After Homelander left Vought Tower, he quickly launched a propaganda war.
Less than half an hour after his speech in the square ended, news about him flooded the entire internet. Interviews, short videos, and fan-made compilations were everywhere.
In Edgar's office, a large screen on the wall is playing a live broadcast of Homelander.
In front of the camera, Homelander stands before a giant Stars and Stripes flag, his smile gentle and his spirits high.
"I know that some people need new idols in their fear and confusion. They will call a monster hiding in the shadows an angel, believe lies, and be deceived by those illusions."
He paused slightly at this point, giving the audience time to react.
"But it's okay. I will prove everything. I will prove that I am the greatest hero in the world."
The screen was instantly flooded with comments and bullet screen messages.
The Homelander are the true heroes.
Who exactly is the Blood Angel? If it's a hero, why does it never dare to show itself?
Anyone who can save lives is a hero!
[Don't be ridiculous, that's all just an illusion!]
Chen Mo sat on the sofa, holding a cup of coffee, looking at the scrolling comments, and smirked slightly.
"Is he planning to let his fans attack me until I commit suicide? Is he out of his mind?"
Edgar stood behind his desk and reported, "Sir, Homelander's popularity is rising again. He's rebuilding his idol through the media."
"This isn't rebuilding a statue," Chen Mo said, taking a sip of coffee. "It's just like elementary school kids arguing. When they can't win, they call the other side a monster and try to get everyone to join in."
Edgar glanced down at the tablet.
"From a communication perspective, this approach is indeed effective. It's simple and direct."
"Understood." Chen Mo nodded. "The three elements of an online argument are: first, label someone; second, play the victim; and finally, declare yourself the winner."
On the screen, Homelander switched to another interview window.
This time, sitting in the live broadcast room, his voice was more confident than before.
"A true hero doesn't need to hide. I will drag that monster out of the darkness and put it to trial in front of everyone."
Chen Mo stared at it for two seconds, then couldn't help but chuckle.
"He's quite good at making himself look good."
Edgar asked, "Do we need an official response? We can use a simpler method to get the Blood Angel rescue event back on the trending topics list."
"No need," Chen Mo waved his hand. "Let him talk if he wants. It's all meaningless stuff."
Upon hearing this, Edgar tapped a few times on the tablet.
" Carnival Island operations are proceeding as scheduled. The first batch of personnel has been confirmed, and the airport and pier will be cleared by 7:00 AM tomorrow."
"Well done. Carnival Island is the important thing now, so make sure the feast starts on time." Chen Mo stood up and put his coffee cup back on the table. "I'm going back now. Come as planned tomorrow."
"Clear."
As Chen Mo reached the door, he glanced back at the screen.
In the live stream, Homelander was still rambling on about wanting to kill Blood Angel with one punch.
Chen Mo clicked his tongue.
"I hope Homelander won't be late tomorrow."
When they returned to the safe house, the lights in the living room were surprisingly on.
Chen Mo pushed open the door and heard a rapid, clattering sound from the keyboard, as dense as a machine gun.
Allen sat in front of the computer, his face pressed against the screen, his expression incredibly focused. Mia, holding the blue-headed, goofy cat plushie, sat quietly on the small stool beside him, watching intently.
Chen Mo stood at the door for two seconds.
"Wait, what are you two doing?"
Allen didn't even turn his head.
"Upholding cyber justice."
Please, speak like a human being!
"Arguing with Homelander's fans." Allen typed rapidly on the keyboard, his tone serious. "They called you a monster, and I couldn't stand it."
Chen Mo paused for a moment while changing his shoes before continuing into the living room.
On the forum page, a bunch of accounts with Homelander avatars were spamming the chat. Allen's account was sandwiched in the middle, looking all alone.
[ Homelander Always First: The Blood Angel hasn't dared to show her face for so long, she must be hiding something.]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: Your grandfather's sky was filled with red light last night, like a broken neon light, and he didn't offer any explanation.]
[ Homelander's Cape: Who do you think you are to judge Homelander?]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: I'm your dad!]
Chen Mo was silent for a moment, then reached out and patted Allen on the shoulder.
