Li Yue was currently in a house that Dummy had bought under other people's identity. Moreover, Li Yue had long destroyed the tracking chip that Vought installed under his skin. Right now, only Starlight knew that he was still alive.
Li Yue didn't care about the insults and condemnations from the outside world. If everything goes as planned, the situation would be overturned soon.
...
As the vice president of Vought International, Madelyn couldn't just ignore the situation. The narrative of the media had turned most of the masses to Homelander's side; after all, Homelander was the spiritual leader of all superheroes!
Vought International had arrived at a crossroad. The first choice was to echo the majority opinions and publicly support Homelander while condemning Thunderclap's crime.
This choice was advantageous for Vought since they could align with the majority opinions and obtain the support of the people. It would allow Vought to minimize their losses.
However, supporting Homelander might attract Thunderclap's rage. If Thunderclap really defeated and killed Homelander as easily as in the video, then this choice will undoubtedly establish a strong enemy for Vought International! An enemy stronger than Homelander!
The second choice was to publicly support Thunderclap. However, not only would this choice offend the public, it might not be enough to win Thunderclap's favor. However, there was still a chance that they could gain enough positive impression that Thunderclap wouldn't oppose Vought in the future!
Then again, Madelyn's last conversation with Thunderclap clearly revealed that he no longer had any respect for her. He obviously wouldn't have a good impression of Vought International! The chance of him not going against her was next to zero!
In this situation, supporting Homelander was undoubtedly the best choice. But Madelyn still had to consider the consequences of Thunderclap's wrath. Vought International had no way to resist a superhuman who could kill Homelander!
Madelyn was faced with a conundrum! She couldn't make up her mind, but as long as the president and the senior staff didn't intervene directly, the decision fell onto her shoulder as the Vice President!
Of course, she could also choose to be silent, refusing to support either Thunderclap or Homelander. However, while this decision would avert the worst-case scenario, it would never achieve the best case.
After the storm passed, if Vought International chose silence, the people would begin to point at Vought and accuse the company of being complacent!
...
`
Madelyn's head was about to explode. She received countless calls that demanded an explanation from her, and most of them were from people that she couldn't afford to offend. Sweet-talking them was hard enough without the dilemma she was facing!
After thinking for a while, Madelyn finally made a decision and called her assistant!
"Arrange a press conference within an hour. Make sure all the major media outlets are present! Also, increase the security at the venue. We can't let any unexpected incidents occur!"
"Yes, vice president. The technical department had traced the video to a Chinese man. However, when our people searched the place he was staying, the room was already empty. It seemed that he had left in a hurry!
"We later discovered that he had bought a last-minute ticket to return to China. He must've found out that we looked for him. Vice president, should we continue chasing him?"
The female assistant narrated the entire story, not forgetting to ask for further instructions!
"Well... he already returned to China, so let's just forget about it. It wouldn't be good for us to make a big move in China, especially right after such a prominent incident!
"Alright, go and prepare for the press conference!"
Madelyn didn't hesitate to shoot down the idea of continuing the chase. That order was initially issued to limit the early spread of the video by cutting it at the source. But right now, capturing the person who first released the video was meaningless!
...
An hour passed in the blink of an eye. The news of Vought International's official press conference attracted the media like a lantern for moths. Countless large and small media outlets sent reporters to the venue.
All sorts of speculation still brewed across the populace with regard to Homelander and Thunderclap's battle in the sky, but most of them still stood by Homelander's side and condemned Thunderclap.
"Vought's press conference couldn't come at a better time. Would they be able to clear the water?"
The reporters all shared similar thoughts. The promised time for the press conference was coming!
This press conference was different from usual. Instead of a cast of superheroes, only Vice President Madelyn was present on the stage.
Madelyn briefly introduced the purpose of this press conference before giving the reporters turns to ask questions!
"Miss Madelyn, could you explain the battle between Homelander and Thunderclap, both superheroes under your company? What was the reason for them to fight?"
A female reporter took the lead to stand up and ask questions. She spared zero nonsense and went straight to the point!
"When I first heard the news about Homelander and Thunderclap, I was just as shocked and confused as everyone else.
"But Homelander and Thunderclap are superheroes under our company. We cannot escape from our portion of the blame. I would like to apologize on their behalf! We apologize that our internal matter has caused trouble for everyone!
"We are working hard to investigate the cause of this incident. I trust that we will be able to give everyone a clear answer soon. Please give us some time."
Madelyn was already prepared. She first expressed her apology for the current situation and expressed that she was also unaware of the matter between Homelander and Thunderclap. However, the company was working hard to investigate the whole story.
"Currently, the majority of the internet sided with Homelander, believing him to be righteous while condemning Thunderclap as the villain. They said that Homelander had attacked Thunderclap to prevent a crime! Which side does your company support as the righteous side?"
Another reporter stood up and asked the burning question inside everyone's mind!
"I'm sorry, but I can't answer this question for the time being. No one can know for sure what exactly happened yet. But I can guarantee that we will definitely stand on the side of justice and will not shield the criminal!"
Madelyn's answer was full of spirit, with a firm and sincere tone.
Buzz...
A serious press conference obviously demanded all phones to be silenced, but so many phones vibrating all at once would still create a loud noise!
"SHOCKING! Homelander was the REAL villain? This revelation enraged the netizens! Hear what Homelander and Thunderclap had to say for themselves!"
A big headline filled their phone screens!