Chapter 154 - CHAPTER 154:Special Place

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After listening to Coulson's detailed explanation, Shen He finally understood.

It wasn't that there was nothing to do—but rather, that those responsibilities no longer fell on her directly. As a newly established organization rising from the ruins of the old S.H.I.E.L.D., their operations had adopted an evolving, decentralized style.

They needed time to adapt—learning to change while in motion, adjusting to the flow of constant missions.

"Alright," Shen He said softly, unsure what more to say.

When you're busy, there's never enough time. But when the momentum stops, the silence can feel disorienting.

"The Director might consider paying more attention to the corporate side," Coulson suggested tactfully. "Although the company has begun turning a profit, it's still hemorrhaging funds. Most of the capital comes from Stark Industries."

Shen He gave a knowing nod. Intelligence work was a bottomless pit—an investment that never truly paid off. Especially now, with their virtual reality enterprise still in its infancy. Its military applications were only just beginning to emerge. Profits were promising, but the business was nowhere near the scale of a global conglomerate.

What's more, governments worldwide had begun issuing veiled warnings. They hadn't yet launched overt suppression efforts, but it was clear they feared the company's expansion. No one wanted to see another "Umbrella Corporation" rise—at least, not without oversight.

"It definitely needs long-term planning," Shen He agreed.

In truth, she hoped to transform the VR company into something like Umbrella—but without the corruption. A self-sufficient, multinational protector of humanity. If they could consolidate power there, they could minimize sabotage from within Chaldea and other agencies.

But that dream was still far off.

For now, Shen He accepted that the world government was a persistent thorn. As long as it existed in its current form, progress would be slow.

Since there were no pressing duties at the office, Shen He decided not to waste the day. After some thought, she invited Joan out for a stroll. Just the two of them.

"Are we really leaving Violet behind?"

Even after they got into the car, Joan asked for the third time.

"Why do you look like you're guilty of something?" Shen He chuckled. "Isn't it normal to take your girlfriend out alone?"

"But…" Joan bit her lower lip lightly. "Violet will be sad."

She pictured Violet's lonely, abandoned expression—like a little cat in the rain—and the guilt returned.

"And what did you say last time you took me to the beach without telling her?" Shen He reminded with a sly grin.

"That was different—it's just—" Joan stammered, her cheeks turning red. She couldn't find the words and finally turned away with a huff, glaring at him in embarrassment.

"Actually, we're not just out for fun." Shen He's eyes turned serious as he focused on the road, driving toward the horizon where the Manhattan skyline glittered like a promise. "I want to see how a city protected by heroes really operates."

Some things couldn't be learned from reports, or even from AI-assisted intel. They had to be seen firsthand.

Especially now, with the number of Guardians increasing and their skill sets expanding, they weren't just acting at night anymore. Daytime patrols were becoming common. If they wanted to model this for other cities, they had to understand its rhythm.

Shen He drove straight into the heart of Manhattan's most prosperous district.

"Where should we start?"

Joan smiled, slipping her hand into Shen He's as they walked through the bustling streets like any ordinary couple.

Though this was technically a field inspection, it felt like a date.

Shen He decided to start with something he'd always wanted to do.

"We're buying you clothes."

Without waiting for a reply, he led Joan into a boutique lingerie store.

Only men with girlfriends were allowed to shop here. Well—men who weren't creeps.

"W-why here?" Joan clutched his hand tightly, more nervous than he was.

"You don't have enough clothes," Shen He replied calmly, scanning the racks with ease. "Especially not everyday ones."

He was right. Ever since they'd started living together, he'd noticed Joan's personal belongings were minimal. No cosmetics, only a few repeated outfits. The last time she bought new clothes was before their beach trip—that one she'd planned in secret. It wasn't that she disliked shopping; she just hadn't had many chances.

Today, he planned to change that.

It was a reward for her—and, perhaps, a bit for himself.

Because, truthfully, Joan was stunning.

"This one doesn't quite work," Shen He said as she stepped out of the fitting room in a soft pastel set. His eyes gleamed as he passed her another, bolder one. "Try this one."

The boutique's attendant chimed in, "Yes, miss, this set suits your body shape better."

"B-but… I've already tried more than ten pieces," Joan mumbled, her entire face flushed.

Shen He ignored her protests with a light grin. He handed the clerk the previous set and gave a discreet signal: pack it up.

Outside the fitting room, the pile of shopping bags was growing.

Rich people had their advantages.

The store clerk, despite her professional demeanor, couldn't hide her amused envy. Shen He was clearly wealthy, and Joan—though cloaked in illusion magic that made her look plain—still couldn't hide that hourglass figure.

To the staff, Joan must've looked like one of those girls—beautiful, lucky, and taken.

But they didn't dare say anything aloud.

This was Manhattan. No one in their right mind offended a customer with money.

Back in the fitting room, Joan was nearly in tears from embarrassment.

She could hear everything. She felt everything—the whispering thoughts, the judgments.

How many more outfits did she have to wear?

And every new one Shen He picked was even more revealing.

"Joan of Arc?" came his teasing voice from beyond the curtain.

Joan stomped her foot, helpless.

Still, she obediently tried on the next set—black lace with silver trim. As she adjusted it, her senses flared.

Something was wrong.

Not just Joan—Shen He felt it too. His eyes narrowed as he glanced toward the door.

Then came the cashier's gasp.

A man had rushed in, grabbed several pieces of lingerie, stuffed them into his coat, and bolted.

Seriously?

"A-ah, sir…" the store clerk looked at Shen He in alarm.

It was a boutique. Expensive, upscale, and not exactly staffed for emergencies.

"Don't worry," Shen He said coolly. "I'll take a look."

Outside, the cashier had already given chase, shouting for help. But it was clear she couldn't keep up.

Fortunately, she didn't need to.

A few civilians nearby noticed the theft. Without hesitation, they joined the pursuit.

Others followed. Among them, several Apostles—Chaldea's trained heroes—recognized the situation and intervened. One of them intercepted the thief ahead.

Shen He watched from a distance. The thief was tackled and pinned before he could even make it to the next block.

Good. The daytime Guardian system was working.

When he returned to the boutique, Joan had already changed and emerged from the fitting room.

"What happened? I heard shouting."

She tried to play innocent, though her cheeks were still pink.

Shen He smirked.

Just another day in the city of heroes.

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