New York, a few days later.
The atmosphere at the Stark Industries Expo’s opening ceremony was electric, charged with an almost palpable fervor for technology and the future.
Lin Xuan blended into the eagerly awaiting crowd.
His dark gray tactical suit allowed him to disappear into the surroundings as his calm gaze swept the area, taking everything in.
He recalled the scene in the S.H.I.E.L.D.
Command Center just a few days prior.
When he had proposed approaching Tony Stark as a “scientist,” Natasha’s surprise had been impossible to hide, and a flicker of amusement had crossed Fury’s single eye.
Natasha had raised an eyebrow, a playful smile touching her lips.
“A scientist? Interesting. How about a bet?”
“What’s the bet?” Lin Xuan had asked, his interest piqued.
“A bet on who can get closer to Tony Stark faster and more effectively.”
Natasha’s tone carried a hint of provocation.
“If I win, you’ll cooperate fully with S.H.I.E.L.D.’s subsequent arrangements.”
“And if I win?” Lin Xuan countered.
Natasha gave a charming smile, her eyes shimmering.
“If you win… I will grant you one reasonable request.”
“Deal,” Lin Xuan agreed without hesitation.
He knew Natasha’s goal was simply to test his abilities and, more importantly, his value.
Lin Xuan also needed an opportunity.
He needed to prove his worth to S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury—that he was more than just a man with super-human physical attributes.
“By the way, Agent Romanoff,” Lin Xuan said, suddenly remembering something.
“If I win, I want you to heal the gunshot wound on your waist.”
Natasha’s smile faltered slightly.
Her gaze grew complicated as she stared deeply at Lin Xuan.
“It’s an old wound. It doesn’t bother me,” she replied calmly, as if it were of no consequence.
But Lin Xuan knew that the scar was far more than just “no bother” to her.
It was a wound left by the Winter Soldier a year ago.
It was also a shadow in her heart that could never be erased.
The reason he had made this somewhat “impertinent” request was not just to “repay a debt,” but also to use the opportunity to draw closer to Natasha.
In the unfamiliar environment of S.H.I.E.L.D., having one more ally was always better than having one more enemy.
Especially when that ally was Natasha Romanoff, the powerful and beautiful Black Widow. This story is hosted at g.com.
Today was the moment he would deliver on his “surprise.”
Natasha had her “Natalie Rushman,” and he needed to approach Tony Stark in a more direct way, a way more befitting a “scientist.”
[Ding!]
[Mission Triggered: Expo Debut]
[Mission Objective: At the Stark Industries Expo, attract Tony Stark’s attention in the capacity of a “scientist.”]
[Mission Reward: Tech Points +20, Male Core Upgrade Permission Fragment *1]
The System’s notification chime arrived right on schedule.
The surrounding crowd buzzed with excitement, their voices a low roar.
The massive stage was bathed in brilliant light, as bright as day.
All eyes were fixed on the center of the stage and the sky above, waiting for the man to make his grand entrance.
Lin Xuan could feel the near-worshipful fervor in the air.
Beside him, a young man wearing a Stark Industries hat shouted excitedly to his companion, “Hey! Did you hear? Inside info! Tony Stark is going to jump from ten thousand meters in the Iron Man armor to give the opening ceremony a shocking start!”
“Seriously?! The Iron Man armor?!” his companion gasped, his voice filled with incredulous excitement.
“Of course it’s true! My cousin works in Stark Industries’ security department—he told me himself! He said Tony Stark is pulling out all the stops for this expo to make a huge splash!”
The young man described it vividly, as if he were witnessing it firsthand.
At these words, a faint, imperceptible smile touched Lin Xuan’s lips.
*As expected of Tony Stark,* he thought.
*He never misses a chance to show off and grab the spotlight.
The narcissism is baked into his very bones.*
Just as the thought crossed his mind, deafening rock music and the screams of the crowd erupted.
A red-and-gold meteor streaked down from the night sky, slamming precisely into the center of the stage.
*BOOM!*
The massive boom, followed by a powerful shockwave, instantly ignited the crowd’s excitement.
Under the dazzling lights, the red-and-gold Iron Man armor gleamed with a unique metallic luster, radiating power and cutting-edge technology.
It was none other than Tony Stark himself, clad in the latest Mark IV Armor!
The entire venue erupted!
Cheers, screams, and whistles merged into a colossal wave of sound, nearly shaking the entire hall to its foundations.
Lin Xuan stood amidst the crowd, his gaze calm as he watched Iron Man at the center of the stage.
*This Iron Man armor is some good stuff.*
He sank his consciousness into his mind and silently commanded, *”Xiongxin, analyze the Mark IV Armor.”*
[Ding!]
[Analyzing target: Mark IV Armor…]
[Analysis complete: Mark IV Armor data sample acquired. It is recommended that the Host combine this with other armor data samples to forge his own suit.]
Lin Xuan already had an idea in mind—Whiplash.
Just then, on stage, Tony Stark smoothly disassembled his armor in a series of fluid motions.
Amidst the frenzied cheers, he began his classic, charisma-filled opening speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2010 Stark Industries Expo!”
“I, Tony Stark, am honored to announce that after a long night, Stark Industries—and the technology we represent—will once again illuminate this world!”
“We will use the most cutting-edge technology and boundless imagination to build a better future!”
“A future without fear, without war, with only progress and hope!”
Tony’s voice brimmed with passion and confidence.
Every word seemed to hold a magical power, captivating the entire audience.
Lin Xuan stood in the crowd, calmly observing it all.
He took in every one of Tony’s expressions and gestures.
With his senses enhanced by the Xiongxin, he could even clearly capture a hint of… loneliness? deep within Tony’s eyes.
As the speech drew to a close, Tony basked in the applause and cheers, a signature, roguish smile playing on his lips.
A glint of sharp light flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes.
The backstage area was a stark contrast to the glamour of the front stage, filled with a sense of frantic, slightly chaotic energy.
Equipment, cables, and staff members rushing to and fro all intersected here.
The seemingly rigorous security checkpoints were practically nonexistent before his superhuman speed and agility.
His target was clear—the man who had just finished his passionate speech and was about to take a moment’s rest: Tony Stark.
Lin Xuan stopped outside a relatively secluded temporary lounge.
The door wasn’t fully closed, leaving a narrow gap.
He saw Tony Stark with his back to the door.
The genius who had been shining brilliantly on stage just moments ago now wore a trace of unconcealable fatigue on his face.
Tony extended a finger and lightly pricked it on a device, collecting a drop of blood.
On the device’s screen, a string of numbers flashed and jumped rapidly before finally freezing.
Palladium poisoning test.
The results were not optimistic.
Lin Xuan adjusted his breathing, hesitated no longer, and gently pushed the door open.
*Creeak—*