Watching Charles Doyle enter, Kingpin walked a few steps and embraced him. "Charles, long time no see."
Charles, not refusing the warmth, gave a brief hug and patted his shoulder. "It's been two months, right?"
Kingpin smiled. "Two months indeed. The last time we met was at the Elder's banquet when you became one of the elders. I didn't expect that in just two short months, you not only became the leader of the High Table but also the major shareholder of Stark Industries, and even a superhero admired by thousands."
Listening to the praise, Charles shook his head. "Kingpin, you know me. I won't become a superhero. Anyone who wants my help has to pay a price, no matter who they are."
Hearing Charles's words, Kingpin put away his smile.
In fact, he was afraid that under the media's praise, Charles would become a superhero like Iron Man and then turn around to strike at the underworld.
He genuinely feared that, under media praise, Charles would become a superhero, turning around to strike at evil.
If that happened, no underworld force could withstand Charles's heavy blows, especially since Charles wasn't an outsider ignorant of the underworld.
Fortunately, Charles didn't have such thoughts, and he didn't become the kind of person praised by the media.
"No change, and that puts my mind at ease. In the future, I'll rely on you even more."
"This time, I've brought you quite a few things. I know you love fine wine, and this time, I've collected quite a lot."
Afterward, Kingpin brought Charles to the entrance of the agency and pointed at one of the trucks. "This entire truck is filled with renowned wines from various countries, all of them rare collectibles with limited availability."
"I haven't brought any wines you can buy in large quantities; you don't lack those, and you can buy them anywhere."
Looking at the truckload of wines, Charles nodded. The most expensive ones weren't their prices but the difficulty in collecting them.
"Kingpin, you've done well. I really like this gift."
Hearing that Charles liked it, Kingpin felt relieved.
"Since you like it, I'm relieved. I've spent quite a bit of effort on this. After you became an Elder, I ordered my subordinates to purchase fine wines from around the world."
What you could buy with money was bought with money, and for what you couldn't, other means were used. Kingpin's efforts for this gift were worth much more than the wines on this truck.
Kingpin then pointed to another truck. "This truck contains antiques I've collected from various countries, including many from the East. I heard you have an understanding and interest in that culture, so I believe you'll find these things fascinating."
Hearing about antiques, especially those from the East, Charles's surprise was barely noticeable. Yet, his interest in these things wasn't as significant, considering he wasn't from the same country as he was in his past life. But still, he accepted it.
As for the contents of the last truck, it was relatively simple—precious jewelry and gold, with a total value of one billion dollars.
With the previous commission and this generous gift, Kingpin practically emptied his liquid assets.
After listening to Kingpin's introduction, Charles called Iruka and instructed him to arrange the staff to move everything into the underground vault.
He also notified Ginny to come for an audit and handle the items. Charles and Kingpin then returned to the guest room.
"I've received your goodwill, and I'm satisfied."
Holding the scepter in his hand, Kingpin said, "Thank you very much for giving me the territory of Japan. These are just part of my gratitude."
"But my liquid assets are running low. These things are only a tenth or twelfth of what I wanted to give you. I will continue to express my gratitude in the days to come."
Hearing Kingpin's words, Charles speculated. This guy seems to be planning to come and deliver a similar gift like this every year. Is this a disguised form of loyalty? This type of protection fee is quite creative.
After understanding Kingpin's intentions, Charles smiled and said, "Alright, I understand your intentions."
Hearing Charles's agreement, Kingpin was relieved, and a smile returned to his face. After chatting for a while, Charles escorted Kingpin out of the agency.
Seeing Kingpin leave, Charles turned back to the agency as he noticed a familiar figure at the service desk—a man of Asian descent.
Approaching the service desk, Charles saw the man's face from the front, and he seemed to be Louis Koo.
No, it should be a man who resembled Louis Koo or a character from a movie he wasn't familiar with.
As for why he appeared in this universe, Charles was already accustomed to it. This wasn't a pure Marvel universe.
"Chinese?"
Hearing the man next to him speak fluent Chinese, Li Zhongzhi was taken aback for a moment. Then he replied, "Yes, I'm Chinese, Li Zhongzhi, from Hong Kong."
Hearing Li Zhongzhi's name, Charles tried to recall from his memory but couldn't remember which character Li Zhongzhi played in any of Louis Koo's movies.
With so many movies under his belt, it was hard for Charles to remember the names of the characters. He only remembered Louis Koo.
"Hong Konger? How did you end up here? What's the matter?"
"By the way, do you know what kind of agency this is?"
Li Zhongzhi looked confused as to why the man in front of him was asking so many questions. He glanced at Iruka at the service desk.
At this moment, Iruka, using fluent English, spoke, "This is the owner of our agency, Charles Doyle."
Hearing that Charles was the owner of the agency, Li Zhongzhi immediately said, "My daughter is missing. Please, help me."
Seeing the anxious 'Louis Koo,' Charles hesitated for a moment, then said, "Come with me to the guest room. Tell me your story, and I'll see if I can help you."
"Iruka, bring me a blank mission scroll."
Taking the blank mission scroll from Iruka, he led the man to the guest room.
Sitting on the sofa, looking at the Hong Kong man with a face similar to Louis Koo. Charles remembered the actor's philanthropy and charity work, deciding that if the guy was genuinely in need, he could consider offering a lower price for this commission.
"Sir, can you tell me the reason for the situation and the task you want to commission?"