Key Activation

Sunlight filters through the smart glass, casting a gentle morning glow on the top floor of the Arbitrator Tower.

When Chen Tian opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Wanda's brown hair falling across his chest. He gently moved his fingers and felt the girl's warm breath brush against his collarbone.

"Hmm..." Wanda stirred in his arms, her long eyelashes fluttering as she opened her eyes.

Her amber eyes shone like melting honey in the morning light. "Good morning," she said, her voice slightly hoarse from just waking up, yet carrying a languid sexiness that was more pronounced than usual.

Last night, after the party, he and 2B returned to this room they hadn't entered in three years. The girl took the initiative to suggest 'discussing the human reproduction plan,' and even untied the bow on her back. Just as the lights automatically dimmed, the door was silently opened by Chaos Magic—

"What are you thinking about?" Wanda's fingertips lightly traced his abdominal muscles, interrupting his reverie.

She propped herself up, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall, the silk sheet slipping off her shoulders to reveal large expanses of snow-white skin. Chen Tian's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

"What do you think?" Chen Tian's eyes blazed with Kakkō. "It seems Tony said he wanted to talk to me at 10 a. m. this morning, and now..."

Chen Tian glanced at the holographic alarm clock on the bedside table. "Two hours."

"So what do you want to do?" Wanda bit her lower lip lightly, two blushes rising on her cheeks.

"I want to!" Chen Tian rolled over and pinned Wanda down.

"Wait!" Wanda suddenly stopped her. "2B isn't here, and no one's blocking JARVIS."

"Don't worry, no one can monitor or break into my room without my permission." Chen Tian looked at the beauty with a wicked smile.

Upon hearing this, Wanda's lips curled up, and with a swift movement, she flipped him over and pinned him down. "Really? I was worried last night that Tony, that pervert, was spying on me."

"Don't worry, ever since I was secretly filmed the first time I went to his house, I've been very wary of this," Chen Tian said, looking at the female knight.

"I know, 'MKSism in the Morning Light'." Wanda's eyes were already starting to well up with tears.

"Would you like to give it a try?" Chen Tian asked with a mischievous grin.

"I..." Wanda leaned down gently, "Aren't I trying?"

Chen Tian's eyes grew brighter and brighter as he placed his hands under his head, looking completely at ease.

2B, standing outside the door, held a tray with food and breakfast on it. She placed her hand on the doorknob, smiled, and then withdrew it, blocking the door like a guard.

"Master, JARVIS can't monitor your room because I made the system for your room." In 2B's mind, images of passionate lovemaking in the room flashed through her mind, and her core processor began to heat up.

"So that's how it works? Wanda didn't know so much," 2B exclaimed inwardly.

Tony slumped listlessly on a beanbag chair in the arcade, his fingers tapping irritably on the game controller. His Iron Man character on the screen had been knocked out three times in a row by an AI opponent, but he had no interest in even reselecting.

"JARVIS," Tony asked for the twelfth time, "Did that kid leave the room or not?"

"Sir, according to the surveillance footage outside Mr. Chen's room, Mr. Chen indeed hasn't left his bedroom." JARVIS's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible helplessness. "I need to remind you that you have..."

"Shut up, JARVIS." Tony tossed the game controller aside, grabbed a cheeseburger from the table, and took a big bite. "I was just thinking..." He glanced at the vintage clock on the wall, chuckled, "That kid's got a great body, just like I was when I was twenty."

Just then, a communication request from Colonel Rhodes suddenly popped up on the holographic screen. Tony sighed and answered casually, "Hey, sweetheart, if you're calling to urge me to attend next week's Air Force social dinner..."

"Actually," Rhodes said formally, dressed in a crisp Air Force uniform, "I'm here on behalf of the Pentagon." He cleared his throat. "The military would like you to consider providing a set of Mark-series armor to the Air Force Special Forces."

