Substitute Robot
Wei Xiuming smiled slightly and began to use concrete examples, much like ancient China philosophers, to make his words more persuasive.
"Aluminum has only been used on a large scale in human society for a little over a hundred years. Due to limitations in production technology, the initial global production of aluminum was only a few hundred kilograms, which made aluminum products more expensive than gold. When French Emperor Napoleon III entertained guests, he used a complete set of aluminum tableware, while royalty and nobles only had one or two pieces of tableware, and guests of slightly lower status used silver tableware."
"Later, Napoleon III even had a crown made of aluminum to demonstrate his noble status and wealth, which became a sensational news story at the time. If someone were to make a crown out of aluminum alloy today, it probably wouldn't even make the corner of the newspaper."
"The price of a product has always been determined by the production process! Nowadays, the annual output of a small steel mill is equivalent to that of an entire European country two hundred years ago. In the face of large-scale industrial production, the almost primitive manual production methods are frighteningly inefficient."
"In my time, spaceships capable of navigating within the solar system are as commonplace as cars are today. Navigation, engines, materials, electronic systems, and control systems are all technological advancements far ahead of our time. Since Armstrong's moon landing, humanity has never used its own technology to send humans to other planets, not to mention the technology left behind by superhumans or aliens."
"If Reginald's technology were to be applied in this era, it would be nothing but wishful thinking unless it were manufactured in a laboratory at any cost. As for replacing the armor of Helicarrier with Phase Shift Armor, even the total global production value for a year wouldn't be enough."
Upon hearing this, Nick Fury remained silent for a moment before changing the subject.
Even if it's only of reference value, the message left by Coulson in the parallel world suggests that after Tony Stark said "I am Iron Man," it was like a signal that mad scientists, gods from mythology, aliens, extremist forces, and cosmic terrorists would follow one after another, and the future of Earth would be constantly threatened. People would need strong military force to protect themselves, rather than seeking "revenge" after being harmed.
"How's the research on the hair growth tonic and scar removal products you mentioned coming along? Our Conglomerate B has already established the framework, and we've even recruited quite a few dangerous individuals on S.H.I.E.L.D..'s wanted list. If we don't develop a suitable product to keep this company running smoothly, I'm running out of additional funds."
Nick Fury is certainly not short of money; the World Security Council recently provided him with a huge sum of money. What he lacks money for is the underworld identity he runs, Samuel Jack.
"I've already prepared the formula. As long as the equipment is up to standard and the raw materials are sufficient, we can start production at any time, and we can also apply for relevant patents," Wei Xiuming said. "Are you interested in disguising yourself and participating in Conglomerate B's operations under a false identity?"
Pointing to his one eye, Nick Fury said, "It's such an obvious mark. There are plenty of smart guys in that group. If I went there myself, it would be hard to avoid being spotted."
"Don't worry, you can send your Substitute Robot. Its eyes are intact." Wei Xiuming covered the right side of his face with his hand, his large palm completely obscuring his right cheek from his chin to the top of his head. "You lost your left eye. The Substitute Robot can be a person who has lost their right eye. Combined with a full combat suit and jamming devices, no one will recognize it, even if it looks exactly like you, and even if its self-awareness and memories are the same as yours."
Nick Fury was intrigued. That group of dangerous individuals was a force even S.H.I.E.L.D.. had to take seriously. The fact that they were keeping quiet now was thanks to him using the name of a powerful dark organization and almost deceptive means. Conglomerate B was officially starting to take action, and they needed someone who could keep things in check to lead them—and he was the perfect choice.
As for Substitute Robot, it's better to let them sit in his office, handle documents, and continue wrangling with the World Security Council, especially since Hydra is lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D.. and can't be completely eliminated, even influencing his judgment. It's better to get away from it at this point.
After discussing some matters not worth elaborating on, Wei Xiuming left the S.H.I.E.L.D.. Triskelion and boarded a car back to the Osborn Industries Park.
"It's quite interesting. Even if I didn't know the situation beforehand, I would definitely have mistaken it for a video, something that actually happened and I experienced, but it had disappeared from my memory and is now appearing before my eyes disguised as a live recording," the driver said, glancing at Wei Xiuming sitting in the back seat in the rearview mirror.
"But it's very restless and may not continue to play the role of Nick Fury as we've planned for it—just like you," Wei Xiuming replied to the driver.
Wei Xiuming's driver was none other than Nick Fury, except he looked much younger now, with a thick head of natural curls, a beard, and brown sunglasses covering his eyes. If he wore a suit, he could totally play a killer in "Pulp Fiction".
"Since it's controlled by a program, can't you just input a command to make our Nick Fury more obedient and continue being its Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.."
At some unknown time, Nick Fury had been replaced by a robot that looked exactly like him. Perhaps it was on the night of Abomination's birth, or perhaps it was when he went to visit Bruce Banner. In any case, the real Nick Fury was already lurking in the shadows, freely carrying out his own plans.
"No, that won't work. Before the Substitute Robot sees the original body trigger the core's command and realizes its true nature, it will always assume the role of the original body and handle everything according to the original body's thinking. Even a slight modification will interfere with the operation of the entire thought model." Wei Xiuming refuted Nick Fury's original suggestion. "Where are we going next?"
Nick Fury glanced at the navigation. "Go see Tony Stark. He's recuperating at his villa. Even with two broken ribs and an arm, our young master is still restless."
"I need someone to thwart him on some level, to make Tony Stark tone it down a bit... or you could provide direction for the development of his Iron Man suit, preventing him from wasting time on unnecessary technology."
Wei Xiuming countered, "I do have several well-developed plans that have proven to perfectly align with Stark's thinking and technical style. Aren't you afraid that such actions might be counterproductive and stifle Stark's unlimited potential?"
"I have faith in him; after all, he is Tony Stark, Howard Stark's son."