A Deal with the Devil
As a woman, Amanda Waller wasn't known for her looks, but her ability was undeniable.
She was an excellent negotiator, skilled at controlling her opponent's thoughts. After sensing the "intimate" relationship between Luke and Carol, she immediately elevated the danger level of the Violet Lantern Woman to the same status as Superman.
This was both persuasion and a threat.
Luke chuckled. "It seems I don't have many options. If I don't agree, Carol will become one of your termination targets, won't she?"
"Mr. Shaw, please don't misunderstand my meaning. The purpose of A.R.G.U.S. is prevention, not extermination. We would only activate emergency protocols if the situation deteriorated severely." She took a breath and continued,
"Conflict with superheroes would only benefit others. That is not something we want to see, nor is it the original intent of A.R.G.U.S."
Amanda pressed her hands onto the table and spoke with exceptional sincerity.
"I've told you everything I can. Mr. Shaw, I sincerely hope you join A.R.G.U.S. and become one of our founding members to contribute to the future of humanity."
Luke held his chin, lost in thought. Amanda stared ahead, full of expectation.
After a long silence, Luke finally spoke.
"You're a very good speaker, and I appreciate your sincerity. But that alone isn't enough. I need to know if A.R.G.U.S. is worth the investment. How about this: I recently ran into a tricky problem. If you can help me solve it, I will join A.R.G.U.S. and offer you a welcome gift."
Amanda had wasted so much breath waiting for this exact statement. She didn't hesitate to reach out her hand.
"Please tell me."
"I have a friend who, due to an accident, was blown up until only half her head remained. I want her to be resurrected. Can you do that?"
Amanda immediately frowned, sensing a difficult request. After considering it, she asked,
"Her head?"
"I used a special method to keep the head active. It's no different from a normal person's."
Amanda continued, "What level of resurrection do you require?"
"She must possess her memories from life, know who she is, what she did, and what she experienced."
Amanda sighed. "Mr. Shaw, you have presented quite a challenge."
Luke shrugged. "The reward is also very generous."
Amanda's interest was piqued. "Specifically, what is it?"
"I'll help you solve the problem that's currently giving you the biggest headache."
Luke spoke with a clear implication, and Amanda immediately understood.
"The dry corpse case?"
"That's right. Fix this head for me, and I'll chop off the other head and give it to you as a welcome gift."
Amanda was surprised. "You know the identity of the dry corpse killer?"
Luke sneered. "Coast City is my territory. How could I not know when he's causing trouble on my turf? However, this guy's abilities are terrifying. It will take a lot of effort to deal with him."
Amanda couldn't help but ask,
"Can you tell me who the killer is?"
Luke just smiled and remained silent. Amanda had no choice but to say,
"Besides the resurrection, do you have any other requirements?"
Luke shook his head. "I'm a very stickler for agreements. As long as you resurrect the head, I will join A.R.G.U.S. and deliver the welcome gift."
"Alright!"
Amanda took a long breath and extended her right hand.
"We will get back to you with an answer as quickly as possible."
"I look forward to that moment."
Their hands clasped, and afterward, Amanda left with her subordinates.
Watching the three figures depart, Carol couldn't help but ask curiously,
"What were you talking about?"
"She invited me to join an organization."
"An organization? What kind of organization?"
Carol was increasingly curious. That a gang boss like Luke was being invited by someone representing the FBI seemed unbelievable.
"I can't tell you now. I'll let you know when the time comes."
Carol huffed, then slapped his phone into his hand.
"You got a call from home. You need to go to the Chinese restaurant before noon. If you don't go, your grandfather is coming here personally to break your legs."
Luke's heart jumped, but his expression didn't change.
"Want to come with me?"
Carol scoffed. "Why would I go? To be a third wheel and watch you have a blind date?"
"..."
Carol poked a finger forcefully into Luke's chest several times.
"You listen to me: if you dare to get engaged to that woman named Qu Youran, I will summon a meteor and turn your engagement banquet into a mass grave. I mean it."
With that, she turned and walked away, her steps light and strong, disappearing in an instant.
Angie gave Luke a strange look and quickly followed Carol.
The Blind Date
Following the call at 8:50 in the morning, the old man called twice more shortly after, his tone becoming stricter each time. Luke didn't know what kind of spell the woman surnamed Qu had cast, but it made Changlin Shaw, who usually doted on his grandson, issue a death order.
At this point, he couldn't afford not to go.
At noon, a black BMW sedan pulled up outside the Chinese restaurant. Luke opened the door and got out, with Angie, acting as his "eyes and ears," hurrying after him.
The restaurant manager was at the door. Seeing Luke, he quickly came forward.
"I thought you were going to bail on us again."
Luke looked helpless. "I wanted to, but the old man is pushing too hard. I have no choice."
"Has the person arrived?"
"She's already here, on the second floor."
Luke nodded and walked into the restaurant. The manager followed, asking,
"Young Master, what will you be having for lunch?"
"The usual."
"Got it, I'll prepare it right away."
Luke was a regular customer at the Chinese restaurant. As soon as he walked in, people immediately came up to greet him, especially several of the familiar waitresses, whose eyes were full of attraction, eager to get close to him.
Luke cleared his throat and gestured toward the second floor. The girls snorted and left, grumbling.
The manager quickly scolded them, telling them to work properly and not neglect the guests. Then, he personally led Luke toward the VIP room. Angie tried to follow but was gently pulled aside by the manager.
Luke turned back. "Go eat. I'll be out soon."
Angie had no choice but to head to the first floor as the manager arranged.
Luke scanned the surroundings. After spotting several unfamiliar faces on the first floor, he shook his head helplessly, pushed open the VIP room door, and walked in.
In the bright light, a flash of white caught his eye first, followed by long, black, lustrous hair. Her appearance didn't fit the typical Western aesthetic, but in the East, she was definitely of a fairy-like caliber. Her features were small and exquisite, her complexion fair and delicate, and her eyes were as pure as water. Sitting there, she was like a lotus flower untouched by mud, possessing an ethereal, otherworldly beauty.
Luke did not use English. Instead, he spoke in perfectly fluent Chinese:
"Miss Qu, it's a pleasure!"
Qu Youran nodded slightly.
"Hello."
Luke pulled out a chair and sat across from her. With a smile, he said,
"I thought that bailing last time already made things quite clear. Unfortunately, Miss Qu is more greedy than I imagined, actually using my grandfather's connections to force me to sit down and talk with you face-to-face."
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