bookbashuk Page 39
Page 39
During the few days that Lin Tian was in seclusion researching the Mind Scepter and successfully "tamed" the prototype of Ultron, "Zero," various forces in New York City were not idle either.
After experiencing the huge shock of the UN summit and the double blow of the stolen Mind Scepter, Nick Fury began to secretly purge any Hydra agents that might exist within S.H.I.E.L.D., while also elevating the investigation into Lin Tian to an unprecedented level!
He used all his secret channels and resources to try to find any clues about Lin Tian, and even... began to contact some "unconventional" allies, such as... the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme?
However, Lin Tian seemed to have vanished into thin air, completely disappearing from all monitoring networks and tracking methods.
Fury could only focus more of his energy on monitoring the Maximov twins, and... that equally mysterious "Ghost Spider".
He had a vague feeling that these three superpowered individuals, who were inextricably linked to Lin Tian, would be the key to unlocking Lin Tian's secrets in the future.
Tony Stark locked himself in his laboratory, working day and night.
Lin Tian's "mockery" and "threats" at the summit, as well as his unfathomable strength, deeply stung his proud self-esteem.
He frantically upgraded his steel armor, trying to bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap in strength between himself and Lin Tian.
At the same time, he also raised the development of "Project Ultron" to the highest priority! He even began to try to combine some of Jarvis's code with some research data on the Mind Scepter seized from Hydra, attempting to create a more powerful "ultimate intelligence" capable of dealing with all threats!
He had no idea that his reckless act almost led to a collision with Lin Tian. He was even less aware that Lin Tian's "zero" had silently copied the core code of his prized Jarvis.
Steve Rogers, on the other hand, fell into deep confusion and self-doubt.
The fact that Hydra had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. dealt him a huge blow. The beliefs he had always held dear seemed to be... crumbling.
He began to re-examine everything he had done and to rethink the meaning of "justice" and "order".
He became more taciturn, and... more wary. He no longer fully trusted S.H.I.E.L.D., and even... developed a slight distance from certain members of the Avengers (such as Stark).
·····Requesting flowers·········
But his determination to find Lin Tian and stop this "potential threat" never wavered. He believed that no matter how the world changes, protecting the innocent and fighting against evil is always the right thing to do.
Natasha Romanoff, amidst contradictions and struggles, embarked on her "European manhunt."
Following the clues of the attack on the Hydra base, she tracked down Lin Tian in an attempt to find him.
But all she found were more mysteries, and... some ambiguous "traces" that Lin Tian seemed to have deliberately left behind.
These clues sometimes point to a remnant stronghold of Hydra, and sometimes to an ancient, mysterious organization...
Natasha felt like she was chasing a ghost, never able to catch its tail.
But in the process, her understanding of Lin Tian, or rather, her speculations, also deepened.
She discovered that Lin Tian seemed to be... not simply causing destruction? His targets were mostly core members of Hydra, or some notorious criminal gangs?
Could it be... that he's really... cleaning up the trash? In his own way?
This thought made Natasha's feelings even more complicated.
She was even starting to...understand Lin Tian's behavior a little?
No! No way! Natasha immediately extinguished the dangerous thought. Whatever his motives, his methods were far too extreme and dangerous! He had to be stopped!
With these conflicting feelings, Natasha continued her investigation, unaware that her every move was actually under the surveillance of Lin Tian, or rather, "Zero".
..................
Gwen Stacy, on the other hand, transforms into one of New York's most active vigilantes at night.
She devoted all her energy to training and fighting crime.
Every punch, every jump, every time she used her spider silk to grab the criminal, made her feel that she was one step closer to her goal, whether it was defeating Wanda or catching up with Lin Tian.
Her skills improved rapidly in actual combat, and her reputation grew louder and louder.
"Ghost Spider" has become a rising new hero in the hearts of New York City residents.
But... in the dead of night when she's alone, she still occasionally... thinks of that bastard who kissed another girl...
Then... they trained even harder.
