"Paris?" Magneto Erik frowned as he received the message from Raven. "Why is Storm taking Rogue to that city across the ocean?"
Storm was, of course, Ororo, and she had earned that codename entirely because her ability was to manipulate natural elements like Storms.
"I don't know the reason. It's Charles's territory, after all. I couldn't linger. But the information is accurate," Raven shrugged, indicating her knowledge was limited to the destination.
Erik pondered for a long time but couldn't deduce the purpose. Lacking context, he couldn't get the information he truly wanted. However, this didn't cause him to hesitate. He had always been a decisive person, a trait that never changed.
"Raven, prepare yourself. We are leaving for Paris immediately. Let us see what kind of defense our old friend has prepared for my arrival."
Hearing the challenge, Raven smiled. She recalled the years when the three of them were together. Charles and Erik would often play chess, and she would accompany the two Mutant leaders. Erik was almost always the aggressor in their games.
Soon, under Magneto's command, the Brotherhood of Mutants began operating with high efficiency. Simply put, they needed no elaborate preparations; they just packed light and boarded the aircraft known as Magneto.
Magneto's abilities allowed him to achieve all-terrain magnetic levitation flight within Earth's atmosphere, and he felt minimal strain carrying a group of elite subordinates. Under his power, traveling from the U.S. to Paris was a matter of just a few hours.
By the time he set off, however, Zhou Yi and his companions had already reached their destination.
The Plaza Athénée Paris is a member of the Dorchester Collection and stands as one of Europe's most celebrated hotels. Built in 1911, its nearly century-long history has cemented its outstanding reputation.
Following a comprehensive renovation in 1999, the hotel further enhanced its unique charm, allowing guests to truly experience the "luxury of Paris." It boasts 191 rooms, including 45 suites. From the rooms, guests can enjoy the delightful scenery of Avenue Montaigne and directly overlook the Eiffel Tower, which stands to the west.
Situated between these two World-renowned landmarks, the Plaza Athénée Paris is the undisputed embodiment of Parisian taste and chic. After its renovation, the hotel's exterior and lobby adopted a warm color palette dominated by red and gold, creating an inviting, romantic, and comfortable atmosphere.
While such opulence might not impress a pragmatist like Zhou Yi, it held immense appeal for Ms. Zhou Lan, who worked in fashion design and frequently referred to herself as an artist.
Long before the trip, she had booked the largest suite in this World-class luxury hotel—the Eiffel Suite 750. And now she waited there, expecting her son, daughter, and their friends.
The suite, named Eiffel, was split into two levels with a seemingly perfect layout. Upon opening the door, the first thing one saw was an elegant and distinctive living room, with one wall composed entirely of large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, making the space feel expansive and bright.
The subtle Japanese-style window design was complemented by luxurious French embroidered floor-length curtains. Decorative patterns woven with fine copper threads, along with cream-colored velvet sofas, wooden furniture with rounded edges made of Macassar ebony and mahogany, and the expansive terrace outside the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowed one to experience the authentic Parisian ambiance both indoors and out.
As they entered, Zhou Yi and Charisse immediately saw their mother, Zhou Lan, sitting there with a welcoming smile.
Although many years had passed, Zhou Lan, having always maintained an affluent lifestyle, appeared virtually untouched by age. She was still beautiful; while she lacked the youthful vitality of girls like Charisse, she exuded a mature, elegant, and noble demeanor.
It was evident that Zhou Yi and Charisse, this pair of well-bred siblings, largely inherited their refined genes from Zhou Lan, especially in appearance.
Seeing her children, Zhou Lan was clearly overjoyed. However, as a woman who meticulously cared about her public image, especially one working in the highly scrutinizing field of fashion, she maintained a poised behavior, always presenting her best self.
It must be said that her polished demeanor could indeed intimidate many people, particularly the inexperienced young girls and the two women who were already feeling uneasy. In front of her, they seemed unsure where to place their hands or feet. Although Ororo and Jean Grey managed to act normally, their stiffness was palpable.
Of course, there were always exceptions. Logan, that perpetual roughneck, cared nothing for the kind of person who stood before him. While his long life had left him with scattered memories, some core beliefs were etched into his being. Nobility meant nothing to him; he had watched countless noble existences crumble into dust while he remained.
So, facing Zhou Lan, he merely gave a slight nod and maintained a respectful silence. He wasn't adept at social maneuvering, so choosing not to speak was the wisest course.
The other exceptions were Zhou Yi and Charisse. Among them, Charisse's performance was, naturally, the most dramatic. She immediately opened a portal and, with a 'bing,' flung herself into Zhou Lan's arms, rubbing her face against her mother's body while calling out in a voice that was almost sickeningly sweet:
"Darling Mama, I've missed you so much!"
