Chapter 606

Lex's butler acted quickly, and soon dinner was ready; during the meal, Clark revealed his troubles to Lex, who paused mid-cut of his steak, seated at the head of the table, and asked:

"You're saying a group posing as the KGB broke into your dorm and were taken down by this rat? … Then it must be the CIA."

But Clark was startled by his confident tone and asked: "How are you so sure? What if it isn't them?"

"Framing the KGB without even succeeding—that's exactly the motive and competence the CIA would have," Lex continued eating, knife still in hand. "It's not surprising the CIA is watching you. You think your use of powers is hidden, but to professional agents, you made zero effort to conceal yourself."

"You think you fly off where no one's around, but your sudden disappearance is the biggest red flag—and once they're focused on you, every road you take has someone tailing you…"

"I imagine you've more than once lifted cars with your bare hands or ripped doors off their hinges to save people—things they couldn't possibly miss."

"You should know Metropolis is the most important city on the East Coast—without exception," Lex looked out the window toward Luthor Manor's gate and said. "Every important person here is watched—including you, and me."

Clark shivered, suddenly finding his food tasteless. "Don't tell me… even this manor is…"

Lex shook his head without speaking, but Clark felt uneasy. "I don't like being watched."

"So do you want to deal with them? Kill them? Make them fear you?"

"Of course not," Clark said immediately. "Alright, I know it's their job—but that doesn't stop me from hating spies, no matter their country. I think most people feel the same."

"So can you make them stop bothering me? I'll owe you a favor—anytime you need help, just call me," Clark said.

Lex pursed his lips; he was deeply uncomfortable with Clark's blunt manner, but finally sighed and said: "Fine. I'll contact them, warn them not to go too far—but completely pulling surveillance is impossible. Even I can't do it."

"Then that's all we can do," Clark said with a sigh. "I remember when I was a kid, these two countries used to report on each other's new inventions and achievements—why did it turn into spying and surveillance?"

No one answered him. The question echoed through Luthor Manor, then vanished into Metropolis's evening breeze.

This bustling city continued its flow of traffic and lights, unmoved by anyone's doubts or worries—just as if it would keep advancing forever, until it became a beacon for all humanity.

After Clark left, Lex sat alone in Luthor Manor's study. He opened the pet box and watched Pikachu jump out. "Professor Schiller has a message for me, right?"

"Talking to you is easier. That Clark—he's a good man. A simple man. A noble man… too noble."

Pikachu leapt onto a bookshelf, sat cross-legged, and said: "I did electrocute those two. They did break into Clark's dorm. I didn't expect them to just walk right in—it saved me a lot of trouble."

"That medal—wasn't it taken from them, was it?"

Pikachu nodded. "Don't ask for details. Suffice it to say, Schiller wants you to do exactly what you just promised—contact the CIA in Metropolis and warn them to stop following Clark."

"What exactly is he planning?" Lex asked, picking up a book. Pikachu shook his head, as if refusing to say anything—but Lex didn't press. He gazed out the study window at Metropolis's glittering night skyline.

At the CIA's Metropolis headquarters, Director Kera picked up the phone: "Understood… Understood… What? You're saying Luthor's new master, Lex Luthor, invited me to dinner? Why would he…"

After hanging up, Kera stood still, thinking, then told her subordinate: "Prepare the car. We're going to Luthor Manor."

The CIA vehicle pulled up at Luthor Manor's gate. The butler came out to greet Kera, who wore a crisp field outfit—sweatpants, athletic top, and a jacket—looking sharp and alert.

But Lex's expression was grim as he received her. No sooner had they sat at the table than he cut straight to the point:

"Do you realize how frequently you've been active lately? You think Luthor family's cameras are for decoration?"

"It's a security necessity," Kera replied mechanically. "These are turbulent times. Just recently, there was a murder at the mayor's residence—you've experienced that yourself. Do you want Luthor Manor to become the second mayor's residence?"

"Don't try to threaten me. You know better than anyone what really happened. Luthor Manor is secure. My safety doesn't concern you."

"Is that so?" Kera's gaze lingered on Lex's injured chin. "Indeed, after your trip to Gotham, you only suffered minor injuries. Your security is impressive."

Kera wasn't being sarcastic—she meant it sincerely. After all, she had seen firsthand what kind of den Gotham was.

"Forget me—why are you watching my friend? Even breaking into his dorm? That's going too far," Lex said, tapping his fork sharply against his plate.

"Your friend?" Kera frowned. "Who?"

"Don't play dumb. That big guy named Clark—you saw him at the mayor's residence, didn't you?"

Kera slowly recalled: during the mayor's assassination, there had been a superpowered man named Clark who'd worked alongside them. She sighed. "Monitoring superhumans isn't our job. That falls under a separate special security unit."

"Then I can only say that unit is incredibly stupid. They broke into Clark's dorm, then carried a Soviet medal to impersonate the KGB. Do they think everyone's an idiot who'd fall for this?"

Kera froze. A flicker of unease crossed her face, then vanished. "Impersonating the KGB? You mean the special security unit assigned to monitor Clark… posed as the KGB?"

"Exactly. I know they wanted to use Clark's powers against the KGB—in these times, it's understandable. But couldn't they do it smarter? Even that big fool saw through it."

"So he came to me, asking me to warn you—stop bothering him. He saw through your little trick."

Kera frowned deeply, sinking into thought. Lex called her twice, but she didn't respond. Then she said: "I understand your report. Could I see that medal they took from them?"

Clark handed over the medal he'd received from Pikachu. The moment Kera saw it, her pupils shrank. Her face went blank, muscles tensed—as if struggling to control her expression.