Crossover: Is this how it's sewn?

Chapter 23, 021. Marcus Out

At S.H.I.E.L.D., Sharon Carter, who is temporarily assuming the role of director, is handling the work methodically to prevent potential turmoil during the power transition.

Sharon Carter, our well-known niece, is also Agent 13 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the original comics, Sharon briefly served as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and she acted as the liaison between Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D., and their ambiguous relationship gradually developed into a romantic one.

Sharon was pregnant with Captain America's child, but unfortunately miscarried during a battle with Red Skull's daughter.

Sharon Carter's mother is Peggy Carter, and given her connection to Captain America, it was expected that she would temporarily take over as director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Although Nick's death was not honorable, Carter decided to give Nick a definition of sacrifice, hold a memorial service for him, and wash away the stain on his reputation.

Nick's memorial service was held on a rainy day. Despite repeated postponements, it was still a rainy day. Many of Nick's friends, colleagues, and subordinates attended the memorial service, as well as some candidates for the position of Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

In the eulogy, Nick was portrayed as a heroic martyr who bravely fought against the Red Dragon to protect the citizens and ultimately sacrificed his life.

A red Lexus sped up and stopped in front of the Capitol Building. The driver, soaked by the rain, opened the back door and used a black umbrella to shield Xu Zhenqing from the rain.

Xu Zhenqing waved his hand, indicating that he had come to mourn the heroes, and let the wind and rain outside blow in.

In the United States, ordinary citizens have the opportunity to attend memorial services for various public figures.

For example, in 2017, more than 200 Chinese people came from all over the country to attend the funeral of an American soldier, even though the soldier did not have Chinese ancestry. His sacrifice and spirit were widely respected.

Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable for Xu Zhenqing to attend Nick's memorial service.

Facing Hill approaching, Xu Zhenqing said with a sorrowful expression, "Paying tribute to the heroes and mourning the deceased."

"The United States has lost a good director."

Hill opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Xu Zhenqing walked past Hill and approached the noblewoman Valentina Aligela de Fontaine, saying directly, "You must be the hero's lover."

"I'm just Nick's girlfriend."

This seemingly capable woman possesses numerous identities, including Nick Fury's girlfriend, Mrs. Hydra, Viper, and Countess de la Fontaine, making her a true double agent of the Empire.

Xu Zhenqing apologized to the other party, saying that he had only heard about it secondhand.

And so, Xu Zhenqing, who was a very obstructive presence in the eyes of others, participated in Nick's memorial service. Poor Nick had already experienced the second death in his life, and after his social death, he was still a person whose marital status was unclear.

Xu Zhenqing, dressed in a black suit with white background, took a white lily from his suit jacket and placed it on Nick's coffin, even making a cross gesture.

Angers and Blake, who were nearby, witnessed everything and simply praised him as a good boy who clearly distinguished between right and wrong.

Carter thought to himself that everyone would remember Director Nick for this moment, but would gradually forget him later; that would be the third time he had died.

Xu Zhenqing took Alicia's arm as they got into the car and left.

In this battle, Xu Zhenqing leveraged the power of public opinion, the influence of his own country, the power of American law, the power of capital and financial resources, and the power derived from his own abilities. It would be an injustice if Nick didn't die.

Xu Zhenqing could have killed Nick directly using the "horror" meme, and he did indeed do so, but he went in circles.

It's not impossible to avoid taking a roundabout approach, but how can we then profit from Nick's tragedy to establish a public persona?

It's only interesting to exploit someone to the fullest extent of their value, to squeeze every last drop out of them.

Looking at Carter's figure, Hill thought long and hard before finally saying, "That Zhenqing Xu might be the murderer."

"Do you have any evidence, Agent Hill?" Carter didn't turn around, watching Xu Zhenqing leave.

"There's no evidence; it's just my gut feeling," Hill said, his voice growing weaker with each word.

……

Alicia looked at her questioningly: "Brother Zhenqing, was the death of the S.H.I.E.L.D. director because of you?"

"Yes, there's no such thing as being able to guard against thieves for a thousand days if you're a thief for a thousand days." Xu Zhenqing spoke the truth, and part of it was true.

Their fingers were intertwined, and Alicia's eyes were completely fixed on Xu Zhenqing, her delicate skin turning pink and rosy.

Marcus, at the Umbrella Hive base, was also deeply saddened upon hearing of Nick's death, which saved him some trouble.

Compared to these trivial matters, Marcus actually cares more about something else.

"Red Queen, has the relevant personnel handled the mysterious spaceship remains discovered a few days ago?"

"This matter is being handled by Dr. Isaacs. He is on his way back and forth. I can transfer you to Dr. Isaacs."

The Red Queen stepped in to answer Marcus's question, explaining that there was no signal in the area where the ruins were located, and that backups were typically made to prevent the loss of important information.

"Transfer to Dr. Isaacs, I have something to discuss with him."

The latest novel is first published here!

"As you wish, Mr. Marcus."

Red Queen located Isaacs's location and sent a call request.

Isaacs, far away in the mountains of southern America, looked suspicious, but after thinking for a moment, he agreed to the call.

"Long time no see, my dear friend Isaacs, how are you?"

"Marcus, when did you become so mushy?"

The two burst into laughter in the blink of an eye, and then began to discuss the matters on both sides, even though each had someone by their side.

The exchange was beneficial, and the mutual trust and communication between the two sides enhanced their friendship and understanding.

Marcus introduced Isaacs to some basic information about Xu Zhenqing, discussing the company's personnel allocation and decision-making adjustments.

Isaacs looked rather grim after ending the call. He had been able to put up some resistance against Marcus by uniting the other minority shareholders, but now Marcus and Xu Zhenqing held 51.34% of the shares, meaning the other party could completely manipulate the shares and have absolute control.

Is this trip back for liquidation or something else?

Isaacs's tendency to judge others by his own standards is likely more of a curse than a blessing.

"Looks like that's the only option."

"Marcus, you forced me to do this."

A piece of information about the ruins was "accidentally" discovered by a staff member on duty. He did not make a fuss, but quietly found the designated location and made a satellite phone call.

"Mr. Marcus, the ruins contain artificial intelligence from an alien civilization that far surpasses that of the Red Queen. Isaacs is attempting to gain access to it."

"Okay, I understand. You've done a great job. Your mother's cancer treatment is nearing its end, and I believe you'll soon be able to meet a healthy and beautiful Ms. Hamisha."

The staff on duty were moved to tears when they saw the photos and videos that Marcus forwarded, and they thanked Marcus repeatedly.

(End of this chapter)