That tone was genuinely alarming; Zhou Yi felt goosebumps rising all over his body. Even Charisse's close friends couldn't endure it, most notably Kitty, who visibly shivered.
However, Zhou Lan was remarkably susceptible to this display. Perhaps out of guilt for this daughter who had a destiny far different from ordinary people, her love for Charisse bordered on indulgence.
Far from being annoyed by the saccharine affection, she felt incredibly pleased that her daughter was so close to her. Of course, she had no idea Charisse was preemptively buttering her up, hoping to prevent Zhou Lan from getting angry once Zhou Yi revealed her recent antics.
Kissing her daughter's pretty face, Zhou Lan then stood up and gave her son a firm hug. She had absolute confidence in Zhou Yi; very few people in the World could match his capability. His achievements were enough to shame most people.
Zhou Yi affectionately kissed his mother's cheek and smiled.
"Mama, this Christmas, we might be spending it with quite a few people. Although I've told you some things already, I still want to formally introduce everyone."
At this point, he began introducing his companions to Zhou Lan.
"These two are Ororo and Jean Grey. They are teachers at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. You might have some impression of Jean, but this should be your first time meeting Ororo. By the way, I have a very close personal relationship with both of them."
He delivered the last line with a mischievous smile. This particular piece of information visibly flustered Ororo and the others. Ororo rolled her eyes at Zhou Yi numerous times. Jean, while maintaining her composure, subtly used her telekinesis to pinch the soft flesh at his waist. She had, undoubtedly, mastered her ability to an incredible degree.
Ororo and Jean Grey greeted Zhou Lan politely, and Zhou Lan responded with practiced grace.
"Hello, Ms. Jean. I remember you; you were the one who helped introduce Charisse to school life back then. Thank you so much for taking care of her all these years. And Ms. Ororo, I've heard of you too; Yi and Charisse often mention you." At this, a mischievous smile, identical to Zhou Yi's, appeared at the corner of her mouth.
As a mother, she was fully aware of the women in Zhou Yi's life. While she initially held some traditional reservations, after immersing herself in the dynamics of this World's high society, she had grown accustomed to it.
Compared to other unruly young men, her son was exceptionally outstanding, not just in ability but in responsibility. She knew that although her son wasn't a saint, he had never consciously acted against his conscience or abandoned anyone.
He had been involved with many women, but all relationships ended amicably, without scandal. Besides, as her son, she would tolerate any mistake, let alone a minor emotional complication.
Not wanting to tease the two awkward women any further, Zhou Yi introduced the others.
"This is Logan, a new friend of mine. He might look a bit like a cowboy, and perhaps that was his profession at some point. Regardless, he's a good man."
"Hello, ma'am!" Logan grunted, then instantly reverted to his principle of silence is golden. More talk, more mistakes; less talk, fewer mistakes. It was the wisest move in this situation.
Looking at the silent Logan, Zhou Lan smiled.
"Hello, Mr. Logan. My son rarely makes friends; he seems quite fortunate. However, from a professional standpoint, you have wonderful presence. Are you interested in becoming a model? The rugged, wild style is extremely popular in Paris right now, and I believe you could become an outstanding trendsetter."
While her words contained some professional exaggeration, Zhou Lan's ability to make such an offer stemmed from absolute confidence. Perhaps outside of the fashion World, she was less famous than Zhou Yi. But within it, Zhou Lan was an undisputed World-class Great Master designer; a single word from her could launch an entire trend.
"Thank you for the kind offer, but I'm content as I am." Perhaps envisioning life as a model, Logan instinctively shrank his neck and replied awkwardly. Asking him, a solitary lone wolf, to wear a leash and walk a runway, allowing people he viewed as effeminate to pose and photograph him, was worse than threatening his life.
"My Darling Mama, are you getting too caught up in work?" Zhou Yi gently pulled his mother away, ending the topic that had clearly terrified Logan, and then turned to Charisse's young friends.
"These are..."
Before he could finish, Charisse bounded in front of him.
"Let me do it, let me do it! I want to introduce my friends to Mama myself!"
Charisse swirled among the girls like a lively breeze, her laughter and proud pronouncements filling the room.
"This is Kitty, this is Vivien. And this is Mary! They are all my little followers. Surprised, Mama? I'm a big sister now!"
Carried away by her excitement, Charisse completely disregarded her mother's feelings. When Zhou Lan processed the entire statement, the smile instantly froze on her face.
"Can you give me an explanation, Yi? I distinctly remember warning you."