"Thank you for your kindness. I'm not very accepting of this."
In the study, Luke was sitting on a chair, waving his hand to reject the cigar handed over by the President.
Many people know that Mr. Lieutenant General does not have any bad habits.
I don't smoke, and I only taste the wine.
The only thing worthy of criticism is perhaps his private life.
But this small problem is really insignificant when it comes to young people and the upper class.
Even the nominal leader of the country, the president who occupies White House, may not have a much better private life.
What's more, the Pentagon's Lieutenant General.
"Well, it's a good thing to have good habits. There are few young people like you who actively refuse gadgets that damage the body."
The President did not feel angry, but praised him.
"Yes, I attach great importance to routine."
Luke smiled slightly. He would do some warm-up exercises to promote blood circulation before going to bed every day.
Then sleep until dawn, never leaving fatigue and stress until the next day.
Like Marlena, Peggy, White Queen Emma...
All the women who spent the night with him said that Mr. Lieutenant General's schedule was normal.
"This is one of my few personal hobbies. I can't change it for a while, and I don't want to change it. The smell of tobacco helps me calm down and think calmly."
The president took out a high-end cigar from the box, played with it for a while, and patiently smoked it with a long match. It was obvious that he enjoyed the process.
"This box was given to me by Churchill. We have quite the same taste in cigars. Although my personal doctor has advised me to reduce the intake of tobacco and alcohol, human beings have lost most of their meaning without cigars and whiskey in their short lives."
Luke nodded in agreement. Although he was not interested in tobacco and alcohol, it was because he had other hobbies.
"Sir Prime Minister also gave me a box. I'll bring it over another day and give it to the President."
He had some doubts about whether Churchill gave cigars to everyone he met. It was said that the deceased Roosevelt also received them.
"That's so embarrassing."
The president laughed twice, then lowered his voice and said, "Don't let Beth know, she doesn't like me smoking cigars."
"Of course. It's a secret between men."
Luke blinked and answered politely.
After a few minutes, the small talk was over and the two of them got back on track.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has received intelligence and found that Soviet Union has been making frequent moves in recent times. Not only is it vigorously developing the nuclear industry, but it also plans to restart the Super Soldier plan from the World War II period - as far as I know, they have a secret organization called 'Leviathan', which is actively recruiting biological experts and cultivating excellent fighters."
In order to delay as much time as possible, create opportunities for Howard.
Luke opened his mouth and talked about the latest trends in Soviet Union.
The President, who is sitting opposite, is not an ordinary politician.
On the contrary, he is extremely ambitious and enterprising.
After the end of World War II, the president who took over White House took the lead in proposing the strategic goal of seeking world hegemony.
The Axis Powers family suffered a disastrous defeat, coupled with the decline and weakening of Britain and France.
Relying on its developed military strength and economic accumulation, White-headed Eagle began to covet the throne of world hegemony.
If Atlantis hadn't emerged from nowhere, White House and the Pentagon would have been temporarily blocked from interfering in other countries' internal affairs to implement global expansion.
At this time, maybe a bipolar pattern has been formed.
"Lieutenant General Cahill, Red Empire are indeed worthy of vigilance. They may be the biggest enemies!"
The president exhaled a puff of blue smoke and said solemnly.
"Sometimes, I am amazed by the firm belief of this group of people and their ability to act out of their collectivism."
The winner of World War II is not only the silently growing United States, but also a red fur bear Siberia.
Among Yalta Conference, there is another great country Celestial Empire that has stepped onto the world stage and shown mysterious power.
That is an unopened copy and is not included in the world map for the time being.
"As for Peace Summit, which will be held in a few days, and the distribution of benefits to Atlantis, I have to worry about Lieutenant General Cahill."
The president put down his quarter-smoked cigar and said solemnly, "United States's future belongs to young people like you."
Luke chuckled, he didn't want to do any front or back waves, it would be easy for him to be slapped to death on the beach.
Beacon of Freedom's bright future clearly belongs to a certain real estate tycoon who has not yet been born.
That is the most suitable person who can lead the United States to greatness again in his lifetime - a sideways smile.
For the next forty minutes, the two people in the study were in a lively conversation and talked a lot.
During the period, the president also asked Luke if he was interested in going to Moscow.
And when the worst part comes, the two sides start three battles, Soviet Union launches a nuclear bomb, does he have the confidence to intercept it?
Regarding such a question, Luke naturally avoided talking about it and was vague.
He is not Dr. Manhattan from the studio next door, and he has no interest in creating a humanoid nuclear deterrent.
"That's it for today. Beth's boneless steak should be ready too."
