Chapter 17. Tony.

Although, there were some thoughts in Ryan's heart that made Ryan want to run to Tony Stark right now, to collect some reputation points...

However, understanding the reality of the situation, Ryan quickly calmed down.

Right now, Tony Stark hadn't become the Iron Man that saved the world. However, his other two identities, the CEO of Stark Industries and the most famous playboy in New York, still cause people to pay attention to his every move. Not to mention, his father, Howard Stark, was one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Ryan would never believe that Tony Stark wasn't surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

Ryan would even boldly speculate that, in the future, if Tony Stark hadn't taken the initiative to go to Afghanistan to showcase his newly developed weapon, perhaps there would never have been an opportunity for Obadiah Stane at all, and he wouldn't suffer from various difficulties in the future. And perhaps, there wouldn't be an Iron Man.

Having said that, did Ryan really just give up on going to Tony Stark?

No. Of course not. With the previous examples of Daredevil and this Hulk incident, Ryan clearly realized the gap in reputation points that could be gained between top Marvel figures and normal people.

This gap may not be apparent in collecting reputation points for the [Black Iron Treasure Chest], but when it comes to the bronze, silver, and gold chests, relying on the 0.03 to the 0.05 he gained from normal New Yorkers was unrealistic.

What's more, this time, Hulk's presence also created a slight subconscious sense of urgency in Ryan's mind.

Hulk's appearance was also, in a way, a reminder that the Battle of New York was not too far away for Ryan.

In a battle of that level, it was not something he could handle with the D-level cards he had right now.

It seemed like it was time for him to speed up.

"Ryan, where are you?"

"I'm in the living room, I just came back after buying some drinks."

Ryan turned to look at the beautiful blond hair spread on his bed, and smiled back.

　　...

The following day, the majority of New York media outlets published follow-up stories on the latest events in Manhattan.

With the apparent involvement of the military, what was originally a Hulk fiasco in Manhattan turned into an ordinary gas pipeline explosion.

After the event, although a small number of media, such as the Daily Bugle, were chasing the truth, it was clear that it was no longer a big deal.

"I swear I really saw it, the green monster appeared at the movie theatre, and I made a point of keeping my movie tickets for that day as evidence."

"An Asian man kicked away such a big stone with one foot. You can't imagine how amazing the situation was at that time. That's why I went to Chinatown to find a kung fu master to learn kung fu from. Even though he's Korean and ... taught karate classes."

The ripples from the Hulk incident didn't seem to generate any more buzz of discussion other than a few random reputation points for Ryan.

After a few days, the constantly busy New Yorkers forgot about what had happened in Manhattan and went on with their lives.

　　...

"Hey, Happy, remember to wash the car for me. I got an important date in the evening."

Casually tossing the keys to his driver, Happy, Tony walked into the Stark Industries building with a cynical smile on his face.

"You're late, Tony," Pepper said to Tony as she glanced down at the watch on her wrist.

"Everyone has been waiting for you in the conference room."

"Relax, Pepper. You're a bit too nervous. It's not like the meeting's too important. In fact, even if I hadn't come to this meeting today, you could sit in for me."

Tony's trusting words caused Pepper to smile subtly, but then she restrained herself, "No, you're Tony Stark. The shareholders came to the meeting today to see you."

"In that case, there is no need to rush. After all, the star of the show should always make a grand entrance."

"Tony ..."

"Okay, okay, I admit it." Seeing that Pepper's expression had changed a bit, Tony restrained his smirk and solemnly replied, "I overslept."

"But I obviously told Jarvis to remind you."

"I know; that's why I purposely asked Jarvis to wake me up an hour later. After all, you know I sleep late."

"You mean you woke up late after a date."

"Wow, Pepper, you really do know me." Seeing Pepper's expression getting ugly, Tony changed the subject, "Remind me again what the meeting is about...?"

"It's about the change in the company's share value during this period. Recently, the shares of Hammer Industries are starting to climb. They say it's because one of their latest products had been chosen by the military and will become common equipment for a special unit. The shareholders are worried that Stark Industries shares would be affected by it."

"Just because of that?"

"The shareholders need a bit of reassurance, Tony."

"All right."

Faced with Pepper's request, Tony then shrugged his shoulders and nodded in response.

After the two looked at each other and smiled, Tony straightened his expression and pushed the doors of the conference room open.

The first face Tony saw when he walked into the conference room was Obadiah's, and he subconsciously nodded in greeting before turning his head to look at the packed room and speaking in a relaxed tone.

"I'm sorry, traffic jam."

　　...

"Mr. Stark, what would you like to explain to us about the delay in launching new products from Stark Industries in this recent period? Some of our shareholders are in agreement that you've been too flamboyant in all your recent appearances. There's reason to suspect that you haven't put any thought into the issue of the company's products for some time now."

"There is nothing to say, Mr. Lynch. And in fact, if you and your friends think that something is wrong with Stark Industries, you're perfectly free to dump your own shares. Personally, I have no opinion on that."

Tony's sharp reply not only made the shareholder who asked the question scowl, but Pepper, who was standing behind him, also slightly paled.

"Tony."

In the end, it was only when Obadiah, a shareholder and former friend of his father's, spoke up that Tony reigned in his act.

Tony swept his eyes through the room and then said, "I know that in recent times, the shareholders of the company have been quite critical of my recent spending. I'm actually here today to give some people a heads up. Stark Industries has grown to where it is today, not because of the stocks you talk about, or all those other things ..."

"But this."

Tony pointed to his head and looked around.

"Also, I have a rough idea about the company's latest product. I think it won't take long for you all to see it. "