Although Natasha had been a S.H.I.E.L.D. target in her early years, after transferring to S.H.I.E.L.D. through the mediation of Level 7 Agent Clint Barton, director Nick Fury had placed great trust in her.
As an exceptionally capable agent, Natasha had not disappointed Nick Fury's trust, flawlessly completing many high-difficulty missions.
In fact, she had already obtained Level 7 clearance, which was no easy feat for an agent who had transferred in from outside.
"She tested this serum?"
Melinda thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"I haven't heard that she suffered any major injuries recently?"
"Well..."
Coulson hesitated before lowering his voice.
"Word is that during the mission to rescue an Iranian scientist some time before the New Year, Natasha was shot through the abdomen and left with a scar that wouldn't heal.
"So she was very troubled by it, because she couldn't wear bikinis after that—though she claimed it would limit her ability to go undercover in certain special situations."
"..."
Melinda pressed a hand to her forehead.
"So she found out about this serum and just went all out? It costs five thousand dollars per dose, and she'd have to spend that five times. We're government employees too."
"Once the serum's effects were verified, the expense would be reimbursed."
Coulson shrugged, unsurprised when Melinda rolled her eyes.
"All right, this serum really is incredible. It could even shake the entire medical world. But calling it a Level 7 threat to national security seems a bit of a stretch, doesn't it? After all, this isn't the age of cold weapons anymore."
With all the high-powered modern weapons produced by Stark Industries, the places where this serum could be useful on the battlefield had been drastically reduced.
Of course, it could still shine on the battlefield as a top-secret scientific achievement, but...
"Exactly. That alone isn't enough to give Dr. Lin such a high mission classification. And his other invention, the air-purifying plants, is the same."
As Coulson said this, his expression turned somewhat strange.
"But this mission was personally issued by the Director. And the reason we were allowed to bring out copied files was that Dr. Lin's file was only Level 6.
"What truly raised the mission classification to Level 7 was an order personally given by the Director."
"Why make it so mysterious? What exactly is going on?"
An order personally issued by director Nick Fury? Just how had Dr. Lin offended him?
For such an outstanding scientist, Dr. Lin could be considered extraordinarily low-key.
"The Director... he said..."
Coulson saw that the Emerald Dream plant shop was already in sight and began slowing down, as though the words were difficult to say.
"He said, 'Without causing the target any aversion, investigate Oaks Lin's... as thoroughly as possible—'"
Seeing Melinda's increasingly dangerous gaze as he hemmed and hawed, he swallowed and spoke the final two words.
"His cat."
"???"
Melinda stared hard at Coulson, a faint smile curling across her lips.
"Coulson? Listen, Coulson. If this mission is some stupid idea you came up with to make me happy, then I have to say, you screwed up."
"You're my best friend. I really don't want to have to drive you straight to the hospital in a moment."
"No, no, no, Melinda! Every word I said is the truth!"
Sweat appeared on Coulson's forehead. In front of the plant shop was a flashy Audi R8 convertible. He glanced at it, then at his old car, and muttered under his breath.
"Hey, Lola, you're still my true love. Those designs that haven't stood the test of time can't compare to a classic."
"Hey, Coulson, if you don't explain yourself within thirty seconds, the repair bill for that car up ahead is going on your tab."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... grabbing the steering wheel is extremely dangerous, Melinda!"
Coulson hurriedly pulled over nearby. Just as he was about to calm the nearly exploding Melinda, he saw the door of the plant shop open.
A flamboyant figure strode toward the Audi R8, opened the door, and gestured for the blonde woman behind him to get in.
Coulson and Melinda watched the man, who seemed to radiate gold with every movement, put on his sunglasses, sit in the driver's seat, make a phone call, then start the car and speed away. They could not help looking at each other.
"Tony Stark... and his assistant, Pepper Potts."
Before Coulson could speak, Melinda spoke up. There was no trace of anger left on her face.
"If this shop is connected to someone that important, then it isn't simple."
"The mission target is Oaks Lin's cat. Could that cat be an enhanced organism? Or a robotic cat? Or some modified hybrid of biology and machinery?"
Coulson fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
"Anyway, let's carry out the mission. And Melinda, you should read fewer novels and watch fewer movies."
"When facing a genuine Level 7 classified target, we must demonstrate the professional standards of senior agents."
Melinda snorted and opened the car door first.
"Don't forget, although the Bahrain incident affected me deeply, I've also faced that kind of unbelievable power firsthand. Reality is more outrageous than novels and movies!"
And so, after Tony Stark left, Zhang welcomed new customers.
"Welcome, you two. Feel free to look around."
Zhang smiled as he introduced the shop's business to Coulson and Melinda.
"You should have felt it already. From the moment you stepped through the door, the world became different."
"It certainly did. I think I might consider buying a few potted plants to take home. The air feels so comfortable."
Melinda appeared to be surveying the potted plants on the shelves, but she was actually rapidly analyzing every piece of information within her field of vision.
A young Asian clerk around twenty years old, super plants with astonishing purification effects, and an utterly ordinary storefront.
The files she had just seen also contained a brief description of this shop.
After scanning the room without finding the target, Melinda calmly exchanged a look with Coulson.
Coulson turned to Zhang, his signature smile somehow even more approachable than Melinda's feminine charm.
"What an incredible creation. But we came today for that special serum—the one Dr. Lin posted about on the forum."
"Oh, the Recovery Serum?"
Zhang perked up. Another wealthy customer—no wonder he looked so composed and distinguished.
"As a successful gentleman, your discerning eye is truly admirable!"
Zhang carefully placed a bottle of emerald-green serum on the counter. He glanced at Melinda, who seemed to be admiring the plants, then winked at Coulson.
"Sir, your timing couldn't be better. The boss only recently unlocked a new function for this serum. You and this lady will definitely be satisfied."
"A new function?"
Coulson froze. The serum had been updated?
"Tony Stark's Romantic Night with Ten Cover Girls—"
Zhang revealed a meaningful, suggestive smile.
"This serum is the protagonist!"
"..."