The three Helicarriers were only destroyed in their engines and most of their weapon systems, which led to Project Insight's failure.
Even though they fell from the sky, many of their internal components remained largely undamaged.
This essentially means that all the remaining electronic equipment on these three Helicarriers fell under Qingshui's control.
If anyone wanted to use these three Helicarriers again in the future, they would only be doing his bidding.
"Steve, everyone on the three carriers had high-altitude survival gear like parachutes, so you don't need to worry, but this person..."
"He's my friend, Watt, Bucky, a former member of the Howling Commandos. I'm sure you've seen his file in a museum or somewhere before."
Captain America, with a determined look, picked Bucky up.
"I know, but you need to think about others. Although he was controlled by Hydra, over these past decades, many people have died at his hands. For example, your other old friend, Howard, and his wife. I found this out after hacking into Hydra's internal network data.
You need to think about Tony."
Steve Rogers' expression immediately became complicated.
Bucky was his childhood playmate; they practically grew up together, and he was his most trusted companion on the battlefield.
Howard was also a good friend he made during the war, providing the strongest support for the Howling Commandos he led. Without Howard, he wouldn't be where he is today.
His shield was crafted by Howard, and even when they risked going a thousand miles deep into enemy territory to rescue Bucky, it was Howard who personally piloted the helicopter to help.
It was impossible for Steve Rogers not to feel guilty at that moment.
But given his personality, asking him to abandon Bucky was also impossible.
"The carrier is sinking. Let's get down first."
Steve changed the subject.
"Alright."
Qingshui casually opened a portal back.
Meanwhile, Black Widow, disguised as a UN Security Council representative, along with Nick Fury, publicly released information about Hydra and S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as a list of Hydra members, to the entire world online, and arrested Alexander Pierce.
At the same time, in Chicago, Michigan.
The President, who had originally planned to inspect a new industrial zone there, looked shaken as he shook hands with Qingshui's Shadow Clone.
"Mr. Watt, on behalf of all American people, I thank you for your contribution to the peace of this nation."
President Yvonne Stone gripped the Shadow Clone's hand tightly.
Beside him was the lifeless body of Vice President Miguel Rodriguez, the one controlled by Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) and Hydra.
Further away were the dismantled War Machine, a dozen or so individuals who had controlled the President, and some Chicago police officers whom Qingshui had temporarily called over, ostensibly to assist, but actually to serve as witnesses.
It's worth noting that some presidents in this world align with those from other worlds, such as Franklin, Roosevelt, Lincoln, etc., but many do not, like Yvonne Stone and his vice president, Miguel Rodriguez.
In some timelines of certain worlds, the president was the black man, and the vice president was some old geezer.
"Mr. President, you're too kind. I'm a citizen of this country, and one of the highest taxpayers at that. I wouldn't want this country to be thrown into such chaos by certain people. That would definitely significantly affect me and my wealth."
Qingshui smiled a practiced, fake smile as he spoke to President Yvonne.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Watt, I owe you a favor, a big favor. Whatever you need me to do in the future, I will do my best to help you."
President Yvonne also smiled, his tone carrying a deeper meaning.
Saving his life was one thing, but as a top politician, he was even more aware of Qingshui's value.
As a Superhero, a super-rich individual, a scientist who saved countless disabled people, and brought significant change to American society, Clearwater's popularity among the American public was considerable.
Perhaps he didn't have as many fans as the distinctive and often attention-seeking Stark, but the gap wasn't huge, and far fewer people disliked him compared to Stark—the latter's personality and way of dealing with people had offended many over the years.
Qingshui also represented Osborn, currently America's largest medical and military capital, and a member of the country's ruling class, so Yvonne naturally wanted to win him over.
His term had just over two years left, and since he had already served two terms as president, re-election was out of the question. However, he hoped his party would win the next election, and ideally, that someone he put forward, who could inherit and affirm his political legacy, would succeed him.
Having the support of someone like Qingshui could be a great help.
"There will be an opportunity, Mr. President."
Qingshui said with a chuckle, then turned to look out the window.
Because of his help, Tony Stark was much faster at repairing his Iron Suit, tracking clues, and eliminating enemies than he would have been on his own.
Therefore, this "most expensive fireworks display in history," valued at tens of billions and formed by dozens of Iron Suits, lost some of its brilliance without the backdrop of night.
However, the blossoming of these fireworks also marked the annihilation of Killian's Extremis Virus army.
The Shadow Clone silently sent a message to the main body at that moment.
Upon receiving the message, the main body looked up at Nick Fury.
"What do you think of my suggestion?"
Fury said, looking at Qingshui as he stepped out of the Electrolight Armor.
"Never mind what I think. Lend me a few reliable people to protect the President, and then a few more professional intelligence officers. I need help with something."
Qingshui paused, then added:
"It's serious, very serious."
Nick Fury readily agreed.
"I know, I've already received word about the President from Chicago. Coulson, leave things here to Hill, and bring Captain America along. With him there, the President should feel safe. As for intelligence, Natasha, take Sharon and the rest of her team and head out with Watt."
A few minutes later, after handing Bucky over to a few S.H.I.E.L.D. agents for detention, a worried Captain America stepped into the teleportation circle to protect the President.
Meanwhile, Qingshui, accompanied by Black Widow, Sharon Carter, and several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, entered the portal.
"This is the headquarters of Advanced Idea Mechanics. What exactly are you looking for? The Extremis Virus formula?"
Natasha tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, holding a tablet and quickly searching for information as she spoke.
She wasn't the only one; Sharon Carter and the other agents were doing the same.
