MUP: Chapter 96. Changes

That afternoon.

All the major economic newspapers and media were shaken by Tony's astonishing remarks at the press conference.

The stock prices of Stark Industries plunged by over 45%, evaporating hundreds of millions of dollars in market value on the same day. Some stock market commentators assessed that this scenario would not stop in the coming days.

"So, Nester, anything to say about Tony Stark's remarks in the press conference?"

NBC immediately called a breaking news segment to discuss what Tony Stark had done at the press conference.

"I think he's crazy. He might have gotten a concussion in Afghanistan. How else would he make such a ridiculous decision? Stark Industries' board of directors would be sweating in their seats right now. I don't think they would keep him in a decision-making position. Sooner or later, Stark Industries would be dragged down ..."

"I don't agree with what Nester is saying. I think Tony Stark made the right decision."

"Oh, Ms Shirley, why are you saying that?"

"In recent years, Stark Industries has been committed to providing the U.S. military weapons of mass destruction. According to some reports, over one-fifth of these weapons have appeared all over the world, through various channels and had fallen into the hands of terrorist groups."

"Ms Shirley's comments are laced with too many personal opinions. Stark Industries is one of the companies that have a contract with the U.S military, this isn't something that can be terminated with a few words from one person. I still stand by my previous comments; the board should start thinking about removing Tony Stark."

"Nester, you are too cold-blooded!"

"I'm just being realistic."

　　...

The disturbance from the outside world didn't matter to Ryan.

Because it won't take long for this discussion to become meaningless.

Tony Stark's decision to shut down Stark Industries' weapons division was seen by Ryan as both a crisis and a turnaround, representing the future Iron Man officially setting himself on the right track.

Of course, it would still take some time before Tony would become Iron Man and soar into the sky.

Chinatown, inside the martial arts school.

A certain event has unfolded in a way that was somewhat beyond Ryan's expectations.

"You want to quit?"

Ip Man frowned and looked at Mike, or rather, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent planted beside him, with a puzzled expression on his face.

'Are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents so liberal in their missions these days?'

'I've already given you so much information, so why are you suddenly leaving? You really aren't playing by the rules right now.'

Although there were a million questions in Ryan's heart that couldn't be answered, the clone was still true to his role. He faintly made a confused expression, "Why do you want to stop so suddenly?"

'I can't help it. It was an order from the top.'

In response, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent had the same feeling of helplessness in his heart. However, based on his professional integrity as an agent, he spoke with a regretful expression, "Even if I really want to continue learning from you, Master, my family and my girlfriend found out about that Jin guy that scammed a lot of money from me before. They staged an intervention. If I keep coming here, they're gonna cut me out of their lives ..."

The reason Mike made up was simple and a bit crude, especially given Ryan's knowledge of his identity as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Ryan barely had to think before concluding it was 100% an excuse.

However, since the other party said so, the Ip Man clone in the martial arts school couldn't force the other party to stay. He could only silently sigh and reply, "Well, in that case, family is more important. You've been in the martial arts school for a short time, and I didn't teach you much. I just hope you can practice the horse stance diligently in the future. Although it can't improve your fighting ability, but at least it will strengthen your body."

"I understand, Master." Nodding his head, Mike deliberately made a look of disappointment and guilt, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Master."

"It's not your fault." Shaking his head gently, Ip Man still had a refined look on his face, "It just means that our master and disciple bond isn't that strong."

In Chinatown, inside the martial arts school, Ip Man watched Mike leave.

In the antique shop, Ryan couldn't help but rub his chin. He had a feeling that things weren't that simple.

Especially, since S.H.I.E.L.D., as an intelligence and espionage organisation, would never easily give up pursuing someone suspicious like Ip Man.

Thinking about that, Ryan couldn't help but feel a little more alert.

　　...

"One serving of Golden Ratio Dumplings."

Having finished his somewhat hostile discussion with Obadiah and the shareholders in a meeting, Tony made his way to the food truck, needing a little treat to soothe his somewhat awful mood.

"By the way, do you still have those 'ordinary' buns from before?" After taking a look at [Shell], who was concentrating on cooking inside the food truck, Tony seemed to think of something and asked suddenly.

"You mean the Golden Laughing Bun? " [Shell] then asked back as he looked up toward Tony.

"Yeah, that's it." Tony raised his eyebrows and nodded.

"Didn't you say you didn't want them?" To which [Shell] nonchalantly replied with a question.

"Yeah, well, I really didn't think much about them before. Waving his hand, Tony excused himself, "I took a bite, they weren't really that bad."

[Shell]: "..."

Tony: "..."

"Alright, fine. They were delicious." Pressured by [Shell]'s gaze, Tony had to admit it.

"They were just something I made for fun, I don't really have the right ingredients right now." [Shell] added while withdrawing his gaze.

"Fine..."

Although he regretted it, Tony was well aware of the food truck owner's character from his past experience, so he didn't pursue it. He picked up the dumpling in front of him and took a bite.

"Hey, what would it feel like if you did something that everyone thought was wrong and only you thought was right?" Eating his dumpling, Tony suddenly asked [Shell].

"You shouldn't ask me about such things, I'm just a cook."

The expected enlightenment didn't come, and [Shell] unceremoniously poured cold water on Tony's enthusiasm.

Awkwardly wiggling the corners of his lips, Tony explained, "Hmm, maybe I've been overthinking things."

"To be honest, I don't think you need anyone to answer that. You should already have an answer in mind."

Raising his eyebrows, Tony looked [Shell] and stuffed the last steamed dumpling into his mouth, "Do you have a delivery service?"

"No."

"Right. Then, I won't be able to eat your cooking for a while."