"Darcy Lewis?"
Aaron walked up to the trio. His near-perfect appearance gave both Darcy and Jane a sense of pure delight.
"You know me?"
Darcy was quite surprised. Seeing Aaron approach her made her heart race for some reason.
Impossible! She had never felt like this toward any other man.
Could it be because Aaron was incredibly wealthy? Or because he was just that good-looking?
Damn it, am I that kind of woman? I'm supposed to be focusing on my studies, working toward my PhD in Astronomy and Literature—I can't just fall for someone's looks like this!
"Of course. I think you have a lot of potential. I have a high-paying job here. Would you be interested in joining the Osborn Group?"
Aaron gave a friendly smile.
Darcy glanced at Erik and Jane. "But I'm just an intern in liberal arts, and my major is astrophysics…"
"Don't worry. Although the Osborn Group mainly focuses on biomedical research, we also have varying degrees of research in other fields. The job I'm offering is actually connected to astronomy as well."
After all, flight attendants spend all day with airplanes—how can you be a good flight attendant if you don't have some grasp of astronomy and literature?
Darcy hesitated. "But I still want to finish my astrophysics doctorate…"
"This job is very laid-back. You'll have plenty of time to study. I really appreciate a girl who loves learning. You're different."
I… I'm different?!
He's praising me!
Normally, if someone else said that, Darcy would have just sneered—"You think I need your appreciation?"
But this time it was Aaron who said it!
After his body reconstruction and ongoing enhancements, Aaron's genes were near perfect. Because of how his genes re-expressed themselves, his original looks had been subtly fine-tuned. Even Daniel Wu would pale in comparison—only slightly better, of course, than all the readers here.
As the saying goes, handsome knows no borders or races.
Combine that with his perfectly-proportioned physique, plus his multiple PhDs in bio-genetics and biochemistry, and the fact that he's an ultra-powerful billionaire… All that power amassed in one person is practically unbeatable!
On top of that, Aaron constantly exuded a special aura from his very being, along with a strong, distinctly male pheromone.
No woman could refuse him.
Even a woman who preferred other women would instantly switch teams!
"Oh my God, he's smiling at me! He's so dazzling, like the sun…"
Refuse him? Darcy thought for a moment, suddenly feeling it would be a crime to say no to Aaron; it would weigh on her conscience.
She couldn't get the words of refusal out.
Damn it, this is so against all rules!
No, I can't let myself fall like this!
Glug glug (The sound of Darcy's reason drowning.)
"Um… Doctor, Jane, I think…"
Erik's face turned awkward. Seriously? Two lines and you're convinced? One smile, one invitation—so easily swayed!
"Do as you like—just don't neglect your studies."
Erik was Jane Foster's mentor, and Darcy was Jane's student, so he couldn't say too much.
As for Jane Foster, she was stunned for a long moment. Hearing Darcy say that, she suddenly snapped out of it, feeling a twinge of jealousy in her heart.
Clearly, she was more talented and more gifted. Why did Aaron invite Darcy first instead of her?
At that moment, Aaron turned his gaze to Jane Foster and extended his hand.
"I know you, Jane Foster, an expert in astronomy. Your astronomy papers are outstanding. It's clear you have deep expertise in that field."
Jane Foster's eyes went wide. She instinctively reached out to shake his hand. "You've read my papers?"
"Of course. For example, the one you published two months ago about the historical context of astronomy…"
"And the one three months ago, co-authored with Dr. Erik, about the connection between mythological legends and astronomy…"
Jane Foster watched in amazement as Aaron accurately recounted the core ideas of her recent papers. All at once, she felt she had found a true kindred spirit!
Oh my God, this is our first time meeting—and Aaron is the revered CEO of the Osborn Group. Even though I'm a young astronomy professor, I'm like an insignificant duckling in comparison, while he's the swan, the soaring eagle, a towering titan!
Someone so talented, cultured, and capable actually took the time to acknowledge someone like me?
Does he like me?
The Three Great Delusions of Life: One, "He's in love with me!"
