Chapter 75: The Superhero Serum

“No,” Zhong Shenxiu replied, and in an instant, Norman’s heart plunged into an icy abyss. His face turned cold as frost.

“Because…”

Oh? There’s a twist? Norman’s ears perked up as he listened intently.

Zhong Shenxiu observed Norman’s shifting expressions before continuing at a measured pace, “Because changes at the genetic level are the hardest to achieve. If you proceed too quickly, it’s easy for the entire genetic sequence to collapse. If that happens and your genetic chain breaks, not even a god could save you.”

“That’s why I haven’t been reckless. I recommend you purchase a full treatment course. I did a rough calculation—starting today, you’ll come here once every seven days, making up one treatment cycle. Complete this thirty times, and you should thoroughly resolve your genetic issues.”

“Of course, we can discuss money. I can give you a bit of a discount. After all, a hundred thousand dollars is quite a sum. How about this: for each treatment cycle, I’ll only charge you ninety-eight thousand. Consider it a special offer.”

“It’s a rock-bottom price, no haggling, and as a small business, I don’t do credit.”

All of this was, of course, deliberate on Zhong Shenxiu’s part. Even if genetic-level issues were indeed troublesome—mainly because the area was large and required extra precision—with his increasingly proficient healing technique, it would be effortless to cure Norman Osborn in about fifty seconds.

But he would never do that. Having finally found such a fat, woolly sheep, Zhong Shenxiu fully intended to shear him slowly and savor every moment.

Norman’s face shifted like a sky full of changing clouds as he listened. A discount of two dollars—how could that possibly be called a special price?

He had been in business for decades, but he had never seen such shamelessness!

Today, he must have encountered a true master...

“Can’t you make it faster? Coming here every week is too much trouble—I have many matters to attend to at my company,” Norman asked.

“Genetic-level problems aren’t like stitching a simple wound. You can’t just speed it up because you want to…”

At this, Norman immediately understood. “So, it’s not possible…”

Suddenly!

Zhong Shenxiu’s tone changed.

“It’s not that it’s impossible… but it would cost more!”

Norman: ???

Then why did you go on and on as if you were being so sincere!

“Ahem, never mind. Money isn’t the issue. Here’s what we’ll do: let me return to my company first. After some time, I’ll come back, and we’ll discuss the specifics then,” Norman Osborn said.

In truth, he planned to return to his company for a comprehensive checkup, to see whether his physical condition had truly improved.

If there really was improvement, then even if it cost him hundreds of millions, he would come back for treatment.

Once I’m cured… I’ll bring Harry here as well… The pain that has haunted the Osborn family for centuries—I won’t let him endure it any longer…

After Norman Osborn left, weighed down by his thoughts, Zhong Shenxiu didn’t bother with polite farewells. On one hand, he was confident in his own abilities. Once Norman had come here even once, he would never be able to escape his grasp.

On the other hand—

Zhong Shenxiu had just received his reward!

[You have acquired the passive ability ‘Super Serum (Imitation).’ Would you like to use it? Note: This ability has certain side effects. Please use with caution.]

Naturally, this came from Norman Osborn.

This was a passive ability without a ranking—though calling it a passive ability wasn’t quite accurate; it was more like a serum.

The Super Serum could enhance all aspects of its user, both good and bad. That was the original effect. But Norman Osborn’s version had the tag “Imitation”—could it be that it also came with the original’s side effects?

For example, developing a split personality?

That was something Zhong Shenxiu could not accept. So for now, he decided to set this ability aside and revisit it later.

…

With his reverie at an end, Zhong Shenxiu returned to the present—twenty-seven days after sending Ivan to the secret base for research.

Since then, Norman Osborn hadn’t returned even once.

But Zhong Shenxiu wasn’t anxious. As long as this fat sheep wanted to live, he would eventually come scampering back, desperate for another shearing.

Today, the Zhongshen Clinic was particularly quiet.

Sitting in his chair, Zhong Shenxiu found himself growing tired of admiring Wanda’s long white stockings beneath her pink nurse’s uniform. Their smooth sheen reflected a bit of the fluorescent light, and her dainty shoes perfectly enclosed her pure, delicate feet… a slight pity, really.

Ever since Ivan had delivered the forged identity documents for Wanda, Zhong Shenxiu had let her help out at the clinic.

Partly to lend a hand during busy times, partly just to pass the time like this when things were slow.

Having been cooped up for so many years, Wanda was overjoyed to see the light of day again and threw herself into her work with enthusiasm. In less than a month, under Zhong Shenxiu’s guidance, she could already handle minor wounds; her bandaged bows were even more perfect than his.

Zhong Shenxiu was more than happy about this.

After all… he didn’t need to pay her a salary!

If she could handle all the treatments, that would be ideal. Zhong Shenxiu could then laze around until another fat sheep appeared for him to shear.

Today was truly slow—

Gazing at the empty doorway, Zhong Shenxiu sighed once more.

Usually, at this hour, his little enforcer Spider-Man would have just finished school, and a wave of gangsters would pour in for treatment. But the rush had long since passed, and hardly any gangsters had shown up today.

Zhong Shenxiu was just about to text his little helper Peter, urging him to work a bit harder.

When someone appeared at the door.

Immediately, Zhong Shenxiu put down his phone, ready to greet this rare “chive” with his most professional smile… but as he looked up, he was momentarily stunned.

The person was none other than the familiar perfect agent—Coulson.

Coulson looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes so heavy they were almost frightening. Once-smooth, healthy skin was now lined with the deep furrows of age.

Yet he still wore his trademark smile.

“What brings you here?” Zhong Shenxiu asked softly, puzzled.

By rights, Coulson should still be combing the streets of Chicago, searching for Baron Chaos. Why had he returned to New York?

“I have another assignment, Mr. Zhong Shen,” Coulson replied, glancing around the room before plopping down on a small stool. He looked utterly spent—even his voice was weak.

“What kind of assignment?”

Coulson didn’t answer directly. Instead, he looked over at Wanda, clad in her pink nurse’s uniform.

“Oh, her? She’s a neighbor from nearby. I asked her to help out,” Zhong Shenxiu explained casually.

“So young…” Coulson murmured, casting a new look at Zhong Shenxiu—a look that seemed to say, “Ah, so you have this sort of… interest…”

Zhong Shenxiu rolled his eyes in response.

Only then did Coulson continue, “We’ve found Tony Stark, but his situation is critical. I need your help.”