harleyscars Chapter 78: Lex's Visit, New Feature: [Thunder King]
Chapter 78: Lex's Visit, New Feature: [Thunder King]
Chapter 78: Lex's Visit, New Feature: [Thunder King]
Luther Manor.
A castle built in the style of medieval stonework.
Located on the outskirts of the town, the three-story castle is surrounded by a vast expanse of tall birch forests.
At this moment, Lex, who had just arrived in the town and was taking over the No. 3 fertilizer plant, held a coffee cup in one hand and silently looked out the window at the natural lake, his eyes focused on the air.
The scenes from a few hours ago kept flashing through my mind.
Sharp metal scraps, a blown-out tire, and a Porsche sports car out of control —
In the last moment of his memory, he clearly saw the speeding sports car crash straight into the passing young man from the small town.
The immense inertia even shattered the guardrail next to it.
The people and the car plunged directly into the icy river beside them.
But strangely enough, not only him, but also the small-town youth named Clark was unharmed.
In fact, it was the other party who rescued him from the river.
This is precisely what puzzled Lex.
He simply couldn't imagine how the other party had managed to escape danger.
This undoubtedly aroused Lex's intense curiosity, making him unable to resist wanting to spy on the other party.
He had a gut feeling that things were far more complicated than they seemed.
Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Lex loosened his tie, plopped down, and seemed to suddenly feel agitated, as if he had thought of something.
To outsiders, being able to manage a large fertilizer plant with thousands of employees is definitely something to be very proud of.
But in Lex's eyes, this was not a career, but an exile!
He should have been able to shine on a bigger stage; the Metropolitan Museum of Art should have been the place where he could truly showcase his talents.
Upon returning from Hamilton's laboratory, Lucas astutely spotted a brand-new red pickup truck in the corner of the warehouse.
A red ribbon was tied around it.
It looks very flashy.
-
It was a Chevrolet 250 pickup truck, worth about $30,000.
Given Jonathan and his wife's financial situation, it's impossible for them to afford such an expensive car.
This only proves one thing.
Lucas's lips twitched slightly; Superman's special bond character had finally appeared.
The atmosphere inside the room was somewhat serious, and even Shelby, who was usually very active, was sitting quietly on the corner of the table.
Clark said with a frustrated expression, "Why not? I saved his life, why can't I accept that pickup truck?!"
Jonathan said meaningfully, "Listen, Clark, sometimes we can't use saving lives as an excuse for rewarding someone, especially someone from the Luther family."
Jonathan's thinking was simple: accepting such an expensive gift would put them in a debt of gratitude, especially towards the Luther family, which could bring unnecessary trouble and risks.
"But this is different, Dad. It wasn't charity, nor was it a transaction. Lex gave it to me to thank me for saving his life!"
Clark argued.
Isn't it only natural to be rewarded for doing good deeds?
"But this can also lead people astray."
The relationship between the father and son was strained at the moment, and neither could reason with the other.
Seeing Lucas come in, Martha quickly called her eldest son, who was always very opinionated, over to ease the awkward atmosphere.
"Since it's just a thank-you gift, then you might as well accept it."
Lucas pondered for a few seconds and said, "Imagine why the future heir of the Luther family would suddenly return to the town."
The other party is very likely to stay here for a long time, even if Dad doesn't want to be associated with the Luther family—but everyone knows that the town is only so big, and some things are hard to avoid.
Lucas analyzed calmly.
Clark looked gratefully at Lucas, who was standing on his side.
He felt very wronged.
Clark didn't really care much about the gift itself.
The old pickup truck at home is just too outdated.
Even though Jonathan meticulously maintains it every day, he still can't solve the problem of frequent breakdowns, and it breaks down halfway every now and then.
For a farmer who frequently needs to transport farm produce to town for sale, this is undoubtedly an extremely tiring and troublesome matter.
Lucas glanced at Clark and continued, "But Lex is from a big family after all. People from such backgrounds face all kinds of competition from a young age, and their minds are far more complex than we imagine."
Even if the gratitude now is genuine, no one can guarantee how long this goodwill will last, or whether there are other considerations behind it. Therefore, the father's concerns are also valid.
