Chapter 7: A Meeting with the Beastly Hank

Once again, a brand new day dawns, perhaps calling for a splendid and wholesome whole wheat bread.

"Niviya, what's on my agenda for today?"

"This morning, you have an appointment with Henry McCoy, the former Minister of Mutant Affairs. In the afternoon, you have a meeting with Carlos Stark, the Commissioner of the New York Police Department."

"How do I look today?"

In recent times, Warren had been donning somber black attire, but today he opted for a simple and elegant gray three-piece suit.

"Perfect."

"Thank you."

Henry McCoy, also known as "Hank," was one of the original members of the X-Men, renowned for his exceptional physique, brilliant intellect, supersonic derriere, and endearing blue fur.

One could say that Hank, the Beast, was second only to Professor Charles Xavier in terms of erudition. His mutant abilities placed him in a state of evolutionary advancement, although he himself was not particularly fond of it. Nevertheless, his physical and mental prowess surpassed that of ordinary individuals.

Professor Xavier, on the other hand, was an exception. He possessed the ability to copy knowledge from others' minds, effectively downloading files into his own brain. This constituted a form of severe cheating, rendering any comparison futile.

Warren had playfully referred to Hank as a "fuzzy ball," much like Wolverine did, but upon seeing the blue "furball" in person, he decided to retract his endearing assessment.

This fellow resembled a formidable beast, even with his glasses on. He couldn't even compare to the adorability of larger feline creatures like lions and tigers. At least one could find satisfaction in petting them, but as for this middle-aged gentleman... well, no one would desire to pet him, I'm afraid.

"Hello, Minister McCoy."

"In fact, I've resigned," Hank corrected.

"But I believe you deserve that title. There aren't many individuals who genuinely advocate for the well-being of mutants."

Regardless of the topic at hand, it's always wise to start with some flattery. Mutual admiration is an effective way to bridge the gap between people in business.

"Yes, he paid a hefty price for it," Hank's tone turned nostalgic.

"You mean Professor Xavier?"

"Yes, he was an admirable person."

"A remarkable individual," Warren chimed in, then swiftly shifted the conversation to the matter at hand.

"In fact, I sought your assistance by summoning you here."

"I am just an ordinary person now, working as a teacher at a school. I don't know how I can help you," Hank replied.

"My apologies for digging into your past, but I stumbled upon something intriguing."

"Oh?" Hank's brow furrowed.

"In the past, you were not like your current self. There wasn't much difference between you and an ordinary person. However, things changed, and your skin turned blue, and your fur became abundant. I'm curious to know what you did."

"Is that really important?" Hank pondered.

"It is of great importance."

Hank contemplated for a moment before speaking, "Well, it's not much, actually. I formulated a concoction back then, intending to nullify mutant abilities, but it failed. The blue skin and abundant fur were merely side effects. You have a better solution now, the 'cure,' and it's quite impressive."

"Yes, the 'cure' is indeed remarkable, but your initial concoction also had a significant impact. Can you provide me with the formula?"

"What? What's its use? It's nothing more than a failed product."

Warren audaciously reached out and touched Hank's lion-like head, which was adorned with thick and vibrant blue fur.

"That's precisely it."

"Hair?"

"Yes, hair. It represents a vast market. Mutants can always grow organs that are not inherent to ordinary people. Of course, that is not our goal. What's important is the ability to restore what humanity once possessed but lost over time, like hair."

"Huh?" Hank appeared utterly perplexed.

"Regrowth, it's a massive market, Minister McCoy. It symbolizes billions of dollars in profits each year. How about we collaborate?"

"..."

Hank felt a mixture of complex emotions. He had never anticipated that Warren, this newly minted billionaire, would approach him for such a reason.

A profound sense of discord filled the air.

"I..."

For the sake of hair regrowth?

Why does it feel so awkward?