Tony didn't even lift his eyelids. "The thirtieth formal reply—no." He took a bite of his hamburger, crumbs falling onto his shirt. "My armor isn't weaponry, Rhodes. You know my position."

Rhodes' expression immediately relaxed, revealing a knowing smile, "I knew you'd say that." He shrugged. "The generals told me to ask at least once a month, saying, 'Just in case Stark changes his mind.'"

"Unless they turn the Pentagon into an animal shelter." Tony rolled his eyes. "Now, if you don't have anything else to say..."

"Wait!" Rhodes suddenly leaned closer to the camera, a mischievous expression on his face. "JARVIS just told me you were waiting for someone?" He glanced at his watch dramatically. "Tony Stark waiting for someone? Is the end of the world coming?"

Enraged, Tony grabbed a slice of bread and hurled it at the holographic screen. "JARVIS! Who gave you permission to leak my itinerary?"

"The agreement you made when you returned from Afghanistan, Sir," JARVIS replied matter-of-factly, "Was authorized to access your non-classified travel information when Colonel Rhodes."

Rhodes was laughing so hard he was doubled over. "Let me guess—waiting for Chen Tian, right? I heard he's back. That kid's late?" He mimicked Tony's tone, "'Time is money, Rhodes! Being late is disrespectful to life!'"

"Shut up, Honey Bear," Tony mumbled, burying his face in the cushion. "I was just...testing the durability of the new game controller."

"Oh~" Rhodes drawled, "So letting the AI beat you three times in a row is also part of the test?" He winked mischievously, "Need me to teach you how to kill time in the bathroom?"

Just as Tony was about to retaliate, JARVIS's voice suddenly blared from the arcade's sound system: "Sir, Miss 2B has requested a communication."

"Bring him in," Tony waved his hand impatiently.

"Stark," JARVIS's voice suddenly switched to 2B's, "Master asked me to tell you that he needs to...adjust his equipment again. It's expected to take another 47 minutes."

"Alright, alright," Tony said, pouting as he picked up the controller again. "The kids are all grown up; they need some personal space." His eyes suddenly lit up. "Right, 2B! Tell your Master I hid his treasured figurines somewhere in this building. Tell him to get up and look for them."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the communication line, followed by 2B's calm voice. "Master said if you touch his figurine, he'll post the holographic video of you dancing ballet in your armor yesterday online."

Tony's controller clattered to the floor. Rhodes' laughter instantly rose, "What?! JARVIS! Make me a copy right now!"

"It has been sent to your private cloud, Mr. Rhodes," JARVIS said calmly.

Tony collapsed onto the sofa in despair, wailing at the ceiling, "I hate all of you!" He grabbed a cushion and covered his face. "JARVIS! Cut off all outgoing channels!"

Rhodes laughed so hard he slapped the table, "Hahaha, 2B told Chen Tian he did a great job! I'm going to set this as my caller ID!"

"Rhodes! Get out!"

"Ha ha ha ha."

The blizzard near the Arctic Ocean border of the Euro Continent had just subsided, and the wooden windows of the dilapidated farmhouse creaked in the cold wind. Steve tossed the last piece of firewood into the fireplace, the flickering Kakkō casting shadows on his face.

"Are you sure you don't want to go back and check?" Bucky wiped his hunting knife with his robotic arm. "The Arbitrator Tower's temperature control system is much more comfortable than this awful place."

Steve stared at the flames without answering immediately. The harrowing chase three years ago seemed to still be fresh in his mind— Chen Tian's cold eyes, his boundless power, almost killing everyone on the third basement level of Sokovia Castle.

"Our mission isn't over yet," Steve began. "We're here to hunt down the remnants of Hydra."

Bucky suddenly threw his hunting knife; a flash of cold light, and it landed precisely next to the swaying kerosene lamp on the roof beam.

The man once known as the "Winter Soldier" stood up and stretched, his spine cracking slightly. "Come on, Steve, you're just afraid I'll see him again." He deliberately punched Steve in the back with his mechanical arm. "Afraid he'll kill me again, right?"

