Chapter 27: The New Journal Holder: Black Widow

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Rustling sounds filled the air as light footsteps approached. Under the watchful gaze of Wade Wilson, Zhou Cheng walked up with a confident stride, coming to stand beside his adversary.

Wade's gaze instantly sharpened, feeling an immense pressure emanating from Zhou Cheng. Despite not wanting to admit it, he had no choice but to accept that he was nothing but trash before this much younger man—an utter weakling. The two were not even on the same level.

"Who are you, exactly?" Wade demanded. "And how do you possess such terrifying strength?"

Even though he knew Zhou Cheng would likely not answer, Wade still couldn't help but stare him down intensely, voicing this soul-searching question. How could any ordinary person have such exaggerated power? Even if Captain America were resurrected, he couldn't be much more impressive, right?

"I'll give you double whatever Smith is paying you," Zhou Cheng declared without answering Wade's question, his expression serious as he focused on the man before him. "I have only one condition."

"Whatever he asks you to do to me, you do double to him!" instructed Zhou Cheng.

"I can't do that; it goes against my professional ethics," Wade immediately shook his head in refusal.

"You have professional ethics?" Zhou Cheng looked at him, half-amused, yet his face was undisguised with sarcasm.

"You're insulting me!" Wade grew angry. "Although I am a mercenary, to be precise, a mercenary who does anything for money, I still have principles..."

"Understood," Zhou Cheng cut in.

"But actually, that's not what I meant."

"This matter has nothing to do with me, not even a little bit."

"It's my neighbor's grandma who wants to give Smith a solid thrashing. I'm just conveying her request."

"I'm at your service!" Wade's demeanor changed completely, his agreement was swift and without hesitation.

Zhou Cheng was left speechless. What happened to professional ethics and principles?

"Also, give me your contact information," Zhou Cheng continued.

"You'll take on any job as long as the price is right, won't you?"

Zhou Cheng knew Wade's true identity as a fellow transmigrated individual. Despite appearing like a mere scoundrel now, Wade was no ordinary person. He used to be very formidable.

So, when Tony Stark is truly kidnapped, could he enlist Wade to investigate the specific location of that cave? Of course, it wouldn't be easy. The military, S.H.I.E.L.D., and various other organizations would undoubtedly be searching non-stop during the two months of Tony's abduction, with nothing to show for it.

Could Wade outdo these professional departments even if he were extremely skilled?

But then again, there have been countless movies where a civilian expert surpasses professional departments with ease. Perhaps Wade might truly have something up his sleeve?

In the end, it was just a matter of spending a little money. If he could find Tony, then great; if not, then it was no big loss.

Zhou Cheng was willing to give it a shot.

"Of course, from threatening and harassing small-time punks that bother your girlfriend to helping old ladies across the street," Wade declared. "As long as the price is right, I'm at your command."

Wade asked Zhou Cheng for paper and pen and wrote down his contact information.

"Remember, don't forget the job from the neighbor's grandma!" he reminded."Make sure the whole thing is recorded. Grandma wants to see!"

Zhou Cheng put away the note, reminded the person, and then said nothing more.

With a loud bang, he closed the door and swaggered off as if nothing had happened.

Leaving Wade Wilson alone, still in a mess.

The money?

Where's the money?

What about the task the old lady next door asked for help with? She didn't just ask you to do a task without paying, did she?

However, Wade Wilson just muttered under his breath.

He knew all too well that the money was never going to be in his hands.

It was just wishful thinking.

But even so, Wade Wilson wasn't going to let that Smith get away with it.

Of course, this had nothing to do with the threat from Zhou Cheng, it was simply because

The guy had gotten him into this mess, and Wade Wilson was not about to let it slide!

There was no way Zhou Cheng could know what Wade Wilson was thinking.

After descending the stairs, Zhou Cheng hailed a cab and headed straight for a nearby real estate agency.

Leaning against the seat, looking back at the retreating streetscape outside the window, Zhou Cheng felt that today's experience was absurd.

He had a bellyful of complaints that he couldn't help but want to vent.

Zhou Cheng instinctively took out his notebook again to jot down his feelings.

...

In the Bronx.

Within a very inconspicuous house.

Natasha Romanoff curled up lazily on the sofa.

Munching on popcorn and enjoying the soap opera on television.

On the coffee table in front of her was a bottle of cola freshly taken out from the fridge.

The popcorn plus cola combo wasn't exclusive to China.

It was also very popular in the United States.

In fact, the United States is the world's largest consumer of popcorn, even having a "National Popcorn Day" every year.

It's not just in cinemas.

This snack, specially designed for relaxation and leisure, has entered everyday life in many households.

Even a top agent like Natasha Romanoff was no exception.

After doing a tense and exciting mission, relaxing like a salted fish was quite excellent.

Giggling, she stuffed another handful of popcorn into her mouth, chewing vigorously and without concern for her image.

Crunch! Delightful!

Of course, it would be cooler with a sip of icy cold cola.

Natasha Romanoff casually picked up the chilled cola from the coffee table.

But just as she was about to drink, her body froze.

What was this?

A notebook?

Natasha Romanoff stared at the black leather notebook on the coffee table and fell into contemplation.

Where did this notebook come from?

She remembered quite clearly that it wasn't there before!

At least it wasn't there before she prepared the popcorn and cola and turned on the TV to enjoy a soap opera.

Could it be...

She remembered incorrectly?

That would be a joke!

As a top agent, could she possibly make such a mistake?

Then all her years of being an agent were in vain.

After some thought, Natasha Romanoff could only come up with one possibility.

That is, in the fifteen minutes she went to the bathroom, someone had secretly entered her secret residence and left the notebook here.

Who could it be?

Natasha Romanoff's brows furrowed slightly; it seems she had never revealed this place to anyone!

Including her trustworthy partner Clint Barton, her superiors Coulson, Nick Fury.

So, who could it be?