Chapter 562

Chapter 562: Real and Fake Cosplayers

"General Manager, do we really need to hire so many security personnel and police? How much is this going to cost?"

Yang Zhenwen, the assistant to the general manager of the Moonlit Lotus Design Center, frowned as he watched the security staff starting to crowd the limited space.

Moreover, several groups of security experts were using various devices to conduct security checks on every entrant. This severely impacted the attendance for the cosplay event, as the normally unobstructed flow of people suddenly seemed to encounter an invisible barrier. Some unwilling to undergo checks simply turned around and left.

These security expenses significantly increased the costs for the cosplay event, and it was entirely unilaterally imposed by Moonlit Lotus.

Yang Zhenwen found the overly dramatic security measures to be unreasonable.

They were just a small, ordinary design company that relied on brainpower; they weren’t dealing in arms, drugs, or territory disputes. Who would waste their time and resources on them?

These changes occurred suddenly after Qi Fei received a phone call, without any prior warning.

Of course, Yang Zhenwen didn’t believe it was a spontaneous decision from the female boss; it was likely related to that phone call. He didn’t know who called, but he was curious.

“Of course, it’s necessary. You don’t have to worry about the money. Look at how many people are here; I think it’s very important,” Qi Fei said with a smile, observing the preparations for the cosplay event. Everything was ready; they were just waiting for the right moment. Some business owners and representatives interested in collaboration stood in the crowd, carefully watching Moonlit Lotus’s setup and actions. This was a chance to showcase their strength; if successful, Moonlit Lotus could potentially open a business market directly in America. The company name might even include "(International)," which would be completely beyond the scope of the local players back home.

Although they lost some foot traffic due to the presence of security personnel, the remaining attendees were true enthusiasts, and the order was well-maintained both on and off the stage.

The security and police were very diligent, establishing a tight surveillance network within a 100-meter radius of the cosplay performance area. They thoroughly checked many individuals, even uncovering some who were carrying firearms. Naturally, those with guns couldn’t enter the venue, and during this time, they caught four or five thieves.

Perhaps, just as Lin Mo worried, those who intended to target Qi Fei saw such tight, foolproof security and had to abandon their schemes. However, they hadn’t given up completely; they were still looking for opportunities, which bought Lin Mo some time to reach the venue.

“Oh, look! Superman! Could it be Brandon Routh making an appearance? So cool! Hi! Clark Kent, Superman, how are you?”

“Check it out! Someone dressed as Bumblebee—a Transformer—actually transforming! How hilarious, this creativity is simply unimaginable, and the craftsmanship is exquisite!”

“Master Chief! Master Chief! This is so exciting! Where did you get that ‘Mjolnir’? I love it! I want one too!”

Various characters from movies and comics emerged amidst exclamations and screams. They set up dozens of large double-sided screens, dividing the area into several small zones where teams performed and interacted with the audience. The official performance was set to start in about half an hour.

Several loudspeakers blasted dynamic music, bringing the atmosphere to a peak.

Even those who typically had no concept of or interest in cosplay couldn’t help but get involved, feeling the incredible magic as if live characters had walked right off the screen.

American cosplayers went all out, spending significant money to create props that looked almost real, leaving the attendees and passersby in awe.

Cosplayers came from all walks of life—doctors, lawyers, soldiers, students, politicians, and directors. Here, they shared a common identity: they were all cosplayers.

Skilled players could even find a place within Hollywood’s major film production companies.

This was Hollywood, blessed with exceptional prop-making resources. Many professional prop factories and makeup experts could transform performers to the point where they could seamlessly walk into a film studio and shoot a Hollywood blockbuster.

This is why Qi Fei valued and participated in this cosplay event; it was truly a top-tier cosplay celebration.

“I mean, sir, you don’t need to bring a real gun for your appearance, right?”

As Lin Mo appeared at the entrance, a security expert immediately stopped him. The automatic security gate emitted a series of alarm sounds, scanning his body with electromagnetic induction and detecting the MK-23 handgun he carried.

Although the Foreign Affairs Department didn’t provide Lin Mo with heavy weaponry—just a tactical dagger and a few steel throwing knives, without a gun—it fell within the CIA’s tolerance. Moreover, the armor he wore alone possessed enough lethality.

