The atmosphere inside the gym was subtle.
The voice coming from the communicator on Tony’s wrist broke the tense silence.
Lin Xuan’s voice was filled with excitement, carrying that distinctive sense of satisfaction that came after a major technological breakthrough.
“Tony! Your laboratory is absolutely amazing! I’ve already overcome the insufficient energy-computing power issue. The upgrade was a complete success!”
Just then, he vaguely heard Pepper’s slightly helpless voice coming from the background of the communicator.
She seemed to be confirming the itinerary with Tony.
“Everything in Monaco has already been arranged.”
“But Tony, are you really sure you want to personally participate in that vintage car Grand Prix? Stark Industries…”
Monaco?
A race?
Lin Xuan’s thoughts raced.
The upgraded Xiongxin instantly retrieved and connected the relevant fragments of information.
Ivan Vanko.
The man who had found the prototype of an Arc Reactor among his father’s belongings and developed the energy whips.
According to the original timeline, he would appear at the Monaco racetrack and launch his revenge against Tony Stark.
The corners of Lin Xuan’s mouth unconsciously curled upward.
Talk about perfect timing.
He currently needed a sufficiently advanced yet relatively “primitive” powered exoskeleton as a reference.
He could reverse-engineer it and use what he learned as the foundation for designing his first-generation armor.
Ivan Vanko’s Whiplash armor was practically the perfect “starter gift.”
Although crude, its energy system and method of propulsion were extremely valuable for research.
“Monaco?”
Lin Xuan’s voice came through the communicator again, perfectly interrupting Pepper’s attempt to dissuade Tony.
His tone was filled with interest.
“That sounds pretty interesting, Tony.”
“Count me in, how about it? I happen to have some new ideas about armor that I’d like to discuss with you in person. And while I’m there… I might as well watch the race?”
Perfect.
Ivan Vanko, your Whiplash armor will be the best reference model for my first custom-built armor!
Talk about perfect timing.
Almost the instant that thought occurred to him, a cold system notification appeared precisely in his mind.
[Mission Triggered: Technical Reference]
[Mission Objective: During the Monaco Grand Prix incident, successfully defeat Ivan Vanko and obtain the basic version of his Whiplash armor as a technical analysis sample.]
[Mission Reward: +50 Technology Points.]
Lin Xuan suppressed his excitement and maintained a relaxed tone, as though he had merely made the decision on a whim.
“Where are you guys right now? I just finished my preliminary upgrade tests, and I feel fantastic. I was thinking of finding somewhere to stretch my legs. Should I come meet you?”
“Stark Industries headquarters. The gym.”
Tony gave him the address, his tone carrying his usual impatient urgency.
“Hurry up. I’m not waiting for you. Perfect timing, too—you can meet my new assistant, Natalie.”
His gaze deliberately swept toward Natasha, clearly impressed by her performance just moments ago.
The communication ended.
…
Inside the gym.
Less than ten minutes later.
The modern frosted-glass door of the gym was silently pushed open once again.
Lin Xuan walked in.
He was dressed casually, with a relaxed, carefree smile on his face.
He looked as though he had just finished an enjoyable morning workout.
Not as though he had spent three full days secluded inside a top-tier laboratory completing a technological upgrade.
The moment he entered, his eyes instinctively landed on Tony.
The upgraded Xiongxin silently activated.
Its powerful information-processing capabilities instantly digitized the physical conditions of everyone before him and presented the data directly within his consciousness.
[Target Locked: Tony Stark]
[Physiological Condition: Elevated heart rate (normal post-exercise range), moderate adrenaline level, overall energy abundant.]
[Emotional Fluctuation: Excited (regarding Lin Xuan’s upgrade and the Monaco trip), curiosity mixed with a trace of interest toward Natasha.]
[Threat Assessment: Low (not wearing armor).]
Finally.
His gaze settled on the “new assistant”—the woman with a striking figure, a cold demeanor, and dazzling red hair.
Natasha Romanoff.
Black Widow.
Natasha looked toward Lin Xuan almost the instant he entered.
Their eyes met.
There was no surprise whatsoever, only a tacit understanding.
Natasha’s face still wore that professional, slightly aloof smile characteristic of “Natalie Rushman.”
Yet deep within her eyes, an almost imperceptible flicker passed through them, like a silent greeting.
Mission in progress.
Lin Xuan responded with an equally subtle look.
Good luck.
Then he looked at Happy on the floor, rubbing his neck with an expression that seemed to say he was questioning everything about his life.
All of this communication took place in the blink of an eye—so quickly that neither Tony nor Pepper noticed anything.
When Natasha saw Lin Xuan walk toward Tony with such familiarity, casually raising a hand and patting Tony Stark on the shoulder as though they were longtime friends greeting each other, an unmistakable flash of disbelief appeared deep within her eyes.
It’s only been a few days!
This Chinese newcomer who had just joined S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn’t merely impressed Tony Stark on the technological front.
He had even integrated himself into Tony’s social circle to this extent?
That speed…
It was practically more efficient than the infiltration work of even a top-tier agent like herself.
Lin Xuan naturally sensed Natasha’s scrutinizing gaze, but he paid it no attention.
He walked up to Tony, completely ignoring Happy as he struggled to get back on his feet and disregarding Natasha’s gaze as well.
Looking at Tony, he smiled brightly.
“Monaco. I’m coming with you! Let’s treat it as a celebration for me successfully ‘coming out of seclusion.'”
He paused before adding meaningfully, “Besides, I have a feeling this race… there might be a ‘surprise’ waiting for us on the track.”
His tone was casual, but his eyes carried a mysterious confidence, as though he knew everything that was about to happen.
“A surprise?”
Tony Stark loved surprises and excitement more than anything.
Lin Xuan’s confident expression, as though he could predict the future, instantly aroused his intense curiosity.
“A surprise? I love surprises!”
He laughed and waved his hand grandly, displaying all the swagger of a billionaire.
“Great! Then we’re going together! Pepper!”
He turned toward the helpless-looking Pepper.
“Make the arrangements. Highest possible standard! We can’t leave out our private jet!”
“And bring the Mark Five…”
Pepper Potts stood to the side, listening as the two “geniuses” casually settled the details of a trip filled with unknown dangers.
She felt a vein throbbing in her forehead.
One Tony Stark was already enough to give her a headache.
Now there was another man who seemed just as unwilling to follow conventional logic—perhaps even crazier than Tony.
And then there was this mysterious new assistant who had just knocked Happy down with a single move…
Pepper rubbed her temples as a powerful sense of foreboding welled up inside her.
This trip to Monaco absolutely, positively wasn’t going to be peaceful!
She had already begun silently calculating how many public-relations contingency plans she would need to prepare in advance, and… how many spare hearts she might need.
(End of Chapter)