Also within the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, in Alexander Pierce's office, a secretary-dressed agent handed him a file.
The file was identical to the one Hawkeye and the others had reviewed, but even more detailed.
"So, you didn't even manage to meet Chen Ye, and you were beaten back by his subordinate—a blind subordinate at that!" Pierce's voice was low and powerful, carrying an air of natural authority.
His face was ashen, and his gaze was icy as he stared intently at the file, as if trying to read the truth between the lines.
Crossbones, standing opposite Pierce's desk, bowed his head and replied, "The situation is as stated. We underestimated the strength of Chen Ye's group. To be honest, if that blind man hadn't used his powers, he wouldn't have stood a chance against me."
His voice carried a hint of helplessness and confusion, clearly frustrated by the failure.
Pierce ignored Crossbones and turned to the secretary beside him. "Still no leads on the forces behind Chen Ye? What kind of organization has so many mutants, not to mention shapeshifting mech warriors?"
The secretary beside him lowered her head and said, "Minister, the Hand, who were originally coming to join us, were completely annihilated by Chen Ye. Currently, neither our own channels nor those within S.H.I.E.L.D. have been able to uncover the forces behind Chen Ye."
Pierce closed his eyes in thought. The Hand was an insignificant force to Hydra, and Pierce felt no concern over their demise.
After a long pause, he opened his eyes and slowly said, "Are we confident we can recruit Chen Ye?"
Clearly, Pierce was deeply intrigued by the power Chen Ye had displayed. Both his enigmatic superpowers and his era-defining mechs were impossible to ignore.
The secretary recalled the files she had on Chen Ye and considered his methods. "Minister, based on the data, Chen Ye doesn't seem to be one to follow others' orders."
"However, records show he's clashed with Nick Fury's people, so cooperation might be possible. Given his current status and the backing of a mysterious organization, recruiting him would likely require a significant price."
Crossbones, standing nearby, interjected, "I noticed Chen Ye's subordinates didn't try to kill us. He clearly still respects the federal government. I think we have a chance to recruit him."
Pierce's eyes gleamed with a deep light, clearly engaged in an internal debate.
He flipped through Chen Ye's file, his voice firm. "Lord of Hell, Chen Ye... That means he carries a significant responsibility. Find a time to send someone to talk to him."
"You do it, Crossbones."
"As for negotiation chips, I think their Hell's Kitchen hospital could use a renovation. We'll help him renovate it. Plus, the government will promise to help him recruit professors and doctors, and provide federal subsidies. Let's see if he's willing to cooperate with us."
For Pierce, negotiating with someone like Chen Ye wasn't a major concern. After all, if Chen Ye wanted to make Hell's Kitchen succeed, he'd need support from the federal government. And Hydra, with its extensive resources, was perfectly positioned to offer that.
Conversely, a Chen Ye who had nothing to lose and no attachments would be a real headache. That kind of person, the one who fears nothing and fears no one, would stop at nothing.
"Of course, we should also prepare. Notify the base to release the Winter Soldier. If Chen Ye refuses to comply, then the Winter Soldier will eliminate him." Pierce, ever the strategist, kept his options open.
Crossbones frowned, "The Winter Soldier's abilities might not be enough to take on Chen Ye."
In his estimation, the Winter Soldier would likely be subdued or even killed by Chen Ye's subordinates before he could even get close.
Pierce smiled mysteriously, a cunning glint in his eyes. "Exactly. We want Chen Ye to eliminate the Winter Soldier. After all, let's not forget who the Winter Soldier's best friend is."
"I recall Nick Fury is working on some kind of 'Super Soldier' project," Pierce said, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
Crossbones suddenly understood. Pierce wanted Chen Ye to kill the Winter Soldier.
Then, they would spread the news of the Winter Soldier's death to Captain America, sparking a conflict between him and Chen Ye.
Once Captain America learned that the Winter Soldier had met his demise at Chen Ye's hands, he would undoubtedly seek revenge.
This would force Nick Fury, who supported Captain America, to intervene, ultimately triggering an all-out war among the superheroes.
Regardless of who won or lost, Hydra would be the ultimate beneficiary.
After all, Hydra would only lose one pawn—the Winter Soldier. Crossbones gave Pierce a thumbs-up. "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, Minister. You're truly a master strategist."
Pierce laughed heartily at the praise, his ambition and confidence radiating from him.
He knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. would eventually be his.
Meanwhile, Chen Ye, who had been set up, was still driving his beat-up car with Miles toward Tony's villa.
By the time Chen Ye arrived at Tony's villa, it was already night.
"Finally, we're here. This damn piece of junk broke down halfway and we had to find someone to fix it," Chen Ye grumbled. It had taken them a full ten hours to reach the vicinity of Tony's manor.
Just as Chen Ye pulled up to the manor gate, a Maybach was leaving.
Chen Ye glanced at the person inside and muttered, "That bald guy looks familiar. Oh well, let's go find Tony."
The bald man in the Maybach was Tony's uncle, Obadiah Stane. He noticed Chen Ye's beat-up car.
A smirk curled his lips. "What kind of junk car is allowed here these days? It's a real disgrace."
Good, I won't have to come to this place again, Obadiah thought, feeling considerably more cheerful.
Chen Ye didn't pay much attention to the remark. He continued driving through the Manor for another ten minutes before reaching the villa area.
After parking the car, the two finally got out.
Miles complained, "Mr. Chen Ye, why didn't we just use our powers to get here directly instead of driving this car?"
"Superpowered individuals like us need to keep a low profile," Chen Ye said awkwardly. "That's how we integrate into society. Don't rely too much on your abilities."
He made up his mind to get a new car as soon as possible.
Miles, having only recently met Chen Ye, could only nod in agreement despite his confusion. After all, Chen Ye was the only person he knew in this parallel universe.
Chen Ye strode to the villa's main gate and gently knocked, calling out loudly, "Tony! Tony! It's Chen Ye, I'm here to see you!"
His voice echoed through the night, but there was no response.
Minutes ticked by. Five minutes passed, yet the gate remained shut, and no one came to open it.
Miles stood by, observing the situation. Frowning, he said to Chen Ye, "Perhaps Mr. Tony isn't home? Why don't you try calling him?"
Chen Ye stared intently at the villa. He noticed that the lights were on inside, confirming that someone must be home.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Tony's number, but the line kept showing as busy.
Chen Ye's heart sank. He recalled the bald man he'd seen on the road earlier, and a sense of foreboding washed over him.
He pounded on the door, shouting, "Tony! Open up! It's Chen Ye!" But still, there was no response.
Chen Ye instantly realized something was wrong.
His anxiety grew stronger. Taking a deep breath, he kicked the door with all his might.
Miles tried to intervene, thinking this was inappropriate, but it was too late.
The door burst open, hanging precariously on its hinges.
Chen Ye rushed into the villa, his breath catching at the sight before him.
Tony lay there, his face pale, and the small reactor in his chest was gone.
-----------------------
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