So you two should discuss this issue yourselves.
After swallowing the soft mashed potatoes, Rachel opened her mouth and said, "Mom and Dad, I agree with my brother. The Luther family isn't short of money, and what seems expensive to us might just be a common item to them."
Ever since the idea of "merging into a single account" popped into her head, Rachel's thoughts had been running wild, and she simply changed how she addressed the Kents.
The Kents were naturally delighted with this.
"I agree to accept it, but only this once."
Jonathan put down the spoon he was using to stir the mashed potatoes, and nodded after careful consideration.
It was clear that something Lucas said had resonated with him.
If Lex really intends to stay in the town for a long time, then even if he refuses this time, the other party is very likely to try to win him over in other ways.
This back and forth would only lead to deeper entanglement with the Luther family, which was definitely not what he wanted to see.
Clark clearly didn't understand Jonathan's considerations.
Although he hadn't had much contact with him, he thought Lex was a pretty good person. He didn't see any trace of a capitalist in him, and he was kind and gentle, with very proper manners.
But as long as my father can accept the truck, that's fine.
In a way, this should be considered his contribution to the family!
The thought of this filled Clark with a sense of smug satisfaction.
Even without mind-reading abilities, Lucas could guess what Clark, who looked like a war god with a crooked mouth, was thinking at that moment.
My silly little brother.
Lucas thought to himself, "What do you mean?"
In fact, ever since Oswald became the undisputed underground emperor of Gotham, Lucas began to send money into the organization from time to time using convincing reasons.
But don't even think about making large remittances without any reason given.
Given Jonathan and Martha's personalities, they would never accept it; on the contrary, they would call the police immediately.
Therefore, the amount of each remittance is destined to be limited.
While it relieved the pressure on the farm, it was simply impossible for the usually frugal Jonathan to suddenly become extravagant.
For example, the other party would always use the electricity bill as an excuse to deprive everyone of the idea and right to turn on the air conditioning. Ms. Martha had the most complaints about this.
As the Cold War atmosphere subsided, a crisp knocking sound suddenly came from outside the house.
Immediately afterwards, a tall figure strode in.
The other person had fair skin, bright green eyes, and wore an exquisitely tailored, expensive dark suit, exuding a refined and noble air.
Of course, the most striking feature was the man's bald head, which resembled a braised egg.
With such an obvious mark, it would be difficult for Lucas not to recognize who the other person was.
Lex straightened his clothes and put on his signature warm smile.
Although he loathed the town, the bald man was clearly not yet corrupted. He was grateful to Clark for saving his life, so he came over specifically to persuade Jonathan to accept his gift.
Jonathan and Martha were quite surprised by Lex's sudden appearance.
Lex's gaze swept quickly over the people at the table, pausing almost imperceptibly when it landed on Lucas.
He found it hard to believe that a man's features could be so handsome.
Being in the same school as a man like that would be a nightmare.
In addition, the other person's gaze was extremely aggressive, creating an indescribable sense of oppression.
Quickly regaining his composure, Lex spoke: "Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent, I'm here hoping you'll accept that thank-you gift—"
"We accept your gift, but as you said, that's why Clark saved you. The heir of the Luther family is obviously worth more."
But I don't want us to get any closer because of this.
"For example, right now, stepping onto the farm without my permission, Mr. Luther."
Jonathan abruptly interrupted Lex.
He was fully aware of the Luther family's dark side.
He had a brief encounter with Lionel and knew of the latter's greed and cunning, his ruthless nature, and the saying "like father, like son."
"Please have a seat, Mr. Luther."
Compared to Jonathan, who made no attempt to hide his displeasure, Martha quickly tried to smooth things over and ease the tension.
Lex nodded politely, without sitting down, his smile still on his face: "It would be wonderful if Mr. Kent would accept. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you any longer."
He had just taken a step when he suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at Clark: "Thank you, Clark. I'll treat you to coffee another day."
The word "okay" had barely left his mouth when Clark noticed Jonathan's expression and could only awkwardly touch his nose.
The heat was intense, and the air was thick with a stifling, oppressive atmosphere.
Torch News Office.
