After a rapid round of questions and answers, the conference room fell silent.
Fury pondered for a long while before finally issuing an order.
"Coulson, make a trip to the Middle East and carefully investigate every clue they left behind. It would be best if you could find their actual base. Tony's combat armor should still be in their hands. Also, those kidnappers didn't care about using White Phosphorus Shells, nor did they care about Tony's identity. That shows they were exceptionally bold and ruthless. Even the military couldn't find them despite searching everywhere, so if you don't expand your search range, my guess is that they probably went abroad at some point."
At this, Coulson's expression sharpened. He had not considered that possibility before, but after Fury pointed it out, he felt it was highly likely to be true.
Fury said, "Hill, keep an eye on what Tony does every day in New York. Don't get too close and let him notice you. In certain respects, his technology truly surpasses ours. If you discover anything resembling combat armor, report it to me immediately. Also, have someone watch that Chinese kid for a while. I still don't understand why those kidnappers released him. Was it really that difficult to shoot him in the head?"
Coulson and Hill answered at the same time, "Understood!"
At dusk, Hong Fei glanced at the date on his computer, closed the page, and rested his chin on his hand as he looked toward the door.
Before long, a small figure walked in, carrying a yellow lunchbox in his arms.
"Sir, I'm here!"
Peter's brilliant smile instantly dispelled Hong Fei's gloom from having no business all day. Taking the lunchbox and opening it, he said, "Has anything interesting happened at school lately?"
"Yes!"
As Hong Fei ate, Peter enthusiastically reported everything to him. Hong Fei occasionally asked a question or two, and laughter often echoed through the shop.
When Hong Fei finished eating, washed the lunchbox, and returned, he saw hesitation flickering in Peter's eyes. Peter would glance at him now and then before quickly looking away, his lips moving faintly as though he wanted to speak but could not bring himself to.
After drying the water off the lunchbox, Hong Fei rubbed Peter's head. "Something wrong?"
Peter smiled awkwardly, but he still nodded slowly.
Hong Fei grinned. "It's okay. I'm guessing there might be something you don't feel comfortable telling May, so why not tell me openly? We can call it a secret between men."
But Peter shook his head.
"No, sir. I don't have any secrets for now. I wanted to talk about something else."
Hong Fei gave a quiet hum and looked at him seriously.
"Actually..." Peter frowned and sighed softly. "Actually, I recognized Mr. Stark that day."
"Oh?" Hong Fei was a little surprised. Like Tony, he had assumed Peter had not recognized him.
Even before becoming Iron Man, Tony had naturally become the idol of many children thanks to the achievements he attained in his youth.
His tabloid scandals were naturally an example for adults as well.
Peter continued, "I really like him because he's incredibly smart. He designed a circuit board at four and developed an engine at six. I'm older than he was back then, but I haven't accomplished anything." By the end, he could not help feeling a little dejected.
Hong Fei did not know how to comfort him, because Tony's childhood really had been absurdly impressive.
"When I saw him, I was genuinely shocked. I almost cried out in excitement, but... I realized he didn't seem as good as I imagined."
Hong Fei asked, "How so?"
"Because... um, because I realized he doesn't respect people. Sir, he was very disrespectful to you, and that's bad. Even if I didn't know you, I still wouldn't think that was right."
Hong Fei immediately laughed.
He lifted Peter onto his lap and said, "Then what do you think would be the right thing to do?"
Peter answered without hesitation, "Of course, we should respect everyone, whether they're male or female, whatever their skin color is, and whether they're poor or rich. We must maintain the most basic respect. Even little animals that can't speak deserve our respect."
Hong Fei could not help feeling touched by those words.
"Peter, you're right. I'm very glad you think that way. But I still need to tell you that Tony wasn't actually disrespecting me."
Peter looked confused.
Hong Fei explained, "People are very complicated. Every person is a completely different individual. Body shape, appearance, skin color, and wealth are visible external differences, but people's inner selves are also all different and cannot be observed with the naked eye. When you hear someone say something, it doesn't mean they are truly what you heard. Even what they do may not be as simple as it looks on the surface."
"For example, Tony Stark always says things that sound very narcissistic. He really is narcissistic, but he never lacks the ability to reexamine and reflect on himself, which is why he keeps improving."
"When he talks to me, he may seem disrespectful and often teases me, but we can't judge only by appearances. In reality, he can be very serious. Why do you think he talks to me in that tone? Do you have classmates like that around you?"
Peter blinked and fell into thought.
After a long while, he said uncertainly, "Could it be because you're good friends?"
Hong Fei laughed. "No, we're not quite at that point, though we can barely be considered friends. The reason is simple: he and I are already familiar with each other. We aren't strangers. He doesn't speak that way because he disrespects me; that's simply his personality. He grew up in a different environment from us. We can think it's not good, but we can't make a rash judgment based on that alone. It's normal for you to think that way, but because I know him, I don't consider it disrespect."
Of course, Hong Fei still found it annoying. Given the chance, he would not hesitate to stab Tony again.
Peter thought for a moment, then broke into a smile. "I think I understand a little. If that's the case, then... could you ask Mr. Stark for an autograph for me?"
"No problem. I'll get it for you next time I see him."
Hong Fei was very pleased that he could guide a future superhero without resorting to physical means. He was also glad Peter would not misunderstand Tony. After all, once Tony made his heroic sacrifice in the future, Peter would still have an inheritance to claim.
Setting down the equally happy Peter, Hong Fei picked up the lunchbox. "Come on, I'll take you home."
The road was very quiet. There were not many people walking at night outside the busy districts, and even fewer were walking with children.
Before they reached Peter's building, Hong Fei spotted May standing at the window in the distance, gazing outside.
An idea immediately came to Hong Fei.
"Peter, do you think May might want to change jobs?"
Before you continue