Sitting on the plane to Raccoon City, Natasha took out a black briefcase in front of Zhou Yi and placed it before them.
"What's this?" Zhou Yi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, asked without opening them after hearing the sound.
"It's the equipment I'll be using for this mission," Natasha said without looking up, as she arranged her gear. For an agent like her, this equipment was undoubtedly a guarantee of life. If one didn't want to joke with their life, it was best to treat this equipment with caution.
Zhou Yi opened his eyes at her words and scanned the contents of the case. Besides a pistol, communicator, and listening devices, he also saw a rather unique piece of clothing.
It was a black, form-fitting combat suit. From its appearance alone, it seemed no different from an ordinary combat suit. However, Zhou Yi discovered a technology he was very familiar with in this clothing—nano-metal technology.
This surprised him, so much so that he mumbled to himself as he reached out for the combat suit.
"It seems you guys do have some skill; you've actually cracked the core technology of nano-metals."
Natasha slapped his hand away, immediately turned the briefcase around, and gave him a glare, saying, "Hasn't anyone told you not to touch a lady's things? Also, regarding the technology of this suit, many people asked me to send you their kind regards, saying they want to thank you for your friendly sponsorship."
"No problem, I just did what a friend should do," Zhou Yi chuckled, directly translating Natasha's 'regards' into a compliment. Then he changed the subject.
"Can you tell me what you plan to do? You know, even though I'm responsible for covering your actions, if I don't know your plan, wouldn't my cover become a joke?"
"Actually, my plan is very simple," Natasha closed her briefcase and placed a small earphone next to Zhou Yi's hand. "Find an excuse to stay at Umbrella's headquarters in Raccoon City, and then use the clues we have to find those key items. Infiltration is my specialty, so you don't need to worry about that. What you need to do is find a way to cover for me."
"Wander around the city, try to divert Umbrella's attention to yourself as much as possible, thereby buying me enough time. Once I succeed, I'll meet up with you again. And if anything unexpected happens, I'll contact you through this communicator. That's when I'll need your help."
Zhou Yi put away Natasha's communicator and nodded knowingly.
"I understand, leave everything to the professionals. I'm just here to save the day, is that right, Miss Romanoff?"
"If you don't mind," Natasha shrugged.
"Of course I don't mind. It's much more reassuring to clarify things now than to add explanations later. At least I'll be mentally prepared for all situations. You've done well in that regard."
"Good, then there's no problem," Natasha said, beginning her final preparations.
She took out a small makeup case and touched up her makeup in the mirror. Although her beauty was already stunning enough, she didn't mind making it even more perfect. Because for her, her beauty was sometimes her biggest advantage.
Zhou Yi watched her quietly as she went about her business, letting time pass in the waiting.
Soon, they arrived at their destination, Raccoon City, owned by Umbrella.
Through the airplane window, Natasha glanced out, a triumphant smile on her face.
"They're already here, so impatient!"
"It seems you've pushed them too hard, otherwise they wouldn't fall into the trap so easily. Tell me, should I feel sorry for this unlucky fellow?" Zhou Yi shook his head and stood up.
"Feeling sorry for him for ushering in the end of Umbrella, what cheap sentiment," Natasha sneered dismissively, but her hands instinctively tidied Zhou Yi's suit and tie, just like a real secretary would. As she did so, she didn't forget to remind him, "Don't forget the role you're playing. Perhaps it will be much easier if you treat this as a movie."
"Are you worried about me? I don't think you need to be," Zhou Yi responded with a smile. "I have some confidence in my acting."
"Like the double agent you've always played?" Natasha rolled her eyes and slipped her arm into Zhou Yi's. "Be natural, and don't keep those guys waiting too long."
"As you wish," Zhou Yi patted Natasha's hand and stepped out of the cabin. Natasha put on a docile and charming smile, carrying her briefcase and following him closely. They walked unhurriedly down the plane, and the people who had been waiting for a long time below immediately came forward to greet them.
"Welcome to Raccoon City, Mr. Zhou. I am Raymond Edward, Umbrella's highest supervisor in Raccoon City. Of course, you can just call me Raymond."
He extended his hand to Zhou Yi, his face full of humility and flattery.
"I have already received orders from headquarters; starting today, I will be responsible for all your visits in Raccoon City. Whether it's the main facilities or Umbrella's operational model in Raccoon City, I can assure you, you will get everything you want here."
