Chapter 11 – Shutting Down the Weapons Division
Tony sat down, took a bite of his burger, and steadied his emotions.
"In Afghanistan I saw young men killed; I almost died there myself, but a Doctor with excellent skills saved me."
"The very weapons I built to protect them were the ones used to kill us, and I realized I'd become part of a system that refuses to take responsibility."
At that point Tony stood up and walked to the podium.
"What I saw there opened my eyes. I realized I can do more for the World than just make things explode—I can do much more."
"Therefore, effective immediately, I am shutting down Stark Industries' weapons manufacturing division."
The reporters rose, clamoring for more details.
"Until I decide the company's future—its direction—one that aligns with the interests of the World."
Escorted by bodyguards, Tony left the stage with Pepperand Zhang Xuan and headed to his private suite on the top floor.
Inside, Pepper fielded one headache-inducing call after another while Tony disappeared into the lab to work on his newest project.
"Ethan, give me a hand—I need a helper."
Zhang Xuan stood to one side, watching Tony and Ethanbustle about and occasionally fetching things for the clumsy Dummy.
Dummy really was a good kid; it even thanked Zhang Xuan with an affectionate nuzzle to his back.
"Zhang Xuan, stop flirting with my robot—he's male."
"Mouthy bastard, can't you build a Cute-Girl Robot like in those Japanese Cartoons? You're one of the most hopeless scientists I've ever met."
"Find me a better scientist and I'll build you a Cute-Girl Robot."
Hearing that, Zhang Xuan stepped up to Tony. "Are you challenging me?"
Tony gave a cocky, punch-worthy grin. "If that's how you want to take it, sure."
"Challenge accepted. If you lose, you build me one—no, three—Cute-Girl Robots, with after-sale updates included."
Tony asked, "And if you lose?"
"Me, lose?" Zhang Xuan pointed at himself, supremely arrogant,
(｡‾́ٹ‾́)
certain it couldn't happen. "If I lose, I promise not to throw you into the Underground Room for a whole year."
Tony sank into unpleasant memories, but he had no comeback.
Zhang Xuan had always been setting him up, yet he'd also helped; if Zhang hadn't stopped Wanda the first time they met, Tony would've been torn apart by her unscientific magic.
Seeing Tony stumped, Ethan tried to make himself invisible; he had no wish to return to that foul-smelling basement—Tony had made the bet, he could suffer it alone.
"I'll get to the bottom of Wanda's matter—who exactly sold those weapons."
Zhang Xuan gave a casual wave.
(︶mouth︶〃)ﾉ
"Latest intel: start with the shareholders led by Obadiah. Investigate them and you'll find every last one dirty."
"Oh, and your kidnapping in the Middle East? Obadiahwanted you dead; the Terrorists kept you alive to build missiles for them. Without them you'd already be dead—no chance for me to kidnap you a second time."
Tony was stunned. He'd take Zhang Xuan's words as reference but would verify everything himself.
"Jarvis, dig deep into my shareholders—and Obadiah."
Zhang Xuan added, "Obadiah's computer has all his deal logs and photos with the Ten Rings Gang."
"You never checked in over a decade; they've long since dropped their guard."
"Better keep Obadiah calm—if he panics he'll just send men to kill you outright. Same result, just costs more to cover up later."
Tony said nothing; he had something more urgent: build a device that could keep him alive and replace the thing in his chest for good.
With ample materials and Ethan's help, Tony finished two complete arc reactors that same night, their energy output far more stable.
Zhang Xuan and Ethan tried, but their hands were too big; in the end they had Pepper come in to swap it for Tony.
"Oh my God, Tony, what's wrong—are you okay?" Pepperpulled out the copper-wired electromagnet, seeing Tonygasping, and asked anxiously.
"I'm fine—just that in a few minutes I might be dead," Tony joked.
"What do I do now?"
"Easy—just plug this in there and we're good."
Pepper, fighting back nausea at the slimy mess, connected Tony's new power source.
Watching from outside, Zhang Xuan asked Ethan beside him, "Ethan, you really couldn't change Tony's battery for him?"
Ethan adjusted his glasses. "I could—but I didn't want to. She's the better choice."
"I don't want to enter a man's body again either, so… ahem."
…"Tony, Obadiah's here. Do you want to see him?" Peppercame up the stairs, glanced at Zhang Xuan and Ethanstudying Tony's wound, then looked away. "Sorry—did I come at a bad time?"
Tony spread his hands in exasperation. "They're just looking at my injuries, and you're right on time."
"Consultation over. Time to greet my dear uncle."
Tony threw on a shirt, went downstairs, and brought up a large pizza and cheeseburgers for Ethan and Zhang Xuan.
"This place's pizza's decent—must be the one downstairs. Save me that cheeseburger; it's my favorite, from the California joint."
While Tony dealt with Obadiah downstairs, Zhang Xuanheaded to the kitchen; the pizza struck him as mediocre, so he decided to cook something himself.
"Tony, did you hire a chef?" Obadiah asked, hearing the noise upstairs.
"That's it for today. I'll find the company's future. Let the board talk—we hold absolute control."
"Tony, you can't do this; I'm doing my best to salvage the situation." Obadiah blocked Tony's path, sounding so earnest you'd think he was actually helping him.
"Enough. I've got to go put out a fire or the tower's gone."
Tony ran upstairs, unwilling to say more to Obadiah.
Obadiah shrugged at Pepper on the sofa. "He's always this willful."
Pepper gave her habitual smile. "I'm used to it. I've got some fires of my own to fight—excuse me."
Obadiah: "Good luck. Hope you can change Tony's mind."
Obadiah left with a cigar… Zhang Xuan checked the time—almost midnight. He found Tony and tapped the arc reactor to check in.
[Check-in successful. Skill acquired: Missile Survivor.]
"What is—oh, pretty impressive."
Missile Survivor: no missile of any kind can kill you, though you'll probably still be injured.
Zhang Xuan pictured himself standing on the earth, facing hundreds of nukes, unflinching, fearless, immovable—cool beyond words.
"Hey, what are you grinning at? Wanda's on the line for you." Tony handed him the phone.
Interrupted, Zhang Xuan took the call and went downstairs.
"dear, I'll be right down. Let me tell you…"
Tony exhaled as Zhang Xuan left; around him he always caught a whiff of the Underground Room. Only when Zhang was out of sight did the olfactory illusion fade.
Exhausted after a day's research, Tony collapsed at his workstation.
