The Dead Kid Who Never Grew Up

"Compared to the mechanical armor, what concerned me more was its energy source. Judging by the intensity of that battle, no battery could withstand that level of consumption, not even for a minute. Yet Tony managed to escape, which clearly meant that the armor's endurance far exceeded that. So I suspected Tony had created a new kind of energy device." Fury voiced his speculation, then reached out and pulled up some old-looking files.

"Following that line of thought, I looked into Stark Industries' technical patents and discovered that Howard had researched Arc Reactor technology thirty years ago. However, limited by the technology of that era, the project was shelved for three decades."

"So you believed Tony ultimately perfected his father's design and created an incredibly powerful energy device. That was what truly caught your attention," Lu Yifang summarized.

"Yifang, it isn't just me who wants this. With such a powerful energy reactor, countless weapons in the military field could see enormous breakthroughs. Starting an arms race would be effortless.

"I could choose not to have it, but I absolutely will not allow this technology to spread freely from Tony Stark's hands. So I have to verify whether it's real. Do you understand?" Fury said sternly.

"I know that, of course. But does telling me help?" Lu Yifang countered.

"I need an opportunity to get close to Tony—close enough to secretly scan his chest with an instrument. And you can help me create that opportunity."

Wait, wasn't my job supposed to be dealing with the Hulk? What did this have to do with the Hulk?" Lu Yifang hurriedly interrupted Fury.

"No." Fury shook his head bluntly.

"But your job responsibilities have just changed. You're now S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Special Security Advisor, and Clause 233 of the contract states that you are obligated to assist S.H.I.E.L.D. with intelligence investigations when necessary." Fury patted the contract in his hand, flipped back more than a dozen pages, and pointed at one tiny clause.

"Fuck, you set me up." Seeing that thick contract, Lu Yifang's face darkened at once. Damn it, after winning that argument against Baldy last time, he'd gotten careless.

Damn it, hadn't they agreed on two days of work and a year of vacation? How had it turned into this the moment he officially started? Could he quit now?

Uh, apparently that would be a little difficult. After all, he had already spent the two months' salary he'd taken in advance.

As if he knew exactly what Lu Yifang was thinking, Fury's lips curled up slightly as he answered with a perfectly natural expression, "Did I? I'm merely making the best use of people."

Hmph. Did he think he could freeload off Nick Fury that easily? Did he really take him for some rich fool?

"Now, let me explain. Since returning, Tony has remained in his laboratory. Other than Pepper Potts and Obadiah, I doubt anyone has been able to see him. I had Coulson use Miss Potts to arrange a meeting with Tony long ago, but unfortunately, Miss Potts doesn't seem very cooperative. Therefore, we need a reason she can't refuse—one that will make her take us to see Tony. For example... a doctor who might be able to save Tony." As Fury spoke, he turned his gaze toward Lu Yifang.

"According to the intelligence I obtained, a Jericho Missile exploded near Tony, leaving a large number of bomb fragments inside his body. Some of the smaller fragments may even have entered Tony's arteries. So Tony has been relying on an Electromagnet to hold those fragments in place, preventing them from tearing through his heart."

"And then? How exactly am I supposed to help you? You can't expect me to act as his doctor and remove the shrapnel, can you?" Lu Yifang glanced at Fury and immediately made his stance clear.

"Let me tell you, my ability is better suited for destruction. And Tony Stark's situation isn't like Katie's. From what you've said, those fragments are embedded around his heart and blood vessels. I can't guarantee that if my hand slips, I won't poke a hole right through his heart."

"Since you've put it that way, then forget it." Fury nodded even more readily.

"In fact, you were only a backup plan. The doctor I had truly envisioned was this person." Fury placed a photograph on the table. It showed a red-haired woman.

"Isn't this Jean Grey?" Lu Yifang froze when he saw the photo.

"That's right. Jean Grey is one of the few Mutants who has publicly acknowledged her identity and remains relatively active. We've also compiled a complete intelligence file on her abilities. Based on our assessment, her telekinesis should be able to help remove those fragments. According to the plan we devised, with her assistance, several minor surgeries over the course of a year should be enough to remove all the shrapnel."

"So you called me here to ask me to invite Jean Grey." Lu Yifang finally understood Fury's plan.

"Actually, compared to Jean Grey, another individual who can control metal through magnetism would be even more suitable. With his help, one operation would probably be enough. But you know... that individual is... well, not easy to invite."

"Mm, I have to admit, that's a wise choice." Lu Yifang nodded in agreement. He already knew who Fury meant.

"So now you understand my plan? Have Coulson bring Jean Grey, under the identity of a doctor, to see Tony. That way, Coulson can secretly use the Micro-Traction Device to inspect Tony's chest and find out what exactly is in there."

"I understand. But before that, there's a question I've been holding in for a long time that I want to ask you." Lu Yifang looked at Fury.

"Could it be... that you and Tony Stark are half-brothers?"

Fury: "→_→..."

"Fine, I was just saying. Then are you Tony's guardian?" Lu Yifang continued. Clearly, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director was treating Tony far too well. On the surface, they were going to investigate the miniature energy reactor, but in reality, they were going to save him. And there had been that rescue in the Middle East before as well. It all felt like an excuse.

"Guardian? Howard Stark left no such instructions before he died. And even if he had, it wouldn't have been my place." Fury gave a bitter laugh.

"But there is one thing I can tell you. Howard Stark was once my superior. I even submitted my first job application to him."

"Oh, so that's how it is." Lu Yifang nodded in sudden realization.

"And actually, in a way, this has something to do with you as well." Fury pulled out another photograph, one that looked extremely old.

Puzzled, Lu Yifang took the photo and saw a somewhat familiar blonde woman. She looked to be in her thirties, standing beside a man who bore a sixty to seventy percent resemblance to Tony. Many children had gathered around them, and several children in the front were holding up a banner.

It read: "Congratulations on the Official Opening of Howard Orphanage Today!"

"Howard Orphanage, Howard Stark... I see." Lu Yifang finally understood what Fury meant, but his expression immediately turned unpleasant.

"Tch! I have to say, Tony Stark really is an asshole. That conceited, arrogant guy publicly condemned his father's irresponsibility on the news just two days ago. He always talked about surpassing his father at past press conferences, too. But what a joke. He's nothing but a stubborn dead kid who has lived beneath his father's wings all his life and never grew up."

"You're right, but why do I feel like those words aren't directed only at Tony?" Fury's single eye stared at Lu Yifang, as though it had seen right through him. Though Lu Yifang and Tony came from entirely different worlds, Fury could still see their similarities in this regard.

"That's just what you think." Lu Yifang curled his lip, though his fist had already clenched unconsciously.

That night, that notebook, and that gentle voice had made him understand many things. He was no longer that resentful dead kid.

"People always grow up. It's just that some people grow more slowly than others," Fury said with a smile.

"What you think has nothing to do with me." Lu Yifang raised his head, his expression turning resolute.

"I'll speak with Professor X and Jean Grey about this matter. But whether Professor X is willing to do you this favor is none of my business. I'm only helping you pass along a message."