"Mrs. Wilson has already prepared everything; I told them in advance." Peter was, of course, well-prepared.
Next, Catherine also showed her Young Master all the various pieces of furniture she had prepared for the kitten.
It was clear that Mrs. Wilson was also filled with joy at the prospect of having a new little member in the family.
"On the day of the press conference—" Peter looked at the time and realized it was about time to leave, but he still asked with some unease.
Don't worry, I'm just a minor employee in the Brand Promotion Department. What does a press conference have to do with me?" Finn really had no intention of doing anything this time, so he felt neither guilty nor nervous, but rather very confident. "I definitely won't cause any trouble.
Peter watched him quietly, hearing every single one of his promises, both spoken and in his heart.
He even felt that the way Finn made his solemn promises to him.. was quite adorable.
Since Finn had promised Peter, he himself was also looking forward to the birthday party Noah had prepared for him, he certainly had no intention of causing any more trouble before the party; at the very least, he wanted to celebrate his birthday first. By the time the press conference arrived, the entire Brand Promotion Department was fully prepared; one could say that everyone was like a taut string, waiting for a battle that could erupt at any moment.
Only Finn, dressed in a well-tailored formal suit and looking like an exquisite vase, found a comfortable corner backstage, acting as a bystander to help create memes for Peter's Flying Pillow character.
"You gave the thing to Harry, right?" Finn asked Andrew to confirm once more.
Yes." Andrew nodded. Although he had no connection to the Osborn Group, even he felt nervous in such an atmosphere. "Mr. Harry Osborn said that he would handle it.
“.. Handle it?” Finn put down his stylus and looked up at the group of figures poised for action not far away—Marcus and his group of companions, all dressed in sharp suits, were whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with a sense of determination.
Even as early as when they met before, Marcus had already given him several meaningful glances.
—It was clearly left completely unhandled.
Finn originally thought that before the press conference began, Harry would have made it impossible for this group to have any chance of appearing.
Others might have some room to maneuver, but Marcus..
Finn was certain that the information he gave to Harry contained the key evidence needed to immediately bring Marcus under investigation.
"What's wrong?" Andrew asked, feeling somewhat uneasy.
"Has Harry arrived?" Finn frowned slightly; he also couldn't figure out what Harry was thinking.
"No." Andrew stood up to ask Manager Daniel, the answer given was no.
Finn's brow furrowed even deeper, his mind racing with wild thoughts: [Surely it's not that Marcus kidnapped Harry just to make the plan go more smoothly?]
Finn thought about it and decided to find a private lounge in a breakroom to call Harry.
The call was answered quickly, the familiar, cold voice on the other end actually made Finn breathe a sigh of relief.
What on earth is wrong with you?" Finn deliberately lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of interrogation. He certainly remembered his persona; he and Harry only formed a temporary united front when facing external enemies. Even so, there was no warmth between them, after resolving the Marcus incident, an intense civil war was still unavoidable. "I thought you would have dealt with those troubles before the press conference? As it turns out, is this all you're capable of?
"Marcus and the others are incredibly arrogant right now. You haven't seen their attitude; they've probably already decided where they're going to hold their victory banquet tonight." Finn had no idea what Harry's plan was; to be honest, he hadn't cared before because he had great confidence in Harry. But seeing Marcus and the others acting so arrogantly as if their victory were already in the bag, Finn couldn't help but fear that something might go wrong at the last minute.
"I have countermeasures." Harry's response was as cold as ever, with not a hint of panic detectable in his voice.
“Countermeasures? I hope you keep your word.” Hearing Harry say that, Finn naturally believed that Harry must have perfect countermeasures in place; Marcus would likely only be able to act up for a little while longer.
"Don't worry, don't worry, it's all under control," Finn reassured himself in his heart.
"Where are you? The press conference is about to start," Finn asked casually.
"Cancel the press conference," Harry's cold voice came through the phone.
What did you say!?" Finn stared with wide, incredulous eyes. "Are you crazy? Canceling the press conference?
Is this what you call measures?" Finn took a deep breath, struggling to steady his tone. "We are the Osborn Group! Not some obscure small business! Look at the media outside, including people from the government and the military—they are all crowded here! Do you have any idea how much suspicion your sudden cancellation of the press conference will cause?