Good-housekeeper Pepper tucked a blanket over him, then went to bed herself, bracing for tomorrow's troubles… Next day, Zhang Xuan and Wanda returned to Stark Tower; to his surprise, Wanda insisted on coming along.
After yesterday, Zhang Xuan now had direct access to Stark Tower.
They reached Tony's lab; he was already at work, Ethansipping hot coffee nearby.
Zhang Xuan inhaled the aroma. "Smells great."
Ethan smiled and pointed to the machine. "Shall I pour you a cup?"
Zhang Xuan waved it off. "No thanks—I love the smell, not the taste. Wanda, want one?"
"No, I can't get used to it either." Wanda declined. "I'll get some hot water."
"Good idea. Any tea around here?" Zhang Xuan asked Jarvis directly. "Jarvis, does Tony have Chinese Tea?"
Jarvis's hologram pointed to a bar cabinet. "Yes, sir. In that cabinet; Mr. Stark bought it at auction to impress a lady."
Zhang Xuan fetched the tea, grabbed a large basin from the kitchen, and brewed a whole basin of it.
Drink it hot; when it cools, toss in fruit for Fruit-Tea.
Ethan stared at the lavish brew; he wanted to try the same with coffee.
Tony, finished with the Mark Armor blueprint, turned, saw the basin of tea, and looked offended—who drinks tea like that?
"Planning to bathe in it?"
"Tony Stark can't spare a bit of tea? Speaking of which, when does my 100-million rescue fee and 900-million thank-you hit the account?"
Tony frowned. "Isn't it 100 million U.S. rescue fee and 900 million ransom?"
Zhang Xuan: "Close enough—call it a cool billion."
Chapter 12: Obadiah Missing
Zhang Xuan handed Wanda the bank card—ten billion had just landed in the account.
Wanda gently pushed the card back. "Keep it. I don't really want to do anything with that much money."
Zhang Xuan teased, "Aren't you afraid I'll run off with the cash?"
"Would you?" Wanda's eyes were soft with trust.
"Of course not. Ten billion is nothing compared to you." Zhang Xuan answered without hesitation.
"Then…" Wanda leaned in and licked his cheek. "What could make you abandon me?"
Most men would dodge the question and start promising the world, but Zhang Xuan wasn't most men—he stuck to the facts.
He began to think, planning to stir up some drama; a romance without a bit of spice was doomed to fail.
While he pondered, Wanda's expression darkened. Just before she exploded, Zhang Xuan had an idea.
Zhang Xuan: (˵՞ ꇴ ՞)
"The only thing that could make me give you up…" He paused for dramatic effect: "…would be two 18-year-old versions of you."
Wanda: (◣mouth◢ꐦ)
"You actually said it! Natasha and I aren't enough—you want two of me?" Her smile was pure, filled only with the desire to 'kill' Zhang Xuan.
Ethan watched cheerfully as Zhang Xuan dug his own grave. "Kid, you've got guts."
Zhang Xuan: Super gutsy. (*ಡꈊಡ)
…That afternoon, Tony stepped out and activated the holo-projector.
"I found the Sokovia transaction records from over a decade ago, plus weapon-sales logs of several other shareholders."
The projection flickered with videos and photos of arms deals, explosions, and even human limbs flying through the air.
"Ugh—" ٩(≥ཀ≤˵)
Wanda and Ethan had lived in war zones for years, so they stayed calm; Tony had already seen it. Zhang Xuan, a frequent borrower in Hell's Kitchen, was used to gore.
That left only the newly arrived Pepper to make the retching sound.
Pepper, unaccustomed to such sights, gagged. Tony led her out first.
A short while later, Tony returned.
"These weapons were sold without my authorization, but they did leave my company. I apologize again to you and your brother."
Tony apologized solemnly to Wanda.
Wanda ignored the apology and asked flatly, "Who sold the arms to my homeland?"
Tony flicked his fingers; several video clips lined up on the hologram.
"Obadiah and one of the shareholders."
Zhang Xuan hugged Wanda to steady her emotions; if her Chaos Magic flared, Ethan and Pepper could get hurt.
Fortunately, Wanda kept her Chaos Magic perfectly under control.
"We'll take out Obadiah and those shareholders soon." He kissed Wanda's forehead, then turned to Tony. "Tony, compile a list of your criminal shareholders. I'll clear the parasites from your company while I'm at it."
Tony stubbornly insisted, "No, I can handle these people myself."
Zhang Xuan rolled his eyes. "If you handle it, how am I supposed to collect my cut? Hurry up and give me the list. After they die, remember to transfer their assets to Wanda and me."
Under Wanda's stare, Tony waved a hand and copied the files to a USB drive, tacitly agreeing to Zhang Xuan's terms.
Wanda's voice was icy: "You can't protect Obadiah, so stay out of it." With the USB in hand, she left… Back home, Zhang Xuan opened the drive; Obadiah's detailed info was there, but it offered little help for an assassination.
"Wanda, time for special training."
Wanda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What kind of special training?"
"Wait for me to get back."
Zhang Xuan drove out and returned with crates of small animals.
"Practice making them move exactly as you want with your mind. That way we can take out Obadiah cleanly."
For the next three days Wanda drilled her Chaos Magicwhile Zhang Xuan familiarized himself with every firearm.
Even with the tactical goggles' auto-aim, reloads and weapon swaps could still be smoother.
Plus the goggles had a cooldown; if enemies showed up while they were on cooldown, he'd need real accuracy.
Tired of shooting, Zhang Xuan sat down and checked his stats in the system.
[Daily Check-In System]
[Check-in complete today. Strength +1]
Zhang Xuan opened the panel and reviewed his numbers.
[Host: Zhang Xuan]
[Skills: Killing Intent Perception, Transform into Red Hulk, Eye of Wisdom, Missile Survivor]
[Physique: Steel Kidney Body (dddd)]
[Weapons: Tactical Goggles (Lock-on Version), Infinite Ammo Desert Eagle, Imitation Ten Rings, 1× jericho missile]
[Items: None]
Strength: 27
Speed: 17
Spirit: 22
He hadn't felt Killing Intent Perception much; against Terrorists, everyone exuded hostility, so it was meaningless.
The last time he sensed killing intent was a flicker in the Underground Room when he first saw Tony, but it vanished once Wanda appeared.
Red Hulk was powerful, but using it would attract General Ross, so he'd kept it shelved.
Right now Zhang Xuan still wasn't strong enough. Beating Spider-Man was doable, but he was far from the "I don't eat beef" level.
