Chapter 8: Quiet Schemes and Hidden Power

The soft clinking of porcelain teacups filled the serene air of the private garden. It was an oasis of calm amidst the controlled chaos of a world slowly coming to grips with the arrival of a new superpower. The garden belonged to Wang Li, a man of immense wealth and influence, particularly in the Eastern hemisphere. His family had long been involved in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to technology, but it was their recent venture that had truly set the world on fire.

Seated across from Wang Li at a small, elegant table was Marcus, dressed in casual attire—a stark contrast to his alter ego, Superman. The two men were an unusual pair. Wang, a shrewd businessman with sharp features and a perpetually calm demeanor, had a presence that commanded respect in any room. Marcus, on the other hand, was more reserved, his calculating mind hidden behind an easygoing exterior. But underneath that calm facade was a man who had seen the future, one shaped by both steel and strategy, and who had every intention of bending it to his will.

"Your appearance has caused quite the stir," Wang Li remarked, his voice smooth and measured as he poured another cup of tea. He gestured with a slight nod towards the large television screen set within the garden, which was displaying various news channels covering the airplane rescue.

Marcus leaned back in his chair, sipping his tea thoughtfully. "It was bound to happen sooner or later. Homelander isn't invincible, and people needed to see that. But more importantly, Vought needed to see that."

Wang raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And you think revealing yourself as Superman was the best way to send that message?"

Marcus set down his cup, his gaze drifting over the manicured bushes and carefully tended flowers. "It was a calculated risk. Showing my hand was necessary to force Vought into a reactionary position. They're a company built on the perception of power—if that perception crumbles, so does their influence."

Wang nodded, understanding the deeper implications. "And what about us? Our company is growing rapidly, especially after you provided those blueprints. The cure for cancer alone has positioned us as a global leader in biotechnology. We're already getting offers from the West to collaborate, even as Vought remains focused on maintaining their grip on the superhero market."

"That's exactly what I wanted," Marcus replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Vought's influence is rooted in fear and awe—their 'heroes' are the cornerstone of that. But with our technologies, we're providing hope. We're giving people something real, something tangible to believe in. When the time comes, we'll have more than just physical power on our side; we'll have the power of public opinion, political leverage, and economic influence."

Wang took a long sip of his tea, clearly impressed by Marcus's foresight. "You've always been one step ahead. It's why I agreed to this partnership. But tell me, Marcus—why keep your name off the books? Why let me take the credit, when you're the one making all of this possible?"

Marcus's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more contemplative look. "Because I'm playing the long game, Wang. Right now, the world sees you as the face of this revolution, a respected businessman who's bringing about change. They don't suspect me, and that's how I want it. My name—my real name—will only come into play when it's absolutely necessary. Until then, I need to stay in the shadows, maneuvering the pieces into place."

Wang leaned forward, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "And when will it be necessary?"

"When Vought is on its knees," Marcus said without hesitation. "When Homelander is no longer the symbol of fear, but one of pity. When the world no longer looks to The Seven for protection, but to something greater—something we've built from the ground up."

Wang's expression hardened slightly as he considered the weight of Marcus's words. "You're talking about dismantling one of the most powerful entities in the world, Marcus. That's no small feat."

Marcus's eyes glinted with determination. "I'm not underestimating them. I know how dangerous Vought is, how deep their roots go. But they've built their empire on lies, corruption, and manipulation. All it takes is one strong push, and the whole thing will come crashing down."

A silence fell between them, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. The conversation had taken a darker turn, but it was one both men understood all too well. They were not playing in a sandbox anymore; this was a battlefield, one where the stakes were higher than ever.

Wang was the first to break the silence, a small smirk forming on his lips. "I suppose that's why you've been so focused on your training. You're not just preparing to face Homelander—you're preparing to take on an entire system."

Marcus nodded. " I'm getting ready to take on anything Vought throws at me. But it's all for a reason you'll come to know."

"But are you ready to handle the fallout?" Wang asked, his tone more serious now. "Once you truly challenge all of Vought, they'll come after you with everything they have. You know they won't play fair."

Marcus's eyes darkened slightly. "I'm counting on it. The more they push, the more desperate they become, the more mistakes they'll make. And when they do, we'll be ready."

Wang leaned back in his chair, a satisfied expression on his face. "It seems like you've thought of everything. It's no wonder our company has been so successful. The Western world is starting to take notice, you know."

"Good," Marcus said simply. "Let them notice. Let them see that there's a new power rising in the East, one that doesn't rely on superhuman abilities to make a difference. And when the time is right, they'll see just how much of an impact we've made."

Wang looked at Marcus with a mixture of admiration and wariness. "You know, for someone who started out just wanting to be a hero, you've become quite the strategist."

Marcus shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "Being a hero isn't just about saving people, Wang. It's about making the world a better place, by any means necessary. And sometimes, that means playing the game smarter than everyone else."

Wang chuckled softly, raising his teacup in a mock toast. "To the future, then. A future where Vought no longer holds all the cards."

Marcus raised his own cup in response. "To the future."

As they sipped their tea, the television in the background continued to broadcast the news, with reporters speculating on the identity and motives of the mysterious Superman. But Marcus and Wang remained unfazed, their eyes set firmly on the path ahead.

Homelander should be prepared of what's coming, Marcus thought .With a smile on his face as he sips his wine, his gaze then turned towards the city lights.