After learning of Peng Shirley's latest orders, Xiao felt everything was stable—it was finally time to leisurely enjoy the fruits of victory.
From then on, Xiao avoided visiting Peng Shirley, even if she came to his door. After being treated like a pervert for so long, he wasn't going to let her slip away so easily.
To keep "fishing" for Peng Shirley a while longer, Xiao returned directly to the world of 'The Boys'.
Meanwhile, this was the saddest day for all Soldier Boy fans.
The Blood Debt Team, en route to Russia to carry out a mission, was ambushed by cunning Russian forces. Soldier Boy heroically sacrificed himself to protect his teammates, but was ultimately defeated and killed by a Russian weapon codenamed [BCL Red].
All other members of the Blood Debt Team were severely injured, some on the brink of death, but they survived in the end.
American fans refused to believe Soldier Boy had died. Thousands traveled long distances to the gates of Vought Company, hoping for a glimpse of their hero—but no body was ever returned. Despite protests, the fact remained.
Grief consumed the nation. Countless female fans fainted from crying and were carried away by security. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast.
Xiao had only ever seen scenes like this in Michael Jackson music videos. In reality, it was even more spectacular, given Soldier Boy's fanbase far exceeded that of Michael Jackson.
However, for Xiao, this was a tremendous opportunity. Soldier Boy's "death" was equivalent to Vought Company losing an arm.
Without Soldier Boy, the rest of Vought's superheroes were no longer invincible. More importantly, this created a vacuum for Xiao to exploit, appealing to Soldier Boy's fanbase before the company could respond.
As expected, news spread rapidly that 13-year-old Sebastian Xiao had awakened the same superpowers as Soldier Boy, fueled by grief and anger at his idol's death.
Reporters and TV stations swarmed. Xiao donned a prepared Star Shield, wore a uniform reminiscent of Soldier Boy, and publicly declared:
"My name is Sebastian Xiao, I will help Soldier Boy fulfill his dream. From now I will be Captain America."
This move immediately won over Soldier Boy's fanbase. Those who had ignored the homeless or overlooked young heroes suddenly saw a new pillar of hope in Xiao. Overnight, his fans increased by hundreds of thousands.
Riding the wave of Soldier Boy's popularity, Xiao received countless fan letters and attention, and a host of hero agents gathered outside his home.
This sudden rise shocked Vought's senior shareholders. Everything had clearly been disrupted. They had planned to roll out a "Motherland" initiative to inherit Soldier Boy's fandom, but Xiao had preempted them, almost stealing all of Soldier Boy's supporters in one night.
As a result, Vought's stock price plunged twice in a single day, leaving employees scrambling to compensate.
"F**k, damn boy!" Stan Edgar, CEO of Vought Company, bellowed, nearly losing his breath. Watching Xiao's triumphant rise on TV, he slammed the table in fury.
"Prepare a car! I want to meet this Sebastian Xiao! And get me Homelander immediately!"
After composing himself, Edgar twisted his tie and addressed his subordinates:
"At least we must retain this 'Captain America.' If he falls into the hands of another company, we'll suffer enormous losses. Soldier Boy's fans provide at least ten billion dollars in annual value. We cannot let them slip away."
On the way to Xiao's house, Edgar briefed Homelander with extreme instructions: if someone takes what is yours, reclaim it—but don't kill them. Keep them alive and ensure they obey.
The team's eyes gleamed with scarlet light, their anger fueled by jealousy. Every beautiful sight surrounding Xiao, every fan cheering him on, ignited their desire to destroy this arrogant young man. Edgar smiled, satisfied with how well he'd stirred their emotions.
Arriving at Xiao's home, the Homelander was eager to storm in.
"Bang!" The car door was almost kicked open. Edgar restrained them.
"Smile, Homelander! Reporters are taking secret photos—don't let them see your ugly faces."
"Okay, I'll smile!" The boy took a deep breath, stepping out with his signature smirk.
Edgar followed, walking side by side with him. After passing security, they entered Xiao's house.
"Hello, Mr. Xiao, I am Stan Edgar, CEO of Vought Company. This is Homelander… John," Edgar introduced, extending a hand.
"Elton Xiao, or Xingxiu Xiao, you can call me either. My wife Theresa Xiao and my son Sebastian Xiao—you should know each other." Xiao Xingxiu shook Edgar's hand, introducing himself in turn.
"Yes, Captain America, inheritor of Soldier Boy's will and power!" Edgar emphasized with disdain and anger—the theft of Vought Company's property still stung.
"Just call me Captain America… or Captain," Xiao replied casually, smiling.