Recruiting the Punisher (Part 1)

On a bright, sunny noon at Luna Park on Coney Island, New York, Frank Castle, who was drinking a Coke by a food stand, looked at Wang Bert stepping out of a sports car and exaggeratedly said, "Wow, what am I seeing? A Vampire actually showing up in broad daylight?"

"I'm not an ordinary Vampire anymore!"

Wang Bert laughed heartily and went forward to hug Frank. Mercury remained in the sports car, unable to come out because she could not resist sunlight—the car windows had a special coating that blocked ultraviolet rays.

Wang Bert apologized, "Sorry I'm late. A few Senators kept dragging me into conversations, asking all sorts of questions. I had no choice but to entertain them."

"Senators?"

Frank glanced at the Lamborghini beside them and smiled. "Looks like you've gotten rich. Honestly, that Rolls Royce that picked us up this morning really gave me a scare!"

"Not just rich. This is my reward for saving the world!"

"You almost had me convinced. Really, almost."

Naturally, Frank did not believe him. Thinking of something, he sighed. "Watch fewer movies. In the real world, heroes usually don't get happy endings."

"Looks like Instructor Caster has some deep feelings about that."

Wang Bert smiled and said, "Enough about that. Instructor, did you have fun just now?"

"Very much so. Thank you for inviting my family here!"

Frank smiled. "But how much did you pay those employees? They were way too enthusiastic. They stayed with us the whole time, and one of them even kept pushing a cart behind us."

"I didn't pay them, but I own shares here!"

Wang Bert smiled. "When you have time, I'll fly you all to Universal Studios on my private jet. It's even more fun over there."

"Shares? A private jet? You really have gotten rich."

Frank was a little surprised, but he did not ask further. He assumed Wang Bert had inherited some kind of fortune, so he got straight to the point. "Bert, did you need something from me?"

Wang Bert did not beat around the bush. "I want to hire you as my personal bodyguard!"

Frank was stunned. "Hire me as your personal bodyguard?"

"Yes, a personal bodyguard. Vampires can't face the light during the day, so I need a human bodyguard."

Wang Bert nodded. "I can offer you a million-dollar annual salary, and the benefits won't disappoint either!"

"A million-dollar annual salary?"

Frank was somewhat shocked. That was several times more than what he earned as a training officer. To be honest, he was genuinely tempted.

"Yes, and you might even get a raise in the future."

Wang Bert smiled. "Instructor Caster, you have two children. The pressure on you must be considerable, right? I believe this job won't disappoint you!"

Parents in America did not need to prepare houses for their children, but they did need to prepare tuition fees, especially college tuition, which was outrageously expensive! Frank felt a little embarrassed at the mention of that. He knew he should save money, but as a soldier, he had grown used to spending freely and simply could not save. Earlier, in order to help his comrades, he had even needed to take private jobs to raise money.

Even so, after thinking it over, Frank still chose to refuse. "I prefer staying in the military, Bert. If you really want a bodyguard, I can introduce a friend of mine. His name is Billy Russo, and he owns a Security Company!"

"I know him, but I don't like him!"

Wang Bert shook his head. He turned and gestured to Mercury, who tossed a yellow document envelope to him from inside the car!

Frank was a little speechless. What kind of secretary threw things at her boss like that? Why not fire her and keep her around for New Year's? "She's a Vampire and can't get out of the car. I'm already looking for a human secretary!"

Wang Bert caught the envelope with one hand and handed it to Frank. "This is some information I found. Read it after you get home, so it doesn't ruin your mood right now!"

Frank did not understand what he meant, but he accepted the envelope anyway. "I'll contact you after I read it!"

"Alright. Instructor, do you mind if I join you for lunch? It'd be a good chance to meet your wife and children!"

Frank smiled. "I'd be delighted. Maria said earlier that she wanted to thank you in person!"

After that, Wang Bert went to a restaurant with Frank and his family. Frank's wife, Maria Castle, was a very gentle woman, while their son and daughter were adorable, calling him "Uncle" over and over.

Watching Frank, who was incredibly gentle with his family and showed none of the hard-edged toughness he had on the battlefield, Wang Bert secretly sighed. Even an iron man has a tender heart! It was because Frank loved his family so deeply that, after they died, he turned into the Punisher. Fortunately, this tragedy would not happen again in this life!

Soon, lunch ended amid a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Wang Bert had something to do that afternoon, so he left early. "When summer vacation comes, I'll take you all to Universal Studios!"

