After dealing with the matter of the monitor, Arthur contemplated the need to find Agent Carter. Hydra operatives were challenging to apprehend, as they were known for their unwavering determination.
Once captured, they would bite through their venomous fangs, ensuring a swift demise by sealing their throats with bloodied poison, akin to swallowing effervescent tablets.
Thus, upon learning that this particular individual might be associated with Hydra, Arthur wasted no time— first, he knocked out the man's teeth, eliminating the optimal suicide route.
Tossing him into a trash can after rendering him unconscious was an act of helplessness. Arthur couldn't possibly parade around with a live Hydra spy while searching for Dr. Erskine, attracting undue attention.
Pondering over it, Arthur realized he had to seek assistance from Agent Carter to handle this situation.
...
...
Upon returning to the exhibition hall, not much time had elapsed, and the atmosphere remained lively. Arthur had originally intended to directly find Dr. Erskine when, unexpectedly, he noticed a young man in military attire preparing to leave with two women.
Considering the large number of such individuals tonight, scheduled for deployment on the frontline battlefield tomorrow, Arthur initially paid little attention.
However, nearby, a slender teenager was bidding him farewell with a gaze filled with disappointment, creating a scene that seemed eerily familiar. Arthur glanced at the young man in military uniform, then at the two women, and finally at the forlorn teenager nearby. Suddenly, it dawned on him.
"Isn't this the 'young' Captain America from the United States and his good friend Winter Soldier? Right, this guy... isn't called Winter Soldier right now."
Arthur scratched his head as he unexpectedly encountered an influential figure from the original work. Moreover, it happened not during any historical moment but rather abruptly. What should he do? Approach them for an autograph? How shameless could he get?
Rubbing his face, Arthur decided to pretend not to see them.
As he brushed past Captain America, all he felt was, "So, at the beginning, he was really short and skinny." Nothing more.
There was nothing extraordinary.
Dr. Erskine, standing not far away, was observing Captain America. When he noticed Arthur, he waved.
Approaching the doctor, Arthur saw Captain America or Steve returning to the exhibition hall, brushing past them. The two girls were taken away by Winter Soldier, leaving Arthur to continue his visit.
"How does it feel?" Dr. Erskine asked Arthur.
Finally seizing the opportunity for revenge, Arthur quietly said, "Doctor, I didn't expect you to be like this."
"Huh?" Dr. Erskine looked at Arthur in confusion. "What... like what?"
Arthur blinked. "Probably, someone who likes those who are very beautiful, slender, and fair-skinned... young men."
"..." Dr. Erskine turned a bit blue, nauseated by the remark.
Seeing Arthur smirking, he couldn't help but point and scold, "Are you joking with me? Show some respect!"
Arthur coughed. "Are you interested in him?"
"I find him quite nice," Dr. Erskine nodded seriously.
"Well then, Doctor, he'll be in your bed tonight!"
Arthur patted the handgun at his waist.
"Oh my God! Arthur, your jokes are never-ending!" Dr. Erskine stared at Arthur with mock exasperation.
Arthur coughed, "Alright, Doctor, have you finished saying what you need to tell Howard?"
"I haven't met him yet," Dr. Erskine replied. "Tonight, he's the main event. What do you think about hover cars?"
"Well, it's quite an intriguing concept," Arthur nodded. "But for now, the priority is to contact Agent Carter!"
"Is Agent Carter the type you fancy?" Dr. Erskine sought revenge.
"...I caught a spy who was surveilling you," Arthur revealed.
Dr. Erskine paused for a moment, finding it hard to believe this sudden serious matter. "You said you caught... a spy? Surveilling me?"
"Yes," Arthur affirmed. "I'm not skilled in interrogation, but I believe Agent Carter is quite talented in that area."
Dr. Erskine felt a bit flustered but quickly regained composure. "Is there another one around?"
"I can't guarantee at the moment, but, Doctor, if possible, I'd appreciate it if you didn't stray far from my sight in the coming time."
Dr. Erskine, valuing his own life, agreed, "Take me to see Howard then."
The meeting point with Howard turned out to be interesting— backstage in the theater.
In the corridor, a group of just-performed actresses was moving about, with loud calls and attempts to present flowers. In the dressing room, Howard was changing clothes, and Arthur and Dr. Erskine had to wait a while before seeing this young tycoon.
"Dr. Erskine, pleasure to meet you!" Howard warmly shook hands with Dr. Erskine and then looked at Arthur.
"He is Arthur," Dr. Erskine made a brief introduction. "He is in charge of protecting this old life of mine."
"Your life is extremely precious," Howard said. "Anyone capable of protecting you must be an outstanding soldier."
"I agree with that. Arthur is quite formidable, a renowned marksman, and a lone hero. He once infiltrated the enemy's camp for an assassination mission, killing their commander and withdrawing unscathed. With his help, we thwarted an enemy ambush!" Dr. Erskine, with pride, shared the story.
Arthur felt a bit embarrassed. It was like being paraded around by a parent to show off.
However, Howard was full of respect, as he quickly shook Arthur's hand, saying, "I admire heroes like you. Never expected to meet one today."
"Mr. Howard, I've often heard of your name," Arthur said. "Your speech tonight on the concept of 'future cars' was impressive."
This wasn't flattery. The man exuded a unique charm, and the concept of future cars presented tonight was commendable. Despite minor defects in the antigravity system, small flaws couldn't overshadow great virtues.
"Haha, future cars will definitely float. Of course, there might be some technical difficulties at the moment, but that's okay." Howard chuckled. "If it succeeds in the future, I can gift you one."
"Let's hope we both live to see that day," Arthur shrugged.
"Life is always full of hope!"
Howard smiled, not showing any displeasure at Arthur's comment.
"Before we get to business, there's something I hope you can help me with," Dr. Erskine interjected. "Arthur caught a spy before..."
(End of this chapter)
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