Professor

"Don’t tell me you used your superpowers to rob a bank?"

Thinking of something, Zuo Yi cried out in alarm, "Little brother, using superpowers to commit crimes won’t end well. You should keep your feet on the ground."

You really guessed right.

Wang Bert silently mocked, then said, "Don’t worry, all my assets are completely legal. The Tax Bureau can prove it. Let’s not talk about that. Mr. Bula, are you willing to accept my offer?"

"This…"

Zuo Yi hesitated. It was not that he was unwilling to accept, but that he had not quite processed it yet—one second he was a homeless man, the next he was a president. The contrast was simply too great.

Thinking of something, the light in Zuo Yi’s eyes gradually faded. He touched the scales on his face and said bitterly, "Someone like me can’t be a president."

"You can. I started this company to give Epsilon Mutants a place to settle down."

Wang Bert said, "Mutants should not become homeless. As long as those Epsilon Mutants are willing to support themselves with their own hands, I will hire them to work for me."

"Really?"

Zuo Yi had not expected Wang Bert to have such aspirations. He reminded him, "This will require a great deal of money, and the government may not want to see this happen."

"I don’t lack money."

Wang Bert took out an Old Flip-Cover Bulletproof Nokia Phone and showed Zuo Yi the balance in a text message. "As for the government, I have an appointment this afternoon with Wall Street investment banks to discuss cooperation. With investment banks backing us, the government will not interfere."

"More than thirty million dollars? Wall Street investment banks?"

When Zuo Yi saw the balance on the phone, he was first stunned, then excited. In America, money could get you anything. More than thirty million dollars could accomplish a great many things.

At the very least, it could stop homeless mutants from continuing to wander the streets—homeless mutants were not lazy good-for-nothings. They were homeless because no one was willing to hire them, leaving them no choice but to drift around.

Maybe this can really work. Even if it can’t, more than thirty million can keep things going for a long time.

Zuo Yi rose to his feet and said, "Thank you very much for thinking so highly of me. I am willing to join your company."

"Very good. Welcome to the Universe Recycling Company."

Wang Bert held out his hand to Zuo Yi. Zuo Yi hesitated, not because he did not want to shake hands, but because his hands were too dirty. Wang Bert’s hand, on the other hand, was not only clean, but also wore a Rolex worth more than a million dollars.

Seeing this, Wang Bert took the initiative to shake Zuo Yi’s hand. Zuo Yi was somewhat moved. That alone was enough to prove that the other man was truly a good person.

At that moment, a pleasant female voice came from nearby. "Mr. Bula, he’s completely different from what you described."

Wang Bert turned and saw two familiar figures walking toward them. One had red hair and a pretty, dignified appearance. It was Phoenix Jean Grey.

The other wore strange sunglasses. He was Cyclops Scott, the unlucky man Wolverine had cuckolded—Cyclops was truly unlucky. In the comics, he was supposed to be the protagonist.

Phoenix hasn’t appeared. Does that mean the ancient gods were rolled back too?

Wang Bert’s eyes flickered. Even the ancient gods had been reset. This reset was probably anything but simple.

Seeing Phoenix and Cyclops, Zuo Yi felt a little awkward. He hurriedly said to Wang Bert, "L-Little… uh, BOSS, they are teachers from the Mutant Academy. Some time ago, I reported your situation to the professor and hoped he could help you."

"Thank you for your kindness."

Wang Bert waved it off indifferently, then asked Phoenix, "Your arrival seems a little too convenient, doesn’t it?"

"It wasn’t a coincidence. We specifically sent people to wait here for you."

Jean explained, "The professor did not want anything to happen to you. This city is not very friendly toward mutants."

Wang Bert shrugged. "Nothing will happen to me. I’ll only get rich."

"God did not give you superpowers so you could use them to commit crimes. You must return that money immediately."

Cyclops spoke coldly. In his opinion, Wang Bert’s money had definitely been obtained through superpowers.

"Didn’t God tell you that everyone is innocent until a judge convicts them?"

Wang Bert sneered. "Also, who are you? Do you have law enforcement authority? If not, do you believe I can sue you for slander?"

Cyclops’s expression darkened. "What did you say?"

Wang Bert said in an old-fashioned tone, "Looks like you don’t understand the law. Young man, read more books. Stop wearing sunglasses all day to act cool. No matter how cool you are, you’ll never be as cool as Blade."

