Meeting

Charlotte felt a pang of heartache when she realized that she only needed 9 Energy Block to complete a 10-pull before. Collecting 648 would have given her a first-time recharge bonus of 6480 + 6480.

That's 12,960 Gold Coin! It's enough for him to bring Tsunade to the Afterlife and unlock one or two more battle slots. This result caught Charlotte somewhat off guard.

Looking at the two boxes of Energy Block on the table, Charlotte didn't immediately recharge. After thinking for a moment, she decided to put the items away first and use them together when she had collected 36 Energy Block.

A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan. Although Charlotte really wanted to recharge now and recruit Tsunade to her side, she suppressed her desire to recharge immediately when she thought about the first recharge reward of 6480 Gold Coin.

After all, Tsunade's arrival was only a little late, but who knows when they'll be able to scrape together the 648 yuan first recharge bonus again.

Having made her decision, Charlotte stopped hesitating and simply waved her hand to store the two boxes and the Energy Block inside into her Storage Space.

Charlotte, leaving the Reception Room, saw a news broadcast interrupting the television in the lobby.

"A J-22 Raptor fighter jet crashed during a routine training flight yesterday."

Fortunately, our pilots are safe and sound!

"As for the unexpected events that occurred in the Gulmira region, it is currently unclear who was responsible and what their motives were."

"But I can assure you that the government has absolutely nothing to do with this."

Seeing Colonel Rhodes speaking so confidently on the news, Charlotte knew for certain that Tony's Mark Armor had apparently been developed.

Charlotte Doyle wasn't the only one to see this news; Obadiah, who was resting at home, also watched the entire news article with a serious expression.

Meanwhile, at Stark's Villa, Tony had already removed his full armor and changed into casual clothes.

Pepper Potts argued with Tony after seeing his bullet-riddled armor, then left the Villa.

Seeing that his removed armor was riddled with bullet holes and bore the marks of artillery fire, Tony immediately gave the order:

"Jarvis, how long will it take to repair and repaint the armor?"

"Sir, it will take two hours."

"Get to work, Jarvis."

After giving Jarvis his instructions, Tony looked at Pakkun lying in the doghouse and said, "Pakkun, that's it for today. You'll have enough time to protect me for a month."

"I'll arrange to meet Charlotte later, and then you can go back with him."

Hearing Tony Stark's words, Pakkun stepped out of his house, straightened up, and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality during this time, Mr. Tony Stark."

After giving Pakkun some instructions, Tony went upstairs, picked up the phone, and dialed Charlotte Doyle's number.

Charlotte, who was lying in bed, heard her phone ring. She picked it up and saw that it was Stark calling, so she answered it.

"Hi, Charlotte Doyle!"

"Hey Tony Stark!"

"Charlotte, we talked about having a competition after I developed my new battle armor. I think tonight would be a good time."

"We won't go to the desert region this time. The area near my Villa is also an option. What do you think?"

Hearing Tony's words, Charlotte became interested and readily agreed.

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Charlotte hung up the phone, got up, dressed, went to the service desk, and picked up her car keys.

"Iruka, you stay here and watch the house. I'm going out for a bit. If that group of people delivers any documents this afternoon, remember to sign for them."

"Understood, Lady Charlotte."

After giving Iruka a brief instruction, Charlotte drove her beloved car towards Tony's Seaside Villa.

Charlotte arrived at Tony's Villa in just over an hour.

As soon as Tony parked, he saw Tony Stark and Pakkun standing at the door.

Charlotte got out of the car and walked up to Tony and Pakkun, smiling, "Long time no see, Tony."

Tony sounded somewhat sad, but still managed a forced smile, "It's been a month!"

Charlotte glanced down at Pakkun and exclaimed in surprise, "Pakkun, you've gained weight! Looks like you'll have to lose weight when we get back!"

Pakkun shook his head and said, "There's nothing I can do. The food here with Mr. Stark is too lavish, and most importantly, it's not a good place for exercise."

Charlotte crouched down and patted Pakkun's head, then smiled and said, "It's okay, I believe you'll lose weight when you get back."

Tony turned and entered the Villa, saying, "Come in with me."

The two people and the dog entered the Villa. Tony didn't take Charlotte directly to the underground Laboratory, but instead went to the living room.

After helping Charlotte to sit on the sofa, Tony took out a bottle of Highland Knight 50 Year Old Single Malt Whisky from his liquor cabinet.

Tony opened the whiskey, poured two glasses into a square glass, placed one on the table in front of Charlotte, and took one for himself.

"Cheers!"

Charlotte was a little surprised to see Tony toast as soon as he arrived, but she still picked up her glass, gestured to Tony, and took a small sip.

Tony, on the other hand, downed the entire glass of whiskey in one gulp and then poured himself another.

Seeing Tony's approach, Charlotte immediately asked, "Tony, didn't you want to see the armor?"

"You're practically driving under the influence right from the start!"

Tony put down his whiskey, picked up his glass, and said with a somber expression, "Charlotte, Yinsen is dead?"

Upon hearing the name Yinsen, Charlotte didn't immediately recognize him, but then she remembered that he was the surgeon she had rescued along with Tony.

Didn't he go back to his hometown back then?

Tony's expression was grave as he slowly said, "His hometown is in Gulmira."

"I saw Yinsen on the war news last night; he was hanged by the Ten Rings's warlord."

"I intended to take his body back for burial today, but it was destroyed by the enemy's tank main gun..."

Tony didn't finish his sentence, but Charlotte understood what he meant.

Charlotte was at a loss for words regarding this outcome. Tony had tried to persuade her to stay, even offering to hire her as his personal physician so they could return to New York together.

But Yinsen was determined to return to his hometown, and no one expected that Yinsen's hometown would soon be Gulmira, where war broke out.

Character determines destiny; the ancients were right.

Charlotte raised her glass and said, "My condolences!"

Charlotte then downed her whiskey in one gulp, while Tony drank another.

After downing two glasses of whiskey, Tony was slightly tipsy and seemed a bit intoxicated.

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