"Spencer Reid."
"Jennifer Jareau."
It was just past 9 a.m. the next day, at a well-known nonprofit bookstore café in New York, when Daniel met the young, attractive pair. As he took the medical records Spencer handed him, Daniel couldn't help but think they made a good couple, wondering how far their relationship had progressed.
After a brief self-introduction, Daniel began reviewing Spencer's mother's records. He'd already heard about her condition from Rebecca, but seeing the details on paper still made him sigh. Alzheimer's disease was something he could handle, but adding a hereditary mental disorder complicated matters.
In a way, hereditary diseases were like the "bloodline limits" in the Naruto world; just as Kimimaro suffered from a genetic condition tied to his abilities, Spencer's mother's illness was difficult to treat with traditional medicine. If he used an all-healing herb, that would be one thing, but doing so for every patient wasn't realistic.
As Daniel studied the records, he could see Spencer's nervousness. The young man wasn't just worried about his mother—he was also afraid he might inherit the same condition.
"It's a complicated case, but as Rebecca's friend, I'll do my best. However, I should clarify one thing first." Daniel proceeded to explain that he would be using traditional Chinese medicine and herbs for the treatment.
Daniel made a point of this with every patient, partly to ward off those who didn't believe in traditional medicine and partly to emphasize that his treatment method couldn't be easily replicated for public use. Some people still looked down on traditional medicine, and Daniel had no interest in treating such patients.
"Chinese medicine? I think it's quite remarkable," Spencer replied, looking visibly relieved. He began chatting about various aspects of traditional medicine. For a moment, Daniel was struck by Spencer's extensive knowledge—he truly lived up to his reputation as a genius.
Though he didn't have the eidetic memory of Stephen Strange, Spencer's recall abilities were impressive; he could read quickly and retain vast amounts of information, which made him invaluable in the Behavioral Analysis Unit.
"Are you two dating?" Daniel asked as they sipped their coffee, causing both of them to nearly choke on their drinks.
"No, not at all," Spencer blurted out, hastily grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth.
"So that means Jennifer here is single?" Daniel turned his gaze to JJ, who quickly denied it, just as Spencer had.
"Well, in that case, I think you two are a great match. In China, we have a saying: 'the early bird catches the worm.' Spencer, with someone as lovely as Jennifer, you shouldn't hesitate, or someone else might beat you to it."
The suggestion made Spencer's gaze flicker toward JJ. In fact, others had already noticed his feelings for her. Some even teased him, giving him tickets to invite her out. But his family history held him back, fearing he'd eventually develop the same mental health issues as his mother.
"Spencer, I know what you're worried about—that you might inherit your mother's condition. But don't worry; I'll prepare a prescription for you. You have my word, you won't face the same issue," Daniel assured him.
If it was for someone like Spencer, Daniel didn't mind using a rare herb that could help with genetic conditions. Besides, he was already researching how to cultivate these plants.
"Really?" Spencer's eyes widened with hope.
Spencer had refrained from pursuing JJ partly due to his family's medical history. His parents had separated because his father couldn't handle his mother's mental illness. Now, Spencer not only had to care for his ailing mother but also worked tirelessly to catch dangerous criminals.
At that moment, a familiar voice called out to them, "JJ, Dr. Reid! Fancy running into you here." Turning, Daniel saw none other than Ryoko Yashiro, accompanied by her two maids, approaching their table.
The day before, Helen had filled Daniel in on Yashiro's background. The elderly man was in excellent health and had visited Daniel's lab only for a routine checkup. His real interest was in partnering with the lab to use nanomedicine to treat injuries among his security staff, as nanotechnology excelled at healing physical trauma like severed limbs—albeit at a steep price.
"Ryoko, what brings you here?" Jennifer and Spencer seemed surprised to see her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Dr. Davis," Ryoko greeted Daniel with a smile.
"Hello," Daniel replied, nodding slightly.
"I was actually hoping to speak with you. Seems my luck is good today," she said, taking a seat beside him without hesitation, while her maids sat across from them.
"If this is about a partnership, you should talk to Dr. Zhao. She has full authority on such matters," Daniel replied, indicating his trust in Helen's judgment.
"Oh, no, this isn't about business. I was wondering if your findings on ADDC9 were true," she said. Given Daniel's reputation in medical research, his report on ADDC9 had already made waves. The medical community was buzzing, especially since his criticism was directed at such a widely promoted drug.
