He laid out "Affable Smile" first, followed by nine white skill cards. The ten cards aligned in a neat row, each emitting a soft white glow. In an instant, a beam of light connected them end-to-end. Hong Fei tapped the "Affable Smile" card lightly with his finger.
The nine surrounding cards shattered with a crisp, glass-like sound, their fragments dissolving into pure light. The energy surged along the white beam toward the central card. The glow from "Affable Smile" intensified, growing brighter and brighter.
When the last trace of light poured into the card and the beam vanished, it shone like a miniature sun. Gradually, the white light receded inward, replaced by a faint green glow that expanded outward until the entire card was bathed in emerald waves. Passive skill card: Affable Smile (Green) - Phil Coulson: "Your smile lowers the guard of all living beings and earns their favor. Effectiveness varies based on the target's mental fortitude."
The description remained unchanged. Hong Fei slotted the card into place, and the passive effect activated immediately. The energy consumption was slightly higher than before, but the upgraded effect felt noticeably stronger. With this upgrade, he was left with only five white skill cards, while his collection of green cards now totaled twelve.
Unlike the white cards, most of the green cards held significant practical value or unique significance. Take Bullseye's "Weapon Mastery" card, for instance—Hong Fei had used its properties to briefly lift Mjolnir, a feat Bullseye himself couldn't have accomplished even if resurrected.
As a result, there were few useless green cards in his collection, and they didn't yet meet the requirements for further upgrades. From another perspective, Hong Fei's current strength still left room for growth, so many green cards remained highly valuable.
In time, as his power increased, some cards would inevitably lose their current usefulness—a natural progression. He also possessed eight blue skill cards, each of which was immensely practical, and two purple skill cards.
There were two fusion cards: Lesser Hulk Bloodline and the Soviet-version Super Soldier Serum. Twenty-seven skill cards shared five card slots. Thankfully, their effects and characteristics varied enough to prevent the selection process from becoming overwhelming. With a wave of his hand, he stored all the cards within him.
Heading downstairs, he found the seven Calabash Brothers sprawled haphazardly across the living room. Only Frank sat upright, engrossed in his copy of War and Peace. Hong Fei couldn't help but wonder if Frank had simply wrapped the book's cover around something entirely different.
The moment Hong Fei stepped into the room, the six brothers snapped to attention, their movements, expressions, and gazes radiating eagerness to demonstrate obedience. Someone had clearly warned them—this was the post-operation debriefing session, and they knew better than to slack off now.
Hong Fei settled into his chair as Big Head poured a steaming cup of water and stepped back, standing quietly at attention. "How much time is left in your two months?" Hong Fei asked, his tone casual but edged with intent.
"Boss, there are twenty-three days left," Big Head replied promptly.
"Hmm. You remember clearly." Hong Fei leaned back, his gaze sharp. "Make sure you don't forget. Otherwise, I'll have to painfully send you off to lay bricks." Big Head nodded solemnly, though the faint strain in his smile betrayed his unease.
Hong Fei turned his attention to Yelena. "Natasha's back?"
"Yes, she left this morning," Yelena answered.
"What's her situation?"
Yelena's lips curved into a knowing smile. "She'll definitely become our eyes." Another undercover agent in the making. Hong Fei considered this for a moment before saying, "Next time you meet, tell her about Antonia's identity."
Yelena blinked, momentarily surprised, then nodded with a hint of satisfaction. "I'll record that scene."
Antonia, the daughter of Dreykov. Natasha had once believed she'd destroyed the Red Room, using the young girl Antonia to confirm Dreykov's location before detonating the bomb. In Natasha's mind, that meant she'd personally blown up an innocent child—a trauma that haunted her for years. Even when Loki confronted her in the future, shaking her composure with his accusations, her shock had been genuine. She still didn't know Antonia's identity during the Red Room's final destruction.
If Natasha learned the truth—that Antonia had survived—she'd undoubtedly relive that moment. Her first reaction wouldn't be relief at her own exoneration, but tears shed from years of crushing guilt. That was the scene Yelena wanted to capture.
