Multiverse: Deathstroke

Chapter 178: Ch.177 Wilson Enterprises’ Exhibits

He had never been much interested in things he couldn\'t understand. With the front lines awaiting him tomorrow, pondering why Stark\'s car could fly, or why Mr. Wilson never seemed to age, didn\'t really matter for his future.

The Great Depression had taught people to be practical. In these times, people were all about survival.

Tom once told him, "Don\'t ask questions you shouldn\'t. Don\'t think about things you shouldn\'t. That\'s how you live longer."

Unfortunately, Tom hadn\'t followed his own advice. He asked where Joseph was going, and the two ended up enlisting together and dying from mustard gas in a trench.

Bucky was deeply saddened by his father\'s death, but he found some solace in knowing Tom hadn\'t been alone—he\'d been with Joseph until the end, just as real brothers should.

If Steve could join him on the battlefield, Bucky would stick by his side just the same. But Steve\'s frail health meant he was better off staying behind, living a safer life. Bucky figured he\'d take care of the revenge for both of them.

As the chaotic scene on the stage unfolded, Bucky smiled, lost in thought. Then, turning to say something to Steve, he realized Steve was gone.

Bucky had planned to take Steve and the girls over to the Wilson Enterprises booth. Tonight\'s theme was "The Efficient Life and Dining of Future People," and there were rumors of new products being unveiled.

Standing on his toes, Bucky scanned the crowd. Steve\'s thin frame was easy to spot, but even more noticeable was Su Ming, whose commanding presence made him stand out even more. No one dared come close to Su Ming or Steve, as they talked quietly on the outskirts of the gathering.

Bucky took the girls by the hand and weaved through the crowd toward them. Since the Stark Industries display had ended, it was only polite to go say hello at the Wilson Enterprises booth.

"Mr. Wilson," Bucky greeted.

"Hey, Bucky, perfect timing. We\'re about to start over at my booth too." Su Ming smiled, acknowledging Bucky and giving the girls a brief, polite nod.

However, the smile unsettled the girls. There was something dark, almost dangerous, lurking beneath his outward charm, a presence that made them uneasy. But as soon as they realized they were in the presence of the CEO of Wilson Enterprises, their fear melted away, replaced by eagerness to get closer.

Su Ming understood exactly what was going on. Wilson Enterprises\' top products in the domestic market included drinks, perfumes, stockings, and high-end lingerie. If it weren\'t for the old association of alcohol with domestic violence, he\'d practically be hailed as women\'s best friend.

He didn\'t mind; the more harmless his public persona appeared, the better. After all, who would associate him with Deathstroke, the urban legend and feared villain?

Su Ming led the group to the Wilson Enterprises booth, which had a completely different vibe from Stark\'s. There were chairs and small tables arranged like a high-end banquet hall.

Each round table was draped with a white cloth, adorned with fresh flowers and candles. In early spring, fresh flowers were rare, but thanks to Su Ming\'s invention of greenhouses, he could afford such luxuries.

At the front table, Gin was already waiting. As usual, he had taken care of all the details, while Su Ming had just returned from Hawaii the previous night and spent the day at home.

This time, Su Ming had been handling the acquisition of Kahoolawe Island. Boulder, the island\'s former owner, had been recalled by the Royal Navy to command a transport ship, and he wasted no time selling the island to Su Ming.

With his future uncertain—German U-boats still terrorized Europe—Boulder had no choice but to let go of his island, a few pineapple fields, a small cargo ship, and a crude dock with a row of thatched huts.

Su Ming spent a few days exploring the island and even used the Godslayer to dig out a cellar before rushing back to New York, as key events were about to unfold.

Once everyone was seated, Gin gave a subtle nod, signaling that it was time to begin.

A tall, lean man with slightly thinning hair walked onto the stage, wearing a turtleneck and jeans. In one hand, he held a cylindrical object, while the other casually stroked his chin as he struck a pose before beginning to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Wilson Enterprises."

After the applause, he smiled and nodded to the audience. "I\'m Jos, the spokesperson for Wilson Enterprises, and now we\'ll start introducing our latest products."

"As modern life advances, our pace quickens. Time spent on travel has already been dramatically reduced thanks to the widespread adoption of cars. But what is now the main factor that eats up your workday? In an age of hourly wages, wasted time is wasted money. Have you ever thought about what\'s affecting your income?"

The audience began to murmur, some guessing sleep. But sleep couldn\'t be shortened, right? That could be fatal.

Jos didn\'t keep them in suspense for long. He raised the cylinder in his hand, revealing colorful designs and, of course, the familiar yellow-and-black W logo of Wilson Enterprises.

"Some might think sleep is the issue, but good rest is necessary to avoid accidents. So, how can you gain more time in your day for work? The answer lies in shortening your mealtime." Jos held the cylinder high like the Statue of Liberty\'s torch. "That\'s right. Wilson Enterprises brings you the solution: instant noodles!"

The crowd buzzed with curiosity. Fast food, like sandwiches and hamburgers, was already common in America, known for its convenience. But the problem was, you either had to stand in line at a fast-food joint, or if you brought it from home, it would be cold by lunchtime.

Jos raised a hand to calm the murmuring crowd and brought the microphone closer to his mouth. "This is our new product from Wilson Enterprises—instant noodles, solving all the issues with sandwiches and hamburgers. But rather than just telling you about it, let\'s hand one out to everyone, and I\'ll show you how to prepare it."

A group of black-clad workers wheeled in crates, distributing individual cups of instant noodles in various flavors to the audience. Soon, everyone had one in hand—except for Su Ming himself.

There was no way he was eating any more of that. He\'d had enough instant noodles to last a lifetime.

Instant noodles were supposed to have debuted in 1958, invented by Japan\'s Nissin company, but in the Marvel world, who knew how history would unfold? Su Ming had his team of not-so-great scientists work on the concept, and they quickly developed it. Despite being experts in physics and chemistry, their progress on food science was bizarrely fast.

Rocket science wasn\'t their strong suit, but when it came to drying noodles and creating new flavor packets, they figured it out on their own with only a vague idea from Su Ming.

It was almost tragic, but it seemed like the scientists\' real talent was in food.

So, Su Ming sat back and watched as curious Americans followed the knockoff "Jos Jobs" on stage, learning how to make instant noodles.

Three minutes later, the slurping sounds filled the air. To suit American tastes, the sauces were sweet, featuring tomato and egg yolk flavors. Even Steve and Bucky were slurping away, fully immersed in their meal.

Life was lonely sometimes.

Su Ming sighed and glanced to the side, spotting Howard Stark at the edge of the exhibit, surrounded by his booth girls, happily eating instant noodles.

Judging by his expression, Howard was thoroughly enjoying himself, slurping away with a plastic fork, sauce dripping down his chin.

Well, Stark\'s booth had a hovering car, and his booth had instant food. Both were about improving the basics of life. Strictly speaking, instant noodles were much more successful than the hover car, which only Stark himself had ever driven.

Jos, wiping his mouth after enjoying his own serving of instant noodles, grinned. Even though the buttered steak-flavored sauce had no trace of actual meat, he still felt like he was tasting beef.

"Ahem. So, how do you all like our new product?" Jos asked.

The audience erupted into applause. The air was thick with the familiar scent of noodles, reminding Su Ming of train rides and the smell that lingered in the carriages.

Jos, pleased with the crowd\'s reaction, gave a small, satisfied nod. Feeling a bit bloated, he stifled a burp before smiling broadly and continuing, "And now, let\'s move on to our second product. Something that lets you have a quick, hearty meal with friends, anywhere, anytime—instant stew!"