Chapter 49: Perfect Handling, Popularity Soars!

Chapter 49: Perfect Handling, Popularity Soars!

Frenchie had grown impatient. He walked up to Billy, grabbed his collar, and roared, "Fuck you, how long are you going to drag this out? That kid is a hopeless coward, a wimp. A pig has more aggression than him, and he still hasn't dug out that damn tracker."

"It's been over twenty-four hours since Translucent went missing. Even if those people at Vought International are stupid, they must have noticed something is wrong by now."

"Don't rush, look at this." Billy, who had just returned from outside, took out the photos from his pocket and handed them to Frenchie. "God bless, we're lucky. At least the first target yielded something."

"These are photos of A-Train and his girlfriend?" Frenchie said, looking at the photos in his hand.

"That's right. The only person A-Train has been in contact with these past few days is her. She should have the clues we need." Finding a breakthrough, Billy was in a good mood. He went to the kitchen area and saw Hughie sleeping.

"Wake up, Homelander is coming." Billy patted Hughie's face.

"Homelander! Where's Homelander?"

Hughie instantly woke up from his sleep, his eyes snapping open, and he instinctively looked around.

"Relax, just kidding."

"Shit, that's not funny at all."

Hughie scratched his bird's nest-like hair, his expression filled with despair. Making him deal with a corpse was torturing him. After all, just a few days ago, he was a regular employee at a Stereo Store, and now he was being told to find a tracker inside a corpse. He was truly close to breaking down.

Billy patted his shoulder, then turned to Frenchie and said, "Go prepare the explosives. I plan to give Homelander a thoughtful little gift before we leave. Hope he likes it."

...

Vought Tower. By now, it had been over twenty-four hours since Translucent lost contact.

Homelander personally came to the Crime Analysis Department in the building to ask Annika about Translucent's location.

According to the rules, The Seven had no right to interfere with the work of the Crime Analysis Department. However, if Homelander liked to follow rules, then he wouldn't be Homelander.

"Sorry, I need to notify Madelyn Stillwell."

Homelander looked into Annika's eyes and smiled, "I'm Homelander. I can do anything I want."

Ultimately, Homelander obtained Translucent's location.

On the other side, Ashley Barrett walked into Xia Shang's Office.

"You better be able to change the public opinion about Starlight online like you said on the phone, otherwise, people who waste my time usually don't end up well." Ashley casually locked the door behind her, then sat down in the chair opposite Xia Shang.

"This will satisfy you."

Xia Shang placed his phone in front of Ashley.

Watching the video content playing on the phone, the initially somewhat agitated Ashley, her attention gradually focused. Then, the corners of her mouth slightly curved upwards, and a look of delight appeared in her eyes. "How did you get this video?"

The video Xia Shang showed her recorded the entire incident.

As long as it was put online, it could instantly change public opinion, and even Starlight's popularity could recover because of it.

"Because I asked Starlight about the location where the incident happened. I thought, maybe someone had filmed the whole thing. The result is obvious, I got this video from a young guy."

"Is that so? It's that simple?" Ashley narrowed her eyes, looking at Xia Shang with a scrutinizing gaze.

Xia Shang's expression didn't change. He smiled and said, "That's right, everything is very simple." "Then please give me the video."

Ashley reached out to take Xia Shang's phone, but Xia Shang avoided her hand.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing much. I just feel that since this matter has become so big, ending it so hastily would be a bit too regrettable," Xia Shang said meaningfully.

"What do you want to do?" As someone from the Public Relations Department, Ashley seemed to vaguely guess Xia Shang's idea.

"I think we can let the matter ferment for a while longer. Currently, Starlight isn't 'miserable' enough to gain the sympathy of most people. When public opinion has fermented to its peak, then we can start acting."

"First, we post some videos online of Starlight visiting orphans or lonely elderly people, making netizens mistakenly believe we're trying to cover up this assault incident. Then, film some videos of her breaking down from the online attacks, preferably the kind with tears streaming down her face. The more miserable, the better. Finally, we release this video."

"This last point is especially important. We need a statement of gratitude from the girl involved, as well as videos of those hooligans apologizing and repenting."

Xia Shang took a sip of cola, then continued, "This way, not only can we save Starlight's popularity, but we can also strengthen Vought International's reputation, letting the public know that even when superheroes are off duty, they still combat crime and protect people's lives and safety."

After Xia Shang finished speaking, the air fell silent.

Until Ashley's applause broke the silence.

"Perfect, absolutely perfect. If you're willing to come to the Talent and Publicity Department, I will warmly welcome you."

"I also look forward to the day I can work with you."

After Ashley left, Xia Shang shifted his gaze back to the computer screen. For Ashley, the truth of this matter wasn't important; achieving what Xia Shang said was paramount. As long as everything went smoothly,

Vought International would gain a more popular, more beloved superhero, and the reputation of superheroes would rise to a new level, bringing Vought greater profits. And Xia Shang's position might also get a promotion. It was simply the most perfect outcome, except for Starlight.

No, it should be the most perfect outcome, including Starlight.

Anyway, Starlight craves more fan popularity. After this incident ends, her popularity is bound to soar.

At least protecting women can bring her a large number of female fans. Perhaps, she might even gain the superhero title of 'Protector of Women'.

At this moment, Ashley walked to the office door of Vought Vice President Madelyn Stillwell, raised her hand, and gently knocked on the door.

"Wait a moment, don't rush."

Homelander walked to his portrait, and his portrait was directly facing Madelyn Stillwell's Office door.

Using his X-ray vision, Homelander saw Madelyn Stillwell using a breast pump.

Hearing the knock, she calmly tidied her clothes, then put the milk bottle on the desk into the fridge.

Seeing this scene, Homelander instinctively licked the corner of his mouth.

"Please come in."

Ashley gave a slightly constrained nod towards Homelander, then pushed the door open and walked in.

"I have a solution for Starlight's Public Relations Department problem here. It's highly feasible."

(end of chapter)