The president put out the cigar in his hand, waved his hand to disperse the smell of tobacco, and opened the door with a smile.
Then, he saw a very inconsistent scene.
In the living room, Howard was sitting on the sofa, with First Lady and the president's daughter on both sides.
He seemed to have said something interesting, making the other two cover their mouths and chuckle, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
"What... is going on?"
The president looked confused and felt complicated.
Inexplicably, I feel like my wife and daughter are being taken over by my neighbor Old Wang.
Originally, he admired the talent of Howard, and Stark Industries was also an important defense contractor of the Pentagon.
But now, as the president looked at the moustachioed man who winked and tried his best to show his humorous side, he became more and more disgusted.
"What are you talking about? I heard laughter in the study."
The president suppressed his anger and asked dryly.
"The President, I just told you some of what I saw when I was in the UK."
Howard cleared his throat and said in a serious tone, "I used to live in London, before the war started. There was a time when I wanted to grow a beard in order to show my masculinity, but the owner of the hotel laughed at me and said, 'Ha, your mouth is just like my wife's unshaven hair.' He really said that at the time. It was really rude."
"Then how do you answer?"
Luke added in a flattering tone.
"I looked in the mirror and nodded, 'Well, you're right, it does look similar', and then the boss walked away proudly."
Howard said it seriously, as if it was true.
First Lady, who was sitting next to him, laughed out loud.
Women are always more receptive to colored jokes than girls.
"Mr. Stark's experience is really rich."
The president was smiling but was not smiling. He was very dissatisfied with his wife sitting so close to Howard.
"Is there anything else interesting? I'd also like to hear it and gain some knowledge."
"Still in London, it was the same hotel owner. His wife usually worked as an assistant to the magician in the theater. Once, he came home early and found his wife stripping off her clothes and standing in the bedroom."
Howard touched his beard, imitated his movements and tone, and said seriously, "The hotel owner was very confused and asked questions immediately. His wife hesitated and didn't know how to explain."
"Later, under the boss's questioning, his wife said that she had recently learned a magic trick, and then she shouted, 'Now is the time to witness a miracle.' A naked magician, also without any clothes, appeared from the cupboard."
"This surprised the hotel owner. He didn't expect that his wife could not only turn into a living person, but also turn her clothes away. It's really incredible."
This time it was the president's daughter's turn to hold back her smile, shrugging her shoulders hard, with two blushes appearing on her round face.
After the little warm-up joke was finished, First Lady finally remembered the Texas boneless steak and rushed into the kitchen.
Everyone else also sat at the dining table, and soon an alluring aroma wafted out.
"What a good craftsmanship."
Luke has no interest in the president's daughter, but he is full of praise for the boneless steak made by First Lady.
When you take a bite, the meat is juicy and rich in texture.
It neither appears greasy nor loses its fresh and tender taste, which reminds people of Little Sheldon's secret beef.
"Just have fun eating."
First Lady said reservedly.
She is used to having her cooking skills recognized.
"Is there any secret recipe? It's so delicious! After tasting beef like this, I'm afraid I won't order steak again when I go to a restaurant."
Howard jumped out, and even the big piece of beef couldn't stop his mouth.
"With all due respect, madam, I am willing to exchange all the shares of Stark Industries for this recipe."
Compared with Luke's plain praise, Howard's exaggerated statement is more likely to please First Lady.
This is the power of a love prodigal, a date master, and an arsonist of hearts.
To launch an offensive directly against the president's daughter is too obvious and a bit hasty.
Using roundabout tactics to please First Lady is a wiser choice.
Of course, this is just to rescue Luke.
Howard is also not interested in becoming the president's son-in-law.
He is an uninhibited wanderer, and it is impossible for him to enter the grave of love so early - even if the president's daughter is also named Mary.
"One teaspoon of cumin, one cup of brown sugar, two teaspoons of smoked paprika, three teaspoons of dry mustard..."
A somewhat arrogant First Lady happily told the secret recipe.
Howard made an expression of listening carefully and took some paper and notes.
Like, he really cares about this secret beef recipe.
The president next to him was silent. He wanted to smash the steak on his plate into his face.
What is this guy doing to please my wife?
The President thought of the two jokes before and felt inexplicably like the unlucky hotel owner.
During the twenty-minute meal, the dining table echoed with Howard's rainbow farts, compliments, and the laughter of First Lady and her daughter.
As for the president?
He was like an outsider and couldn't get in the conversation at all. He could only talk to Luke for a few awkward words.
Howard, who was promoting his daughter's marriage plan, suddenly came out of nowhere and made a mess.
After dinner, the living room was full of people.
