chsdbacks Page 73
Page 73
"Yes! I definitely will!" Caitlin nodded firmly, her eyes filled with unwavering determination!
She knew that she was completely inseparable from this man.
Whether he is an angel or a demon.
"Alright, it's getting late, you should go back." Lin Tian glanced at the sky. "Remember, our 'contract' and 'treatment' are secrets. Don't tell anyone, including your friends."
He still needs Caitlin as a pawn to provide him with some "favors" within Star Labs.
“I understand,” Caitlin agreed without hesitation.
In her mind, Lin Tian's request was the highest directive.
Lin Tian nodded in satisfaction, a "I'll think about it" smile on his face, and then disappeared from the spot again like a ghost.
Caitlin was left alone, standing beneath the abandoned observatory, feeling the strange power within her that was both cold and warm, and the special connection in her heart that was both reassuring and somewhat unsettling.
A shy yet expectant smile appeared on her face.
The heart of ice has begun to melt.
Complete surrender is only a matter of time.
Looking at his prey who had taken the bait, Lin Tian knew that he had successfully taken the first step in conquering this ice queen.
Ever since Lin Tian "rescued" her that night in the port warehouse district, Iris West's life has never been peaceful.
That mysterious, powerful, and unbelievably handsome Eastern man was like a phantom that suddenly entered her world, leaving an indelible mark on her heart and arousing her most primal and intense curiosity and desire to explore as a journalist!
Who is he?
where is he from?
Why does he possess such terrifying power?
What is his purpose in approaching me?
These questions, like the claws of countless kittens, tickled Iris relentlessly, keeping her awake at night.
With her years of journalistic professionalism and keen intuition, Iris immediately mobilized all her resources and connections to launch a thorough investigation into the name "Lin Tian" and all related clues about his appearance in the port warehouse area that night!
She visited her father, Joe West, who works at the Central City Police Department, and subtly inquired whether any suspicious Asian millionaires or mysterious figures had recently entered the country.
She contacted her friends in the city government and intelligence agencies, trying to find any entry and exit records, identity information, or even the slightest clue related to "Lin Tian".
She even used hacking techniques to try searching for the name online, hoping to find some clues.
However, the result greatly disappointed her and shocked her even more!
The name "Lin Tian" does not exist in any official records in Central City or even across the United States!
No immigration records! No identification! No bank accounts! No social media accounts!
He was like a real ghost! An invisible man who appeared out of nowhere!
How can this be? !
Iris couldn't believe it!
In this era of information overload, where almost everyone leaves a trace online, how could anyone possibly hide themselves so completely?!
As clean as a blank sheet of paper?!
Unless he's not even from this world!
Or perhaps behind him lies an extremely powerful and terrifying force, capable of erasing all traces of his existence!
Regardless of the possibility, it raised Iris's interest in and wariness of Lin Tian to a new level!
She knew that this man was hiding a tremendous secret! A secret that could shake the entire central city, and even the whole world!
As an ambitious and driven journalist, how could Iris possibly let such a sensational "exclusive" story slip by?!
She decided that no matter what, she had to uncover this man's secret!
However, Iris was unaware that her supposedly secretive investigation was actually under the complete surveillance of Lin Tian and "Zero" from the very beginning.
"Master, Miss Iris West is investigating your information through various channels," Zero's cold voice echoed in Lin Tian's mind. "Should we shield or interfere with this information?"
"No need." Lin Tian's lips curled into a playful smile. "Let her investigate."
"Not only should you not stop her, you should also... 'help' her."
"Help?" Zero's programming logic seemed somewhat confused.
“That’s right,” Lin Tian’s eyes gleamed with calculation, “Give her some… ambiguous clues. Make her think she’s getting closer to the truth, make her more curious about me, more… fascinated.”
Lin Tian understood the principle of "casting a long line to catch a big fish".
The best way to deal with a smart, competitive, and inquisitive woman like Iris is not to push her down directly, but to guide her layer by layer, like peeling an onion, so that she will willingly and step by step walk into the carefully woven web of love she has created.
"Understood, Master." Zero immediately began to carry out the order.
So, in the following days, during her investigation, Iris began to "accidentally" discover some "clues" about "Lin Tian".
For example, she received a very vague document through an anonymous email address, suggesting that "Lin Tian" might come from a reclusive ancient Eastern family and possess some kind of unknown mysterious power.
For example, while she was tracking a rumor about a person with superpowers, she accidentally learned from an insider that "Lin Tian" seemed to be related to a secret organization dedicated to researching other worlds and supernatural phenomena.
For example, while organizing the data on the port warehouse incident that night, she inadvertently discovered some extremely faint residual energy that could not be produced by Earth's technology? This seemed to confirm Lin Tian's identity as a "visitor from another world"?
These mixed-up, misleading "clues" not only failed to lead Iris to the truth, but also fueled her speculation and imagination about Lin Tian's identity and background!
An ancient Eastern family? A mysterious organization? Visitors from another world?
Every label was irresistibly alluring, causing Iris's curiosity to grow wildly like weeds!
She longed to see Lin Tian again and find the answer herself from him!
Lin Tian always managed to fulfill her "wishes" "just right".