If an ordinary person took a full-force punch enhanced by that armor, they might have their chest pierced through to their back, dying instantly without fail.

Lin Mo showed the gun license issued by the CIA without hesitation. This was no ordinary firearm license; it was a special permit allowing him to carry a gun in public places. Such licenses were rare and required stringent approval, not available to just anyone. Only agents, armed police, and professional bodyguards in specific fields could possess one.

“Uh! Alright! You can pass. Just be careful not to expose the gun casually. It’s best to engage the safety and remove the bullets; watch out for accidental discharges.”

After verifying that the special gun license code was accurate, the security expert set down the verification machine and gestured for him to proceed, deciding not to check the gun’s serial number—having a gun license was enough.

This device, resembling a supermarket scanner, could directly connect to the 3G network and link to a specialized inquiry system for verifying various information.

"Here comes another one! What’s this? Which movie is it from? I’ve never seen it before."

"Yeah, so strange! But it looks really impressive."

"It’s made to look so real! Hello! Dude, your skills are amazing."

"Is this the new version of Iron Man? Did we just get spoiled?"

Lin Mo thought to himself that it was indeed real.

As the intelligence personnel from the Foreign Affairs Department had mentioned, Lin Mo’s entrance did not cause much of a stir; it only piqued curiosity, leading to a lot of chatter.

In fact, real science fiction-style technology was hardly noticeable here, and Lin Mo’s appearance only drew slightly more enthusiastic cheers.

After all, the "Dragon Guard" from Henghai Defense didn’t have high recognition; military enterprises typically maintained a low profile. Even if they brought out the "Future Warrior" from the U.S. Military, it’s likely no one would recognize it.

Lin Mo didn’t linger. He activated the weapon scanning module to automatically scan for any suspected weapons and explosives around. This was a battlefield scanning device with a database containing the specifications of all firearms in the world. If someone nearby was carrying a gun, it was guaranteed to be detected.

Meanwhile, Qi Fei chatted aimlessly with her assistant Yang Zhenwen while frequently glancing at her phone.

Beside her, four strong and fierce bodyguards remained alert, standing at four directions. They occasionally shifted their positions, using their bodies to shield against any potential bullets coming from any direction. Behind their sunglasses, their eyes scanned every corner, and their fitted suits subtly outlined concealed weapons.

Whether in Hollywood or Beverly Hills, these places were hubs for the wealthy and famous, resulting in a steady demand for security services. Qi Fei had hired a reputable security company and, after paying a hefty sum, quickly assembled a skilled team to provide the most reliable service.

"Hey, kid, stop!"

"Block him, ow!"

The bodyguards suddenly noticed a cosplayer in sci-fi military armor advancing towards them with unyielding speed, seemingly intent on causing trouble for their employer. They quickly split into two and rushed to intercept him. Without warning, the two robust bodyguards inexplicably soared into the air and crashed heavily onto the ground.

A brief flash of unusual light was masked by the nearby camera’s flash.

"Don’t move!"

The remaining two bodyguards, feeling as if they were facing a formidable enemy, quickly drew their concealed handguns and aimed at the intruder.

"Ah! Who are you?!"

Yang Zhenwen was startled by this scene. Was this cosplayer a real warrior from the future? How could even those strong bodyguards not stop him?

With a gentle push, Lin Mo released the battle energy that had been momentarily thrust out, sending the two white men flying. This was merely a small technique of using battle energy, akin to a shockwave. He reached under his helmet and pressed a few buttons. With a soft hissing sound, the helmet’s locking mechanism came loose, and he removed the tactical helmet.

"Qi Fei, I’m here."

"Wow! Lin Mo! It’s really you!"

Qi Fei was overjoyed, completely surprised that Lin Mo appeared before her in such a manner. She rushed forward without hesitation, wrapping her arms around his neck like a doll, laughing joyfully like a peal of bells.

There was no need for more words; the bodyguard aiming at Lin Mo decisively put away his gun, while the two bodyguards who had fallen to the ground got up and stepped aside, forming a larger protective circle around Qi Fei.

Everyone understood that the female employer was in cahoots with that fierce guy.