"Winter Soldier Program?"
"HYDRA has been secretly developing such a terrifying killing machine all along. It seems your concerns were justified. If HYDRA gets their hands on the super serum, the consequences would be unimaginable!"
Colonel Phillips gasped after reading the document, gaining a deeper understanding of HYDRA's madness and feeling fortunate for Wang Ye's foresight.
In fact, after obtaining the super serum formula, Wang Ye had already deemed the half-developed Winter Soldier Program dispensable and abandoned it.
With the enhanced super serum, the Winter Soldier Program was casually sent to a soon-to-be-abandoned base.
The so-called heavily-guarded base was actually HYDRA's measure to protect the program when Setas discovered it by chance and planned to restart it. But now, Wang Ye had intercepted it.
"Yes, I didn't expect HYDRA to be so close to developing a serum almost on par with the super serum.
Thankfully, this accidental discovery came in time. Otherwise, if a terrifying Winter Soldier unit had suddenly attacked us in the future, the losses would have been unbearable!"
Wang Ye played along, his acting flawless, his face full of genuine fear.
Colonel Phillips, noncommittal, silently resealed the document and locked it carefully in a top-secret file cabinet.
"We'll wait for Agent Carter to arrive tomorrow and hand this over to her for investigation.
For now, let's strategize for tomorrow's operation!
Since the enemy no longer has rear support, our tactics must be adjusted accordingly."
Wang Ye nodded, and the two began studying the battle map together.
Early Morning the Next Day
Wang Ye woke up early and was leading the commandos in practicing Tai Chi.
Colonel Phillips, standing nearby, mimicked the movements rigidly. After learning about the benefits of this martial art, he wondered if he could master it himself.
But Wang Ye bluntly told him he lacked the talent and suggested he not waste time but instead stick to a diet of red dates and goji berries for better results.
Wang Ye had considered teaching the soldiers some life-saving combat techniques, as it would increase their survival odds on the battlefield.
However, such skills required consistent practice over time, with no shortcuts. Moreover, without mastery or combat experience, they could even backfire.
By Noon
Agent Carter arrived at the camp.
Colonel Phillips handed her the Winter Soldier Program file to review.
Agent Carter's brows furrowed tightly.
"This matter is of grave importance. What do you think we should do?"
Wang Ye said nothing, lighting a cigar and taking a puff.
Agent Carter sighed and turned to the colonel.
"The current situation is favorable. With this file intercepted, it will likely take HYDRA some time to restart the Winter Soldier Program.
This window is crucial for us to completely defeat HYDRA.
If we allow them time to regroup and restart the program, they could deploy a Winter Soldier unit to the battlefield, putting us at a severe disadvantage!"
"Exactly.
The HYDRA camp here has been destroyed, and the main battlefield is being cleaned up as we speak.
Next, we'll focus on planning a direct assault on HYDRA's base!"
Taking a deep puff, Wang Ye exhaled a few smoke rings and said,
"Colonel, don't you think the newly discovered HYDRA base in Austria is a prime target?
We could rescue the captives and destroy a major base, delivering a heavy blow to HYDRA!"
"The Austrian base?
I doubt your motives are that simple!
Steve is arriving this afternoon for his tour, yet you choose to target the distant Austrian base at this time.
Your intentions are way too obvious!"
Colonel Phillips glanced at Wang Ye, feeling he had finally figured out his thoughts for once.
Agent Carter, unaware of Bucky's situation, looked confused at the cryptic exchange and couldn't join the conversation.
Wang Ye gave the colonel a thumbs-up.
"Impressive! Spot on!"
Afternoon Performance
"Are you ready to help me knock out Hitler?"
On a makeshift stage in the camp, Steve stood in a star-spangled tight outfit, holding his shield and passionately delivering his well-rehearsed lines to the soldiers below.
But the soldiers—whether seated, standing, or perched on tanks and trucks to watch—remained silent, their expressions blank as they stared at Steve.
For Steve, accustomed to enthusiastic responses from countless fans, this sudden, awkward silence was a new and deeply uncomfortable experience.
"What's wrong with you all?
If you want to watch the show, cooperate properly!
Otherwise, no one gets to see the ladies dance!"
Wang Ye suddenly appeared among the crowd, sternly reprimanding the soldiers. He then turned to Steve, giving him an encouraging nod before finding a spot to sit and watch.
Given Wang Ye's heroic exploits—like leading a ten-man team to take down three HYDRA bases unscathed—his reputation was well-established among the troops.
His words carried weight, and the soldiers, no longer giving Steve a hard time, started playing along.
Seeing his mentor after so long, Steve felt embarrassed by the situation but was heartened by Wang Ye's encouraging gaze. Suddenly, everything seemed worthwhile.
The show continued, and this time, the soldiers participated enthusiastically, giving Steve the respect he deserved.
When the long-awaited ladies finally took the stage, the thunderous applause almost caused Steve to trip as he exited.
Backstage
"Master, I didn't expect to see you here on the front lines. I…"
Steve scratched his head, glancing at his tight costume, feeling he had embarrassed his mentor.
"Haha! You look great! So many people admire you now—it's proof of your talent and charm.
And your movies and stage performances? I watch your comics when I have free time.
Captain America!"
Wang Ye laughed heartily.
"Compared to acting, I'd rather fight on the real battlefield."
Steve's expression dimmed.
"Good timing. There's an opportunity now—if you're up for it!
This mission involves rescuing captives from HYDRA, including your friend Bucky."
"What? Bucky's been captured?
Is he in danger? When are we leaving?"
Hearing about his friend, Steve grew anxious.
"Calm down. Did you forget what I taught you?
According to the latest intel, Bucky is being held at HYDRA's Austrian base, forced to make weapons.
For now, his life isn't in danger."
Wang Ye patted Steve, calming him down.
(End of Chapter)
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