"Can I call you Lorna?" Xu Mo asked tentatively. After Lorna nodded, he continued, "We're a comic company. I'm the only manga artist here; most of us are anime producers. Do you have any experience in this field?"
Xu Mo noticed that Lorna's plate contained only the cheapest dessert, a sign of her difficult situation.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lorna's eyes dimmed. She lowered her head and replied softly, "Uh, I'm sorry. I don't have any experience in this area."
Without a technical diploma and with a police theft record, Lorna struggled to find legitimate work. Her options were limited to low-paying jobs or illegal activities, as she lacked the necessary documentation.
Xu Mo spread his hands, expressing his powerlessness. He wasn't one to just kneel and plead when he saw someone in need; he preferred to help with practical support. While he would assist friends like Peter in various ways, the company wasn't a charity.
"Xu Mo, can we let her try? She might not be able to learn, but she deserves a chance," Jia Li said, seeing Lorna's hopeful look.
"Yes, she can learn," Lorna said, her voice trembling with hope. "I'm a fast learner and willing to work hard."
Lorna had stolen the money for her dessert with her abilities and was prepared to leave New York in search of her father. Despite everything, she wanted to stay in the city if possible.
Gali, who was perceptive and shrewd, suggested, "I think Lorna could be your assistant for drawing comics. You're always working, and it might help ease some of your burden."
Xu Mo was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated such a suggestion, but Gali's reasoning made sense. Xu Mo's secrets, like the traces his system left when he painted, were visible to those with special abilities.
Gali's suggestion would allow Lorna to learn about Xu Mo's unique abilities, revealing the extraordinary nature of his work. Xu Mo, considering Gali's determination, agreed after a moment of contemplation.
"Alright, Lorna, if you're free now, come to my place and give it a try."
"Okay, thank you!" Lorna responded eagerly, though she worried Xu Mo might change his mind.
"Here's one more steak," Xu Mo added. "This is a gift from the boss for prospective employees."
As Lorna received the steak, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes filled with tears, and she thanked Xu Mo and Gali with a flushed face, "Thank you. This is the best gift I've ever received."
Xu Mo didn't head to the company but took Gali and Lorna back to his home. The streets were clear of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, but Xu Mo was certain plainclothes officers would still be observing Hell's Kitchen.
Lorna marveled at Xu Mo's well-furnished Western-style house in Hell's Kitchen, a far cry from the more luxurious residences she had seen but still quite impressive.
In the study, Lorna discovered numerous paintings and art tools. As she examined them, Xu Mo watched her intently and signaled to Gali, indicating it was time to discuss her situation.
Gali approached Lorna with a gentle smile. "Sister Lorna, are you a mutant?"
Lorna's surprise was evident as her eyes widened. Her nervousness grew, causing nearby metal objects to tremble and float around her.
Xu Mo's eyes narrowed as he observed the magnetic field manipulation. "So, you're Magneto's daughter?"
Lorna, overwhelmed, responded, "Yes. I didn't expect this. I'm sorry for the disturbance."
Gali, her eyes glowing with purple light, stepped in to calm the situation. "Lorna, don't be afraid. Mutants are common here. We're all special in our ways."
Lorna stared at the sphere of energy surrounding Xu Mo, her anxiety palpable. "You're also mutants?"
"No, but we have our own special abilities," Xu Mo clarified.
Gali then presented three metal paintbrushes. "Here, Lorna. Try controlling these."
"Emmm, Gali, you really are something," Xu Mo said, raising an eyebrow at the unconventional suggestion.
Lorna took the brushes, her eyes reflecting both uncertainty and excitement. As she tried to control them, Xu Mo and Gali observed closely, ready to offer guidance and support in her new role.