In the core command building of the New York SHIELD branch, within Captain Rogers’s private office, Rogers, who had rushed over from Washington, was leaning half-against his desk. There was only one person in front of him, and that was Lin Rui, who had returned after receiving the message.
At this moment, Lin Rui was wearing the Phantom Suit. Since they were about to meet the special team from China, Lin Rui had no intention of revealing his true identity in front of them.
Captain Rogers hadn’t disclosed the conditions set by China for meeting Phantom Knight to many people. So, up to this point, aside from Rogers himself, only Lin Rui and Evans knew why the China team had come. Most likely, like Evans suspected, most people thought they were here to discuss the establishment of the Earth Federation.
However, Tony Stark, even if he knew that the visitors had come to discuss the Earth Federation, wouldn’t be very interested. In political matters, Tony preferred not to use his brain.
With Rogers taking care of most of the bigger and smaller issues, Tony could focus on his own projects in the background. So, Tony naturally had no idea that the main purpose of the visitors was to meet Phantom Knight.
Before the plane carrying Evans and the China team had landed, Rogers and Lin Rui had already discussed the purpose of the China team’s request to meet Phantom Knight.
However, Lin Rui couldn’t figure out why they specifically wanted to meet him. So, they had no choice but to wait for the other side to arrive and have a face-to-face conversation.
Exhaling deeply, when Evans led the China team from the underground parking lot into a direct elevator, Rogers had already stood upright from his half-leaning position.
“They’ve arrived, but I don’t know what their exact purpose is this time.”
Just as Rogers started speaking, Lin Rui, who had appeared to be resting in front of him, suddenly opened his eyes. His eyes emitted a deep azure light. Just now, Lin Rui had suddenly sensed an energy very similar to his internal energy emanating from the individuals from China down below.
“What’s wrong?” Rogers saw Lin Rui’s change and asked.
“Nothing, I just discovered something unexpected. But now that I think about it, it’s not that surprising. Perhaps, I already know the reason why they want to see me this time,” Lin Rui replied simply, shaking his head.
“Hmm?”
Hearing Lin Rui’s response, Captain Rogers was somewhat puzzled but didn’t ask further questions. He continued to wait quietly for the arrival of the China team.
Ding, Ding…
After a crisp chime, the elevator doors leading directly to Captain America’s private office swung open. Acting composed, Evans led the five-member China team inside. It was their first close encounter with Captain America, and Evans was somewhat nervous. However, at this moment, he couldn’t afford to appear uneasy.
Snap!
“Captain!” Seeing Captain Rogers standing in the middle of the living room waiting for them, Evans immediately stood up straight and saluted crisply.
“Yes, Evans, you did very well on your mission to China. You can go and rest for now,” Rogers returned Evans’s salute and then spoke to him.
“Yes!” Answering loudly, Evans turned and walked towards the elevator.
Exhaling, he had finally completed his task of escorting the China team to their meeting with Captain America.
Soon, the elevator carried Evans away from Rogers’ private office. Rogers’ attention then shifted to the five individuals from China who stood before him. Ever since they had entered with Evans, their eyes had scanned both Rogers and Lin Rui before finally settling on Lin Rui, not moving away from him.
“Ahem!” Seeing that the others didn’t divert their gaze from him, Rogers couldn’t help but clear his throat.
“I’m Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, and I welcome you on behalf of SHIELD.” After the five individuals shifted their attention to Rogers, he continued.
“Hello, Captain Rogers. We are pleased to be here to establish a cooperative relationship with you.” After Rogers finished speaking, the middle-aged man with the square face stepped forward two paces, extending a handshake.
“You must be Captain Cheng Jianyu! It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
“Yes, this time, our team will be spearheading the collaboration between China and SHIELD. We hope that Captain Rogers can cooperate as much as possible.” Nodding, Captain Cheng Jianyu of the China team continued.
“Absolutely!”
After briefly introducing themselves and getting to know each other, Rogers invited Cheng Jianyu’s team to take their seats in the guest area behind them. Of course, Lin Rui, who had remained silent until now, also took a seat beside Rogers.
In fact, while the China team had been scrutinizing Lin Rui, he had also been observing them. Although the time was brief, there had indeed been some exchanges between them that Rogers was unaware of.
Once the seven people were seated, the empty table in front of them underwent a change at Rogers’ simple wave. Each person’s position at the table quickly sank down, and when it rose again, seven cups filled with tea appeared on the table.
“Captain Cheng Jianyu, Phantom Knight is already here. Do you need me to leave?” Greetings had been exchanged, and tea had been served; it was time to get down to business.
If they needed Lin Rui to leave, Rogers wouldn’t insist. Moreover, this was within SHIELD, so even if Rogers left, he could still find out what they were going to discuss.
“If Captain Rogers doesn’t mind, please grant us ten minutes for a private conversation with Mr. Phantom Knight. Afterward, we can discuss the specifics of our cooperation,” Cheng Jianyu said, nodding at Rogers after hearing his question.
It seemed they had come for a specific matter involving Lin Rui, and they didn’t want others to overhear. As for whether Rogers would eavesdrop in some other way after leaving, Cheng Jianyu and his team didn’t concern themselves with it.
“Alright, go ahead and talk. I’ll be back in ten minutes.” With a response, Rogers stood up and pressed his hand firmly on Lin Rui’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry.” Lin Rui conveyed assurance with a look in his eyes as he felt Rogers’ grip.
Then, Rogers turned and left, leaving the room to Lin Rui and the China team. After Rogers departed, Cheng Jianyu took a small device from his pocket and placed it directly on the table in front of Lin Rui.
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