Let it be misunderstood if it is misunderstood. Is my image now even more lofty?
He wandered around the construction site with two kids for a while, checking how deep the foundation had been dug. He needed a multi-level basement, so the foundation had to be very deep.
This month, the ground was frozen harder than stone, but no one would complain. After all, work meant food. If Su Ming announced a holiday and resumed in spring next year, they would likely refuse with all their might.
The construction timeline for the building wasn't rushed; he allowed for a year or two. The above-ground part was fine, but the underground needed thorough planning.
Given Long Island's geological conditions were slightly worse than Manhattan's, the construction speed might be slower compared to the Empire State Building being built over there.
Baki and Steve originally thought there would be large-scale construction, but instead saw a group digging a big pit. Their curiosity soon waned.
Su Ming intended just to stroll with them around the city, chat and see if they'd gone astray, with nothing serious involved.
He had left all serious matters to Gin and Vodka, living like a couch potato recently, doing no more than speaking.
"Do you know what this is for?"
He puffed on a cigar and blew a smoke ring, standing by the big pit, watching the workers below.
"I know, sir. This is for digging the foundation."
Steve, like answering a classroom question, politely raised his hand.
"Do you know why they dig so hard, even though it's very difficult?" Su Ming asked again.
Steve pondered, while Baki learned to answer quickly, though not very confidently.
"Because the foundation is important, just like people should be down-to-earth?"
Su Ming nodded with a silent smile. Yes, that's right, the more upright and simple, the better...
It seemed his image had grown even taller.
..................
The day passed like that. No matter what Su Ming asked them, the two boys always had very righteous and proper answers, making him marvel at their natural potential to be superheroes.
He didn't need to worry about them going astray; they even seemed to embody the American spirit more than depicted in films.
However, as Su Ming understood, their current family situations were like a mix of movies and comics. Was it an illusion?
After a day like this, the two also respected Su Ming immensely, thinking he was a wise and virtuous modern good boss.
Finally, Su Ming took them to the Gramercy Park Hotel for a meal as promised. Although 26th Street's famous hotel wasn't in its future state, its second phase had been completed, only some room interiors were not yet done.
This was a hotel with a lot of personality, filled with post-modern Gothic style. Walls, curtains, carpets—all in blood-red velvet, evoking a vampire castle sensation.
Of course, they were always ahead of their time. Historically, after 2000, they would welcome homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender individuals from around the world, becoming a board member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
Taking Captain America and Winter Soldier here for a meal seemed fitting to Su Ming, though his own presence felt a bit redundant.
The two boys, of course, didn't understand Su Ming's mischievousness, as they were already astounded by the hotel's luxury and grandeur. Once the food was served, they devoured it voraciously.
Su Ming only nibbled a bit, spending more time observing. In a few years, World War II would break out, and they'd be headed to the battlefield then.
He looked forward to meeting them on the battlefield.
"Sorry, sir, we ate too much." Steve wiped his mouth, noticing Su Ming just watching them eat and only having a steak himself, feeling quite embarrassed.
"No worries. The meal was for you. You can eat to your heart's content. Don't save me money."
Su Ming generously called the waiter and instructed him to bring one of every dish except soup from the menu. He was true to his word about letting them take the meal home for their parents to try.
"Oh! Thanks, sir, you really are a good person."
Baki wasn't thinking much, already completely indulged in the food's deliciousness.
It was just a meal, but in the future, winning over Captain America and Winter Soldier wouldn't be as easy as now.
Steve and Baki's eyes were bigger than their stomachs; with dozens of main courses served, they were full very quickly.
"Alright, it's late. I'll take you home in my car."
Su Ming paid the bill, asked the waiter to box all untouched dishes and put them in the car's trunk. New York was chaotic; letting two kids run around was risky.
Without the shield or Qilin arm, Steve and Baki were just ordinary kids.
The car was the same, the luxurious carriage with a faint tobacco smell. Steve and Baki were reminiscing about today's experience.
Previously, finding a matchbox and playing with its stickers made them happy. But today, learning life lessons, eating good food, they'd never forget.
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I'll study hard and become useful to the country." Steve held a bottle of cola, watching the scenery fly by outside, realizing he had truly grown.
"Me too, I'll study well."
Baki nodded. He also wanted to study. Today, Mr. Wilson had made him realize that gaining skills now would lead to a better future for everyone.
"In future, don't wander around, listen to your fathers, and grow well." Su Ming smiled the smile they didn't understand again.
On the dimly lit street, the black limo sped along like a creeping shadow. Before they finished their colas, the car stopped on the street outside their apartment.
Coincidentally or not, the parking spot just covered a long-dried, blurred bloodstain on the street.
Su Ming opened the car door, signaling they were home, watching them reluctantly get off. Su Ming asked the driver to take the food to them.
He wouldn't go to their home; the building looked very dilapidated, wind howling and creaking at night. Going up would just embarrass them.
"Goodbye, sir, thank you again."
The two said goodbye to Su Ming, joyfully returning home with the driver.
However...
It was late, and their fathers were already home.
Steve was alright; his father just asked what he'd done, then lectured him.
Baki wasn't so lucky. Even before the driver left, Su Ming keenly heard Baki's screams.
"Ah! It hurts!"
"Ah! My butt's going to crack open!"
"No! I can't take it!"
"Sigh, a truly hot-tempered elder brother..." Su Ming looked through the car window at the two lit-up houses, shrugged, raised the window: "Drive, back to the bar."
...............
In the days that followed, Su Ming continued his preparations, letting Wilson Enterprises develop as planned. Meanwhile, he traveled worldwide, choosing potential safe houses. He bought buildings or land through third-party shell companies.
With future S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra having countless global bases, Su Ming also needed logistical support, requiring food, weapon, transportation, and communication reserves, all costing money.
Food reserves met his standards for now; other supplies would be added later, already costing a fortune.
Time flew by with different actions from all sides, and the two kids grew, from little dots to teenagers, then young adults.
Su Ming met them every year or two, sharing a meal, chatting, ensuring things stayed on track.
Things developed as expected; they became upright young men. Baki grew tall, handsome, and strong, while Steve stopped growing after fifteen, still suffering from old ailments, almost immune-compromised.
Trachoma, asthma, scarlet fever, and other issues plagued him, becoming frail, like the wind could knock him down.
Yet, their friendship remained unchanged—still best friends.