He continued to use "zero" surveillance to precisely track Iris's whereabouts and mental state, and then... created various "coincidental" encounters.
It was probably during Iris's interview at the scene of a news event that Lin Tian appeared as a "concerned citizen" or "eyewitness," and with a few seemingly casual but incisive comments, he demonstrated his profound insight into the current situation, which impressed Iris.
Perhaps it was when Iris was feeling down due to work stress or a minor conflict with Barry, and was lost in thought alone in a coffee shop, that Lin Tian "happened" to be there. With his gentle voice and perfectly timed comfort, he offered her warmth and understanding, making her feel like she had found someone she could confide in.
On one occasion, while tracking a dangerous serial killer, Iris accidentally exposed her whereabouts and found herself in a critical situation!
Just when she thought she was doomed, Lin Tian appeared again as if he were a divine soldier descending from the heavens!
This time, he didn't hold back his strength!
Instead, it revealed an even more terrifying side!
He didn't even lift a finger! He merely gave the ruthless serial killer a cold glance!
The assassin seemed to have been struck by the most terrible curse! He instantly suffered a mental breakdown! He clutched his head and screamed in agony! He rolled on the ground! Finally, he foamed at the mouth! Had he completely become an idiot?!
Psychological attack?!
Iris was terrified by the bizarre and terrifying scene before her!
But at the same time, deep down, being "saved" by Lin Tian once again gave her an indescribable sense of security and... a flutter of the heart?!
·····Requesting flowers·········
This man is ruthless, but... he seems to have been protecting me all along?
In each "chance encounter," Lin Tian, like a highly skilled actor, displayed different charms depending on the scene and Iris's mood at the time.
Sometimes he's witty and humorous, like a sunny and cheerful boy next door.
At times, he is profound and wise, like a philosopher who has experienced many vicissitudes of life.
At times, he is domineering and powerful, like a king who looks down upon the world.
This ever-changing and contradictory charm is a deadly poison for a woman like Iris who loves challenges and exploration!
She found herself increasingly drawn to this mysterious man!
His every glance, every smile, every word could easily tug at her heartstrings!
Especially in comparison
Barry Allen, who is kind and upright but also somewhat indecisive and harbors a huge secret.
It seems a bit dull and lackluster?
Lin Tian used his profound insight into human nature to accurately grasp Iris's psychological changes.
Whenever she has doubts or dissatisfaction with Barry, he would "inadvertently" appear, offering ambiguous but relatable remarks from an "outsider's perspective," thus deepening her "misunderstanding" of Barry.
When she felt lost or hit a bottleneck in her journalism career, he was able to offer some highly forward-looking and constructive suggestions with his visionary and wise perspective, which enlightened her and even helped her achieve a breakthrough in her career!
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This spiritual connection and guidance led Iris to develop an increasingly deep emotional dependence on Lin Tian without her even realizing it.
The interactions between the two became more and more frequent and increasingly ambiguous.
They would walk together in Central Park, discussing journalistic ideals and philosophies of life.
They would go to concerts together and appreciate the spiritual connection that art brings.
They would even occasionally have a "candlelight dinner" together, of course, at Lin Tian's "coincidental" free invitation, and under the ambiguous lighting and the influence of alcohol, they would have some conversation.
Although there was no actual physical contact between the two.
Lin Tian deliberately maintained this "distance" to whet Iris's appetite.
Iris found herself increasingly unable to resist Lin Tian's charm!
She began to look forward to seeing him! To hearing his voice! To seeing his smile!
Even in the dead of night, I can't help but think of him!
She thought of his deep eyes, his charming smile, and the unique aura about him that made her feel at ease yet thrilled!
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She knew it was dangerous!
This man is so mysterious! So powerful! And so adept at manipulating people's hearts!
Being with him is like dancing on the edge of a cliff! You could be shattered to pieces at any moment!
But she couldn't control her heart!
That appreciation of a worthy opponent! That warmth of being understood and cared for! That allure filled with the unknown and excitement!
Like a moth drawn to a flame, she willingly and step by step walked into the web of love that the man had woven for her!
That evening, Iris was in her apartment, organizing the investigation materials about Lin Tian.
Looking at the stacks of almost blank reports and those ambiguous, contradictory "clues," she felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
This man was like a mystery, a mystery she could never solve.
She picked up a photo of herself with Barry and her father Joe from the table.
The three people in the photo are smiling so happily and carefree.
Those were her most cherished family and friends.
but now
Looking at Barry's sunny yet slightly childlike smile in the photo...
For the first time, Iris felt a strong sense of unease and guilt!
She knew she might... really be in love with that dangerous man.
That man named Lin Tian, like a phantom.
This love may cost her an unimaginable price.
What should she do?
Is it a matter of pulling back from the brink and returning to a "normal" life?
Or will they disregard everything and continue to wallow in this forbidden love filled with unknowns and dangers?
Looking out the window at the dazzling night view of the city center, Iris fell into deep confusion and struggle.
Unbeknownst to her, on the rooftop of a building across from her apartment...
Lin Tianzheng held a glass of red wine, a knowing smile playing on his lips, quietly "appreciating" her conflicted yet captivating expression.