C96: Variety
That afternoon.
Every New York major paper and business media outlet reeled from Tony Stark's explosive statements at the press conference.
**Stark Industries** stock dropped between 10% and 12% immediately—erasing hundreds of millions in value and analysts warn the losses could extend over days.
---
**News Anchor (on NBC):**
"So, Mr. Nester, how do you respond to Tony Stark's announcement at this morning's press conference?"
**Nester (Analyst):**
"I think he's lost it. Three months in a cave likely scrambled his mind. The Stark board should strip him of decision-making powers before the company collapses."
**Shirley (Analyst):**
"I disagree. Stark's pivot away from military weapons is overdue."
**Nester:**
"But, Shirley, this will scare investors. He might be gutting core assets."
**Shirley:**
"Hundreds of millions in Stark weapons ended up with terrorist groups, judging from DOD lost-and-stolen records. Civilians in regions like Syria and Afghanistan have suffered from weapons Stark built. He's doing the right thing—though the timing is chaotic."
**Nester:**
"You're too idealistic. The board must intervene."
---
Li Ran watched the uproar unfold, unbothered. He knew it was temporary. In his view, Stark's decision marked a turning point: Iron Man was on the path to heroism.
Of course, he still had a few suits and upgrades left to build before he could fly again.
---
**Chinatown – Inside the Martial Arts Hall**
Ye Wen frowned at Mike, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent turned apprentice.
"You're not training?"
Normally, SHIELD agents were disciplined but Mike had vanished from the dojo without warning.
Though ten thousand unspoken questions buzzed in Ye Wen's mind, he nodded politely. "Why'd you stop?"
Mike forced a smile. "Got pulled off. My parents and girlfriend pressured me—I wasted too much on that fraud instructor, and if I keep training, they'll cut me off."
The excuse was thin. Li Ran, tracking every heartbeat, knew Mike's mission wasn't about karate.
Still, Ye Wen responded with grace: "Family matters. You've only just begun. Keep up the horse stance, and at least maintain form and fitness."
"I understand, Master." Mike bowed. "Sorry to disappoint."
"You didn't," Ye Wen replied. "We didn't become masters in a day."
As Mike left, Li Ran watched silently. Too easy, he thought. SHIELD doesn't give up that fast.
He made a mental note: keep observing.
---
**Afternoon – Food Truck Near Stark Tower**
After a tense shareholders' meeting—Obadiah pushing for damage control—Tony returned to the food truck for comfort food.
"One order of golden-ratio siu mai."
Xie Lu, focused on steaming, looked up.
Tony added, "And that 'golden smile bun' if you still have it."
Xie Lu paused. "I thought you didn't like that."
Tony shrugged. "I didn't, until just now."
Xie Lu raised an eyebrow. Tony smiled. "It's good."
But Xie Lu said he didn't have the ingredients anymore. Tony nodded and finished the siu mai, then asked earnestly:
"Boss, what's it like when you do what you know is right even though everyone else thinks you're wrong?"
Xie Lu replied bluntly: "Don't ask me—I'm just a cook."
Tony paused, then quietly said, "Maybe that's all I needed." He took the last bite. "Do you do takeout?"
"No."
Tony nodded. "Guess this is goodbye for a while."
He handed over payment and left, that last question lingering in the twilight.
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