The alliance with Daredevil immediately paid dividends, making the fight against Kingpin much more effective. Working primarily under the cover of night, Peter (unseen to Matt), Gwen, and Su Yi coordinated with Daredevil's intelligence network.
The crime boss was furious. One vigilante was bad enough, but the sudden appearance of the black-suited hero, the acrobatic Ghost-Spider, and the agile Spider-Man (whose presence was often felt through webs and quick action) made his operation miserable. Kingpin, trapped in the legal system, felt immense frustration, unable to retaliate due to the lack of identity clues and the unpredictable power of his foes.
For Su Yi, this period was highly productive. Gwen and Peter were making rapid progress, honing their skills and learning to rely on teamwork. Crucially, the evidence gathering against Kingpin was progressing steadily, thanks to the combined effort of the heroes and Matt's legal and night-time investigative work.
Amidst the nighttime patrols, Su Yi received a piece of significant news: his new venture, a newspaper office, was finally established.
Su Yi believed in the narrative power of the press, especially in a world of emerging superheroes. He had previously discussed the idea with Bella Brant, Betty's mother.
Bella, a former reporter who had lost her job due to illness, was now completely healthy thanks to the Water of Life. Grateful and eager for a fresh start, Bella had readily agreed to run the operation.
After a hectic period of securing licenses and renting an office apartment, the paper was ready to recruit staff. Bella called Su Yi to share the good news and invited him to dinner.
Su Yi arrived at their home as scheduled. "Bella, you look much better," he noted. Bella was radiant, not only healthy but visibly younger than her years.
Bella hugged him briefly. "Thank you, Su. I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"You're welcome," Su Yi responded, accepting her gratitude.
The three gathered for dinner. "The office is all set," Bella reported. "Now we just need to hire reporters, and we can officially start."
"I'll leave the interviewing and recruiting to you," Su Yi told her. "I'm not familiar with that side of the business, but I trust your judgment completely."
Betty interjected, "I'm about to graduate, and I want to join the newspaper office and become a reporter!"
Bella frowned instantly. "Betty, I think you should continue college, not jump straight into a high-pressure job right after high school."
Betty was unhappy. "Studying isn't my strength, and I want a career I love, like you, Mom."
Bella hesitated, seeing the determination in her daughter's eyes, and finally conceded. "Alright, but you have to pass the interview. If you don't, you'll intern first."
"That's great, Mom!" Betty exclaimed happily.
"I believe Betty will definitely become an excellent reporter," Su Yi added encouragingly.
Betty enthusiastically hugged his arm. "Su, you're the best!"
"I was just telling the truth," he chuckled.
Bella continued with the operational details. "My initial plan is to recruit four or five more reporters and one general office assistant. What do you think?"
"Just follow your instincts. If you need to expand further, the funds are available." Su Yi wasn't exaggerating. As the second-largest shareholder in Stark Industries (thanks to the post-Obadiah restructure), he had a constant, effortless stream of wealth flowing in from dividends.
"Now isn't the time for aggressive expansion," Bella advised. "It will be easier to grow once the paper gains a reputation."
"Agreed," Su Yi confirmed. "What should our focus be?"
"Our newspaper office is called the Hero Daily," Su Yi stated. "The focus is naturally on Superheroes and Bandits. We will report the truth others won't touch."
Bella knew this would invite danger, but her spirit was reignited. "I understand. I will be ready for retaliation."
Su Yi's vision for the paper's first major scoop was the takedown of Kingpin. Publishing that story would launch the Hero Daily to instant fame. However, it would also bring dangerous retribution from Fisk's remaining network.
Su Yi planned to secure the office by recruiting former military or law enforcement personnel and equipping them with subtle, high-tech defensive products provided by Tony Stark.
After discussing the final details, Bella began tidying up, and Betty found her opportunity. She led Su Yi to her room, her eyes gleaming.
Once inside, Betty immediately threw her arms around him. "Su, I want you to guide me in practicing singing," she whispered, her intentions clear.
Su Yi raised an eyebrow. "How is the soundproofing in this room?"
"Don't worry about it," Betty replied breathlessly.
Su Yi, ignoring the potential lack of soundproofing, began his "singing lesson." Starting with low notes and gradually moving to high notes, Betty's enthusiastic practice soon began to stretch the limits of the room's insulation.
Bella finished cleaning up and walked toward her room to resume work. As she passed Betty's door, she heard her daughter's singing, a complex mix of sounds that only the most dedicated practice could produce. It's normal, she thought, a slight smile on her face.
Su Yi is young, handsome, and responsible—not like that playboy Stark. Bella was entirely satisfied with the young man and the clear affection between him and her daughter. She decided not to disturb them and returned to her own work.
Two hours later, Bella finally finished her documents. She went to the kitchen for a drink. As she reached for the refrigerator, she distinctly heard Betty's "singing" still going strong. Bella paused, her brow furrowing slightly, her expression turning strange.
She pulled a bottle of ice water from the refrigerator and took a long drink. The cold liquid did little to dampen the unusual heat she felt rising in her chest.
"It's been over two hours," Bella murmured to herself, glancing toward Betty's room. "Can Betty's throat really handle that much practice?"
The Hero Daily is set to open its doors soon, and Betty's enthusiasm for "singing" has captured her mother's attention.