The Flash

"Simon, I thought you weren't coming today!"

After spending half a day at the martial arts school, Simon used the time not only to guide students but also to help repair damaged equipment.

After enjoying an authentic Chinese meal at the school, Simon arrived at Buy More to start his shift.

"I was helping out at the martial arts school in the morning, so I got delayed," Simon explained casually.

"A martial arts school? Wow, do you actually know martial arts?" Chuck asked, surprised.

Simon shrugged. "I guess I'm decent—I've been learning for three years."

"So that means you're pretty strong, right?" Morgan suddenly popped up out of nowhere.

"Dude, can you not be so creepy?" Chuck gritted his teeth.

Simon had already noticed Morgan lurking, so he wasn't startled.

"I'm alright! I can take on ten or so ordinary people without much trouble," Simon said confidently.

"What about Casey?" Morgan suddenly asked.

"Casey?" Simon thought for a moment before replying, "A bit tougher, but I can handle him."

This wasn't an exaggeration. Simon possessed Advanced Combat Mastery, which covered not just a single style but numerous fighting techniques and martial arts.

Much like his Master Driving Skill, his combat abilities were vast, covering a variety of martial arts, street fighting techniques, and combat strategies.

However, knowing moves and perfectly executing them were two different things.

Some styles, which he had frequently practiced, had become part of his muscle memory. Others, he merely understood in theory and would need to practice more to use effectively.

If he ever reached Expert Level, he would instantly recall the best counter for any attack.

If he achieved Master Level, he wouldn't even need to think—his instincts would react automatically.

"Tch!"

A disdainful snort came from Casey as he walked past, clearly having overheard Simon's words.

Seeing Casey approach, both Chuck and Morgan instinctively picked up magazines and newspapers to shield their faces.

Simon found it amusing. "Casey isn't going to eat you guys. What are you so scared of?"

As he spoke, his eyes caught sight of today's newspaper headline—a featured Lotus Painting set to be auctioned at the evening's Art Exhibition.

"Uhh, we're not scared… we just, um…" Chuck and Morgan fumbled for an excuse.

Seeing their awkwardness, Simon knew they were just embarrassed to admit their fear.

"Okay, okay! I get it. You two have your talk, I'm going back to work," Simon said with a smirk before walking away.

---

Before he knew it, the evening had arrived.

After finishing his shift, Simon returned home to change into a high-end tuxedo he had bought earlier that day.

Staring at himself in the mirror, adjusting his bow tie, he flashed a charming smile.

"Perfect."

Satisfied with his look, he stepped outside.

"Wow, isn't this Simon? Dressed like this, are you getting married?"

From the neighboring house, Letty whistled teasingly, drinking beer and eating barbecue with the crew.

"Haha, hilarious, Letty," Simon rolled his eyes.

"So, what's the occasion, buddy? You heading to a concert?" Dom asked with a grin.

Simon shook his head. "Just an art auction! You know, watching rich people flatter each other."

"Cool, need a driver? I can take you there," Vince joked.

Simon smirked. "Hate to disappoint you—I already have a ride."

Just as he said that, a stretch Lincoln limousine slowly pulled up in front of him.

Dressed in an elegant red evening gown, Meg stepped out of the car.

"Guys, mind if I borrow Simon for the night?" Meg teased.

Dom laughed. "Sure! Take him for the whole night if you want."

The group erupted in laughter.

Simon flipped them the middle finger before taking Meg's hand and stepping into the limo.

Once inside, as the driver started the car, Simon sighed apologetically, "Sorry, I wanted to pick you up myself, but… you know, if your dad saw me, he'd probably shoot me."

Meg's father was already furious that she had invited Simon as her date. If Simon had shown up at her house, a gun would have been the least of his worries.

"I understand! But, did you really need to rent a limo? Isn't this a bit much?" Meg frowned.

Simon smiled, ruffling her hair. "It's just a few hundred bucks for the day—barely a week's worth of work."

"You know we don't need to waste money like this," Meg reminded him.

"Well, I already rented it, so just enjoy it," Simon chuckled.

Ever since he had secured his finances, Simon wasn't reckless with money, but he wasn't stingy either—especially when it came to Meg.

"Fine! But next time, don't do this."

"Alright, alright! Whatever you say."

As they chatted, the limo arrived at the luxury hotel hosting the auction.

Under the flashes of countless camera lights, Simon walked down the red carpet with Meg, maintaining a composed demeanor.

He couldn't afford any of the art, but that didn't mean he couldn't play the part.

"For a first-timer at an event like this, you handled yourself well," Meg whispered, linking her arm with his.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Simon said calmly.

Passing through the grand hall, the two entered the exhibition room.

With champagne in hand, they browsed the displayed auction items.

Currently, the preview phase was underway, allowing guests to view the art pieces before bidding began.

Simon, however, had little appreciation for fine art.

Beyond judging beauty at a surface level, he couldn't make much sense of it.

Especially the abstract paintings—some of them left him completely puzzled.

"What the hell is this even supposed to be?" Simon thought.

Then, something caught his eye.

A black-and-white Lotus Painting.

The moment he looked at it, his mind suddenly flashed with an image.

In that vision, the painting wasn't in its current frame—it was in an older, ornate frame.

But that wasn't the shocking part.

Inside the original frame, hidden in a sealed compartment, was a small container of nuclear material.

"What the hell?!"

Simon's body froze as his mind processed what had just happened.

"Simon? What's wrong?" Meg noticed his sudden daze.

"This painting…" Simon started to say something but then abruptly stopped.

He realized what had just happened.

The vision in his mind—wasn't just random.

It was a flash from the Intersect.

And that meant classified intelligence was stored within Chuck's brain.

The moment Simon looked at the painting, his subconscious accessed that information, causing the flashback.

Now, everything clicked.

"Damn it… if this is connected to Chuck's secrets, that means we're in deep trouble."

At that moment, Simon knew one thing for sure.

He needed to get the hell out of there—fast.