บท 103: Inviting Hulk for a Drink
General Ross and Betty didn't know the true nature of the relationship between Banner and Hulk. Even Banner himself hadn't fully understood the complexity of the connection between him and Hulk.
From Banner's perspective, Hulk was like a disease that needed curing. He had tried tirelessly to find a way to heal his genetic mutation and return to his original state. Though they all lacked an understanding of Hulk, Russell had a clear picture of the situation.
If Banner's body were a car, then Banner and Hulk were like two hands controlling the steering wheel. When not in his transformed state, Banner had a bit more control, steering the car in a particular direction. After transforming, Hulk's control increased slightly, deciding the car's path. Regardless of who had more control, both of them sat in the same car, jointly driving it.
In terms of age, Hulk was barely over two years old. If Hulk were a human, he would be a toddler. However, the issue was that Hulk wasn't human. Although not as intelligent as Banner, Hulk possessed his own form of wisdom. Currently, his wisdom seemed somewhat limited.
"Hulk unhappy. Hulk not want to talk to you," Hulk's green face displayed clear dismay as he spoke slowly to Russell.
"I can promise you that you'll feel better soon," Russell didn't let Hulk's words affect him. Hulk speaking was a positive sign to him.
"Let me introduce myself first. I'm Russell."
Hulk remained silent, even turning his head to the side, avoiding eye contact with Russell. However, he quickly turned back under Russell's control.
"I know you're upset right now and don't like me, but I still hope you can listen to me seriously."
Russell spoke sincerely to Hulk.
Perhaps his sincerity worked because Hulk wasn't resisting as strongly as before.
However, Hulk still didn't speak, just gazing at Russell with his large green eyes.
"I don't know what kind of relationship you've developed with Banner, but I know that Banner doesn't like you. He wants you gone, completely gone!"
As soon as Russell finished speaking, Hulk's expression of dismay became even more apparent.
Hulk understood how Banner viewed him better than anyone else. To some extent, they were intertwined. Banner's thoughts couldn't be hidden from him.
Looking at Hulk's woeful expression, Russell continued, "Banner has his reasons, but I don't agree with his approach. In my view, you're much better than he is!"
"While Banner might be intelligent and composed, I prefer you who can express anger and fury!"
"Although you sometimes can't control yourself, I still prefer you."
"You're actually a pretty good person. If I could become friends with you, it would be an honor!"
After saying this, Russell disconnected the white tendril connecting to Hulk's heart, relinquishing control of his body completely.
"I appreciate you, and I'm looking forward to being friends with you. But whether we become friends or not, that's not for me to decide. It's up to you."
Russell continued speaking to Hulk on the ground while picking up the whisky and an empty glass from the table. He poured a glass for himself and an empty glass.
"If you want to leave, I won't stop you."
"But if you're in need of a friend, I'd be more than happy to be your first."
Finishing his words, Russell lifted his glass, stood up, and approached Hulk, extending a glass towards him.
Observing Russell's glass, which wasn't much thicker than his own fingers, Hulk fell silent.
"This is Scottish whisky, Johnnie Walker. It tastes pretty good. Want to give it a try?"
Russell said to Hulk, who remained unresponsive.
Russell didn't retract his extended hand.
Time ticked away.
After about ten seconds, Hulk looked up at Russell and said in a deep voice, "You're the first person to say you like Hulk, the first person to say you want to be friends with Hulk, and the first person to invite Hulk for a drink..."
"Hulk wants friends who like him!"
Finishing his sentence, Hulk stood up and looked down at Russell.
Under Russell's gaze, Hulk extended his right hand, cautiously accepting the glass.
When Hulk used his thick thumb and index finger to hold the delicate glass, Russell raised his glass and gently clinked it against Hulk's.
"I want a friend like you too, Hulk!"
Russell raised his glass and downed its contents.
Following suit, Hulk imitated the gesture, holding the glass that was incongruously small for his size, and poured all the whisky into his mouth.
Done!
It was even easier than expected!
As he carried the unconscious Hulk back to the factory, Russell wondered why Hulk had suddenly shown such an uncontrollable side, even hurting Betty. Soon, he figured it out. It was because Hulk didn't want to die!
Although Dr. Stern had only created a temporary antidote to suppress Banner's genetic mutation, Hulk wasn't aware of this fact. From Hulk's perspective, both Dr. Stern and Banner seemed to want him dead.
Survival was an instinct shared by all living beings.
Despite not being a typical living creature, Hulk also had the instinct to survive. Hulk didn't want to die, so he resisted.
However, even in his resistance, he considered Banner's feelings. Otherwise, he would have thrown Betty aside with a punch instead of a push.
Although Betty would experience the same heavy burden whether Hulk pushed or punched her, from Hulk's perspective, his push was a gentler expression of care. Once he grasped this point, Russell intended to befriend Hulk.
Hulk was lonely!
Wasn't he as well?
Aside from having a girlfriend who understood him and believed in him more than Hulk, there wasn't a significant difference between the two.
In the following time, Russell and Hulk drank heartily in the room. Though Hulk hadn't drunk alcohol before, it was clear he enjoyed Johnnie Walker whisky.
It was impossible to get Hulk drunk; the factory didn't store that much whisky. After a little over an hour of enjoying drinks with Hulk, Russell had No. 3 prepare a temporary living space for Hulk.
This was the core manufacturing facility of Octopus Monster Industries, where Zaku and bio-assisted transforming robots were created.
The factory wasn't small, but there wasn't a single worker inside.
This was No. 3's private domain, where everything was under its control.
After settling Hulk into the prepared accommodation, Russell shook his head and dispelled the effects of the alcohol.
Hulk was quite the drinker!
Russell had a good tolerance, but he felt it might be best not to challenge Hulk to a drinking contest in the future. Unless he wanted to end up completely intoxicated!
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