Chapter: 10

"Hey, old man." The press conference had just ended, and Mark immediately approached Tony backstage with an unfriendly expression. "How come I don't remember authorizing Stark Industries to produce anything, let alone mentioning today that my business would be revealed."

As Mark questioned Tony with anger, Tony's eyes wandered around, and he reluctantly replied, "Actually, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Tony noticed a hint of danger in Mark's expression. He hurriedly continued, "Hold on, don't be hasty. Let me explain!"

It's no wonder Tony was afraid of Mark's anger. Although they didn't spend much time together as father and son, there were still some memories that made Tony's hair stand on end.

He remembered when Mark was six years old. Tony had criticized the magnetic levitation bicycle he had built at the time, calling it a waste of talent and useless. In response, Mark secretly replaced the shower gel in the bathroom with his own concoction of hardening foam, trapping Tony in the bathroom for the whole night.

The next day, when the foam lost its effect and Tony managed to escape and was about to confront Mark, Mark said something that left a deep psychological scar, making Tony afraid to provoke Mark's anger again. "Hey, Dad, you're out! I wanted to take a few pictures of you and then exhibit you at the entrance. I didn't expect this formula to be so useless; its effect only lasted one night."

It was precisely because of this memorable experience that when Tony saw Mark's face, which had already started to turn dark, he immediately explained, "Although it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to make you appear in front of the national media, think about it. As my son, the future heir of Stark Industries, from the moment you returned to my side, it was impossible to escape the media spotlight.

Now you're already fourteen, and in a few years, you'll be an adult. With me helping you build your image, along with your exceptional talent, when the time comes for you to take over the company from me, the board of directors won't pose any obstacles."

"But I want to grow up quietly and be an old recluse. Being in the limelight like you, who knows, one day someone might kidnap you to make weapons. Besides, who wants to inherit your Stark Industries? I'm a man who's obsessed with knowledge; I'm too lazy to deal with company affairs. I think you should take advantage of your mild kidney deficiency and have a child with Aunt Pepper to be your successor."

Hearing Mark's words, Pepper, who was nearby, blushed on her fair face, and Tony's face turned red as he reacted strongly. He shouted, "At such a young age, not studying properly, is it your business to interfere in this matter?"

"Let's get back to business. Regarding the authorization for Baymax, I plan to establish a company in your name specifically to operate all the technology and future inventions you've accumulated over the years. The company will be fully owned by you, and it will only handle everything related to you. As for the authorization fee for Baymax, we'll negotiate after the company is set up. Don't worry, I won't shortchange you."

"Alright, I accept your explanation this time, but don't let it happen again. If you dare to make decisions without consulting me in the future, be careful I pour the latest batch of super spicy extract on your underwear."

Tony shivered, feeling a bit relieved that he had managed to brush off the situation just now. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unbearable. "Rest assured, there won't be a next time. I promise!"

At that moment, Tony saw Obadiah Stane approaching him with a stern face not far away. He felt delighted in his heart and said, "Oh, Obadiah is coming. Judging by his serious expression, he must have something important to discuss with me. Mark, you stay with Aunt Pepper, I have to talk about work."

Tony immediately used Obadiah as an excuse to get away from Mark, who he saw as his savior. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Tony greeted Obadiah, saying, "Uncle Obie, is there something you want to talk to me about?"

"You did a good job just now, Tony!" Obadiah sarcastically remarked.

"I think so too," Tony replied, taking advantage of the situation.

"Tony, how much do you think Stark Industries' stock price will drop tomorrow?" Obadiah's face grew even darker as he looked at Tony, who still appeared nonchalant.

"Optimistically, I estimate a drop of 40 points."

"That's the minimum." Obadiah lit a cigar for himself, trying to calm down.

"Yeah, it is."

"Tony, we're weapons manufacturers!"

"Obie, I don't want the only legacy we leave behind to be a pile of casualty numbers."

"That's our job. We are arms dealers, and we should be manufacturing weapons."

"Not anymore. I've already announced that Stark Industries is entering the medical field. We will become a more profitable and greater company."

"Are you talking about relying on little Mark, that inflatable doll? Don't daydream, Tony. Who would believe something invented by a fourteen-year-old kid? It can't save Stark Industries' stock price."

"Then let's talk about the arc reactor. I have high hopes for the field of new energy."

"Oh please, Tony. The arc reactor is just a gimmick. Building it was just to shut up the media and politicians."

As Obadiah spoke, he pointed to the prototype of the arc reactor created by Howard Stark in the middle of the exhibition hall.

"But he succeeded." Tony insisted.

"Indeed, but that was a scientific project. Its commercial viability is terrible. We knew before we even built it that the arc reactor technology was a dead end, right?"

"Perhaps."

"I'm right, aren't I? How long has it been since we made any breakthroughs in this technology? They say it's been thirty years."

"Can your poker face be any more unpleasant? Tell me, who said that? Who told you that I made a breakthrough in technology? Was it Pepper or Rhodey?"

"Forget it, Tony. I want to see."

"Pepper or Rhodey?"

"Fine, it was Rhodey."

Upon hearing the answer, Tony unbuttoned his shirt and revealed the arc reactor on his chest to Obadiah. "It works."

"Alright, alright." Seeing what he wanted, Obadiah wore a greedy smile. He put his arm around Tony's shoulder and affectionately said, "Listen to me, Tony. We're a team, you know? As long as we work together, there's nothing we can't achieve, just like your father and I did."

"Sorry, Obie. I didn't consult with you beforehand, but if I had..."

"Tony, Tony." Obadiah interrupted Tony's attempt to explain. "Listen to me. There won't be any more of these incidents, do you understand what I mean?"

"You're right, my father took that route in the past."

"That's right, Tony. Try to keep a low profile, and leave the upcoming matters to me to handle for you."

...

"That guy is definitely up to something."

"What?" Pepper was confused by Mark's sudden remark.

"I'm talking about that old man, Obadiah. Tony's trouble is definitely connected to him." Mark decided to give Pepper a preemptive warning about Obadiah, who was currently talking with Tony, while appearing to be a kind and caring elder.

Mark knew that Obadiah was the mastermind behind Tony's current troubles, but he lacked evidence. Relying solely on his knowledge of the storyline from his past life wouldn't be a valid reason to accuse him. So the best approach was to plant a seed of suspicion in Pepper's mind, influencing Tony's thoughts through her.

"The only people in the company who knew Tony's schedule were you as his secretary and Obadiah as the vice chairman. Since the terrorists were able to accurately ambush Tony on his usual route, it must have been one of you who leaked the information. I don't believe it was you, Aunt Pepper, so it can only be that old man."

"Could it really be him?" Pepper felt doubtful upon hearing Mark's analysis. Although she couldn't provide evidence to prove her innocence, she was certain that she hadn't betrayed Tony. If Mark's analysis was correct, then Obadiah...

"Alright, Aunt Pepper, don't dwell on these things. After all, it's just my personal speculation. Please don't spread it around. And I have a favor to ask you..."

Seeing Mark suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed, Pepper chuckled softly. "You don't have to go through this with me. Just tell me what it is, and I'll do my best to help you."

"I know you and Tony are capable. Don't forget, you promised to customize a special version of Baymax for me before."

"Don't worry, it'll be a pink custom edition with a cute and lovely voice. Tomorrow, I'll deliver it to your door. I've already come up with a name for it. How about 'Barbie the Iron Doll'?"

"...I think I'll name it myself."