As Hydra's intelligence network was infiltrated by Watos through the backdoor left by Nick Fury, a vast amount of data from Advanced Idea Mechanics, a company intertwined with Hydra, also fell into Qingshui's hands.
"Exactly. You're very good at finding things, which saves me a lot of trouble."
Qingshui said, opening a portal to Osborn's laboratory.
The lab was currently protected by layers of security from Osborn's security group and weapon defense systems controlled by Watos. Pepper was waiting anxiously in a chair.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Connors, whose arm had recovered, was studying the Extremis Virus with Maya Hansen, trying to find a way to crack it.
As soon as the teleportation circle opened, Pepper's eyes lit up, but she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when she saw Tony wasn't with Qingshui.
"Where's Tony?"
"He's fine, but he just spent a hundred billion or so putting on a fireworks show to send Killian to meet his maker. Dr. Maya, I need your help investigating Advanced Idea Mechanics. It would be best if you could cooperate with them to bring back all valuable data and equipment."
Qingshui said to Maya Hansen.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
With Qingshui's actions, Advanced Idea Mechanics and Killian were done for; she was safe.
...
The entire upper echelon of American society was in turmoil that day.
Hydra's existence implicated too many people and things. Even within organizations like the FBI, CIA, and the military, numerous Hydra members were lurking, some holding high-ranking positions.
At this time, the importance of the President and Captain America became evident.
The former was a leader in the military and political spheres, while the latter was a spiritual leader in the hearts of Americans. Only together could they consolidate power in the shortest possible time.
Coupled with the support from the military-industrial complex represented by Qingshui, and the inclusion of the remaining important S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, at least Washington and New York, two crucial northern and southern cores of America, quickly stabilized.
If these two places didn't descend into chaos, other areas wouldn't be able to stir up much trouble either.
The next day, during afternoon tea.
"Are you really not going to reconsider? S.H.I.E.L.D. has now removed the cancerous growth that was Hydra. You should be able to trust us a little more."
Nick Fury, dressed in his black leather coat, sat in the drawing-room of Watt Manor, speaking to Qingshui.
"You're the one I don't trust. Of course, I also know that you want to pull me in because you don't trust me."
Qingshui took a sip of coffee, addressing Nick Fury.
He had already obtained a vast amount of crucial S.H.I.E.L.D. intelligence through Watos. He knew exactly what Nick Fury had done and what S.H.I.E.L.D.'s backup plans were. It would be strange if this dark-skinned man trusted him.
I knew it.
Nick Fury sighed.
"You and I are the same kind of people. We're both conniving and ambitious. No matter what, we'll never fully trust each other."
A question mark appeared above Qingshui's head.
Since when am I the same kind of person as you?
"But the key is, S.H.I.E.L.D. can hardly continue to exist."
Nick Fury said to Qingshui.
"The Hydra incident has too far-reaching implications, and S.H.I.E.L.D. made such a huge blunder. Both the UN Security Council and high-ranking officials in the White House believe that since S.H.I.E.L.D. cannot fulfill its proper duties, there's no need for it to continue existing. It should be replaced by newly established organizations."
Qingshui rubbed his nose.
"So you came to me to secretly rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D., planning to use me as your financier? Stark is richer than I am, has a stronger sense of justice, and is easier to fool. You should go to him."
While Qingshui's assets had grown further since before, they hadn't reached the hundred-billion level.
After Obadiah's death, Tony Stark had reacquired a large number of shares and successfully transformed Stark Group using energy technology, causing its market value to swell further. His current net worth had reached two hundred billion.
"No, I have a better method, and you're more suitable than him."
Nick Fury took a sip of tea and frowned.
He didn't care for this kind of tea.
"You just said it yourself, Stark's flaw is his strong sense of justice and how emotional he can be. Although he's very smart, because he always trusts others too much, he ends up being deceived.
But Watt, you're different from him. You're cunning enough, sly enough, always unable to give others a hundred percent trust, good at hiding secrets, and with wealth and power as added bonuses, you're the most suitable candidate I've chosen."
"Are you complimenting me or insulting me? How dare you assert that I'm such a person?"
Qingshui looked at Nick Fury, his eyes filled with displeasure.
"Do you have a deeply hidden secret, one you could never tell anyone?" Nick Fury asked.
"Yes."
"And in this world, is there anyone for whom you'd willingly sacrifice everything—your wealth, power, reputation, and even your life?"
"Uh... no."
"You went from an ordinary second-generation rich kid with assets of only a few billion to one of America's top fifteen wealthiest individuals in just two years. You built today's empire with various technologies and industrial layouts. You planned it all yourself, didn't you?"
"I guess... yes."
Qingshui rubbed his chin.
Am I really that kind of person?
No way!
The reason I'm where I am today is because I integrated technological resources from multiple worlds, because I know the direction of technological development, and because I opened a cheat menu!
"So you're looking for someone like me because..."
"You're as exceptional as I am, Watt. That's why you're the most suitable person to be the next S.H.I.E.L.D. Director after me."
"I've rarely met someone as shameless as you."
"Thank you, you too. That's one of the necessary conditions for being S.H.I.E.L.D. Director. If you're not thick-skinned, it's hard to get money from the Security Council."
Damn it!
Qingshui felt like Nick Fury had just insulted him.
"Why me? You know what I mean. For you, wouldn't it be a better choice to pick someone like Coulson, appoint him as the new director, and secretly rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"You're thinking exactly what I am. But if we can get official recognition and support during the rebuilding phase, that's much better than secretly putting things together."
The New Year is approaching. I wish everyone good health, prosperity, amazing luck with single pulls, and guaranteed success with multi-pulls!
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