Chapter 22: Tony Stark (Part 2)

Flushing, Stark Industries Expo.

"It's really bustling here," Daniel remarked as he arrived on his motorcycle at six in the evening. He had timed his arrival because he had learned online that Tony Stark would be making an appearance around seven. Due to this announcement, the expo was particularly lively, with more beautiful women than usual hoping to catch Stark's eye and make headlines.

"I underestimated the difficulty of my plan," Daniel thought as he observed the scene. It became clear that meeting Stark or Pepper Potts wasn't as simple as he had anticipated. In the movies, they seemed approachable, with Stark often accompanied only by Happy. However, in reality, a top-tier billionaire like Stark wouldn't have such lax security. 

Daniel realized that to meet Stark or Pepper, he needed a more sophisticated approach than just showing up. Even with his abilities, using them openly could attract unwanted attention, possibly even from S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

"Movies are misleading. This guy's harder to approach than the Ancient One."

Every attempt to contact Stark or Pepper through regular channels ended in polite refusals from receptionists. Many people sought to meet them daily, and without the right connections, Daniel's chances were slim.

"It's you! It's been a while." A familiar yet slightly forgotten voice called from behind Daniel.

Turning around, Daniel's eyes lit up. It was Ada Wong, whom he had met in Raccoon City, dressed in a stunning red cheongsam.

"It's you," Daniel replied with a hint of surprise and joy.

"Seems like you remember me," Ada smiled.

"How could I forget someone as beautiful as you?" Daniel chuckled after a moment's pause.

"Thank you for the compliment. You seem to be staring at the entrance. Need some help?" Ada asked, gesturing towards the guarded entrance.

"I need to meet Tony Stark or his secretary, Pepper Potts, but I don't have an invitation," Daniel admitted.

"They're not easy to meet. May I ask what you need from them?" Ada inquired thoughtfully.

"I've developed a health supplement for women and was hoping to find an investor," Daniel explained, pulling out a small, elegant bottle filled with red liquid and handing it to Ada. "It's rare to meet someone like you again. This bottle is a gift, along with this brochure."

"You're not telling me everything in this brochure is true, are you?" Ada laughed after quickly reading the brochure.

"It's a lab product. Everything written there is accurate. You can have it tested to confirm I'm not lying."

"Alright, I'll accept it then," Ada said, placing the bottle and brochure into her red clutch. "Since you've given me a gift, I'll help you out. Follow me." She produced an invitation and led Daniel towards the entrance.

Following Ada, Daniel was not stopped by the guards, as the invitation allowed her to bring a guest.

"By the way, I didn't get your name. I'm..." Daniel began as they entered the hall.

"Ada. Ada Wong. Just call me Ada," she replied with a smile.

"Could I get your contact number?" Daniel asked, not just because of her allure but also because of his interest in the G-virus.

During their time in Raccoon City, Daniel didn't dare collect the virus. Although the G-virus was later discarded for various reasons, it held significant potential for Daniel due to its ability to halt aging and rapidly heal injuries. The reason for its abandonment was its uncontrollable mutations and lack of infectivity, making it hard to find suitable hosts. Sherry Birkin was a rare exception.

Others might struggle with the G-virus, but with his Ope Ope no Mi abilities, Daniel was confident he could handle it.

"If fate allows us to meet again," Ada replied, slipping into the crowd and vanishing from sight.

"Is she targeting Stark this time? Hopefully, she won't do anything foolish," Daniel mused, watching Ada disappear. He wasn't overly worried about her. Surviving in the espionage world required considerable skill, and from her movements, she likely had undergone some form of enhanced serum treatment.

Only Captain America and the Red Skull had the original serum, but many others had received weaker versions, including Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. Numerous bio-companies, though unable to replicate the perfect serum, could produce weaker enhancement drugs.

With Umbrella's involvement, many people in this world had undergone some form of enhancement.

Tony Stark was scheduled to appear at seven but didn't show up until seven-thirty. His address turned out to be more of a new product launch for Stark Industries.

While Stark Industries was known as a major arms dealer, the company had numerous subsidiaries selling various Stark inventions. Tony's fame wasn't just due to his wealth but also his genius.

There were many wealthy heirs in New York, some with backgrounds as impressive as Stark's. For instance, the Simmons family, one of the shadow rulers of the United States.

Tony briefly introduced the new products before handing the stage to Pepper to handle the details. Tony typically focused on inventing, leaving the business aspects to Pepper, including managing his romantic entanglements.

"Hello, sir," Tony greeted Ada among the crowd of beautiful women. Even among them, Ada stood out with her striking appearance.

"Hello, Mr. Stark," Ada replied with a smile, shaking his hand.

"Would you like to discuss this somewhere more private?" Tony suggested, his tone suggestive.

"Sorry, I have other matters to attend to tonight," Ada declined politely.

"Hello, Mr. Stark," Daniel interrupted, stepping between Tony and Ada.

"Kid, I don't have time for autographs," Tony said dismissively, trying to brush Daniel aside.

Ada interjected, "This is my brother. Perhaps you could hear him out?" She nodded to Daniel and then disappeared into the crowd.

"Brother, huh?" Tony said, slightly bemused.

Daniel smiled wryly. "I've developed a health supplement for women," he explained, presenting his product and brochure.

Tony, wary of taking things from strangers, had Happy take the brochure and glance through it.

"Kid, aiming too high can be dangerous," Tony said, skeptical of the claims in the brochure.

"You can have it tested to verify my claims. Here's my contact number. If you're interested, let me know. If not, I'll find someone else," Daniel said, handing the sample to Happy.

After Tony nodded, Happy accepted the sample.

Daniel didn't linger, knowing there wasn't much more to discuss with Tony at this stage. After Happy took the sample, Daniel excused himself.

"Thanks to Ada, things went smoother than expected. Stark is a tricky character. If it weren't for Ada, I might have had to use more...persuasive methods."

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