A Big Job Is Here!

Christmas.

The manor was decorated inside and out, filled with holiday cheer. A snowman shaped like Santa Claus was built on the lawn, colorful lights and streamers were hung outside the main house, and Christmas trees lined the driveway.

At an exaggeratedly long dining table, over twenty people dined together in a joyous atmosphere.

Peter, sitting next to Hong Fei, was restless. Even at his young age, he already showed signs of being a chatterbox.

The food May had worked hard all day to prepare was completely devoured by the group, not a scrap wasted.

On such a holiday, Hong Fei went with the flow, playing the accommodating host.

As the only child present, Peter received gifts from everyone. The boxes, big and small, nearly filled his entire room.

After dinner, Peter couldn't wait and rushed back.

Hong Fei, meanwhile, strolled through the snow with Frank.

Frank: "That female doctor, I thought you'd invite her over."

"Out of politeness, I did, but she had her own plans."

"That's a shame."

Hong Fei turned his head. "Are you overthinking things?"

Frank said matter-of-factly, "What's the big deal? You're young, don't be shy. If you want something, just say it, no need to pretend."

"I don't want to."

"Stubborn."

Suddenly, bright fireworks lit up the sky above the distant city, their brilliant light illuminating half the night sky.

The two looked up for a moment, and Frank continued, "The mafia doesn't seem to have been misled by you. They're still on good terms with The Hand."

"Hm?"

"In New York now, only those two are progressing side-by-side. The guy you killed, his father is furious but can't do anything. And lately, things have been very peaceful between them, no conflicts."

Hong Fei suddenly smiled.

"There's always a period of calm before the storm. Just wait, they'll definitely start fighting. The mafia isn't a one-man show. Besides his father, probably no one else cares. They might even be hoping to get rid of a competitor. Now the excuse has been delivered to them. If these people can truly hold back, then they aren't gangsters, they're politicians."

Frank nodded in agreement. "The entanglement between gangsters and politicians is deep. Many district council members are regulars at mafia hangouts."

"After all, they're professionals. And in a capitalist society, as long as you can produce money, few people care where it comes from."

"But you still have to pay taxes first!"

Hong Fei chuckled. "Hahaha, that's true. Guess if I paid?"

In the following days, Hong Fei spent a good amount of time playing with Peter until May, with a stern look and a slightly cold tone, tamed the wildness in Peter's heart. Only then did she take him back.

In mid to late January, Hong Fei received a call from Helen Zhao.

She invited him to meet in New York to formally sign an agreement.

Following The Punisher, Hong Fei was about to welcome his second ally.

At seven o'clock, Hong Fei changed into a suit and was driven into New York by Number One.

It was the same hotel, but this time he went directly to the rooftop restaurant. Guided by a waiter, he quickly spotted Helen Zhao, dressed in a black dress, sitting by the window.

After some pleasantries, Helen Zhao produced a rather thick contract.

"Mr. Hong, I've reviewed the contract and there are no issues. I've already signed it."

These dozen or so pages were worth five hundred million dollars.

Hong Fei took it and casually set it aside, then picked up his wine glass. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you!"

With a ding, Hong Fei took a small sip, and his features immediately scrunched up.

It tasted terrible!

Seeing this, Helen Zhao asked, "Mr. Hong, not to your taste?"

Hong Fei shook his head. "No, I've never drunk alcohol before."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Helen Zhao smiled in surprise.

"It's fine, the environment here is nice." Hong Fei turned to look at the city's night view. "Have you considered a location for the lab?"

"Of course. New York is fine, but I hope it can be a certain distance from the city, but not too far."

Hong Fei pointed to the distant mountains behind them. "How about there?"

Helen Zhao looked over, uncertain. "Are there suitable places there?"

"Yes, I live over there. It's very large, enough to build a laboratory that meets your needs. Of course, I can also apply to open up new land. The scenery there is very nice."

After a moment's thought, Helen Zhao nodded. "It seems you've thought of everything. I don't think I have any reason to refuse."

It was just an address. As long as it wasn't an inconveniently remote place, there was nothing to argue about.

The two then ate in silence. Suddenly, a few rumbles of thunder sounded in the dark sky.

Upon hearing the thunder, Hong Fei's first reaction was to look up at Helen Zhao.

This delicate-looking doctor would become a fan of the Thunder God in the future. He wondered if she preferred thunder or muscles.

Hong Fei held his mug and looked out the window, his gaze suddenly stopping.

Between the tall buildings, a fire suddenly erupted on a distant street.

Then, the explosion spread, and the sound of gunfire could be faintly heard.

Watching a car fly up, fall, and then explode, Hong Fei shot to his feet.

Helen Zhao was first surprised, then followed Hong Fei's gaze and couldn't help but gasp.

Immediately after, everyone in the restaurant noticed the scene and rushed to the window, looking out in astonishment.

The congested vehicles on the street were lifted and exploded one after another by a black dot. Rapid, continuous gunfire echoed between the buildings. As they watched, people were filled with shock and uncertainty, and many had already pulled out their phones to record.

Hong Fei's eyes widened in disbelief.

He hadn't expected to encounter this situation at such an unprepared moment.

"Number One!"

He called out towards the door, and Number One immediately rushed in. He had also noticed the commotion outside. Looking at the latest photos and videos on his phone, he said non-stop, "Boss, there's a monster on the street. It looks like the Hulk that was on the news before. It's causing a lot of destruction, and the military is engaging it. We should leave quickly."

Hong Fei frowned and pushed the shocked Helen Zhao towards Number One.

"Take her back to the manor. Absolutely do not go near the incident site."

"Yes, boss."

As Hong Fei stepped forward to leave, Helen Zhao suddenly grabbed his wrist. "Wait, aren't you going?"

"I want to go take a look." After saying that, he looked down.

Helen Zhao immediately let go.

Hong Fei rushed out of the restaurant and called Frank.

"Notify everyone, move out immediately, we've got a big job!"

"What?"

"Don't ask now, you'll see on your phone later. Gather quickly and depart. Target location: Harlem. Also, those little guys are useless. Bring all the big ones, the biggest kind!"

Thanks to "Stupid Dog 222" for 100 points, "Even If You Live in the Anime World" for 5000 points, and "Autumn Wind Sweeping Clouds" for 1500 points!