The first time Bucky saw this 'female university student,' he was stunned.
Was 'Robin' going to be his neighbor?
But then he heard her say her name was Maria Hill, without even changing it.
The future valiant and beautiful Helicarrier Commander, Nick Fury's capable assistant.
Who sent her?
Nick Fury? No, he's not in charge of everything yet; he can't control Bucky.
That old geezer Alexander Pierce? No way, Commander Hill isn't someone he could corrupt, right? Besides, it would be difficult for him to bypass Howard and show special attention to Bucky.
So, the most likely option is Howard, but why?
"You said you're a student at NYCU?"
NYCU, New York City University, though not as famous as NYU, has a long history and has produced many notable figures.
"Yes, I'm a student at the Brooklyn campus, just enrolled this year. What about you, Mr. Lind, have you lived here long?"
Bucky pretended not to know who Maria Hill was, and the future Commander Hill was very enthusiastic, directly inviting Bucky into her home for a visit.
"Yes, I've always lived here."
"Sorry, the boxes aren't unpacked yet, and there's only mineral water in the fridge. I just moved in, so I haven't prepared anything."
"It's fine. Why aren't you living on campus?"
"I'm used to living alone. By the way, I'm hoping to find a part-time job. Mr. Lind should be very familiar with the area, right?"
Hill was very enthusiastic, very unreserved, and looked like a naive female university student who couldn't walk straight when she saw a handsome guy.
Bucky didn't expose her but played along, just wondering what kind of act this was.
"Hey, Howard, do you know about the new person who just moved in next door to me?"
After chatting for a short while, Hill said she wanted to treat Bucky to lunch, taking an offensive stance. Bucky agreed but quickly excused himself and called Howard as soon as he got home.
"I was just about to tell you. You have a child and a nanny at home, and the child's situation is a bit special. I'll send someone over so they can help you watch her when you can't."
It was indeed Howard's arrangement, so Hill's actions were personal, then? A harmless little joke?
"And, this Agent Hill is someone Nick Fury thinks highly of."
So? Do you want me to take extra care of her? Bucky heard Howard's seemingly pointed hint and was slightly puzzled: "Don't worry, I'll take care of her."
"That's good. I trust you to handle things. Contact me if anything comes up."
It seems Howard also thinks highly of Nick Fury!
Bucky didn't know that his 'taking care' meant genuinely looking after her and building a good relationship with the future Commander Hill.
However, Howard interpreted it as 'taking care' in the sense of keeping a close eye on her, and immediately informing him if she made any small moves, such as reporting Bucky's situation to her 'superior,' Nick Fury, or 'superior's superior,' Pierce.
The two seemed to be on the same wavelength, but in reality, they were completely at odds.
Fortunately, it was Howard who misunderstood, not Bucky.
Bucky genuinely felt that with the future Agent Hill helping him watch the house, he could truly feel at ease leaving Skye alone at home.
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as he was thinking, a knock sounded at the door.
"My house doesn't have hot water yet. Could I borrow yours?"
Outside the door was the pretty and slightly embarrassed Maria Hill.
Bucky truly hadn't expected to see Commander Hill like this.
What kind of play are you putting on?
Even if you were just an ordinary young, beautiful female university student, this kind of scenario would only happen in certain action movies with two or three people in one or two scenes, right?
Bucky looked at Maria Hill like this, and not only was his heart completely unmoved, but he also scoffed internally.
Well, not completely unmoved. Who wouldn't want to be flirted with by a young female university student?
Anyone, even if they felt it was unrealistic and feared it was a prank, would always feel a little secretly pleased, and even have a glimmer of hope and fantasy, right?
Bucky wasn't an ascetic, but after transmigrating, he had never had a normal romantic life. His subconscious physiological reactions were merely the healthy manifestations of a normal male.
So, let's stop here.
"Agent Hill, I've already spoken with Howard Stark."
As Bucky let Maria Hill into the house, facing her breathy gaze, he made a 'stop' gesture, indicating he didn't want to play this game.
"Sir, Agent Hill reporting."
A woman's face changes in an instant. Hearing Bucky say that, Hill's expression immediately shifted from an action movie look to a coldness only slightly better than Melinda May's, and she took a step back to maintain distance.
However, a hint of "Tsk, how boring" still flashed across her expression.
Indeed, or rather, it was a joke, of course.
Maria Hill, a rookie Agent who had recently graduated from the academy, initially thought that with the favor of a Level 7 Agent Officer, she would directly participate in frontline missions, becoming a super spy like Zero Zero Seven.
However, she unexpectedly received a sudden phone call assigning her a disguised identity and a mission to secretly observe and protect a special individual.
She was full of ambition, and although she wouldn't show it, she was somewhat dissatisfied, though she would obey orders one hundred percent.
But upon learning the identity of the person she was protecting—a member of the World War II Howling Commandos, the famous Captain America's... sidekick, Bucky Barnes, who also had special, top-secret experiences that led to his current situation—
She immediately took it seriously.
However, she also developed a great interest in Bucky.
So, being still very young, she had a sudden whim, a mischievous thought, which led her not to reveal her identity directly, but to first try this stunt, wanting to test him.
To make Bucky look foolish, or to see what extraordinary qualities Bucky possessed.
However, time ran out. It only caused Bucky a slight flutter (a normal, healthy reaction). Just as she was about to push further, he directly called out her identity.
Though a bit regrettable, Maria Hill wouldn't continue playing.
"Sir, I will live like a normal university student, maintaining my disguise, but you can call me if anything happens. I will arrive as quickly as possible. I will install cameras in the corridor and surrounding areas to monitor the situation at all times."
"I won't disturb your work; just do as you see fit."
Seeing Hill's businesslike demeanor, Bucky also adopted a "Youngster, I have high hopes for you" attitude.
After seeing Hill off, Bucky still thought that Howard's choice for this person was truly good. Now he could confidently stay out all night, fighting crime on the streets. If any sudden incidents occurred, with Hill watching over things, he could even stay away from home for two or three days, or even longer.
However...
ADVANCE CHAPTER AVAILABLE IN PATREON
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