Environmental Protection Foundation

"10,021st analysis test, parsing in progress..."

Tony stared at the holographic display before him with a haggard expression, the various data points flickering rapidly.

His robotic arm, Dummy, moved over holding a cup of coffee, which Tony took absentmindedly:

"Good job, kid, but I haven't forgotten about you spilling coffee on my workbench earlier."

Dummy clacked its claws, emitted a series of strange mechanical whirring sounds, and slowly moved back to its original position.

"One last time..."

Tony frowned as several key data points suddenly turned red, and Jarvis's voice rang out:

"Analysis failed, sir."

A large "FAILED" appeared on the holographic display in front of Tony, and he waved his hand irritably to swipe it away:

"Are there any other methods?"

"All methods have been exhausted, sir."

Jarvis's tone was calm:

"The sample contains a peculiar energy radiation that cannot be detected by current testing equipment. This energy radiation is extremely beneficial to the human body; it can significantly boost metabolism and replenish physical exertion, completely distinct from any currently known energy."

"What about those green plants?"

Tony rubbed his chin and took another sip of coffee, feeling his spirits lift slightly:

"Those green plants have such high purification efficiency; what makes them different from ordinary plants?"

"Those green plants also possess the special energy radiation, with a 99% similarity to the energy in the serum sample. It can be assumed that the 1% difference is what leads to the variation in effects."

"What about replication?"

"Attempts to replicate the restorative serum based on existing data have been completely ineffective; they are merely ordinary drinks rich in protein, fiber, and chlorophyll."

"Like vegetable juice?"

"Correct, sir."

Tony let out a sigh, placed the empty coffee cup on the workbench, and scratched his head vigorously:

"Fine... I admit I failed. It's just a bit of sponsorship money, it's no big deal."

"Should I mark this project as finished, sir?"

"Mark it."

"Very well, sir."

Jarvis retracted the remaining holographic displays and projected a new one in front of Tony:

"Ms. Pepper will be arriving in five minutes."

"Five minutes?!"

Tony jerked his head up and rubbed his dark-circled eyes:

"Is there any serum left?"

"It has all been used up, sir."

"Why didn't you save some for backup?!"

"A week ago, you used up both samples for personal reasons. This latest batch was provided by Mr. Happy and was barely enough to suffice."

"..."

Tony stood up but felt a wave of lightheadedness:

"Pepper... did she say what she's coming for?"

"Her request states that she needs your approval for an unplanned medical expense, as it is being drawn from your personal account."

Jarvis projected Pepper's request in front of Tony, leaving him stunned:

"Medical? I'm in perfect health!"

"It concerns those cover models, sir."

Tony watched with a colorful expression as Jarvis projected a list of medical expenses:

"Their agencies pointed out that due to attending your party, their bodies... suffered some minor injuries that will affect their work for the coming week. Ms. Pepper only reached an agreement with the agencies regarding the medical and other costs yesterday."

Tony slapped his forehead.

"Oh, shit!"

Tony's method for soothing his assistant's anger was to take her to Oaks's Emerald Dream, hoping that the magical serum would calm the beauty's mood.

Of course, the assistant also needed to draft a sponsorship plan for New York City's environmental protection efforts while in the car.

Tony lunged, but hit nothing but air.

"He's not here? When will he be back?"

Tony looked at the visibly excited Zhang, shot a quiet glance at the smiling female assistant, and gave a light cough.

"Um, that serum—do you have any more? I'll take it all!"

"Ah, of course, Mr. Stark."

Only now did Zhang realize that the "Mr. Driver" he had seen earlier with Ms. Carter was actually the world-famous Tony Stark.

And he had even ridden in his car!

No wonder he said he usually didn't give men rides; today, he had arrived with a beauty.

But did the beauties not get carsick?

"Mr. Oaks went to the Amazon Rainforest three days ago for field research. The samples he uploaded last time piqued the interest of botanists."

Zhang pulled ten bottles of recovery serum from under the counter, placed them in an exquisite gift box, and handed it to Tony.

"These were left behind by Mr. Oaks. He emphasized that, uh... there's no discount for bulk purchases, but he can throw in some coffee beans."

"Thank you, you can give them to me. He isn't used to taking things handed to him by others."

Pepper smiled as she took the gift box and the large bag of coffee beans from Zhang. Tony squeezed out a one-second smile.

"Yes, that's right... I'll pay the full amount."

Pepper handed Zhang a credit card, while Tony turned his head to inspect the shelves, which were once again filled with greenery, and tilted his head.

"I'll come back when Oaks returns. Also, you'd better buy a copy of tomorrow's New York Times as a souvenir."

"The New York Times?" Zhang was puzzled.

"Because tomorrow's paper will feature the great Tony Stark, who, in support of New York's environmental efforts, has personally donated ten million dollars to establish an environmental foundation."

Pepper put the card away. Though her words were sarcastic, her gaze toward Tony softened considerably.

"And Mr. Oaks Lin will be Tony's partner."

"Ah!"

While Zhang was still stunned, Tony had already left with Pepper.

"Pepper, get Rhodes on the line for me."

"Colonel Rhodes? Tony, you still have a meeting to attend."

"Postpone it."

Sitting in the driver's seat, Tony took the phone Pepper handed him.

"Hey, Rhodes."

The call connected, and the teasing voice of Tony's best friend, Colonel James Rhodes of the US Air Force Weapons Development Division, came through.

"Hi Tony, did you get things sorted out with the beauties?"

"...Pepper dialed the number for me."

"Oh~ does the great Tony Stark actually care about such things?"

Rhodes feigned surprise with a jab before getting to business.

"Since you have a beautiful assistant, why would you think of me?"

"I need you to help me check the exit records of a friend."

Tony was silent for two seconds before continuing.

"Once I considered him a friend, I decided I wouldn't look into his information anymore, but there's a special reason this time—

You just need to tell me if this friend of mine has any exit records from the three days prior to today."

"Oh, I'm just glad you called me instead of hacking into the Immigration and Customs Bureau's servers yourself."

Rhodes's tone turned serious; it wasn't easy for Tony to call someone a friend.

Generally, he just played along with people, but as for real friends... he probably only had Happy and Rhodes?

Heaven knows how this newcomer managed to tolerate Tony's eccentric train of thought.

"Hey! Rhodes, are you thinking something bad? I'll apologize to him later."

"...Fine, send me the name, and I'll send you the results in a bit."

The call ended. Tony sent Oaks's name to Rhodes and started the sports car.

"If this guy has no exit records again, things are going to get interesting."