As night settled over the S.H.I.E.L.D. base, most of the team had already retired for the evening. The corridors were quiet, the only light coming from the lab, where Jemma Simmons was still hard at work. She wore her usual white lab coat and glasses, her focus entirely on the vials and instruments before her. As a biologist, Simmons was not a specialist in genetics, but the challenge of understanding the mysterious power agent Su Zhan had given her was too intriguing to pass up. She was determined to uncover how the serum could grant abilities, even if she did not expect to use it herself.
Su Zhan stood quietly in the doorway, watching her work. He found himself smiling at the sight. Simmons was beautiful, her features delicate and refined, but her dedication and intelligence made her even more attractive. Because of her personality and the demands of her profession, she rarely dressed up or paid much attention to her appearance. Tonight, though, the loose white coat she wore did little to hide her long, shapely legs, which were accentuated by the denim shorts she wore underneath.
He remembered teasing her before, telling her that her legs were beautiful and that she should wear more skirts or shorts. It seemed she had taken his advice to heart, at least a little. Even during the day, when she was busy with tasks, she had started wearing jeans instead of her usual long pants.
Simmons, engrossed in her research, did not notice Su Zhan at first. When she finally looked up and saw him standing there, she jumped in surprise, nearly dropping the vial in her hand.
"Su Zhan! You startled me," she said, her cheeks flushing as she regained her composure.
He walked over, a playful smile on his lips. "I brought back a gift for someone, but it seems like no one has noticed. I thought I'd come check if someone had forgotten."
Simmons blushed deeper, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "If I can figure out this serum, isn't that the best gift?"
He grinned. "That's true, but who knows how long it will take? Maybe I should get a little interest first. For example… how about taking off that lab coat? Didn't you wear those shorts just for me? It's a shame to hide them under that coat."
Simmons hesitated, surprised he had noticed. After a moment's pause, she slipped off the white coat, revealing a simple shirt and denim shorts. The look was youthful and casual, but it showed off her long legs perfectly.
"Gorgeous," Su Zhan said, his gaze lingering appreciatively. Simmons shifted, a little self-conscious under his attention.
He smiled and asked, "Have you ever heard the phrase 'legs for a year'?"
Simmons shook her head, puzzled. "No, what does it mean?"
Su Zhan pointed to her legs. "It means that just seeing these legs would be enough to make me happy for a whole year. It might sound cheesy, but I mean it as a compliment. Your legs are really beautiful."
"Really?" Simmons looked doubtful. She had never thought of herself that way, and no one had ever complimented her like that before.
"Absolutely," Su Zhan replied sincerely. "They're beautiful, pleasing to the eye. Honestly, I hope I get to see them for a lifetime."
He paused, then continued, "If S.H.I.E.L.D. ever falls apart, would you consider joining me? I have my own lab, but I don't have anyone I trust to manage it. If you came, I'd put it in your hands."
Simmons blinked, surprised by the question. "S.H.I.E.L.D. falling apart? I never thought of that."
"Anything is possible," Su Zhan said seriously. "So, if it does happen, will you come with me?"
She thought for a moment, then nodded. "If that day comes… maybe I will."
"Deal," Su Zhan said, satisfied. "But it's getting late. You should get some rest. There's no rush to finish your research tonight."
Simmons smiled, her earlier shyness replaced by warmth. "I'll go to bed soon."
"Good night, then?" Su Zhan leaned in, and when she did not pull away, he kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Good night," Simmons replied softly, her cheeks bright red.
Su Zhan left the lab, feeling content. He returned to his room and settled in for the night, letting the quiet of the base lull him to sleep.
The next three days passed peacefully. There were no urgent missions, so Su Zhan spent his time relaxing, occasionally studying the Aether particles or the fear crystal, but mostly enjoying the company of Skye and Simmons—especially Simmons. He found himself drawn to her more and more, not just for her beauty and intelligence, but for her kindness and dedication. She was, in every way, the kind of person he wanted at his side.
During those three days, Simmons made remarkable progress on the serum. She had already deciphered much of the formula and understood its effects. Because the powers granted by the serum were random, she was determined to find a way to influence the outcome, hoping to ensure that anyone who took it could gain a useful ability. She had not yet found the key, but her progress was impressive, and Su Zhan's respect for her only grew.
On the morning of the fourth day, Su Zhan decided it was time to visit the island base. As much as he trusted his team to handle things, he knew he could not be an absentee leader forever.
As he was preparing to leave, Phil Coulson appeared seemingly out of nowhere, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.
"You're heading out?" Coulson asked casually.
Su Zhan raised an eyebrow. "Are you always watching me?"
Coulson grinned, unashamed. "Of course. I worry you'll disappear without a word. Didn't you promise to take me to see your spaceship?"
"Now's not a good time," Su Zhan replied. "It's still a bit of a mess over there. Once everything's settled, I'll invite you for a visit. How's that?"
Coulson shrugged, accepting the answer. "Alright, I'll hold you to that."
"If you need anything, just call," Su Zhan said, heading for the door.
Coulson watched him go, a thoughtful look on his face. Su Zhan smiled to himself, feeling a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. The future was uncertain, but with friends like Simmons and Skye, and allies like Coulson, he knew he was ready for whatever challenges the Marvel universe would throw his way.