Xia Zuo had no idea that Nick Fury was getting a headache over him, nor did he have time to care, because he had decided on his next move. He was going to Kamar-Taj to study magic, but before that, he still had a few things to take care of.
"A gift for the orphanage."
Xia Zuo murmured to himself. Kamar-Taj was a long way from New York. Although the New York Sanctum existed, he might not return for a while, so he wanted to make arrangements for the orphanage.
With that thought, Xia Zuo vanished from the street.
Several days later, a knock sounded at the orphanage's new home.
"Hello? Is this the Mary Orphanage?"
Several men in suits appeared at the orphanage's entrance and respectfully addressed Matron Mary, who had come to answer the door.
"I'm Mary, the matron of the Mary Orphanage. And you are?" Matron Mary looked at the men doubtfully, not quite understanding why they had come.
"Hello, Matron Mary. I'm from the Yidi Group. I'm here about making a donation to the Mary Orphanage."
"Hello, Matron Mary. I'm from the Seagull Group. I'm also here to make a donation to the orphanage."
"Hello, Matron Mary. I'm..."
The men scrambled to speak, and they had come for only one purpose: to donate to the Mary Orphanage. Although they did not know why their bosses had suddenly become so generous, these were their bosses' orders. They had no choice but to obey, and would even make sure everything was handled properly.
Matron Mary was a little stunned by this unexpected good fortune. Although some kindhearted people had donated to the orphanage before, so many people had never donated all at once. She could also vaguely make out a great many zeros on each of those checks. It was practically a windfall from heaven, but she had no idea that Xia Zuo had arranged this supposed windfall.
After checking everything, however, Matron Mary gradually accepted the donations. After all, their orphanage really did need the money. She was delighted, because now the orphanage would not have to worry about money for many years to come. They would even have money left over to send the orphans to school. To her, this was the greatest blessing.
Around the corner from the orphanage, a figure in a black trench coat looked toward it. Beneath the brim of his black hat, his Purple-Gold Heterochromatic Eyes looked particularly deep. This was Xia Zuo. After seeing Matron Mary accept the donations, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. Then he turned and left.
Others also witnessed this, including the S.H.I.E.L.D. watchers who were still staking out the area near the orphanage.
Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division
Inside the director's office, the bald Nick Fury was still thinking about the matter of the corporate-style base, deeply troubled. He did not know what stance he should take toward Xia Zuo.
Simply ignore Xia Zuo's existence? That would be rather difficult. After all, Xia Zuo had caused so many major incidents. Even if he did not want to make an enemy of Xia Zuo, the higher-ups would push them to capture him. After all, Xia Zuo remaining at large was an enormous destabilizing factor that could explode at any moment.
Put Xia Zuo on the wanted list and pursue him? That was not very realistic either. Having experienced it once, Nick Fury understood just how terrifying Xia Zuo's ability was-that silent, imperceptible control. If they truly enraged Xia Zuo, they would probably bring enormous trouble upon themselves. That was not something Nick Fury wanted to see, which was why he had such a headache now.
Beep, beep, beep!
Just then, his communicator sounded, and Nick Fury switched it on irritably.
"Something's happened at the orphanage? Out with it!"
When he heard that his subordinates had noticed something happening at the orphanage, Nick Fury immediately grew a little excited. After all, Xia Zuo's case was the only thing he was following up on now.
"So that's what happened."
After hearing his subordinate's report about the unusual events at the orphanage that day, Nick Fury fell somewhat silent. Only after a long while did he slowly reach a decision.
"Natasha, take down the bounty on Asta. We, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, will no longer pursue him."
Meanwhile, at the X-Mansion.
Professor X slowly removed Cerebro's helmet and sat in his wheelchair, thinking. After a long while, he finally spoke.
"Jean, have Scott withdraw the X-Men team."
Yes, Professor X had decided to recall the X-Men team he had sent out to find Xia Zuo. He did not intend to let them keep searching, because he had realized there was no longer any need.
Previously, Professor X had dispatched the X-Men team in the hope of bringing Xia Zuo back, even if they had to use some coercive measures. He had worried that Xia Zuo would go further and further down the path of villainy and ultimately become a demon, but he had realized there was no need.
Someone who still remembered where he came from and gave back to the orphanage that had raised him, no matter how cold he might be, surely still had kindness in his heart!
And with that kindness in him, what need was there to force Xia Zuo? So, after some consideration, Professor X finally let go of the idea and stopped trying to force Xia Zuo to come to the X-Mansion. This was also why Nick Fury had given up pursuing him.
Sometimes, they really did not need to press so hard, because there truly was no need.
Xia Zuo knew nothing of any of this, nor did he pay it much attention, because by then, he had already set out for Kamar-Taj.
P.S. Thank you to Julius Kingsley for another generous tip. My heartfelt thanks!