Chapter 20. Provocation

[Reputation points from Tony Stark +85]

[Reputation points from Happy Hogan +25]

[Reputation points from Maya Hansen +15]

As Ryan drove the car on the streets of New York. He couldn't help but sigh a little when he saw the reputation points shown on the system data panel.

Tony deserved to be a big shot. Just a simple encounter could gain him so many reputation points.

While thinking, Ryan skillfully drove the car in his hands through the streets of New York.

He was waiting for a reaction from Tony.

　　...

On the other hand, Tony's expression was obviously not so good, understanding what had happened to him from Happy's reaction.

However, he wasn't unprepared.

Tony pulled out his phone from his pocket and shouted, "Jarvis! "

"Yes, Sir."

"Show me where my car is, and connect me to the communication device in the car."

"Understood, Sir. There's always something happening around you, sir; it's quite refreshing."

Accompanied by the A.I butler's indifferent teasing, Tony's mobile phone screen immediately showed a GPS map of downtown New York. At the same time, the location of the car was marked with a red dot.

"There, it's near Third Avenue, not far from us." Aside, Happy leaned his head in and glanced at the map on the screen. He instantly recognised the other party's location.

"It seems that Mr Phantom Thief is very brave."

"Tony, what's going on?" Maya asked as she watched the scene.

The development of the situation was completely different from what she had imagined before.

"It's too much trouble to explain in detail. Simply put, a mysterious figure stole my car right from under my nose."

"Stole your car? "

The fact that Tony Stark, the CEO of Stark Industries, had his car stolen was a bit of an exaggeration in Maya's ears, but what was even stranger was Tony's own reaction. He didn't look angry; he looked excited.

"Since the car was stolen, why not call the police? "

If Tony Stark had called the police to report his car stolen, Maya was sure the entire NYPD would spring into action to help find it.

"It's just a vehicle to get around; it's not worth going to the trouble of calling the police for. What's more, I'm very interested in the one who stole the car, and I have been hoping to talk to him."

Invariably, the big tycoon's words caused a storm in Maya's heart.

"Sir, I'm connected to the communication device in the car."

At this point, Jarvis, who had been at work, spoke up once more.

Then, a melodious sound of music came from the phone.

　　...

"Hello, can you hear me?"

'It came!'

Hearing the sudden sound coming from the stereo, Ryan's eyes flashed with a bright light. He slightly hooked the corners of his lips and then reached out to lower the sound of the music in the car.

"Hello, Tony."

"Hello, Mr Thief."

"I admit that you managed to fool me with that little trick in your hand, and up until 7, no 10 minutes ago, I had doubted that you could get the keys from me. However, next is the problem of location ... Um... Happy, where is it ..."

"Third Avenue, West Fordham Road."

"... Mr Thief is travelling south of King's Road, West Fordham. Bring the car back to me. After all, there's a very important date waiting for me."

"Hey Tony, I didn't agree to go out with you."

"You see, my girlfriend is getting angry."

If another person had been in the car and heard Tony's not-so-subtle warning on the stereo, especially knowing that their location was known to him, they would probably start to get nervous.

However, Ryan didn't seem particularly worried about that.

While the car was moving, he made a 180 turn. He calmly replied to Tony, "To be honest, Tony, I'm a little disappointed that you didn't pick up on the slightest problem with that earlier interaction."

"However, seeing as you've gone to so much trouble to find my location, I'll give you one more chance... if you can catch me."

"For the record, Mr Thief, it didn't cost me much to find you ..."

Tony listened to the Phantom Thief's arrogant voice from the other side of the phone and couldn't help but frown and correct him.

"Sir, communication had been cut off from the other side."

Jarvis reminded him.

"Thank you." It was clear that Tony was the dominant party, but he somehow felt outmatched, especially by the arrogant reaction of the Phantom Thief on the opposing side. For Tony, it was a bit stifling.

"You're welcome, Sir," Jarvis blandly replied and then added, "And, Sir, I have to remind you that the vehicle is currently approaching your location."

"What?!"

Jarvis's reminder caused Tony to react instantly. He looked down to see the red dot on the screen in his hand, which was already showing overlap with his own location.

It was immediately followed by a loud roar.

He saw a familiar black car flash by in front of his eyes.

"Now I'm really a bit pissed off."

In the face of Ryan's obvious provocation, naturally, Tony wouldn't be able to stay calm.

He restrained the smile on his face, turned to Happy and said, "Happy, find me a car, now."

"But, Tony, all your cars are ..."

"Don't give me reasons; just get it done."

"All right." Seeing how determined Tony was, Happy had to give up trying to persuade him further and turned around to start looking for a car for him. While walking, Happy fished his phone out of his pocket, looked for a number, and called it.

"Tony, calm down." Maya, standing next to Tony, looked at him. His expression was clearly different from before. She subconsciously opened her mouth to advise, "Didn't you say it was just a means of transportation? "

"It's different now," Tony lightly said as he looked up in the direction the car had disappeared to. "I don't like being underestimated. He's provoking me. I'm not going to let him wait for my response."

　　...

[Reputation points from Tony Stark +65]

Inside the car, Ryan looked at the data popping up on the panel once more. He looked as if he had realised something.

At this period, Tony was arrogant, self-centred, and couldn't stand provocation.

So, by making appropriate provocations along these lines himself, he managed to push Tony's buttons.

...

-:Binge:-

Support this novel with your power stones :)

600 Power stones target for next bonus chapter!