Chapter 78 Double Standard

Chapter 78 Double Standard

Leon had no reason to take action, so he remained silent after uttering a few words at the outset.

Tony alone is more than capable of taking on the 'Benevolence' group single-handedly. Calling those individuals 'benevolent' is quite a stretch; they're a bunch of shameless fellows, hence the quotation marks.

In the end, the Minister may have no option but to play his trump card and summon Colonel Rhodes.

Colonel Rhodes serves as Tony's primary liaison with the military and also acts as his military advisor. To be frank, it's not suitable for the military to communicate directly with a businessman, so Rhodes spends most of his time assisting Tony.

Certainly, he reaps significant benefits from this arrangement.

Furthermore, Rhodes serves as a reassurance for the military, ensuring that Tony remains loyal.

Over the years, the two have developed a close friendship. So, when Tony spotted Rhodes entering, he promptly stood up to greet him.

"James Rhodes," Tony affectionately called out to him.

Rhodes nodded in response, saying, "I'm just here to follow the protocol."

Perhaps he genuinely believed that.

Once the two were seated, the Minister impatiently instructed Rhodes, "Colonel Rhodes, please summarize the sections in your report where Iron Man is considered a hidden threat."

Rhodes glanced at the Minister and replied, "I thought I was here to present the full report, not just one section."

"I'm sorry, but we only require one excerpt from you."

"But that excerpt may not fully represent my opinions and subjective judgments."

"Just proceed as instructed." It was evident that Rhodes had been set up.

On the sidelines, Leon rolled his eyes, wondering how shameless these people could be in front of so many witnesses.

Tony's lips twitched slightly, but he refrained from commenting. He was aware that the Minister's deliberate selection of this particular paragraph was malicious.

He trusted his friend Rhodes and believed that Rhodes wouldn't judge him so harshly. However, he also understood the Minister's ulterior motives in deliberately singling out this section.

As anticipated, as Rhodes read aloud from the report at the Minister's request, he did express concerns about Iron Man being a hidden danger and potentially uncontrollable.

The Minister appeared rather satisfied.

Rhodes felt resentful but pressed on, "Nevertheless, I also noted in the report that I believe Iron Man could be an asset in protecting our country."

"Enough, let's end it here," the Minister hastily interjected.

But Rhodes persisted, "And I also suggest that, Tony could be invited to join the military considered for a special talent position within the military and be appointed as a commander."

"Enough!" the Minister exclaimed in exasperation.

Even Tony responded promptly, saying, "I won't align myself with any organization." He quickly lightened the atmosphere with a quip, adding, "Unless you're offering me the Minister's seat."

This humorous exchange, combined with Tony's tone, elicited another round of laughter, resembling a comical play.

However, among the onlookers, Leon observed it all in silence, his eyes reflecting disappointment.

The more you familiarize yourself with a nation, the more bewildering it becomes. This country is truly unbelievable.

Leon reaffirmed one thing: you can never place full trust in this country.

Never trust someone who's shameless and deceitful.

Contemplating this, Leon decided to rise from his seat, intending to depart.

Initially, he had tagged along out of sheer boredom, but now he found the situation even more tedious, making him prefer the solace of home and sleep, he stood up ready to go home and maybe soak in a hot bath. 

His actions, however, drew the Minister's attention, who perked up, intrigued, An Asian?

"You're Tony's bodyguard, and you came from Asia," the Minister inquired eagerly, refraining from naming any specific nation. "Are those closest to you also aligned with your country? Are you planning to share stark's technology with them?"

Leon paused, adjusted his attire, and turned around calmly.

Tony, for his part, shrugged, showing no inclination to intervene, even casting a sly glance at Leon, eager to see how he'd navigate this.

Leon gazed at the Minister and responded calmly, "Let me clarify your statement, as it's somewhat ambiguous. While I did sign on as Tony's bodyguard, we're also friends, so please don't jump to conclusions."

A few discreet chuckles rippled through the room.

Tony couldn't help but fidget; this guy was intentionally stirring the pot.

Leon continued, "Furthermore, I've entered into a bodyguard contract with Tony, but I also happen to be the second-largest shareholder of Stark Group, and you can also say I'm the company's co-owner."

Whispers and intrigued glances circulated among the attendees.

Yes, he might be Asian, but being the second-largest shareholder of Stark Industries was unexpected. Did this mean he had influence over those cutting-edge Stark Group weapons?

Leon went on unperturbed, "Lastly, you need not cast aspersions in every direction. I'm not from any country. In fact, I'm an alien. I don't belong to any nation or faction. Now, any further doubts?"

Alien?

The room's occupants shared the same incredulous and disbelieving expressions.

No one was willing to buy into it.

Although discussions and rumors about aliens had never ceased, who had genuinely encountered extraterrestrial beings?

Hence, the prevailing sentiment was disbelief.

Except for Tony, no one present took Leon's words seriously.

Indeed, he might be an alien, not even from this universe.

Leon cast a casual smile around the room, untroubled by the skepticism of others, as it didn't concern him.

Leon continued in a composed manner, "For a long time, this country has preached about freedom. Yet, what I witness today contradicts that ideal. You've seized Tony's personal assets and stifled Colonel Rhodes' freedom of expression, demanding only favorable reports."

"Is this your notion of freedom? And your so-called suspicion that Iron Man is a threat, Shouldn't we wait for Iron Man to engage in harmful activities to the country's interests before passing judgment?"

"Who told you that one can be sentenced before committing a crime? Did you learn your laws while being high?"

"Double standards, hypocrisy."

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Lao Lao Xu: Real Author

Fake Author/Translator Zatch[King]Rex

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