It was a perfect catalyst. Used correctly, it could help Natasha confront the shadows in her heart and push her closer to defecting from S.H.I.E.L.D. She didn't need to betray their secrets immediately. As long as the balance began to tilt, Hong Fei would eventually make her understand what it meant to abandon darkness for light. After all, she now had a home and family. Their identities might be fabricated, but the emotions were real. Hopefully, Fury wouldn't take it too hard.
Hong Fei scanned the room, his voice cutting through the silence. "Overall, yesterday's operation was much better than the previous two." The statement set the tone, allowing everyone to exhale in subtle relief.
"Whether in individual performance or teamwork, you've all improved since the Rand Building incident and the Red Room battle. It's clear you're trying your best, and I have to say, each of you is very smart. If left to your own devices, you could each become a major scourge."
The group exchanged glances, their mouths twitching as they tried to decide whether to take it as praise or a warning.
Hong Fei wasn't lying. Each of them had been a protagonist or major villain in comics, TV shows, or movies, and their performances had their merits. Of course, not all protagonists could join the team—like that powerless Iron Fist. Once Hong Fei had absorbed the Dragon Power, he hadn't spared the man another thought.
"Teamwork is necessary," Hong Fei continued, his voice firm. "From the moment I brought you together, I've needed more than just your individual abilities and strengths. In the short term, the changes on Earth will overwhelm you. Whether it's powerful individuals or massive organizations, when facing these potential opponents, if you can use cannons, don't use guns. If you can gang up on someone, there's no need for a one-on-one duel."
The group nodded repeatedly, the lesson sinking in. It was an old rule, and they all understood it—Abomination most of all.
"The universe," Hong Fei began, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention, "is vast beyond comprehension. Anyone with basic education knows this. And if you recall, I've hinted many times that humanity isn't alone in this cosmos." His words hung in the air, met with a mix of calm acceptance and stunned silence.
"Truth be told," he continued, "humans are but a speck in the grand tapestry of the universe. Earth has its wonders, its legacy, but in the broader scope of cosmic civilizations, we're insignificant. Our existence isn't even a secret to many advanced societies." The room grew tense. Even Frank, usually engrossed in his book, looked up, his curiosity piqued.
"But don't worry," Hong Fei reassured them, "Earth is safe. Not because of S.H.I.E.L.D., mind you. The true protectors of this planet have never sought power or recognition. Remember Thor? The one who appeared in New Mexico? I told you about him, even if I didn't take you there." Nods of acknowledgment rippled through the group.
"Thor and his father, Odin, are among Earth's guardians. S.H.I.E.L.D., for all its resources, wouldn't stand a chance against Thor alone. So, what does that tell you?" Frank cut in, his tone sharp. "You've never cared about S.H.I.E.L.D.'s status because you know they're not the real protectors?"
"Exactly," Hong Fei affirmed. "But more importantly, I've seen the Nine Realms and the deeper reaches of the universe. What S.H.I.E.L.D. does or plans is irrelevant to me. Without direct contact, I couldn't care less about their activities. To me, they're just a name—nothing more."
"I'm not saying this to boast," he clarified, his gaze sweeping the room. "I want you to understand: don't set your goals too low. One day, you might find that a dream you thought was unattainable is suddenly within reach—or even surpassed. Or worse, you might realize your progress has been outpaced by others." Silence followed as the seven absorbed his words. No one doubted him; Hong Fei's honesty was unquestionable. When he said someone would die, they were often gone before his voice faded.
"From the moment you joined me," he went on, "I've considered you my own. Good or bad, kind or cruel, beautiful or ugly—I've always been honest with you. I've never broken a promise."
"Sure, you follow my orders, but look back. Most of the time, you've been free to pursue your own interests. If there's something you want to do, I fund it. At the very least, I ensure you live comfortably while enriching your lives."
"Right now, I don't know how you feel about me, but I'm satisfied with each of you." He paused, letting his words sink in. "So, I want you to use the coming days to expand your thinking. Don't confine your imagination to this planet. In the future, we'll venture to worlds far beyond Earth. And when that day comes, I hope you'll still be by my side."