Two Days Later,
At the Mlaide Headquarters, Allen Tower, Leader's Office
"Leader, Erskine has been standing outside the antique store for three hours!"
Jon relayed the intelligence gathered by agents monitoring the antique store to Wang Ye.
"What does he want with me? Could something have happened to Steve?"
"Not at all. According to the latest reports, Steve is performing excellently in military training and hasn't encountered any issues."
Wang Ye frowned.
"Then it's likely about the changes in Steve. After all, it's normal for someone to question how a sickly man could suddenly become so exceptional. I'll go back and check. Jon, you'll manage things here for now. I probably won't be back for a while."
"Yes, Leader!"
Wang Ye stood up, opened a spatial portal, and returned to the antique store's lobby.
Through the transparent stained glass on the door, he could see a figure pacing back and forth outside - it was Dr. Erskine. Without delay, Wang Ye opened the store door and greeted the doctor.
"Doctor, what brings you here? Did something happen to Steve?"
Feigning concern, Wang Ye asked with a puzzled expression.
"Mr. Ye, you misunderstood. Steve is performing well in training. I came to ask about his time learning combat techniques with you."
Dr. Erskine adjusted his glasses, looking a bit embarrassed.
"So, that's why you're here. But isn't this a personal matter? Aren't you worried I might refuse to answer?"
Looking at the slightly awkward doctor, Wang Ye found the situation amusing—it reminded him of Zola back at the headquarters.
"I'm just trying my luck. I'm quite curious about the changes in Steve—it's a bit of an occupational hazard, this excessive curiosity."
Dr. Erskine smiled politely but awkwardly, clearly doubting his chances of success.
"Haha, since you're curious, I'll share. It's not a big secret, after all. Come inside to the lounge, and we'll talk properly."
Wang Ye gestured politely with a warm smile.
Delighted by the invitation, the doctor entered the store.
The ensuing conversation revolved around the changes in Steve. Wang Ye explained it all as the result of combat training and physical strengthening, emphasizing Steve's natural talent for martial arts.
Seeing the doctor's doubtful expression, Wang Ye began spinning tales about inner strength, energy flow, acupuncture points, meridians, and dantian—completely bewildering Erskine with unfamiliar terms.
Despite his vast knowledge, the doctor found himself utterly confused, his mind swirling with questions. Eventually, he grasped one point: Steve's condition was unique and unrepeatable.
The conversation then shifted to science. With the knowledge Wang Ye had absorbed from both Erskine and Zola, he answered all of Erskine's questions with ease, often elaborating and extending the topics further.
Dr. Erskine was so impressed that he eagerly invited Wang Ye to join the lab as his assistant.
Wang Ye didn't immediately agree, smiling instead.
"My store has just recently opened. Would you let me consider it for a while?"
"This..."
Looking at the antiques scattered around the shop, the doctor swallowed his words.
"Haha, my apologies for being so abrupt. Take your time to consider, Mr. Ye. I'll take my leave for now."
Dr. Erskine stood and smiled.
"Wait a moment, Doctor. Wouldn't you leave your contact information? If I decide, how should I get in touch with you?"
"Ah, how forgetful of me!"
The doctor quickly pulled a notebook from his coat pocket, scribbled his phone number with the pen clipped to his chest, and tore out the page, handing it to Wang Ye.
"Call this number once you've decided. I'll be waiting!"
With that, the doctor waved goodbye and left hurriedly.
The following morning, after a brief wait, Wang Ye called Dr. Erskine to express his willingness to join the experiment.
Overjoyed, the doctor instructed him to wait outside the store, assuring him that someone would come to pick him up soon.
Shortly after, a sleek black sedan, straight out of a spy movie, sped to a halt two meters from Wang Ye.
The driver was a striking woman with reddish-brown wavy hair, bold red lips, and an air of confidence. Even through the car window, her fiery, wild aura was palpable.
"Hello, Mr. Ye. I'm Agent Carter. Dr. Erskine sent me to pick you up."
Wang Ye nodded, opened the door, and sat in the front passenger seat, silently fastening his seatbelt.
"Agent Carter, you're an excellent driver! Among all the female drivers I've seen, your skills are the best!"
"You flatter me, Mr. Ye. It's all just practice. But you're the one who's truly exceptional—to have earned the doctor's admiration and a recommendation from the colonel for a top-secret research project."
"Oh, really? Hahaha..."
(Chapter Ends)
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