After leaving the hearing, Tony did not linger in Washington. He soon returned to his seaside mansion in Malibu, California.
Although he had gone to Washington for the hearing right after the expo's opening ceremony, Tony had not forgotten the other important thing he needed to do: contact Lin Hai and ask about his health.
He entered his private laboratory beneath the mansion. The holographic projectors and various robotic arms were dormant, and only a few basic lights were on.
"JARVIS," Tony called into the empty lab.
"At your service, sir," JARVIS replied in his pleasant British accent.
"Call Dr. Lin." Tony sat down beside a workbench piled with electronic components and design sketches.
"Dialing, sir."
Brooklyn Heights, New York. The rooftop terrace of Lin Hai's home.
The afternoon sun was just right. Lin Hai was tending to his specially cultivated potted plants, each with a different shape. He loosened the soil around a Lemon Balm plant and was about to check the Clearheart Orchid beside it when his phone rang in his trouser pocket.
Lin Hai set down his little trowel, brushed the dirt from his hands, and took out his phone. The screen showed the caller ID: "Tsundere Freak."
He raised an eyebrow, a trace of surprise crossing his face. The hearing only ended a little while ago, didn't it? Why's this guy calling me out of nowhere?
Puzzled though he was, he answered and put the phone to his ear. "Good afternoon, Mr. Stark."
Tony's voice came from the other end. "Good afternoon, Dr. Lin. Am I interrupting?"
Before Lin Hai could answer, Tony added, "It doesn't matter if I am. I need something from you."
Lin Hai narrowed his eyes. This guy really didn't stand on ceremony.
No, Lin Hai thought. *I need to find a