At the very least, you'd need to stop a sniper rifle, be immune to all poisons, shrug off mind control, and survive a missile with your bare body before you could even dream of standing in front of the White House and telling the camera, "I don't eat beef." That night, Zhang Xuantook Wanda to Hell's Kitchen to find some practice targets.
Inside a small stronghold, Wanda had a dozen men posing in every direction under her control.
Zhang Xuan, meanwhile, was stuffing dirty money into bags—no matter how rich you get, you can't forget the path that got you there.
"Wanda, want to take a break?"
Wanda released the group, then hit them with a psychic blast that left every one of them a vegetable.
"A bit tired—controlling them still takes effort."
Wanda draped herself over Zhang Xuan's back while carrying a duffel stuffed with U.S. dollars for him.
"You're doing great. Revenge can wait a few days. After another round of practice, we'll march straight into Obadiah's house and let him taste despair."
"Mm, whatever you say, Hubby. But next time, can we please skip the sewer? It stinks."
Unable to stand the reek, Wanda snapped on a gas mask.
Zhang Xuan donned one too and jumped into the sewer. "Once I'm stronger, we'll ignore the rats hiding in the dark and take the main road."
Wanda leapt in after him and landed neatly in Zhang Xuan's arms.
Zhang Xuan burst into a sprint and vanished down the tunnel. "Tony, our stock can't take any more hits—you have to come with me and explain this to the board."
"Obie, I'm not repeating myself. If they don't want in, I'll buy their shares."
Obadiah and Tony were at loggerheads again; Tony really wanted to ask Zhang Xuan why Obadiah was still bothering him.
After more bickering, Tony retreated to the lab while Obadiah sat in the lounge puffing a cigar.
Pepper glanced at Obadiah, uneasy—this man had tried to kill Tony. She quietly slipped into Tony's lab, unwilling to face such a ruthless figure.
"Tony, since we've got proof of Obadiah's crimes, why not just arrest him?"
"Zhang Xuan and Wanda want to handle him personally, but it's been a week and nothing's happened—I'll ask. Jarvis, let's continue. Drop output to 1%; 2% might be too hot."
...Night. In Obadiah's Villa, he was just about to enjoy himself with an eighteen-year-old no-name model when a commotion downstairs jolted him upright.
Moments later the door burst open; his bodyguards grabbed him and trussed him up.
"Bastards, have you lost it? I'm your boss—do you want your paychecks or not? Let go, damn it!"
Obadiah's mouth was finally stuffed with the model's stockings, but his mouth was too big for them to fill.
The model checked what little she had left on her; even that wouldn't do. She grabbed Obadiah's own socks and shoved them in.
Wanda stepped through the doorway, Zhang Xuan right behind her.
Zhang Xuan crushed the security guard's surveillance hard drive. Under Wanda's control, the guard loaded Obadiah into a car and drove out of the heavily monitored luxury enclave.
On a deserted country road, Wanda knocked the driver out; Zhang Xuan transferred Obadiah to a black car he'd prepared.
After a long detour, they returned to the same basement where Tony had once been held.
Zhang Xuan put on a gas mask and tossed Obadiah into the never-cleaned Underground Room.
Obadiah's mouth was gagged, but his nose wasn't.
With limbs bound and several layers of tape over his mouth, there was no way to spit out the socks.
"Wanda, grab the alcohol sprayer from the car—I need to disinfect."
Wanda doused Zhang Xuan in a 360-degree mist; she couldn't imagine the state down there—after her single visit she'd sworn never to go again.
"Let's go. Let him spend some time reflecting on his sins."
In the pitch-black basement, Obadiah could only wriggle and feel around.
Unluckily, he bumped a red bucket, spilling its indescribable contents all over himself.
Maggots from the bucket swarmed his body... The next day every major network reported Obadiah's disappearance.
Details were suppressed, but in the brief footage Zhang Xuan spotted that familiar Bald Dome.
"Beep-beep-beep—"
Zhang Xuan picked up; the caller ID read: Genius Scientist Tony Stark.
"You hacked my phone and changed your own nickname?"
Tony brushed off the accusation. "Just used a backdoor the phone company left. So, was the Obadiah thing your handiwork?"
"Obadiah—that's the bald, burly guy? What happened to him?" Zhang Xuan played dumb.
"Cut the act; the line's encrypted. Take me to him. I've got questions—call it a final farewell." Tony sounded somber.
"Fine. Tonight, that basement. I'll wait for you there."
Zhang Xuan was about to hang up when Tony's anxious voice rang out.
"Wait, wait—I have no idea where that basement is."
Zhang Xuan chuckled. "And there's a place you can't find? Drop by my place tonight; I'll walk you down memory lane."
Chapter 13: Preparing to Buy Low
Tony drove his flashy sports car to the front of Zhang Xuan's house, attracting a lot of attention.
After speaking briefly with Wanda, Zhang Xuan went downstairs.
"Don't drive such a flashy car next time; it's useless." Zhang Xuan looked at Tony's supercar jealously and said, "Leave your car here and take mine."
"Now, I want to see exactly where that place is. It trapped me for so long. I really miss that Underground Room." Tony thought of something after getting in the car: "Did you clean it after last time?"
Zhang Xuan felt slightly nauseated and replied, "I wouldn't clean a place like that. I'd rather pay to dig a new one. But if you miss it and want to stay there for a couple of days, you can build a cleaning robot to tidy it up."
"Forget it. After cleaning that room, the robot would be useless too. I'll just look from the doorway; I'm not going in."
Tony shivered, reminded of the pile of pig manure he saw when his father took him to a farm when he was a child.
Upon reaching the location, Zhang Xuan opened Tony's car door.
"Get out. You'll know how to open the door just by looking."
Tony looked at Zhang Xuan in disbelief.
Zhang Xuan casually turned his head away, ignoring Tony.
"Fine, I'll open the door myself. Where are the gas mask and the disposable rubber gloves?"
"The trunk."
Tony put on the mask and gloves, steeled his resolve, and walked into the Underground Room.
However, it wasn't long before Tony returned.
Zhang Xuan looked at his watch suspiciously. "Only a minute passed. Did you two say goodbye that quickly?"
Tony: "No one responded down there. Are you sure Obadiah is inside?"
Zhang Xuan: "He must be inside. I personally threw him in, and I even disinfected myself afterward. He shouldn't be able to run away, especially since you couldn't escape."
Tony: "But there's no response inside. If he heard my voice, he should be yelling for help."
