Chapter 19: Stark’s Invitation
Banner glanced at Stark, who was tirelessly tweaking the program, and thought to himself, This is insane. He's practically been drinking coffee as if it were water these past few days.
Unable to hold back, Banner finally spoke up, "Let's call it a day. The Ultron project has stabilized for now, and it's Saturday. Isn't there a party later tonight?"
Hearing this, Stark turned to look at him. His eyes were bloodshot after three days and two nights of work. Checking the time, he realized how many days had passed and said, "Oh, really? Has it been that long? Alright, I suppose I could use a break. You go get some rest, and we'll head to the party later."
Relieved, Banner exhaled quietly. He had been steeling himself for more "overtime," knowing that with just the two of them and J.A.R.V.I.S. working on this project, he couldn't back out halfway.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., keep me updated on the progress," Stark instructed as he and Banner left. He pulled out his phone and made a call while walking.
After the two exited, the dimly lit workshop fell silent—until the Green Lantern ring and the Mind Stone scepter began to glow. Wisps of green and yellow energy floated out from their respective places and intertwined.
A faint, mechanical voice echoed intermittently in the workshop:
"Protect… world… peace. I… am… Ultron…"
Meanwhile, at the grocery store, thirty minutes had passed since Han Yu published his first online novel.
In just half an hour, Exciting Book had caused a sensation on Sky Vault Novels. Many users clicked on the book purely to mock the bold title and its unknown author. After all, even top-tier authors rarely dared to claim their work was exciting.
However, the moment they started reading, intending to skim a few lines before leaving a sarcastic comment, they found themselves utterly captivated.
By the time they snapped out of it, they'd already devoured all 30,000 words.
"What the hell just happened?"
"This book is insane! It's so exciting!"
"Damn, I was sitting on the toilet looking for something to kill time, and now it's been over ten minutes—I haven't even gone yet!"
"God, does the author have more chapters? I need more!"
"This book was so exciting I impulsively slapped my wife. Now I'm still kneeling…"
In just thirty minutes, hundreds of comments flooded the novel's page. Readers raved about how thrilling it was and clamored for updates.
Han Yu, reading the comments, couldn't help but grin. He hadn't expected such a strong response.
In this world, novels were usually released weekly, with updates of only one or two thousand words. They often leaned toward depth and introspection.
Then, out of nowhere, came this novel—a punch straight to the face with pure, unadulterated excitement, leaving readers completely disoriented.
Han Yu had written it as a straightforward, over-the-top "white novel," focusing solely on delivering a thrilling experience.
Sure, the plot might be riddled with logical holes, but it didn't matter because it was exciting! Unlike traditional literature, it required no deep thought—just sit back, read, and enjoy.
In a world where superheroes and supervillains flew around causing chaos, maybe games and novels were the only outlets for the public to release their pent-up emotions.
As Han Yu prepared to churn out another 100,000 words, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he was surprised to see Tony Stark's name.
Answering the call, he heard Stark's cheerful voice. The man sounded like he'd just solved a major problem.
"Han, we're having a party tonight and I'd like to invite you. Are you free?"
Han Yu was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected to be included in Stark's circle so quickly. Stark's desire to build a connection with him was evident.
Smiling, Han Yu replied, "Of course! When and where?"
"Half an hour from now, at the Avengers Tower rooftop. I've already informed security—just give them your name, and they'll let you up."
He planned this before I even agreed? Han Yu chuckled and said, "Alright, I'll be there."
After hanging up, Han Yu refreshed his novel's page, only to see over a hundred new comments.
Deciding not to publish any new chapters just yet, Han Yu reasoned that even excitement required a bit of suspense to maximize its impact. Ending the current update on a minor cliffhanger would keep readers hooked and make the novel's popularity skyrocket further.
With that settled, he decided to attend Stark's party.
The Avengers were gathered in a circle on the top floor of the tower, engaged in casual conversation.
"Tony, this is supposed to be a private party. Inviting a stranger doesn't seem very appropriate, does it?" Thor's voice broke through the chatter.
The God of Thunder had been irritated ever since Stark mentioned he was bringing someone "impressive" to the party. What bothered Thor even more was the subtle respect in Stark's tone when he talked about this guest.
To Thor, no matter how remarkable a human might be, they were still just that—a human. And he was Thor, a god from Asgard.
Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, smirked. "Thor, how about you challenge him to a fight when he gets here? Then we'll see who's stronger."
Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, shot Clint a disapproving glance. "Come on, Clint. Whoever it is, they're Stark's guest. For his sake, we should at least show some respect."
While most of the group was caught up in banter, Bruce Banner remained quiet. He already knew who this mysterious guest was—the person who had given Stark the Green Lantern ring.
Having worked closely with Stark on Ultron over the past few days, Banner was increasingly intrigued by the energy within the ring. The sheer power it held was beyond anything Earth's technology could replicate. Whoever could casually hand over such an item was not someone to be taken lightly.
As the conversation continued, the elevator chimed softly. Everyone turned as the doors slid open to reveal a young man and woman stepping out—Han Yu and Wanda.
Han Yu walked into the room, his eyes briefly scanning the high-profile guests. This was a Stark-hosted party, after all. Everyone present was a celebrity or influential figure whose names and faces were plastered all over the news.
"Han, I'm so glad you could make it!"
Stark, who had been chatting with someone nearby, immediately excused himself and walked over with a welcoming smile.
Han Yu shook his hand, noting the relaxed expression on Stark's face. Judging by his demeanor, the Ultron project must be progressing smoothly. "With a personal invitation from Mr. Stark, how could I not come?" Han Yu replied with a smile.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Stark's gaze shifted to Wanda, who was holding onto Han Yu's arm. He froze for a moment, recognition flashing across his face.
This girl… he had seen her before!
During the Sokovia mission a few days ago, she was one of the superpowered twins. How had she ended up with Han Yu?
"And who might this be?" Stark asked cautiously, his tone probing but polite.
Noticing the wariness in Stark's expression, Han Yu wasn't surprised. The Avengers had recently dismantled a Hydra base in Sokovia, retrieving the Mind Stone scepter in the process. It was during that mission that Wanda and Pietro (Quicksilver) had escaped and subsequently crossed paths with Han Yu.
"Allow me to introduce her. This is Wanda—my girlfriend," Han Yu said, emphasizing the last two words with deliberate clarity.
Stark wasn't slow to catch his drift. He quickly pieced things together and decided not to press further. While their initial encounter with Wanda might not have been ideal, Stark bore her no ill will.
"Come on, let me introduce you to some friends," Stark said, leading Han Yu and Wanda deeper into the gathering.
As they walked, many guests noticed the trio, particularly Stark's unusually friendly demeanor toward Han Yu. It wasn't often that Stark treated someone with such respect.
Meanwhile, Han Yu's striking appearance didn't go unnoticed. His sharp, well-balanced features and the refined elegance in his movements drew attention, particularly from the women in the room.
There was something extraordinary about his presence. For a man in his early twenties, he exuded a charisma far beyond his years. Many of the women found themselves captivated—they had never encountered an Asian man whose looks and aura were so perfectly in harmony.
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