One step through the golden Portal took them from Malibu, California, to Brooklyn, New York.
Tony stood still and looked back at the rapidly shrinking golden ring. Only when the last spark vanished into the air did he turn to Lin Hai, his eyes burning with curiosity.
The look sent a shiver down Lin Hai's spine.
"Hey, hey, hey!" He took half a step back and eyed Tony warily. "What's that look for? I'm a guy, I like women, and I have a girlfriend."
Tony froze. Then the hunger for knowledge drained from his face, replaced by disgust. "Seriously? Do you hear yourself? I can't imagine what goes on inside your head."
Lin Hai shrugged. "Just heading off any unrealistic ideas."
Lin Hai's nonsense had dampened Tony's fierce curiosity, but Tony showed no irritation. They had more important business to handle right now.
"Let's put the magic aside for now." He looked around Lin Hai's living room, steering the conversation back on track. "Didn't you say you had a few more friends? Why are there only four of you?"
Then he added casually, "Hmm... Nice place. Though I don't think it's as big as my home gym."
Lin Hai rolled his eyes.
"Come on, you're Tony Stark, the heart and soul of Stark Industries." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Your family's been building its fortune since your father's generation. How could a little first-generation entrepreneur like me compare?"
Tony raised an eyebrow, unbothered by Lin Hai's tone. He knew Lin Hai was joking. In fact, he preferred this sarcastic Lin Hai to the one who said nothing and only smiled at him.
After that jab at Tony's rich-guy remark, Lin Hai answered his question. "I was going to pick them up. Since you're here now, I'll bring them over."
He