One After Another

Luke Field was not overjoyed by Tony Stark's proposal. Though he knew perfectly well that it was indeed an extremely profitable business—once it scaled up, it could even be more profitable than arms sales, greatly easing Hebron's financial pressure—he became even calmer because he understood the enormous profits it could bring in the future. He knew this was not something Tony and he could decide in full with a clap of their hands. There would inevitably be a long period of wrangling afterward, and even if they did decide to cooperate, they would still face disputes over profit distribution and other issues.

"Does Pepper agree?" Luke Field asked. Although Tony Stark had begun stepping forward to lead Stark Industries' affairs and development direction, he was, much like Luke at Hebron, more of a representative figurehead. Aside from the broad direction, most specific matters were handled and decided by Pepper Potts.

"She's my person. She always has been." Tony Stark lifted his head proudly.

"What about the Board of Directors?" Luke Field asked again.

"I just cleaned house. The ones left are behaving themselves for now." Tony Stark wore a satisfied smile. He had long found some of those old men unpleasant to look at. Taking advantage of the stock plunge and the incident caused by Obadiah, Tony had found plenty of excuses to deal with certain people. Stark Industries was not quite his personal kingdom yet, but he now had a firm grip on its core operations.

"Can your word be trusted?"

Luke's suspicious gaze stung Tony Stark. Luke could hardly be blamed for doubting him; Tony Stark had far too many prior offenses. Treating promises like pranks, tricking people, and breaking his word had made the news more than once or twice. He had even enjoyed those games of messing with people, though he was no longer the reckless and arrogant man he used to be.

"My word is as good as gold, kid!" Tony Stark was rarely this flustered.

Tony Stark had not come looking for him on a whim. After investigating for a long time and painstakingly eliminating possibilities, he had followed numerous subtle clues and concluded that the person who helped him that night was most likely Luke Field. After all, Luke Field was famous for his technical skills. Five years ago, he had successfully created his own Mechanical Dog, while Hebron Industries had always stood at the forefront of high-end mechanical technology.

Before meeting Luke, Tony had always believed Luke Field was one of his young fans. He understood that sort of thing! As one of the few smart people in the world, a fellow genius with a similarly privileged upbringing and a comparable industrial technology company, he had always thought Luke resembled him quite a bit. He had even felt a little smug at the thought that Luke might be his fan.

But after meeting Luke, he immediately realized that Luke was absolutely not his fan. He had seen far too many fans—entertainment fans and technical fans alike. Those who wanted his body, those who wanted him to invest, those who wanted to discuss technology with him—he had experience with all of them!

Within less than half an hour of talking, Luke had choked him speechless several times. Now, Tony felt that this kid had some serious misunderstandings about him! The image Luke had of him in his mind was somewhat distorted. At worst, it was practically collapsing!

"Fine, fine." Luke turned his attention back to the food before him. His stomach was still not full.

"Do you know how rare this opportunity is? How many companies—even those Senators—want to pour their entire fortunes into my Energy Company?" Tony was getting angry at Luke's perfunctory answer and equally perfunctory expression. Annoying people and delivering cutting remarks had always been his specialty. He was supposed to be the one who could leave others speechless and unbearable with a single sentence. Especially this time—he had truly come with goodwill and gratitude.

I know. But shouldn't business matters be left for Ina and Ms. Potts to discuss and resolve? Luke raised his head blankly. With the hand holding his fork, he pointed at himself, then at Tony Stark. "What can the two of us possibly solve here, no matter how much we talk?"

Tony Stark froze completely.

"He looks a little miserable?" After finishing her social obligations, Ina Sandra came to Luke's side. Seeing Tony Stark's somewhat bedraggled retreating figure, she looked surprised.

"He wanted to discuss technology with me," Luke replied.

"And the result?" Ina Sandra was curious about what sort of sparks two brilliant minds could create together.

Luke answered again as if it were nothing. "I refused."

"You refused?" Ina Sandra raised her brows in surprise. She had thought Stark and Luke would have a pleasant conversation.

"He wanted to exchange ideas about Iron Armor technology. But I turned him down with, 'Come back when your technology catches up with mine, and then we can talk about an equal exchange.'" Luke pulled over a newly served dish from beside him and resumed eating heartily.

"So that's why he's...?" Ina Sandra glanced once more at Tony Stark, who was surrounded by a throng of people and had become the soul of a central circle.

"He just got his defenses broken. Ignore him." While chewing a mouthful of food, Luke gave a dismissive answer.

"Also, Stark Industries may be setting up a company with us soon for energy cooperation. Same as usual: Stark and I will handle the technical matters, while you and Ms. Potts handle the business side." Luke gave her a reminder, and Ina Sandra's eyes immediately lit up. She could not understand technical matters, but business greatly interested her.

"Draw me a bottom line, and leave the rest to me." Ina Sandra spoke with complete confidence. Energy technology was already Hebron Technology's next profit focus, but it was too sensitive and burdened by too many concerns. With Stark Industries handling the overall operation, weathering the storm at the front, and sharing the pressure, Ina Sandra was naturally delighted.

The Mechanical Watch on his wrist suddenly vibrated, while the phone beside him lit up at the same time with a message notification.

After picking up the phone resting on the table and reading the message, Luke's expression turned strange.

"What happened?" Ina keenly sensed that something had occurred which concerned Luke.

"Tell me, what kind of day is today? Why are uninvited guests showing up one after another?" Luke Field shrugged, tossed aside his fork and the half-eaten food, then rose to his feet. "I need to go back and deal with some trouble. I'll take two of Snoke's people with me and leave the rest here."

"Do you need me to come back with you?" Ina caught Luke's arm.

"No. You're the host here. I can handle things over there." Luke hugged her and reassured her.