The negotiation was set for five o'clock, and Shasha was not in a hurry, knowing that it would definitely take longer than expected.
After briefing Tock on the important matters, Shasha returned to his own life, continuing as a stockbroker with a future that didn’t seem particularly bright. His daily routine included dining out with Elizabeth and taking leisurely walks with their dog, living a life of ease.
However, these carefree days were short-lived. Just two days later, someone came knocking at his door.
A middle-aged man appeared, mature and composed, with a slightly receding hairline. He introduced himself first: "I am Phil Coulson, an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Level 8. Hello, Mr. Samar. Our director would like to speak with you."
The purpose was clear and straightforward; there was no beating around the bush. This was the first time S.H.I.E.L.D. had approached him directly without trying to recruit him. Moreover, they had sent someone who would one day be the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. just to deliver a message.
Shasha thought for a moment but did not refuse. "Lead the way."
At the S.H.I.E.L.D. base in Los Angeles.
When Shasha finally met the legendary One-Eyed Man, he couldn't help but reflect on how Samuel L. Jackson had portrayed him so vividly in the movies—just as stern, just as expressionless, and seriously intimidating.
"Mr. Samar? Please, have a seat," Nick gestured for Shasha to sit down before they continued.
Shasha raised an eyebrow and sat down, staring directly at Nick. "What could the famous director of S.H.I.E.L.D. want with someone like me? I wouldn’t want to waste your valuable time."
"Mr. Samar seems to harbor some hostility towards us at S.H.I.E.L.D.," Nick remarked coolly, casting a glance at Shasha.
"Hostility? I wouldn’t dare; after all, S.H.I.E.L.D. is quite powerful," Shasha replied with a playful smile, picking up the coffee on the table and taking a gentle sip. "Let’s get straight to the point; it’ll save me from guessing."
Nick had encountered many proud individuals, and Shasha was not the first. Therefore, he did not find anything inappropriate about Shasha's attitude. Moreover, he understood why Shasha harbored animosity towards S.H.I.E.L.D.; after all, they had implemented a surveillance policy without permission. Anyone would find that unacceptable. Shasha's attitude might be harsh, but he hadn't done anything out of line, which was already commendable.
"Since Mr. Samar is so direct, I won't beat around the bush either," Nick said as he pushed the documents on his desk in front of Shasha. "You can listen while you read."
Shasha picked up the file, and the first page contained information about a familiar name that made him raise an eyebrow: Tony Stark. That name was too well-known; in his previous life, it was almost universally recognized. While not everyone might know Batman, ninety percent of people would certainly recognize Tony Stark as Iron Man, given that this guy embodied many men's fantasies about themselves.
Turning to the second page, Nick's voice came in at just the right moment. "Tony Stark, Chairman of Stark Industries, America's leading arms manufacturer, recently went missing while testing new weapons with the military in Colorado's Red Earth Desert. Ammunition was scattered at the scene, vehicles were rendered inoperable, and six personnel were casualties. According to the only surviving soldier, they were attacked by terrorists."
At this point, Shasha had finished reading the document and began to grasp Nick's intentions. He frowned and asked, "Director Nick, are you suggesting that I find him and rescue him?"
Nick nodded. "Exactly."
Shasha chuckled lightly. "Forgive me for being blunt, but with so many capable agents in S.H.I.E.L.D., do you really need an outsider like me?"
Upon hearing this, Nick's brow furrowed slightly, but he maintained his usual stoic expression. "The capable ones have been dispatched on other missions; those remaining lack the strength to handle this task adequately. If you accept this mission, S.H.I.E.L.D. will lift all surveillance measures against you and provide a substantial reward."
Shasha lowered his head in thought. It was undeniable that without S.H.I.E.L.D.'s interference, he could accomplish much more and even build a rapport with them, despite his reservations about the organization.
With that thought in mind, a smile appeared on his face. "I'll take this mission; let's have a pleasant collaboration."
Nick's previously furrowed brow relaxed as a faint smile emerged on his face. "Pleasant collaboration."
After finalizing their cooperative mission, just as Shasha was about to leave with the documents, Nick called out to him. "Wait a moment, Mr. Samar. To ensure the mission goes smoothly, we will be assigning an agent to assist you."
He clapped his hands, and a woman with wine-red curly hair, resembling Scarlett Johansson by about eighty percent, sauntered up to Shasha. What embarrassed Shasha the most was the mischievous grin on her face.
"This is Natasha Romanoff; I believe you're familiar with her."
Of course, Shasha was familiar, and she shot Natasha a glare. After all, she was the woman who had stolen her first kiss!
As they stepped out of the base, Natasha smiled and said, "I didn't expect we'd see each other so soon, did you?"
"I really didn't expect it. Do you find it amusing to toy with me?" Shasha replied irritably. "I have to admit, your acting is good enough to win an Oscar; even I couldn't see through it."
"That was for the mission," Natasha said, shaking her head. She then leaned in slowly towards Shasha's ear and breathed softly, "Without me around, don't you find life a bit dull? Man."
A tingling sensation shot through Shasha's ear. She quickly turned her head away, her face slightly flushed as she took a deep breath, inwardly calling her a temptress.
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