Spider Serum (Please Bookmark)

Norman sighed with a regretful expression and continued, "This invitation will remain valid until the project ends."

"If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

After saying that, he raised his glass, drained it in one gulp, then turned and walked toward Kingpin.

Once their conversation ended, Gwen came over to Roy and asked curiously, "What were you talking about?"

"Nothing much. He wanted to invite me to help develop the Inter-Species Genetics project," Roy replied without hiding anything.

Gwen immediately frowned and said doubtfully, "I heard they couldn't find anyone suitable to take over, so they shut down the Inter-Species Genetics project and dismissed all the project staff."

"He found someone to take over Dr. Connors's research," Roy replied.

Gwen continued, "Who did he find? There aren't many scientists studying Inter-Species Genetics, and even fewer who can take over Dr. Connors's research."

Roy shook his head and said slowly, "I don't know who he found either, but judging by his expression, he has a lot of confidence in that person."

Gwen fell silent and asked nothing more.

Time passed bit by bit.

Eight o'clock that evening.

Fireworks erupted across the venue, announcing the official start of the opening ceremony.

One firework after another burst in the night sky, blooming into dazzling yet fleeting brilliance.

At the same time, a military transport plane roared through the skies above Flushing.

The rear cargo door opened.

Wearing the Mark VI, Tony jogged forward a few steps and leaped out of the aircraft.

After enjoying the sensation of free fall for a moment, he activated the flight system. Orange-yellow flames shot from his feet as he streaked through the night sky like a meteor, flying toward the opening ceremony stage.

This was an entrance he had designed specifically for himself.

As a flamboyant playboy who loved being in the spotlight, he would never miss an opportunity to show off.

Before long, the crowd looking up at the fireworks noticed his arrival, and enormous cheers erupted throughout the venue.

Amid everyone's gazes and cheers, Tony landed precisely in the circular area directly in front of the stage.

The moment he landed, a row of golden fireworks blossomed behind the stage. Female dancers in red performance outfits that fully displayed their sexy figures began a synchronized, provocative dance.

Their costumes were practically swimsuits, modeled after Tony's Iron Man armor. Red was the main color, with circular lights glowing on their chests.

All of the dancers had excellent figures, and their movements were sensual.

However, the audience's attention was entirely focused on Tony.

Sexy, fiery performances could be found anywhere.

Before the Iron Man armor, which symbolized power and technology, women's sexy bodies were hardly worth mentioning.

In the movie, Tony had worn the Mark 4 at the Expo's opening ceremony, using the Second-Generation Arc Reactor and a mechanized deployment system.

But now, he was wearing armor designated No. 6, which was effectively equivalent to the movie's Mark 7.

As the armor transformed, Tony, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped directly out of it and waved to the crowd below the stage.

Being the center of everyone's attention really did feel great!

Tony remarked to himself without showing it.

He attracted plenty of attention normally, but he rarely received the gaze and enthusiastic cheers of tens of thousands of people all at once.

After performing a finishing move together with the female dancers onstage, Tony spread his hands, applauded, and turned to face the audience.

"Tony! Tony! Tony..."

The audience chanted Tony's name in unison.

"It feels great to be back!"

"You missed me, didn't you?"

Tony said with a smile.

"Blow something up!" an audience member suddenly shouted.

Tony smiled faintly and said slowly, "Blow something up? I've already done that."

Then his expression became serious. "I never said that the world has remained at peace for all these years because of me."

"I never said that no one in this world has risen from the ashes like a phoenix the way I have."

"And I certainly never said that the United States government can stay calm and composed because I have always remained at my peak, with no one capable of defeating me!"

Thunderous applause broke out below the stage, and the cheers came wave after wave like the sea.

The VIP section.

Hearing Tony's speech, Gwen smiled and said, "Has he always been this flamboyant?"

"Yes," Roy replied.

"I don't like overly flamboyant men. They seem immature, like children."

Gwen said with a serious expression.

Roy agreed with Gwen's assessment.

Tony really was like a child who had never grown up sometimes. He liked showing off everywhere and asserting his presence, but that was also part of his charm.

"I love you, Tony!"

A female audience member shouted loudly.

Tony waved a hand and said slowly, "No, I'm not important, and neither are you."

"None of us are important. What matters is legacy—what we can leave behind for the future."

"So, beginning next year, for the first time since 1974, outstanding people from different countries and companies around the world will contribute their resources, share their visions, and create a better future together!"

"We aren't important. What I'm trying to say is... welcome to the Stark Industries Expo!"

"Now, I'd like to invite a special guest returned from a previous life to introduce the Expo to you."

"Please welcome my father, the founder of Stark Industries, Howard Stark!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the giant screen behind Tony began playing a video Howard had recorded years ago.

"Technology can accomplish anything: better lives, healthier bodies."

"For the first time in human history, global peace is within reach."

"On behalf of Stark Industries, I present to you the city of the future."

"Technology gives humanity limitless possibilities. It can make humanity immune to disease, and it can change every one of our lives."

"No need to work hard, with ample time for leisure activities and wonderful lives enjoyed with family and friends..."

As the video played, Tony left the stage and headed toward the VIP section with Happy accompanying him.

Although he did not like making meaningless small talk with unfamiliar people at all, sometimes he had no choice but to do it.

After all, he had invited them here. He could not just leave without even greeting them.

He merely had some flaws in his personality; he was not completely incapable of social interaction.

Besides, he had not seen Roy in a while and could not resist showing off his latest creation, the Mark 7.

Before long, Tony arrived at the VIP section.

Without any surprise, the moment he entered the VIP section, he drew everyone's attention. People stepped forward one after another to greet him.

"Nice to see you."

"I remember you. You attended one of my parties."

"Okay, I'll add your invitation to my schedule."

"Long time no see. You look more energetic than before."

"I have your number. Keep in touch when you have time."

"No problem. I'll seriously consider this project..."

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Tony came over to Roy. With his back to the others, he said quietly, "Good thing you aren't as excited as they are. I really don't understand what they're so excited about. It's not like I'm the president."

Before Roy could answer, he turned to Gwen and praised her, "Miss Stacy, have you ever considered acting in movies? It would be such a waste if you didn't. Even Hollywood actresses aren't as beautiful as you."

"I'm not that beautiful. Mr. Stark, you're flattering me too much."

Although she knew Tony's praise was somewhat exaggerated, Gwen still revealed a happy smile.

"I'm only telling the truth."

"Oh, right. Roy asked me to prepare a gift for you. I hope you like it."

After saying that, Tony gave Happy a look.

Without any hesitation, Happy immediately took a small box from his pocket and handed it to Gwen.

"What is this?"

Gwen took the box and looked at Tony in confusion.

Tony glanced around, then said in a voice only the few of them could hear, "Spider Serum."