Chapter 100

Gao Deng: "I thought it was some kind of workaround, but it turns out you want to turn me into a living specimen controlled by witchcraft." —— Unimpressed

Dai Li: "What living specimen controlled by witchcraft? That's called a lich, a powerful undead creature with endless time, the ability to think, and limited perception of the outside world. How can you say it's dead?"

Gao Deng: "Sure, limited perception of the outside world means becoming a walking corpse, unable to enjoy the pleasures and joys of eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, and smoking. What's the point of living like that?"

Dai Li: "Oh, even without the physical pleasures of eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, and smoking, there's still the mental pursuit of burning, killing, plundering, and deceiving. Your realm should be higher..."

Gao Deng: "Enough, my realm in this life is fixed at this level, and I can't go any higher. Besides, I don't know witchcraft, and if I were to be transformed into an undead creature, I would be controlled by the spellcaster responsible for the transformation, becoming her familiar or servant. It's impossible for me to be transformed into an independent lich." —— Interrupting Dai Li, pointing out the core issue

Dai Li: "So you knew..." —— Awkward

Gao Deng: "Of course I knew. Although I don't know witchcraft, it doesn't mean I'm completely ignorant of it. Actually, Loki mentioned this workaround to me long ago, and I refused it then, just as I do now."

Dai Li: "So Loki had already talked to you, and my proposal is no longer attractive."

Gao Deng: "It's not just that. Even if you had proposed this deal before him, I wouldn't have gone to Paradise Island with you because I know I can't leave."

Dai Li: "Why not? SHIELD won't let you go?"

Gao Deng: "Of course not. I'm not some low-level official who can leave without much impact. I manage the Super Natural Disaster Countermeasures Office and know many secrets of SHIELD's upper echelons. There's no way I can leave the country without a proper reason to go to Paradise Island with you."

Dai Li: "So you know too much, and without a good reason, you can't leave?"

Gao Deng: "Exactly."

Dai Li: "That's easy to solve. What about going to Paradise Island for a recuperative vacation?"

I (Voiceover): "Recuperative vacation... might as well say defection."

Gao Deng: "Recuperative vacation? You can't lie like that. There are so many recuperative spots in the country, why must I go to Paradise Island? It doesn't make sense."

Dai Li: "Why not? I can lie and say that Paradise Island has a method to treat you, and I'm taking you there for treatment. They wouldn't allow that?"

Gao Deng: "They would, of course. But my condition isn't an emergency that will kill me tomorrow if untreated. I need to apply to my superiors, report, and get their approval before a work team can accompany me abroad for treatment. It's a formal process. Do you have the confidence to deceive the [Terrifying Shadow] review?"

Dai Li: "..." —— Speechless

Gao Deng: "You don't, do you? So not only do I have no intention, but you also lack the ability to help me escape. This deal was a joke from the beginning. I advise you to focus on your original plan and stop trying to poach me."

Dai Li: "So you're not against me poaching your team?" —— Surprised

Gao Deng: "Go ahead, I don't oppose it. In exchange, I want your assistance and cooperation in dealing with the Illuminati agents infiltrating Gotham City and ensuring the smooth negotiation."

Dai Li: "Alright, I agree. But let's be clear, if I really poach someone from the crew, don't regret it or deny it."

Gao Deng: "Hmph, this is a fair deal. Why would I regret it? Use all your skills, and if you really lure someone away, I won't hold them back as long as it's their own decision." —— Confident

I (Voiceover): "The old man is full of confidence. After all, the camera crew has been briefed, so there's no fear of a leak."

Gao Deng: "By the way, let me say this in advance: Robin is not a member of SHIELD and doesn't know anything about this. Please help keep it confidential..."

Dai Li: "No need to say that. I already know he's just an ordinary person, a mascot in the crew. I have no interest in him." —— Interrupting Gao Deng

Gao Deng: "That's good."

Meanwhile, in the mid-level reception room of Wayne Tower, Wayne is receiving the former California governor, Arnold, accompanied by his "secretary."

Wayne: "Thank you, Mr. Arnold, for coming to satisfy this fan's request. I apologize for the abruptness." —— Shaking hands

Arnold: "How can it be abrupt? Learning that the pride of Gotham, Mr. Wayne, is my fan and has invited me, I'm delighted. You're too kind." —— Small talk

Wayne: "Not at all. You just arrived in Gotham yesterday, and you could take the time to visit me today, which is a great honor. Please, have a seat."

Arnold: "Thank you." —— Both take their seats

Wayne: "Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

Arnold: "Coffee."

Wayne: "What kind? With milk or sugar?"

Arnold: "Black coffee, iced, thank you." —— Specifying the coffee

Wayne: "As expected of Mr. Arnold, who has a tough guy image, you prefer the raw, rugged, deep, and thought-provoking black coffee. But what does 'iced' mean? Do you want ice cubes?"

Arnold: "Not ice cubes, as they would dilute the original flavor of the black coffee. It should be iced to about 4 degrees Celsius."

Wayne: "Iced coffee? Isn't that a summer drink? It's winter in Gotham now. Wouldn't you like a hot coffee to warm up first?"

Arnold: "Well... to be honest, despite my tough exterior, I have a cat's tongue and am very sensitive to heat." —— Blushing, embarrassed

Wayne: "Ha ha ha, the tough guy from the movies has a gentle side in real life. I'm a lucky fan to witness this. (Turning to the 'secretary') Natasha, prepare the coffee according to Mr. Arnold's specifications. I'll have my usual, black tea."

Natasha: "Yes." —— Exiting the reception room to prepare the drinks

Arnold: "(After Natasha leaves) She's a beauty. From her accent... Soviet?"

Wayne: "Yes, she was transferred from Wayne Enterprises' Soviet branch to help me with some Far East business. I don't like going out much." —— Lightly

I (Voiceover): "Is this Natasha just an ordinary secretary as Wayne claims? Is there only a professional relationship between them? Not so simple, I noticed the eye contact between you two (when Arnold wasn't looking). Be honest, high, rich, and handsome, are you cheating?"

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