Previously, Bai Qi was cautious when using his physical body for fear of damaging it. However, with the Horse Talisman, any severe damage to his body could now be quickly repaired.
With the outsiders gone, Bai Qi began to inquire about the negotiations with the brewery.
"It's settled," Clive stated. "We meet tomorrow afternoon at three on the second floor of the Empire State Building."
Bai Qi nodded, confident in Clive's efficiency. However, he felt Clive was not suitable for dealing with the brewery's people. Moreover, given that more than ninety percent of their members were informants, this meeting was likely to attract the attention of the US FBI.
"Clive, Caitlin is emotionally unstable after being rescued. You won't attend tomorrow's meeting. Temporarily hand over your work to Mimic and spend time with Caitlin."
Hearing Bai Qi's words, Caitlin, who was standing behind him with a displeased expression, shivered. She was initially angry that Clive was being punished and cursed Bai Qi as a heartless boss. But now, looking at the situation, she realized this boss might not be as bad as she thought.
Mimic was also surprised. Although he had anticipated being given more responsibility soon, he hadn't expected it to happen so suddenly. Clive, on the other hand, was understanding and readily agreed, comprehending Bai Qi's reasoning.
Meanwhile, Section 13 was far from relaxed.
First, they suffered heavy casualties and property damage from a forceful attack. Then, the prisoners they held were rescued, and even their talismans were stolen, only to be recovered by S.H.I.E.L.D.
Upon his return, Black heard the reports from his subordinates and was furious.
Their headquarters had been attacked by unknown armed assailants, resulting in the injury or death of several agents. Two imprisoned individuals were rescued, and even the supposedly most secure talismans were stolen. The most infuriating part was that they were recovered by their old rival, S.H.I.E.L.D.
Any one of these incidents would be enough to make their peers laugh hysterically. Now, all of them had fallen upon Black.
At this moment, Black's vision went dark, and he almost fainted. He was supported by his subordinates, barely managing to stay on his feet.
In the office.
"Sergeant, S.H.I.E.L.D. requires the talismans to be transferred to the Helicarrier for safekeeping. What do we do now?"
"What do we do? How should I know!"
Black, sitting in his seat, let out a long sigh, appearing to have aged a dozen years.
Just then, a female agent in a form-fitting suit pushed past a junior agent and approached Black. She presented her identification badge and said, "Hello, Sergeant Black. I am Maria Hill, a Level 9 agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Our director wishes to discuss the talisman matter with you."
Black looked up at Hill. "Is Nick Fury here?"
Hill nodded without speaking.
"Alright. Lead the way."
As the two walked out of the office, they bumped into Jackie Chan and his group who had just returned.
"Sergeant Black, what happened here?"
Previously, an agent from Section 13 had reported the discovery of a suspected magical relic. Jackie Chan, an advisor to Section 13, immediately set off with Uncle. Midway, the elusive Jade suddenly appeared beside them.
Because of this, the main group missed the attack on Section 13. Upon their return, they were bewildered by the war-torn appearance of Section 13. They then remembered the talismans stored in Section 13's vault and rushed to question Black.
"The talismans, what about the talismans?"
Seeing Jackie Chan's anxious gaze, Black sighed and said, "I am very sorry, Jackie. I am very sorry."
This simple sentence plunged Jackie Chan's mood to its lowest point. Jade next to him also wore a worried expression. However, Uncle, who had always emphasized the importance of the talismans, surprisingly remained calm.
Interrupting their conversation, Hill walked up to Jackie Chan, showed him her badge, and said, "Hello, Mr. Chan. I am an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Maria Hill. Our director wishes to speak with you and your family."
Facing Hill's assertive invitation, Jackie Chan showed some hesitation.
He did not wish to have much contact with organizations like these agents. He only wanted to do his job well, take care of Uncle and Jade, and live a peaceful life.
He had only helped Section 13 out of friendship. But now, the talismans he had worked so hard to retrieve from the Dark Hand were simply stolen. While not completely disheartened, he was close to it.
Perhaps sensing Jackie Chan's difficulty, Uncle, who had been silent, spoke, "My nephew is tired. You can talk to me about whatever you need to say."
"I apologize, elder. Our director intends to..."
Hill, mid-sentence, immediately changed her tune. "Very well, elder. Please come this way."
Seeing Jade, who was following behind, attempting to intervene, Hill wanted to stop her. After all, this conversation concerned the fate of the nation. It seemed inappropriate to have a child eavesdrop.
"I'm sorry, little girl, you cannot come."
"Huh? But I..."
Jackie Chan, standing next to Jade, pulled her back and said, "Jade, tomorrow is Monday. Haven't you done any of your homework yet?"
At this moment, Uncle, acting uncharacteristically, said, "Homework is not important. Let Jade participate in the meeting. Otherwise, I will not go either."
Jackie Chan still wanted to say something, but before he could, Uncle tapped his forehead twice with his fingers. "Aren't you tired? Hurry up and rest. I have many things for you to do later."
Seeing Uncle's firm stance, Hill had no choice but to reluctantly agree to let Jade come along, provided she didn't cause trouble.
Upon hearing that she could participate, Jade happily gave Hill a scout salute and said, "Scout's honor."
Hill led Black, Uncle, and Jade to the entrance of a storage room.
As everyone looked on in confusion, Hill opened a first-aid kit hanging next to the door and pressed a button, revealing a keypad lock.
After entering the password, she opened the storage room door again, revealing a hidden, small conference room.
Sergeant Black scratched his bald head in bewilderment. "I don't remember having a room like this."
Upon entering the conference room, the Black Hawk emblem hanging on the wall told the whole story. This was S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hidden facility within Section 13. If Section 13 ever acted against American interests, S.H.I.E.L.D. could immediately intervene to correct their course.
One had to admit, S.H.I.E.L.D. lived up to its reputation as the largest intelligence organization in the United States, not even sparing affiliated agencies.
Such secret rooms were scattered throughout various government agencies across the United States.
"Please, everyone, have a seat."
Nick Fury, who had been waiting, sat at the conference table, a steaming cup of coffee before him. Seeing Black and the others enter, he picked up his coffee, took a sip, and said, "Would you like some coffee?"