Chapter 140: I Surrender to Your Scheming Old Sixes

Chapter 140: I Surrender to Your Scheming Old Sixes

Kamar-Taj, the Library.

The sky was still dark, and the morning air was refreshingly crisp.

Gu Yi led a new librarian, who still looked somewhat green, into the library and gave him a few simple instructions.

"You need to familiarize yourself with the arrangement of the various spellbooks in the archive as soon as possible. The restricted sections and the external catalog are usually guarded by magic. Any unauthorized intrusion will trigger an alarm, so be ready to press the emergency button."

The protective wards of Kamar-Taj were formidable, and after entering, the mages would prioritize learning how to open portals. These measures could be summed up in one word: defense.

To ensure that the less experienced mages could survive when she wasn't around, Gu Yi had gone to great lengths.

The young, inexperienced mage noted down the Supreme Sorcerer's words and nodded repeatedly.

"I will do my best."

A blinding light suddenly illuminated the dim library.

A figure stood by the bookshelf, wearing a gray cloak. His eyes were fixed on a spellbook in one hand, while the other hand held a complex magical array that emitted a dazzling golden lightning. The powerful magical energy was precisely controlled, with no leakage at all.

Gu Yi walked over, feigning a casual look around before revealing a puzzled expression.

"Excuse me, Mage, have you seen another mage who looks exactly like you but is a hundred times lazier, to the point of having a clone read books for him?"

The figure pulled back his hood, revealing silver-white hair and flawless emerald green eyes. His beauty was so striking that it made the young, inexperienced mage blush.

"Supreme Sorcerer Gu Yi, please do not belittle me so."

Noticing the slightly pointed ears, Gu Yi's inquiring gaze lingered on him, a faint light flashing in her eyes.

"Are you a new clone created by Luk? This one is quite interesting, having a physical form and the same soul resonance."

The elf smiled faintly, his expression as indifferent as water. "Something like that."

The Marvel universe was highly compatible with various powers. After studying shadow clones, cloning techniques, soul division, and memory manipulation, Luk decided to create a few clones using the templates of other versions of himself.

This one was the first prototype, using the template of the elf Luk. He was responsible for magical studies and translating techniques into spells.

Gu Yi's gaze fell on the elf's ears, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "I haven't seen an elf in a long time."

"Have you met elves before?"

Gu Yi responded lightly, "Something like that. I have many false identities, such as the great sorcerer Merlin. I once helped King Arthur ascend to the throne. Back then, there were still some elves, but their auras were different from yours."

"You used to be Merlin?"

The elf nodded thoughtfully. After all, this was the Marvel universe, where the infinite multiverse offered countless possibilities. The all-seeing observer Merlin was likely unique, but it wasn't too surprising that other parallel world Merlins were different.

"An interesting story. May I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Was King Arthur a beautiful blonde girl with blue eyes?"

Gu Yi looked at him with a strange expression, seemingly puzzled by his peculiar question.

"No, he was a muscular, bearded Celt."

"… If the main Luk were to hear that, he would likely suffer a mental storm."

...

New York, Manhattan.

Natasha had changed into a sharp business suit and swapped her black-rimmed glasses for brown ones, softening her sharp, sexy appearance. She took a deep breath, adjusted her state, and gave herself a mental pep talk to ensure her psychological defenses were solid before knocking on the clinic door.

Footsteps approached, and the door opened, revealing a face that seemed to wash away any darkness in her heart. He smiled warmly at her.

"Good morning, Natasha."

"Good morning, Mr. Luk."

Luk glanced at his watch. "It's only eight in the morning, and it's still early for work. You could have come later."

"It's my first day, and I want to make a good impression. I also want to familiarize myself with the business."

Natasha seemed a bit nervous, her eyes darting away, seemingly embarrassed by the kiss from the previous day.

"You're doing a great job. No boss would dislike a diligent employee, but I have to point out that arriving early doesn't earn you overtime pay."

Luk smiled and gestured for her to come in.

Only then did Natasha notice that he was wearing an apron, apparently busy in the kitchen.

She asked, somewhat surprised, "Are you cooking yourself?"

According to the intelligence provided by S.H.I.E.L.D., Luk was definitely a wealthy man. His treatment fees were exorbitantly high, yet his business was thriving, with a steady stream of important figures seeking his help.

For such a wealthy person to cook himself, was it a way to enjoy life?

"Yes, I don't really enjoy the breakfasts outside." Luk returned to the kitchen, answering casually.

The target has a high standard for food.

Natasha followed him in, tentatively offering, "If you don't mind, I can help you prepare meals. I have some knowledge of Chinese cuisine."

"You can wait. Early arrivals might not get overtime, but they do get a free breakfast."

Luk smiled warmly, not picking up on her offer.

Feeling a bit disappointed, Natasha returned to the dining table. The two dogs circled around her, making her heart race.

After confirming that these unknown canines were monsters, she had become wary of them. Her muscles tensed, ready to flee at any moment.

