"Sir, would you like to try my new dish? It's absolutely delicious!" Chef Cage hurriedly tried to salvage the situation as he saw his only 'customer' about to leave.
To be honest, he had no good feelings towards Captain America. An old relic who had lived for a century suddenly jumping in to steal the spotlight—where was the dignity in that?
Besides, what was so appealing about an old man anyway?
Was he more charming than the allure of food?
"By the way, has Captain America arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. yet?" Chen Fan asked, looking up.
"Not yet... I heard he won't be here for another hour," Kitch replied, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction. The fact that Captain America hadn't even arrived yet while those guys rushed over to fawn over him was what really annoyed him.
"Then... I guess I'll try your new dish!" After a moment's thought, Chen Fan nodded at Kitch. Since the man hadn't come, there was no point in waiting around.
Chen Fan's response made Kitch smile; it seemed there were still people who understood reason!
"Where's Peter today? I haven't seen him around," Chen Fan said as he scanned the cafeteria. It was indeed quite empty; it was just him and Kitch left, with no one else in sight.
"Hmph! Coulson is about to come back, and this guy still dares to stay at S.H.I.E.L.D. looking for trouble?" Kitch scoffed.
"Right? I almost forgot that he wrecked Coulson's car!" Chen Fan casually mentioned, a habitual inquiry since Peter's presence was usually a given before every meal.
...
Half an hour later, Chen Fan stretched comfortably.
"Sir... how does the new dish I developed taste?" Kitch asked nervously from the side.
Ever since Bai Chenfan's fried rice was a culinary masterpiece cooked with special abilities, he couldn't shake his curiosity. He was constantly thinking about how to recreate Chen Fan's fried rice, and now this new dish was the result of countless hours of effort.
"It tastes pretty good!" Chen Fan nodded in satisfaction. He had no idea what method Kitch used to cook, but the texture and flavor of the dish nearly matched the level of his ability-cooked meals.
Although it was only about one-tenth as good...
Hearing Chen Fan's praise, Kitch's old face broke into a radiant smile. His dream was one step closer; dominating the culinary world was within reach!
As he daydreamed about an infinitely bright future, a calm voice interrupted him.
"By the way... I forgot to tell you, the way you cook this dish is deadly for ordinary people!" After getting up from his chair, Chen Fan kindly reminded him to prevent this person from inadvertently causing a fatal incident.
Kitch's new dish was like a poisonous mushroom; while delicious, it was something ordinary people couldn't handle. Just one bite could either kill them or leave them incapacitated.
"Burp!" Chen Fan let out a burp, tiny sparks of electricity escaping his mouth. His gaze lingered on Kitch's stiff old face as he cleared his throat. "Remember not to serve it to ordinary people!"
Watching Chen Fan's figure disappear before him, Kitch wore a face full of despair. Suddenly, he recalled a forgotten memory.
It was an invitation from the Research Department!
At that time, the head of the Research Department had spoken with utmost seriousness: "Chef Kitch! The dishes you develop are truly remarkable; the energy contained within is greater than the explosive power of a grenade! Would you be interested in joining our Research Department? I can offer you the title of Deputy Director!"
After leaving the cafeteria, Chen Fan walked through the bustling hallways, filled with unfamiliar faces. He estimated that many new employees had recently joined S.H.I.E.L.D.
Due to his infrequent presence at S.H.I.E.L.D., Chen Fan's face was also unfamiliar to others.
"Hey? Why is there a kid here at S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Several of the new recruits curiously observed the boy as he slowly walked in.
To them, S.H.I.E.L.D. was the most secure organization in America, and it seemed unusual for a child to be wandering around freely.
"Sir, are you here to see Captain America too?" someone who recognized Chen Fan spoke up. Although they knew him, their lack of familiarity kept them at a distance. In their memories, this boy, known as the Thunder Lord by S.H.I.E.L.D., had a rather intimidating reputation.
Chen Fan shook his head. He had initially considered catching a glimpse of Captain America, but that thought had faded. He waved his hand dismissively and turned away from the crowd, heading down another corridor.
It wasn't that Chen Fan was intentionally aloof; he simply didn't know these people well enough to engage in conversation.
As the boy's figure disappeared from sight, the new recruits began to murmur among themselves. "Who was that kid? Why do some of the older employees seem so afraid of him? Is he related to someone high up in S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Probably only someone related to the director would have that kind of presence."
"I really don't understand what those old-timers are afraid of. Even if he were the president's son, I doubt we'd be intimidated!"
Having overheard the newcomers' chatter, some older employees shot them cold glares, their lips curling into disdainful smiles. These naive newcomers had no idea about the true terror of that young man...
The president's son might not be frightening, but someone whom even the president feared—now that was something to be wary of!
Of course, as seasoned employees who had been around for quite some time, they were not about to reveal any hidden rules to the newcomers. Instead, they exchanged glances and maintained their indifferent expressions.
Many people are eager to see Captain America, but there are still plenty who scoff at the idea. When Chen Fan arrived at the Research Department, it seemed that no one had missed a beat; the department was as busy as ever.
"Mr. Chen Fan... what brings you to the Research Department?" The director approached the door politely, prompted by his subordinates.
"Mr. Buddhism Principles, I'm here to pick up the Floating Aircraft Carrier that Black Uncle sent me. Please find someone to take me there!" Chen Fan did not step inside the Research Department; after all, it was filled with a bunch of research fanatics, and he knew that if he walked in, he would be subjected to their fervent gazes.
Having visited a few times before, he simply couldn't endure it!
For someone who might dissect him for research purposes, even with the imposing aura of a Godslayer, Chen Fan felt utterly drained.
"Black Uncle? Oh! You're referring to the director!" Minister Foli chuckled awkwardly and waved over a young woman in a white lab coat with glasses. "Please take Mr. Chen Fan to see that... um, ahem! ...that Floating Aircraft Carrier!"
Minister Foli almost let slip a comment about scrap metal but quickly changed his tone. However, one of his subordinate researchers chimed in, "Oh! That piece of scrap metal! I know it!"
"Cough cough!" A few beads of cold sweat trickled down Minister Foli's forehead. If it weren't for the overwhelming number of males in the Research Department needing a woman to lighten the mood, he might have felt an urge to silence his subordinate right then and there. What a blatant truth to speak!
"Actually, aside from its inability to fly and lack of weaponry... among other issues, the experimental craft is quite functional!" Minister Foli's lips twitched as he tried to spin a pile of scrap into something commendable. He felt ashamed by the contradictory feelings typical among researchers.
Chen Fan wasn't foolish; from the stammering words of his counterpart, he discerned the underlying issue. It seemed that Black Director's promise regarding the Floating Aircraft Carrier was far from what had been described.
It was likely nothing more than an empty shell.
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