Under the dim night sky, Yang Xu walked three blocks to a brightly lit bar. Despite the late hour, a dozen patrons animatedly filled the space. The bald, sunglasses-wearing bar owner, a relaxed figure, casually wiped glasses behind the counter.
Spotting Yang Xu, he greeted, "What can I get for you?" His hands continued their task.
"A glass of milk, please," Yang Xu requested, taking a seat.
His order sparked immediate jeers from the inebriated patrons: "Go drink your milk, kid!" "Milk at a bar? Ha!" The taunts continued.
The owner, unfazed, swiftly poured a glass of milk and slid it to Yang Xu. "Here you go, sir." He resumed polishing glasses, ignoring the surrounding commotion.
Yang Xu took a sip, eyes closed in apparent enjoyment. "The rich milky aroma fills my mouth, flows to my brain, and finally… rushes straight to my pelvic cavity…"
The bar fell silent. The owner stared, dumbfounded. The patrons were speechless.
[Ghostly speech, gains Luke Cage's reputation +33]
[Ghostly speech, gains Drunkard A's reputation +0.1]
[Crude remarks…Drunkard B…+0.2…]
The silence broke. "My God, the pelvic cavity!" "What was that?" "This guy's hilarious! Another milk on me!" The bar erupted again.
The owner pushed another glass of milk across the counter. "On the house."
Yang Xu, accepting the drink, raised it in thanks. He drained it in one gulp amidst cheers. Setting down the empty glass, he addressed the owner, who was retrieving the cup: "Free is best! Isn't that right, Mr. Luke Cage?" He paused. "Or should I say… Mr. Carl Lucas?"
(Carl Lucas, framed by his childhood friend, "Rattlesnake," underwent a super-soldier experiment in prison, gaining superhuman strength and invulnerability. He escaped, becoming Luke Cage, and opened a bar in Hell's Kitchen.)
Luke, his identity exposed, denied it softly. "Sir, I think you've mistaken me. I'm not Carl Lucas, and I don't know him."
Yang Xu tilted his head. "Perhaps… I can help you remember your true identity!" He produced a sizable ruby, placing it on the counter.
Luke's eyes widened at the sight of the gem. His expertise confirmed its authenticity.
Yang Xu casually touched the ruby. "Mr. Lucas, if I sold this gem, how much could I get?"
"Hard to say… at auction, a million would be a low starting bid, no upper limit!"
Luke, torn, warned, "Sir, you should secure this and get bodyguards. Immediately."
Yang Xu smiled, shaking his head. "I'm not selling it. I'm hiring you." He pushed the ruby closer.
Luke stared, conflicted, his gaze shifting between the ruby and Yang Xu. His face flushed with internal struggle.
Knowing Kingpin wasn't yet involved, Yang Xu waited patiently. After finishing his milk, Luke slammed his rag onto the counter. Red-eyed, he growled, "Fine! I'll take the job!"
Yang Xu tossed the ruby. "Let's go."
Luke caught the gem, examining it. "So fast? Urgent?"
Yang Xu stood, a worried expression on his face. "Not urgent, but we're short on time. Any later and we miss our chance. Miss our chance, the job fails, the ruby's gone, and all the fun is ruined!"
Luke pocketed the gem and announced to the patrons, "Gentlemen, sorry, we're closing early. Emergency." He placated them with a promise of free drinks the next day, sending them out with boisterous farewells.
"Let's go," Luke said, grabbing his coat and locking up.
Yang Xu hopped into his aged Hummer and they set off. Despite his race, Luke possessed a calm demeanor, speaking without excessive volume or dramatic flair. During the drive, he asked only about the number of opponents and the nature of their allies.