S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Compensation

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Compensation

Alvin rubbed his chin and grinned at Coulson. "I think one million dollars is a reasonable figure."

Coulson clutched his chest heavily as if he had taken a brutal blow. He said with difficulty, "You're joking, Mr. Ye. S.H.I.E.L.D. will absolutely not pay one million dollars over this matter.

"That's absolutely impossible. In fact, I was prepared to pay out of my own pocket. But Mr. Ye, one million dollars is terrifying. That's ten years of my salary."

Alvin ignored Coulson's performance to win sympathy and said coldly, "Are you saying S.H.I.E.L.D.'s reputation isn't worth one million dollars?

"Maybe you should make a call and ask for instructions. I'm not interested in your salary. Or we can settle this through legal channels."

Fudge jumped up excitedly and shouted, "Alvin, sue them! Sue them!"

No wonder he was so excited. This was the biggest case their law firm had encountered since opening.

Coulson shot Natasha a helpless glare, then went to a corner to make a phone call. Clearly, he got chewed out badly during it.

After hanging up, Coulson returned to the bar looking thoroughly dejected. He said miserably, "Five hundred thousand dollars, no more. I'll have to go back and write more than fifteen reports because of this. If you don't agree, then we'll see each other in court." He picked up the glass on the bar and drained the beer in one gulp, looking as though he had decided to throw caution to the wind.

Alvin glanced at Matt's lightly tapping fingers and knew Coulson was lying. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Agent Coulson, that price is far below what I expected." He looked at Fudge.

Fudge immediately got the hint, jumped up, and shouted, "Leave it to me, Alvin! This is a guaranteed win. I can negotiate compensation of more than three million dollars."

"That's impossible! S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't have that much surplus funding. You'll only drag this lawsuit out indefinitely." Coulson cried in alarm. "Mr. Ye, I can apologize again. Please forgive me."

"Dragging out the lawsuit won't affect me much, Agent Coulson," Alvin said noncommittally. "Still, it's not impossible to negotiate. I can agree to five hundred thousand dollars in compensation, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has to agree to a few conditions."

The moment Coulson heard the word "conditions," he felt terrible, as if he were about to board a pirate ship. But things had come to this, and he could only force himself to say, "Please go ahead. I may not be able to agree."

Ye Qing counted on her fingers. "First, the police station here has outdated equipment and needs a new batch. Look, Michael is still using a gun from ten years ago.

"They aren't asking for much. Could you donate some of the vehicles, weapons, and equipment you've phased out for free? Don't worry, they'll write to the mayor and praise you."

Michael and Scott had not expected Alvin's first demand to be for them. The two officers were both happy and moved. The city government had practically forgotten their precinct. Other than the annual funding and police salaries, they got nothing—no replacement equipment, no promotions, no raises.

The rundown police station did not even have a decent front door. How could they not be touched when Alvin's first condition was for their sake?

Coulson gave Alvin a puzzled look. He had expected some excessive demands, but this was far beyond his expectations. He readily nodded in agreement. S.H.I.E.L.D. phased out large amounts of equipment every year, and as a Level 7 agent, he had the authority to agree to such a condition.

Seeing him agree so readily, Alvin smiled. "Looks like we can reach an agreement easily. Second, the Kindergarten being built on the corner needs a batch of security surveillance equipment. I believe that won't be a problem for S.H.I.E.L.D."

Coulson let out a long breath and looked around. Everyone in the Restaurant was watching Alvin with admiration.

Coulson straightened his collar and said seriously, "You are a true gentleman. Let me introduce myself again: Phil Coulson, Level 7 agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alvin Ye." He extended his hand and gave Alvin's a firm shake, feeling much less as though he had been extorted.

Alvin smiled. "So you agree?"

"Yes. Compared with your other conditions, this hardly counts as one," Coulson said solemnly.

"Third, and most importantly." Alvin looked at Coulson seriously.

"Please, go on!" Coulson listened attentively.

Alvin looked at Coulson, then pointed at Natasha. "I hope you can stay farther away from me and my Restaurant from now on. Can you do that?"

Coulson froze, too awkward to know what expression to make. He had only just begun to feel some goodwill toward Alvin, and the man immediately dealt him a heavy blow.

He had thought the two sides could end things peacefully, but things ultimately did not go as hoped. With a sigh, Coulson said helplessly, "I can't guarantee anything. I can only promise that we won't come looking for trouble with you without cause."

Alvin nodded. "That's enough. Fudge, coordinate with Agent Coulson about receiving the five hundred thousand dollars," Alvin said, gesturing to Fudge.

"Hope we never meet again, Agent Coulson, Agent Natasha." Alvin nodded to the two agents in farewell, making it clear that they were being shown out.

Fudge and Coulson exchanged phone numbers and discussed the payment arrangements. Jessica happily escorted the two agents to the door. As they left, she even imitated Alvin's tone and said, "Hope we never meet again."

Watching the two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents retreat from the Restaurant in embarrassment, the diners happily high-fived one another and cheered. They were all residents of Hell's Kitchen and had never received any respect from government officials.

Yet Alvin had won against them, and that thrilled them, as though they themselves were the victors.

Alvin smiled and told Jessica, "One beer for everyone, on me!" The cheers grew even louder as soon as he finished speaking.

Alvin placed a beer in front of Matt and flicked the glass with his index finger, producing a clear ding. "Thanks, Matt. You were a huge help today."

Matt raised his head with a smile and lifted his glass. "You deserved it, Alvin. You've made the two nearby blocks better. As a resident of Hell's Kitchen, I should support you. To victory!"

Alvin smiled and clinked glasses with him. "To victory!" After downing a large mug of beer in one go, Alvin looked at Matt with some concern. He hesitated, then said, "Maybe you should get some rest, Matt. You're not made of iron. Leaping around Hell's Kitchen every night isn't something a normal person should be doing."

Matt set down his empty glass. An unhealthy flush showed on his pale face as he smiled. "Then you should expand your pet's range of activity a little. That would reduce some of my workload."