Chapter 53: Outlaw
Antonio had been smiling so much in the past few days that his teeth almost fell out.
Everyone in the Benevolence Society had a joyful expression on their faces.
Out of absolute trust in Oaks, they had all contributed their salaries and savings when he was buying up Stark Industries' stocks at their lowest point.
At that time, everyone believed that Oaks was returning the favor by supporting his friends in his own way during Stark Industries' darkest hour.
But now, with Tony Stark's declaration of "I am Iron Man," Stark Industries' stock skyrocketed.
They watched the stock price soar every day and felt like they were walking on air.
Moreover, Chairman Oaks had also promised that the profits from their investments would be distributed among all the members, even those who hadn't contributed before.
The Benevolence Society erupted with unprecedented enthusiasm.
But the employees of Stark Industries were even more passionate—they were now employees of a superhero.
Although Tony had been enjoying himself during this period, he hadn't forgotten his promise.
As agreed, the Arc Reactor of Stark Industries was transferred to the headquarters of the Benevolence Society/Oaktree Environmental Technology Company.
Dr. Yinsen became the head of the Arc Reactor without question.
With the wholehearted cooperation between the enthusiastic parties, Oaks officially gained the sole cutting-edge clean energy source, apart from Stark Industries, before Christmas.
This completely astonished outsiders.
But now that Tony was in the spotlight, the outside world could only speculate that this was a reward for the Benevolence Society's unwavering support during their time of crisis.
They had even helped Stark Industries fully green their stagnating new factories, and the air purification effect was like magic.
The Benevolence Society was no longer just an emerging environmental organization.
Its influence had completely transcended New York and was expanding throughout the United States.
At this time, the colossal entity hidden behind it— S.H.I.E.L.D.—began to be discovered by more people.
So, in the face of the Benevolence Society's new round of expansion, they encountered much less resistance.
But for now, Antonio was in charge of these matters. The top student had become increasingly adept in his role, and his work was no longer limited to being a secretary.
Thus, as Christmas approached, Antonio had been promoted to Secretary... General of the Benevolence Society.
Well, it was mostly a title, but for young people, honor was a stronger motivator than salary... right?
Anyway, Antonio now made more money by coming out to study than by working in many companies.
But just a few months into this relaxed life, Oaks temporarily didn't have time to manage the affairs of the Benevolence Society.
Because on a sunny day, a certain one-eyed man ran over without even giving a heads-up to pet the cats.
"Director, I think your current appearance would shatter the worldview not only of YouTube, but also of the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., if I were to show it to Melinda and the others!"
Oaks held Moco and Coco in his arms, looking at Nick Fury, who was sitting on the new sofa and petting the cat, with a disdainful expression.
This sofa had been paid for by Director Fury's card.
Recently, Goose had become quite friendly towards Nick Fury, probably because he provided all its food and even signed the packaging.
That's why Queen Goose agreed to bring her two subordinates specifically to visit the bald guy at the Emerald Dream.
Coco's beautiful blue eyes narrowed, and her pink tongue leisurely licked her paws, showing her disdain for the shiny-head human.
Moco, on the other hand, was fast asleep next to Oaks's leg—there were only two types of humans in its eyes: the owner and others.
"Hmph!"
Nick Fury snorted coldly, rolled his eyes in an astonishing way.
"Do you believe that I can make all the electronic devices in your room explode in one second?"
"Yes, of course I do."
Oaks shrugged helplessly. This Director had quietly come over to pet the cat. Weren't the numerous S.H.I.E.L.D agents important?
"In that case, Director, what brings you here today? It's not that I don't want to help, but since Goose is already considered an intelligent creature, installing remote monitoring devices on it would be an invasion of privacy. If you want to pet the cat, it's better to come in person."
"..."
Fury's mouth twitched. Initially, when he found out that Oaks had created a remote pet care service, he was very interested, but he was quickly rejected.
"It's not about that," he moved Goose's head away a bit, as it had an expression that seemed to say, "Bald guy, you actually want to monitor this kitty, looks like you don't want your other eye anymore."
"I came here today to consult you about some issues, Oaks... Consultant."
Putting Goose on his lap and scratching his chin, Fury cleared his throat and became serious.
"Your position in our... in S.H.I.E.L.D. is different now, Mr. Druid."
"Did Coulson exaggerate when reporting to you?"
Oaks sipped his coffee. He hadn't told Coulson any detailed information, so why did he know?
"No, it's mainly because I saw Obadiah's body. It was our responsibility to handle the aftermath."
Fury emphasized the word "body" and subconsciously touched his own neck, staring at Oaks with wide eyes.
"Tony Stark didn't follow the plan, but you foresaw it in advance, which allowed us to prepare ahead of time and guide public opinion in a positive direction. I have to thank you for that—
But this time, I consider it a free service, considering how much you've profited."
"I have to give Melinda some face. She played a significant role in the development of the Benevolence Society over the past year."
Oaks shrugged, noncommittal. It was just a small favor.
"Now, 'Iron Man' Tony Stark has become the most famous superhero."
Fury still stared at Oaks, his expression serious.
"Do you have any thoughts on this?"
"I don't have any thoughts. I didn't show my face throughout this event, and it was Tony's private request."
Oaks had a guess about what the other person wanted to say, but he still shook his finger and quipped.
"You wouldn't want me to become a real superhero, would you? I thought you would consider someone like me with special abilities as a potential threat.
Aren't you usually very cautious in dealing with such individuals? Technically speaking, so-called superheroes are a group of outlaws, right?
I have always been law-abiding, and I even specifically hired a top law student from Columbia's Law School as a legal advisor for the Benevolence Society."
Even though the legal advisor himself was an outlaw.
"Outlaw? That's a good description, and I agree with that."
Fury nodded, somewhat satisfied.
"But with Stark causing such a commotion, the situation in society has changed a bit, and a long-planned idea of mine has been put back on the agenda."
He placed Goose on the sofa and patted its head, satisfied to see Oaks showing an interested expression.
"I've already discussed it with Tony Stark, but his ideas are quite naive for someone so reckless, arrogant, and unreserved with his toys.
Dealing with someone like that who keeps all his toys for himself without any discretion gives me a headache—compared to that, you're much easier to communicate with."
"Well, to receive such praise from Director Fury is quite unexpected for me."
"In that case, Consultant Oaks, as a special ability user who presents himself as a positive figure, I hope you consider my next proposal."
"What proposal?"
"The Avengers Initiative."
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