Chapter 126: Smash Your Dog Head

Since Agent Colson came by in the early hours last time, that chubby agent assigned to surveil Jung Shin-soo has been growing increasingly lax in his duties. Nowadays, even when Jung ventures out during the day, the agent doesn’t even bother to tail him.

Jung wondered silently what Colson might have said to him back then.

In truth, Jung had overheard the entire conversation between Colson and the chubby agent. It was nothing more than routine reprimands between superior and subordinate.

Jung didn’t catch—nor did he suspect—that within Colson’s orders there was an instruction to ease up on monitoring him.

Perhaps it was some sort of covert code used among agents, Jung speculated.

But that hardly mattered. This situation was exactly what Jung hoped for. The reduction in surveillance by S.H.I.E.L.D. signified growing trust in him.

This also meant that his identity as the Crimson Baron and all other disguises remained completely uncompromised.

He thought to himself, “Once they pull that fat guy away, that will mean I’ve earned their full trust.”

Yet, knowing the suspicious nature of that bald-headed fellow, Jung reckoned that day might not come easily.

Allowing even one slacking agent to remain was already Nick Fury’s ultimate vote of confidence.

After wandering about for a while and confirming he was truly untracked, Jung stopped wandering aimlessly.

He deliberately circled the monitored areas, then slipped into an unmonitored alley. Using his Skrull shapeshifting ability combined with a small blood storage device Ivan invented, he altered his appearance and headed toward the secret base.

Along the way, Jung cautiously employed his True Sight several times.

Only after confirming no one was following did he confidently proceed toward the hidden sanctuary.

Daytime was different from night; with the crowds and countless eyes, a bit of extra caution was always wise.

When he finally reached the deserted wasteland near the villa, Jung reverted to his original form and approached the front door.

The concealed camera above the door fixed its gaze on Jung for a long moment but did not open the door.

Behind him, Ivan appeared puzzled, wondering why Jung would show up at the front gate in broad daylight.

“Open up, Ivan. It’s me,” Jung called out in explanation.

Come to think of it, this was indeed his first time arriving at the secret base during the day. Of course, although Hyde had come once during daylight hours, Wanda’s interference had already turned the sky dark.

Still, Ivan didn’t immediately trust Jung’s words. Through a hidden speaker at the door, he asked:

“What’s my father’s favorite drink?”

Jung couldn’t help but chuckle at the interrogation.

Still, he respected Ivan’s cautious nature—it was much like his own: better safe than sorry.

“Back in Moscow, it was vodka. Lately, he’s taken a liking to Jiangxiaobai,” Jung replied earnestly. After a moment, he added, “I noticed he especially favors the peach flavor. Every time I buy him a bunch, he finishes the peach ones first.”

Ivan fell silent for a moment before asking again, “And what do I like?”

Jung thought for a moment, amused by the endless questions, then answered, “At first, I thought you loved crafting mechanical devices the most. But later, I realized the truest smile appeared when you were sewing clothes for Peter.”

“No way! I was just worried Peter wouldn’t have anything to wear the next day!” Ivan immediately denied, his tone sharp.

Jung only smiled without a word.

Gotcha... I know your little quirks too well.

Jung had been surprised at the time. Who would have expected a burly Russian man like Ivan to have such a fondness for needlework?

Isn’t a man’s romance supposed to be roaring engines and towering cannons?

“Hmm… I’m almost convinced you’re who you say you are. One last question, if you answer it, I’ll open the door,” Ivan said, quickly recovering his composure. There was not a trace of the previous embarrassment in his voice.

“Ask away,” Jung replied.

Both understood that since Jung had answered Ivan’s first question about Anton Vanko’s drink so precisely, Ivan had long since believed his identity.

The next two questions were just Ivan’s way of playing along.

Jung had successfully parried the first round and looked forward with some anticipation to Ivan’s next move.

“Heh heh, here we go…” Ivan paused briefly before continuing, “What do you think of that little Wanda?”

At the mention, Jung’s face darkened instantly. In a sharp voice, he scolded, “Ivan, old man, enough games! Open the door now, or I’m coming in and smashing your head!”

“Yes, boss! Opening now!” Ivan responded immediately, and the villa door swung open.

Through the speaker, Jung’s keen hearing even caught Ivan’s mischievous chuckle.

Their second encounter ended, if barely, in a draw.

Stepping inside, Jung saw the familiar empty courtyard. At a corner, the silver elevator began to slowly rise, clearly operated by Ivan.

But Jung didn’t head straight for the elevator. Instead, he glanced toward the villa’s interior.

Though he could see nothing, Jung used his ears and True Sight to sense Anton Vanko inside, sitting on the sofa absorbed in a video game.

He was so focused he’d even forgotten to drink the wine beside him.

Jung retracted his True Sight, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

That PS3 was his gift to Anton Vanko. Previously, he had promised Ivan to help Anton quit drinking. His first step was swapping vodka for the lower-alcohol Jiangxiaobai. The second was to find something for Anton to do.

Anton couldn’t leave the villa and seemed resistant to America, unwilling to go out. His days consisted mostly of drinking and idleness.

After much thought, Jung bought him a game console.

So far, it seemed to be working well—at least Anton was drinking less each day.

In time, Jung hoped to fully cure his cirrhosis.

Since the last robbery, Ivan’s “probation period” with Jung had been flawlessly completed.

With that in mind, Jung stepped into the elevator, descending straight down into the secret base.

As soon as the doors opened, Ivan approached cheerfully.

“Boss, why are you coming to the base during the day?”

Jung shot him a glare and explained, “The agents tailing me haven’t followed for days now. I wanted to test the waters today. If it works, I’ll come often during the day, which gives me more time.”

Looking ahead, Jung’s gaze fell on the base, undergoing bold and extensive renovations.