Different Paths

Hearing the professor’s question, Wang Bert smiled. "That’s right. I want to find jobs for homeless mutants. The work may be exhausting, but it’ll be legitimate, and there won’t be any discrimination within the company."

"Bert, starting a company isn’t simple. I think you should enroll in college for further studies first."

The professor tried to dissuade him tactfully. "Besides, a mutant company is far more troublesome than an ordinary one. I have plenty of experience with failure in that regard."

Wang Bert smiled. "Don’t worry, Professor. I’m confident. I may be rich, but I never do business at a loss."

Could the professor really not worry? Of course he could not. An eighteen-year-old high school graduate, using tens of millions of dollars from unknown sources to start a company—and a mutant company at that. What elder could possibly feel at ease? Someone else might have sharply scolded him, but the professor would not. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Bert, would you mind if I bought shares in your company?"

The investment was meant as supervision, so he could help Wang Bert cut his losses in time. A few million dollars for a lesson was not too expensive.

Wang Bert did not answer directly. He asked, "Professor, do you know? In the East, someone named Xingxing Zhou once said that an honest official had to be craftier than a corrupt one. Only then could he defeat corrupt officials."

"That is an interesting saying."

The professor naturally understood what Wang Bert meant. He smiled and said, "However, I have always believed that the right path must be walked in the right way. Only then can one successfully reach the other side."

Wang Bert asked, "Then tell me, Professor Xavier, have you reached the other side?"

The professor immediately felt deeply embarrassed. Wang Bert continued, "No. Not only have you failed to reach the other side, you’ve been falling further and further behind.

"The mutants’ situation has grown worse and worse over the years. We are practically hated by everyone. The government even plans to pass the Mutant Registration Act, turning mutants into second-class citizens."

Cyclops could no longer stand it. He shouted, "Enough! Do you know who you’re talking to? Do you know how much he has sacrificed for mutants?"

"He is a leader, not a philanthropist. A philanthropist only needs to spread love, but a leader must lead mutants forward and improve their circumstances."

Wang Bert’s voice was even louder than Cyclops’s. "An idealist cannot be a leader. In my view, the so-called moderates are really just evaders. They passively seek peaceful coexistence with humans without realizing that humans are sharpening their knives."

Hearing the argument, the surrounding students all turned to stare curiously at Wang Bert. Who was this kid? He actually dared to yell at the professor and Mr. Scott?

"What did you say?"

Cyclops flew into a rage, but the professor raised a hand to stop him. Then, the professor asked in a low voice, "Bert, do you agree with Magneto’s ideals?"

"No. Magneto is merely a revenge-seeker full of hatred. His ideals are complete bullshit."

Wang Bert shook his head. Looking at the professor, he said, "Why must I choose between the two of you? I can walk my own path."

The professor found that somewhat amusing, since Wang Bert was far too young. Cyclops scoffed. "You don’t know your place."

Wang Bert chuckled without arguing back. He said, "Professor, having you as a friend and ally is a wonderful thing, but following you would be the worst choice possible. Politics is not played the way you play it. You are only suited to being a spiritual mentor."

"I know I have many shortcomings," the professor said, "but I believe humanity will eventually accept mutants."

Wang Bert could not help laughing. That truly was the thinking of an idealist.

"Professor, pies do not fall from the sky. If you want to eat pie, you have to fight for it yourself. You have to seize it."

Wang Bert said, "Enough. Professor, it was a pleasure meeting you, but the road I intend to walk is different from yours."

"That is a pity. If you have time, you can visit the school more often."

The professor was not angry, only somewhat regretful. In his view, Wang Bert had a good heart, but he was too arrogant and too impulsive in his youth.

"If I’m still welcome here, I will."

Wang Bert smiled, turned, and left. This school truly was Heaven, unfortunately, it was only a false Heaven.

After Wang Bert left, the professor said, "Scott, have someone keep an eye on him. It’s fine if he makes small attempts on his own, but I’m worried Erik might set his sights on him."

Cyclops snorted. "I’ll keep watching him. I really want to see him hit a wall."

The professor laughed helplessly. Wang Bert’s failure was inevitable; there was no doubt about it—the professor had not failed to make an effort himself. The problem was that all his efforts had failed.