Bucky laughed and said, "I can understand him, but I don't remember anything when I killed Howard."

Steve sighed. He knew, of course, that Bucky remembered nothing, but if he told Tony, would Bucky forgive Bucky just because he said he didn't remember? He didn't know, so he didn't dare to gamble.

"Morning exercise?" Bucky had already pushed open the creaking wooden door, letting in a biting wind of minus twenty degrees Celsius mixed with snowflakes. His grey-green eyes gleamed slyly as he turned around. "I bet twenty dollars I can take your shield this time."

Steve shook his head, clearing his mind of those heavy thoughts. He grabbed his Vibranium Shield and followed Bucky into the snow. The minus twenty degree Celsius temperature frosted over their eyelashes.

Bucky moved his robotic arm, the metal joints gleaming coldly in the morning light. "Same as always, the loser pays for tonight's dinner."

"One more thing," Steve's breath condensed in the air, "The loser has to dress up as the loser's wife for the next mission."

Bucky burst into laughter and suddenly charged forward. The two engaged in a fierce battle on the snow, their Vibranium Shield clashing against the mechanical arms, creating dazzling sparks. Steve precisely blocked every attack from Bucky, the shield moving with the agility of an extension of his body.

"Looks like the serum's effects haven't worn off yet, old man," Bucky said, panting, as white mist spewed from the vents on his robotic arm.

Steve countered with a neat shield strike. "At least better than some rusty metal arm."

The two exchanged blows, leaving a complex web of footprints in the snow. The snow on the pine trees was shaken off by the aftershocks of the battle, forming shimmering halos in the morning light. Bucky suddenly changed tactics, his mechanical arm attacking at a tricky angle, but Steve anticipated it and deflected it with the edge of his shield.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, Bucky suddenly revealed a sly smile. With a 'click,' a miniature device popped out from his wrist on his mechanical arm. Before Steve could react, the device sprayed out a cloud of snow mist, temporarily obscuring his vision.

"You cheated!" Steve yelled, but it was too late. Bucky seized the opportunity and swept him down with a kick. Steve crashed heavily onto the snow, creating a crater.

Bucky stood beside him, a mischievous smile in his eyes, "Admitting defeat, old man?"

Steve lay in the snow pit, panting heavily, his frost-covered chest heaving. Looking up at the leaden sky, he suddenly gasped and laughed, "I could fight you all day." Before he finished speaking, he slammed his leg into Bucky's knee.

The moment Bucky heard those words, he seemed to freeze in place. His pupils dilated slightly, and his mechanical arm hovered in mid-air.

Steve's kick landed squarely on Bucky's knee, Bucky sprawling straight into the snowdrift like a log.

"Bucky?" Steve scrambled to his feet, his boots crunching through the ice. He knelt beside his best friend, brushing the snow from his face. "Damn it, you could have dodged it—"

Bucky's grey-green eyes finally refocused, and as he looked into Steve's anxious blue eyes, a slow smile crept onto his lips.

Beneath the soft depths of those eyes, a complex emotion subtly surged—like the embers of hatred, or a raging undercurrent.

But this unusual expression vanished in an instant, perfectly concealed beneath his gentle smile, unnoticed even by Steve, who knew him best.

"Remember that back alley of the grocery store in Brooklyn?" Bucky's voice was soft. "You weren't even as tall as my shoulder back then, and you were cornered by three thugs."

"When I arrived, your face was covered in blood from your nose, but you were clutching the trash can lid and saying, 'I could fight all day.'"

Steve yanked Bucky out of the snowdrift and patted the snow off him. "Enough, enough of that old stuff." He turned and strode toward the farmhouse. "Come inside and warm up. We need to get ready for our mission."

Bucky stood still, the smile from before still on his face, "Yes, Captain." His voice was light and cheerful, as if he were still the young Brooklyn who had stood by Steve's side all those years ago.

