A Month Apart

"We're here."

The armor's flight speed was incredibly fast. The next morning, Chen Mu and Xu Jia set off. Following the navigation, they arrived at their destination in just over two hours.

A normal flight would take more than ten hours, but the Qilin Armor took just over two. The difference in speed was considerable.

Moreover, thanks to the stealth coating and small reflective surface area, they easily bypassed the US military's air defense without being detected.

"Welcome, both of you! Haha!"

Tony had received the news beforehand and was drinking coffee on the roof of the tower. Seeing Chen Mu and Xu Jia land on the balcony, he couldn't help but greet them.

"Haha, is this your armor? It looks pretty good!"

Looking at the uniquely styled armors on the two of them, Tony marveled, circling Chen Mu twice, showing great interest.

"Although, it's not as good-looking as mine."

Tony would never admit that anyone else's armor could be better than his own gold and red design.

"It's all black, like a piece of coal!"

So, Tony didn't hesitate to start criticizing.

"Heh, is that so?"

As he spoke, the armor on Chen Mu's body deactivated, and he walked out from within, standing in front of Tony.

"Whoa, this technology is great. I should get one too."

Seeing how Chen Mu removed his armor made Tony's eyes light up. It gave him an idea, and he decided that his future armors would also have a similar deactivation feature.

"Don't forget to pay the patent usage fee! Haha..."

Chen Mu couldn't help but tease.

"..."

Tony's face went dark. The patent usage fee was something he had intended to charge Chen Mu before, but now, the tables had turned.

"Haha, just kidding, don't take it seriously."

Seeing Tony's constipated expression, Chen Mu burst into laughter, patted his shoulder, and said, "I'm not that stingy. If you want to use any of my patented technologies, just ask. I won't charge you!"

The so-called patents seemed like a joke to these two. Did having a "patent" stop others from researching?

Tony's current Iron Armor was still in its initial version, with many later functions not yet developed. Upon seeing Chen Mu's armor, which was incredibly convenient to both put on and take off, it naturally gave him many ideas.

"I will develop even more convenient functions!"

Tony said, holding his breath.

Chen Mu had no doubt about this.

Not to mention the later nanotech armor, even the briefcase-style Iron Armor was already very convenient, even better than his current technology.

"Haha, I'll be waiting to see how you surpass me!"

Chen Mu said with a smile. He was actually very happy to see this. The more advanced the technology Tony developed, the more benefits it would bring him!

"Let's go. We can leave the armor here."

Seeing Xu Jia also emerge from her armor, Tony gestured to Chen Mu.

To make his Iron Armor's entry and exit convenient, Tony had long ago modified Stark Tower. His living room had a direct landing pad, and leaving the armor here was extremely safe. There was no need to worry about anyone with ill intentions stealing it.

Besides, with the Hongmeng operating system installed, no one else could possibly operate it.

"Let's go, Xu Jia."

Seeing Xu Jia looking a bit uneasy, Chen Mu said to her with a hint of amusement.

"Alright."

Thinking that she couldn't wear the armor all the time, Xu Jia nodded. However, she still looked at Tony with some concern and said, "I hope Mr. Stark can take good care of it."

"Don't worry, Miss Xu Jia."

Tony nodded with a smile, looking at Xu Jia with a mixture of amusement and helplessness.

Even though your armor is good, it's not like I'd steal it...

"That's good. Let's discuss the smartphone cooperation next."

Xu Jia didn't forget her duties. Besides being Chen Mu's "bodyguard," she was also responsible for corporate management.

She had been doing her homework all evening.

"For this matter, you can talk to Potts. I've already spoken to her. The previous terms are void, and we'll renegotiate the equity."

Tony said with a smile, putting his arm around Chen Mu's shoulder and addressing Xu Jia, "We'll go discuss the technical issues. The business matters are up to you!"

Tony was making his stance clear.

Previously, when he had unceremoniously demanded most of the shares, it was because he "looked down" on Chen Mu, thinking he was just a small company from China.

Even though the phone they designed was indeed good, it hadn't made him take it too seriously.

But now, it was completely different. Because of the capabilities Chen Mu had demonstrated, Tony had to treat him with respect, especially after he created his own armor. This greatly impressed Tony, naturally making him see Chen Mu as an equal.

Tony, usually so proud, rarely agreed with someone as he did now.

Therefore, Tony was eager to discuss technical issues regarding battle suits with Chen Mu.

"Go ahead, I'm entrusting all the business matters to you."

Seeing Xu Jia's apparent unease, Chen Mu said to him.

"..."

Xu Jia's face darkened. He knows I'm from the military, why is he still acting like this? Just leaving everything to me? Not caring about anything?

Although full of complaints internally, Xu Jia knew what she had to do. It wasn't appropriate to stay by Chen Mu's side all the time.

Chen Mu and Tony then went into his laboratory.

"Look, this is my battle suit. What do you think? Isn't it cooler than yours?"

Once they arrived at Tony's laboratory, Tony couldn't help but show off his latest battle suit. It was still the signature gold and red color scheme, looking very cool and flashy.

"Not great, it's too flashy."

Chen Mu said plainly.

Compared to his own all-black battle suit, the Iron Armor was simply too flamboyant. It wasn't a color Chen Mu liked.

"Tch, yours is just ugly with that dark color..."

Tony couldn't help but retort. "Honestly, your battle suit looks like an antique. For someone so young, why is your aesthetic like an old man's?"

Although in his thirties, Tony clearly "refused to be old," acting erratically and like a young man...

"..."

Chen Mu was speechless. He was also in his thirties in his previous life and had experienced many failures and setbacks. It was hard not to seem world-weary!

"My battle suit is made of vibranium, and I'm too lazy to change the color, so it's black."

Chen Mu offered a brief explanation.

"Vibranium? Wait, I think I have some impression of this stuff?"

Tony frowned deeply. The name vibranium... he really seemed to have heard it before?