Is this how you calculate?

Nick Fury stared blankly at Xia Ling, completely clueless about what this Director Xia was up to.

"Sorry, Director Xia, I don't understand what you're saying. How do I owe you ten thousand? Didn't you only advance me five thousand?"

It was only five thousand, but it had become ten thousand. This truly baffled Nick Fury.

"This money isn't free, you know. It comes with a little interest. After all, I have to make a living too."

Seeing Nick Fury's reaction, Xia Ling's lips curved into a playful smile. He deliberately lowered his voice.

Nick Fury's brow furrowed even tighter. He never expected Xia Ling to suddenly mention interest, and it sounded like he was talking like a loan shark. "Director Xia, are you... charging usurious interest? That's illegal!"

"Hey, don't put it so harshly. I'm just collecting a reasonable fee. After all, capital has its costs. Besides, are you going to sue me? Who would believe you?"

Nick Fury's chest rose and fell. He had never been so angry, never felt so bullied. This was simply...

Coulson watched from the side, trembling with fear. He was afraid that if Nick Fury threw a punch, he'd have to buy new equipment. That stuff wasn't cheap.

"Sigh, don't be so angry. Be grateful. I haven't even charged you for that outfit you're wearing yet."

You want to charge me for this outfit too?

"A naturally evil Asian, I'll deal with you myself."

"Oh, right, Mr. Fury, I mentioned at the Security Council meeting before that I wanted to form a unit composed of superhumans. The representatives were very supportive of this plan. Are you interested in becoming one of the commanders of this unit?"

As soon as Nick Fury heard this, his anger was as if doused by a basin of cold water. He widened his eyes and looked at Xia Ling in disbelief, his anger and shock intertwining into a complex emotion.

Is he really planning to use me again?

"Not a small team, but a whole unit?"

Nick Fury was suddenly tempted. Having a deep understanding of superhumans, he had only planned to establish a small team during his tenure as director.

This Director Xia actually planned to form a unit?

Putting aside whether the Security Council would agree, where would they find so many superhumans in the first place?

"Yes, Mr. Fury. As the world changes, the threats we face are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. A unit composed of superhumans will be a crucial force for us to deal with these unknown challenges."

Nick Fury took a deep breath, trying to sort out the complex emotions within him. He knew what this opportunity meant to him, but...

"Director Xia, I accept this proposal, but only on the condition that our cooperation must be based on mutual respect and equality."

Nick Fury's tone was firm and strong. Although he desperately needed this position, he was no beggar, and he wouldn't simply accept charity.

"I was just saying it casually, don't take it seriously."

"You!"

As soon as Xia Ling finished speaking, the entire atmosphere instantly froze. Nick Fury's fingers trembled as he pointed at Xia Ling, his face turning ashen. He could hardly believe his ears.

From anger to shock, and now to a mixture of disappointment and rage, his emotions fluctuated like a roller coaster.

"Director Xia, are you toying with me?"

"Ah, the signal here is bad. I'll hang up now, Mr. Fury."

Xia Ling quickly hung up the phone, leaving Nick Fury raging impotently on the other end.

The reason he did this was because a certain young lady was scheduled to report to him in person today, and the time was almost up.

Naturally, he wasn't in the mood to chat with a certain "black egg."

"Come in."

The door opened gently, and a woman in a sharp business suit walked in. It was Natasha Romanoff.

She was on leave today and had come to see the Director and report on her recent situation in person.

Natasha Romanoff entered the office, exuding an air of professionalism and alertness.

She quickly assessed the environment in the room and had to admit that the new Director was indeed someone who knew how to enjoy himself, and he was quite bold.

The previous Director had just stepped down due to corruption, and now he dared to act like this. He must have significant backing.

However, these things were none of her concern. She was just a small agent. As long as the political struggles within the bureau didn't involve her, she was fine.

"Director, I'm here to report on my recent work progress and some personal matters."

Natasha's voice was calm and clear, breaking the silence in the room.

"Agent Romanoff, please sit. It's rare for you to take time out of your leave to see me. Let's start with your work progress."

Xia Ling gestured slightly, inviting Natasha to sit down.

Natasha sat on the chair and took out a detailed report from her bag, beginning to report on her mission achievements.

From her first contact with Tony Stark to yesterday, she had recorded everything, including how Tony Stark was driven mad searching for books.

"Very good, Agent Romanoff. Your work is as outstanding as always."

After a cursory glance at the document, Xia Ling casually tossed it onto the table. Natasha frowned but said nothing.

"I asked you here today not only to hear your work report but also to discuss an important matter."

Upon hearing this, Natasha felt a flicker of curiosity. She looked up at Xia Ling, awaiting his next instructions.

"We are about to form a unit composed of superhumans to deal with increasingly complex and diverse global threats. I believe you are very suitable to serve as the leader of the special operations team within this unit, responsible for executing high-risk, high-difficulty missions."

Hearing this, Natasha wasn't surprised. The new Director was more spirited than Black Egghead; he was forming a unit, not just a squad.

Given her abilities, joining this team was a given, but...

"Is Tony Stark also in it? Director, forgive my bluntness, but that playboy probably wouldn't easily join such a unit and be controlled."

"Tony Stark, hmm, he is indeed an existence that cannot be ignored. He will join this unit, and he even begged me to let him join, just not now.

Before that, I heard our genius is currently in trouble?"

Natasha immediately nodded. These matters were all mentioned in her reports, but this new Director didn't seem to intend to read those lengthy documents.

"Does he still have no clue about that book, The Gh'gth Revelations?"

"Yes, Director. I don't think such a book exists in this world, and we don't know how to find it."

Xia Ling smiled and beckoned Natasha over.

As she approached him, Xia Ling said softly, "Then why not ask the Magic Conch?"