Clark is a sensitive and devoted son who only wants to live a quiet life. Why must being a reporter disrupt the peace of his family?
Clark Kent often came to him, and Lorien knew exactly what was on his mind.
He never liked the power within him, though Lorien had told him not to resist it.
With time, Clark had begun to accept that power and even grew stronger, yet the dislike in his eyes was plain and impossible to hide.
Many people longed to become stronger, but not everyone was like that.
Lorien had met many such people—some were his patients, others were close to him.
"Miss Lane, are you trying to gain fame?"
"Or is someone forcing you to dig into this?"
"..."
Lorien's questions came one after another, leaving Lois Lane blushing with embarrassment.
She opened her mouth but, under Lorien's relentless pressing, couldn't find an answer.
"Miss Lane, think carefully before you speak. Everyone must take responsibility for their words, right?"
Lorien's tone seemed light, but his words carried weight.
One minute passed. Two. Three...
Lorien lowered his eyes, waiting patiently without the slightest urge to push her.
"I was just curious."
After saying this, Lois Lane lowered her head in shame. She couldn't bring herself to stay any longer. Rising quickly, she said, "I'm sorry. I know I was wrong. I can't let my curiosity ruin someone's life."
She turned to leave.
But...
"Wait."
Lorien stopped her at once.
Confusion flickered across Lois Lane's face. She had no idea why Lorien was calling her back. Clutching the hem of her skirt, she turned her head and stared at him, her heart pounding fast.
"If you really want to know something—just a little—I can tell you. But only a little."
Lois had come here with no expectations at all. She never imagined Lorien would stop her, let alone offer to tell her something.
"Really? But didn't you just say not to disturb Clark Kent's peaceful life? Then why tell me now? Wouldn't it be better to keep it hidden?"
Lois returned to her seat across from Lorien, completely baffled.
She had already given up hope for this visit.
"Sometimes hiding things doesn't solve problems. A little honesty can be better. And I trust, Miss Lois Lane, that you're not someone who would exploit this."
Lois wasn't that kind of person. She only wanted to satisfy her curiosity. Once she had her answers, she wouldn't print them.
She knew just how much of a stir someone with extraordinary abilities would cause in society, and how deeply it would affect that person's life.
Lorien was satisfied with Lois Lane's attitude, so he chose a few things to share with her slowly.
His tone was gentle, each word sinking naturally into her heart.
As Lorien spoke, images surfaced in Lois Lane's mind. She could feel just how difficult Clark Kent's life truly was.
"...If the day ever comes when Clark Kent's identity is exposed, I'll use my pen to defend him."
"I believe you. You can come to me anytime."
Lorien smiled at Lois Lane.
Their conversation lasted a long while. As closing time neared, Lorien saw her off.
Just as he shut the clinic door, he turned and spotted Clark Kent standing not far away.
Clark Kent had already grown into a mature man.
"I knew you'd finish right on time. Come on, Lorien, let's grab a drink!"
Clark invited him warmly.
Lorien didn't refuse.
"I feel like I've failed as a person."
At the bar, after taking a deep swig of beer, Clark slammed his glass onto the table and blurted those words.
"I don't want to talk about work after hours."
"Not even friends are allowed to vent?"
"You're not a friend." More like a son.
Lorien recalled Wanda's description of Clark and couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
Clark, oblivious to Lorien's thoughts, looked stricken. "I thought after all these years, I'd at least count as your friend. I never imagined you didn't see it that way."
So he really was a failure—he couldn't even manage to be someone's friend.
As they drank, a beer girl walked over, striking poses as if trying to seduce them.
Lorien didn't even glance at her.
With several beauties at home, these cheap tricks couldn't stir him in the slightest.
Clark, on the other hand, didn't hold back. After a few playful exchanges with her, he simply wrapped an arm around her and left.
Lorien shook his head.
Clark had been the one to invite him out, yet he left first.
Still, Lorien wasn't surprised. The man was clearly troubled, and sometimes blowing off steam was its own kind of relief.
If it had been work hours, Lorien might have counseled him. But it wasn't—it was after hours, and he had no intention of working overtime.
"I really am too kind," Lorien murmured, swirling the wine in his glass before setting it down with a smile.
After paying the bill, he stepped into the night.
The city was alive with neon lights. Women on the roadside threw flirtatious glances his way as he passed.
A few bold ones, emboldened by drink, even tried to fling themselves at him. Lorien didn't so much as look, sidestepping them easily.
At a street corner, a familiar figure came into view.
It was Faora.
Lorien's gaze darkened when he saw her.
"Looking for something, Faora?"
Though she had been some distance away, Lorien appeared before her in an instant, unnoticed by anyone.
Startled, Faora stared at him. "I... I wasn't looking for anything."
"All these years, still searching for that child. Your loyalty to General Zod is truly impressive."
Lorien smiled as he spoke, but the smile never reached his eyes.