I'm doing bidirectional science popularization in American comics

Depp, with Laux in tow, quickly caught up and said, "I can't wait to see your latest plants."

As the group entered the research institute, Depp was surprised to find that it was completely different from the place he had visited before.

On the roof, dozens of plants, resembling revolving guns, are pointing their "cannons" at the entrance.

Depp believed that if he were the invader, these seemingly comical plants would unleash a barrage of firepower that would surprise everyone.

It could be a seed, a twig, or something even stranger.

Furthermore, the cameras originally installed in the research institute were replaced by Ivy with a vine-like plant that has eye-like organs.

The plants themselves are hidden inside the building, with only individual "eyes" hanging outside, monitoring everyone who comes and goes.

This was the first time Lex had ever seen such a bizarre scene, which made him swallow hard.

Lex also has a similar plant research institute.

However, it is very small and cannot be compared to this place at all.

Furthermore, Lex's research institute has only one employee, and its research achievements are vastly different from those here, far beyond what can be compared.

To be honest, Lex now feels that his research institute is a complete mess compared to Depp's.

After the initial shock, as Lex continued to walk in, he encountered more and more strange plants, each with its own function.

Lex felt that the eerie atmosphere here was slowly disappearing.

On the contrary, he felt that the place was full of fairytale atmosphere.

He looked at Depp in front of him, and sighed inwardly once more:

"Depp, what kind of guy are you? How many more tricks do you have up your sleeve to show me?"

But to be honest, Lex didn't really want to watch anymore; today's journey had left him feeling frustrated.

Laux was even a little afraid that as Depp continued to show him his achievements, he might lose all his competitive spirit.

Depp's figure was growing taller and taller in Lex's eyes.

Depp was like a giant, blocking the light from Lex's eyes.

A few minutes later, the group arrived at the institute's core laboratory.

After the identification device at the entrance recognized Ivy's identity information, the door to the core laboratory slowly opened.

One by one, the group entered the laboratory, and this time, even Depp was shocked by what he saw.

In the very center of the group, a huge flower bud was placed in the largest cultivation room.

Yes, a cultivation room!

Such a large cultivation facility can no longer be described as an incubator.

The flower buds reached an astonishing two meters in length, with a supple yet strong emerald green calyx.

The calyx is pale green and translucent, enclosing the bud inside, which is radiating a star-like glow.

Although we still don't know what kind of plant it is or what its uses are.

But this scene alone is enough to captivate everyone who sees it.

Because...it's just so beautiful.

Even as a bud, it already possessed such a captivating appearance. Depp couldn't imagine how enchanting and dazzling it would be when it fully bloomed.

"What kind of flower is this?"

Depp and Lex asked together.

Seeing the two of them, Ivy said with a smug look, "This is my latest plant weapon, which I call the Ultimate Brilliance."

"A plant weapon?" Lex asked. "Does it spray poisonous substances around it?"

Upon hearing this, Ivy shook her head and then looked at Depp.

Depp thought for a moment and said, "I bet when it blooms, it's absolutely flammable and explosive!"

Ivy snapped her fingers and immediately switched to flattery mode:

"That's right! As expected of the boss, he guessed it right away."

"When it is fully open, all you need to do is give it a pre-set stimulus, and it will explode immediately!"

"I call it the final bloom, but to be honest, it's also the result of one of my failed experiments."

Depp walked up to the glass wall where the final bloom was displayed and asked, "What a great name. How powerful is it?"

Although the flower was incredibly beautiful, Depp was shocked when he learned that it could be used as a bomb.

Power became Depp's primary concern.

Upon hearing this, Ivy smiled slightly and said proudly, "The final explosive power is roughly equivalent to 230,000 tons of TNT."

Depp: ? ? ?

"You mean this thing is equivalent to more than twenty little boys?" Depp asked in shock.

To be honest, Depp was almost in disbelief when he heard about the final burst of power.

It's important to understand that nuclear weapons are strictly controlled in every country.

The power of this thing is absolutely terrifying, even in the universe.

Nuclear bombs represent the fastest killing and the most extreme destruction.

Otherwise, humans wouldn't always decide to use this thing at the last minute during a crisis.

For example, facing the Chitauri attack, or facing the Doomsday attack.

"Hmm~" Ivy adjusted her glasses and said seriously, "That's right, but this is only the result of the third improvement. I expect to make ten to twenty more improvements in the future, and I hope it will be even more useful then."

Is it... a bit easier to use?

Lex's expression twisted as he slowly backed away, step by step.

Lex's trip to Gotham today has truly taken him by surprise.

