CHAPTER 11

Kaius cleared his throat, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere in the room.

"Well, Lex, your door is rusty, isn't it? It's rusty. Let's try another door and come back," he said, trying to change the subject.

Lex shook his head. "No, Mr. Kaius, I really have no bad intentions. Please, let me apologize for my actions again. I'll have everything in this room destroyed immediately!"

His tone was so sincere that even Kaius almost believed him.

But if Lex Luthor were a good person, pigs could climb trees.

Clark glared at Lex, his tone firm. "The situation that day was not how you claim. You didn't save me—I saved you, with Kaius's help. If you want to thank us, stop doing these meaningless things!"

"I know. I promise there won't be a second time—never!" Lex replied earnestly.

"I'm here today to return your car. Thank you for the gesture, but I can't accept it," Clark said. He was silently grateful to Kaius for persuading him to return the car.

Lex waved dismissively. "You saved my life. At least let me thank you in some way."

"The best way to thank me is not to investigate me," Clark retorted. He turned to Kaius and said, "Let's go!"

Kaius, who had no intention of staying longer, followed Clark out of Lex's house, despite Lex's repeated attempts to make them stay.

As they walked down the road, Kaius noticed Clark's somber expression and asked, concerned, "Are you upset with me?"

Clark shook his head. "No, but I almost told Lex my secret before. I thought he was a friend."

"Lex is an unscrupulous man. His father raised him with an imperialist mindset. He even gave Lex the legal name Alexander Joseph Luthor, just so he could aspire to be like Alexander the Great. That shows how ambitious they are!"

Kaius chuckled at his own observation. "It's like naming your son Emperor Kangxi or King Qianlong—it's just asking for trouble."

Clark stared at Kaius, stunned. "How do you know so much about Lex?"

"Please, he's a star entrepreneur. Isn't it easy to look up information about him?"

In the DC world, Lex Luthor's reputation in Metropolis rivaled that of any celebrity businessman.

When they returned to Kent Farm, the Kents welcomed Kaius warmly. During their conversation, Sheriff James called to ask if Kaius was the "Avenger" who had appeared that afternoon.

Without missing a beat, Kaius denied it. "What are you talking about? That's not me. Don't spread nonsense," he said firmly.

The sheriff, busy with the case and other follow-up work, had no time to press further, so he dropped the matter for now.

The next day, the high school newspaper headline read: "Bank Robber Captured: The Police Brothers Strike Again!"

The article became a hot topic at school, though many dismissed it as science fiction. However, those who had seen it with their own eyes admired the mysterious Avenger and Superman who had suddenly emerged.

"I didn't expect you to gain fans so quickly," Kaius said, flipping through the newspaper. "And your number one fan is a blonde girl with... let's just say, a lot of potential."

Clark rolled his eyes, trying to ignore Kaius's teasing.

He was indeed worthy of the title "blond beauty," referring, of course, to Chloe, the editor of the school newspaper. However, Chloe was a bit nerdy, often dressed carelessly, and, in some people's eyes, not quite as dazzling as Lana.

Clark smiled bitterly. "I don't care about beauty fans. As long as I can help people, I'm satisfied."

Smallville's Superman had no interest in popularity contests—fan clubs and admiration weren't in his plans.

Kaius glanced at him and then found himself lost in thought. He couldn't help but imagine: what if a beautiful journalist started investigating him every day? She'd inevitably get into danger, and at crucial moments, he'd swoop in to save her. Then, with a stern but caring expression, he'd warn her: "Don't dig into my life anymore, or you'll only put yourself at risk!"

It would be just like one of those over-the-top superhero romance tropes, a "Edition of the Overbearing CEO Falls in Love with Me."

While Kaius was lost in this amusing fantasy, Chloe from the school newspaper suddenly approached.

For a moment, Kaius thought she'd recognized him, but to his surprise, she walked straight past him and stopped at Clark's table.

"Clark, why haven't you been to the newspaper these past two days?"

This girl approached Clark and didn't even notice that he was still wearing the same denim jacket he'd worn while saving her yesterday.

As for Kaius, his own clothes had been shredded by bullets during the incident. He had to replace them, but Clark? He'd just stitched up the holes and kept wearing his.

Kaius inwardly groaned at the absurdity of it all. No mask, no glasses—and people still can't tell it's him? What kind of ridiculous logic is this!

Clark, unaware of Kaius's silent rant, smiled apologetically at Chloe.

"Sorry, I've been a bit busy lately and couldn't make it to the newspaper. Isn't Pete helping out?"

The school newspaper consisted of just three people: Chloe, Clark, and Pete.

At the mention of Pete, Chloe's expression soured. "Pete? He's joined the football team now and spends all his time training. He doesn't care about the newspaper anymore!"

"Isn't the newspaper usually quiet anyway?" Clark asked.

"You know it's not quiet now!" Chloe snapped, hands on her hips. "I've got two big stories on my plate!"

"Bank robbery and the police?" Kaius couldn't help but interject.

Chloe turned, finally noticing him. She frowned and then asked Clark, "Who's this?"

Kaius's face darkened. Did she seriously not notice me standing here this whole time?

Clark stifled a laugh and introduced him. "This is Kaius Rogers. He's in the class next door, and his uncle is Sheriff James."

Chloe raised an eyebrow and then shrugged. "Wow, it's surprising to see Clark making a new friend! Sorry, I didn't notice you earlier."

She quickly turned back to Clark. "Yes, the bank robbery and the police are big news, but there's more! Lex Luthor is planning to develop a piece of land to the west. It's a Native American historical site, and the indigenous community is organizing a protest!"

"Lex Luthor..." Clark repeated the name quietly, still mulling over yesterday's events.

Chloe didn't notice his unease and continued enthusiastically, "Clark, I'll handle the police story. You take the Lex Luthor report!"

"Chloe, I don't think you should focus on someone who can stop bullets. Maybe he was just wearing body armor," Clark suggested, trying to steer her away from her investigation.

Dealing with Lex was already giving him enough headaches—he didn't need Chloe adding to the mix.

"I don't care! I saw him with my own eyes—Superman saved my life! I have to find out who he is, even if it's not for the newspaper!" Chloe declared, utterly determined.

"Fine. But don't drag me into it," Clark said with a sigh.

"It's decided! Clark, give me the manuscript by the day after tomorrow!" Chloe said cheerfully, then marched off like a woman on a mission.

After she left, Kaius finally lost it. He doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach. "If that little idiot found out that you're the Superman she's obsessed with, can you imagine her reaction?"

Clark gave him a half-smile, shaking his head. "Let's just hope it never comes to that."