Otherwise, why would a legend of the biomedical world—someone akin to Einstein and Tony Stark—cross fields to pay attention to a relatively unknown astronomy expert?
Wait a minute!
Aaron spoke to Darcy first, obviously just looking for a chance to connect with me. Maybe his real goal was me all along, and he started with Darcy to work up to it?
Ugh, in America, you don't need to be so roundabout—just play it straight!
Jane Foster felt a bit dizzy.
Instinctively, she blurted, "I accept."
Pfft—cough!
Jane Foster suddenly realized what she'd said. She blushed and quickly clarified:
"I mean, I accept your proposal. As Dr. Erik said, as long as it doesn't interfere with Darcy's studies, then having a job on the side would be great."
"It would be a good step into the professional world—plus, it's the Osborn Group. That would be an invaluable experience for her future."
Erik's face changed dramatically. This was bad—he was about to lose both Jane Foster, his most prized student, and Darcy, his go-to sidekick, to Aaron. In the end, only he, this old seventy-something doctorate holder, would remain. Cruel! Unacceptable!
He eyed Aaron warily. "Mr. Aaron, why would you come to this remote town in the middle of nowhere? It's dangerous here—wide open spaces, barely any people. Not a place for someone like you."
Aaron glanced at him. "Good point. But I also wouldn't recommend an old man and two young women traveling around these parts. That's even more dangerous."
Erik reddened. Just as he was about to say something else, Aaron turned to Jane Foster and extended another invitation. "Jane, are you interested in working at my company? We happen to need a research lead in the field of astronomy."
"The benefits will definitely satisfy you. Whatever research you want to do, we'll provide the materials and protect you."
Protect?
So, is that an employee offer or… something else?
Before Jane could reply, Aaron glanced at Thor. "You have time to think it over. I'll be in town for two days. Let me know before I leave."
"Now, I'm going to take care of this friend from out of town."
Aaron took out some fancy gold-embossed business cards—handing one each to Jane, Darcy, and Erik.
With a wave, he headed off to the nearest small town.
"A friend from out of town? That guy wasn't dead?!"
Erik was startled, realizing this was big news. He urged Darcy to start moving again. "Quick, let's follow them right now!"
"This might be our best chance yet to learn more about astronomy."
"I should have known. That strange phenomenon earlier must have been caused by this 'visitor from out of town.' No wonder Aaron suddenly showed up here!"
Darcy rolled her eyes, carefully stashing the business card in her chest pocket and patting it. It felt warm and comforting.
She turned into a speed demon behind the wheel again, using her excellent driving skills to tail Aaron's Rolls-Royce in their van!
"Boss, is this speed okay?" the driver asked Aaron carefully, subtly implying whether to shake them off. He had deliberately driven slower just now—he had an eye for these things. Aaron obviously had some interest in those two women, so the driver was intentionally cooperating while watching Aaron's expression.
Aaron closed his eyes and gave a noncommittal grunt. The driver understood immediately and slowed down further, letting the van behind them keep up more easily.
This driver clearly knew his stuff. He maintained just the right speed to give Darcy hope of catching up, but never let her fully close the distance. Occasionally, he gave her a bit of a break so she could gain some ground, then pulled ahead again.
In a word: perfect.
Half an hour later…
At a small nearby town, a group of doctors and nurses who had been waiting rushed to lift Thor onto a gurney and into the hospital.
"Boss, these doctors and nurses work for us, but this hospital…"
Aaron looked around briefly. "Call Norman. I want this hospital. Have our lawyers come straight away."
The driver was speechless but hurriedly stepped aside to make the call.
"He looked so cool earlier!" Darcy mumbled to herself.
Jane Foster nodded in agreement.
Only Erik sighed and shook his head. Cool? I don't even want to expose your starstruck delusion—this is what money can do, damn billionaires!
Aaron smiled at them, then ignored hospital regulations and went straight into the restricted emergency room.
Erik hesitated and tried to follow, but a nurse blocked his way. "I'm sorry, sir. We're in the middle of an emergency. No outsiders allowed."
