Chapter 43: Starlight
"Fuck you, she was still three meters away from the damn middle of the road and wasn't even crossing it at all." Seeing Fast spouting nonsense, Hughie was seething with anger. His father, Simon, however, tried to persuade him.
"Yeah, they all know it. That's why they paid a large sum of money to Robin's family."
"It's like a traffic accident. Unless there's evidence that Fast was intentionally killing her, this is the best outcome right now."
Compared to the hot-headed Hughie, his father Simon had clearly had his edges smoothed by society.
But at this moment, Hughie couldn't accept Simon's words at all. He looked at Fast on the TV screen, a flame called revenge brewing in his eyes.
Afterward, Fast approached Hughie, wanting him to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement.
But Hughie refused.
A week later, Vought held its Annual Shareholder Meeting as scheduled.
At the entrance of Vought Tower, News Media from all over the world gathered, along with tens of thousands of Superhero fans. After finishing all his work, Xia Shang followed Ashley Barrett to welcome the new member of The Seven who was about to arrive, Starlight.
For this appearance, Starlight specifically commissioned a yellow and white battle suit with a cape.
The moment she stepped out of the car, the entire crowd began to cheer! "Welcome to New York!"
Starlight looked at everything around her, her eyes filled with surprise and disbelief. She had succeeded! She had successfully become one of The Seven Superheroes. Before this, she was just an ordinary girl from the small city of Des Moines, Iowa, in the Central Region. At this moment, she was enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.
"I'm Ashley Barrett, Manager of the Talent and Publicity Department." Ashley Barrett stepped forward and shook Starlight's hand.
Listening to the cheers in her ears, Starlight had a dreamlike, surreal illusion. This scene before her had only ever appeared in her dreams.
"Are all these people here for me?" Starlight leaned close to Ashley Barrett's ear and whispered.
Ashley Barrett smiled and retorted without hesitation, "Dear, who else would they be here for?"
Just then, Xia Shang walked up beside the two and said.
"I'm Xia Shang, Deputy Manager of the Security Department. I'll be taking you and your mother on a tour of Vought Tower next, and also preparing for your upcoming appearance." Xia Shang was dressed in a black suit, standing over 1.8 meters tall with a muscular physique and good looks, giving off the vibe of a suited brute.
"Okay, thank you for the trouble." Starlight smiled brightly.
Xia Shang led the two into Vought Tower, first showing them around the first floor, then taking her to the Meeting Hall for the Vought Shareholder Meeting. Many people in the Meeting Hall greeted Xia Shang, and after he smiled and responded to each one, he said to Starlight's mother, "This is your seat number. Please take a seat and wait for a moment. Starlight needs to go backstage to touch up her makeup."
After handing the card from his pocket to Starlight's mother.
Xia Shang took Starlight and walked towards the second floor.
"Don't be too nervous. Just treat it like your own home," Xia Shang said with a smile, seeing that Starlight was a bit uneasy.
"It's okay, I'm much better."
Starlight took a deep breath and said with a smile.
"What's your impression of Superheroes?" Xia Shang suddenly asked.
Starlight answered without hesitation, "Very good! They eliminate evil and promote good every day, are enthusiastic about charity, and are heroes in the hearts of the public."
Xia Shang stopped walking, turned around, and revealed a meaningful smile.
"What if I told you they are completely opposite to what you imagine? Think about it, what happens when an ordinary person possesses extraordinary abilities? Believe me, human nature is inherently evil, and laws and ethics are the only means to restrict evil. However, most Superheroes are not restricted by laws and ethics."
"I don't understand what you mean." Starlight completely failed to understand Xia Shang's words.
After all, the environment she grew up in had completely brainwashed her.
"It's okay if you don't understand. Just a side note, in Vought International, the only ones who can decide whether a Superhero stays or leaves are the members of the Shareholders' Meeting. As long as you can demonstrate your commercial value, you don't need to worry about being kicked out of The Seven."
Xia Shang wanted to see if, after these words from him, Starlight would still make a compromising move when facing The Deep's threat.
If Starlight still compromised, it could only show that she was a hopeless case.
Starlight realized that the other party was telling her about some of the unspoken rules within Vought International.
"Thanks for the reminder. I'll treat you to a cup of coffee later."
"No problem, this is my business card." Xia Shang took out his business card and handed it to Starlight.
Stopping in front of the Makeup Room, Xia Shang paused. "Go in. I look forward to your stunning appearance."
"Thank you." Starlight nodded and walked into the Makeup Room.
With his position as Deputy Manager of the Security Department, Xia Shang sat in the second row of the Meeting Hall. The first row was basically occupied by the Shareholders behind Vought International, as well as the Vice President and President.
Beside him sat his superior, Erich Sharke, the Head of the Security Department.
When the lights in the entire hall dimmed, and the only beam of light shone on the stage, the Shareholder Meeting began!
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Vought International Shareholder Meeting."
The host on the stage was none other than Vought Vice President Madelyn Stillwell.
"Without a doubt, now is the best time to join the Superhero Industry. Our net income has increased by 14%..."
At this moment, Xia Shang, below the stage, was looking at the Panel before him. The Fusion Progress of Extreme Control on it slightly jumped, going from the original 99% straight to 100%.
"It's finally over." The corner of Xia Shang's mouth lifted. He saw Steel Scales like fish scales appear on the surface of his hands, which were placed crossed in front of his abdomen. However, this abnormal phenomenon vanished in an instant, and no one could notice it at all.
Soon, Madelyn Stillwell's speech came to an end. Next was the moment for The Seven Superheroes to appear.
"Fast, including the jewels in Vought's crown, The Deep, Translucent, Black Noir, and the most powerful Superhero in the world to date, Homelander..."
As names were read out one by one, pictures of each Superhero appeared correspondingly on the big screen.
"I have a great surprise for everyone," Madelyn Stillwell said with a rising tone. "Members of The Seven and the Lord of the Seven Seas will be personally present. Please welcome The Deep!"
Illuminated by the beam of light overhead, The Deep made a dazzling appearance.
"Lord of the Seven Seas." Xia Shang revealed a hint of a mocking smile. He even suspected now whether The Deep's Combat Power could compare to his after leaving the ocean. At least, The Deep's superpower held no appeal for Xia Shang.
After appearing, The Deep greeted the audience, then hugged Madelyn Stillwell.
He came to the microphone and thanked all the audience present, saying, "Thank you, thank you for everyone's support."
(End of this chapter)