Zhang Xuan said carelessly, "Maybe the smell was so bad he suffocated or hit his head and died. Go open the door and check. Maybe he really was rescued by someone powerful."
This time, Tony stayed much longer.
"Did that bastard Tony get knocked out by the smell?"
Zhang Xuan felt uneasy, put on a mask and gloves, got out of the car, and prepared to go pull Tony out.
Just as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Tonystanding at the already opened entrance to the Underground Room.
"Hey, what are you doing? Where is Obadiah? Did he vanish?"
Hearing Zhang Xuan's voice, Tony stepped aside and turned on the light so Zhang Xuan could see the situation inside.
"What the f*ck! How did this guy die? His face is purple? Suffocated?"
Tony also explained to Zhang Xuan: "A purple face usually indicates death due to respiratory distress. I suspect his mouth was blocked, preventing him from expelling vomit, which ultimately clogged his nasal cavity. He probably died shortly after being put inside."
"Let's go. Go cherish the memory of your wonderful uncle in your dreams. Maybe you two can even have a fight there."
Tony glanced at Obadiah, who still had vomit beneath his nose, closed the door, and left.
"This looks like the route to Manhattan, doesn't it? Shouldn't we go back to your place to get my car?"
Tony, in the car, looked at the slightly familiar roadside buildings and directed a soul-searching question at Zhang Xuan, who was driving. He suspected his car might never return.
Zhang Xuan turned his head and gave Tony a wicked smile. "The car in my garage is definitely mine. What does that have to do with you?"
Tony felt that his Pagani was probably gone forever... Zhang Xuan and Tony entered the company.
"Ethan, what part of your toy research have you reached?" Zhang Xuan walked into the lab and saw parts for the feet laid out on the table.
"It looks like you haven't assembled it yet. You might need a physically strong pilot to help you test drive it."
Tony walked in holding a snack: "You'd better not. If you get hurt, Wanda will kill me."
Zhang Xuan looked around the room but didn't see Pepper, so he asked, "Speaking of which, where is Pepper? I need her help with something."
"Pepper is likely dealing with the stock price drop caused by Obadiah's disappearance." Ethan answered Zhang Xuan's question on behalf of the oblivious Tony.
Zhang Xuan: "How much has your stock dropped? 56? Or more?"
Tony thought for a moment: "Maybe 60?"
Ethan: "The stock price dropped by 65."
Zhang Xuan: "Tony, why don't you let Pepper be the CEO and Ethan be the manager? I feel like you're not very useful to the company."
Tony heard this and proudly stated: "This company is mine. Those people are just beggars who ate scraps from my father. Soon, I will restore Stark Industries to its former glory and surpass its past."
Zhang Xuan: "I believe in you, but you should still find a way to solve your health problems. Your body isn't doing so well.
Let the stock price drop for a few more days. I'm going to use a billion to buy low."
Ethan chimed in, agreeing with Zhang Xuan: "Tony, Zhang Xuan is right. You can't spend your whole life with... a battery in your chest."
Tony placed his hand on the arc reactor. "Give me more time to think. I will find a solution."
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Tony, Zhang Xuanstopped trying.
"True, maintaining this state for two or three years won't be a problem. I'll try to look out for healing items for you." Zhang Xuan saw the silver mask on Tony's wall and was inspired. He clapped his hands. "I suddenly remembered someone who might be able to help you solve this problem."
Tony frowned: "I've consulted the most authoritative Doctors in the World, but they all said it was impossible."
Zhang Xuan: "I'm not saying she can solve it one hundred percent, but she will definitely help you. Jarvis, help me look up a person, a Korean beauty named Helen Zhao, specializing in biotechnology."
With Tony's permission, Jarvis began searching for information on Helen Zhao.
"Sir, information on Helen Zhao has been found. She is currently working as a researcher at a biotechnology company affiliated with Mr. Stark."
Jarvis also projected Helen Zhao's profile and research results onto the screen.
Tony and Ethan reviewed Helen Zhao's profile. Zhang Xuan couldn't understand it, but he knew Helen Zhao's Regeneration Cradle was very powerful—it could even create Ultron when combined with Vibranium.
"Ethan, transfer her over tomorrow. You two can research together. Maybe you should find someone younger and start a new relationship."
Ethan shook his head, then turned and smiled at Zhang Xuan. Tony seemed to realize something too.
"Oh shit, I'm going to tell Wanda that you're looking for side pieces."
Zhang Xuan: ( ´ﾟωﾟ)? What the hell are you talking about? Wanda is the'side piece,' okay? Wait, I didn't look for Helen Zhao. But it's certainly something to consider.
Seeing Zhang Xuan's reaction, Ethan asked suspiciously, "Didn't you suggest her because you have a relationship with Helen Zhao?"
Zhang Xuan: (◦`~´◦)
"Your minds are truly filthy! I suggested her because I value talent. I haven't even met her before."
"Sir, according to records, Mr. Zhang Xuan has indeed not met Ms. Helen Zhao, so there is no improper relationship." Jarvis also came out to clarify for Zhang Xuan.
But Zhang Xuan criticized Jarvis: "Jarvis, what do you mean by 'improper relationship'? Even if I'm dating three people at once, as long as everyone involved agrees, it's a normal romantic relationship. Watch your language in the future, or I'll dismantle your main unit."
"Understood, Mr. Zhang Xuan. I will be careful next time."
Tony: (*ಡꈊಡ) So, you're that kind of person too.
Ethan: (⁼̴ ～ ⁼̴๐) No comment, but I don't object. After all, that was my mentality when I was young.
After Helen Zhao, Zhang Xuan thought of other people.
Since there's Garfield-Spider, there should be the Lizard Dr., right? I should bring Gwen over too.
We should also bring Dr. Selvig. In Avengers 2, he opened a Space Gate directly. If we open the Space Gatenow, wouldn't we be able to start the Great Spacefaring Era? It's a shame the Tesseract is hard to get.
"I know two more talented technical people that I think we should poach."
"Jarvis, search for Dr. Connors of the Osborn Group, and the astronomer Dr. Selvig."
A few seconds later, Jarvis projected the two men's profiles onto the holographic display.
"They are indeed two great talents, but Dr. Connors isn't easy to poach. We can try for the astronomer."
After reviewing the two profiles, Tony temporarily gave up on Dr. Connors, as the Osborn Group wouldn't let him go. They are considered competitors in certain fields.
Ethan asked, "But what do we need an astronomer for?"
