But when she walked into the lab…
…and saw the scene before her, she couldn’t help but stop in her tracks.
Tony Stark—the man who, in her eyes, was always brimming with energy and confident to the point of narcissism—was currently engaged in a heated, face-to-face discussion with a completely unfamiliar young Asian man.
The two were intensely focused, with all sorts of profound technical jargon frequently spilling from their lips.
Although Pepper couldn’t understand the specific content, she could feel the pure, scorching atmosphere of two top-tier minds colliding.
On Tony’s face was an expression of absorption and excitement she had never seen before.
It was as if the entire world had vanished, leaving only him, the man before him, and the mysterious scientific theories they were discussing.
And the strange device floating between them, emitting a faint blue glow, drew Pepper’s gaze even more.
*What is that?*
*It looks like… the device on Tony’s chest?*
*But it also seems a bit different?*
Pepper stood at the doorway, her delicate eyebrows slightly raised, a flicker of surprise crossing her mind.
*Tony rarely shares technical details so… unreservedly with someone he’s just met,* she thought.
*Who is this man?
What makes him so special that Tony holds him in such high regard?*
Tony finally seemed to notice Lin Xuan still gently rubbing his temples, his face a shade paler than before.
In his excellent mood, Tony couldn’t resist teasing him again.
His tone was more relaxed now, as if they were old friends who had known each other for years.
“I’m telling you, kid, your physical condition is terrible,” Tony said, patting Lin Xuan’s shoulder with a light touch, his voice carrying Iron Man’s signature humor.
“Scientists need to exercise too. Otherwise, how are you supposed to pull all-nighters for research?”
“Look at how weak you are. I feel like a random breeze from Jarvis could knock you over.”
Seeing that their discussion seemed to have reached a natural pause, Pepper smiled and walked inside with an elegant stride.
Her gaze lingered on Lin Xuan for a moment, filled with a blend of professional courtesy and poorly concealed curiosity.
She glided to Tony’s side, her voice crisp and melodious, carrying a faint, probing undertone.
“Tony, it seems you’ve finally found a kindred spirit today?”
Pepper Potts’s arrival temporarily interrupted the intellectual spark between the two men.
Lin Xuan turned his attention to the woman—elegant, capable, and destined to one day wield the reins of Stark Industries.
“You must be the renowned Ms. Pepper Potts. A pleasure to meet you, sister-in-law.”
He paused, then added, “Just call me Lin Xuan.”
“Sister-in-law?” Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Pepper’s perfectly groomed eyebrow arched slightly.
The playful yet oddly familiar address amused her, instantly improving her impression of the young man who had so completely captivated Tony’s attention.
She turned back to Tony, her tone returning to its usual businesslike efficiency.
“Tony, Happy just called. He reminded you not to forget tomorrow morning’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. You need to review the relevant materials as soon as possible.”
“A hearing?”
The excitement on Tony’s face instantly vanished, as if he’d been doused with a bucket of cold water.
He dramatically clutched his forehead and let out a pained groan.
“Oh, damn! I almost forgot about those old fossils!”
He complained, “Back to Capitol Hill to listen to them drone on and on, grilling me about whether my ‘toys’ are weapons of mass destruction… What a pain in the ass!”
[Ding!]
[Side Quest Triggered: The Mastermind]
[Objective: Assist Tony Stark in drawing out and preliminarily identifying the hidden faction attempting to seize the Arc Reactor technology during the Senate hearing.]
[Reward: +50 Tech Points]
The System’s notification chimed in at the perfect moment.
Lin Xuan’s heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged.
He looked at the exasperated Tony and said thoughtfully, “Mr. Stark, I’m afraid this hearing is about more than just those senators trying to give you a hard time.”
“Hmm?” Tony stopped complaining and turned to look at Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan continued, “The Arc Reactor technology is priceless. There are far more people coveting it than just those in the public eye.”
“This hearing is being held with such fanfare. It’s highly likely that other organizations are pulling the strings from the shadows, trying to use the official channels to pressure you—or even… create an opportunity.”
Tony’s brow furrowed.
Lin Xuan’s words had awakened him.
He immediately thought of the Ten Rings he had encountered in Afghanistan, and Obadiah Stane’s betrayal.
Those experiences had taught him that the eyes coveting his technology and wealth in the darkness had never disappeared.
“You mean… someone wants to fish in troubled waters?” Tony’s gaze sharpened.
Pepper, who had been standing by simply reminding Tony of his schedule as his secretary, also fell into deep thought, her expression turning serious.
She knew better than anyone the potential threats Stark Industries faced.
Lin Xuan nodded.
“It’s very likely. Since they want your core technology, perhaps we can… give them an opportunity.”
He glanced at the brand-new miniature Arc Reactor core floating above the workbench, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
“You? Show it?” Tony froze for a moment, then instantly grasped Lin Xuan’s meaning, his eyes lighting up.
Lin Xuan elaborated on his plan.
“Tomorrow at the hearing, I’ll find an opportunity to reveal this new reactor core.”
“I’ll prove to everyone that you’re not the only one who possesses this technology, Tony Stark.”
“When those pulling the strings from the shadows see that I have this technology—and that I’m a much easier target to ‘approach’ than you—don’t you think… they’ll be tempted?”
“After the meeting, I’ll find an excuse to leave alone. If there really is someone lurking in the shadows, this will be the perfect opportunity for them to strike or contact me.”
The plan was daring, even reckless.
He was offering himself up as bait, deliberately placing himself in danger.
Tony stared at Lin Xuan, his expression a complex mix of emotions.
This kid wasn’t just a technical genius; he was terrifyingly bold.
But he had to admit, the plan struck right at the heart of the matter.
It was exactly his style.
“Now this is interesting!” Tony rubbed his chin, the familiar spark of excitement and adventure returning to his face.
“Thrill-seeking! I love it!”
He immediately clapped his hand down.
“Alright! Let’s do it! I’ll bring the suitcase tomorrow, just in case.”
He was referring to the portable, rapid-deployment Iron Man Armor—the Mark V.
Pepper’s heart hammered in her chest as she listened, but seeing the identical glint of excitement in Tony and Lin Xuan’s eyes, she knew she couldn’t stop these two “madmen.” All she could do was resolve to tighten security measures for the following day.
With the plan finalized, Lin Xuan felt a wave of relief.
The rewards for this mission were substantial, especially the Tech Points he so desperately needed.
While Tony and Pepper were busy arranging the next day’s itinerary, he silently asked the System: *”System, what are the requirements for the Xiongxin upgrade?”*
[Ding! Detecting Host’s permission requirements…]
[Analyzing Xiongxin upgrade conditions…]
[Condition 1: Obtain Xiongxin upgrade permission fragments (Partially satisfied)]
[Condition 2: Accumulate sufficient Tech Points (Current Tech Points: 30, Not satisfied)]
[Condition 3: Analyze and master at least one epoch-making core technology (Satisfied: Optimized Arc Reactor)]
[Condition 4: ??? (Insufficient permission, unable to display)]
[Condition 5: ??? (Insufficient permission, unable to display)]
[Hint: Host, please continue your efforts to unlock more permissions and acquire the resources necessary for the upgrade.]
(End of Chapter)