Cyclops was furious and was about to speak when Jean pulled him back. She said, "Hello, I’m Jean Grey. May I ask what your name is?"

"Bert Wang."

Wang Bert nodded to Jean, then turned to Cyclops and said, "All my assets are legal income. You can check with the Tax Bureau, if you’re capable of it."

"I’ll check."

Cyclops said coldly.

Jean secretly shook her head and invited Wang Bert, "Mr. Wang, the professor would like to meet you. Do you have time?"

"No problem. I’d like to meet the professor as well."

Wang Bert nodded in agreement. Before leaving, he said to Zuo Yi, "I booked you a presidential suite at the Hilton Hotel. Get yourself cleaned up. This afternoon, you will accompany me to meet the people from the investment bank."

Zuo Yi hesitated. "Won’t I scare the investment managers if I go?"

"Anyone frightened by you is not qualified to get rich with me."

Wang Bert shook his head and said to the driver, "Take him to the hotel, then follow his instructions."

"Yes, sir."

The driver replied. Though he did not like mutants, he liked green Franklins.

"Thank you, BOSS."

Zuo Yi was extremely grateful. Cyclops glanced at Wang Bert, and his gaze softened slightly. Though this kid was irritating, he was not a bad person.

After Zuo Yi drove away, Wang Bert said, "All right, we can leave now. You did drive here, right?"

"Of course. Don’t touch anything."

Cyclops snorted and led the two of them to where the car was parked. A moment later, an antique car sped away, heading back to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

"An antique car. Not bad taste."

Wang Bert commented, then turned to Jean and asked, "Why did the professor stake out this place looking for me? It can’t just be because I’m a mutant, right?"

Jean hesitated for a moment, but did not hide it. "The professor cannot sense you. Do you have some sort of psychic mutant ability?"

"No. The reason the professor cannot sense me is because the quality of my soul is especially high."

Wang Bert said. Though he was merely a drop of the original body’s blood, the quality was there. Even the professor could not read his mind.

"The quality of your soul?"

Jean assumed Wang Bert did not want to say and changed the subject. "What kind of company are you planning to open? A mutant company will face rejection. The professor once opened a garment factory that hired mutants, but people protested outside every day. In the end, it could only close down."

This was both a question and a warning. As a famous rich second-generation spendthrift, the professor had already tried similar methods. The result had been very sad—he had squandered another sum of money.

"The Universe Recycling Company."

Wang Bert said, "Simply put, it will handle garbage collection and recycling. These jobs require a large workforce, which makes them perfect for homeless mutants."

"Garbage collection?"

Both Jean and Cyclops frowned. In their eyes, this work was somewhat lowly.

Wang Bert shook his head. "No job is inherently noble or lowly. Garbage collection benefits both the country and its people. Besides, this is only the beginning. First, we make sure mutants have jobs. We can discuss everything else afterward."

"That is true. Having a job is more important than anything."

Jean nodded. "But this may be countless times more difficult than you imagine."

In Jean’s view, Wang Bert was a newborn calf unafraid of tigers. Wang Bert merely smiled and said nothing more. There had never been anything the Blood God wanted to do but could not accomplish.

Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters was located in the outskirts of New York. It had once been the family estate of the rich second-generation professor, who had converted it into a spacious academy.

Unlike the mutants outside who were living in dire straits, the students here were very happy. Some were training their abilities, while others played basketball, brimming with youthful energy.

Wang Bert stepped out of Cyclops’s antique car and said, "This place truly is Heaven."

Jean smiled. "It really is Heaven. Here, mutants will not suffer any harm."

"The problem is that outside is Hell. Honestly, I don’t think turning this place into Heaven is a good thing. Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand wind and rain."

Wang Bert shook his head. "They cannot bear the pressure of Hell. Hell will drive them insane."

Jean’s smile stiffened. Just as she was about to say something, a gentle voice sounded. "I believe my students are not so fragile. Besides, it is our responsibility to protect children and let them grow up healthy and happy."

Wang Bert turned and saw a kindly-looking bald old man riding toward them in an automatic wheelchair. Seeing Wang Bert look over, he said gently, "Hello, I am Professor Charles Xavier."

"Hello, Professor."

