(For the first time, you guys achieved the goal of the Power Stone. All the past Pones chapters were just support from me to you all. Since I'm a generous translator, I gave you 5 Pones chapters instead of 1, like I said—just to show how generous I am.)
121. Chapter 121 You Won't Even Call Me Godfather
"You want me to be the child's Godfather? Like Sirius Black in Harry Potter?"
Godfather has multiple meanings in the United States. Besides referring to a figure with a unique status in a certain field, it can also be linked to a Christian priest, though there are some differences. However, Americans nowadays prefer to use this word as a term for a male godparent.
"That's right. As a Vought International Vice President, you are qualified and capable of becoming Ryan's Godfather. As long as you agree, I'll let Ryan join Vought." Becca's purpose in doing this was simple: she wanted Xia Shang to be Ryan's protective umbrella. Her judgment was incredibly sharp; she saw at a glance that Xia Shang and Homelander's relationship was unusual.
At the very least, the other party wasn't afraid of Homelander.
"Okay, I agree."
Outside the door, Homelander's complexion was ashen. He turned and gripped the doorknob. The metal doorknob twisted and deformed under his terrifying strength. After a moment of hesitation, he finally suppressed the desire to push the door open.
Forget it. As long as Ryan could stay by his side, Godfather was fine. Anyway, Xia Shang was just an outsider, and he was Ryan's real Father.
"Ryan." At Becca's call, Ryan walked out of the Room.
"This is Mr. Jervis."
Becca introduced him.
"Mr. Jervis, hello," Ryan said nervously.
"From today on, Mr. Jervis will be your Godfather. Hurry and call him Godfather," Becca quietly wiped away the tear stains from the corners of her eyes and gently brushed the dirt off Ryan.
However, Ryan pursed his lips tightly, his eyes filled with resistance.
Seeing this, Becca gently persuaded, "Mr. Jervis is a good person. Haven't you always wanted to visit Vought Headquarters? He is the Vought International Vice President, and he can take you to meet many Superheroes."
It was important to note that before this, the words "Superhero" and "Vought" would never have appeared in Becca's mouth.
These two words had always been taboo in their Home.
"Are all Superheroes like my Father?" Ryan whispered.
Clearly, Homelander's actions just now had cast a lingering shadow over this poor Child's young heart.
"How could that be? They are all very nice people, and their Superpowers are very fun," Xia Shang said with a smile.
Currently, Ryan had not yet awakened his full Abilities, which meant Xia Shang couldn't Analyze any Abilities from him. However, Xia Shang wasn't in a hurry. He hadn't fully Fused A-Train's Superpower yet. Besides, there were many Superpowers available for him to choose from now. He just needed to patiently nurture Ryan.
He aimed to make Ryan's potential surpass Homelander's.
Because in a sense, as the only Supe in The Boys who might be purely natural, Ryan had a certain Chosen One quality.
"Mr. Jervis."
Ryan still couldn't bring himself to say the word Godfather.
"Ryan!" Becca sternly scolded.
"It's okay, don't blame the Child. He'll get used to it slowly," Xia Shang stood up and walked to Ryan's side, patted his shoulder, and smiled, "Let's go. I'll take you to visit Vought Tower and treat you to a big meal."
Ryan didn't move but looked at his Mother, Becca.
Becca nodded, "Go and come back soon. I'll wait for you at Home."
After the mother and son hugged, Xia Shang took Ryan out of the Villa. In his Parasyte Sensing, Xia Shang found that Homelander's position had instantly Transferred from the door to the Car.
Seeing Xia Shang and Ryan walking towards him, Homelander put on his signature sunny smile, ready to embrace Ryan.
However, Ryan lowered his Head, avoided his arms, and hid behind Xia Shang.
"Alright, we Father and son have plenty of time together."
Afterward, Xia Shang drove towards Manhattan. On the walls along the roads in Manhattan, posters of Stormfront, Queen Maeve, and Starlight were plastered everywhere. The slogan on them read: Defenders of Feminism, the Three Cutest Ladies.
Today was the official opening day of the New Hero Promotion Conference. Xia Shang simply packaged the three of them together for promotion.
Xia Shang pressed the Broadcast button in the Car, and Starlight's voice quickly came through.
"Are you ready to meet The Seven's New Member? I believe you are very much looking forward to it. Our New Member, from Portland to Seattle, possesses unimaginable Abilities. Please look forward to it."
Meanwhile, Ryan, sitting in the Co-pilot seat, curiously looked around. This was a Scene he had never seen before; everything was very new to him. Homelander, beside him, couldn't hold back anymore. He had to find something to talk about with his son. "Is this your first time in Manhattan? Oh, right, can you give me your Mobile Phone number? If anyone bullies you, you can call me anytime."