Chloe struggled to hold back her tears as she packed up her work tools.
Just a few days ago, the school leadership informed her that Torch Newspaper was ordered to cease publication for rectification, and there was no room for negotiation.
The reason for this is that her recent report on the meteorite in the town, which was published on the front page of the Torch Daily, has sparked considerable controversy.
The school's board of directors was very dissatisfied with this, believing it seriously violated the rigor that Torch News had always upheld.
Clark was busy comforting the blonde beauty.
However, he rarely comforts others, especially women.
All he could do was scratch his head helplessly, repeating the same few sentences over and over: "Don't worry, everything will be alright."
However, due to her androgynous style and fiery temper, despite being considered a beauty in terms of looks and figure, Chloe has never received comfort from men, especially when she needs it most.
So, although Clark's words sounded naive and awkward, they still warmed Chloe's heart.
Lucas impressed her greatly, with an almost otherworldly brilliance. But there was always a sense of distance between them, a feeling that she couldn't quite grasp or see.
Clark, on the other hand, could sense that the other person was alive.
"Honestly, your personality is so much better than your brother's. He's too aloof."
Seemingly realizing the change in her mood, Chloe quickly changed the subject.
"Maybe it's because Lucas felt there was nothing to talk about?" Clark said uncertainly.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but lately he felt that his older brother's eyes looked increasingly wise.
Just as the two were talking, Lana suddenly walked in from outside.
Lana's expression clearly darkened when she saw Clark and Chloe chatting and laughing.
Although she is still Whitney's girlfriend, their relationship has recently experienced some setbacks.
She could always feel Clark watching her with affection from behind.
She took a deep breath, banishing those chaotic thoughts from her mind, and said with a smile, "There's good news: the Torch Daily won't have to suspend operations for rectification."
Chloe couldn't help but ask, "Really?"
"It's true, but Principal Guan made me the editor-in-chief of the newspaper."
Chloe's expression immediately froze, and tears welled up in her eyes: "Then what about all my hard work over the years? In the end, all the benefits went to you!"
Lana quickly explained, "I didn't mean it this way. You know I have no interest in being the editor-in-chief of a newspaper."
Clark, feigning nonchalance, said, "Yes, and at least the Torch newspaper doesn't have to stop for rectification anymore, right? Isn't that great?"
It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because once she did, Chloe's eyes welled up with even more tears.
"Yes, Lana will always be the most important person to you, even more important than our friendship."
After saying that, Chloe wiped away her tears and ran out of the office.
For a moment, only Clark and Lana remained in the office.
Although Clark was inexplicably excited about having time alone with the goddess, he couldn't help but worry when he thought about Chloe's reaction just now.
He knew her as a friend of so many years; she was a very strong girl who had never been so heartbroken before.
After thinking for a moment, Clark still chased after her, unaware that Lana's expression was becoming increasingly complicated.
Just a few days ago, Whitney suddenly contacted her.
They sat side by side on a lush green lawn.
At that moment, Whitney took something out of her bag.
Lana initially thought it was something like a ring and was about to refuse, since she was far from being ready for such a thing.
But to her surprise, it was a document for her upcoming enlistment.
Whitney was deeply affected by her father's death some time ago.
While sorting through his father's belongings, he found a Vietnam War medal, which solidified his decision to join the army.
Whitney, a high school senior about to graduate, is about to leave the small town.
Whitney asked her earnestly if she could wait for him to come back.
She remained silent for a long time, lost in thought.
Because she didn't know how to answer.
After spending this time together, Lana realized that her relationship with Whitney wasn't as wonderful as she had imagined, and she was never ready to make such a solemn vow.
Ultimately, the two parted on bad terms.
A sweltering heatwave swept through the small town of Smallville, Kansas was experiencing its worst heatwave in decades.
At Ms. Martha's insistence, Jonathan finally made up his mind to turn on the air conditioning.
In the abyss world.
Lucas is currently grinding for a new achievement he recently unlocked by accident:
[Achievement: Been struck by lightning from the Abyss World a total of 10,000 times.]
[Reward: Obtain the trait—Thunder King.]
[Current total hits: 120/10000.]
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