Raven paused slightly, instantly recalling the sole contracted hero the four-armed interviewer had mentioned during her interview.
"So you're Miss Anqi."
Realization dawned as she spoke.
"The interviewer just mentioned you to me. He said you're the only contracted hero who's joined so far."
Anqi's eyes curved into a smile at that. She led Raven to a casual dining table, picked up an elegant-looking bottle of red wine, and deftly poured her a glass of clear, richly colored wine.
"Try this. It's fine red wine. A single bottle costs over a hundred dollars-as much as several months of my old wages working at the bar."
As she spoke, she cheerfully returned to their earlier topic, genuine satisfaction in her eyes.
"Yes, I'm the first contracted hero. I used to be afraid to even touch expensive things like this. But at Vought, I can enjoy them whenever I want. I don't have to watch anyone's mood or humbly bend over backward to please them."
Raven lowered her gaze to the clear red wine in her glass. She had encountered plenty of fine things during her years with Charles, but naturally felt no disdain or contempt.
She knew all too well that without Charles's years of protection and companionship, she would most likely have ended up just like Anqi, struggling at the bottom, battered and worn down by life.
She raised her glass and took a small sip. The rich aroma of wine spread across her tongue, and she offered heartfelt praise.
"It really is delicious. By the way, I'm curious. What's your mutant ability?"
The moment her ability came up, Anqi perked up. Her earlier languid ease vanished completely, and she even set aside the food and wine on the table for the moment.
She quickly took several steps back, turned