But the dogs paid her no attention, just wandering around or playfully chasing each other like ordinary dogs. The only difference was that they didn't damage any of the furniture during their play.

Natasha tensed for a moment, then her sharp senses picked up the scent of delicious food. Her eyes widened in surprise; she had never smelled anything so mouthwatering.

Luk walked in with a tray and set the dishes on the table.

Four bowls of clear soup noodles topped with eggs and chives, a plate of stir-fried green peppers and potatoes that looked and smelled fantastic, a bowl of braised pork with a rich aroma and a glossy sheen, a perfectly seared steak, and a few sandwiches. In the center was a bowl of lotus root and pork rib soup.

After arranging the dishes, Luk untied his apron.

"The food is ready."

"Your cooking is amazing. Everything looks so delicious."

Natasha swore she had never seen a breakfast that looked so appetizing. Although the portions were a bit much for two people, she was confident she could finish it all.

No wonder Luk didn't want to eat out. She would feel the same way!

Knock, knock, knock—The doorbell rang. Little Black, who had been playing with Little White, disengaged, rolled his eyes, and went to open the door.

"I smelled the food, Luk. What did you make today?"

Tony walked in with an exaggerated tone, then paused when he saw Natasha. He quickly pulled Luk aside.

"Am I interrupting something? That girl looks pretty hot."

"Where's Happy?"

"I figured you would prepare his share, so I sent him on a mission to keep him busy."

That way, he could have two servings of breakfast all to himself!

Luk: ...

True to form, Tony!

"Don't change the subject. Is she a one-night stand?"

"That's my new employee, she's just my assistant, Tony."

"Assistant, huh?" Tony nodded knowingly. "Got it, got it. When there's work, the assistant does it. When there's nothing to do..."

"Tony, don't say that. Natasha is in a tough situation. Her father is an alcoholic, her mother is seriously ill, and she has younger siblings to take care of."

Luk's face showed a hint of frustration.

How could someone with such a difficult background still look so well-developed, with such smooth and flawless skin, and dress so beautifully?

Alright, maybe there are such people, but they are likely up to no good and probably just after money!

Tony looked at Luk's face and fell into thought.

Or maybe they’re after something else.

"I just want to help her. I'm giving her a decent income."

Tony: ...

If it were anyone else, Tony would call them a hypocrite, but Luk was different.

He could turn down Tony's offer to give him a share of Stark Industries and even gave 90% of the money he earned from curing diseases to Tony to donate to various foundations worldwide.

Actions speak louder than words. After dealing with politicians who spout beautiful words but do nothing, Tony trusted people like Luk who actually do good deeds. He was like Captain America in the 21st century!

Of course, he actually quite disliked that old-fashioned hero, but it wasn't nice to describe his friend that way.

"Luk, you can't be too honest. You should learn to enjoy life. It doesn't stop you from doing charity. Only when you're happy can you make others happy."

Tony looked at his friend with a mix of exasperation and concern. Here was a man who could have everything handed to him, yet he only thought of others.

"Tell me, are you still in school?"

"I graduated four years ago."

"You know what I mean!"

Luk shifted uncomfortably. "Not yet..."

"Oh my god!"

Tony sighed dramatically. If he had Luk's face, he would have moved from seducing a few to seducing thousands. And Luk had no experience in that department at all.

Tony couldn't allow his friend to be so innocent!

They returned to the table, and Natasha was waiting for them, not having touched her food.

"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Luk's friend. Do you need an introduction?"

"Of course not. The Stark Tower with your name on it is just a hundred meters from the office building. You're a big celebrity in New York."

Natasha smiled politely. "Natasha, nice to meet you, Mr. Tony Stark."

"Miss Natasha, I'd love to chat more, but my stomach can't wait. Let's eat."

The three of them began their breakfast. Natasha started off reservedly, but when she saw Tony practically trying to snatch the food, she subtly quickened her pace.

"Luk, if I were a woman, I would marry you. This way, I could have your lovingly prepared breakfast every day."

Tony burped and patted his belly, seemingly unintentionally remarking, "If I were a woman, I would marry you too. This way, I could have your lovingly prepared breakfast every day." He saw Natasha's eyes light up and nodded in satisfaction before struggling to stand.

"I'm going to Afghanistan soon. Do you want me to bring you some souvenirs? Though, that place probably doesn't have much to offer."

Luk raised an eyebrow and pulled out a jade pendant, handing it to him.

"What's this?" Tony examined the pendant, curious about the intricate design.

"It's hard to explain. You'll know when you genuinely ask for my help."

"Ha, I've never asked anyone for help in my life!"

Tony waved and walked out the door.

"I'll see Mr. Stark off."

"Sure, go ahead."

Natasha got up and walked out the door. A few minutes later, she returned with a calm expression.

"Mr. Stark has left safely."

Luk: (ˇ_ˇ:)



Not that safely, I think.

You even took back the jade pendant I gave him!



I'm finding it harder to write as quickly as before. Sad.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end