"Professor Xavier's benevolent act of sheltering mutant children was truly touching. I, too, am a mutant and have been confined to my home since childhood due to the curious gazes of others... Oh, perhaps you are unaware, but I used to have wings on my back. However, thanks to the 'cure,' they are no more."

Aside from exchanging mutual flattery, sharing one's background is also an effective way to establish rapport.

Upon hearing Warren's far-fetched words, Hank immediately felt a surge of empathy, knowing all too well the bitterness of being viewed with disdain.

"In that case, you should come to our school. It is populated by mutant children, where no one will discriminate against anyone."

"After the successful development of the regrowth treatment, a portion of the profits will be invested in the Mutant Academy," Warren stated directly.

"..."

Damn it, why does he have to bring up business so quickly? Give me back my sense of being moved!

"But with the existence of the 'cure' now, perhaps the Mutant Academy will no longer be necessary in the near future."

"No, it is necessary. You have to believe me!" Warren stared at Hank with resolute eyes.

"Why?"

"Because this world needs it."

"Hmm?" Hank struggled to grasp Warren's words.

"Mutants don't need to be cured. Magneto was right about that. However, his methods were too extreme... How should I put it? Mutants should have the right to choose, and

people should accept the existence of mutants rather than harbor disdain towards them. Although this may lead to me earning less money, I still hope to witness harmony between humans and mutants.

Hank removed his glasses and wiped them, a hint of nostalgia apparent in his expression. "You missed the opportunity to meet the Professor, which is a great pity."

"If possible, I would like you to resume your position as the Minister of Mutant Affairs. Together, we can have the power to bring about change and guide the world in the right direction regarding mutants' perception."

"It's not that simple," Hank shook his head.

He had made numerous efforts in this regard, aiming to peacefully resolve the conflicts between ordinary humans and mutants. The challenges he faced were unimaginable.

"What if there's hope?"

"Then it's my duty to embrace it," Hank decisively replied.

"Then let's make a deal."

"Alright. I can provide you with the formula of my concoction, but you'll also need the genetic material of Mystique. Her genes form the basis of the formula," Hank paused, then continued, "She's an old friend of mine."

There was no need to persist in this matter. If this young man wanted to create a hair regrowth treatment and make money from it, so be it. After all, that concoction was nothing more than a failed product.

As for Warren's mention of hope, if there truly was hope, Hank would willingly take up the position of Minister of Mutant Affairs once again. It was the desire of many people and the lingering wish of Professor Xavier. If there was genuine hope, he would unquestionably accept the responsibility.

"I can arrange for her to be transferred to the Worthington Laboratories. If you're willing to be her guarantor, she can even return to the Mutant Academy as a teacher."

Warren could easily fulfill such a simple request.

"Thank you, and I wish you great success with your 'hair regrowth' venture, Mr. Worthington."

"May your words come true."

--

In the morning, Warren concluded the hair regrowth project, allowing Professor Isnoxin to lead the way as a prelude to developing the "self-healing" treatment.

Next, he had Niviya arrange a meeting with the influential figure who could help secure the release of Mystique.

In the afternoon, another major business deal awaited Warren.

Starting from New York, he planned to secure a significant portion of the law enforcement equipment market using his web-shooter technology and expand Worthington Industries.

"Sir, Tony Stark was attacked by terrorists in Afghanistan, and his fate is uncertain."

Just after lunch, Niviya brought both good... no, bad news. Well, bad news indeed—Tony Stark had been taken captive.

"What about Jason? Don't tell me he's resting."

"Mr. Fox is on his own battlefield." The sly old fox wouldn't miss such an opportunity. He was now preparing to profit from Stark Industries.

"Ah." Warren nodded. "Has Commissioner Stark arrived?"

"He just arrived."

"Don't keep the guest waiting."

Matters concerning the stock market could be handled by the old pro. After all, in his previous life, Warren hadn't reached the level of going public, so he would focus on promoting his products. That was his expertise, having experienced the hardships of sales in his previous life.

Huh, why did he feel a tinge of melancholy?

...