Billionaire in Kingsman with a Marvel System

Chapter 284: Chapter 284: How Have You Survived Until Now?



William was already prepared for McCall to refuse. "Aren't you interested in hearing my final offer?"

"No need," McCall shook his head. "You've spent so much money and effort to learn about me; whatever you're offering is probably tailor-made for me. Rather than being tempted, it's better to refuse from the start. Sorry, Mr. Devonshire, but I must take my leave."

McCall stood up, smiling as he greeted Alina, who was approaching with a plate of cream pie. "You seem to be in a good mood. What's the occasion?"

"I... I just wanted to thank you... for the coffee and the pie," Alina stammered, clearly nervous. Having never received a gift since coming to the USA, she was overwhelmed by McCall's kindness. Though she was nervous, her pretty face was filled with joy.

Noticing William still looking at her from his seat, she mumbled, "I... I won't disturb you any longer."

"No, no," McCall said as he returned to his usual spot, pulling out a chair. "It's fine. My conversation with my friend is over. Sit down, let's chat."

"Really? I'm not bothering you?" Alina asked uncertainly.

"Sit," McCall said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Come on, keep this old man company. You can think of me as a grandfather who just wants to chat with a young person."

"Okay," Alina replied awkwardly, sitting down but still nervous. "Thank you. I really hope I'm not interrupting."

"Of course not," McCall reassured her.

"Alright," Alina said, setting her phone, plate, and bag neatly on the table after seeing how meticulously McCall had arranged his things.

Watching her fumble, McCall chuckled. "Relax, this is a restaurant, not a school or an office. I'm not your teacher or your boss. There's no need to be so careful."

Alina smiled a little at his words. After a brief moment of awkwardness, she pulled a CD from her bag and placed it carefully on the table. "Thank you for your encouragement yesterday. This is a private recording I made this afternoon at a small studio."

Alina, with some expectation in her voice, said, "If you don't mind, I hope you'll be my first listener. Could you give me some feedback after you listen?"

"Of course, it would be an honor," McCall said, picking up the CD and smiling kindly at her. "Oh, singer Alina, I'm so glad you thought of me first. Believe me, Alina, I'll be a good listener. And congratulations on taking the first step towards your dream. Anyone who has the courage can achieve their dreams."

McCall held out his fist between them. Alina clumsily bumped her fist against his, smiling happily. "Thank you."

"Wow," McCall joked, shaking his hand as if it hurt. "Do all young people have such strong grips these days?"

As they continued talking, Alina's phone rang several times, but she kept ignoring the calls. Seeing McCall's concerned look, she smiled awkwardly. "Sorry, you probably know what my profession is."

McCall nodded silently. He could tell from her attire and demeanor.

Seeing his concern, Alina laughed it off. "It's okay. Let's just say I'm taking the day off. Besides my sisters, I haven't had a real conversation with anyone in a long time."

After a moment of silence, McCall looked into her slightly fearful eyes and said, "You know, you could choose to live your own life."

Alina chuckled bitterly and shook her head. "You don't understand, Mr. McCall. In your world, maybe that's possible, but not for me. My life is already controlled by others."

"Then change it. Try to change your destiny," McCall encouraged her.

"Pfft," William, sitting at a nearby table, couldn't help but laugh out loud. McCall turned towards him, looking a bit angry. William, covering his mouth, apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I think you're giving the wrong advice to the wrong person."

"You're encouraging a defenseless young girl to resist a force she can't handle, Mr. McCall. Not everyone has the skills you have to fight against oppression. If you really want to help her, send her away, or..." William subtly gestured to his throat behind Alina's back. Glancing at his watch, he realized he had lost interest in watching a somewhat naïve man try to save a Russian mafia's unfortunate girl.

Inwardly, William wondered how McCall had managed to survive this long. He was urging a money-making asset of the ruthless Russian mafia to rebel against them, something that seemed like a death wish to William.

It seemed that McCall was indeed only suited to being a muscleman. Despite his extensive experience, he was still so naïve. William had plenty of muscle at his disposal—Barney, Christmas, John Wick—they were all as capable as McCall, and without the sanctimonious attitude. Carlos the Cross was much more formidable.

Reflecting on the various do-gooders he had encountered before, William was glad he had come to observe McCall in person. Otherwise, having a self-righteous person like McCall around could backfire due to some misguided idealism.

However, seeing that Alina looked like the young Hit-Girl from his memories, William decided to be charitable. He stood up, walked over to McCall and Alina's table, and said to Alina, "The Russian mafia aren't kind people. In their eyes, everything besides vodka, money, money, and more money is just merchandise. If you don't want to live like this anymore, get far away from here. Go to a place where there's no Russian mafia, marry a decent man, and live anonymously."

He paused and added, "Or, fight your way to the top by any means necessary. Good luck, naïve girl."

Without acknowledging McCall's stunned expression, William walked back to his table, picked up his helmet, tossed a $100 bill on the table, and pushed open the restaurant door to leave.

"Who was that guy?" Alina asked, looking at the $100 bill on the table. Hearing the roar of a motorcycle outside, she turned to see William rev the engine a few times before speeding off on his Ducati R6 like a bullet.

Cleaning up the table, the restaurant owner, Jacob, regretfully eyed the $100 bill, disappointed that he hadn't received a Continental Hotel coin today. Hearing Alina's question, Jacob sighed, "A super-boy that none of us can afford to mess with, Alina. You really should have listened to me. If you could've caught his eye, you'd never have to worry about your life again."

Jacob took the $100 bill and the coffee cup, wiped the table, and gave Alina a sympathetic look. Then, shaking his head, he walked back to the counter. Reflecting on how he had been subtly trying to communicate with Alina earlier, Jacob thought to himself, "What a clueless girl, wasting all those hints I gave her."

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