Wang Bert nodded with great respect. He did not agree with the professor’s methods, but he deeply admired the professor’s character.

The professor had devoted his entire life to mutants. He was a highly respected, truly good man worthy of everyone’s admiration.

"Hello, Mr. Bert Wang."

The professor smiled and nodded. "Mr. Bula reported your situation to me. I hope you do not blame him. Also, the reason I sent people to wait for you was because I could not find you."

The professor’s candor made Wang Bert think more highly of him. He smiled and said, "Don’t worry, I don’t mind. As for why you couldn’t find me, it’s because I’m rather special. I was born immune to Mind Power."

"It seems God favors you greatly."

The professor did not ask further. He nodded to Jean and Cyclops, then personally took Wang Bert on a tour of the academy. Along the way, he said, "I investigated your situation. Do not blame your parents. They simply could not accept their son becoming a demon."

"Professor, you don’t need to comfort me. I don’t blame them."

Wang Bert shook his head. It was just background information. What was there for him to blame?

Still, American parents really were heartless. In the country from Wang Bert’s previous life, most parents would not throw their child out of the house over something like this.

The professor looked at Wang Bert in surprise. He truly did not blame his parents. How was that possible?

After being heartlessly kicked out by his parents and forced to wander the streets, who besides a saint could avoid feeling angry?

This child is a little strange.

The professor thought to himself, then continued showing Wang Bert around the academy while gradually explaining his ideals.

Wang Bert listened quietly. As before, he greatly admired the professor as a person, but he did not approve of his methods.

The two major factions among the X-Men, Professor X and Magneto, were both wrong. Mutants needed a third pole—him, Blood God Wang Bert.

As they passed the basketball court, Wang Bert’s attention was drawn to a girl playing basketball. If he remembered correctly, that should be Shadowcat Kitty.

The professor followed Wang Bert’s gaze toward the basketball court and immediately smiled. Youth really was wonderful.

Unfortunately, the professor misunderstood. Wang Bert had noticed Kitty because, before he transmigrated, the actress who played Kitty had just transitioned into a man, leaving a deep impression on him.

"What a beautiful woman. What a shame."

Wang Bert shook his head and continued touring the academy with the professor. Kitty had no idea someone was paying attention to her and kept playing. At that moment, the tempered glass on the backboard suddenly shattered with a bang, and fragments rained down toward Kitty.

Kitty screamed, and her entire body turned into a phantom. The glass passed through her body and clattered onto the ground.

"Kitty, are you all right?"

The others were startled and hurried over to check on Kitty. Kitty became solid again, patting her chest as she said, "That was close. Good thing I’m fine."

Hearing the commotion, Wang Bert and the professor turned around at the same time. Wang Bert smiled and said, "Professor, you should buy your glass from that Eastern country. The quality is excellent."

"Perhaps it has simply been in use for too long. In a while, I’ll have Scott inspect the school facilities and eliminate any safety hazards."

The professor sighed slightly. Many things in this academy were old, just like him.

More money to spend again.

Thinking of this, the professor could not help frowning. He truly was an ultra-rich second-generation heir, but he spent money far too quickly. By now, he did not have much money left.

All the homeless mutants in the city, plus the Mutant Academy—even a mountain of gold could not withstand such spending.

How did that saying go? Right, even a landlord has no surplus grain.

Just as they mentioned Cyclops, Cyclops walked over. He first gave Wang Bert a surprised look, then bent down and whispered to the professor, "I checked. The money in his account is legal. Also, his total assets are around forty million dollars."

"So that means he did not do that?"

The professor muttered to himself—that referred to the gang bank robbery.

The incident had been too bizarre. Kingpin suspected mutants were responsible and sent people to ask the professor about it. The professor agreed to help investigate.

In just a few days, Wang Bert had gone from a prospective homeless man to a wealthy man. Naturally, the professor had some suspicions, which was why Cyclops had been so aggressive toward Wang Bert earlier.

But now, it seemed the two had misunderstood him. Such a huge sum of money could not possibly be laundered in a few days. Besides, money laundering fees were extremely high. After laundering more than fifty million, less than half might remain—and that was the friends-and-family rate.

"Then where did his money come from?"

As the professor pondered, he asked Wang Bert, "Bert, I heard you are preparing to start a garbage Recycling Company that hires mutants?"