" Allen, stop criticizing."
Allen turned to look at him, his expression immediately turning serious.
"I know you're worried I'll get into trouble, right? Don't worry, I used an anonymous account, and the email address is temporary."
"No."
Chen Mo pulled him away from the chair and sat down himself.
"I think your criticism was so weak; it completely failed to touch their souls."
Allen was stunned.
Mia, holding the dazed cat, slowly moved closer.
Chen Mo flexed his fingers, glanced at the comments section, and his expression turned serious.
"Come, let me show you the power I have to protect my parents in the Zaun Server."
Allen stood to the side, opening his mouth as if to speak.
"Wait, don't ban my account."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Mo started typing.
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: Are all of you fans of the Homelander connected by a single brain? You can't speak without your dad.]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: Haha, you're so anxious, you filial son.]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: Don't ask, it's a top-secret mission. Ask again and I'm just leveling up my baby.]
The comment section went silent for a second.
The next moment, the other side exploded.
[ Homelander's Cape: Shut up.]
[The Stars and Banners Will Never Fall: How dare you insult the Homelander?]
[ The Seven's Glory: Where's the administrator? Ban him.]
Chen Mo glanced at the replies, a smirk playing on his lips, and his fingers moved even faster.
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: He's getting anxious! You're all licking so hard, if he finds out, do you think he'll give each of you a cape?]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: You guys really need to chip in and get your brains checked. I've insulted you for so long and you're still asking me if I dare?]
[ I'm Not a Delivery Guy: Stop yelling about your account being banned, it makes you look like you're throwing a tantrum.]
Allen was dumbfounded.
Dozens of people on the other side took turns firing, but Chen Mo was able to overpower all of them single-handedly, his fingers moving so fast they left afterimages.
Mia tilted her head and asked softly, "What are you doing?"
Chen Mo paused, then casually closed his laptop.
"I'm upholding justice, but you don't need to learn that."
Mia blinked.
"Why?"
"Because if you learn this, your teacher will call your parents frequently." Chen Mo pushed the computer away seriously. "Your main task now is to get some sleep, not to learn how to make people angry online."
Allen looked at the closed laptop, then at Chen Mo, his expression complex.
"I suddenly realized that letting you control my internet account is a very dangerous thing."
"Thank you for the compliment." Chen Mo leaned back in his chair. "I've always had a natural talent for this."
Allen sighed helplessly, then couldn't help but look at the television again.
The television was broadcasting a speech by Homelander.
In the scene, Homelander raises his chin, his voice resolute, saying he will personally end the fear brought by the monster.
The living room quieted down.
Allen's lips moved, but he still managed to ask the question.
"Are you going to fight him?"
"Right."
" Homelander seems different now," Allen frowned. "Those red lights last night, and his current state—has he gotten stronger?"
Chen Mo glanced at him.
Allen wasn't stupid. Although he didn't know the details of many things, with so many days of news and unusual phenomena in front of him, he could guess a little.
Mia hugged the dorky cat tightly and looked up at Chen Mo.
Chen Mo reached out and ruffled her hair, then casually straightened the blue-headed, goofy cat.
"He has become stronger."
Allen's expression immediately tensed up.
"Can you win?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Mo looked at him and suddenly smiled.
Allen asked very seriously, genuinely worried, and Mia truly understood the danger involved.
Chen Mo stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the night view outside.
The city lights in the distance were bright.
He stretched his shoulders, and the dark red energy deep within his chest vibrated.
"Don't worry, we'll win."
Allen paused for a moment, then his tense shoulders finally relaxed a little.
Mia looked at him and nodded seriously.
"Yes, we'll win."
Chen Mo looked down at her.
"Little friend, don't imitate me. That sentence structure is easy to make people jump to conclusions."
Mia didn't understand, and just continued to hug the silly cat.
Just as Allen was about to say something, the phone on the table suddenly lit up.
Chen Mo picked it up and glanced at it.
On the screen was a message from Edgar.
[ Edgar: Sir, Homelander has announced his upcoming engagement.]
Chen Mo: "Huh?"