Lin Xuan set down his utensils and leaned back slightly, feeling the power within him surge with renewed vigor.
In his mind, the 50 Tech Points lay like a dormant treasure, waiting to be unlocked.
Just then, a faint vibration broke the relative tranquility of the cafeteria.
Natasha raised her wrist, the screen of her black wrist-mounted communicator glowing faintly.
A deep, gravelly voice, laced with unquestionable authority, broke the subtle silence between them.
“Romanov, bring our new asset to Strategy Room No. 1 immediately.”
It was Nick Fury.
*New asset?*
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow.
*That’s a… blunt way of putting it.*
A flash of understanding crossed Natasha’s eyes.
Without hesitation, she set down her fork and rose to her feet.
“Let’s go,” she said, her voice crisp and devoid of further explanation.
Lin Xuan stood up immediately.
The energy he had just replenished left him feeling better than ever.
The two quickly exited the employee cafeteria and once again traversed the alloy corridors, which pulsed with a futuristic technological aesthetic.
Strategy Room No. 1 was located deeper within the base, clearly requiring a higher security clearance.
The heavy alloy doors slid open silently after identity verification.
Inside was a spacious, circular room.
A massive round conference table dominated the center, with complex holographic projection equipment hovering above it.
At this moment, the room’s main screen was looping several video clips.
A figure in red-and-gold armor streaked across the sky like a meteor, weaving effortlessly through a hail of bullets.
The circular arc reactor on its chest emitted a dazzling blue glow.
That was Iron Man.
Below the main screen, a ticker tape displayed footage of Tony Stark attending various press conferences and business events, a perpetually smug smile playing on his lips.
Nick Fury stood with his hands clasped behind his back before the massive holographic projection, the hem of his black trench coat hanging like a solidified shadow.
He didn’t turn around, as if he had already known of their arrival.
An invisible pressure permeated the air, more tense than any fight in the training arena.
“Sir,” Natasha spoke first, breaking the silence.
Fury slowly turned, his gaze sweeping over Natasha before locking firmly onto Lin Xuan.
His eyes seemed to pierce through all appearances, staring directly into the deepest recesses of the heart.
“Next priority,” Fury’s voice was low and commanding, cutting straight to the point without any pleasantries.
“Target: Tony Stark.”
He pointed to the figure in the armored suit on the holographic screen.
“We need someone to get close to him, assess his condition, and… that suit.”
“Evaluate whether he can join our subsequent plans.”
Fury’s tone was calm, but Lin Xuan could hear the deeper meaning beneath.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was filled with both interest and profound wariness toward Iron Man—or rather, the technology Tony Stark possessed. The source of this chapter is g.com.
“Sir, I’m ready,” Natasha replied immediately, her voice cool and professional.
“I will use the identity of ‘Natalie Rushman’ to infiltrate Stark Industries’ legal department. The preliminary action plan has already been submitted and is ready for execution at any time.”
Her response was flawless, clearly showing she had already made full preparations.
Fury nodded slightly in approval.
He never doubted Natasha’s capabilities.
Then, his single-eyed gaze turned to Lin Xuan, sharp and heavy as a physical weight.
“Romanoff has her own professional channels.”
Fury’s voice carried an unquestionable pressure, like an invisible mountain pressing down on Lin Xuan’s heart.
“And you, kid…”
“It’s time you prove you’re worth more than just your fists.”
“You’ll be joining this mission.”
Fury’s words struck Lin Xuan’s heart like a heavy hammer.
S.H.I.E.L.D. never made a bad deal.
Their protection always came with a price.
“You need to find your own way to get close to Stark,” Fury said, his single eye narrowing as he scrutinized the young man.
“And you need to earn his initial trust.”
“This is a double test of your ability and your loyalty.”
As Fury finished speaking, the air in the conference room seemed to solidify.
Natasha turned her head, her gaze fixed on Lin Xuan with genuine curiosity.
She wanted to see how this young man, who had just displayed such astonishing combat prowess, would handle a mission that seemed nearly impossible.
Get close to Tony Stark?
The arrogant, self-absorbed billionaire genius, shielded by countless bodyguards and cutting-edge technology?
And earn his trust?
It sounded like a fairy tale.
Yet, to Natasha and Fury’s surprise, Lin Xuan’s expression showed no sign of difficulty or panic.
Instead, he remained unnervingly calm.
*Get close to Tony Stark?*
Lin Xuan’s heart stirred at the words.
*Well, well.*
*They’re letting me contact a key figure on my first day.
Are they trying to get rid of me already?*
*But this is exactly what I wanted.
Being with Tony will be much more comfortable than working undercover at S.H.I.E.L.D.*
*I guess I won’t have to play the mole here after all.*
*It’s amazing how things just fall into place.
*Tony Stark…
Iron Man… the Arc Reactor…*
*He’s a walking treasure trove of technology!
If I can get close to him, maybe even analyze his tech…*
In Lin Xuan’s mind, he could already see those 50 Tech Points gleaming—the hope of unlocking more functions for the Xiongxin.
*This is like a pillow being delivered just as I’m falling asleep.*
*They really want me out of S.H.I.E.L.D. as soon as possible.*
He suppressed his inner excitement, keeping his face calm, even allowing a hint of well-timed confidence to flicker in his eyes.
“I understand,” Lin Xuan said, meeting Fury’s sharp gaze with a steady tone.
“I understand.”
Lin Xuan met Fury’s piercing look, his voice level and devoid of any emotion.
“I can… approach him as a scientist.”
*As a scientist?*
Natasha paused, her lips parting in surprise.
“Perfect timing,” Lin Xuan added, his thoughts clear and organized.
“Stark Industries is about to hold its annual Stark Expo. I can forge a resume, attend as an independent researcher… and present some research findings that might pique his interest. That’s how I’ll get Stark’s attention.”
*The rest was a facade.
The real reason had to remain a secret.*
At his words, Natasha’s gaze shifted completely.
She and Fury had previously focused all their assessments on Lin Xuan’s superhuman physical abilities and combat instincts.
They had never considered that this “Subject” who had escaped from a Hydra Lab could also be skilled in scientific research.
And judging by his tone, he wasn’t just dabbling—he was confident and capable.
Fury’s expression turned intrigued.
His single eye swept up and down Lin Xuan, as if he were truly seeing the man for the first time.
Silence hung in the Strategy Room for several seconds, broken only by the faint hum of the holographic projectors.
“Oh?”
Fury finally spoke, his voice tinged with unmistakable surprise and profound interest.
“So, you’re also a scientist?”
“This is… unexpected.”
He took a step forward, his single eye locked on Lin Xuan, trying to detect even the slightest hint of guilt or pretense on his face.
But Lin Xuan’s gaze remained calm and confident.
“Excellent.” A faint, inscrutable smile touched Fury’s lips.
“Then let me see what kind of surprise you, our…
*scientist*,” he deliberately emphasized the word, “can bring us.”
“Starting with this mission.”