Gonggong Laboratory

The yacht was, of course, rented. While Hong Fei was wealthy, he wouldn't spend money on something so devoid of practical combat value at the moment.

After returning the yacht, Hong Fei went straight home. Frank, meanwhile, quietly departed; he intended to investigate the recent changes in New York's underground forces.

There were more police on the streets, even soldiers armed and patrolling. Armored vehicles led the way, and pedestrians wisely kept their distance.

Clearly, these people were frantic in their search for Hong Fei.

The bookstore reopened, and Number One, who had been waiting, handed Hong Fei a stack of documents and photos.

The topmost photo displayed a manor, nestled against mountains and water, far from the city's hustle and bustle. The accompanying document stated that the estate spanned over twenty acres. The luxurious main building and its scenery aside, the grounds encompassed forests, lakes, and hills, offering diverse terrain. From the top of the main building, one could see half of New York City. Furthermore, it boasted a spacious, completed two-story underground facility.

Fifty million dollars.

Hong Fei's face lit up when he read the initial description, but his smile vanished the moment he saw the price.

Number One, observing his reaction, whispered, "Boss, there are two more places below."

Hong Fei continued flipping through the documents, his brow furrowing occasionally.

The latter two locations were at least half, if not more, cheaper, but they didn't quite meet Hong Fei's requirements.

He knew too well what he would be doing in the future. Looking at the aerial views, he could already plan out the general uses for the property, with preventing intrusion, maintaining privacy, and constructing a robust, multi-layered security defense being his top priorities.

And as New York would be the core for a significant period, Master Hong still needed to rely on the heroes and villains there for his livelihood. It was even less feasible to move completely away from it.

After a moment of contemplation, Hong Fei pointed to the first manor. "This one. Get it done as soon as possible."

"Understood. Boss, the information you need is at the very bottom."

Hong Fei took out the bottommost document. A clear photograph was clipped to the outside of the file.

It was a black-haired, yellow-skinned woman with a delicate face and a gentle demeanor. She wore a white lab coat, her gaze directed away from the camera, a slight curve to her lips, and a rather captivating smile.

Helen Zhao, a Korean-American scientist, applied interdisciplinary studies combining biology and mechanics to practical medicine. In this field, she was indeed at the forefront of the world. Currently, she was in New York attending a top-tier academic exchange conference; the timing was quite opportune.

The reason for seeking her out was certainly not because she was beautiful. Hong Fei was face-blind; he couldn't tell if she was pretty or not.

He didn't want to see the doctor who charged two million per visit a second time, so he thought of Helen Zhao.

She understood biology, so she could study the Hulk and aliens in the future. She understood mechanics, so she could help with the Arc Reactor or other things. She understood medicine, which was even better; he wouldn't have to worry about headaches or colds anymore.

As for whether she would join, Hong Fei wasn't worried at all.

Since Master Hong had already decided on this person, her opinion wasn't really that important.

Of course, it would be even better if she joined willingly.

Seeing Hong Fei's determined expression, Number One cautiously probed, "Boss, Number Three is tracking her. She only has two bodyguards who look like mismatched socks. Why don't I just have Number Three bring her..."

Hong Fei suddenly turned his head and stared, and Number One immediately fell silent.

After a moment, Hong Fei rubbed his chin. "It's not a bad idea, but it's not necessary for now. Keep it as a backup plan. Let's try diplomacy first. Arrange a meeting with her, under the name of Gonggong Laboratory."

Number One looked bewildered. "Boss, what is Gonggong Laboratory?"

"It's a name I just thought of. A private biological laboratory. Just treat it as the third task."

"Okay."

After Number One left, Hong Fei took out his phone and looked at it for a while before sighing and calling Tony.

"What is it?" Tony sounded unenthusiastic.

It made sense. Being knocked unconscious while wearing an Iron Man suit would indeed be a blow to a narcissistic genius.

"Mr. Stark, can I get your autograph?"

"Ha, we've known each other for almost two months, and you're only now thinking of asking for an autograph, and by phone?" Tony quipped. "Sure, I can give you one, but you'll have to wait. I'm very busy right now."

As soon as he finished speaking, the call was hung up.

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 with his bare hands. Tony would undoubtedly strive to perfect the suit.

If he hadn't promised Peter, Hong Fei wouldn't have made this call. He also hoped Tony would become Iron Man sooner, so that those hidden figures in the corners could be gradually brought out. Whether good or evil, Hong Fei wanted to have a chat with them.

Putting away his phone, Hong Fei glanced at the date. Tomorrow was the first, the agreed-upon date between May Parker and Hong Fei. Starting tomorrow, Master Hong would no longer have to spend his days idly at the bookstore.

Late at night, Hong Fei closed the door and went upstairs. Frank the Three-Cannon, who had been out all day, also returned.

"Any news?" Hong Fei asked proactively.

Frank nodded, a sinister smile spreading across his face. "It's quite lively out there now."

Whether it was ordinary businessmen or those who made a living by preying on the legal system, New York was an undeniable major market.

There were people, money, opportunities to earn, and places to spend.

With Kingpin's death, the balance of underground forces was instantly shattered. A delicious cake had suddenly lost its owner, and how could onlookers tolerate that?

The Hand was the fastest to act.

They were already an international organization with operatives in many countries and regions. After Kingpin's death, The Hand, with almost no hesitation, quickly gathered forces to seize Kingpin's territory.

Next were the Russian Mafia. Although these bears were equally audacious, their speed of action was significantly slower than The Hand's. In the end, they only managed to obtain a small portion.

The most low-key were the Mexican Cartel. They remained on the sidelines, watching the fire from across the river, as if everything happening outside had nothing to do with them. However, considering their role as "suppliers," it was understandable. No matter how they fought or how large their territory became, wouldn't they still have to come to me to buy goods?

As for Kingpin's subordinates, after losing their leader, they also wanted to establish themselves as kings. However, The Hand and the Mafia clearly wouldn't allow such a thing to happen, and their ultimate fate was naturally death or surrender.

Further down were the inconspicuous small gangs. Although they didn't have many members or strong power, there were those among them who would risk their lives for money. Even if the police showed up, they would pull out their guns and fight in broad daylight. Therefore, such forces, which were arrogant today, might be wiped out tomorrow.

In the struggle for scraps, it was these small gangs that were causing the most trouble now.