Wang Bert waved to Frank's children, started the sports car, and vanished from the Castle family's sight amid a thunderous roar! Maria turned back and asked Frank curiously, "Frank, you actually know such a wealthy friend?"

"A former employer!"

After thinking for a moment, Frank told her about Wang Bert wanting to hire him as a bodyguard. Maria was very surprised. "A million-dollar annual salary? I never knew our Frank was worth so much."

"Are you underestimating me?"

Frank pretended to be dissatisfied. After hesitating for a moment, he told her his decision. Maria was somewhat disappointed, but she still said, "Make your own decision. I'll always stand by you!"

"Thank you!"

Frank hugged Maria gratefully. With her and the children, he had the whole world!...

Inside the sports car, Mercury asked Wang Bert, "Blood God, with your current status, there's no need for you to personally recruit a bodyguard, is there?"

"He's different. If he's given enough preparation time, he alone can wipe out Deacon Frost's entire team!"

Mercury naturally did not believe him. "You're describing Superman, not a human!"

"Forget that. What's on the schedule this afternoon?"

Wang Bert did not explain further. How could Mercury understand the Punisher's strength? He was the pinnacle of ordinary human combat power! And compared to his own fighting ability, the Punisher's command ability was even more formidable. That was why Wang Bert wanted to hire him—what Wang Bert needed was not a bodyguard, but a commander!

"We've mostly finished negotiations with S.H.I.E.L.D. This afternoon, they'll come exchange prisoners with us. In addition, they've returned part of the companies and funds they seized."

Mercury said, "According to estimates, we'll be able to recover around seventy percent in the end!"

"Seventy percent? Not bad. It seems Director Fury isn't as Blackheart as I imagined. I originally thought we'd only get back around thirty percent."

"It should be out of respect for Ms. Carter. Of course, it's also possible that the two of them are putting on an act."

Mercury said this with even greater hostility toward Carter. No, it would be more accurate to say that her hostility had grown stronger. During this period, the Purebloods' power and interests had been constantly stripped away by that woman! Her abilities were truly frightening! Wang Bert said calmly, "Carter has done well."

Mercury said nothing more. The Purebloods' plan to turn Wang Bert into a puppet could now be declared a complete failure. Whether it was Wang Bert or Carter, neither was someone to be trifled with! The prisoner exchange was held in the underground parking lot of an abandoned factory in Hell's Kitchen, in Manhattan Island's Clinton District. Leading S.H.I.E.L.D. was a cold-faced Asian woman. She introduced herself, "I'm Melinda May, responsible for this exchange. Also, I'll be joining the Blood Clan Police Department as Deputy Director!"

"Welcome!"

Wang Bert shook Melinda's hand, then had someone open the door at the stairwell and release the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. These agents all looked well, clearly having suffered no abuse.

Seeing this, Melinda turned and gave a signal. An agent opened the bus door and let the Blood Clan prisoners out.

Level 8 Agent John Garrett took the lead in walking up to Wang Bert. He said unfriendly, "Blood God, we'll meet again, but not here. It'll be at S.H.I.E.L.D., and when that time comes, I'll give you a proper welcome!"

Wang Bert smiled. "I'll visit S.H.I.E.L.D. Just remember to prepare some good tea. I won't drink tea that costs less than ten thousand dollars!"

"You might as well drink gold!"

John Garrett grumbled. He seemed deeply dissatisfied with Wang Bert, but when no one was paying attention, he and Wang Bert exchanged a look. Everything was understood without words! Melinda said with a straight face, "Agent Garrett, Director Fury has ordered you to return to S.H.I.E.L.D. immediately and submit your report!"

"Got it. Who knows how many reports we'll have to write this time!"

John Garrett cursed unhappily and led the released prisoners toward S.H.I.E.L.D.'s bus. At the same time, the Blood Clan prisoners walked toward Wang Bert and the others, three parts confused and seven parts delighted! Mercury immediately led people forward to greet them, both to reassure them and to explain the current situation so they would not disrespect the Blood God! This Blood God was not someone to provoke.

"You people at S.H.I.E.L.D. went too far. Look at them, all pale-faced and unsteady on their feet. You obviously abused them."

Wang Bert pointed at them and complained. "I treated your S.H.I.E.L.D. people very well. They had plenty to eat and drink, and Garrett even gained weight!"