Improving the living conditions of mutants was simply too difficult, especially with a certain old man constantly dragging things backward.

Outside Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, Wang Bert discovered something rather embarrassing: he had no ride home.

"That old man is so stingy."

Wang Bert sighed, took out a hundred-dollar bill from his pocket, and shook it. Both he and the bill vanished at the same time.

Money Power—I want to go home.

At an investment bank on Wall Street, manager Locke frowned deeply when he saw Wang Bert and Zuo Yi walk in. Mutants? Universe Recycling Company was actually a mutant company?

Locke regretted it a little. If he had known they were mutants, he never would have agreed to this meeting.

Though he regretted it, Locke was a professional manager with professional standards. He did not show any impropriety and stood up to shake Wang Bert’s hand.

Seeing that Locke had not thrown them out, Zuo Yi let out a sigh of relief. He did not want to botch his first assignment.

Wang Bert released his hand and smiled. "It seems I’m lucky. Manager Locke, you may not like mutants, but you don’t hate them enough to despise them."

Locke was somewhat surprised by Wang Bert’s bluntness. "Mr. Wang, please sit."

After Wang Bert sat down, Locke said meaningfully, "Mr. Wang, the public’s attitude toward mutants is very unfriendly."

Wang Bert understood what Manager Locke meant. "Things being bad now does not mean they will remain bad in the future. Manager Locke, you and I are both busy people. Let’s get straight to the point."

"Fine, Mr. Wang. Tell me, why should we invest in your company?"

Locke nodded and spoke strictly on business—though he had already rejected this partnership in his heart. The reason was simple: working with mutants would not make money.

"The faster humanity develops, the more seriously it pollutes the environment. For example, dumping trash into the ocean, plastic pollution, and so on. In recent years, major nations have been vigorously promoting environmental protection, including supporting the recycling industry."

Wang Bert spoke, and Locke nodded. That was also why he had agreed to meet them in the first place. The recycling industry had some potential.

"I have a better way to solve the pollution problem."

Wang Bert suddenly stood up. "Manager Locke, do you mind if I demonstrate?"

Locke gestured with his hand. "Not at all. Please."

Wang Bert walked to one side and flicked his hand. A small black hole appeared out of thin air, and a strong wind abruptly swept through the room, making the notebooks rustle loudly.

Locke hurriedly held down his toupee, then asked in alarm and anger, "Mr. Wang, what is the meaning of this?"

Wang Bert took out a plastic bag and tossed it into the black hole. "Like this, there will be no more trash."

"Huh?"

Locke was utterly stunned. In fact, not only him—Zuo Yi was also dumbfounded. He vaguely guessed Wang Bert’s plan, yet still found it hard to believe.

Wang Bert dispersed the black hole (Spatial Exile) and said, "Manager Locke, this is the most environmentally friendly method. All trash will disappear completely, and Earth will become more and more beautiful."

Locke discreetly adjusted his toupee and asked, "Where did that plastic bag go?"

Wang Bert sat down again. "That is not important. What matters is that it will never return to Earth."

Locke swallowed. It was as if he could see a glittering golden gate opening before him. As he thought, he said, "I never expected superpowers could be used like this."

"Many people believe superpowers exist for combat. That is completely wrong. The greatest use of superpowers is to help humanity develop."

Wang Bert said, "Take that notorious Magneto, for example. He could easily help humanity build a Space Station."

"That’s true. Still, it’s hard to imagine Magneto working as a construction worker."

After thinking for a moment, Locke smiled. "Mr. Wang, your idea is excellent, but many people dislike mutants. There may be complications."

"That is why I came to you. I do not really lack funding. What I lack is connections."

Leaning back in his chair, Wang Bert said, "Besides, we have natural allies."

Locke looked thoughtful. "You mean environmental organizations?"

"Exactly. You and I both know how much influence environmental organizations wield."

Wang Bert said, "If you can arrange a few dinners between me and those prominent figures, I believe they will support us with all their strength."

With righteousness and money, there was no reason for them not to offer support.

Locke nodded. "With support from environmental organizations, the pressure would be much less."