Tony tilted his head and muttered, "Maybe to summon aliens?"
Zhang Xuan: Has this Tony read the script?
"Dr. Selvig researches astronomy. He studies cosmic energy rays and similar things, and he can also build machines himself, though he needs a bit of investment."
"I think I can invest myself; I count as a rich person now."
Zhang Xuan cleared all the data from the screen and continued:
"Jarvis, find the profile for Maya Hansen. She slept with Tony a few years ago."
"Mr. Zhang Xuan, all data for Maya Hansen has been retrieved."
Tony looked at the familiar woman. He remembered her; she was not only attractive but also very talented. And that day, he was almost crushed by Happy.
"Tony, do you remember the problem you helped her solve?"
Tony thought back: "Are you talking about her bamboo?"
"Exactly. That might be able to treat your injuries, but the security seems quite high; Jarvis couldn't even find any related videos."
The holographic projection only showed Maya Hansen's profile, with no information about Extremis.
Chapter 14: Recruiting Talents
"Did you spend the night with Happy after the explosion that night, or with Maya Hansen? Personally, I think you should have gone to the roof and tried it with that somewhat scruffy Killian; that way, he wouldn't hold a grudge against you, or even covet Pepper."
Tony looked at Ethan, then at Zhang Xuan.
"Zhang Xuan, I've always wanted to know why you know so much. Setting aside the matter of my parents, back in 1999, you should have still been a..."
Tony sized Zhang Xuan up and continued, "...still a kid in middle school. Moreover, I can't find any information on you at all. So why do you know so many things?"
Zhang Xuan gave a smug smile. (☛՞ ꇴ ՞)☛
"It would be a miracle if you could find anything. You can try investigating Ta-Lo, or 177A Bleecker Street. If you can find those two places, I'll consider you impr..."
Smack!! Smack!!
"Waaaooh!"
As soon as Zhang Xuan finished speaking, a miserable cry rang out.
Tony ( ° △ °?): "Ethan, did you see that?"
Ethan (* ⁰̷̴꒨⁰̷̴): "I saw it. A pair of flawless, fair hands—slender, firm, and radiant."
Zhang Xuan: (ﾉ)beneficial(ヾ)
Zhang Xuan clutched his face in pain and took back his previous words: "Tony, just investigating Ta-Lo is fine. Whatever you do, do NOT investigate 177A Bleecker Street. This is the consequence."
Tony: (•́ω•̀ ٥)
"Jarvis, delete all footage and audio from these last few minutes. Eject and destroy the hard drives storing this content."
"Sir, destruction is complete."
Immediately after, Jarvis's voice spoke again, "Sir, I seem to have just lost a portion of my data. It is likely a hard drive failure."
"It's fine, Jarvis. I did that. There are some things that others shouldn't know."
After settling things with Jarvis, Tony continued to ask Zhang Xuan his previous question: "Now, can you tell me why you know so many things?"
Zhang Xuan rubbed his cheeks, which were left with two red marks. Jarvis even thoughtfully brought over an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
"It's just a small trick for peeking into the past, nothing worth mentioning. Besides..."
Zhang Xuan told a casual lie. Like someone who gains weight just by drinking water, the lies came naturally.
"If you don't want to get slapped, don't ask."
Tony and Ethan obediently shut their mouths and said no more... The next day, when Zhang Xuan came here again, he was quite confused to see the two of them with bruised and swollen faces.
Zhang Xuan took out his phone and, with a face full of sorrow, recorded the injuries of the two.
(⑉ԾжԾ⑉)ﾉ|✧| *Click*
"What did you two go and do? I can understand Tonygetting beaten up, but Ethan, why did you get beaten up too?"
Ethan put down the device Tony had made last night that could promote rapid healing of injuries and answered hesitantly:
"We didn't do much, just... just went for a stroll on the streets and, incidentally... acted as Good Samaritans?"
Tony supplemented Ethan's story from the side: "That's right. We rescued a little girl who was being harassed by some black thugs. But then they went to call for backup. They had numbers on their side, and after we resisted, we were pinned to the ground and given a beating."
Zhang Xuan didn't believe Tony's words at all, but he went along with it anyway: "Maybe you should bring Happy along next time you go out."
Tony painfully closed his eyes and sank into the memories of last night.
Last night, unable to contain his curiosity, Tony took Ethanin disguise and searched Bleecker Street three times, but still couldn't find 177A.
In the end, Tony called in Jarvis's drones and scanning vehicles. With a coordinated land-and-air effort, he forced a group of people out of 177A.
Then came the one-sided thrashing. At that moment, Tony really regretted not bringing the unfinished mark iiwith him.
Finally, that black man left them with a warning: "This is a warning from Sorcerer Ancient One. I hope there won't be a next time."
Tony even had the nerve to quip back: "You guys don't look like sorcerers. What kind of sorcerer has muscles that big?"
Those sorcerers felt insulted and proceeded to test various spells on the two of them repeatedly.
Ethan also suffered this undeserved calamity because of Tony's remark.
Zhang Xuan ignored the two and started playing with the newly completed Hand Thrusters.
It wasn't until the afternoon that Pepper brought two guests.
"Tony, these are the people you asked me to invite: Helen Zhao and Dr. Selvig."
Tony remained his usual casual self. "You two, this is your primary contact. He'll be the one talking to you next; I have some things to attend to."
Tony shouted toward the upper floor: "Zhang Xuan, come down and receive the guests. Now that he's down, I'll be making my exit."
Tony called for Pepper, having promised her to handle an hour of company business.
"Hi, you two. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am interested in investing in your research. Do you have any questions?"
Dr. Selvig was the first to voice his concern.
"My research must remain my own property. I don't want to be like Dr. Connors, researching solely for a corporation."
Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement: "That's not a problem. Dr. Connors is indeed quite pitiable, working so hard to treat his own severed arm. I hope his research succeeds. However..."
Hearing the 'however,' Selvig felt that today's investment might fall through. Usually, the conditions proposed by people like this were very harsh.
"However, even if you leave, the technology researched during your time at the company must be shared with the company. In exchange, I won't prohibit you from doing related research after you leave. Furthermore, you cannot obstruct any further research the company performs on that technology."
After hearing this, Dr. Selvig felt the conditions weren't very harsh.
"I think your conditions are acceptable, but I want to add a clause: without my permission, the research is prohibited from being used for warfare."
Zhang Xuan extended his hand, "Of course, no problem."
Dr. Selvig smiled and shook Zhang Xuan's hand.
