Chapter 41: Hawkeye on the Left, Winter Soldier on the Right (Edited)

The location of the hidden evidence was in a warehouse in the Manhattan district.

This warehouse was not abandoned and seemed to be doing well business-wise, making it inconvenient to act during the day. Thus, Clark planned to make his move at night, to stealthily explore the warehouse.

As the sun set in the west and the moon rose in the east, time gradually passed, and Clark had prepared all the equipment he might need, ready to go.

"While we're on the subject, you actually have an aunt? How come you've never mentioned her before?" Hope asked curiously while watching a popcorn TV show.

Clark shook his head: "She's not related by blood. We rarely interact, and I've only seen her a few times. I didn't expect her to be so generous, giving our family a painting worth a fortune."

"No blood relation?" Hope was surprised, "Adopted?"

Clark shook his head again, "It's related to my grandfather's complicated marital history. I can't go into too much detail."

Seeing that Clark didn't want to dwell on this topic, Hope shook her head and turned her attention back to the popcorn TV show, while Clark closed his eyes to conserve energy for the upcoming action.

It was still early, and considering New York's vibrant nightlife, Clark decided to wait until later in the night to retrieve the mysterious evidence, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

After an episode of the TV show, time quickly passed, and it was already 11 PM. The popular TV series had ended, but Hope showed no signs of wanting to go to sleep, still eagerly watching...commercials?

The doorbell rang just as Hope was getting into the commercials, causing Clark to frown. Who could it be at this hour?

Thinking this, Clark glanced at Hope. His current outfit was not suitable for being seen by visitors.

Without needing a reminder from Clark, Hope had already gotten up to answer the door.

"Hello, please don't be alarmed. I'm here to see Clark Lee. He should remember me," a somewhat familiar voice said as Hope opened the door.

Clark opened his eyes wide and went downstairs to see Hope standing guard, facing Hawkeye, who looked innocent, one inside the door and one outside.

"Isn't this the big brother who helped me a lot the other day?" Recognizing the visitor, Clark, considerately not revealing the visitor's identity, invited him in, "Let's talk inside."

After entering the villa, Clark led Hawkeye to the second-floor living room and invited him to sit.

Before Clark could speak, Hawkeye already started, "You've figured out my identity already, haven't you?"

Clark chuckled awkwardly, "Why would you say that, big brother?"

Hawkeye explained seriously how Clark had provided him with a VIP membership at Martha's Gym, which was difficult even for wealthy individuals to obtain without waiting. "The only explanation I can think of is that you've already guessed my identity."

"Alright, Barton, big brother," Clark acknowledged, confirming his guess and then asked curiously, "Why are you here today, Barton? And since you know I've guessed your identity, why still disguise yourself?"

"It was me who called him for help," Hank Pym emerged from another room, followed by a sturdy Eastern man wearing a high-collared teal shirt with a lifelike golden dragon on the back, giving off a very refreshing vibe despite the thick sunglasses masking his features.

Clark's first thought was...Hank Pym had materialized the Blind Monk from LOL, complete with the "Descendant of the Dragon" skin!

But upon a closer look, Clark exclaimed in surprise, recognizing the man as Yi Long, "Big brother Yi Long, why are you dressed like this, and wearing a wig?"

Yi Long smiled lightly, "Of course, it's to help you."

Another helper?

Clark wondered if he really needed help for a simple reconnaissance of a factory, especially considering the caliber of his "helpers": Hawkeye and the Winter Soldier.

Unaware of Clark's thoughts, Hank Pym warned about the warehouse being a potential criminal hideout controlled by a major drug lord named Frank Damico, armed with numerous desperadoes and firearms.

Clark wanted to express his confidence in handling the situation, even against firearms, but refrained to avoid making Hawkeye and Yi Long feel awkward.

Nodding, Clark thanked both, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Barton big brother, and Yi Long big brother."

Both nodded, with Barton reminding, "Remember, outside, call me Hawkeye. Fighting crime is a duty!"

As they prepared to leave, Clark donned his disguise inspired by the movie "Black Mask" starring Jet Li, feeling slightly absurd about the over-preparedness for a simple task.

With Hawkeye driving Hank Pym's car and Yi Long adjusting an M4A1 in the back, Clark, dressed as a cross between Hawkeye and the Winter Soldier, felt as if he was about to raid S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters rather than just retrieving an item from a warehouse.