But as Steve's figure disappeared into the doorway, Bucky's smile froze instantly. Hatred and madness surged in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, and when he looked up again, his usual smile had returned. He stamped the snow off his boots, hummed a little tune, and walked into the farmhouse, as if the scene had never happened.

Chen Tian lazily sank into the beanbag chair, his slender fingers deftly manipulating the controller. On the screen, the Hulk he was controlling was using a series of dazzling combos to corner Tony's Iron Man character.

"You're an hour late," Tony said, sitting across from him with his legs crossed, his fingers flying across the keyboard, but he couldn't stop his character's health bar from dropping rapidly. "You know, I left Pepper alone with those guys who want investment while I waited for you. I wonder what Pepper will say about me later."

Chen Tian gave a lazy smile, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Tony, the tone you're using sounds just like a high school girl who's been stood up." He flicked his wrist, and the game character suddenly unleashed the End move, the virtual Iron Man image crashing to the ground in an explosion.

The word "Game Over" flashed on the screen.

Tony slammed the controller down. "Cheating! You must have secretly upgraded the game AI!"

"Admit it, Tony," Chen Tian stretched, his muscles barely concealed beneath his t-shirt, "Your talent isn't in gaming."

Tony helplessly spread his hands. "Okay, okay, I have to admit, my gaming talent isn't as good as yours."

He picked up his coffee from the table, took a sip, and looked at Chen Tian with a serious expression. "Kid, do you know why I came to see you today?"

Chen Tian put down the handle, picked up his cola, took a sip, sat up straight, and nodded. "Yeah, I know."

Tony took a deep breath. "I won't ask you what you did or where you went in the past three years. But I hope you won't hide it from me next time."

A flicker of tenderness crossed his blue eyes, but it was quickly masked by his usual mockery. "Listen, kid, as one of the largest shareholders in the Arbitrator Organization —I mean financially, of course—" he deliberately drew out, "I have an obligation to ensure our 'brand image' remains unaffected."

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. "So this is a shareholders' meeting?"

"No, this comes from a..." Tony paused, seemingly searching for the right words, "A poor guy worried his investment will go down the drain." He spread his hands. "Do you know what the media will write? 'Disagreement, one of the Arbitrators leaders leaves,' 'Tony Stark betrayed again'..."

"I thought you were used to negative news by now," Chen Tian chuckled.

Tony suddenly stood up and walked to the French windows. Malibu sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating his slightly tired face. "Pepper's right, I'm really not good at this." He turned around, his tone unusually serious. "Next time, at least leave a note, kid."

Chen Tian watched Tony's retreating figure, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. He put down the can of Coke. "I promise you."

Tony immediately resumed his nonchalant expression, but his gaze lingered on Chen Tian's white hair. "Seriously, Kid, your new look..." He made an exaggerated gesture, "Want me to introduce you to a stylist? I guarantee you'll turn back into that dark-haired boy who charms countless girls."

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. "What? White hair doesn't meet Stark Industries' aesthetic standards?"

"No, no, no," Tony strode back to the sofa, casually pulling a holographic business card from his pocket. "This is Lucas, the stylist for half of Hollywood's stars. I told him to..."

"Wait a minute," Chen Tian suddenly realized, pointing at Tony and laughing, "You wouldn't be thinking of..."

Tony immediately interrupted him, his face full of 'innocence': "What? I was just concerned about my partner's image." He snapped his the Snap, and a perfectly tailored black tuxedo instantly materialized in the holographic projection. "By the way, there's a charity gala next week, and as one of the leaders of the Arbitrators..."

"I knew it!" Chen Tian laughed out loud. "You wanted to dump all the drudgery of dealing with the media and the government on me."

Tony clutched his chest dramatically. "That's hurtful! I just felt..." His gaze suddenly turned serious. "It's been three years. The people should meet the leader of the organization that protects them."

