"Now that's more like it. By the way, how's that matter with Thor going?" Aetheris asked. Hearing that Hawkeye was being sent personally, he understood Nick Fury was giving him a great deal of respect.
"We're still watching him covertly. Honestly, he doesn't resemble the God of Thunder in the slightest. At most, he's just a particularly strong guy," Fury replied, recalling Natasha's report.
"He hasn't become the God of Thunder yet because he hasn't met the person with the three moles," Aetheris said with a sly grin.
"Three moles?" Nick Fury scratched his bald head."I didn't exactly major in mythology, don't try to fool me."
"Relax. Thor coming to Earth is just a test set up by Odin. Think of it like a golden opportunity, what you might call a temporary assignment to gain some worldly experience. You know what I mean, right?"
"More or less," Fury replied. He was an old hand at politics and understood exactly what "temporary assignment" implied.
"That's why we need to be good hosts to this crown prince. Let him feel the sting of powerlessness, but also the warmth and kindness Earth can offer. Leave a good impression—someday, if Earth's in danger, he might lend us a hand." Aetheris glanced at the three thugs still kneeling on the ground.
"I won't bother giving you the details. You handle it. Later."
He hung up and turned to comfort the young beauty beside him.
"My dear niece, is school tiring? How are things with your classmates? Are you adjusting to life here in America?"
Annie blushed furiously. Her playful uncle was still holding her hand and fussing over her in front of so many people. How was she supposed to respond?
"My sweet girl, when choosing a boyfriend, you really need to keep your eyes open. How could you end up with someone like that?" Aetheris shot a glance at Davis, who was still sprawled out like a dead dog.
"No way! He's not my boyfriend. We're just classmates," Annie said quickly. "He got two ballet theater tickets, so I agreed to come along. I didn't know he was like this!"
Truth be told, Davis wasn't bad-looking and came from a relatively wealthy family. Both his parents were government employees, and at school, he was fairly popular. For a guy like that to pursue a girl newly arrived from a war-torn country usually didn't require much effort.
Unfortunately for him, tonight he'd run into the three tigers of Brooklyn.
Whup-whup-whup…
The sudden sound of rotor blades thundered overhead. Aetheris looked up and spotted a sleek figure descending from a helicopter—swift and agile like a jungle cat.
Thud.
The man landed directly in front of Aetheris with quiet precision.
Hawkeye—Clint Barton.
"Mr. Tony, Director Fury assigned me to retrieve a few individuals," Barton said, his voice expressionless, his square face cold and resolute.
"Those three kneeling over there. I don't want to see them in New York again."
If it had been a beautiful woman, Aetheris might have flirted a bit. But faced with the stern and no-nonsense Hawkeye, he felt zero interest.
"Understood, Mr. Tony. I'll report back to Director Fury."
Barton signaled to his team.
"Regroup."
From arrival to departure, Hawkeye had been on scene for less than ten minutes.
Aetheris had only one word for him: efficient.
If only he could trade Happy for someone like it would be perfect.
"Uncle, could we not tell Dad about what happened tonight?"
Annie tugged lightly at the hem of Aetheris's shirt, her voice soft and pleading.
The two of them strolled through the quiet Brooklyn streets. Though it was just 9 PM, the roads were nearly deserted. So much for the so-called "wild and free" spirit of America.
They flagged down a taxi and squeezed into the back seat together.
Annie was radiant and youthful, while Aetheris exuded a calm, composed maturity.
The driver was a Black man.
"Hey, are you two father and daughter? It's not all that safe to be out this late around here," the driver remarked casually.
Aetheris's face darkened.
What kind of eyes does this guy have?The night gave you black eyes to seek the light not to be blind with them!Do I really look that old? Father and daughter?!
Annie couldn't help but burst into laughter. She gently patted Aetheris on the thigh to comfort him.
Sitting this close to her, Aetheris could feel her youthful vitality up close.
Her ponytail was tied high, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck. Her elegant lines extended down to her collarbone, forming two delicate hollows that looked as if they could hold tiny goldfish.
Her foreign features were striking—deep-set eyes like twin sapphire lakes: crystal clear and deeply mesmerizing.
Her tall, slender figure made the cramped taxi seat feel even smaller. Her long legs were wrapped tightly in jeans with nowhere to stretch.
She wore a cropped top that exposed a smooth, toned stomach. Even seated, not the slightest hint of extra flesh could be seen.
Aetheris couldn't help but marvel girls who trained in dance really did have stunning physiques. Every line of their body was honed and elegant.
Then a thought crossed his mind. well, looks like my late-night snack is settled.
"It's pretty late. Doesn't Ethan worry about you coming home at this hour?" Aetheris asked, glancing at Annie's profile. Her high nose and defined features carried a distinct exotic beauty.
"Not really. Dad's always working late. It's usually just my mom and little brother at home," Annie replied. Sitting so close, she breathed in the faint blend of tobacco and clean cologne that clung to him and strangely, she felt a sense of peace.
The classic "hero saves the beauty" scene truly never went out of style.
"Are things okay at school? Anyone giving you trouble?"
In his past life, Aetheris had often read news about local students bullying newcomers—especially girls. It could get downright vicious.
He often wondered: Life is hard enough already, why make it harder for each other, especially among women?
Annie smiled sweetly."It's fine. There'll always be a few conflicts among classmates especially in college, where there are all kinds of cliques. As long as you're not completely out of place, no one really bothers you. Besides, I got in thanks to you—my classmates are too busy being envious to even think about messing with me."
As she spoke, her lips moved gently soft and plump like jelly making Aetheris wonder what they'd taste like. Would it be sweet and chewy, like Xufuji or Want Want?
"What? Is there something on my face?" Annie tilted her head slightly, noticing him staring and assuming something might've gotten stuck on her face after the earlier scuffle.
"I was just wondering… are all girls who dance this beautiful?"
(End of Chapter)
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