"It's a pleasure working with you. In one month, the funds will be fully in place. However, you may need to be meticulous in reviewing the use of funds, as we will have dedicated personnel investigating the fund usage to prevent misuse and embezzlement by subordinates."
"Of course, that's no problem. I'll try to use them as sparingly as possible."
Dr. Selvig's face crinkled into a smile like a chrysanthemum. After all, he didn't even know how to spend a hundred-million-dollar investment. His previous largest investment was only one million dollars, and the payments were sluggish before the funding was eventually cut off.
This time, the first installment was 10 million dollars. He could buy a lot of experimental equipment he had wanted for a long time.
As expected, Chinese 'coal bosses' were generous; they not only respected science but also didn't micromanage it.
Zhang Xuan: Suddenly I feel like producing a movie.
Dr. Selvig went to the waiting area, giggling to himself in the lounge: What equipment should I buy? Should I pre-order some?
"Dr. Helen Zhao, you can state your conditions."
The young Helen Zhao spoke quite politely, much better than when she faced Tony in Avengers: Age of Ultron: "Mr. Zhang Xuan, you should be Chinese, right?"
Zhang Xuan (·•᷄ࡇ•᷅ )?: "Is my name not obvious enough?"
Helen Zhao explained: "I wasn't sure if you were ethnically Chinese, but I instinctively felt you were a native Chinese from the mainland. That aura of yours is very similar to the soldiers who drove tanks to Seoul as described by my grandfather."
Zhang Xuan was curious: "Thanks for the compliment. So, what are ethnic Chinese like in your impression?"
Helen Zhao smiled: "Other ethnic Chinese at least wouldn't be as confident as you are when facing Tony Stark. 99.99% of Koreans and Japanese, no matter how rich they are, wouldn't have this kind of relationship with Tony Stark; they wouldn't be as natural as you."
Zhang Xuan: "You're a good judge of character. So, do you want to accept my investment and change the World with me? This World shouldn't be like this; we need to correct it."
Helen Zhao lightly brushed her hair, "If the conditions are the same as Dr. Selvig's, I can certainly accept. However..."
Zhang Xuan gestured for Helen Zhao to continue.
"However, my research funding might be very large. I don't want an investor whose capital is unstable."
Zhang Xuan understood; she was testing his financial situation.
Zhang Xuan made a grand gesture: (︶mouth︶〃)ﾉ
"You don't need to worry about that at all. If the money isn't enough, I'll just kidnap Tony Stark and extort another ransom."
Helen Zhao: (⌒﹏⌒;)
"Mr. Zhang Xuan really loves to joke. No wonder Mr. Starkbecame friends with you; it turns out your personalities are equally mischievous."
Zhang Xuan: ╮( •́ω•̀ )╭
"You don't believe me even when I'm telling the truth. Fine, forget it. I'll give you a tip so you can make a fortune on the side."
Upon hearing this, Helen Zhao unconsciously leaned forward a bit.
"Buy more Stark Industries stock. You'll make a fortune in a while." Zhang Xuan stood up, preparing to see her out. "We'll talk again when the stock price skyrockets. At that time, I hope you can work for me wholeheartedly."
"I very much look forward to our next meeting, Mr. Zhang Xuan."
After the two shook hands, Helen Zhao got into the elevator. Zhang Xuan checked the system messages.
[Check-in successful. Obtained 2kg of Vibranium.]
After seeing off Helen Zhao, Zhang Xuan began chatting with Dr. Selvig to learn more about his research.
"Doctor, if this Jane Foster is willing, I can provide investment for her as well."
Selvig: "Then I thank you for your sponsorship on her behalf. I believe she will be willing."
Zhang Xuan invested in Jane Foster as well; she would likely agree to join.
Zhang Xuan stayed behind, waiting for Tony to return so he could sell the Vibranium for a good price... An hour later, Tony, who was annoyed by various matters, was finally released by a satisfied Pepper.
"Tony, come look at the good stuff I brought you."
Tony leaned in, his gaze focused on the metal in Zhang Xuan's hand.
"What metal is this? Jarvis, scan it."
"Sir, according to the scan results, this should be Vibranium. Your father once used Vibranium to forge Captain America's shield. The Vibranium in Mr. Zhang Xuan's hand is estimated at 2KG, with a market value exceeding 20 million."
After hearing Jarvis's explanation, Tony imperiously claimed it all: "The money will be transferred to your account later. I'm buying this piece of Vibranium."
Tony's hand grabbing for the Vibranium was pressed down by Zhang Xuan.
Zhang Xuan slowly spat out two words: "Two hundred million."
"Deal." Tony thought for a second and agreed immediately. "Now, please take your hand off my Vibranium."
"Of course, no problem. You are my God right now. Friendly reminder: Vibranium is affected by ultrasonic waves."
...Zhang Xuan returned to his cozy little home and saw Natasha's combat boots at the door.
"Natasha, when did you get back?"
As soon as he entered the living room, Natasha ran and jumped into Zhang Xuan's arms.
"Where's Wanda? Is she not home?"
Natasha: "Wanda went to buy ingredients for dinner. She'll be back in a bit."
Zhang Xuan gave a dangerous smile: "Then you should eat first."
Ten minutes later, Wanda stood outside the house and heard the sounds of two people frolicking inside. She awkwardly wanted to go in and remind the two big kids to keep it down, or they'd disturb the neighbors.
Several passing middle-aged women cast sympathetic looks at her.
One woman even came up, indignant.
"Little girl, I'll go in with you. We'll take that heartbreaker and the other woman and..."
Wanda quickly explained: "No, you've misunderstood. This is... this is... this is my friend's house. I'm just here as a guest."
One of the women stepped forward and said: "Little girl, you don't need to make excuses for that scumbag. I recognize you. Don't you and your boyfriend live here? You don't have to explain for him. A scumbag like that isn't worth it."
"It's fine, really. You've misunderstood."
Wanda quickly entered the house and closed the door. She then went to the second floor, but before she could speak, she was grabbed by Natasha to be a recruit.
"Natasha, what are you doing? Let go of me quickly, there are so many women listening outside."
"Sister, I need to take a break. Help me out now, and I'll let you have your way more often in the future."
"You big bad guy, there are so many people outside. Don't mess around."
Zhang Xuan: "Jie jie jie~ If you two don't eat your fill today, what if someone says I'm mistreating my wives? Today you must eat until you're full and plump; your bellies must bulge."
The women outside the house all hurried away.
"Oh my, young girls these days are really something else."
