Chapter 70

Some of the students began to clap, even though Zhou Yi's words made the choice seem quite difficult for them, at least a new path had appeared before their eyes. This path might be rugged, but it could lead them to the peak.

Not everyone accepted Zhou Yi's viewpoint. As he finished his lecture and walked off the stage, Ororo had already pulled him aside, now complaining to him.

"Yi, how can you teach these children like this? What you're doing could very well lead them into a dangerous industry."

"Ororo, there's nothing absolutely safe in this world. Do you really think keeping these children in the school can protect them? It's just a bigger prison for them. They need to interact with the outside world, and even be accepted by it."

In a way, Zhou Yi also hoped that mutants could become positive figures, rather than the miserable, discriminated against outcasts they are now. This was not only for Chari, but also for Ororo and the others. They need an identity that can walk in the sunlight, an identity that can be accepted by the world.

"But do you know what they will face if they follow your advice?" Ororo was not easily convinced. "The superheroes you mentioned don't just fight human criminals; they also deal with those terrifying monsters. Don't you watch the news? Do you think these children can handle such things?"

"Ororo, you're worrying too much." Zhou Yi placed his hand on Ororo's shoulder, trying to soothe her. "It's not as difficult as you think. I can arrange for them to try some simple tasks. You know, I have some influence in the city police department and the fire center. And among your students, there are those who can help them. With a little effort, a good start won't be hard to achieve."

"That's a good idea, Ororo. I think we should give it a try." Jean Grey, understanding Zhou Yi's intentions, decisively supported him. She saw clearly that with the full support of a true financial tycoon, they could easily have a good start, and with Zhou Yi's backing, the future of this endeavor would be bright.

In short, this was something that would only benefit mutants, with no downside. There was no reason to let a little worry derail such a plan.

"Although I don't like this bastard, what he says does make sense. You're too isolated, and that's not a good thing." Logan, holding a cigar, chimed in with his opinion. He didn't like Zhou Yi, but he couldn't let his emotions interfere with the matter at hand. His long life experience told him that Zhou Yi's suggestion was indeed a way to improve the status of mutants.

"Alright, alright. If we're really going to do this, can we first carefully plan it out?" Ororo seemed hesitant. She loved the mutant family too much, to the point where she couldn't bear to see anyone get hurt. Making a decision on this matter was difficult for her.

Hugging her from behind and kissing her earlobe to soothe her, Zhou Yi whispered in her ear.

"It will be fine, Ororo. I'll help you. Haven't you always wanted to live a truly normal life?"

"I hope everything goes as you say, that would be wonderful!" Ororo sighed deeply, reluctantly calming her emotions. She hugged Zhou Yi's arm, as if in prayer or self-comfort.

Hugging Ororo tightly, Zhou Yi's firm chest conveyed his determination. Ororo patted his arm and turned to give him a grateful smile.

"I've already talked to the Professor. I agree with you, but we need teachers to go with you to make us feel at ease."

"As long as Scott isn't there, everything is fine." Zhou Yi clearly stated his opinion. Everyone knew that Scott had a grudge against him, and he certainly didn't want such a guy around to make him uncomfortable.

Giving him a playful glare, Ororo said irritably.

"I don't understand why you and Scott are so at odds. Don't worry, we've already discussed it. I and Jean will go with you, and Logan will join us too."

"Very welcome to our Christmas party. But," Zhou Yi looked at the disgruntled Wolverine. "Buddy, are you planning to hitch a ride home?"

"Hmph!" Logan expressed his attitude bluntly. "I just don't trust Rogue and the others with you, you scoundrel."

"Alright, Mr. Bodyguard. Just so you know, I won't be paying you any salary."

Logan responded with a snort. Ororo and Jean had already gotten used to Zhou Yi's infuriating tone. His gentle demeanor only appeared when he was with women and children; with most men, he was always this laid-back.

With Ororo's agreement, Chari quickly resolved the other issues. Zhou Yi had just lit a cigarette but hadn't started smoking when she appeared in front of him, carrying a large bag and pulling two friends. She appeared with a "Bing" sound.

"Bro, you're amazing. I didn't know you had this kind of ability. I think you should run for president, not sell weapons." Chari chattered non-stop as soon as she appeared. Clearly, Zhou Yi's performance had made her extremely proud. This was the significance of a godlike brother to his sister, giving her something to boast about at any time.