"Moreover, the people Marcus arranged were originally intended to challenge you publicly; it's not as if canceling the press conference would make these issues disappear. This is the best opportunity for a counterattack and a chance to clarify things; otherwise, the media and public opinion will only cause even more trouble later. Do you realize how much impact this will have on the Osborn Group?" Finn did not believe that Harry didn't understand such basic principles.
I know, I have countermeasures." Harry stuck to his words, "Cancel the press conference.
“Are you doubting that I didn't bring Max Dillon? I brought him; he's right there in the audience.” Finn suddenly realized that Harry was likely wary of him playing some double agent trick within a game within a game, so he hurriedly explained, “If I weren't on your side, I wouldn't have gone to all the trouble of gathering that evidence and handing it to you, would I?”
Is that so?
Harry merely asked an ambiguous, indifferent question from the other end of the phone.
Finn immediately fell silent.
His persona seems to have been crafted too successfully.
To the point where his persona, under these circumstances, seems impossible to maintain.
PP, have I not shown any stance of standing on the same side as Harry Osborn during this period of time?" Finn asked with frustration. "If I were to suddenly defect and say I would stand on Harry Osborn's side, would it instead seem exceptionally suspicious?
System PP: [.. This only means that the Host's plan has been implemented very successfully.]
Finn certainly knew that Harry was a very cautious person.
He, who had been constantly clamoring to take back the Osborn Group, had encountered such a golden opportunity, yet instead of kicking Harry while he was down, he had actively sided with Harry and even proactively handed over evidence—anyone would suspect there was a catch.
Not to mention someone as shrewd as Harry.
"Do you think I'm using you to get rid of Marcus and the others, then using the stage Marcus left me.. to crush you?" Finn simply laid it all out. He had to admit, if he could actually do that, it would indeed be a very clever move.
And the key point is—
Indeed, S. H. I. E. L. D. had completely blocked all information regarding Max Dillon for him, so far Harry could not be certain of Max's existence. In order to continue arguing with Harry, Finn refused to give in and speak about Max's current situation.
How about I have Max video call you right now to settle this?" Finn said helplessly. "He has already recovered, I've also talked him through it. He will pretend that the accident never happened and will absolutely not say anything out of place in any situation.
The more Finn spoke, the more he felt that.. his explanation sounded like it truly had no credibility.
Yes, he is bringing Max Dillon.
But would Harry suspect that Max was still that out-of-control Electro-man? Would he suspect that he wanted Max to expose those painful experiences in front of everyone on stage, forcing Max, who had already become Electro-man, into a confrontation with Harry, making it impossible for him to save face?
If you didn't believe me, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Finn wasn't angry; he just asked in confusion. If Harry had questioned him earlier, he would have had time to take Max to have a rehearsal with Harry first. It was all his fault for trusting Harry too much. "Now you're thinking about canceling the press conference—what have you been doing all this time?
"Finn, this is a notification, not a negotiation." Harry's tone remained just as unyielding as ever.
This press conference is very important; it is your first major move after inheriting the Osborn Group, everyone is watching you. I don't know what measures you are talking about, but canceling this press conference will inevitably bring negative consequences to the Osborn Group, to you as well. Your mecha contract with the military will likely be put on hold because of it." Finn's voice also grew heavy; he couldn't stand watching the stage be set up like this without the protagonist making an appearance. "How much manpower, material, promotional resources has the Osborn Group poured into this press conference? Even I have been dragged into countless meetings by the department. You only pay me fifty thousand dollars a month in salary; how many years will I have to work for you to make up for the investment in this press conference?
Harry, you’d better show up right now," Finn said, his voice dropping into a direct threat. "Because if you don't, I can't guarantee what kind of scene I'll make on a stage this global.
After a moment of silence on the phone, Harry's cold voice came through—
Finn, you'd better know exactly what kind of consequences your actions will bring.
The call was hung up immediately as the voice faded.
Finn stared at the phone screen with a tight frown, after a moment of silence, said to System PP with certainty:
He's having an episode.
There is only one possibility.
Otherwise, Harry would never miss this press conference.