John Garrett staggered and nearly fell, then turned around and fiercely gave Wang Bert the middle finger! Melinda was equally speechless. Wasn't it natural for Vampires to be pale? Wouldn't rosy complexions be the real problem? She said coldly, "If you're dissatisfied with anything, you can file a complaint with Director Fury!"

Wang Bert nodded. "Good suggestion. Mercury, remember to write me a complaint letter!"

Melinda could not be bothered with Wang Bert and asked, "The prisoners have been exchanged. Who should I speak to next about the Blood Clan Police Department?"

"Blade is on the third underground floor. You can take your people to find him. Quite a few Blood Clans have been trying to stir up trouble lately, and we need you."

Wang Bert said, "Melinda, although we stand on different sides, we both hope for peace in this world. I hope you won't disappoint me!"

"Since I've accepted this position, I'll naturally fulfill the responsibilities that come with it!"

Melinda said coldly. Thinking of something, she asked, "Is this the headquarters you selected for the Blood Clan Police Department?"

"Yes, this is the place. The Blood Clan Police Department will be built underground. Not only is it safe, it's also very convenient. In addition, a factory will be rebuilt aboveground to gather Blood Clans for work!"

Wang Bert nodded and said, "By the way, does S.H.I.E.L.D. have any channels for tax exemptions? Factory Tax is too high in the city! It'd be best if you could also get me a few subsidies!

Why are you looking at me like that? At worst, I'll give S.H.I.E.L.D. some Rebates. We're partners now, after all!"

"Rebates?"

Melinda was even more speechless. She did not even know how to mock him, so she simply turned and left to report to Blade on the third underground floor! "Looks like I should discuss this with Nick Fury instead. That guy will probably be very interested in Rebates!"

Wang Bert shrugged. At that moment, Mercury came over with the prisoners. Though their expressions were complicated, no one dared cause trouble. They all respectfully said, "Thank you, Blood God, for saving us!"

"No need to thank me. Mercury will tell you about the changes that have taken place recently. Remember, the times have changed. This is my era now!"

The Vampires looked at one another. Finally, at Mercury's signal, they said in unison, "Yes, Blood God!"

"Go back and rest!"

Wang Bert waved for them to leave, while he took Mercury to a café on the edge of Hell's Kitchen—also one of his properties! Through the glass, Wang Bert looked at the Long-Term Rental Apartment across the street and asked, "Have you bought that Long-Term Rental Apartment yet?"

"We've already signed with the owner, but there are too many tenants inside, making it difficult to deal with!"

Standing in the shadows, Mercury said, "We sent people to negotiate with them, but very few are willing to move out. Legally, they have the right to stay until their contracts end.

I suggest using some additional methods. None of the people inside are good people anyway. They're either drunks, gamblers, or drug addicts."

"They won't move because they can't afford rent anywhere else!"

Wang Bert said, "Buy another Long-Term Rental Apartment and relocate them there. Also, give each of them some extra compensation."

"That will cost us a lot of money!"

Mercury said, "Blood God, why do you insist on buying this apartment building for the Blood God Group headquarters? There are plenty of better places in Hell's Kitchen!"

"The feng shui here is good. In short, complete the acquisition as soon as possible, then demolish the Long-Term Rental Apartment and build our group headquarters!"

Wang Bert said the words "feng shui" in Chinese, leaving Mercury thoroughly confused. "Feng shui? What's that?"

"You don't need to worry about it. Just do as I say. As for money, don't care about it. I have more than enough!"

Wang Bert said. That Long-Term Rental Apartment was where the Dragon Bone lay. How could its feng shui possibly be bad?

"You truly don't lack money. I'll have a lawyer settle this as soon as possible."

Mercury agreed. Then she brought a laptop over to Wang Bert and pointed at the résumés on the screen. "Blood God, these are the secretaries I found for you. They're all Blood-thirsty Clan, so you can use them without worry!"

"A laptop? The technology in this world is pretty chaotic. Tony Stark is already using holographic projections, but smartphones still haven't become widespread! By the way, does Twitter exist yet? Should I buy it? Then I can ban that blond guy whenever I want!"

Wang Bert took the laptop and carefully looked through the résumés. When he reached the third résumé, he froze! Pointing at the beautiful red-haired woman with wavy hair in the photo, Wang Bert asked Mercury speechlessly, "This woman is also Blood-thirsty Clan?"

Mercury glanced at it and nodded. "Natalie Rushman. She is indeed Blood-thirsty Clan. She has several degrees and is proficient in combat. She's the best candidate among this group!"