Bullseye

The deep conversation continued late into the night.

However, it was mostly Helen Zhao talking while Hong Fei listened, with only a few questions interspersed.

This was because Helen Zhao had meticulously explained her "Regeneration Cradle" project.

Currently, over half of the theoretical research and planning for this project was complete, meaning everything was ready except for the funding.

The reason for staying in New York for so long, besides the academic conference, was primarily to find investors.

Although Helen Zhao had already made a name for herself in the scientific community, she was still young. Therefore, those who had shown interest so far were either attracted to her personally or intended to steal her project and research findings.

She had agreed to Hong Fei's meeting invitation with a sliver of hope.

If Hong Fei also couldn't help, her plan was to turn to America, as the conditions offered by them were relatively less demanding.

Compared to those people, Hong Fei felt like a genuine gentleman.

In a friendly atmosphere, the two of them reached a preliminary agreement for cooperation.

As it was late, Hong Fei arranged accommodation for Helen Zhao. It wasn't until after breakfast the next morning that he had Number One personally drive her back.

Watching the departing car, Frank suddenly said, "I don't think you're just interested in her knowledge."

Hong Fei's smile froze, and he immediately retorted, "Nonsense."

"Hmph, I know what young people like you are thinking. She's quite good," Frank said, and before Hong Fei could argue, he turned and left.

Hong Fei rolled his eyes helplessly. Frank was both right and wrong. While knowledge and ability were definitely the top priority, he didn't need a pretty face. But once the first requirement was met, he would naturally lean towards someone attractive.

Who doesn't appreciate beauty? Is there something wrong with that?

Absolutely not!

The formal cooperation with Helen Zhao would have to wait until she finished some of her current project arrangements, and a more detailed cooperation agreement would require further negotiation. However, in Hong Fei's opinion, this matter was as good as settled. No one was going to snatch her away from him.

Otherwise, he would not hesitate to unleash Frank the Three-Cannon.

Having completed another short-term plan, Hong Fei was in high spirits, and his training felt even more invigorating.

Two days later.

Number Four and Number Five returned with a group of people from Sokovia.

"Boss, they are all from Sokovia. They lost their families or jobs due to the war. After my and Number Five's assessment, these twenty people can be temporarily trusted. Another thirty are staying at the Sokovian castle."

Standing upstairs, looking at the neatly lined-up crowd through the window, Hong Fei nodded with satisfaction.

"Good job. Go hand them over to Frank. He's been waiting to put people to work."

"Understood."

Twenty people, though not many, could alleviate the immediate need. The expansion of the underground space was underway, and modifications were not something that could be revealed to outsiders. Frank had been complaining about it for a long time.

Overlooking New York, Hong Fei's eyes flickered, and the corners of his lips curled up.

It was time to do some bad deeds. His energy enhancement had fallen behind his physical growth. He wondered if energy also had phased breakthroughs.

Of course, the line between good and bad was blurry. From different perspectives, one would always discover different things.

The specifics would depend on whether Hong Fei's enhancements after completing his task were in energy or physical fitness.

Besides, if he were to use game terminology, he should now be actively hunting monsters for skill cards.

As night began to fall, Hong Fei notified Frank and then drove away.

Hell's Kitchen, located in Manhattan, was a major immigrant settlement area. Its environment was chaotic and backward, with frequent ethnic conflicts and a high crime rate.

If they had a choice, almost no ordinary person would want to live there long-term.

To many, it was a wasteland, but to many gangsters, it was a paradise.

After dark, no one went out without a reason. It was a place even patrolling police officers were reluctant to visit.

Before the Afghanistan operation, Hong Fei had frequented this area.

After parking the car, Hong Fei, carrying a cloth bag, avoided surveillance along the way and climbed to the roof of a building.

He unzipped the bag, revealing a black outfit and a white mask.

"Tony, I promise this is the last time I'll wear these," he murmured softly. Hong Fei changed into the clothes and stood at the edge of the rooftop, scanning his surroundings.

A moment later, Hong Fei's gaze focused on a spot not far away. He then crouched slightly, pushed off with his legs, and shot out like an arrow released from a bow. He crossed over the street more than ten meters above and landed steadily on the opposite rooftop. Without stopping, he quickened his pace, darting between the tall buildings like a nimble ape.

Before long, as he neared his destination, Hong Fei slowed his steps.

Before Frank's appearance, Hong Fei had already located several hero and villain characters. For safety's sake, Hong Fei had not rushed to act then.

Now, the time had come.

He pushed open the skylight door and descended.

The stairwell was dark, mixed with various strange odors.

Hong Fei's footsteps were incredibly light, almost silent. When he reached a certain doorway, he pressed his ear against it, listening quietly.

His hearing, as a physical attribute, had also been strengthened and improved. Hong Fei heard the faintest sounds from within.

Confirming the person was home, Hong Fei initially intended to kick the door in. However, after a moment's thought, the corners of his mouth under the mask curved slightly. He then raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.

Knock, knock!

Silence from inside the room, as if no one was home.

Hong Fei turned and leaned against the wall, looking up and continuing to knock.

After doing so three times, there was still no response from the room.

Hong Fei quickly turned and went to the door. He lifted his thigh, his muscles tensing and relaxing as he channeled immense strength. His foot landed precisely on the door lock.

Bang!

With a loud noise, the door burst open, and Hong Fei quickly dodged to the side.

The sounds of gunfire followed immediately.

However, the other party quickly realized there was no target at the door, and the gunfire stopped abruptly.

Hong Fei reached into his pocket, and a small, cute cylindrical object instantly appeared in his hand.

He pulled the ring and threw it into the room. The light ding-ding sound was exceptionally clear. Hong Fei immediately turned and hugged his head tightly with both arms.

Boom!

A muffled sound, a sudden burst of bright light, and a sharp screech followed.

Two seconds later, Hong Fei instantly activated his Shinigami Eye, turned, and rushed into the room.

Inside, he saw a person with their eyes tightly shut, covering one ear and howling in pain, while holding a gun and pulling the trigger towards the doorway with the other hand.

As Hong Fei entered, his body suddenly turned rapidly. The bullet grazed past him. He strode forward, and in just a few steps, Hong Fei leaped into the air, stepping on the sofa and dining table.

As he got closer, he twisted his waist, his long leg instantly straightening like a battle axe, smashing down with a roar.

The gunman's shoulder made a crack of bone breaking, and he immediately collapsed to the ground, unable to move.

Looking at the bullseye-like tattoo on the person's head, Hong Fei couldn't help but chuckle.