The sunset reflects on the surface of the sea, casting an orange glow on both the sky and the ocean. Even the silhouettes of birds flying across the sky are headed towards the land at this moment.
Natasha swam in the sea for a while, noticing the sky getting darker. She walked ashore, gently lifted her hair behind her ears, wiped the water off her face, and looked at Deathstroke and Gin.
"Shall we go to the other side of the globe for some good food? Find a luxury hotel and taste the famous dishes from my hometown. If we are to take on a long-term mission, I fear I might not be able to control my own actions for quite some time."
Su Ming stood up, and Strangulation instantly turned his outfit into a black tuxedo: "Of course, but I thought you were Eastern Orthodox; your Christmas is still eleven days away."
Natasha pouted, walked over, and held Su Ming's arm: "No, we were educated from a young age to not have any beliefs, remember?"
Su Ming nodded indifferently, because he actually didn't celebrate Christmas either. For him, the holiday was just the annual sales period for Wilson Enterprises.
Gin asked Su Ming to wait for them while she pulled Natasha back to their room to change into dining gowns, packing their swimsuits and weapons into their designated bags, carrying them like tote bags.
It's quite trendy; large handbags aren't in vogue yet. Could Gin be transitioning into a fashion trendsetter?
"...Asgard doesn't have Christmas either, although I've heard this holiday was originally invented by humans to celebrate Thor's birthday, but I'm afraid even he doesn't know."
Gin walked slowly out of the small room with Natasha, both wearing long gowns and large fur scarves around their shoulders. In terms of appearance, each had their own merits, but both were undoubtedly top beauties.
"Really? How come it sounds like he's a confused god?" Natasha laughed, chatting with Gin. During the outfit change earlier, Gin also talked about her life before, regarding the issue of Christmas, making Natasha feel Thunder God... is a bit dumb.
After thinking for a while, Gin nodded: "Well, he does sometimes seem overly simple, but his bravery on the battlefield is undeniable. And besides, Asgard doesn't have TV, no recorders; evening entertainment is just various banquets, maybe to Earthlings, it might seem like they are constantly celebrating."
"Uh, if every day involves drinking large cups of alcohol and eating big chunks of meat, how do you maintain your figure?" Natasha touched Gin's waist, easily feeling the hip bone.
Gin sighed, thinking of her sisters, feeling somewhat envious of the girls in the Spider Web: "As a Valkyrie, our warband feasts are held in Valhalla with the Undead, monitoring them to ensure they don't cause trouble while drunk or at least not cause too much trouble. Often it's a bloody mess at the table, making it hard to have an appetite."
In Valhalla, the Heroic Spirits' daily activities involve drinking and fighting, so Gin's task at that time was merely ensuring the brawls didn't extend beyond the palace.
"Uh..."
Natasha grimaced sympathetically, thinking she only suffered for less than ten years, while Gin's hardships seemed never-ending.
But now, they both felt truly happy.
"Alright, ladies, we can continue discussing topics on slimming and beauty later; it's time to set off."
Su Ming took off the Magic Floating Cloak, extending his hand like a gentleman for the two ladies, welcoming them to board the Flying Carpet together.
Since they're planning to try Fur Bear specialty dishes, naturally they'll head to Sochi on the Black Sea Coast. Sochi is 13 hours ahead of Hawaii, which means the meal there is technically brunch.
Sochi City was established 160 years ago and is one of the largest Fur Bear cities on the Black Sea Coast. The winter temperature doesn't drop below 5°C, nestled between mountains and sea. The northern mountains block the cold Siberian winds from the north, while warm sea breezes blow from the southern Black Sea, even having numerous hot springs in the city.
Death and Wade enjoy hot springs, giving Su Ming a hint to indulge as well.
Moscow is Leviathan's headquarters, making it inconvenient for Natasha to appear there; being seen by acquaintances would cause trouble.
Though a sanctuary for high officials, Sochi is abundant with tourists. With a permanent population of less than 150,000, it annually hosts over 4 million visitors for recreation, making it easier to blend in.
Of course, the cuisine factor is also considered. Sochi is a multicultural city, resulting in a fusion of regional specialties in its food.
There's Caucasus-Region grilled meat pies, baked red trout, red wine chicken, Georgian hand-held dumplings, Turkish salads, and common Fur Bear dishes like caviar and borscht are not lacking.
Fur Bear canceled grain coupons last year, meaning as long as there's enough Rubles, Su Ming and the others could entirely enjoy the bourgeois lifestyle there.
However, they can't use US dollars or speak English, as the Cold War is upon them, so being cautious is preferred. Primarily, they don't want to stir more trouble during vacation.
After all, traveling from Hawaii to Sochi requires passing through Celestial Dynasty airspace; it's better to exchange some cash with Old Zheng.
.........
"You're really not coming along?"
Su Ming arranged for Gin and Natasha to wait on the outskirts while he went to the Celestial Ring Base, pushed a box of money in front of Zheng Xian, which was pretty much expected. Foreign exchange is crucial for agent organizations, and there's no reason not to exchange.
Zheng Xian glanced at the clock; it's now midnight, and he didn't have the habit of eating meals while suffering from jetlag: "No, hehe, I can go to Old Mo's for a meal if I have time; the Fur Bear dishes there are quite good too, but brother, you see here, I'm currently so busy my feet don't touch the ground; I really apologize."
"Alright, I'll come find you next time, and we'll try Maori roasted fish in New Zealand; my treat." Su Ming handed Zheng Xian a cigarette, patting his own chest.
The Divine Spear is used to balance against the Holy Shield Brotherhood.
Zheng Xian is both a Martial Artist and politician, while Da Vinci is a scientific madman, relatively making it obvious whom to choose to be close to.
"That's settled then, but I fear I won't have time before the end of the year. You divided that Big Fish with me, you got to play the free-spirited shopkeeper just waiting for dividends while we're the ones busy as heck."
Zheng Xian half-jokingly stated, his expression somewhat helpless.
The so-called Big Fish is that living Ghost Ship, secretly dragged back to the country by the Divine Spear from Japan, now docked at some secret military harbor.
"They say that those capable bear the burden, haha, Old Zheng, you just can't stay idle. Otherwise, you could absolutely leave it alone; after all, you're not a scientist." Su Ming lit a cigarette, casually chatting with Zheng Xian while seated on his desk.
"Of course your Kama Taiji is relaxed, not too many people anyway, but special departments like Divine Spear have advantages knowing more while leading." Zheng Xian smilingly closed the box, called a messenger to exchange Rubles, then somewhat mysteriously said: "But lately have you heard any hearsay? It's rumored Leviathan recently discovered an Element Zero from Earth's Core..."
"Stop, no way, I haven't heard, nor do I want to. I'm on vacation, don't give me tasks." Su Ming's eyes turned dead fish-like, because now he knows, so why say it?!
Zheng Xian shook his head with a laugh: "It's a pity, I originally thought us brothers could join forces again and make a deal, splitting it equally."
"This is your old mountain king urge coming back? I'm passing, you go find Hydra for cooperation. Now hurry, give me the money, I'm leaving." Su Ming inhaled the cigarette till its butt, fiercely pressed it out in Zheng Xian's ashtray, making other butts scatter all over.