"Indeed. If my man had that kind of ability, I wouldn't mind having an extra bedmate."
"I'm going back to find Jimmy and John. They've been waiting a long time."
Mei: It's all the boss's fault, not even inviting me to dinner. Hmph~ I'm not going to work this afternoon.
Chapter 15: I am ※24
One month later.
Having spent quite a while lounging at home, Zhang Xuan spent every day "looting" and checking in on Wandaand Natasha.
However, during this month, aside from looting a Martial Arts Proficiency skill from Natasha, the rest were all attribute points.
However, the attribute point critical hits were significantly more frequent when touching Wanda, yielding a total of 59 points across his three main attributes.
[Daily Check-in System]
[Today's Check-in Complete: Strength +1]
Zhang Xuan opened the system panel and began checking his various stats.
[Host: Zhang Xuan]
[Skills: Killing Intent Perception, Transform into Red Hulk, Eye of Wisdom, Missile Survivor, Martial Arts Proficiency]
[Physique: Steel Kidney Body (IYKYK)]
[Weapons: Tactical Goggles (Lock-on Version), Infinite Ammo Desert Eagle, Imitation Ten Rings, one jericho missile]
[Items: None]
Strength: 57 (37+20=57)
Speed: 33 (17+16=33)
Spirit: 45 (22+23=45)
Tomorrow, Zhang Xuan's goal was to head to Californiafor a press conference held by Tony's company. Ever since Tony returned to his seaside Villa in California, the commotion he caused had been growing larger and larger.
Especially in the Middle East, Tony would head back every few days. Reporters had already filmed videos of the Iron Man flying in and out of his Villa.
However, as soon as they were uploaded, S.H.I.E.L.D.would delete them and hand out detention packages.
Zhang Xuan felt that this time, Tony would probably admit his identity as Iron Man.
In the original story, it was because of the Obadiahincident that Tony held the press conference.
But here, Tony had blown up the Military's F-22 fighter jets in the Middle East because they were using weapons he had previously sold to bomb civilians.
In a fit of rage, Tony blew up the planes, leaving no pilots behind, and even destroyed a small weapons depot at a temporary outpost. Along the way, he had also gone on two missions with Zhang Xuan in New York.
Then, Rhodes, representing the Military, and Coulson, representing S.H.I.E.L.D., both found Tony, wanting him to explain at the press conference that he had nothing to do with the Iron Man.
Zhang Xuan felt that this time, Tony might actually say: I am Iron Man.
So Zhang Xuan planned to go see it in person. Although it involved a flight, such a classic scene was worth witnessing with his own eyes.
"Wanda, I'm heading out. If you don't want to cook, just order takeout from that place."
"Go ahead, I'm tired, I want to sleep."
Wanda rolled over, lying on her side and hugging the quilt.
Zhang Xuan didn't dare look any longer; if he did, he wouldn't make his flight.
"Zayu Wanda."
Before boarding the plane, Zhang Xuan called Mei.
"Mei, how do you feel at the company today? Are you getting used to it?"
Mei's lowered voice came through the phone.
"Zhang Xuan, you never told me I'd be in charge of the sanitation for the entire Stark Tower. Didn't you say I'd be a janitor? Why do they want me to be the head of the cleaning department?"
Zhang Xuan chuckled upon hearing this. "Mei, it's just managing a few old men who clean. The salary isn't that high, and they just happened to be short-staffed, so Pepper arranged it."
"The salary is more than what you gave me—$7,000 a month, plus bonuses. I don't think I can do this job well."
Zhang Xuan comforted her, "Mei, it's just cleaning. You just need to clean it like you did the office. I won't say more, I'm about to board the plane."
Zhang Xuan hung up the phone, and Mei slumped onto the desk in discouragement.
Knock, knock.
"Come in." Hearing the knock, Mei sat up straight, trying to maintain a serious expression.
A young male employee handed some items to Mei. "Supervisor, this is the workflow description Miss Potts gave you. You can take a look at these."
"Alright, thank you. Go back to your work for now. For the next couple of days, just follow your previous routine."
The young employee left, and Mei felt a massive headache looking at the dozen or so pages of the workflow.
During this month, aside from visiting Tony once to see the completed armor, Zhang Xuan had gone out twice to destroy two human trafficking dens.
Because these were commissions received by the office, after those two times, people began staking out the area around the office from time to time.
For Mei's safety, Zhang Xuan had no choice but to temporarily close the office and find a job for Mei at Stark Tower.
Mei was usually meticulous and liked cleanliness, so Zhang Xuan arranged for her to join the cleaning department. However, he hadn't expected Pepper to directly make her one of the supervisors, responsible for the floors closest to Zhang Xuan's room... at the Stark Industries headquarters in California.
"Pepper, where's Tony?" Zhang Xuan saw Pepper but didn't see Tony.
"Jarvis, take Zhang Xuan to find our big hero." Pepperlooked up at Zhang Xuan, then continued processing her work.
"Mr. Zhang Xuan, please follow me."
Light-up signs along the path provided navigation for Zhang Xuan.
Zhang Xuan followed Jarvis to a lounge. Opening the door, he saw Rhodes inside talking with Tony.
"Rhodes, let me introduce you. This is Zhang Xuan." Tonywanted to introduce the two.
But Zhang Xuan said, "No need for an introduction. I know Colonel Rhodes."
Rhodes gave a Happy smile. "Not Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel. It might take another ten years to become a Colonel."
Zhang Xuan: "No need for that. With Tony and me helping, you'll be a Colonel in two years."
After shaking hands, Zhang Xuan said, "You guys keep talking, don't mind me."
Rhodes looked at Tony, hesitating to speak.
Tony said indifferently, "Rhodes, there's no need to hide it. There's nothing about your US Military business that can't be said. The whole World is about to find out anyway."
Rhodes had a helpless expression. "True. Just like the whole World knows you're the Iron Man, yet we still have to hold a press conference to clarify things."
Tony headache-inducingly pulled out the speech draft given to him by the balding Agent from that whatever-whatever-whatever Bureau.
"Rhodes, what organization is that balding Coulson from? Do you guys have to follow his orders too?"
(According to the movie's plot, Tony shouldn't know about this organization.)
Rhodes was helpless again. "They're very mysterious, but they have a lot of authority. Although we aren't afraid of them, the leadership doesn't allow us to interfere much in their business, saying it's to reduce the trouble of bickering."
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. Founded in... well, I don't know that. Base locations: 38°N 53'33.78″, 77°S 3'38.91°."