"Are you guys alright? Working on a nuclear bomb in a botanical lab? If this thing explodes due to a misoperation, wouldn't the whole of Gotham be wiped out!"

Seeing this, Depp turned around and ran to Lex's side, comforting him, "Don't worry about Lex, I believe Ivy won't let this thing explode. You have to have some faith in me and my people!"

Ivy quickly added, "Yes, the Ultimate Bloom is connected to my bloodline. As long as I don't let it explode, even if it fully blooms, it will only be an extremely beautiful flower."

But these words of comfort had no effect on Lex, who yelled, "Let me go, you bunch of lunatics! I want to go home!"

Upon hearing this, Depp released Lex's hand, looked at him coldly, and said with a disappointed tone, "I never expected that this would frighten you. You really disappoint me, Lex. I thought... you were as outstanding as I imagined."

It must be said that Lex Luthor, like Clark, is still in the developmental stage.

Lex Luthor at this point has not yet grown into the super-intelligent villain who will one day fight Superman to a standstill.

Right now, Lex is just a young man in his early twenties.

Depp decided to use this incident to accelerate Lex's growth and keep him away from the evil side.

Upon hearing Depp's words, Lex's expression immediately became uncertain.

He stammered, "I'm not scared! I just don't want to be in an unsafe environment. I remember there's a Chinese proverb that says, 'A wise man doesn't stand under a dangerous wall,' and that's what I'm thinking."

Depp said, "But Lex, if we want to really work together and become real friends, then you should trust me and my people, just like you trust Clark."

Upon hearing this, Lex's expression was conflicted, and he finally said to Depp:

"Perhaps... I don't completely trust Clark either?"

"After all, he has never opened up to me about his secrets!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lex covered his mouth.

He couldn't understand why he had so easily opened his heart to the man in front of him and revealed the secret he had hidden deep inside.

Upon hearing this, Depp immediately seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Although he didn't know why Lex would say these things to him, Depp immediately said, "But you've always considered Clark your best friend, haven't you?"

Lex nodded and said, "Yes, whatever secrets he's hiding from me, he's still my best friend."

“But even friends have secrets they can’t tell each other. At least in Clark’s opinion, it’s not the right time to be honest with you yet,” Depp advised. “As a friend, you should naturally be understanding of Clark’s difficulties, shouldn’t you? Besides, you yourself probably have many secrets that you haven’t told Clark.”

Depp's words left Lex momentarily speechless.

But these words also awakened Lex.

He lowered his head, his brow furrowed slightly, and said, "You're right, Depp. Perhaps as a friend, I shouldn't keep digging into Clark's secrets. Instead, I should be more honest with him."

Lex's words brought Depp a sense of relief.

If Lex and Clark hadn't gone from being inseparable friends to becoming mortal enemies due to mutual suspicion and concealment.

Then the Earth will certainly be safer, and we will be more at ease when facing other enemies.

After all, Lex's wisdom, like Clark's power, is one of the most precious treasures in the world.

Depp put his arm around Lex's shoulder and said, "Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, Clark will share his secrets with you. I hope you can accept it gladly then, instead of seeing him as a monster."

Lex looked up and said, "Of course, Clark is my friend forever. How could I possibly think of him as a monster?"

“I believe that Clark will be very proud to have a friend like you in the future.”

After giving Lex his psychological counseling, Depp said to Ivy, "You can now continue to introduce us to your other new achievements."

Upon hearing this, Ivy immediately took over the conversation, saying, "These are my latest super rice and super wheat products. Compared to the original version, their yield has increased tenfold, and they have absolutely no side effects and will not cause any health problems for those who consume them."

Depp applauded and praised, "Great job! I believe that with your efforts, hunger in this world may soon be eradicated."

Then, Ivy continued, "On this side is my latest research and development, the Steel Plate Grass. The strength of its leaves is equivalent to that of a four-centimeter-thick steel plate, but its weight is only one-hundredth that of a steel plate, and the thickness of its leaves is only two millimeters!"

"This is fantastic! Healthy and environmentally friendly steel plate material will be an unparalleled breakthrough in both the construction and military industries!"

Finally, Ivy personally saw Depp and Lex off from the research institute, saying, "I will keep you updated on the progress of the Ultimate Bloom improvement, boss!"

“I knew you were the best, Ivy!” Depp praised.

Before the two left, Ivy put her hand to her lips, blew them a big kiss, and shouted, "Goodbye, boss! Goodbye, Mr. Luther!"

Goodbye, Ivy.

Goodbye, beautiful Ms. Ivy!