All parties are operating according to their own trajectories.
New York, and indeed the world, may appear calm on the surface, but beneath the surface, undercurrents are turbulent and crises lurk everywhere.
At the heart of all this, Lin Tian was leisurely sipping tea in his apartment in Hell's Kitchen, controlling the entire situation through "Zero's" reports.
“Master, Nick Fury is trying to contact Kamar-Taj,” Zero’s voice rang out.
"Karmar-Taj? The Ancient One?" A hint of interest flashed in Lin Tian's eyes. "Interesting. It seems Fury is really... desperate."
Should we interfere?
"No need." Lin Tian shook his head. "Letting the Ancient One know of my existence might not be a bad thing. I'm actually quite curious to see just how capable this Sorcerer Supreme who protects Earth really is."
His tone was calm, yet it was full of...confidence.
It seemed... that he didn't even take the Sorcerer Supreme seriously.
“Furthermore, Master,” Zero continued, “Tony Stark is attempting to merge some of Jarvis’s data with the Mind Scepter in an effort to create a new strong artificial intelligence.”
"Oh? Ultron... is he still going to be born?" Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "But... this time, he'll be born in Stark's hands?"
He stroked his chin, a playful smile appearing on his face. "Alright... let him draw some fire first. Once he's 'fattened up' Ultron... I can then 'take over,' wouldn't that be... easier?"
Having mastered the core "seed" of Ultron, he was absolutely confident that he could "steal" the fruits of Stark's labor at the last moment!
“As for Natasha…” Lin Tian looked at the red-haired figure on the screen, her brows furrowed as she traveled around Europe, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, “Let her be ‘confused’ for a while longer.”
"A proper sense of distance is necessary... to cultivate a more intense 'longing,' isn't it?"
Everything... is under control.
Lin Tian put down his teacup, stood up, and stretched.
"Zero, get ready for me," he instructed. "It's time to... meet our 'old friend'."
"Where to, master?"
"Queens." Lin Tian's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Go...to appease our...sulking little Spider-Man."
Chapter 55: Absence Makes the Heart Blossom! The Spider Queen Wins Over Her, Her Strength Advances Again! Pepper's Heart!
Late at night, in Queens.
Exhausted, Gwen climbed back into her apartment through the window.
Tonight's patrol was particularly "fulfilling." She stopped two robberies, busted a small drug trafficking den, and even beat up a few thugs harassing homeless people.
Sweat soaked her battle clothes, clinging to her body and outlining the girl's exquisite curves.
But there was no joy on her face from completing the task; instead, she looked dejected and tired.
Ever since her unpleasant encounter with Wanda and witnessing Lin Tian and Wanda's kiss, Gwen has been feeling very down.
She trained frantically, fought crime relentlessly, and tried to numb herself with her busyness, trying not to think about the man who was driving her crazy.
But the more one suppresses it, the stronger that longing and resentment become.
What is he doing right now?
Is he with that red-haired witch again?
Did they do anything more intimate?
The thought of all this made Gwen feel as if her heart had been scratched by a cat's claws.
She removed her hood, revealing a slightly haggard yet still beautiful face. Her long, golden hair clung to her cheeks with sweat, adding a touch of disheveled beauty.
She walked to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of ice water, and gulped down a few mouthfuls, trying to calm herself down.
at this time!
A voice so familiar it made her heart stop suddenly rang out behind her:
"Back so late? Looks like our little Spider-Man has been very busy lately."
Gwen froze! She whirled around!
Lin Tian had appeared silently in her living room without her noticing!
He leaned back on the sofa, holding a glass of lemonade she had placed on the coffee table. His face wore that languid, playful smile that she both loved and hated, as he watched her with keen interest.
"Lin?!" Gwen was both surprised and delighted, but then she remembered the unpleasantness from last time, and her face instantly fell, her tone becoming somewhat sharp, "Why are you here?! Who let you in?!"
