Hell’s Kitchen, Site Base.
The air suddenly grew eerily quiet.
The lead bald thug had expected Levi to drop to his knees and beg for mercy, or perhaps wet his pants in terror.
After all, in this neighborhood, no one heard the name Kingpin without trembling.
But the young man in front of him wasn’t afraid; instead, he was smiling.
His gaze was the kind one might give Santa Claus as he climbed down the chimney with a bag full of gifts.
“Kid, what are you laughing at?” The bald man felt a chill crawl up his spine from the laughter.
He swung his baseball bat and roared, “I’m talking to you!
Protection money!
Twenty thousand dollars!
Every cent, or I’ll break your legs!” “Twenty thousand dollars?” Levi arched an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the gold chain around the man’s neck and the Rolex on his wrist.
“It’s a bit low, but as a first sponsorship fee, I suppose it’ll suffice.” “Ada, close the door,” Levi said with a casual wave.
“Don’t let our guests leave.” “What?” Before the bald man could react, he heard a heavy *thud* from behind.
The woman in the red dress, wine glass still in hand, had appeared at the entrance out of nowhere.
With a light kick, she sent the lackey trying to guard the door flying five meters through the air, embedding him directly into the wall paneling.
Then, she elegantly closed the rattling glass door and even hung up the “Closed” sign.
“You…” The bald man’s pupils constricted.
What kind of monstrous strength was this?
“Boys!
Grab your pieces!
Kill them!” the man roared, raising his shotgun to fire.
But someone was faster.
*Clack!
Clack!* A series of synchronized bolts racking echoed from the corridors on both sides of the hall.
Ten men in black combat gear and tactical masks emerged like ghosts.
The dark muzzles of their M4 rifles instantly locked onto every thug in the room.
That cold, murderous aura only belonged to soldiers who had truly been to the battlefield, killed men, and faced monsters.
By comparison, this group of gang members who only knew how to bully civilians looked like kindergarteners with toy guns.
*Gulp.* The bald man swallowed hard, his hand holding the gun trembling violently.
What the hell was going on?
Wasn’t this guy just some broke-ass landlord?
Why was there a special forces unit hiding in his house?!
“Drop your weapons, hands behind your heads, and kneel.” Ada Wong took a sip of her red wine, her tone as casual as if she were giving instructions to a maid.
*Clang—* The bald man, being sensible, dropped his shotgun and was the first to kneel with his hands behind his head.
Seeing this, the other lackeys followed suit, tossing their bats and pistols aside and shrinking into the corners like frightened quail.
“Very good.” Levi walked up to the bald man, looking down at him.
“Now, let’s talk about that protection money.” “B-Boss, it’s a misunderstanding!
All a misunderstanding!” Cold sweat poured down the bald man’s face as he forced a smile.
“We got the wrong door, really!
We’ll leave right now!” “Don’t be in such a rush to leave.” Levi smiled and held out his hand.
“Since you’re here, you should leave something behind.
After all, my employees haven’t had breakfast yet.
Wallets, watches, gold chains, rings…
anything of value, hand it over.
This is a form of containment too, right?” Ten minutes later.
Levi looked at the pile of colorful bills, several gold watches, and a handful of gold jewelry on the table, nodding in satisfaction.
There was about five thousand in cash, and with the jewelry and watches, he could get at least thirty or forty thousand dollars after liquidating them.
These gangsters really were dripping with wealth.
“Get out,” Levi waved them off.
“Go back and tell Kingpin that this street belongs to us starting today.
If he wants to make friends, he’s welcome.
If he wants to cause trouble…” Levi pointed to the fully armed Class-C personnel behind him.
“Tell him to buy insurance first.” The bald man felt as if he had been granted a divine pardon.
He scrambled out of the apartment building with his lackeys, not daring to utter a single threat.
“Ada, take this money and buy supplies.” Levi tossed the cash to Ada Wong.
“Find a pawn shop for the rest of the jewelry.
And buy some decent food for the Class-C personnel while you’re at it.” “Understood, Sir.” Ada Wong took the money, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.
“You really are…
unconventional.” “Special times call for special measures.” Levi shrugged.
With the immediate crisis resolved, Levi felt much more relaxed.
He sat back down, intending to study the newly acquired [Intermediate Power Core].
Just then, the sound of light footsteps came from the door.
“Excuse me…
are there still apartments for rent here?” A slightly husky, somewhat timid female voice sounded.
Levi looked up.
A young woman with wavy red hair, a stunning figure, tight jeans, and a white T-shirt stood at the door.
She carried a simple suitcase, her face wearing the confusion and helplessness of a newcomer.
Her emerald eyes seemed to speak, making it impossible not to feel a sense of pity for her.
If one didn’t know her, they would likely assume she was just a simple girl who had just arrived in New York to make her way.
But Levi recognized that face.
Even with light makeup and her superb acting.
Natasha Romanoff.
Top agent of SHIELD, the Black Widow.
*Here she is,* Levi chuckled inwardly.
That old fox Fury really couldn’t sit still; he had sent out his ace.
“Yes, of course.” Levi didn’t expose her, quickly stepping into the role of the landlord.
He stood up and looked Natasha over with a smile.
“Hell’s Kitchen isn’t exactly a safe place, Miss.
Are you sure you want to live here?” “The rent is cheap,” Natasha tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear, offering a charming smile.
“And I saw those bad guys being chased away by you just now.
It seems pretty safe here.
I’m Natalie Rushman, a freelance photographer.” She extended a fair hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr.
Landlord.” Looking at that hand, the smile on Levi’s lips deepened.
He reached out and shook it gently.
“Levi.
The…
manager here.
Welcome to Sunshine Apartments.” [Ding!
Key story character “Black Widow” detected in contact with host!] [Side Quest Triggered: The Dangerous Tenant.] [Quest Description: Have Black Widow stay in the base for one week, and during this time, cause her to feel “Shock” toward the Foundation at least three times.] [Quest Reward: 300 Containment Points, Random Agent Recruitment Voucher × 1.] Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Levi looked at the top agent in front of him—who was currently putting on a masterclass in acting—and began calculating how to fleece her for all she was worth.
Wanted to go undercover?
Then get ready to be shocked for the next hundred years.