Opening Song
The day had finally arrived. Outside the Stark Industries Expo, crowds had already begun to gather. The expo had a long history: back during World War II, before Captain America joined the super-soldier program, he had visited it with Bucky. As the world's largest technology company, Stark Industries showed people the future direction of technological development at every expo. Individuals, businesses, and even government representatives came from all over the world to learn and look around.
It was an event that drew the eyes of the world, and this year, after Tony Stark's flamboyant announcement that he was Iron Man, the excitement surrounding it had reached a terrifying new peak.
"Damn it, I don't know why I agreed to come here for Tony," Xia Yu said gloomily, listening to the thunderous cries of Tony Stark's name outside.
Natasha carefully straightened Xia Yu's clothes. He would be going onstage to sing shortly. Hearing him complain, she gave him a gentle kiss on the lips and said with a smile, "You walked away from the stock market with hundreds of millions of dollars. This is probably the highest appearance fee for a performance anywhere in the world."
After a moment's thought, Natasha whispered in Xia Yu's ear, "Or are you jealous that so many girls out there are calling Tony's name? Would you rather they were shouting yours?"
After spending months together day and night, Natasha treated Xia Yu even more differently than before, especially after he cured her inability to get pregnant. Faced with a potentially deadly question like that, Xia Yu didn't dare say the wrong thing.
"Absolutely not. I just think it's too noisy. As long as you're in the audience, you're the only one I need when I sing. Even if they were all shouting my name, they'd be no different in my eyes from the flowers, grass, and trash cans by the roadside. I only have eyes for you, darling." Xia Yu's earnest answer left no room for fault.
"Really?" Natasha asked skeptically.
"More real than a diamond. Look into my eyes. They're as clear as the snowmelt from the Alps," Xia Yu said, looking at her.
"I'll let you pass. It's time to get ready to go onstage. I'll go down and cheer you on in a bit," Natasha said.
Before Xia Yu could reply, Tony Stark called.
"How's it going, Xia? Are you ready? Are they out there chanting my name? Don't be nervous, just sing a little something. Your job is to warm up the crowd before the star comes out, so don't be too nervous, okay?" Tony Stark laughed obnoxiously, his voice accompanied by the rush of wind.
"Worry about yourself, Tony. Be careful not to land on me in a bit." Without waiting for Tony to answer, Xia Yu viciously pressed the hang-up button.
"You're going to break your phone pressing it like that. I'm going down to join the audience, my big star. Remember, I'm here to see you." Natasha comforted Xia Yu again.
Xia Yu had chosen "Rolling in the Deep" again this time. He didn't want to bring out too many songs that hadn't existed in his previous life, especially in front of the public. He wasn't here to become a singer.
Sure enough, as soon as he stepped onstage and the intro began, boos erupted from the audience.
"Get off the stage, kid! We want to see Tony Stark!"
"Get down! We're not here to listen to songs. We want to see Iron Man!"
Curses rang out from the audience. Sitting below the stage, Natasha looked at the constipated expression on Xia Yu's face and couldn't help laughing aloud. Her big boy was just too adorable.
Xia Yu's mood, however, was anything but adorable. Damn Tony Stark. After taking a few deep breaths, Xia Yu smiled and said, "I know everyone's eager to see Tony Stark. He's Iron Man, isn't he? But big shots always need a little time before they make their entrance, especially a big shot like Tony. He needs a little time to adjust the height of his shoe lifts. So I'll sing you a song first. It's called 'Rolling in the Deep.'"