Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 53: Ethan and Domingo

Some people can never settle down and live an ordinary life.

Tony Stark is one of them. His experience in Afghanistan made him decide to shut down Stark Industries' weapons division. This decision would cause Stark Industries' stock to plummet.

At the bar in the restaurant, Alvin looked up at the TV, which was broadcasting Stark's press conference live.

Foggy was too nervous to watch, clutching Matt's shirt and burying his head in Matt's shoulder, unable to look at Stark speaking on TV.

When Stark announced that he would permanently shut down Stark Industries' weapons production division, Foggy suddenly jumped up from behind Matt, shouting, "Yeah~ We're going to make a fortune~"

Alvin was also very happy. He picked up little Ginny, gave her a big kiss, and said with a smile, "Daddy's rich now. Daddy will buy Ginny lots of toys, okay?"

Ginny didn't quite understand what "rich" meant. But since Daddy was happy, Ginny was happy too. She raised her little hand and high-fived Foggy, who was running around the restaurant in circles, shouting "Yeah~" happily.

Matt, who had been in a bad mood for the past few days, said, "Foggy, stop it! Tell us, how much money are you going to make this time?"

Columbia graduate, Mr. Foggy Nelson, paused for about 15 seconds, did some mental math, and said somewhat dejectedly, "This is a big event. I found a classmate to help me operate with 5x leverage. I estimate we can make about five times the invested capital in profit." He sighed deeply after speaking.

Dr. Ethan, holding an ice pack to his head, grimaced in pain and curiously asked, "Buddy, you made a fortune. Why don't you look happy?"

Foggy angrily glanced at Matt and said, "Because the one who made a fortune isn't me! I maxed out my credit card and pawned my car, and I only managed to get $8,000. Then some jerk took $6,000 to help a little girl with cancer! Can you believe it? That cost me $30,000, maybe even more~ My God~" Foggy reached out and grabbed Matt's neck, "If we weren't friends, I'd kill you. We just lost at least three years' rent."

Matt felt a bit embarrassed. He didn't expect to cause Foggy such a loss. He said apologetically, "Foggy, my buddy, I'm really sorry, but Nadja really needed that money, and you know it. I'm really sorry. Maybe we can consider taking on some paying jobs. At least our old buddy Alvin made a fortune, right? Cheer up."

Foggy nodded absentmindedly and said, "Yes, Alvin invested $100,000, JJ $6,000, Frank $4,000, and even Jessica put in $10,000. You guys are going to make a fortune. And Mr. Foggy Nelson can only pay off his loans and maybe treat you all to a burger. Ah~~"

Alvin patted Foggy on the shoulder with a smile and said, "Buddy, you did the math wrong. You should think of it this way: you didn't spend a penny, but you saved Nadja's life and can still treat us to a burger. Well done, buddy! A life is priceless!" He put his arm around Foggy's neck and said, "Maybe I should give you a VIP card for the restaurant so you can eat here for free for six months!"

Foggy, being a broad-minded guy, adjusted quickly after feeling sad for a while. He looked at Dr. Ethan, who had a big bump on his head, and curiously asked, "Buddy, what happened to you? I remember today was your first day at work!"

Dr. Ethan was extremely embarrassed and said with a bitter smile, "Maybe I really don't understand the traditions of Hell's Kitchen. This morning, I wanted to take the school bus to school, and the bus driver looked like a kidnapper with a rifle in the cab. So~~"

"So our brave Dr. Ethan rushed up to try to grab the gun, only to get hit on the head by the even braver Domingo." Blind Matt, though he couldn't see, described the morning's events accurately.

Matt turned his face towards Dr. Ethan and said seriously, "Although it was stupid, Dr. Ethan, I have to say, you're a good man. Very few people have the courage to face Domingo."

Foggy, understanding what had happened, laughed heartily and patted Dr. Ethan on the shoulder, saying, "Doctor, you need to talk to our Principal Alvin. He's the one who brought Domingo here. That guy looks like a tough character, and you dared to rush up to him. Buddy, I have to say, you're a good man. But it was really stupid, haha!"

Alvin shooed away the gloating Foggy and said to Dr. Ethan, "Sorry, buddy. That guy's name is Domingo Swager. If you get to know him, you'll find he's actually a good guy. It was just a misunderstanding between you two. You can take a few days off before going to school. Anyway, exams are coming up, and there might not be much to do."

Dr. Ethan smiled bitterly and said, "I already know, Principal Alvin. Your school's drivers are really special!"

Alvin laughed heartily and said, "It's our school. Don't you think having drivers like that makes people feel very safe?"

Dr. Ethan thought for a moment and shook his head with a smile. He had been here for a few days, and everything in Hell's Kitchen felt new to him, though a bit too exciting.

Alvin's position as principal was won by forcing a mob boss to elect him. The school's board members are New York's underground bosses. The head of the disciplinary office dares to put the police chief's daughter in detention. The security room has more weapons than the police station.

Old Kent, the kindly-looking black man across the street, used to fence stolen goods for the mob. The beautiful woman who always comes to the restaurant to bother Alvin is a madam from the next street. Even the seemingly honest and diligent chef in the restaurant used to be a top enforcer for the Chinese mob in New York.

Dr. Ethan felt a lot of pressure taking on the role of school doctor. This place felt like somewhere where disagreements could lead to a bloodbath.

Alvin smiled and patted Dr. Ethan on the shoulder, saying, "You'll like it here. At least the people here are starting to like you. Just for standing up to Domingo, everyone in Hell's Kitchen will call you a tough guy. Buddy, in this place, tough guys get respect."

Alvin turned and patted the bar, calling out to Jessica, who was dizzy with the news of making a lot of money, "Jessie, stop counting your money and get everyone a drink. We need to celebrate."

After everyone had a drink and started chatting, Alvin's phone rang. It was Stark calling. He answered.

"This is Alvin. What's up?"

...

"A gift? Oh, buddy, no need. We're celebrating the Stark Industries stock crash right now. You're making me feel bad."

...

"Alright, alright! Where are you?"