Chapter 69

"Different, yes. I'm referring to your abilities, which are the biggest difference between you and normal humans. However, for people like us, apart from a few exceptional individuals among you, the rest have no significant impact on us. Some of you can fly, but we have our own airplanes. Some of you can teleport short distances, making you invincible on a small playing field. But we also have an entire team at our service. Some of you can pass through obstacles as if they don't exist. But honestly, if you don't take anything from me, it doesn't affect me at all."

"However, these abilities of yours do affect ordinary people who rely on them for their livelihood. And that's where the root of the problem lies."

"Look, we are always just a minority. We need the vast majority of ordinary people to work for us, not you. If we have to choose, most of us would side with the ordinary people rather than you. The reason is simple: benefits. The benefits they create are greater than those you create. So, the key to your problem is not with us, the people in power, but with the ordinary people."

"Humans are a very narrow-minded race, burdened with original sin. This isn't my opinion; it's in the Bible. One of the original sins is envy. Your differences make the ordinary people around you envious, and this is undeniable. Just like my sister's ability, if I had her ability, I might be a baseball player instead of a businessman."

"See, even I am envious. How much more so for ordinary people, who, when they think about what you have that they don't, will feel uncomfortable. At such times, a little provocation will inevitably lead to resentment."

"Sir, may I ask why?" A young man stood up. "Have we interfered with them in any way? Why should they envy us? Are they unreasonable?"

"Son, may I ask your name?" Zhou Yi asked with a smile, gesturing for the young man to sit down.

"Bob, I'm Bob!"

Having learned the young man's name, Zhou Yi continued his explanation.

"Alright, Bob. Let me give you an analogy. If you, because you are a mutant, have never been sick and never had to go to the hospital—Ororo told me that you really don't get sick—but your siblings are not like that. They suffer from various diseases. Do you think they would envy you?"

"Sir, I don't know. I have a younger brother, and although our relationship isn't great, I don't think it would be that bad." Bob looked troubled, clearly unsure of his brother's thoughts.

"Let's extend this analogy. Even though we have health insurance, being sick and hospitalized still costs money. This might not be a problem for a family, but what if there is a comparison?"

"Your brother is not as healthy as you. While you are active and lively, he has to take medicine and listen to your parents' endless nagging. Do you think he would feel comfortable? Would he not envy you?"

"When your parents treat the healthy you with everything you ask for, but constantly nag at him, treating him like a baby, do you think he would feel the same?"

Seeing Bob's puzzled expression, Zhou Yi waved his hand to change the topic.

"Sorry, this might be a bit heavy for you. Let's try another analogy. Imagine you are a laborer who relies on physical work for a living. Because of your good health, you can do more than others and meet your boss's demands. When the economy is bad, and most workers are laid off, you are retained. What do you think they would think?"

"Not everyone would envy me, right? After all, others were also retained." Bob asked, puzzled. This topic had an obvious flaw.

"Yes, that's true. But what if your identity is exposed?" Zhou Yi's face showed a strange expression. He saw the door open, and Ororo, Jean Grey, and Logan, whom he had just scolded, were standing there, listening to his lecture.

However, Zhou Yi did not stop and continued.

"Those workers would blame their layoffs on you. Even if you weren't there, only one position would be available, but believe me, young man. All the laid-off workers would think you took their place. Wouldn't they envy you?"

"You, strictly speaking, your kind, your differences become an excuse for many. They would attribute their failures to you. When this envy turns into prejudice, and someone leads a protest against us, think about what the scene would be like. Yes, it's exactly like this. The protests and demonstrations you see on TV, most of those terrifying things come from this difference."

"Don't look at the politicians' loud protests; most of them don't even remember you. They are mainly trying to win the support of the ordinary people at the bottom, which is their political achievement. Ordinary people are the main reason for your current situation."

"Please note, young men and women, the main reason. There are always people who are obsessed with hatred. Some mutants' abilities have deeply hurt some people, and they oppose you purely out of hatred. These people are not included in what I'm talking about."

"Sir, if the difference is the reason for our situation, is there no solution? We don't want to be like this. These abilities are innate, and we can't control them. If I could, I wouldn't want to live like this." A girl stood up, speaking with some emotion. Zhou Yi noticed her appearance; she was wrapped up tightly, even in the warm indoor environment, wearing a coat and gloves, only her cute little face exposed. But this little face was full of worry.

"Child, there is always a solution. But I hope you will listen to what I have to say and then think about how to choose, okay?"

The girl nodded seriously, and Zhou Yi could see that she truly regarded his words as a beacon. This made him feel some pressure. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.

"Before this, I said you have two problems. One is difference, and the other is reputation. Now let's talk about the reputation issue. I want to ask, who is the most famous mutant you know?"

"I'll tell you my answer: Professor Charles and a man called Magneto. I know them because I am an arms dealer, and these two once became the catalysts for a potential war, the largest since World War II. Who do you know?"

The students were noisy, but their answers were completely unconvincing. The most famous mutant they mentioned was actually Sharrise, which was a joke.

Pressing his hand down, Zhou Yi quieted the students and continued.

"I believe you know how unreliable your answers are. Yes, that's right. You yourselves don't know who is famous in your community, and ordinary people know even less. We know some people, but they don't represent you. This leads to a problem: you have no spokesperson. The only one who can speak for you is a man named Hank McCoy. Believe me, apart from some government officials, most people don't even know he exists. They might think he's just an actor in a furry costume."

"I have no intention of insulting Mr. Hank. I am just stating a fact. But I still want to apologize to him because I know he is a respected and wise man. And you, does anyone know you exist? Does anyone know the good or bad things you have done?"

"No one represents you in the public eye, and your reputation is not protected. Do you know why some politicians use attacks on you as their political achievements? It's simple. No one will cause trouble for them over this. Ordinary people won't, we won't, and you yourselves won't. Your reputation is trampled, but you don't defend it. Some mutants even use extreme methods, which might feel satisfying, but what is the actual effect? It just makes ordinary people who pay attention to you look down on you, which is harmful to your reputation."

"Do you know why I'm talking about this? Because there is a solution. Compared to ordinary people, you have the ability to protect your reputation."

"Like Robert Downey Jr., he has been a drug addict for many years, but after successfully quitting, he was accepted by the public again through a superhero movie. You can do the same."

"You have the ability to do things to change your image and improve your reputation. Although your reputation is not good now, you can blame your predecessors for leaving you a mess. But it's not beyond repair."

"So, what should be done?" The question came from Ororo. If anyone is concerned about the future of mutants, she is definitely one of the most worried. It's hard to understand their situation unless you are in their shoes.

"The solution is simple: act. Use your abilities to help people. Reality has shown that humans are willing to accept those who can help them. Just like that guy who flies around New York all day, he built his hero reputation bit by bit through such means. Recently, I attended a fundraising event for an orphanage, and the children asked for the most were not candies or toys, but action figures of that guy. I think even if I were made into an action figure, I wouldn't be as popular as him. So, here's the question: he and you are both super-powered individuals. Why can he do it, but you can't?"

"You mean, you want us to become superheroes? You must be joking." Ororo's face was full of disbelief. But Zhou Yi was very serious.

"Why not? This is the choice I'm giving you. Do you want to live as a hidden mutant among ordinary people, living in constant fear and trying to hide your differences? Or do you want to be a superhero with extraordinary reputation, upholding justice, enjoying the cheers and support of the people, and being proud of your differences, even making ordinary people proud of your differences?"