The uproar of the entire crowd came to a dead halt the moment Lin Xuan produced the glowing blue ring.
It was as if someone had pressed a mute button.
The hearing room, which just a second ago had been filled with jeers, arguments, and the clicking of shutters, fell into a deathly silence.
Every eye was drawn to the object hovering above Lin Xuan’s palm.
It emitted a pure, steady, deep blue glow, as mysterious and captivating as a nebula from the depths of space.
A faint yet rhythmic hum of energy replaced all the noise, clearly audible to everyone in the room.
Lin Xuan even had the leisure to raise an eyebrow at Tony with a hint of playfulness.
He mouthed the words: “So, Mr. Stark? Is my ‘replica’ up to your standards?”
Tony read his lips, a wide grin spreading across his face.
He mouted back silently: “Perfect! It’s ten thousand times better than some people’s ‘iron coffins’!”
The silent exchange was over in an instant, yet it was thick with a shared understanding and a hint of smugness that only the two of them could appreciate.
The reporters were the first to react.
After a brief, stunned silence, they erupted into a frenzy.
*Click!
Click!
Click!*
The flashes burst like a daytime thunderstorm, illuminating Lin Xuan and the core in his hand as if they were center stage.
Countless lenses, from long-range telephotos to handhelds, were all trained on this sudden, mind-bending “miracle.”
Tony Stark raised an eyebrow.
The mockery and impatience on his face had vanished, replaced by a knowing smile that suggested he was about to enjoy the show.
On the dais, Senator Stern’s face, already flushed red with anger, now flickered with a kaleidoscope of emotions.
The moment his eyes fell on the glowing blue core, his pupils constricted sharply.
Shock.
Utter, unparalleled shock.
And immediately following it was not anger or confusion, but a surge of ecstasy and greed that threatened to tear through his chest.
An Arc Reactor!
Another Arc Reactor!
And it looked… more stable, purer, even than the one in Stark’s chest?
Stern’s heart hammered wildly against his ribs.
He instantly realized what this meant.
If he could offer this technology—or the person who mastered it—to Hydra, to Baron von Strucker… what a monumental achievement that would be!
It would be enough to propel him to unimaginable power and status!
Stern’s breathing grew heavy, his gaze locked onto Lin Xuan like a predator who had just spotted the perfect prey.
Meanwhile, Justin Hammer—the arms dealer who had just been clumsily performing his attempt to replace Stark—stood frozen as if struck by invisible lightning.
His comical, greasy face was a mask of utter disbelief.
Pure, naked jealousy and desire instantly flooded his mind!
He stared fixedly at the core in Lin Xuan’s hand, his eyes widening like brass bells.
The ghostly blue glow seemed to transform into a golden highway leading to wealth, fame, and the complete triumph over Tony Stark!
*How does he have that?!*
*This is impossible!*
Hammer roared inwardly.
*This Asian kid who just appeared out of nowhere… how could he possibly possess such technology?!*
A sinister thought flashed through his mind.
*But… this kid looks so young, so unfamiliar… he’s bound to be a lot easier to deal with than Stark!*
*Showing this out in the open… it’s just plain stupid!
It’s suicide!*
Hammer licked his lips greedily.
After a brief, dead silence, absolute chaos erupted.
The reporters, like sharks that had caught the scent of blood, went completely wild!
“Who are you?”
“Sir! What’s that in your hand? Is it another Arc Reactor?”
“What’s your relationship to Tony Stark?”
“Did you develop this technology?”
“Are you willing to share this technology with the government?”
Countless questions surged toward Lin Xuan like a tidal wave, sharp and urgent.
The reporters even began shoving and pushing, trying to get closer and thrust their microphones into Lin Xuan’s face.
Security personnel tried to maintain order, but the scene had completely spiraled out of control.
The flashing lights were blinding, and the cacophony of questions was deafening.
Seeing this, Senator Stern knew that the hearing could no longer proceed according to the original plan.
The question of who should control the Iron Man armor had become utterly insignificant in the face of this newly revealed Arc Reactor.
A new, more tempting, and far more valuable target had appeared!
He forcibly suppressed the excitement and greed surging within him, striving to maintain a composed facade.
*Bang!
Bang!
Bang!*
He pounded the table, trying to drown out the growing commotion.
“Order! Order!”
Stern’s voice boomed through the amplifier, dripping with unquestionable authority.
“Due to the unexpected circumstances, this hearing is temporarily adjourned!”
“The Committee will discuss the related matters at a later time!” The source of this chapter is g.com.
He declared the recess, but his gaze kept drifting—unnoticeably, yet repeatedly—to the young man who stood calmly at the center of the chaos.
Lin Xuan seemed oblivious to the surrounding uproar.
He serenely withdrew his hand, and the miniature Arc Reactor Core, glowing with a faint blue light, vanished as if by magic.
He must have slipped it back into his pocket.
He straightened his collar, his movements deliberate and unhurried.
Then, under the gaze of countless cameras, he walked straight through the chaotic crowd toward Tony and Pepper.
Reaching them, Lin Xuan leaned in slightly and spoke in a low voice that only they could hear.
“Mr. Stark, I have some private matters to attend to.”
“I won’t be heading back with you.”
Tony understood instantly.
The Bait Plan had officially begun.
A flash of approval crossed his eyes, along with a faint, almost imperceptible trace of worry.
*This kid is playing a dangerous game.*
Tony raised his hand and clapped Lin Xuan firmly on the shoulder.
He said nothing, but his gaze conveyed a clear message: *Take it easy, kid.
Don’t overplay your hand.*
Then, he wrapped an arm around the worried Pepper Potts and faced the swarming reporters with an exaggerated smile.
Under the protection of his security detail, he turned and left the chaotic scene first.
Lin Xuan watched Tony and Pepper’s retreating figures, a faint, almost invisible smile playing on his lips.
*Perfect.*
*The bait has been cast.*
*Now, let’s see if the fish below are greedy and bold enough.*
He turned, preparing to leave the venue alone.
Just then, two nearly imperceptible yet intensely hungry gazes locked onto him.
Senator Stern, after announcing the recess, had not immediately left the podium.
He pretended to be organizing his documents, but his eyes, sharp behind his glasses, were fixed on Lin Xuan’s every move.
Justin Hammer, meanwhile, slumped in his chair, feigning despair.
Yet his eyes, gleaming with intensity, never left Lin Xuan’s figure.
They watched as Tony Stark led Pepper away.
They saw Lin Xuan, now alone, preparing to leave.
*The opportunity has arrived!*
A flash of excitement ignited in Stern’s and Hammer’s eyes.
Almost simultaneously, they discreetly signaled their subordinates, who were hidden in the crowd or lurking in the corners of the hearing room.
Silent orders rippled through the chaotic scene.
Several pairs of concealed eyes, like vipers, locked onto Lin Xuan as he turned to depart.
An invisible net was silently closing in.
(End of Chapter)