So Eager?

At Kent Farm, Clark drove the truck home with the cow whose hoof had been fixed.

There were no surveillance cameras nearby, so after parking, Clark simply carried the cow down.

Beside him, Martha smiled and asked softly.

"When Jonathan was still around, he and I used to argue often. But you know, Clark, Jonathan loved me deeply, and I loved him too.

"So after every argument, we had our own ways of forgetting the unpleasantness between us.

"Back then, I always liked putting on leather pants and riding my horse around near the flower fields. When I swept through the fragrance of the flowers, my mood would relax.

"And Jonathan, what he loved most was trimming the animals' hooves. Whether it was horse hooves or cow hooves, whenever we argued, he would always give every animal at home a new pair of shoes."

As she said that, Martha placed a hand on Clark's broad shoulder.

Holding her son close, Martha continued with deep nostalgia.

"Clark, I can tell that you've had a lot on your mind lately.

"So I wanted to introduce you to Jonathan's way of relieving stress. I hope it can help you a little."

"I..."

Hearing his mother's words, Clark froze slightly, then lowered his head.

Seeing that Clark seemed even more downcast, Martha appeared to understand something. She sighed and said,

"Compared to Smallville, our farm is too small.

"Compared to Metropolis, Smallville is too small too.

"And compared to the United States, what is Metropolis? Even neighboring Gotham has over ten million more people than Metropolis.

"So compared to the whole world, how could my son have seen only little old Smallville?"

As her words fell, Martha broke into a bright smile and gave Clark a firm pat on the back.

"You're already an adult, and you've long since finished college.

"A fine young man like you shouldn't always make a living doing insignificant odd jobs near home.

"If you don't want to work at the gas station, then quit. I support you going out and making your way in the world.

"Your mother may not have much money, but I can still spare an old car. Isn't there a Ford in the garage? Take it and go see the world. How about it?"

"I can't rest easy leaving you home alone, Martha!"

Honestly, even though Clark was worried about Downton, who was about to arrive in Smallville, Martha's words moved him deeply at that moment!

Clark was only twenty-three this year. His whole life, he had lingered around Metropolis and Smallville. How could he not want to go out and see the world?

But just as he said, he simply could not rest easy leaving Martha at home alone!

There were too many dangers in the world. Even though Clark believed he himself was the greatest danger in the world, he still feared that some other danger might come near his mother.

Seeing how concerned Clark was for her, Martha smiled warmly and patted his arm again.

"What silly things are you saying, child? I've spent my entire life in Smallville.

"Which neighbor around our farm doesn't know me?

"Don't let the fact that I'm a woman fool you. I'm excellent with a shotgun. Your father taught me himself, and I surpassed my teacher.

"If some blind fool of a thief breaks into our farm, I'll show him what a Kansas Cowgirl can do!

"Since when was it your turn to take care of your mother, Clark?"

"But..."

"No buts. It's settled. Boys need to get out there and broaden their horizons.

"Think it over carefully. We have plenty of time. Tell me your decision once you've made up your mind.

"As for now, let me see... Hmm, the vet did a decent job trimming this cow's hooves, but it still doesn't compare to Jonathan's work.

"What do you want for lunch? Beef stew with potatoes, all right?"

"Of course. Anything you make is fine, Martha."

Clark smiled and hugged his mother, then continued leading the cows back to their shed.

As he led the cows, Clark looked toward Martha's retreating figure and pressed his lips together worriedly.

I hope that Downton won't bring any trouble to Smallville. Otherwise...

Clark clenched his fist lightly. He would not allow anyone to hurt his mother.

Meanwhile, at the Philharmonic Café in Smallville Town, General Lane's walkie-talkie crackled.

"Reporting, General. Downton is driving a stolen Maybach S680 toward Smallville. He is approximately fifteen minutes from the café!"

"Received."

After responding, General Lane raised a hand and patted Lois Lane on the shoulder.

"Lois!"

General Lane said to her earnestly,

"Believe me, there's no need for you to see him again. Following our original plan is the best choice!

"As soon as he reaches the first ambush point outside town, my men can take him down with tranquilizers. Letting him appear before you would only create more trouble.

"What if he kidnaps you again?

"What if he even hurts you?

"If you suffer any harm, I'll have no face to see your mother again, Lois!"

"But that was my promise, Father!"

Listening to General Lane, Lois Lane replied with absolute determination.

"I know it's selfish, but I truly want to do an exclusive interview with Downton.

"Even though Gotham has the highest crime rate in the United States, few criminals are as brazen as Downton is... almost to the point of being stylish!

"And he's Asian, perhaps even an Asian who illegally entered Gotham. From that angle alone, his motives could very well win me the next Pulitzer Prize. Those judges love this kind of story!"

"But no award can compare to your safety, Lois!"

General Lane ruthlessly cut Lois Lane off, then heavily patted his daughter's shoulder.

"Promise me you'll sit quietly in the café and not go anywhere.

"After I capture Downton, I'll apply to Congress for a visitation and interview opportunity for you, just like the interviews I arranged for you before!"

With that, General Lane decisively left the café and brought his men to the command vehicle.

Watching the series of surveillance feeds inside the vehicle, General Lane fixed his gaze on the speeding S680.

Meanwhile, inside the Maybach.

Downton controlled the steering wheel with one hand while using the other to open his phone and check the navigation.

The reason he was driving was because after arriving in Metropolis, he had sent Bartel back to Gotham.

He might not care about so-called traps, but Bartel definitely could not withstand one. After all, this was the military.

Forget Bartel—even Batman, who had only recently started out, would not have the ability to deal with a regular army on an endless plain.

After sending Bartel away, he found a decent shop, kidnapped the clerk while surrounded by a group of police officers, and borrowed the shop's bathroom for a shower.

After changing clothes, he was taken out by Metropolis police, whose efficiency and awareness far surpassed Gotham's.

This time, he had landed inside a villa in Metropolis.

The Maybach belonged to the villa's owner. He had to admit, Maybachs were genuinely nice to drive. He even wanted to drive this one back to Gotham...

Bang!

With a dull thud, Downton felt the steering wheel in his hands shake violently.

The next moment, the fine Maybach began to skid and came to a stop in the road after spinning in circles.

Downton could not help rolling his eyes. A blown tire? Ryan's methods were far too old-fashioned, weren't they?

Was a tranquilizer dart going to stick into him the moment he got out of the car?

Thinking that, Downton opened the door and stepped out with his phone in hand.

"Guys, you're way too eager, eager, eager, eager...?!"

Before he could even finish the sentence, Downton's freshly styled hair puffed up, and an inexplicable current shocked him into hopping around nonstop!

Meanwhile, inside the command vehicle, once General Lane confirmed that Downton had not vanished the instant the current took hold of him, he excitedly clenched his fist!

"Operation begins!"

He announced excitedly over the communications channel!

Heh, I'm doing a trial run~!