Helen Zhao

Tony's parting words caused a huge stir, sparking all sorts of discussions.

In Hong Fei's eyes, this was clearly a sign that Tony felt he was ready to fly solo.

Based on his deductions, Tony should have not only finished the Mark III armor but also already laid the foundation for even later models.

Anger had fueled him, the armor gave him confidence, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s assistance in concealing his identity had further ignited his inner pride.

After reason was instantly defeated, he admitted everything and, with pride and anger, declared war on his enemies.

Hong Fei didn't think he was the one who should be worried now. Tony was out in the open, while he remained in the shadows, holding the initiative. At worst, he could just change his gear and his mask; no one dictated what he had to wear.

Now, S.H.I.E.L.D., along with the military and police, were the ones who should be troubled.

They didn't know if Hong Fei would be provoked by Tony's declaration of war, nor did they know what methods he possessed or when he might appear.

A situation where the threat was present but not yet acted upon was more unnerving for them.

As for the declaration of war itself, Hong Fei simply laughed it off.

After today, not only Tony, but also everyone around him and Stark Tower itself would be under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s close watch. The military and police, eager to find the perpetrator of the shelling, wouldn't let up their surveillance either.

He'd have to be an idiot to get angry and go retaliate against Tony.

A battle of pride was hardly worth mentioning.

Putting the arrogant fellow aside for the moment, another day passed, and Hong Fei welcomed the first guest to his new home.

As the last sliver of sunset vanished from the horizon, a woman in a long dress with a beautiful face stepped out of a car in front of Hong Fei.

"Doctor, welcome!"

Hong Fei appeared genuinely delighted, as if her arrival truly illuminated his humble abode.

Helen Zhao concealed the surprise in her eyes and smiled, "Mr. Hong, thank you for your invitation."

"Haha, no need for formalities. Come inside, let's sit down and chat."

In the spacious, bright, and luxurious living room, a silence fell. However, Helen Zhao showed no signs of timidity, maintaining a polite smile throughout.

Hong Fei initiated the conversation, "Dr. Zhao, are you Korean-American?"

"Yes, Mr. Hong, are you Chinese-American?"

Hong Fei switched to Korean, "That's right. I heard about you when I was in Korea before, and now we finally meet."

Helen Zhao's eyes lit up, and she replied in Chinese, "I didn't expect Mr. Hong to know Korean. Which places in Korea have you visited?"

Knowing a bit of Korean wasn't unusual, and he had indeed been to quite a few places in Korea. He'd visited most of the large Taekwondo dojos, though he usually had to fight his way in.

However, some Koreans truly weren't honorable. If they couldn't win during the day, they'd resort to guns at night to silence him.

Therefore, in that place, Hong Fei's fastest growth wasn't in Kung Fu, but in marksmanship.

"Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and so on. I've been to many places. Dr. Zhao, your Chinese is also very good."

"I've also been to China. There's so much delicious food there that I love, and the scenery is beautiful..."

After that, the two chatted, and their relationship became considerably closer.

After Number One refilled their tea several times, Helen Zhao glanced at the sky, her smile slightly fading. "Mr. Hong, you've established a private biological laboratory. What area of research are you looking to enter?"

Hearing this, Hong Fei let out a hearty laugh. "Dr. Zhao, you should know that Gonggong Laboratory was only recently established, and that was the day before I sent you the invitation. So, my intentions are very clear." Hong Fei leaned forward, meeting Helen Zhao's gaze. "The direction you can research is the field I want to enter."

This was indeed his genuine thought. He needed someone with a doctor's skillset. Helen Zhao was excellent at integrating technology and medicine, and researching other biological fields in the future wouldn't be beyond her capabilities. It wasn't out of the question for her to help with the Arc Reactor either; it wasn't like she was changing careers.

Helen Zhao's comprehensive abilities truly met his needs.

However, Hong Fei's words seemed to create some misunderstanding in her mind.

Her smile completely vanished, and she sat up straight, saying solemnly, "Mr. Hong, biological research is a vast field that requires extremely high standards for both equipment and talent. Private laboratories do exist, but they are typically established in collaboration with numerous corporations and even governments. If you're merely approaching this with a playful mindset, I strongly advise you not to waste your funds."

Hong Fei blinked in surprise. "I don't have a playful mindset at all; I'm very serious."

"Then do you have any understanding of the current development of biotechnology in the world?"

"Do you know who the most renowned scientists in the field are right now?"

"What are the top biotechnology companies?"

"What are the most cutting-edge research directions currently?"

Hong Fei blinked blankly, his brow furrowing.

Seeing his expression, Helen Zhao shook her head slightly. "Mr. Hong, as an investor and business owner, you clearly lack understanding of the industry's direction and prospects, which is why I believe you don't need to waste your funds."

"But I'm really not joking."

"Mr. Hong!" Helen Zhao's voice rose, her eyebrows knitted tightly. "I'm not joking either. If this is all you want to discuss, then I think we can end tonight's meeting."

Hong Fei's eyebrows twitched slightly.

Seeing Helen Zhao pick up her bag as if to leave, Hong Fei added, "The purpose of establishing Gonggong Laboratory is to solve some problems in the medical field."

Yes, to solve the medical problems that Frank and I might encounter.

Helen Zhao froze, then looked back at Hong Fei.

"I don't understand biotech, but I know that if you're human, you get sick or injured, and you need medical care. I've heard of those so-called cutting-edge research areas, but I'm not interested. I have only one goal: to cure diseases and save lives!

This doesn't deviate from your actual research. I only care about the practical abilities you demonstrate, nothing else.

Finally, I'm preparing five hundred million dollars. If it's not enough, I can add more."

Five hundred million was Hong Fei's limit.

After the Afghanistan operation, Hong Fei had earned a total of eight hundred million.

One hundred million was given to Frank and the five numbered individuals as rewards; thirty million was set aside for Number Four and Number Five in Sokovia as funds; about another hundred million was spent on repaying loans and purchasing the estate; so he had five hundred and seventy million left.

Throwing the largest portion to the laboratory was enough to prove how much he valued the Gonggong Laboratory and Helen Zhao.

Helen Zhao sat up straight again, her brow slightly smoothing. "Mr. Hong, can you tell me your thoughts?"

Hearing this, Hong Fei sighed again. He spread his hands. "Honestly, I haven't thought too much about it. I believe these things should be planned by a professional. I don't ask for much: to cure diseases and save lives."

More importantly, Hong Fei would definitely bring back many strange things in the future. Wouldn't it be a waste if no one could research them?

Curing diseases and saving lives was the right thing to do. If achievements were made and promoted, it would undoubtedly be a good deed.

Since he knew she would eventually have achievements like the Regeneration Cradle, Hong Fei was determined to invest, even if it meant losing money now.

However, he couldn't say these things directly to Helen Zhao at the moment, otherwise, she would still think Hong Fei was just trying to spend money to date her.

Hong Fei wasn't crazy enough to spend so much money on a girl.