In this situation, the best approach is to enhance Superman's societal ties. Make people feel that he also has concerns, vulnerabilities, and wants to continue living in this society, rather than being fearless and capable of blowing up Earth anytime, anywhere.
Lois's idea is even more extreme. She wants to weaken Superman's subjectivity, or in other words, label him as someone's accessory in the public opinion arena.
Even Shiller had to admit that this idea was quite bold. It's Superman, a person destined to be the protagonist, and now you want to turn him into someone's accessory, which isn't easy at all.
However, this would be quite effective. Even if he is labeled this way for just a short period, what's related to him won't receive much attention. As mentioned before, when a person is seen as an accessory, people won't pay too much attention to him.
To tag Superman as an accessory, there must be someone closely related to him who creates a bigger commotion than him for a period of time.
This is another version of the open window theory. Superman's background might be worth discussing, but if there is another more explosive news, then whether he is a human or an alien isn't that important.
"I don't believe the military has such news sensitivity, they've already made enough jokes. I bet they won't react in time. My plan will succeed."
"Alright, ma'am, your wisdom astounds me. So, what can I do for you?"
Lois directly took a cash-wrapped package from her bag, placed it on the table, and said, "I need a little bit of poison, the kind that's very mildly toxic but can trigger significant adverse reactions. Preferably with no lasting aftereffects."
Shiller showed a knowing expression and said, "No problem. But, do you think it's worth it?"
Lois actually thought seriously for a moment and then said, "Back then, I was a newbie with a journalist dream, thinking I could speak up for justice and the people. But over the years, I've done few good deeds and contributed little to society. Even if it's just for fulfilling my dream back then, I want to protect Superman. I believe he won't disappoint me."
This somewhat surprised Shiller. He originally thought Lois would talk about her feelings for Clark, but upon thinking, it made sense. Lois is someone whose independence breaks through the sky, not some love-struck fool. She does these things more for herself. It seems Clark must do better if he wants to impress her.
That night, it snowed in Metropolis. A car pulled up in front of the apartment, and Lois opened the door to get out. She turned back to retrieve something from the car and walked into the building's hallway. She saw her mailbox light up in the distance, walked over, opened the mailbox door, and looked inside, then took out a small package.
On the back of the small package was an instruction manual detailing the ingredients and usage. Lois took out her phone, dialed a number, and said, "Hello? Dr. Dean? I have something here that I want to send to your lab for testing. Yes, it's evidence found in a certain case. Okay, I'll send it over tomorrow."
The next noon, sitting in the office, Lois unwrapped a sandwich while looking at the test report beside her, eating and saying over the phone, "Happy Dog, you damn bastard, how have you been lately? Still following that cheating singer's exhaust fumes?"
"Alright, I don't have time to listen to your rambling. Call up your buddies and wait on the rooftop of the street west of the Metropolitan Museum at noon tomorrow…" Lois twirled a pen in her hand and said, "Relax, it'll definitely be big news. You know Superman, right?"
"Of course, of course, it's gossip news, why else would I find you guys? All you need to do is set up your cameras and catch his every move and expression from every angle. I assure you, you'll make a fortune."
At noon the next day, Lois drove to the vicinity of the Metropolitan Museum. This was the city center, busy even at noon. She looked left and right on the street, then looked up to see a lower apartment building with a black head sticking out from the roof, with several long-focus lens barrels beside it. Lois gave them a thumbs-up.
Just then, a sudden change occurred. A terrifying monster descended on Metropolis's sky. As the people on the rooftop were about to run, Lois picked up her phone and shouted, "Happy Dog! If you dare run, I'll send the evidence of your infidelity to your mob father-in-law! Let's see if he'll peel off a layer of your skin!!!"
While yelling, Lois observed the situation in the sky, seeing Superman fall multiple times, her breathing became a bit rapid. But soon, Superman turned the tide. Lois hurriedly turned around and ran to the vantage point she'd observed earlier.
Coincidentally, a group of police officers came by. Lois quickly hung her work badge, picked up a camera, and went to chat with them. Most of the Metropolis police recognized her, and they wanted some accident photos to write reports. Lois chatted happily with them.
At that moment, Clark appeared on the street. Lois pretended to just notice him and dashed over, diving straight into his arms.
Of course, when she looked up, she saw the conspicuous white eyes above that black head on the rooftop, clearly bulging out.
However, those paparazzi were professionals, shocked but their shutters clicked frantically. Luckily there were also other journalists taking pictures, so Clark didn't notice anything.
Then, Lois led Clark back to her studio. She sat in front of the computer, glanced at the cup of water beside her, but her tone remained steady as she began discussing how to help Clark stabilize the public opinion situation.
She first took a sip of water, but after several seconds, there was no reaction. Lois sighed inwardly, had to drink another big gulp before feeling nauseous and dizzy.
She immediately collapsed and vomited. Seeing Clark's panicked expression, Lois for the first time felt a bit guilty.