Their eye contact was interrupted by 2B's footsteps. The silver-haired girl walked in carrying a tray, and her pupils widened slightly when she saw the dress design on the holographic projection. "Master is attending a social event?"

"It seems someone has already made arrangements for me." Chen Tian shook his head helplessly.

Tony snapped his the Snap smugly, "Full service! Hair, suit, PR team..." He suddenly leaned closer, lowered his voice, "Even the speech is prepared. You just need to show your face, smile, and then..."

"And then you can deal with those annoying politicians and reporters for me?" Chen Tian raised an eyebrow.

"Ahem..." Tony feigned a cough, changing the subject to 2B, "Oh, by the way, remember to remind your Master of the styling appointment for 10 a. m. tomorrow."

2B's lips curled into a slight smile, "Recorded. However..." She looked at Chen Tian, "Master's current hair color is very peculiar, it's like..."

"Like a wise man who has experienced the vicissitudes of life?" Tony interjected.

"Like a rebellious teenager deliberately trying to look cool," 2B added calmly.

Chen Tian laughed, while Tony shook his head pretending to be hurt. "2B is starting to get better and better at complaining, and the world is hopeless." He stood up and patted Chen Tian on the shoulder, "Seriously, think about it? Black hair is more suitable for the camera."

Chen Tian looked at the virtual black-haired version of himself projected on the screen, then suddenly reached out and brought up the interface. In a few swift movements, he changed the model's hair to silver-white. "I think this is better." He looked at Tony provocatively, "More distinctive, isn't it?"

Tony stared at the revised design for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed, "Alright, you rebellious kid." He put away the projector. "But the suit must be my design; it's about the Arbitrators's public image."

"Suit yourself," Chen Tian shrugged, "As long as I don't have to wear your gold and red outfit, which is a fashion disaster."

"Hey! My armor design won an award!"

Their banter was interrupted by a sudden holographic notification. JARVIS's voice rang out. "Sir, your meeting with Ms. Pepper has five minutes left."

Tony frantically straightened his tie. "Damn it! 2B, I look..."

"He looks just like a husband about to be scolded by his wife," 2B replied calmly.

Chen Tian couldn't help but chuckle, "Hurry up, don't keep Pepper waiting." He deliberately imitated Tony's tone, "After all, being late is disrespectful to life."

Tony turned back and glared at him as he walked out. "Just you wait, kid. I'll have the reporters give you a good 'look' at the dinner party!"

After the automatic door closed, 2B asked softly, "Master, should I prepare a contingency plan for dealing with the media?"

Chen Tian gazed in the direction Tony had left, a smile playing on his lips. "No need." He reached up and brushed aside his white hair. "Let Tony see that silver hair can look great on camera too."

"By the way, 2B, has Madara set off yet?" Chen Tian's lips didn't move, but his voice reached 2B's ears through the Summoning Space.

"Yes, and I've also secretly contacted the 'Red Room' and the 'The Adjudicator'." 2B placed the food from her plate in front of Chen Tian.

Chen Tian picked up the controller and skillfully switched games. "Hmm, did they say anything?"

2B smiled slightly, "Only Logan said he'd stab you a few times if he saw you."

Chen Tian smiled. "Tell Ban to relay this to our Winter Soldier: Tony's Malibu Villa still has a set of 'armor' hidden inside."

As 2B bent down to put the food down, she heard this and tilted her head slightly, but quickly concealed it. "Master, that suit of armor."

"Let the Winter Soldier cause a ruckus," Chen Tian said, sinking back into the sofa.

"But didn't that suit of armor run out of power?" 2B didn't quite understand.

"That suit of armor only needs a little energy to move, although it won't be active for long. But I think the followers of the Dimensional Demon God will be very willing to help Bucky." Chen Tian skillfully controlled the hooded assassin in the game, unleashing a flurry of attacks among a group of soldiers.