Su Zhan wasn't surprised Skye agreed to help. First, she was kind-hearted and couldn't ignore something like this. Second, this was a good opportunity to join S.H.I.E.L.D.—proving her worth was the best way in.
Skye started investigating with the plane's equipment, her hacking skills were formidable, and with the support of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s advanced equipment, she was nearly unstoppable. As Skye worked with intense focus, Su Zhan found himself at a bit of a loss, watching her with a sense of idle distraction.
"If you're bored, I can have someone show you around the plane," Phil Coulson offered quietly. "Honestly, I don't really understand all this either, so I'm just waiting for news like everyone else."." He pressed his communicator. "Jemma, come here if you're free."
Soon, Jemma arrived in her white lab coat.
"Jemma, show Su Zhan around."
"Sure!" Jemma smiled at Su Zhan.
"Sorry to trouble you," Su Zhan replied. He was genuinely interested in the plane—it was quite impressive.
Of course, the S.H.I.E.L.D. aircraft carrier was even more famous, but that was much harder to get close to. Maybe when the system was upgraded and he could bring things out of the dungeon plane, he'd find a way to get one.
Jemma's personality was a bit quirky. She took Su Zhan on a tour, but it was more like a science lecture than a visit. Unfortunately, Su Zhan couldn't understand a word of her technical explanations, but her enthusiasm was amusing.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" Su Zhan suddenly asked.
Jemma was stunned, then shook her head. "No. I was recruited to the team right after graduating, and I didn't have the time or energy for dating in school. So, no boyfriend. What about you? Is Skye your girlfriend?"
"Yeah," Su Zhan nodded.
"You two seem very happy together," Jemma said, a hint of envy in her voice. She quickly changed the subject, her eyes lighting up. "I've read your file. You're quite a mystery, and you seem to have some unique abilities. You absorbed Extremis without any negative effects. It's possible your genes or blood serum can suppress the unstable virus. If we could understand why, it could help save a lot of people!"
She grew more animated as she spoke, explaining how most of the transformed individuals had been injected with the Centipede Virus, which was based on Extremis research. "That's why-"
The more Jemma talked, the more excited she became, but then she noticed Su Zhan's noncommittal expression and lost confidence, her voice trailing off.
"Sorry, I guess you don't like this kind of talk. I shouldn't have said anything." Jemma apologized.
Su Zhan shook his head in surprise, smiling. "It's fine—you can even draw some blood if you want. But my blood isn't so easy to get. So, if you want to study it, what are you willing to offer in return?"
"Really? You mean it?" Jemma's eyes widened with excitement. "Alright, what do you want?""
"I want you…" Su Zhan said, staring at Jemma.
Jemma blushed, startled. "You want me? What do you mean?"
"What, are you unwilling? I thought you were willing to sacrifice for science, for the sake of saving innocent lives. But maybe you're not as dedicated as I thought," Su Zhan teased, shaking his head in mock disappointment.
Jemma hesitated, then nodded with determination. "If you're really willing to let me study you… I'll agree. But it has to be a fair trade-one time for one time!"
Su Zhan had only meant to tease her, but he didn't expect her to actually agree.
"Why? Just for my blood?" Su Zhan asked, genuinely curious.
"That's part of it… but there's another reason," Jemma admitted, lowering her head. "I don't know how to explain it. You feel… special. It's hard to describe, but I feel comfortable around you. Even though your file says you might be dangerous, I don't believe you're a bad person. That's why I agreed. I... I'm not a casual person who would agree to anyone just for a blood sample" she finished, her cheeks flushed.
Su Zhan was surprised by her honesty. Could this be... love at first sight? He knew he had a certain charm—Black Widow seemed interested when they met, Skye had fallen for him quickly, and now... Jemma was the same!
Do I have some hidden charm?
Looking at the shy Jemma, Su Zhan suddenly smiled, reached out, and gently lifted her chin. Under her nervous, bashful gaze, Su Zhan lowered his head and kissed her.
Jemma instinctively closed her eyes, savoring the unfamiliar sensation. It was over in a flash, but it left her breathless.
Su Zhan smiled. "Actually, what I wanted was your first kiss. But your offer was so tempting, I'm willing to accept your terms. If you ever want to see me, just find me. It'll be our little secret."
Jemma understood what he meant, nodded, and said, "Don't worry, I won't tell Skye or anyone else. I... I don't know how I could do something so bold and absurd. I hope you don't misunderstand me!"
"Of course not!" Su Zhan was certain Jemma was just a science lover with no experience in romance.
"That's good... I... I'll find you when I'm ready," Jemma said shyly.
"I'll be waiting. For now, just keep showing me around!"
Jemma continued the tour of the plane, and by that time, Skye had already gotten results.
The mysterious organization remained elusive, its network vast and difficult to penetrate. However, she managed to identify their first target: Michael Collins.
His situation was precarious. His son had undergone the Centipede Virus transformation, but they'd kept it secret until now. Michael had revealed his powers only to save others during an explosion, exposing himself at last.
"It looks like his condition is stable… a real success. We need to find him as soon as possible and assess his situation," Coulson said, his tone serious as he studied the virtual screen.
The Centipede soldiers were dangerously unstable, prone to spontaneous combustion. When they exploded, the damage was catastrophic.
"I've pinpointed his location, but I want your assurance that nothing will go wrong during this process," Skye said.
"I can only promise to do everything I can," Coulson replied.
"Alright," Skye said, sharing the address. The plane immediately changed course.
"Good work, darling," Su Zhan said, hugging Skye as he sat beside her.
Skye shook her head. "It's nothing. I just hope I can help him. But… I'm afraid it won't go smoothly. If there's real danger, will you help?"
"Of course," Su Zhan replied, his voice gentle and reassuring.