Chapter 131: Top Talent

The meeting room's door swung open, and a bearded Russian man with long hair entered. 

As Ivan Vanko walked into the meeting room, his eyes scanned the people inside. He noticed a group of predominantly Caucasian individuals on one side of the round table and an entirely Asian group on the other side. 

What caught his attention, even more, were the three children present among the Asians, which raised his eyebrows.

Charles looked at the new arrival and began, "Ivan Vanko, your father, Anton Vanko, once collaborated with Howard Stark many years ago in the invention of the original Arc Reactor technology. 

They had different opinions on how to use this new technology: Anton wanted to use it for military and industrial development to make money, while Howard wanted to use the new technology to benefit humanity."

"Subsequently, Anton was expelled for some reason, returning to the Soviet Union, where he has been confined under charges of treason. He remains unable to leave or pursue research."

"Your talent is said to be in mechanics. What can you offer to us, and what can I offer you in return?"

Ivan Vanko, having heard about the high-level meeting while coming over, wasn't surprised by the presence of the individuals in the room. However, seeing three children in the meeting caught him off guard.

When he heard Charles, he immediately responded, "Howard is a fraud. He and my father were responsible for the research, but after they achieved results, he expelled my father. This is unfair to us."

Charles didn't pay much attention to Ivan Vanko's defense. It was unlikely that someone who had been indoctrinated with his father's beliefs from a young age would readily accept the truth.

Moreover, Charles had no concrete evidence of what happened, only knowing the cause and effect of the situation.

"Ivan Vanko, answer my question. What do you want, and what can you bring to me?"

Ivan Vanko felt a growing frustration when he realized that Charles wasn't interested in his explanations. He wanted to tell him how Howard had taken his father's research and later suppressed their family. 

But in the end, he suppressed his impulses and replied, "I need a laboratory and funding for my research. I want to prove to the world that the Vanko family is not inferior to the Stark family."

"Sir, could you provide a computer? I would like to showcase my research through it."

Hearing that Ivan Vanko needed a computer, Ginny immediately led him to the operation area of the meeting room, where there was a computer connected to the electronic screen. 

Ivan Vanko quickly plugged his hard drive into the computer, opened a PowerPoint presentation, and began his presentation.

The presentation featured one key item: the massive Arc Reactor. Ivan Vanko passionately discussed the power supply, clean energy, and potential future applications of this technology. 

He talked about the Ark Reactor's potential without being aware of the appearance of Iron Man.

So, he had never thought about making a smaller version of it, as he hadn't succeeded in even creating a full-sized one yet.

However, the confidence in his abilities shone as he passionately explained the power supply, clean energy, and future prospects of the Ark Reactor technology. He talked about its potential in extra details.

Charles didn't interrupt him but listened to his presentation attentively. When Ivan finished, Charles asked a critical question, "I've visited Stark Industries and have knowledge of this technology. If you want to use it for commercial purposes, have you considered the issue of patents?"

The mention of patents left Ivan Vanko momentarily speechless. While this project was initially his father's and Howard Stark's joint research, his family had no patent rights.

Charles continued to criticize his project, "Furthermore, your technology is outdated."

Upon hearing that his technology was considered outdated, Ivan Vanko couldn't contain his frustration, exclaiming, "That's impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

"When I did some research before coming here, I found that Stark Industries hasn't made any breakthroughs in this technology for decades."

However, this time, Ivan Vanko's emotional outburst didn't affect Charles, who casually responded, "Ivan Vanko, if it's just this technology, I'm sorry, but I'm not interested."

For Charles, something that couldn't be profitable, even if it involved Mark II, Mark III armor production, wasn't worth his attention. He was after money, U.S. dollars that could be exchanged for copper coins, and items that could be recharged.

Ivan Vanko recognized that he didn't have anything to offer right now and pondered for a moment before speaking, "Sir, while I may not have other scientific achievements at the moment, I believe that, given the chance, I can provide you with what you desire."

When Charles asked about the possibility of developing artificial intelligence, Ivan Vanko was at a loss. He responded, "Sir, I excel in mechanical engineering, and I haven't dabbled in artificial intelligence."

Hearing Ivan Vanko's admission of his lack of expertise in artificial intelligence, Charles was somewhat disappointed. 

He would have liked to have a full-fledged artificial intelligence system like J.A.R.V.I.S. at his disposal. It would have allowed him to keep a closer eye on this troublemaker's activities.

Disappointed, Charles said, "Wesley, give him some money. Let's not have Mr. Ivan Vanko's trip be in vain."

With Charles's rejection and his monetary compensation, Ivan Vanko had to leave the meeting room. Wesly apologized and led him away.

As Ivan Vanko exited, Charles continued, "If anyone wishes to recommend candidates to join us, it's welcome. We have many positions available, such as High Table Messengers for combat, positions in the hotel's weapon and equipment research department, and medical roles."

However, Charles clarified the requirements for entry into the meeting room: "To be a part of this room, you must have skills that meet my standards."

Charles emphasized the need for top talents, whether in combat, technology, or any other field. Even Wesley and cross had the ability to initiate bullet time, run across two large buildings, and they were no less skilled than Hawkeye.

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