After a brief handshake with the man named Raymond, a strange smile appeared on Zhou Yi's face.
"Raymond! I've heard some not-so-good things. There are serious rumors online about Raccoon City's public safety. Perhaps it's not as good as I imagined."
"You're joking!" Raymond responded with an unchanging smile. "Every city always has one or two people who like to spread rumors, I'm sure. As long as you stay here for a while, you'll definitely fall in love with this city."
"I hope you won't disappoint me," Zhou Yi said pointedly, then introduced Natasha beside him to Raymond. "This is my personal secretary, Miss Natasha Romanoff. She will evaluate Umbrella's operational mechanisms on my behalf, and as for me, I will look around the city to see the true situation. Whether it's as they say."
"I guarantee it's completely different from what you've heard," Raymond quickly said, as he opened the car door for Zhou Yi and personally saw him into the car.
He seemed to want to say something else, but Zhou Yi stopped him. Through the car window, Zhou Yi closed his eyes, adopting a tired posture.
"Don't say those useless things, Mr. Raymond Edward. I will only believe my own eyes. I'm tired now. Please take me to the reserved hotel to rest. Tomorrow, I will have Miss Romanoff personally go to your place to study your operational structure. As for me, you don't need to worry. I want to wander around this city alone, and I don't want anyone to disturb me."
After saying that, he rolled up the car window. The driver, under his command, started the car and drove towards the hotel he had already reserved.
Raymond, still smiling, remained in place. He watched in the direction Zhou Yi left until the car was no longer visible. Only then did his expression turn cold.
"Which department is responsible for blocking information? Tell them if such news spreads again, they can all get out to the suburbs. There are plenty of people waiting for them there."
His deputy next to him immediately trembled upon hearing this. He knew exactly what was in the suburbs. If it was truly as Raymond said, it would be a punishment worse than death. Not wanting to get into any trouble, he quickly said,
"I will convey your orders, sir. Also, regarding this gentleman and his secretary, do we need to take any precautionary measures?"
"Don't touch him, and no one else is allowed to touch him," Raymond suddenly stopped, staring at his deputy, his eyes full of warning.
"This is someone neither you nor I can afford to offend, and someone the board of directors requires to be given the highest treatment. Unless it involves core secrets, he must not be treated with any disrespect. If you don't want to be thrown into the laboratory as a test subject, make sure your subordinates and those guys behave."
"Yes, sir. I understand, sir!" The adjutant quickly agreed. By this time, they were already in another car.
As soon as they got in, the assistant in the passenger seat placed a file in front of Raymond. Raymond opened it and looked, a knowing, teasing smile appearing on his face, the kind men understood.
"Look at this, Natasha Romanoff. Graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in management, holding degrees in finance, management, architecture, and psychology—an undeniable top talent. She also studied ballet and modeling, no wonder her figure is so good. A super-rich man's toy is always a top-tier existence, isn't it? But, she's just a pretty toy."
"Of course, sir. That lady's beauty is truly admirable; I've never seen such a beautiful woman," the adjutant echoed, not without genuine admiration.
"The most beautiful women always belong to the most successful men, and now we are both on that path," Raymond closed the file in his hand and closed his eyes, lost in a wonderful fantasy. "Mr. Zhou is just a step ahead of us. You must have confidence. Once our endeavor succeeds, we can not only stand shoulder to shoulder with him, but even surpass him."
"At that time, women, money, status... there's nothing we can't achieve. As long as you work hard for our current cause!"
"I will put in all my effort, sir," the deputy's ambition was clearly stirred by Raymond's words, and he became excited. And this was exactly the effect Raymond wanted.
Their undertaking was dangerous, and only such ambitious, fantasy-filled fanatics would have the confidence to continue. Therefore, some indoctrination was almost unavoidable. Only by having all participants achieve ideological synchronization could the upper echelons rest assured.
He looked at his deputy and began to close his eyes, imitating Zhou Yi.
"Tomorrow, you'll be responsible for picking up that lady. Although such women are not for us to touch, it's always good to feast your eyes. Also, arrange a team to keep an eye on that gentleman. I don't want him to see anything he shouldn't."
The deputy immediately agreed, feeling that his era seemed to be approaching.