"Manager Locke, this is an incredibly profitable business. If you cooperate with me, I guarantee you will make a fortune."

Wang Bert said, "The return will be at least fivefold."

"Fivefold?"

Locke felt his heart surge with excitement. He knew the other party was not making empty promises. What Wang Bert described would truly happen.

In fact, even fivefold might be an underestimate. Once Wang Bert’s company got on track, he would monopolize the garbage recycling industry.

"The prospects are indeed promising, but I must report this to my superiors."

Locke said, "Mr. Wang, perhaps I could invite you to dinner with my boss."

"I will be there on time."

Wang Bert smiled. Locke taking the initiative to introduce his boss meant the matter was practically settled. That was only natural. If there was money to be made, forget working with mutants—even working with demons would be welcome.

Thinking of something, Locke smiled. "It seems I’m the lucky one today."

"We’re both lucky."

Wang Bert stood, shook Locke’s hand, and took his leave.

Inside the Rolls Royce, Zuo Yi could not help asking, "Boss, how did you think of using superpowers to start a company?"

Wang Bert did not answer. Instead, he asked, "Zuo Yi, why do you think ordinary people reject us mutants so strongly?"

Zuo Yi thought for a moment. "Because they fear us and envy us."

"That is only one reason. There is another: we mutants have contributed nothing to this world."

"Contributed nothing?"

Zuo Yi froze, then smiled bitterly. "We really have contributed nothing to this world. All we have brought it is destruction."

"I started this company for three reasons. First, to settle Epsilon Mutants so they will not continue wandering the streets, uncertain whether they will survive each day. Second, to increase mutants’ contributions to the world and thereby gain recognition from some people."

Wang Bert said, "Third, to change mutants’ worldview. Why must superpowers be used for fighting? In my view, superpowers are better used for development and helping others.

"The birth of mutants is a gift God gave humanity, not a punishment."

In truth, the birth of mutants had nothing to do with God. They were the product of Celestial Group experiments, but that did not stop Wang Bert from using God’s name for some publicity.

If he wanted to change ordinary people’s attitudes toward mutants, propaganda was important.

Zuo Yi was deeply shocked and somewhat excited. "Mutants are gifts God gave humanity?"

Wang Bert asked, "If there were a mutant who could make other people’s hair grow back, would you say he was a gift God gave humanity?"

"Of course. At the very least, he would be a gift to Manager Locke."

Zuo Yi had guessed correctly. Locke’s attempt at concealment had not fooled them at all.

"Whether mutants are gifts or punishments depends on humanity’s attitude."

Wang Bert said, "Enough of that. Zuo Yi, get ready. We’re going to be very busy next."

Zuo Yi took a deep breath and nodded. "I have been ready for years."

"Good."

Wang Bert nodded in satisfaction. Then he remembered something and asked, "By the way, do you know any powerful mutants? I want to find a few mutants to do something."

"I know a female mutant. She has a bad temper, but her mission completion rate is very high. However, her fees are extremely expensive."

Wang Bert smiled. "Money has never been a problem."

Three days later, the investment bank and Universe Recycling Company signed an agreement. The investment bank invested twenty million dollars into the Recycling Company, becoming its second-largest shareholder.

Then, with the investment bank’s help, Wang Bert appeared on television and in newspapers one after another, promoting his company and his ideas. All of America became lively, with countless people discussing the matter.

Inside a bar, the television was playing an interview with Wang Bert. "Earth has long been overwhelmed. Conventional environmental protection methods are too slow and too troublesome. My superpower can easily solve this problem. In the future, no one will need to worry about pollution anymore.

"Besides, I believe mutants’ abilities are gifts God gave humanity and Earth. As long as we make good use of those abilities, we can make Earth better."

"Mutants must be plotting something. We cannot let them handle trash. Hmph, forget trash—even if it’s shit, they can forget about eating it."

A mutant opponent cursed loudly, "Also, kill that mutant called Bert Wang. All mutants deserve to die."

Quite a few people in the bar echoed him. "That’s right. All mutants deserve to die."

"I don’t think it’s a bad thing."

A rather gloomy-looking man argued, "At the very least, Earth will no longer dump trash into the ocean. That garbage severely damages the ocean’s ecosystem."