Stark Industries, outside the chairman's office. Tony held a bouquet of flowers in his hand and was dressed in a full suit, looking quite dapper. Although he was not the tallest man around, his familiar face and handsome mustache made the female employees nearby swoon. Whether it was due to his looks or his wealth was unclear.
"Shh!" Tony gestured to a female employee nearby, placing his index finger in front of his mouth to signal silence. As the employees around him left, hesitating to speak, Tony raised the flowers in his left hand with satisfaction. He knocked solemnly on the door of the chairman's office.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Come in!" came a familiar voice from the office.
Tony opened the door and entered with a smile on his face. Today was a special day, and he had prepared a surprise for Pepper. However, upon entering, Tony's expression froze. He was shocked to find a bald man in the office.
Suddenly, the flowers in his hands seemed to lose their fragrance. Without courtesy, he said directly, "Coulson, why are you here at Stark Industries? Do you know that it's Pepper's break time now?"
Coulson, seeing Tony's displeased expression, quickly apologized, "I'm very sorry, Tony, for disturbing your date." Then, without waiting for Tony to reply, he turned to Pepper, "Pepper, excuse me. I'll trouble you later about the Ark reactor."
With that, Coulson hurriedly walked out the door as if a tiger were chasing him. According to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence, Tony was more likely to do something rash when in a bad mood, so it was best to leave quickly. Just as he was about to open the door, Tony spoke again.
"Coulson, does SHIELD want my Ark reactor?" Tony asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, Tony. SHIELD and Stark Industries have signed a contract to purchase four Ark reactors."
Tony's confusion and displeasure were evident. He turned to Pepper, "Has the contract been signed? Does it have my signature?"
Pepper nodded, "The contract has been signed. I told you, you probably signed it the day before yesterday."
Tony quickly recalled his activities from the day before yesterday. "Ah, I got it, Pepper."
Relieved, Coulson let out a sigh but Tony continued, "Pepper, what is the theoretical longest delivery time for the Ark reactor? Can it be delayed?"
Pepper hesitated, glanced at Coulson, and then looked at Tony. "Theoretically, it can be postponed up to six months. If other things happen, it can be further delayed up to one year."
Tony, satisfied with Pepper's response, looked at Coulson with a hint of pride. "Let's delay it for two months and see what SHIELD says."
Coulson, sensing Tony's amusement, replied in a pleading tone, "Tony, is there anything SHIELD can help with?"
Tony, touching his chin, mentioned casually, "I heard that SHIELD is currently researching a potion. I want to see your research information and find out who the wizard professor behind it is. Provide me with his information."
Coulson's expression changed slightly. Tony had invaded SHIELD's intelligence network again. Smiling bitterly, Coulson replied, "Sorry, Tony, I don't have the authority to tell you this."
Tony remained calm, "Ask your director. If he tells me, maybe he will get those Ark reactors. Also, you asked me to design the power system for your big toy. It's ready."
Coulson nodded and opened the office door without saying another word. With a slight 'bang,' the door closed tightly.
Tony turned to Pepper with a smile, raising the flowers. "Pepper, how was your day at work today? Feeling the pressure of being the chairman?"
Although Tony had escaped the danger of palladium poisoning and defeated Whiplash, he still handed over the position of chairman of Stark Industries to Pepper, despite her initial reluctance. Now, she was effectively doing the job of chairman.
Pepper smiled gently, "Don't worry, Tony. I've been getting used to it. Everything in Stark Industries is operating normally." She then showed a worried look. "When I was talking to Coulson, he seemed anxious about wanting the reactor. Will it have any impact if we delay it?"
Tony reassured her, "Don't worry. I understand Nick Fury. His big toy still needs my help. It's likely that the information I want will be sent to my computer soon. When the time comes, you can send the Ark reactor."
Pepper pursed her lips and smiled, taking the flowers from Tony's hand and deeply inhaling their scent.
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[More Chapter available at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]
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