American comics: Starting with replicating Superman's talent

Chapter 20 Dinner with Clark

Luther Castle.

"Clap clap clap~"

A crisp sound echoed through the castle hall.

Two figures wearing visors and wielding rapiers probed and attacked, their rapiers clashing and striking each other with a crisp sound.

The clanging of steel echoed throughout the hall.

The tall figure on the right moved with sharp and swift steps, launching a barrage of attacks that overwhelmed the petite figure, leaving her no choice but to defend herself with her rapier.

"Young Master."

The old butler, holding a tray in one hand and the other behind his back, stood at the entrance of the hall with impeccable manners and unhurried steps.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but there's a boy outside the castle who claims to be your high school classmate and wants to see you."

"A high school classmate?"

A deep voice came from beneath the mask: "What's your name?"

As he spoke, the tall figure turned his head to dodge the sword aimed at his throat by the petite figure, deflected it with a backhand stroke, and plunged back into the fierce battle.

The old butler said calmly, "The other party claims to be Clark Kent."

Gino was somewhat distracted and muttered, "Clark? That's a rare guest."

However, in fencing, even the smallest mistake can be fatal.

"ha!"

The petite figure clearly seized the opportunity. With a low shout, she forcefully deflected the longsword pressing against her with her right hand, and then, with a typical thrusting motion, cleanly and decisively pointed the longsword at Gino's throat.

The situation can change in an instant, and victory or defeat can be decided by the slightest margin.

The game is over, and Ginobili lost.

"Well, it's over now."

Gino removed his visor, his expression nonchalant, and smiled approvingly, giving his opponent a thumbs-up: "Rapid progress, Annie."

The figure opposite also removed their mask, revealing a delicate and innocent face, with long hair on both sides damp with sweat and clinging to their cheeks.

Hearing Gino's praise, the maid nodded demurely, her slender waist straightened, and the girl walked closer to Gino to take the longsword and mask.

Gino took the milk from the butler's tray, smacked his lips, and said, "Let him in."

"And prepare for dinner."

Gino snapped his fingers: "I'm going to treat this friend to a meal."

The old butler nodded: "Your wish, young master."

A midday breeze rustled the grass in front of Luther Castle, and green vines climbed the walls.

Clark stood blankly at the green vines on the wall as he waited in front of the castle gate.

He didn't understand why things had turned out this way.

Not far away, an old man's steady voice interrupted Clark's thoughts: "Mr. Clark, welcome to Luther Castle."

"Hello, hello." Clark came to his senses.

The old butler opened the iron gate and led Clark into the castle.

As Clark stepped onto the cracked stone steps and walked along the flower-lined path, he entered the main hall of the castle and looked at the magnificent furniture full of historical significance, especially the heavy-looking and expensive chandeliers overhead. He couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

A voice sounded from behind Clark, introducing him: "Ah, an old object from the 18th century, a treasure from the ancestors of the Luther family."

Gino patted Clark on the shoulder, the system's notification sounds constantly playing in his mind.

[Negative emotions from Clark +50, +50]

You seem to be in a bad mood.

Gino led Clark to the long dining table, where the maids pulled out chairs for Clark to sit opposite Gino.

"Is it that obvious?" Clark rubbed his cheek, looking disappointed.

Gino chuckled: "You practically have my unhappiness written all over your face."

"But don't be sad, Clark. My father said that good food and beautiful women can ease sadness."

"While you may not be able to enjoy the beauty, you can certainly indulge in the delicious food!"

As Gino spoke, he picked up a bottle of red wine from the table and handed it to Clark.

That's what a good friend is like—taking the initiative to come to your door and give you points.

Gino grinned and pointed to the bottle of red wine in Clark's hand: "You can chug it straight from the bottle."

Clark frowned. "Uh, shouldn't we be drinking from wine glasses? Isn't that how you rich people drink?"

"With wine glasses?" Gino sneered. "Don't listen to those guys' bullshit. Rich people drink however they want."

Clark, seemingly understanding but not quite, raised the bottle and poured the liquor into his mouth.

The slightly spicy smell of the alcohol made Clark, who was experiencing alcohol for the first time, frown.

At this moment, the kitchen had already prepared the dishes, and several elegant blonde maids gracefully carried silver platters into the hall.

Dishes were placed in front of Gino and Clark.

Gino picked up a fork and stabbed a piece of meat, the reddish-orange sauce dripping down it. Gino raised the fork and introduced it to Clark: "French pan-fried chicken."

"Chop onions and basil leaves, add chopped matsutake mushrooms and mushrooms, season with cherry tomatoes, pour over the pan-fried chicken breast, then simmer over low heat for ten minutes before serving."

"It's smooth and delicious, yet retains the spiciness of onions; it's one of my favorite dishes."

Listening to Gino's introduction, Clark also felt a little hungry. He swallowed and picked up the knife and fork on the table, picked up a piece and put it in his mouth.

Clark chewed slowly, his previously listless eyes suddenly lighting up. He mumbled through the meat, "Delicious!"

The two enjoyed their meal together, occasionally raising their glasses to savor the red wine.

As the saying goes, there are three ways to bring men closer: fighting side by side, drinking side by side, and...

In short, as time went on, the red wine in Clark's stomach gradually fermented, and even with his extraordinary physique, Clark felt a slight intoxication. Taking advantage of the alcohol, Clark put down his knife and fork and looked at Gino across the table with a troubled expression.

"Gino, why can't my parents understand me?"

Gino raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile playing on his lips, and tentatively asked, "Is it because of Uncle Jonathan?"

"He doesn't want you to accept the Luther family's gift?"

Clark nodded. "That's right."

He rubbed his temples, his eyes filled with distress: "It's as if there's a huge chasm between us."

Gino smiled, put down his knife and fork, and lightly snapped his fingers to signal the maids to remove the dinner and serve some dessert. He stared at Clark and said, "That's normal, Clark."

"You know what?" Gino sighed. "When I was a child, after I showed strong superpowers, my parents spent four years taking me to many mysterious places to investigate the abnormalities in me."

"They think I'm possessed by some kind of demon, but I'm more inclined to believe it's a blessing."

Gino stared intently at Clark and said, "It's a gift from God."

"Of course, because of the four-year delay, I was only in high school when I should have been in college."

The maids brought out dessert.

Gino picked up a macaron with his hand and popped it into his mouth.

He stretched out a hand and waved it, offering his opinion to Clark: "Sometimes, perhaps you should communicate more with your father."

"I can tell he loves you very much."

Just like my parents.

Gino rested his chin on his hands, his eyes filled with a smile:

"But because he was so worried about you, he put a lot of pressure on you with his love."

(End of this chapter)