While First Lady was cleaning up in the kitchen, the President finally found the opportunity.
He deliberately ignored Howard, who was getting close to his daughter, and pulled Luke affectionately, pretending to be an enthusiastic elder.
"Lieutenant General Cahill, what are your views on family and marriage?"
The president made subtle remarks and glanced at his daughter.
"I am still young, not experienced enough, not knowledgeable enough, and have nothing to say."
Luke smiled lightly and avoided the topic.
"When the President talks about this, does he want to introduce me to a partner? I have no idea about this for the time being, but Howard has always wanted to find an ideal partner."
"If there is a suitable young lady, you might as well introduce him to her."
"Right, Howard?"
Already from Agatha-Kree to Arthur Conan-Doyle's Howard, I nodded decisively.
There was sincerity in his eyes, and he said in a low voice, "Yes, I have long wanted to settle down and live a peaceful life. It's just that I haven't found the soul mate I've been dreaming of."
"The President, although there are various rumors about Howard from the outside, it is said that he dates three or four women at the same time a week. He is busy with work during the day and goes to the hotel to spend the night. He is proficient in time management and has affairs with many Hollywood female stars."
Luke took the topic more and more sideways, and said loudly, "But I can guarantee that Howard is definitely not like what is written in the newspaper. He is an upright man, obsessed with science, and a friend worth keeping company with. I believe that he can also become a qualified husband and an excellent father in the future."
Before the stunned president came to his senses, Howard said modestly, "Luke is the role model I need to learn from. Although he is young, he is clean and self-sufficient and does not approach women..."
The two shameless guys, like cross talk, exchanged crazy business bragging, leaving the president no room to even interrupt.
After experiencing various accidents this night, the President felt a little tired and finally gave up the idea of promoting his daughter.
He waved his hand, showing off his intentions. "It's getting late, Lieutenant General Cahill, and... Mr. Stark, I won't let you stay overnight."
Luke Hearing this, he stood up immediately.
After exchanging a few words, he left with Howard.
"How was it? Did you do well?"
Howard walked out of Blair House and said proudly.
"It's not bad. I'm worried that if you continue to stay, the President will smash the red wine I brought on your head."
Luke said with a smile.
Howard is worthy of being a friend of women, and can even master levels like First Lady.
"So, I paid a huge price. Luke, don't forget what you promised."
Thinking of the way the president looked at her before leaving, Howard couldn't help but feel chills in her back.
However, in order to step into the legendary magical world and experience sorceresses, goblins, succubi, centaurs...
Even if the president writes his name down in a notebook, it's still worth it!
"As I said, we are all friends and will not lie to you."
Luke assured.
Anyway, he has participated in Peace Summit of Paris and is going to Kamar-Taj, so there is no problem in bringing Howard.
Blair House, presidential suite.
After sending away the two troublesome guys, the president returned to the study.
He needed to smoke a cigar and calm down.
"Who are you?"
Just as he sat on the chair, a strange figure suddenly appeared in the room.
The other person had his hands behind his back, wearing a weird purple helmet and purple and green retro robes.
"You don't need to know who I am."
The stranger's voice was hoarse, his skin was blue, and he unconsciously showed a hint of arrogance.
"I have been Egypt's Pharaoh, Persian Empire's monarch... but I have not yet tried what it feels like to be the president."
The horrified president wanted to speak out, but found that his mouth was tightly shut.
"That young Lieutenant General is very strange. I have never heard of his name, and there should be no such person in history."
The stranger said to himself, pulled out his chair, and took the cigar from the president's hand.
"Phew! I also like the taste of tobacco. Howard-Stark, he is a celebrity, worth noting. And Superman... I have to be careful."
"I've been looking at this timeline for a while, and it's different from the worlds I've conquered. That's a good thing and piques my interest even more."
"It's not easy to avoid Sorcerer Supreme. After hiding for so long, I found the opportunity while the Ancient One and Dormammu were playing games."
"..."
The stranger muttered to himself, saying things the president could not understand.
When the cigar was a third of the way in, a shout came from outside the study.
"Harry, dear, the bath water is put away."
First Lady knocked on the door.
"Okay, I'll be right out."
The stranger fiddled with his throat, and his voice was indistinguishable from that of the president.
"The fun life is about to begin."
He stood up, took out a potion from his belt, and injected it into his neck.
Nanobugs invisible to the naked eye are injected into the body, and in just a few seconds, the appearance is transformed into that of the president.
The latter was sitting in a chair, unable to move, but his eyes were full of fear.
It was as if the president was looking into a mirror, seeing the stranger gradually transforming into himself.