"So what do you think, Charles? If the decision were yours, would you choose to leave here or investigate your father's death?"
In the cold wind, Su Ming tossed his gloves to Charles, inquiring about his opinion.
Like all precocious children, Charles probably has his own thoughts. As a mutant, he even has the ability to realize those thoughts.
Charles silently put on the gloves, which looked like two giant bear paws.
Black leather gloves often represent 'bad guys' on many TV shows, but even without seeing Mr. Wilson's thoughts, Charles could tell from his eyes that there was no discrimination or hostility.
"Logically speaking, I would like to find out the cause of my father's death. After all, it seems more like a murder than an accident. The device was his invention, and he used it thousands of times. 'An accident due to improper use of the device' sounds more like an excuse."
"The place where your father worked is a secretive agency; their usual style is to be secretive and evasive. Such an excuse is quite common." Su Ming stroked his mustache and took a cigarette out of his pocket.
"Family members should be informed; we have that right, don't we?"
"That's the theory, but might doesn't respect theories."
"So considering the actual situation, Mother and I should follow Uncle Howard's advice to find a place to hide. That seems like the right choice."
Charles didn't argue; he understood fully well that this was how it would be.
"Doesn't that leave you feeling a bit dissatisfied? Want to hear my thoughts?" Su Ming smiled and placed his hand on Charles' shoulder, as if holding a rag doll.
"What would you do then?" Charles sniffed, about to have a runny nose.
"First, call me Uncle Slade. You call Howard 'uncle' but talk to me like a peer. I can't rank below that guy for life."
Su Ming changed the subject. Though he didn't actually care about it, Charles should never be underestimated. Now was the chance to leave a slightly misleading impression, making him think that Slade was highly competitive.
Besides, being the elder of Professor X felt somewhat amusing.
Charles gave him a disdainful glance, his eyes finally revealing some liveliness: "Does that bring you some kind of joy? A twisted pleasure?"
"My way is better than Howard's or your mother's. It's up to you whether to listen; this is a transaction." Su Ming's smile grew wider. It was right to cultivate a sense of contract in a client from a young age.
"Uncle Slade." Charles didn't hesitate for a moment, completing the transaction with a clear child's voice and then stared at Su Ming.
"Good~~" Su Ming patted Charles' bald head, accepting that he was an uncle for life: "My way is for you to come with me. I'll help you uncover the truth and deal with anyone trying to bother you."
Just like handling the issue with Ciri and the Wild Hunt, Su Ming could use the same means to watch over Charles. If anyone reached Zhongsi Academy, he could quickly trace the clues back.
"Can you do that?" Charles calmly questioned. If some force intended to target his family, it shouldn't involve others.
"Do you know Captain America?"
Su Ming mimicked various classic advertising poses Steve struck, giving a thumbs-up, flashing a big white smile, holding a hotpot like a shield.
Right now, ads like these were everywhere in New York, inundating the streets with Wilson Enterprises' products, penetrating every aspect of people's lives.
This even drew attacks from some newspapers and mysterious individuals, claiming Wilson Enterprises exploited Captain America's image for profit. This action was legal but lacked respect for heroes, and caused many families to break apart for various reasons.
They protested Captain America endorsing stockings and high-end lingerie, as well as cosmetics and luxury cars, as if they lived just to protest.
For example, a family's wife wanted to buy the car endorsed by Captain America, but the husband didn't, accusing the hero's smile of being too bright, making him feel a bit cheated, leading to arguments and eventual divorce.
Captain America and Wilson Enterprises were labeled as the culprits for breaking up families.
But what did not being able to afford my car have to do with me? Luxury cars are luxury items; it's not right to covet things beyond your financial capability. Blame God for not giving you a handsome face and an eight-pack. Your wife becoming a fan, that's not the celebrity's fault.
But there was no choice because America is a country with free speech. These newspapers or the people behind them with ulterior motives could always find individual cases to write up extensively.
In the past, Gin would have hunted down and silenced these people. But now, with Horn Daily under Wilson Enterprises, engaging in a war of words is a different game; Horn Daily never feared such battles.
Every editor had been through countless fights since the newspaper's foundation, having received court summons stacked higher than the Empire State Building.
Seizing the opportunity, Su Ming stirred up some publicity, coordinating with Vodka and Horn Daily—suing for slander on one side, with media follow-up—not backing down until the irresponsible people were left in tatters.
America had free speech, but it's also a country of law—whosoever had the stronger legal team and more money had the reason.
Seeing Su Ming perform the ad gestures, Charles twitched the corner of his mouth. Yes, he knew Captain America, no need for the dramatics.
"I know him, seen him; he is a noble person." Charles quickly interrupted Su Ming's act.
Su Ming patted Charles' head gently and said, "That's good. He's my godson. Even if you don't trust me, surely you trust Captain America's character?"
"Really? If you're truly capable of raising someone like Captain America, your character must be similarly noble. I'm sorry for doubting you earlier."
"Howard can verify Captain America's relationship with me. An apology is unnecessary; you're just a child. How about it—having Captain America, does it put you at ease?"
"Yes, he defeated Xiaohuzi; he can certainly help uncover the truth and protect Mother." Charles nodded vigorously, seeing hope.
Su Ming smiled, patting the little bald head, appearing very kind.
Captain America?
Forget it. Consider Deathstroke's services...
When it came to settling debts, cash, gold and jewels, cosmic energy, organ transplants, and even mortgaged properties were all acceptable options, but the favor Charles owed was more valuable.
The two reached an understanding, without Su Ming feeling the slightest guilt about deceiving a child.
But seeing Howard and Sharon's endless bickering, Su Ming gradually lost his patience. Charles was about to turn into a popsicle with the pair still heatedly arguing.
He took Charles' hand and walked under a tree.
"I talked with the kid. We should leave, go to my place. I'll call Steve to handle the problem."
"Well, that's fine too." Howard immediately eased up, passing the buck: "Let's go, let's go. This year's New York is indeed cold, reminds me of working at a repair shop as a child during the Great Depression..."
Saying this, he pulled Sharon towards the car, giving her no chance to interject.