mafia clearly wouldn't allow that to happen. The final outcome was naturally either death or surrender. Further down were the inconspicuous small gangs. Don't be fooled by their small numbers and lack of strength; among them were plenty of characters who valued money more than their lives.
Even if the Police came to their door, they were capable of pulling out guns and fighting in broad daylight. Thus, such forces were often arrogant today but might be wiped out tomorrow. To fight over some scraps and leftovers, these small gangs were currently the ones making the most noise.