Ryan leaned against the window and said, "I don't have a Mobile Phone. Is this place called Manhattan? There are so many people! It's my first time seeing so many people."
"I can't believe you don't have a Mobile Phone."
Homelander immediately took out his Mobile Phone and handed it to Ryan without hesitation. "This is a gift for you."
"Thank you." A Child is a Child after all, and Homelander was his Father. The previous unpleasantness had long been forgotten. Ryan took the Mobile Phone and examined it repeatedly, a joyful Expression on his Face.
"But I don't have anyone to contact."
"You can call me, Ryan. When I was your Age, I didn't have many friends either," Homelander said understandingly. He deeply empathized with this.
"Mom said loneliness helps people understand themselves better."
Ryan's words resonated with Homelander. He looked at his son with heartache. "Your Mother is right. Can I tell you a Secret? My Father never played baseball with me on the Lawn. In fact, I never had a Father or a Mother."
At this moment, Xia Shang, who was driving, turned the steering wheel expressionlessly.
"Ryan, you'll soon understand that being better than everyone else in the world isn't easy. It practically isolates me from the world. And a god... shouldn't feel that kind of... Pain or loneliness. Ryan, we are gods, son. We can do anything we want. No one can stop us. This feeling is incredibly wonderful.
And you can share this wonderful feeling with me right now."
It had to be said that Becca was right not to want Ryan to have contact with Homelander. This guy's brainwashing Ability was no less than Stormfront's.
Unfortunately, Ryan had a Mother. The education he received since childhood made him unable to understand what Homelander was saying.
"We're here, Ryan. Let's get out of the Car." Xia Shang opened the Car door and led Ryan towards Vought Tower.
Today, the entrance of Vought Tower was crowded with Superheroes Fans and a large number of News Media Reporters. Blitz, the Head of the Security Department, was maintaining order at the Scene. When he saw Xia Shang's Car waiting at the Vought entrance,
He immediately dispatched a team of Security Personnel to escort Xia Shang out of the Car.
"Well done, Blitz. It seems you've adapted to this job," Xia Shang smiled and nodded at Blitz.
"Mr. Jervis, this is what I should do."
Although their private Relationship was good, it was a Public occasion. Blitz said with a serious Face, then he helped Xia Shang block the swarming Reporters.
It was Ryan's first time experiencing this Scene, and he inevitably showed a nervous and scared Expression. At this moment, Homelander took Ryan's hand, pulled him to his side, and raised his Head, showing his standard smile. "Don't be nervous, it's no big deal. You should learn to enjoy all of this."
Meanwhile, Xia Shang stopped and nodded towards a blonde Reporter in the crowd. Blitz instantly understood his meaning and brought the blonde Reporter to Xia Shang.
The blonde Reporter was a standard white beauty. She looked at Xia Shang in disbelief. "Is it me? Is it me?"
She couldn't believe she had been chosen.
"That's right, beautiful lady, it's you. Luck sometimes favors people with excellent looks like you and me." Xia Shang's words caused the Reporters and Fans present to burst into laughter.
"Sorry..." The blonde Reporter calmed herself down and put the microphone to her lips. "I'm honored, Mr. Jervis. I heard a rumor that you rose from a Security Guard step by step to become Vought Vice President. Is this rumor true?"
Xia Shang took the microphone handed to him from the side. "That's right. As you can see, at Vought, as long as you have Ability, talent, and are hardworking enough, you will receive amazing rewards. I have always believed that even a small person will have their moment in the Light."
Instantly, Xia Shang's Remarks earned him warm Applause.
"So Vought looks forward to your resumes. What are you waiting for? Take Action!" Xia Shang smiled.
"Mr. Jervis, although your Remarks were wonderful, a large number of negative comments about Vought have recently appeared on the Internet. Allowing Superheroes into the Army system has made the Public worry whether your Authority is too vast and has reached a level where no one can supervise it. What do you have to say about this?"
The blonde Reporter was indeed a professional Reporter, throwing out such a tricky and sensitive question right away.
"Vice President."
Blitz walked to Xia Shang's side, a hint of fierce Light flashing in his eyes.
Xia Shang subtly shook his Head, then maintained his smile and replied, "I know many people are very concerned and worried about this issue, but I want to say that the Base upon which Vought survives is inseparable from the support and trust of the Public.
I believe that it is not only the Ministry of Defense that can supervise Vought.
There are also hundreds of millions of people in the Public! You can also supervise Vought and possess this great Authority!"
In the top floor Room of Vought Tower, Stan Edgar, dressed in a suit, was sitting in front of the Television. Hearing Xia Shang's Remarks, the corners of his mouth slightly curved upwards, and he raised his hand to take a sip of Coffee.
(End of Chapter)