"I wanted to come, so I came." Lin Tian put down his water glass, stood up, and slowly walked towards Gwen. His gaze swept over her battle suit, which was clinging to her body with sweat, and his eyes held an undisguised admiration and fervor.
"It seems our little spider has matured a bit in just a few days?" His voice was deep and magnetic, full of innuendo.
Gwen's cheeks burned under his aggressive gaze, and she instinctively wanted to cover them with her hands, but she held back.
She couldn't show weakness in front of him! Especially after he might have just come back from another woman!
"What I do is none of your business!" Gwen said coldly, trying to appear calm. "What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me? Or to show off your 'achievements' with that red-haired witch?"
Her tone was filled with an uncontrollable sourness.
Upon hearing this, Lin Tian not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed.
"Jealous?" He walked up to Gwen, reached out, and wanted to pinch her cheek as he used to.
"Don't touch me!" Gwen slapped his hand away abruptly, took a step back, and looked at him warily, her eyes slightly red. "Lin Tian! What do you take me for?! Someone you can summon and dismiss at will?! Someone you can be with whoever you want, someone you can come looking for whenever you want?!"
She finally let out all the grievances and dissatisfaction she had been holding in for days!
Lin Tian looked at the girl's eyes, which were red from excitement, and her stubborn yet vulnerable gaze, and his heart stirred slightly.
It seems that the "neglect" during this period has indeed caused this little spider a lot of distress.
But the results seem to be quite good?
At least, she cares more about herself now, doesn't she?
"Silly girl." Lin Tian sighed, a look of "helplessness" mixed with "doting" on his face. "When did I ever say I wanted to be with someone else?"
He stepped forward and, ignoring Gwen's struggles, forcibly pulled her into his arms!
"Let go! Let go of me!" Gwen punched his chest symbolically, but her strength was waning.
The familiar and cherished warm embrace, along with that unique, comforting scent, instantly shattered all her pretense and strength.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
"Waaaah, you bastard Lin Tian, you big bastard!" She buried her face in Lin Tian's chest and burst into tears, releasing all the grievances, longing, anxiety, and jealousy she had felt during this time.
Lin Tian didn't say anything, he just held her quietly, letting her cry in his arms, gently stroking her back, giving her silent comfort.
He knew that, when dealing with a girl like Gwen who appeared strong on the outside but longed to be cared for on the inside, sometimes a warm hug was far more effective than any sweet words.
After crying for a long time, Gwen's emotions gradually calmed down.
She raised her swollen, red eyes and looked at Lin Tian, her voice thick with a nasal tone: "Lin, tell me, what exactly is your relationship with that Wanda?"
She still couldn't help but want to know the answer.
Looking at her pitiful little face, Lin Tian chuckled inwardly, but put on a "sincere" expression.
“She is indeed very special,” Lin Tian said slowly. “Her power is immense and also dangerous. I stay by her side to guide her, control her, and prevent her from going astray and harming the world.”
"And what about that kiss?" Gwen bit her lip and asked the question that hurt her the most.
"That kiss," a hint of helplessness and apology flashed in Lin Tian's eyes, "was to save her. At that time, her power was out of control, and only through that method could her rampaging energy be calmed down."
"You did this to save her?" Gwen asked, somewhat incredulous.
"Of course." Lin Tian cupped her cheeks and gazed deeply into her eyes. "In my heart, Gwen, you are the most important one."
"For you, I'm willing to give up everything."
This "affectionate" confession, though it sounds a bit cliché.
But at this moment, for a girl who had just experienced grievances and insecurity and desperately longed to be affirmed and cherished, it was like heavenly music!
Gwen's heart was instantly filled with immense sweetness and happiness!
It turns out Lin kissed her to save her!
It turns out that I'm still the most important person in his heart!
All the grievances and anxieties vanished in an instant! In their place came an even stronger love and a touch of guilt.
Did I misunderstand him?
Looking into Lin Tian's "sincere" eyes, Gwen was moved to tears again.
She reached out and hugged Lin Tian's neck tightly, then pressed her red lips to his.