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"Mr. Li Ye, many people have shared concerns with us about this issue. We're definitely taking it under consideration," Coulson chuckled, glancing at Li Ye with his usual calm smile.
"So, is there a reason you came here in person today?" Li Ye asked with a feigned sophistication, keeping his voice even and refined. It would almost be convincing if he hadn't been the same man demanding a billion dollars or else the night before.
"Well, Mr. Li Ye, wouldn't it be courteous if we were invited in first?" Coulson replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow.
Li Ye clicked his tongue, feigning embarrassment. "Ah! How forgetful of me!" He opened the door wider, gesturing them inside with an exaggerated flourish.
Once inside, Coulson placed the black suitcase he carried on the table. With meticulous care, he began unfastening it, revealing layer after layer as he opened it slowly, like a series of Russian nesting dolls, each unwrapping heightening the mystery. Finally, at the heart of the suitcase lay a sleek black card, wrapped in expensive silk, its surface engraved with faint golden patterns.
"Mr. Li Ye," Coulson began, his tone unusually formal, "as per our agreement, here is the promised billion dollars, securely stored in this card. It's a Black Gold card from *** Bank, issued only to accounts with an initial deposit of one hundred million dollars or more."
He extended it to Li Ye, who took it with a slight grin, turning the card over in his hand to inspect the intricate design.
"Now, that's the type of service I expect," Li Ye replied, nodding in satisfaction.
Natasha, standing to the side, let a gentle smile form on her lips. "Mr. Li Ye, last night you used your extraordinary abilities to save an entire street from two monsters. It was nothing short of heroic."
Li Ye shrugged, the faintest hint of pride glinting in his eyes.
"We're a global security agency," Natasha continued. "To fulfill our duties, it's essential that we understand as much as we can about those with special abilities. Would you be open to answering a few questions?"
"Of course," Li Ye replied easily, feigning nonchalance.
Natasha pulled out a small recorder, along with a notepad and pen, settling into her questioning.
"First, Mr. Li Ye, when did you notice your superpowers emerging?"
"Ah, that." He paused thoughtfully, then offered, "I think they surfaced when I was eight or nine. But I kept them hidden, of course."
Natasha's pen moved swiftly, jotting down every word.
"And can you tell us how many powers you have? From last night's footage, you displayed at least seven distinct abilities. Initially, we thought you might be comparable to a certain comic book hero, but then we saw abilities like object manipulation and energy blasts that went beyond that."
Li Ye smirked, his eyes glinting with mystery. "I honestly don't keep track. But if I had to guess… more than fifty."
Natasha and Coulson exchanged a glance, barely concealing their surprise.
"And what drew you to that street last night? We didn't capture your arrival on any surveillance footage," Natasha asked, her tone probing.
"Oh, simple," Li Ye shrugged casually, "I was flying above the area at a speed too fast for the cameras to capture."
"Interesting," Natasha murmured, jotting down his response with a focused expression.
"Do you have any idea about the origin of your powers?" she asked, her voice softening as she tried a different approach.
"Not really," Li Ye replied, feigning a wistful tone. "One day, when I was eight, they just… awakened. I kept quiet about it, though. I only stepped in last night because I couldn't stand idly by while two monsters wrecked the city. Justice demanded action."
Coulson and Natasha barely concealed their reactions, recalling how this same "sense of justice" came with a billion-dollar demand and a few well-placed threats against General Ross. They managed to mask their skepticism, though.
"Do you know about mutants, Mr. Li Ye?" Coulson asked.
"Of course! The X-Men, mutants… the whole lot. But don't go labeling me a mutant. I'm not one."
"Ah, I see," Coulson nodded. "And, just out of curiosity, what happened to the large green creature you trapped in what you called 'Earth Explosion Star' and threw to the outskirts?"
"Earth Explosion Star," Natasha echoed, a trace of confusion in her voice.
"That's the name I gave the technique," Li Ye said matter-of-factly.
"Oh, right," Coulson replied, nodding. "According to our sources, after you threw him out there, he smashed a few hills in anger and then… vanished."
Li Ye internally rolled his eyes. Obviously, he turned back into Banner, he thought, though he didn't particularly care. This entire conversation was a play, each side trying to one-up the other.
Natasha and Coulson continued their questioning for a few more minutes, before finally coming to the last part.
"Mr. Li Ye," Natasha said, shifting to a more serious tone, "you realize your position places you in immense danger, right?"
"There are powerful organizations and individuals that will stop at nothing to acquire your abilities. Even if you're strong, their ruthlessness could still catch you off guard."
Li Ye tilted his head, a faint, taunting smirk playing on his lips. "Let them try. I'd love to see who's bold enough to challenge me."
Natasha leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Our organization could help protect you. Join us, Mr. Li Ye, and you'll have the full might of S.H.I.E.L.D. backing you."
Li Ye's laughter was sharp, filling the room. "Why would I need protection when I've got all the money I could want? And as for heroism—" he gave Coulson a sidelong look, "I don't need a suit and badge to be cheered by a crowd. Heroism is my hobby, not my profession."
The corners of Coulson's mouth tightened almost imperceptibly. This man was no hero, at least not by Coulson's standards. Heroes, in his mind, were selfless, willing to risk everything for others. But Li Ye's take on heroism felt… selfish.
"Alright, then," Coulson said, his face a practiced mask of calm. "We'll take our leave."
As Natasha and Coulson stepped out, Natasha switched on her earpiece, relaying a quick message to Nick Fury.
"Director, mission failed. Target has no interest in joining us."
Fury's voice crackled through the speaker, unfazed. "Understood. Get back here—we've got a new problem with Tony Stark."
Night settled in, and Li Ye found himself growing restless. He wanted to head out, but given that his identity had spread through every news channel, it wouldn't be long before someone recognized him. As he debated his options, the system suddenly chimed in.
"Host, would you be interested in a new item?" the system offered, its voice smooth and enticing.
"What's the item?" Li Ye asked, curious.
"The iconic glasses of Superman Clark Kent. Wear them, and they emit a unique magnetic field, completely obscuring your identity from anyone who sees you."
Li Ye's grin widened. "Perfect! What's the cost?"
"This one's free, host."
Within seconds, a brilliant flash appeared, and a pair of sleek black-rimmed glasses materialized in his hand. They looked simple, yet undeniably stylish. Without a moment's hesitation, Li Ye slid them on and admired his reflection. It was flawless, exactly what he needed to roam the city unnoticed.