Harry would never allow his wretchedness and vulnerability during his bouts of illness to be exposed to the public eye.
By contrast.. canceling the press conference was, in fact, the best option.
Finn composed himself and found Manager Daniel, who looked tense because he was unable to contact the CEO.
"Harry can't come for the time being. You go and give the speech," Finn said.
".. Me??" Manager Daniel was struck with shock.
Finn didn't waste any words, directly raising the price on Manager Daniel right then and there, bidding frantically.
Manager Daniel shook his head repeatedly in fright; he even felt as if Finn were rapidly raising his bidding paddle at an auction to buy him up.
But no matter what was said, Manager Daniel did not dare to attend such a crucial occasion.
Manager Daniel also received the notice to cancel the press conference at this time. Although he didn't know why, he felt relieved rather than being forced into a crisis.
What's wrong?" Marcus walked over with a smile at that moment. "The press conference is being canceled?
"Harry isn't planning to come," Finn said calmly.
Is that so?" Marcus gave a low chuckle and leaned closer to Finn, his voice dropping so low that only the two of them could hear. "Isn't that the perfect opportunity? Whether Harry Osborn is too afraid to come or is unable to come due to his illness, this plan never required him to be executed—you are the key.
Don't worry, everyone will cooperate with you.
As soon as Marcus finished speaking, Finn saw a dozen or so people in black security uniforms swiftly intercept the colleagues from the Brand Promotion Department who were heading to notify the media to cancel the press conference. Their movements were crisp and efficient, clearly having prepared in advance.
“Marcus! What are you doing!” Manager Daniel said, both shocked and furious.
Don't worry, everything is under my control. This was originally a stage tailor-made for you." Marcus didn't care at all about a minor character like Daniel. His gaze swept over the heads of the crowd below the stage, the smile on the corners of his mouth deepening as he looked at Finn and said, "Here, Harry Osborn will become a dark piece of history, you will finally be able to completely shake off the shadow Harry has cast over you. Do you see that stage? Walk toward it, you will lead the Osborn Group into a new era.
Finn met Marcus's gaze; the ambition and calculation in the man's eyes were almost overflowing.
[Fine then.]
Since the atmosphere has been built up to this point.
"The stage is all set. Since Harry isn't coming, I guess it's up to me then," Finn said with a smile, looking at Marcus.
Finn took off his suit jacket and casually draped it over the back of a nearby chair.
Inside was a well-fitted white shirt paired with a matching vest, outlining the young man's lean and upright figure.
Marcus's men stepped forward, helping him adjust his collar and attach the microphone.
Everyone who was unaware stared at this scene in a daze and confusion, having no idea what was about to happen.
System PP: [Host, are you nervous?]
Standing to the side, Andrew was already dumbfounded by this series of sudden changes. He didn't know what Finn was planning to do, but his face had turned pale from nervousness, he looked as if he were unable to breathe.
“What's there to be nervous about?” Finn looked at Andrew's appearance and gave a light chuckle. He was speaking to Andrew, but he was also answering System PP; he had already accompanied the Host through a hundred such peak moments. "It's a small scene."
"Marcus, I'm ready," Finn said with a smile, turning to look at Marcus.
Actually, Finn wasn't prepared at all, but it didn't matter.
An excellent System should be brave enough to face any challenge and assist a superior Host in overcoming all difficulties. That is what it means to be—
The thing Finn is best at.
The lights in the venue dimmed.
The massive circular screen slowly lit up, revealing the opening video that the Osborn Group had invested heavily in creating specifically for this press conference. It began playing silently:
On the screen, a formation of jet-black mecha rose from the ground, their metallic shells shimmering with a cold, dark green streamlined light, outlining sharp and aggressive lines.
The neat and orderly formation of mechs appeared in various scenes, finally cruising steadily over the skies of New York. As they swept past the rows of towering skyscrapers, the light and shadow on their bodies shimmered in harmony with the reflections from the glass curtain walls of the Osborn Group, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Finally, the mecha formation transformed into a smooth, dark green arc, coming to a halt at the Memorial Plaza in the center of the city.
In the square, white doves symbolizing peace took flight at the sound.