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Ch. 106 You Can Give It a Try!
🕑 Added 2023-10-26 16:00:08 +0000 UTCThose currently watching Russell's press conference weren't only Mr. Fantastic Reed and Johnny.
Tony, living in his suburban mansion, was also watching Russell's press conference.
Aside from Tony, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D., Sonny Burch from A.I.M., Daniel Whitehall, Burch's superior at A.I.M., and Gwen were also watching the live broadcast of the press conference.
Even Diana, in the museum, had temporarily put aside her work of deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls to watch the broadcast.
Although Russell's current press conference couldn't compare to Tony's announcement of being Iron Man, the press conference he arranged still had an immeasurable impact.
The existence of superheroes was something the general public had long grown accustomed to.
However, superhero teams weren't as common.
Up until now, apart from the Fantastic Four, the only superhero team that could be counted as such was the lesser-known Defenders.
Although the Fantastic Four's fame was considerable, besides Johnny, Mr. Fantastic Reed and the others rarely appeared in public, let alone occasionally boosting their reputation in New York.
As for the Defenders.
Luke Cage and his team were indeed more active than Mr. Fantastic and the others.
However, due to factors like appearance and abilities, the Defenders had never become a widely recognized superhero team.
Not to mention comparing them to the Fantastic Four, who dealt with major crises, even compared to Spider-Woman and Serum, the Defenders' fame was far from adequate.
Being a superhero might seem easy.
But becoming a popular superhero was no easy task.
This involved not only superpowers and specific heroic actions but also factors like likability, media coverage, novelty, and various hidden conditions.
To put it simply, being a superhero was somewhat akin to being a celebrity.
Besides requiring some innate qualities like a good appearance, physique, and acting skills, a bit of luck and mystique were also necessary.
Support when you're rising, even more support when you're at the top, but a drop as swift as ashes if you're overexposed!
This saying didn't just apply to the entertainment industry; it fit superheroes just as well.
At the press conference venue, journalists fired question after question.
Initially, the questions from the journalists were quite serious.
For example, would the Justice League become a fixed organization like the Fantastic Four?
Why did the Justice League invite Spider-Woman to join?
Would Hulk's inclusion become an unstable factor for the Justice League?
However, as more questions were posed, the focus shifted from the Justice League to Spider-Woman.
For instance, did Russell know Spider-Woman's true identity from the start?
Were they really in a romantic relationship as rumored?
Were their superhero costumes couple outfits?
Did they have the same superpowers?
Was their similarity in abilities due to them having an intimate physical relationship?
In response to these questions, Russell didn't hesitate and provided a consistent answer.
No comment!
As the questions from the journalists began to spiral out of control, Russell decisively ended the press conference and had the Octopus Monster Industries staff escort the journalists out.
After the press conference, Russell returned to his office on the top floor of the building. With a hint of helplessness, he sighed and reclined in his executive chair.
Although a press conference wasn't a fight, engaging in verbal combat with these eloquent journalists wasn't any easier than battling Hulk.
What's more, he had to be constantly mindful of his behavior and responses, maintaining the positive image he had painstakingly built.
Although it was somewhat exhausting and there were a few unexpected incidents in the latter part of the press conference, no matter what, the press conference had finally concluded.
Starting now, he could openly use the identity of superhero Serum to do things that had been inconvenient before.
Thinking about this, he addressed the ever-present No. 3, "No. 3, is Coulson still at the company? If he is, bring him here!"
The press conference had lasted almost an hour.
Russell wasn't sure if Coulson, who was part of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York division, had the time and patience to wait until the press conference ended.
"He's here. I'll arrange for him to come over immediately!"
No. 3 quickly responded.
At this moment, Russell suddenly thought of Hulk, who he had temporarily housed in the manufacturing facility. He continued asking, "How's Hulk now? Has he turned back into Banner?"
"No! Mr. Hulk is currently enjoying his breakfast and inquiring if he could have more whiskey?"
Upon hearing No. 3's response, Russell blinked in slight surprise.
Hulk now liked drinking?
After pondering for a few seconds, he continued, "Contact the major wine cellars and merchants. Have them send over several truckloads of whiskey."
"Also, buy some red wine and vodka, and see which one Hulk prefers?"
"No matter what he requests now, try to fulfill it as much as possible! The only condition is that he maintains the current state and doesn't turn back into Banner!"
"Understood, sir!"
Although No. 3 didn't know Russell's plans, Russell's commands were his mission.
Without any hesitation, No. 3 immediately began contacting various wine cellars and merchants in New York.
Several minutes later, the impeccably dressed Coulson arrived at Russell's office.
Although this wasn't the first time he was meeting Coulson, when Russell saw him, his gaze involuntarily lingered on Coulson's hairline for a moment.
If you're not middle-aged, you can never understand how important hair is to a middle-aged man!
"Why did Director Coulson come to see me today?"
After Coulson had taken a seat, Russell directly asked.
"Why I'm here, Mr. Bradley, you should be well aware. We've met before, so I'll get straight to the point."
"I've come this time mainly for two matters: Hulk and the battle suit you wore yesterday."
Coulson spoke with a friendly smile, displaying a professional grin that revealed no imperfections.
Just as Russell had expected, Coulson had come to discuss Hulk and the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor.
When they had met for the first time, Coulson had come for the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor.
Although he had returned empty-handed that time, it didn't deter him; more accurately, it didn't deter S.H.I.E.L.D. from continuing to pursue the idea of acquiring the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor.
As for Hulk.
It would be fine if S.H.I.E.L.D. remained unaware of Hulk's existence.
But once they knew, they wouldn't let go of such a dangerous individual as Hulk.
Setting aside their capability to apprehend him for a moment, they would definitely put him under surveillance.
"There's no need to discuss the combat suit. My answer remains the same as before. I have no intention of selling the suit or the data."
"If you intend to obtain it through other means, you can give it a try!"
"As long as you're prepared to face the corresponding consequences."
Russell looked at Coulson amiably.