Erik pointed at Aaron's back. "What about him?"
The nurse glanced over and shrugged. "He's not an outsider—he's the owner of this hospital!"
What the—?! It's not even fully purchased yet, but you're already calling him 'boss'? If he does buy it, are you going to offer house calls too?
Erik craned his neck trying to listen through the door, but the nurse just shoved him away. "Out! Now!"
Meanwhile, inside the emergency room…
Aaron stepped in. The doctors and nurses barely glanced at him, all focused on their work—monitoring Thor's vitals, recording data, and using various instruments. Just watching them, you could tell they were pros.
"Give me a syringe," Aaron said.
A nurse immediately handed him a new syringe. Aaron tore open the packaging and jabbed it right into Thor without warning.
Even in his unconscious state, Thor's brow furrowed. It was so sudden and rough that the nurse standing nearby felt a jolt of alarm.
"Boss, that could kill him!"
"It won't. At least, not him."
Aaron took a vial of Thor's blood, signaled the nurse to stop the bleeding, and stepped aside to store the blood in his bag—making sure no one else saw.
Even without his powers, can Thor give me what I want?
After drawing the blood, Aaron returned to the bedside and placed a hand on Thor's torso. Sparks of electricity flickered around his fingertips.
Zzzt—
"Ah, damn! I just got shocked!"
Thor suddenly jolted awake, his hair frizzed, body tingling all over.
"Wait… I got shocked? The God of Thunder got electrocuted?"
Thor froze. He looked around at the people staring at him. "Hey, folks. Which kingdom is this?"
"Nornheim? Alfheim?"
The doctors and nurses were even more perplexed.
Aaron spoke up: "In your terms, this is Midgard—Earth."
He waved his hand, signaling the doctors and nurses to leave. Just as swiftly as they had come, they filed out.
"You seem to be in charge here," Thor said, raising an eyebrow as he hopped off the bed. His legs buckled a bit, nearly causing him to kneel.
Aaron quickly reached out to steady him. "No need to be so formal. This is our first meeting—no need for a grand gesture."
Thor coughed awkwardly. He didn't want to admit that the shock he'd just taken had sapped him so much he could hardly stand.
He grabbed onto the bed for support until his legs felt better, then spoke with a serious tone: "Yes, well… In Asgard, bowing on both knees is a gesture reserved for meeting the king. I was just following our custom. You understand."
Aaron replied casually, "Got it. Well, when I become a king someday, you can give me that grand salute."
"Haha, wonderful weather today, isn't it?" Thor forced a laugh, trying to change the subject—only to see dark clouds outside. His face went stiff.
"Alright, it's settled. A promise is a promise," Aaron continued.
Thor could only nod in near tears. Whatever he said, he'd have to follow through now!
But then he had a sudden idea. "I am Thor, God of Thunder, son of Odin, King of the Gods—Asgard's first heir and the future ruler of the realm! So maybe one day, you will kneel to me first."
"Oh? That's quite a coincidence! I am Aaron, God of Storms, Earthly Deity, also a member of the Celestial group, and the ruler of the Crystal Palace Pantheon."
Aaron feigned surprise.
Thor blinked in confusion. So many titles? They sound impressive! God of Storms—okay… Earthly Deity, maybe that means the God of Earth… The Celestial group? Are we talking about that Celestial group? Those are big shots! And the Crystal Palace Pantheon… well, I've never heard of it, but if it's mentioned alongside the Celestials, it must be incredible!
Thor nodded politely. "I see. Well, on behalf of Asgard, I greet the ruler of the Crystal Palace Pantheon."
Aaron nearly laughed but kept it in. "You're the God of Thunder; I'm also the God of Thunder. How about we test each other out?"
Aaron extended his right hand. A fierce sphere of lightning formed in his palm, crackling and sparking.
Thor watched, his heart pounding. He instinctively tried to summon his own power… but—huh? Where's my lightning?
He stood there, baffled, staring at the lightning in Aaron's hand. "Why… does that look so familiar?"
He sank into deep thought, trying to recall where he had seen it before.
~~~
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