Cat Shit?!

"Jarvis, look up the Emerald Dream plant shop."

"Certainly, sir. Here is the compiled information. The owner is Oaks Lin, a Doctor of Biology from Cornell University. This is his résumé, along with highly relevant related information."

Tony reached out, and a holographic display containing all of Oaks's public information appeared before him.

"Hmm... an outstanding enough biologist, but very low-key. And not as handsome as me."

"But he is very young, sir."

With one hand supporting his chin, Tony pretended not to hear Jarvis's jab at all. His other hand swiped across the holographic display, and then he raised an eyebrow.

"He turned down research project invitations from six professors in a row, yet personally participated in the 1KP Project. What a strange guy. Still, he's very much to my taste."

"Yes, sir. In addition, Dr. Lin recently posted on a small forum, claiming to have formulated a medicinal agent that could rapidly heal wounds, remove scars, and nourish the skin.

"Just now, Dr. Lin uploaded more than ten plant samples labeled as originating from the Amazon Rainforest to a professional 1KP Project forum, where he held some preliminary discussions with other botanists."

"The Amazon Rainforest?"

Tony walked over to the coffee machine, the holographic display following along. As he ground coffee beans, his mind kept working.

"When did he get back from the Amazon?"

"I cannot find any travel records for Dr. Lin, sir."

Jarvis's reply made Tony pause. Fortunately, the coffee machine automatically stopped once it had filled the cup.

"No travel records? Not overseas travel records. That would require hacking airline databases, and I'm not that bored."

"No, sir."

Jarvis answered with absolute certainty.

"Other than school-organized activities, Dr. Lin has no private travel records.

"Taxis cannot be tracked, but there is indeed no data showing that he used buses or the subway. There are no records of train, plane, or ship travel either.

"However, there are consumption and lodging records for him in many places across the country, yet no gas station records anywhere.

"He does have records of packages sent to Manaus, a city in the Amazon Rainforest. The earliest was five years ago, and the most recent was half a month ago."

Tony fell silent for a moment, an intrigued expression appearing on his face.

"There really is something off... This guy doesn't even take planes. How did he get to the Amazon?"

Striding quickly back to the workbench, Tony took a sip of coffee and continued issuing orders.

"Jarvis, bring me every piece of information you can find on Dr. Lin."

"Certainly, sir. But biology is not your field. Would you require professional reference books?"

"I'm not planning to study biology. I just want to see the comments and ratings."

"Understood, sir."

Completely unaware that someone had already investigated him from top to bottom, Oaks returned from his usual patrol of the Little Rainforest.

With Zhang helping out at the shop, things had become much easier for him.

He had simply shifted his patrols to the mornings, explaining to Zhang that it was his morning workout.

"Mr. Oaks, I'm off!"

"Mm. Getting comfortable driving?"

"Don't worry, I learn very quickly!"

Zhang slung his laptop bag over his shoulder, ready to head to school.

That was right. To avoid New York subway performance art, which was becoming all too common, and to escape the torment of Brooklyn's veteran drivers, Zhang had applied to drive Oaks's Smart to school.

In exchange, he was responsible for all delivery jobs after class.

Oaks hardly drove anyway. The car would just sit there otherwise, so he let Zhang have it.

Before this kid got assigned a lab project by his advisor, he might as well squeeze a little more labor out of him.

"But, Mr. Oaks, isn't there something strange about this car...?"

Zhang hesitated before cautiously asking.

"The fuel gauge has always been full. I know this car is fuel-efficient, but this is way too exaggerated! Could the fuel gauge be broken?"

"It's not broken. It's fine. Just drive it. Don't worry about the fuel."

Seeing Oaks's mysterious expression, Zhang stroked his chin. A moment later, understanding dawned on him.

"Oh—Mr. Oaks, you've got connections. I heard American oil companies are all privately owned, so gasoline is really cheap."

Leaving behind a look that said, "I get it," Zhang deftly drove away.

"...Well, close enough."

Though it was a little different from what Zhang had imagined, Oaks could not be bothered to explain.

The more he explained, the more troublesome it would become.

After arranging the merchandise in the shop, Oaks opened his computer. Just as he was about to check the forum, he saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom parked outside the entrance.

"A wealthy customer?"

Oaks had only just smiled when his expression immediately froze.

Because when the driver opened the rear door, out stepped an outrageously flashy fellow.

Tony Stark.

"Wow, the air here is amazing!"

Driver and bodyguard Happy Hogan opened the shop door, and Tony, wearing sunglasses, walked in as though he were entering his own home.

"Happy, how does the air here compare to the air in the CEO's office at Stark Tower?"

"...There is no comparison."

"You're too blunt. When we get back, tell them to cancel the air purifier production plan."

"But the raw materials were delivered yesterday..."

"Tell Pepper. She knows what to do."

"Yes, sir."

Oaks rubbed his temples. From the moment he entered, this guy had been spouting off arrogantly as if no one else existed. What an insufferable narcissist.

Still, I like what he's saying.

"Welcome to Emerald Dream. How can I help you?"

"Ah, Dr. Oaks Lin. I trust I don't need to introduce myself. I—"

"Who are you?"

Tony took a deep breath and removed his sunglasses.

"I—"

"Oh, so it's the great tycoon Tony Stark. Welcome. I wonder if there's anything here that catches your eye?"

"Ahem, ahem..."

Tony shot Happy a glare as he held back his laughter, then gave a heavy cough.

"I like humorous people, but I prefer being called 'genius Tony Stark' by another genius."

"All right, genius Tony Stark."

Oaks gave a wry smile. The instant Tony entered the shop, he had already expected it—there would be something wrong with that guy if he had not dug up everything about him.

"It seems you're not here to buy anything. Shall we go inside and talk?"

"Mm. You can consider me here to discuss business."

Oaks gestured for him to proceed, then headed for the lounge area first.

"Make yourselves comfortable. What would you like to drink?"

"Coffee."

"And for you?"

"Water is fine, thank you."

Coffee and water were placed before Tony and Happy. The former's eyes immediately lit up.

"That aroma. What brand is it?"

"A rare variety native to the Amazon Rainforest, cultivated by me personally. An exclusive product."

Oaks poured himself a cup from the same coffee pot, lifted it, and took a sip.

"It's a little more invigorating than ordinary coffee, but it won't harm the body."

"Mm..."

Tony lifted his cup and took a sip. He could no longer keep up his act.

"You know, Dr. Lin, after drinking this, I feel like all the coffee beans in my house are cat shit."

"Meow~"

Goose padded over with graceful cat steps, climbed onto Oaks's lap, and curled up there.

"Ahem, ahem..."

"Happy!"