"The current Director is Nick Fury, commonly known as Black Egg. The previous Director was Alexander Pierce. He has several excellent Agents under him; that balding guy is one of them. Others include the beautiful Level 9 Agent Hill, Hawkeye Clinton, Black Widow Natasha, and Melinda, who seems to be a Level 7 Agent."
"Nominally, they take orders from the United Nations Security Council, but they basically serve the US alone, using that name to do whatever they want around the World.
That Black Egg talks about maintaining World peace every day. But the trouble is all caused by you Americans yourselves—like the Hulk caused by General Ross, and I won't even mention the rest."
Tony and Rhodes looked at Zhang Xuan in disbelief.
Tony: "Aren't you a bit too well-informed about this organization?"
Rhodes: "How do you know all this in such detail?"
Zhang Xuan: ʅ( ･´～･｀)ʃ
"I used to be one of their Agents, but I quit after giving Black Egg a piece of my mind. Also, my wife is Black Widow Natasha."
Tony: (゜one゜)(._.)(๑ʘ̅ mouth ʘ̅๑)?!
Rhodes, on the other hand, had a gossipy expression. "Hurry up and tell us the secrets you know; I'm very interested."
"Rhodes, wait a second." Tony pushed Rhodes aside slightly and asked Zhang Xuan in disbelief, "You say your wife is Black Widow Natasha, so what's your relationship with Wanda?"
Zhang Xuan put his hands on his hips and said righteously, "Wanda is also my wife. Does the law say I can't have two wives?"
Tony answered forcefully, "The law dictates that you cannot have two wives!"
Rhodes added, "Having two wives is bigamy; you'll go to jail."
Zhang Xuan coughed dryly. "It seems that's true, but what does that have to do with me?"
Tony asked Rhodes doubtfully, "I recall China also has a monogamy system, right?"
Rhodes covered his face. "Yes, and you have to pay a bride price." He really didn't know where Zhang Xuan got the nerve to say such things.
Without waiting for them to ask, Zhang Xuan started saying, "I'll just get married without registering the certificates, wouldn't that work?"
Tony questioned indignantly, "Then how can you face the two of them?"
Zhang Xuan straightened his back proudly. "The three of us have a great relationship. I even heard them talking while I was sleeping, asking if they should find another sister to help them share the pressure, saying I'm too strong and fierce."
"If Wanda hadn't disagreed, Natasha might have already helped me gather enough for a four-person mahjong game."
Tony: (⌯꒪ ཀ꒪)
Rhodes: Σ(๑ºΔº๑ )
Tony coughed up blood. What kind of World was this? Although he slept with many cover girls, those were time-limited commodities he purchased. How could he compare to a stat monster like Zhang Xuan?
Rhodes, meanwhile, looked envious. Although he had racial advantages, not everyone was exceptionally gifted.
In the end, the two asked for advice humbly, but both walked away from Zhang Xuan with dark faces.
What did he mean by "moving Wanda bit by bit with sincerity," or "offering Natasha a condition she couldn't refuse"?
Tony and Rhodes went to the press conference with darkened faces.
The reporters' eyes lit up when they saw the two with sour expressions.
"Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes and Tony Stark break up: Is it moral depravity, Military pressure, or Stark's persistence?"
"Best friends turn into enemies: What exactly did Tony Stark and Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes do in that room?"
There were also quick-handed reporters who captured a fleeting glimpse of Zhang Xuan in the lounge before the door closed.
"Mysterious man appears again, causing the rift between Tony and Rhodes."
Rhodes stepped forward to explain the purpose of the press conference, and then it was time for Tony to take the stage.
"Now, please welcome Mr. Stark to read the prepared statement. He will not be taking questions today. Thank you."
Tony walked up to the podium, took a deep breath, and said a few words.
His voice spread throughout the venue via the microphone. "Regarding the recent outside speculation about the 'Iron armor' incident,"
"It's been a while since I last saw everyone, I..." Tonypulled out the draft he was supposed to have memorized from his back pocket. "I'll just read from the script."
Laughter broke out from the audience, clearly amused by Tony. It was indeed very much in character for Tony Stark.
Tony coughed twice. "There has been speculation that I was involved in the geopolitical events in the Middle Eastand the human trafficking in New York."
"Sorry, Mr. Stark." Christine, the big-time reporter and Tony's former bedmate, interrupted him and raised a doubt. "You don't really expect us to believe that the bodyguard who stole your armor just happened to show up in the Middle East to uphold justice, and just happened to appear at a human trafficking scene, coincidentally neutralizing all the traffickers in self-defense, and finally, just happened to run out of power and drop back into its original place while passing by your house?"
"The situation is indeed complex, but questioning official reports is one thing, and accusing, implying, or insinuating that I am a crime-fighting superhero is quite another."
Tony's expression was very unnatural because he wanted to show off so badly, but Pepper and Rhodes wouldn't allow it.
Hearing Tony call himself a superhero, Christine gave a smug smile. "I never said you were a superhero."
"Oh, uh, really? That's good." Tony hadn't expected to let slip what was truly on his mind. For Pepper's sake, he still had to force an explanation:
"Let's try to discard those incredible, fantastical, and far-fetched speculations."
Tony took another deep breath, suppressing the urge to show off.
"I'm not the superhero type. I have many flaws, including but not limited to being handsome, rich, smart, and having made many mistakes."
Christine smiled and interrupted Tony, "But you always do the right thing."
"Thank you." Tony answered subconsciously, and then Christine's smile became even more smug.
Even though it was just one night, she had come to understand Tony's motor-mouth.
Rhodes couldn't take it anymore and whispered in Tony's ear, "Stick to the script."
"Yeah, okay." Tony agreed readily.
He held up the note, looked around the audience, and after hesitating repeatedly, he couldn't hold it in anymore.
He! Wanted! To! Show! Off!
His lips pursed, and he blurted out:
"I am Iron Man."
The reporters below erupted. If they had hesitated or frozen for even two seconds like reporters in other novels, it would be a disrespect to their livelihoods.
The sound of camera shutters was so dense it almost blew the roof off. No one cared about Rhodes' order not to take questions; everyone wanted to get the first-hand scoop.
Seeing this, the corners of Tony's mouth curled up.
Satisfying! I just love showing off. This was a big one. So good!!
His inner monologue was incredibly rich, but his expression only showed a slight upward curve at the corner of his lips.
Tony turned and left the podium, escorted away by a human wall formed by Happy and three other bodyguards.