If Only Superman Were Real

Harry Sloan had only offered Li Chen an analysis. Someone like him naturally had no reason to worry.

But when he heard Li Chen say this was a good thing, he nearly lost his composure.

He even wondered if the boss had a grudge against the playboy.

Then Li Chen said excitedly, "Quick, get our publicity department over here. Have them put out an article promoting Superman. I want everyone in America to see it tomorrow!"

Most Hollywood commercial films followed a pattern: the higher their North American box office, the more likely they were to do well around the world.

If a film flopped in North America, it would most likely flop in places like Europe and Asia too.

That was why Li Chen cared so much about the North American box office. In fact, Man of Steel had already opened in most parts of the world, and its box office was doing particularly well in Europe.

As a result, his prestige points were soaring.

But he was in no hurry to draw another prize.

There were too few things in the prize pool right now. He had to keep adding to it!

That was why Li Chen wanted to hurry and release a new work.

Otherwise, it just wouldn't feel right!

The publicity department staff came over and asked, "Boss, what headline should we use?"

Li Chen thought for a moment and said, "Shocking! If Superman were real, no one in America would have to live under threat!"

The suggestion made their eyes light up.

They were Hollywood vampires, after all. Naturally, they had to seize on a hot topic.

As for whether Tony Stark lived or died, why the hell should they care?

And so, before the weekend arrived, a flood of news appeared in every corner of America.

Whether in print media or on the emerging online platforms, people could see the renewed promotion for Superman.

With the whole country in a state of extreme panic, Superman's popularity exploded once again.

James Raymond had never really been interested in fictional superheroes like Superman, because he was a fan of Captain America, Steve Rogers.

Compared to Superman, who could fly through the sky and burrow through the earth, he preferred Captain America, who was closer to an ordinary person. Everyone in this world knew Captain America's story and loved talking about it.

A weakling who turned his life around fit many people's idea of the American dream perfectly.

But now, James Raymond was truly panicking. If even a rich man like Tony Stark could be in danger, what about ordinary people like them?

He wished Captain America were still alive. At least then there would be a superhero who could save them.

It was under these circumstances that James saw the promotion for Superman.

"If Superman were real, that playboy Tony Stark would probably be saved."

He didn't know that the real Superman was standing by and doing nothing. He simply thought it made sense.

So over the weekend, he went to a movie theater near his home, ready to see what this Superman movie was like.

Then he discovered that the theater was crowded, and everyone had come for Superman.

"Two tickets for Superman."

"I want to see Superman too."

"Sorry, we only have seats at the edges left."

"I'll take them!"

James Raymond hurried to grab a ticket, then followed the crowd into the screening room.

He looked around and saw a sea of heads. The room was almost full.

Everyone was talking too. "I wonder how good the Superman movie is. If only Superman were real, America would be safe."

Some people even crossed themselves. "God bless America."

They didn't seem to be there to watch a movie so much as to find some comfort.

James noticed that the audience included people of every age, from children to the elderly, and their expressions were all different.

Without a doubt, Superman was a movie suitable for all ages. It had nothing but exhilarating, hard-hitting fights and a struggle against the villain to protect Earth, without a trace of gore.

James, who hadn't cared much at first, suddenly realized how thrilling the movie was.

And then there was Superman's position... He had actually killed a fellow Kryptonian to protect the people of Earth.

What a rush!

At that moment, everyone in America agreed that Superman wasn't an alien, but one of their own.

"That was so good. I have to bring Sophia to see it again."

"That was definitely the most thrilling movie I've seen this year. With fights like that, I doubt any movie will top it even ten years from now."

The crowd left in excitement. By then, they were no longer sad about what had happened to Tony Stark.

When all was said and done, he was just a playboy. It was only because he was so famous that everyone had panicked.

The same scene played out all across America.

People entered the screening rooms in a panic, but came out wanting more, no longer afraid.

They felt the article had been right. If only Superman really existed!

The S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.

Maria Hill swayed her alluring figure as she approached the director's office, her high heels clicking as though keeping perfect time.

"Director, public opinion across America is going in the wrong direction. Someone's using Tony Stark to draw attention."

Nick Fury sat in his chair and paid her words no mind.

"America is free."

Then he changed tack. "But freedom comes at a price. We can't let public opinion keep building right now. Who did it?"

"Those vampires in Hollywood."

Maria Hill had a headache over it too.

Hollywood was no longer what it once was. In the last century, it hadn't been nearly as big as it was now, and even gangsters could threaten its stars.

But now Hollywood controlled public opinion that could influence the entire world. Even they couldn't act recklessly.

After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. was still hidden in the shadows and didn't want to expose itself.

Nick Fury had no solution either. All he could do was look at the documents Maria Hill had submitted.

"Superman?"

Nick Fury sneered. "If there really were a Superman, he'd be a threat to humanity. He isn't from Earth, after all."

It reminded him of an old acquaintance, a valiant heroine who possessed Superman-like powers. But she hadn't stayed on Earth; she had gone into the universe instead.

That was precisely why Nick Fury felt a sense of crisis. He always thought a group of aliens might invade Earth at any moment.

That was why he absolutely distrusted aliens.

Maria Hill had been through the events of those years as well, so she nodded.

"So young?"

Then Nick Fury saw Li Chen's picture.

"His background isn't simple either. He has several financial groups backing him."

Nick Fury paid it no mind. Li Chen was just an ordinary person, a little richer at most.

He looked at the picture enviously for a moment. How hard was it for him to get a little money? He even had to go pleading poverty to the five big hooligans. Comparing himself to others could really make a man furious.

"Do what you can to control public opinion. Don't let them direct it toward Tony. Our task right now is still to find Tony Stark."

Nick Fury had a terrible headache. Tony Stark really was a troublesome fellow.