"You're thinking too much, Chari. If I ran for president, you probably wouldn't get as much pocket money."

"Then forget it, this is fine." The fickle sister easily changed her mind for her own benefit. She was busy helping her friends load their luggage into the car while shouting at her brother.

"Hey! Bro, what are you waiting for? We're ready, and I can't wait to fly to France. This is the farthest I've ever been!"

"Take it easy. You and your friends can play games in the car for now." Zhou Yi took a puff of his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke with a mischievous smile. "This time, we're not just taking you."

"You didn't invite Ororo, did you?" Chari asked warily. A trip with Ororo was not what she wanted; Ororo's caution was a nightmare for her.

"Not just her!" Zhou Yi said, opening the car door. He could already see Ororo and the others with their luggage.

"I never thought I'd be spending Christmas in France with you. This is the first time in years I haven't spent Christmas at the school," Ororo said with a touch of nostalgia as Zhou Yi took her luggage.

"Don't worry, you won't be the most surprised!" Zhou Yi smiled and took Jean's luggage as well. "I can guarantee that my mother will be the most surprised. She doesn't even know about our relationship yet!"

Hearing this, Jean's expression flickered, and Ororo exclaimed in surprise.

"You're not planning to tell Mrs. Zhou now, are you? Oh, I'm not ready for that!"

"It's not too late to prepare! Don't say I didn't warn you!" Zhou Yi put the luggage away and turned to Wolverine and a young girl.

"I remember you, the girl who asked me a question. Can you tell me your name?" Ignoring Logan's warning look, Zhou Yi walked past him and spoke to the girl, who was wrapped up tightly.

"My name is Marie, sir. You can call me Rogue." The young mutant, named Marie, cautiously avoided contact with Zhou Yi and spoke softly.

"Alright, Rogue. You can stay with my sister and your teachers and classmates. Although Chari is mischievous, trust me, she's not hard to get along with." Patting her head, Zhou Yi felt the power of her ability, as the Professor had described, and smiled confidently. "I've been told about your ability. Don't worry, it's a problem that can be solved, and it won't take long."

After that, Zhou Yi changed his tone and spoke to Logan.

"As for you, buddy, sit in the front with me. I don't trust my sister being alone with you."

Once everything was ready, even Logan, with a disgruntled look, sat in the passenger seat, and the strange group finally set off.

The custom-made extended Bentley had excellent privacy, which became even more apparent when Chari and the others closed the window between the rear seats and the driver's seat. The girls' noisy voices were no longer audible, leaving only the heavy breathing of a large man, especially when he was smoking a cheap cigar.

Unable to tolerate the smell of the cheap cigar, Zhou Yi opened the storage compartment and threw a small box to Logan.

"Stop emitting toxic fumes, buddy. What you're smoking is deadly."

Logan was about to get angry but sniffed a few times and opened the box. Inside were beautifully packaged cigars.

"Cohiba 40th Anniversary Edition. Trust me, even someone who doesn't like cigars would enjoy its flavor."

Logan took out a cigar and sniffed it deeply. He immediately extinguished the one in his mouth and solemnly placed the new cigar in his mouth. Soon, he was enjoying the smoke. For a cigar lover, refusing such a thing was almost impossible.

Seeing Logan take a few puffs and then reluctantly extinguish the cigar, carefully putting the rest in his pocket, Zhou Yi said helplessly.

"Forget it, buddy. You don't have to be like that. The whole box is yours. But that's all I have."

"You don't understand the beauty of cigars," Logan grumbled. It was hard for him to be friendly with Zhou Yi, but for the sake of the cigars, he made an effort. "This legendary premium cigar is worth exchanging your entire fortune for. Not many people can wait for the next anniversary. Damn, they cost hundreds of dollars each, and only you rich people can afford them."

Perhaps the cigars helped, and the awkward situation between them improved. Although Logan still had a sour face, he started to engage with Zhou Yi.

"You said you can solve Rogue's problem. Is that true?"

"If you mean completely eliminating her ability and turning her into a normal person, I'm sorry, I can't do that. But if it's about allowing her to touch others, that's not difficult for me!"