Post-Event Interview

"Mr. Lee Stein, are you really only eighteen years old this year?"

"Between yourself and Tony Stark, who do you think is more impressive?"

"Mr. Lee Stein, did you develop this robot independently?"

As a crowd of reporters clamored with questions, Lee Stein picked and chose, first selecting Mary, the CBS reporter whose previous questions had been more to his liking.

"The robot was designed and built by me in its entirety, though the circuitry was completed by a good friend of mine, Max. The electrical attack from just a moment ago was also his invention!"

In order to maintain a good image in front of the public, Lee Stein, who was internally screaming profanities at the dozen or so mouths flapping away, had to force a faint smile.

Next came a barrage of questions regarding Bumblebee, and occasionally some inquiries about his combat skills, all of which Lee Stein answered with a smile.

However, this group of reporters, hungry for sensational news, was clearly unsatisfied with these answers, and their questions became increasingly sharp.

"Mr. Lee Stein, may I ask if you obtained permission from the relevant departments to develop such a large robot? Can this robot be considered a high-powered weapon? Did you report your private possession of such a high-powered weapon?"

The reporter, eager to stir up trouble, fired off a series of accusations.

"I do not consider what I have developed to be a weapon. There are many scientists researching automated robots; I have simply been fortunate enough to achieve some technical breakthroughs!"

Facing these interrogations, Lee Stein, who had been prepared for this, remained incredibly calm.

"But the automated robots created by other scientists do not possess such massive destructive power, nor would they be easily brought into a school!"

The reporter who asked this clearly did not want to let Lee Stein brush it off so lightly, and his tone became stern.

Hearing the reporter's tone, Lee Stein frowned, his expression turning cold: "If you insist on believing I am breaking the law, then state exactly which law I have violated. Otherwise, I can sue you for defamation. Furthermore, even if I did break the law, that is a matter for the judicial department!"

"Ma'am, the United States of America does not have regulations prohibiting the manufacture of robots or restricting their performance. Moreover, I need to state one thing: Mr. Lee Stein is a special consultant invited by our Queens Police Department to help resolve this monster attack incident!"

Just as the atmosphere began to chill, George Stacy squeezed in, gave Lee Stein a wink, and took the microphone from the reporter.

As the long-time spokesperson for the Queens Police Department, Captain George Stacy was clearly very experienced in dealing with reporters. With just a few calm words, he neutralized the reporter's offensive, leaving the other party unable to find a single fault.

It seems this future father-in-law of mine is quite reliable!

Lee Stein raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit surprised.

He had originally thought George Stacy was the type of old-fashioned stickler who followed rules to the letter; he hadn't expected him to step up at a time like this, or even lie to cover for him.

With an experienced official spokesperson like George Stacy there to smooth things over, the reporters were no longer intent on picking fights. Even if a few thorns remained, George Stacy calmly rebuffed them, and the overall atmosphere became much more harmonious.

"Mr. Lee Stein, I saw that your movements while controlling the robot for combat were very fluid and professional. After this incident, will you become a superhero like Spider-Man?"

It was still the CBS reporter Mary asking; at least her tone and the honorifics she subconsciously used made Lee Stein feel quite comfortable.

However, Mary's question undoubtedly hit the nail on the head. While not sharp, it was certainly full of topicality. Not only were the other reporters staring intently at Lee Stein, but even George Stacy frowned, looking at him with concern.

"A superhero? No, no, no. I don't think I will become a superhero, and I hope everyone won't give me any codenames. Compared to that, I would prefer you to see me as an ordinary scientific researcher."

Lee Stein shook his head decisively and said solemnly: "I am not a police officer, and I have no law enforcement authority..."

Blah, blah, blah—Lee Stein trotted out the same theory about government credibility he had used during his conversation with George Stacy, leaving the crowd of reporters stunned. Even Peter Parker, who had been preparing to leave, jumped onto a large tree by the flower bed and pricked up his ears.

"I have to say, we have never thought about it this way!"

Mary, holding the microphone, was the first to recover, her eyes filled with deep admiration:

"Your words are truly thought-provoking. I will report on your statement in detail, and I hope these words can help some hot-headed teenagers calm down and think, so they can understand that personal violence cannot solve any problems!"

"In fact, sometimes violence can still solve some problems!"

Lee Stein smiled kindly, pointed at the Lizard, whose body was gradually shrinking not far away, and said firmly:

"Criminals need to be judged by the law, but when the public suffers from an unavoidable disaster, when they need me, I will step forward just as resolutely as those superheroes!"

As he finished speaking, scattered applause and cheers erupted, which then grew increasingly intense.

"You truly are an admirable and great scientist!"

Reporter Mary said sincerely.

"Mr. Lee Stein? I have one more question, I wonder if you could answer it?"

Just as the interview was drawing to a close, a white reporter in a black suit with perfectly groomed hair squeezed in.

"What question?"

Lee Stein frowned as he looked at this white reporter.

Because the name tag on this reporter belonged to an obscure tabloid, his face was rigid and serious, and his demeanor was nothing like that of a typical reporter.

Having already guessed the situation, Lee Stein knew he couldn't avoid it, so he nodded to signal him to ask.

"May I ask if you intend to use this robot for military purposes? Will you also develop weapons and move toward the military-industrial sector like Tony Stark?"

The white man in the black suit asked expressionlessly.

"No, the purpose of technology is to bring people a better and more convenient life. I don't rule out the possibility of developing weapons, but most of my energy will be spent on creating civilian products to bring people more convenience or more interesting entertainment!"

Lee Stein smiled and shook his head, then snapped his fingers: "Also, I will state one more time: this robot is not a weapon. In reality, it is just a rather unique private sports car!"

As Lee Stein's voice fell, Bumblebee began to shift with a series of mechanical clicks, quickly reverting into the form of a bright yellow sports car.

"..."

The white man in the black suit first wore an expression that said, "Are you kidding me?", and then his gaze was drawn away by the gasps of others, leaving him completely bewildered.