Matt Murdock paused.
"But the deeper reason lies elsewhere."
"Who let public safety get so bad that ordinary police can't handle it?"
"Who built our schools with leaking roofs, while giving rich neighborhoods the fastest response systems?"
"Who turned rescue into a commodity, then told the people who couldn't afford it to wait patiently?"
"Who made us stand in line, then locked the door at the end of it?"
This time, no one spoke.
Matt Murdock turned to Chen Mo.
"This isn't a question of morality."
"It's a question of being unable to see our real situation after being manipulated for so long."
"If someone wants to turn people who passively endure into people who control their own destinies, the first step is to let everyone see the real enemy."
Chen Mo smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Murdock."
Matt Murdock tilted his head.
"Don't make me regret not charging tonight."
Chen Mo looked back at everyone.
"So, what's the answer?"
Chen Mo raised his voice again.
"Hand all the heroes over to the government?"
"To the people who just aimed their guns at parents and children on a school playground?"
A chorus of boos rose through the bar.
"Hand them over to corporations?"
"Let the rich neighborhoods buy annual subscriptions while our poor neighborhoods line up to die?"
The cursing grew louder.
Someone stood up.
"Why should we!"
"Why should their children get rescued first!"
"Why should our children have to wait for dispatch!"
Chen Mo raised his hand.
The bar didn't fall silent right away.
Their anger had already been ignited; a wave of his hand couldn't put it out.
Chen Mo waited.
He waited for the cursing to pass.
He waited as the bills on the tables were clenched tighter and tighter.
He waited for everyone to let out