Revisiting Old Matters

Catherine quickly came up with an idea and said, "Little Henry, if you really want to help Charlize, don't you think you yourself are the strongest support?"

"Tony wanted you to take over as CEO of Stark Studios, right? Although it can't compare to the Big Eight studios of this era, it's not as good as those second-tier film production companies either."

"But that's only because Stark Studios doesn't focus on film production. If you take over, you can create your own film to promote your talent; that's much better than having an agent search for a needle in a haystack."

Charlize Theron was so shocked she couldn't speak. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and her mouth opened and closed, unsure of what to say.

When Catherine brought up the matter again, Henry was speechless for a moment.

Is this a case of Sun Wukong circling back into the Tathagata Buddha's palm again?

That was indeed a method, and Henry had considered it as well. But after only a fleeting thought, he immediately suppressed it.

Although the invitation at the beginning of the year didn't result in a clear answer of rejection or acceptance, it ended on a sour note. So naturally, Henry didn't dwell on it anymore.

Even if I were to shamelessly go back and beg that person, who knows if they would still be willing to offer me the job? Little do they know that times have changed.

Always willing to consider the worst-case scenario, Henry didn't actually care about saving face or dignity. In the world of business, those who fight for pride are respectable, and those who fight for a mere stick of incense are the Buddha. What's the point of us, a barefoot man, fighting for that?

When it's time to slide on your knees, you have to do it smoothly. If it makes money, nothing's shameful. But if you get slapped in the face and gain nothing, then it's just a pointless beating.

Thinking of a possibility, Henry asked, "Catherine, did Tony you to bring this up with me again?"

The old woman shook her head. "No. I'm just curious. He offered you this opportunity at the beginning of the year, but I haven't heard anything about it since. Is there some unresolved issue between you two?"

Henry sniffed the aroma of the wine in the decanter, then filled all three of their glasses with the rare red wine. He then took a large gulp for himself.

Henry didn't know how much Catherine knew; but judging from Tony's attitude at the time, she probably wouldn't have said much. Henry carefully chose his words and said, "I did raise some conditions and questions with Tony, and then there was no response."

"I think no response might be a response in itself. Of course, I won't bother that busy person anymore. We live in two different worlds and would never have any interaction."

As Henry spoke, another thought crossed his mind. Could it be that Catherine's bringing this up was also a subtle way of expressing her own attitude?

When someone wants to refuse something but doesn't want to say "NO" directly, they make some difficult requests in the hopes that the other person will back down.

Just like the questions and doubts I raised with Tony Stark, I was hoping that this young master would dispel his unrealistic ideas and avoid getting involved with me.

The wine in his glass was clearly a rare delicacy, but for some reason, Henry found it utterly tasteless.

Perhaps Henry's feelings were also plain to see, because Catherine flicked him on the forehead with her finger. "I find it rude of you to be overthinking things. Don't let your gloomy mood ruin my good wine."

"Catherine..." Henry hugged his forehead, looking at the sharp-tongued old woman with a pitiful expression.

"I feel sorry for the Stark Family; only Tony Stark is left. And his terrible personality means he's destined not to have many friends. So, from my perspective, I hope you will help him."

"What can I do to help him? Have a heart attack sooner? If I could, I believe he'd be happy to shoot me in the head a few times and send me back to God's embrace."

That's why I think a friend like you is very important to him.

Henry reached out and pressed his hand against the old woman's forehead. "Catherine, do you have a fever?"

"Slap that brat's impolite hand away," Catherine said seriously. "You don't understand. People like him have very few friends who are willing to tell the truth. Most of them are sycophants."

"The reason Howard was so fascinated by me was because I dared to speak the truth in front of him, unlike other girls who would only be timid and hesitant in front of him, never daring to express their own opinions."

"It's just that young Howard was no good; he didn't learn his lesson. Even if he got punched, he would act like nothing had happened three days later and still be as mischievous as ever. He only became a little more composed after Tony was born."

"What I want to say is, I don't know where you got the guts to embarrass the Stark Family. But at least what you said to him can cool their impulsive passion and make them look at things more calmly."

"If it were before, when he only needed you, I probably shouldn't be saying these things. But now, it seems you need him too. Why can't the two of you cooperate and each get what you need? I thought you understood these things."

Yes, why would I dare to embarrass the Stark Family?

Looking back on my attitude towards the X-Men, regardless of how they initially treated me, my reaction was somewhat excessive and impolite.

Why?

Looking back now, I realize that I was simply taking advantage of the superhero aspect of the other person's personality—they always had a bottom line in their actions and words. That's why I dared to offend them so recklessly, because I had a pretty good grasp of where that bottom line was.

Conversely, when facing opponents whose backgrounds are unclear, my attitude softens considerably. As long as they don't cross my bottom line, I don't care much about what they do.

This... also carries a hint of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

So, does his constant criticism of Tony Stark stem from genuine dislike for the man, or is it simply a case of resentment towards the wealthy?

Or... they believe that as long as they are in a position to criticize these superheroes, or even hold their lives in their hands, then they are a more noble person than these superheroes. Such a low-level, self-indulgent mentality.

It seems my mindset is indeed a bit off. Realizing this, Henry sighed slightly. "Catherine, could you please make an appointment with that young master? I'm afraid if I call him myself, he might completely ignore me."

Henry's concession delighted Catherine. "Okay, I'll call him. Have him come over in the next few days to talk to you. Are you in a hurry to get back to Los Angeles?"

"If you're not in a rush, then stay here. I have guest rooms that are much more comfortable than hotels or some run-down motels. The only condition is that you'll have to take care of an old lady. I think two rooms should be enough for the two of you."

The old lady smiled fondly, raising her eyebrows slightly.