Chapter 467: The Asia Trip
The Fake Comes to Life
Sometime recently, news of Luke Shaw's death began circulating online. Some even posted distant photographs that clearly showed Luke's facial contours, confirming his identity.
Driven by certain interests, the news intensified, and the media quickly joined the fray.
Both Tesla and ShowMe were affected, with reporters besieging their headquarters daily.
Luke's status was exceptional: he was the world's youngest billionaire, Person of the Year, a commercial rising star, and a top genius. With countless accolades, he had become the symbol of the American Dream and the foremost figure of the new generation.
The sudden, violent death of such a person naturally caused widespread shock.
On the morning of March 15th, at the ShowMe Headquarters.
A special press conference began. As journalists watched expectantly, Linda walked out first, followed by "Luke" in a silver suit.
Some reporters exchanged looks, astonishment evident in their eyes. They said he was dead. How is he alive again?
"Luke" pulled out a chair and sat down, looking straight ahead. Unlike his usual warmth, he now radiated an air of cold aloofness.
"This press conference has two main announcements: First, ShowMe and Tesla will launch a free prosthetics program specifically for the disabled, with three thousand available slots, targeting citizens who suffered disabilities during the Battle of Metropolis. Specific information has been posted on the official website; please check it at your leisure."
"Second, I will embark on a month-long trip to Asia, hoping to engage in collaborations with our Asian friends in the fields of technology and energy."
Having said this, he stood up and walked away without granting any interview opportunities.
The journalists were stunned. They had heard rumors about the first point, but the second came out of nowhere. The European market wasn't even fully developed yet—why Asia?
Once the press release was made, the rumors of his death fell apart, but the real impact was just beginning.
The Consequences of Deception
In the military base housing the Mech Corps in West Metropolis.
Sam Lane turned off the television, staring at the bald man in front of him with a blank expression.
"You told me he was dead."
Lex Luthor frowned, his fingers relentlessly tapping the armrest. Ten seconds passed before he spoke.
"My intelligence was not mistaken."
"Then who is that on TV? Hmm?"
Sam Lane split his lips into a cold, menacing grin. "Are you going to tell me he's an impostor?"
Luthor was silent. He couldn't figure it out either. Someone had personally seen Luke Shaw's corpse—there was absolutely no mistake. Yet, this was the result. Did he somehow resurrect?
"The thing I hate most in life is being deceived."
Sam Lane took out the plan for humanity's future that Luthor had given him and tossed it onto the floor like garbage. "Take this pile of nonsense and get out."
A flash of murderous intent crossed Luthor's eyes, but he suppressed it. He picked up the proposal and left without looking back.
A fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken.
He had once been the famous CEO genius. Unfortunately, after a conspiracy, he ended up in jail. The Genesis Group he founded was swallowed by the Hongmen, and his LuthorCorp was reeling under heavy debt due to the squeeze from Tesla and ShowMe.
All of this was caused by that one person. If not for him, Luthor would never have suffered such humiliation.
Lex Luthor clenched his fists. The hatred that had momentarily faded was reignited.
"Luke Shaw, just you wait. This is not over."
Setting Course for China
Inside the Daily Planet office, Lois Lane called her boyfriend in after watching the press conference.
"Are you sure Luke Shaw is dead?"
Clark smiled wryly. "That person is a fake."
"A fake? How can you be sure?"
"Martian Manhunter checked. He's not the same person."
"Linda... does she know?"
"I don't know. She hasn't answered my calls."
Lois sighed, shaking her head.
"Why bother? The man is dead. No matter how much she misses him, there's no need to create a replica."
Clark also gave a bitter smile. The mention of Luke brought a deep sense of guilt. Ultimately, he was the cause of all this.
The appearance of the fake Luke complicated things for the insiders: Martian Manhunter, Diana, and Barry Allen. They chose to remain silent, unable to interfere.
Over the next few days, news of Luke's trip to Asia circulated across major media outlets. China, Japan, and South Korea across the ocean followed the reports closely.
Luke was different from other Americans. His hair was black, and his skin was yellow. Aside from his slightly unusual green eyes, he looked exactly like an Asian person. His similar appearance created a natural sense of familiarity.
On the morning of March 18th, "Luke,"Linda, and the joint Tesla/ShowMe team boarded a private jet bound for China.
Inside the cabin, Linda bit out her words, every one of them deliberate.
"I've met all your demands, including letting you few appear in public as Luke. I've made the maximum concession. If you fail again, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Number Eight picked up a glass of wine and took a slow sip. After the girl had calmed down, he spoke unhurriedly. "Did you know? The Original Body always wanted to visit China but never found the right opportunity."
Linda dismissed him with a sneer. "I don't need you to explain the history of the Shaw family."
"It has nothing to do with the Shaw family. It's the Original Body's personal wish. He always wanted to visit Qingping Town, Aixia Village."
Linda frowned. "Is there anything unique about that place?"
"We don't know. The Original Body concealed those memories. If our deduction is correct, that should be his biggest secret, a secret he never told anyone, including Grandpa."
Her curiosity piqued, the girl commanded,
"Eve, search for: Qingping Town, Aixia Village."
"I'm sorry, I only found Qingping Town. There are seven villages under Qingping Town, but Aixia Village is not among them."
Linda turned to Number Eight, who shrugged.
"The Original Body's secrets aren't so easy to uncover, are they?"
The girl snorted and ignored him.
After flying east to west for twelve hours, the plane reached the first stop of their Asian journey: Shanghai.
The cabin door opened. Number Eight walked out first. Waiting at the bottom of the stairs were over a dozen successful-looking people in suits. Leading the group was Zhao Kuo, CEO of Lanfei Group, and beside him was a refined, breathtaking beauty whose extraordinary temperament was immediately eye-catching: Qu Youran.
Qu Youran! She's here?
A flicker of caution crossed Number Eight's eyes. At the same time, the twelve apostles inhabiting Luke's body were frantically communicating.
"You've got to be kidding! Meeting an old acquaintance on the very first meeting?"
"A show of strength? Or a honey trap?"
"Nonsense! Don't you know the Original Body's tastes? Chest size is key, and butt is the way to go. This woman has neither."
"I think she's quite pleasing to the eye."
"Shut up, Number Thirteen! You don't get a say."
"Pure-hearted virgin, what do you know?"
"Third Brother, why is Qu Youran here to meet the plane? Is there a conspiracy?"
"You bunch of idiots."
Number Three sneered. "Have you forgotten the relationship between Qu Youran's maternal grandfather and Grandpa? They were brothers in arms, sworn before Guan Yu. They are guests from afar, so showing proper hospitality is necessary."
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