With Daniel's report, many had joined the chorus of critics. Until now, most had stayed silent—some because the controversy originated in Japan, where local experts hadn't raised concerns, and others out of fear of potential backlash. But Daniel's report was like a stone tossed into a calm pond, stirring up waves.
"It's true. I assume you're not here to try to persuade me otherwise?" Ryoko's Japanese background made Daniel wonder if she might have connections to the company behind ADDC9.
"Not at all. I'm not one of those people who'd do anything for money," Ryoko replied, a look of disdain crossing her face.
Daniel couldn't help but reconsider his initial impression. He had pegged her as a typical socialite, but it seemed there was more to her.
"However, I do have a warning for you," she continued. "You've made some powerful enemies. It'd be wise to avoid going out alone and maybe even hire some bodyguards."
"Thank you for the warning. I'll keep that in mind."
"Um, excuse us, we have to get going." JJ and Spencer, sensing the intensity of the conversation, rose to leave.
"Of course," Daniel nodded.
After they left, Daniel looked at the empty seat across from him and gave Ryoko a pointed glance, indicating she could move over.
"What's the matter? Afraid I'll bite?" she teased.
"Are you?" Daniel smirked, momentarily taken aback by her forwardness.
"Oh, would you like to find out?" Ryoko's reply was unexpectedly flirtatious.
Daniel paused, realizing he'd just been flirted with—a rare occurrence. Deciding he wasn't in the mood to play along, he stood up. "Thank you again for the advice. Goodbye."
To be fair, Ryoko was a beautiful woman with the advantage of her mixed heritage, but Daniel had seen his share of attractive women. Her playful teasing didn't faze him, especially since he had plenty of responsibilities waiting for him. Once his current tasks were complete, he had plans to explore new dimensions.
"Interesting. Seems I have a tail," Daniel thought as he sensed someone following him on the drive home. With his reflexes, he could have easily won a professional race. He paid no heed to the tail, knowing he had nothing to fear from any gang or corporate power.
"Red Queen, if anyone tries to break in, take them alive," he instructed as he entered his villa.
Once inside, Daniel activated his arcane portal and stepped through, arriving at a secluded villa on Xandar. He'd left New York in a hurry because he had a purpose here.
"This is his contact number," his broker said, handing over a card. The fee Daniel had paid for this information wasn't cheap.
"Who are you?" On the virtual screen, the face of Yondu Udonta appeared, blue-skinned and unmistakably a Ravager. Despite his appearance, Yondu wasn't Kree but one of the galaxy's most infamous space pirates.
Unlike Earth's pirates, Ravagers had no grand treasures or titles to chase. There was no equivalent of a "One Piece" or "Four Emperors" in the cosmic underworld.
"You don't need to know who I am. I have a business proposition for you," Daniel replied, wearing a mask to conceal his identity.
"What do you want?" Yondu asked, unfazed by Daniel's anonymity. As a Ravager, Yondu was used to doing deals with people who preferred to remain unseen.
"The Orb."
The Orb, of course, contained the Power Stone. Though few in the galaxy knew that, Daniel was aware of its true nature. Rather than searching for the hidden planet himself, he'd decided to enlist Yondu's help.
"That's a tall order."
"I know. I don't expect you to deliver it immediately. I just want to be your first customer when you do. I'm willing to pay handsomely." Daniel held up a hand, indicating a hefty sum.
"Alright. How do I reach you when I find it?" Yondu agreed, although he'd likely still sell it to the highest bidder if someone else offered more.
"This number. Oh, and I have another business proposal for you—one that would be better discussed face-to-face."
"Just say it. I don't need to meet in person," Yondu replied dismissively.
"If you're sure… Fine. Peter Quill. Ego."
"Where are you right now?" The casual tone disappeared from Yondu's voice. He looked around suspiciously.
"I'm on Xandar. Contact me when you arrive," Daniel replied before ending the call.
"Celestial Ego… I wonder what kind of effect he'd have on the World Tree if I used him as a nutrient," Daniel thought to himself.
He'd had his eye on Ego for a while. Initially, he'd wanted to find a way to absorb Ego's power using Kamar-Taj techniques, but now he had other plans. By feeding Ego to the World Tree, he could take a shortcut in its cultivation. Besides, Ego would be no great loss to the universe, and if his death could serve a purpose, all the better.
Not long after, in a nondescript store on Xandar, Yondu entered and confronted Daniel, who was still wearing his mask.
"Who are you, really?" Yondu demanded, his deadly whistle arrow hovering nearby, poised to strike.
In Ravager circles, a code of conduct forbade trading in children, and Peter Quill's situation was particularly sensitive.
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