Bucky stepped into the shop and was immediately dazzled by the exquisite antiques on display. After a moment, he carefully looked Steve up and down, surprised by his appearance.
"Steve, have you turned over a new leaf lately?" Bucky asked, astonished. "You seem taller, and you look a lot more built than before! I thought you'd gotten arrested for forging your draft papers! I've been worried about you this whole time!"
"Hahaha~ I haven't been to the draft office recently," Steve chuckled. "I've been here in the shop, learning martial arts from my master. He's been helping me get my health back on track. The doctors say I'm in great shape now. Even my asthma hasn't flared up!"
As Steve spoke about his progress, he beamed with pride, throwing in a little compliment for Wang Ye as well.
"Master, this is Bucky, my childhood friend," Steve said quickly, introducing them both. "Bucky, this is my master, Mr. Ye!"
After two months of living with Wang Ye, Steve had come to understand him better. While Wang Ye usually appeared cold and detached, he was actually very warm toward those he accepted.
Wang Ye nodded to Bucky and then leaned against the counter, lighting a cigar for himself.
Bucky, meanwhile, sized up Wang Ye, noting his custom-tailored suit and distinguished demeanor. If he hadn't seen the changes in Steve firsthand, he wouldn't have guessed this man to be a martial arts expert.
"So, your master is always this cold?" Bucky leaned in and whispered to Steve. "How have you put up with him all this time?"
"He's like this with strangers," Steve whispered back. "But if you're here to buy antiques, it's a whole different story!"
"Is that so?" Bucky said, intrigued. "Let me take a look at the prices."
Bucky's eyes widened when he saw the price tags, feeling dizzy at the sight of so many zeros.
"Master said, 'The antique shop stays closed for three years, but when it opens, it lasts for three more.' There's truth to that!" Steve teased, noticing Bucky's astonished expression.
Bucky shot Steve a glare, one that spoke of their long-standing friendship and familiarity with his teasing.
After catching up, Steve greeted Wang Ye before heading to the store entrance to chat with Bucky.
Bucky tried to squat like Steve but failed twice, landing on his backside each time, which made Steve burst into laughter.
"It's just a different squat pose; what's there to laugh about?" Bucky grumbled, slightly embarrassed, and changed the subject. "So, what awesome martial arts have you learned recently? Tell me all about it!"
"I've learned a lot: Muay Thai, judo, kickboxing, boxing, and I was practicing Tai Chi when you came in," Steve explained. "Master puts a lot of effort into teaching me. Whenever I do something wrong, he makes sure to correct me. He even prepares special health-boosting soups to help my body recover. This has been the most fulfilling and happy time of my life!"
Steve wiped away a tear in his mind, recalling the tough times he had endured. Bucky, unaware of the subtle sorrow in Steve's voice, simply laughed.
"Now that I see you're doing well, I'm relieved. I was really worried you'd get into trouble on your own," Bucky said.
That was when Steve noticed Bucky wearing a military uniform.
"Did you get called up?"
"107th Infantry Division, Sergeant James Barnes, leaving for England tomorrow morning," Bucky said proudly, straightening up and adjusting his uniform.
Steve sighed as he looked at Bucky's uniform, feeling both envious and melancholic.
"I should be going with you," Steve said. "But maybe I can catch the next one."
Seeing Steve's determination, Bucky sighed and pulled out a newspaper, handing it to him.
"You'll definitely make it. But this isn't the most important thing right now. I've got something good to show you!"
Steve looked at the newspaper, confused.
"What's this?"
"It's the World Expo, happening tonight! Everyone's going to be there. Since it's my last night before I leave, come with me and enjoy it. But we need to get you a new outfit first. You can't show up in your martial arts clothes!" Bucky teased, glancing at Steve's black practice attire.
Steve shrugged. "I don't have the money to buy new clothes."
Just then, a heavy object whizzed past Steve's back with a whoosh of air. Without thinking, he pushed Bucky aside and swiftly spun to catch it. As he stabilized the object, he realized it wasn't a brick but a stack of freshly minted $100 bills.
Steve looked up, amazed, and saw Wang Ye smiling at him.
Bucky, still recovering from being shoved, had no idea what was happening but stopped to watch as Steve effortlessly caught the cash. He muttered under his breath, rubbing his sore rear.
Wang Ye's voice echoed from inside the store.
"Take this and spend it. Get yourself a few nice suits. The rest is your pocket money."
Steve and Bucky exchanged astonished looks.
"Thank you, Master!" Steve said, beaming with joy.
"Master, will you take me on as a disciple too?" Bucky asked, wide-eyed.
Wang Ye cleared his throat, and Steve quickly pulled Bucky toward the lively market.
As Wang Ye prepared to wash an apple to eat, the phone rang — a rare occurrence. He picked it up, and Jon's voice came through.
"Boss, the Führer's secretary has been trying to reach you, but I've been turning them down. Now they've sent someone to the Norwegian headquarters. During the meeting, I found out they intend to remove you from your position and reclaim all of Hydra's research."
Jon's voice was filled with anger. His loyalty to Wang Ye was absolute, and he paid no heed to the so-called Führer.
"They are merciless, so they shouldn't blame us for being ruthless," Wang Ye said coldly. "Jon, make sure this is handled cleanly."
Jon's heart skipped a beat at the icy tone.
"Understood, boss. They'll disappear without a trace."
After the call ended, Wang Ye returned to his calm, indifferent demeanor. He picked a cigar from the box, sniffed it, then lit it.
"Fighting and killing... such a waste. I'm not some demon."
He exhaled the smoke, letting it drift away in the breeze.
(End of Chapter)
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