Political Manoeuvring
Joel Nash absolutely despised the A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans).
This special organization, initiated by Vice President Dick Cheney and supported by the military and several powerful departments, had been secretly collecting criminal evidence against him, attempting to stage a House of Cards-like political drama.
But could they really find anything?
Joel Nash sneered with contempt. Just wait. Once I win the election, I'll reorganize the cabinet and kick all these bastards out. Then, whether it's the military, the FBI, the Department of Justice, or the so-called A.R.G.U.S., they'll all be mine.
"I will make you pay for everything you've done," Joel muttered to himself. He called his assistant over, whispered a few instructions, and then left the office.
The New Face of A.R.G.U.S.
Due to the President's actions, the military and the FBI formed a rare, short-term alliance.
Both sides dispatched elites to form special teams, secretly searching the entire city for Hector's whereabouts. The operation was extremely covert, with only the main leaders informed.
The following morning, after breakfast, Dick Cheney had a half-hour video call with Amanda Waller. Afterward, his most trusted subordinate set off for Coast City, becoming the new head of A.R.G.U.S.
As for Amanda Waller, who had dedicated everything to A.R.G.U.S., she became the perfect scapegoat.
That same evening, a short-haired, long-faced, well-dressed white middle-aged man appeared at the gate of the Shaw Manor. His name was Floyd Russell, and he represented the White House, hoping to meet and talk with Luke Shaw, the boss of the Young Masters Gang.
Ten minutes later, he left without meeting the principal, his smile undiminished.
An hour after that, Floyd appeared at Ferris Aircraft. In his capacity as a commercial representative for the military, he requested a conversation with Carol Ferris. After being refused—on the grounds that she was injured and unavailable—he drove away with a grim expression.
Changing the Guard
Inside the underground A.R.G.U.S. base.
Floyd, having returned "home," walked into the medical room and sat down beside Amanda Waller.
"Ms. Waller, it is an honor to meet you."
Amanda scanned him with indifference. "Floyd Russell. I didn't expect you to be the one to replace me."
Floyd's face was devoid of expression.
"I am the most suitable."
Amanda sneered. "Obedient dogs are always favored by their master because they are obedient!"
Floyd narrowed his eyes. "Ms. Waller, you are severely injured and not yet out of danger. It's best you don't talk too much."
Amanda scoffed, then said seriously,
"Did you meet Luke Shaw?"
Floyd remained silent. Amanda's expression immediately turned strange.
"You didn't see him!"
"What about Carol Ferris?"
"Didn't see her either!"
Amanda chuckled.
"Hometown boy from Gotham City, take my advice: leave Coast City, the farther the better. Neither Luke Shaw nor the Mummy Case murders are things you have the authority to deal with. You're not capable enough, and you should be careful not to become a scapegoat."
"My affairs are none of your concern. I'm only here for one thing today: where is the key?"
The air instantly grew heavy. The key was A.R.G.U.S.'s lifeline. Controlling it meant controlling all of A.R.G.U.S.'s resources. Amanda didn't want to hand over the organization she had painstakingly built to an outsider, but given the circumstances, she had no other choice.
"In my bedroom, under the third floorboard beneath the wardrobe."
Floyd dropped the killing intent in his eyes and left the therapy room.
From now on, the master of A.R.G.U.S. was no longer Amanda Waller but Floyd Russell.
Waking Up
Luke had been unconscious for a long time. His mind had been wandering in a space filled with Green Flame, unable to find direction or an exit, until a strong sensation came from his palm, and he slowly awoke.
The first thing he saw upon opening his eyes were An'an and Bei'bei squatting by the bed, licking his right hand.
The two German Shepherds seemed to know their master was awake. One excitedly panted with its tongue out, while the other barked frantically.
Soon, Grandpa, Uncle Fu, Lingxu Zi, and the mutually antagonistic Carol and Linda appeared in the bedroom.
Luke rubbed his head and sat up in bed. With a thought, a strange sensation welled up in his heart. His eyes swept over Bei'bei by the bed. The dog suddenly tucked its tail between its legs, lowered its head in frightened distress, and looked utterly terrified.
At the same time, everyone else in the room sensed something, and their faces paled slightly.
Luke paused, then quickly suppressed the strange thought in his mind. Bei'bei immediately calmed down. Grandpa, looking upset, said,
"Second Brother, go check outside."
Lin Fu nodded vigorously. That inexplicable feeling of fear had almost made him lose control of his bladder. What idiot would dare to stir up trouble with the Shaw family? Asking to die!
Carol frowned. That feeling of fear is so familiar!
Could it have been Hector?
No, Hector is dead. His head is pickled in formalin and perfectly preserved.
Luke, not wanting them to be suspicious, laughed it off.
"Grandpa, how long was I unconscious?"
Grandpa suppressed the urge to strike him with a cane and said quietly,
"Five days!"
He then mumbled a couple of Cantonese curses under his breath and left the bedroom with his hands behind his back. When his grandson was unconscious, he was worried sick, afraid of a mishap. Now that his grandson was awake, he wanted to beat him to death.
He had finally come home to Coast City, only to refuse to return home, spending all his time fooling around outside. Only when he was unconscious did he remember he had a home.
You scoundrel! I really want to beat the life out of you!
Luke shrewdly sensed his grandfather's displeasure, so he aimed a look of annoyance at the old beggar, who wisely scurried out.
With him gone, only one man and two women remained in the room.
Carol looked thinner after several days. As for Linda, she looked the same as always, completely unchanged.
Luke cleared his throat.
"Which of you two is going to help me up?"
Linda rolled her eyes and turned to leave without hesitation.
Luke's face was etched with embarrassment. Fortunately, Carol wasn't so petty. She helped him walk around the backyard a few times, and after he drank a bowl of lean meat congee, his spirits recovered.
A short while later, the maid walked over.
"Young Master, that man is here again. Master said that since you are awake, you should handle it."
Luke put down his water cup. "Who is it?"
"His name seems to be Floyd Russell. He says he's from the White House and has been trying to see you seven or eight times."
"Floyd Russell?"
Luke frowned slightly, unfamiliar with the name.
Carol added, "He looked for me four days ago, as a commercial representative for the military, but I had important matters to deal with and didn't see him."
"Are you sure he's a military representative?"
"That's what he claimed."
"Interesting."
Luke rubbed his chin, considered for a moment, and instructed,
"Auntie Li, take him to the side hall."
The maid nodded and left.
Luke pressed the transfer button on his wristwatch.
"Ava?"
"Yes, Young Master. You called."
"I need information on Floyd Russell."
"Please wait."
Soon, all the information related to Floyd Russell appeared on the virtual screen above his watch, including his family, religious, and political background, education, employment history, and so on.
After reading it, Luke's eyes showed clear disappointment.
"Amanda Waller. I never expected you to have your day, too."
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