Chapter 130: Enemies and Newcomers

**

Tracy listened attentively since there was no script. She asked, "So, are you genuinely committed to charity?"

"Of course!" Link nodded. "The challenge is how to execute it properly. Deciding to do something is easy, but carrying it out is difficult."

"I can make high-level decisions easily, but what about the details?"

"For example, in the early days of the legal aid project, how do you review each case? Who genuinely needs help, and who's just trying to exploit the system?"

"Then there's the investment in the joint construction company to develop Hell's Kitchen. How do you supervise and improve the charitable aspects of such projects?"

"A lot of people think Jessica's life is glamorous because she's with a wealthy boyfriend, but all the detailed work—she helps me handle that."

"With such a vast amount of funds, she's the only one I trust completely."

At this moment, Jessica turned to look at Link. They exchanged a deep, loving glance, which was exactly the kind of emotional display the show needed.

The program had plenty of talking points—public displays of affection were just one of them. There might also be mutual grievances aired between the guests, all of which would be a draw for viewers.

The most authentic reactions are the most captivating, which is why Tracy chose not to have a script.

"Okay, okay, I get it. You two have a great relationship, but you don't need to show it off right now," Tracy teased them. "Link, now that you've joined the Avengers, does Jessica worry about you?"

This was quite a pointed question. Jessica wasn't really worried about Link, given his strength, but the general audience wouldn't know that.

Jessica shot a concerned look at Link, who quickly responded, "Yes, she does worry, but there's no helping it. Some things just have to be done."

"The dangers Earth faces concern everyone, and the Avengers want to avoid political entanglements. I've been to space myself. As soon as we developed the Yan-class fighter jet, I flew solo into outer space."

"The time I spent there wasn't long, but I encountered quite a few aliens, and I learned about some of the dangers Earth might face."

Link understood that Jessica's worried glance wasn't about him but about Tracy's questioning, so he cleverly redirected the concern back to himself, concealing the true issue.

Tracy then returned her focus to Jessica, as her show wasn't meant to dwell on the Avengers.

She asked, "Jessica, when Link leaves to complete Avengers missions, what do you do?"

"I work," Jessica replied smartly, her detective instincts kicking in. "Whenever Link leaves, I make sure to keep myself busy with work."

Her answer was clever, aligning with reality without sounding too forced or out of place.

"Keeping myself occupied makes the time pass quickly without worrying too much."

"Besides, he hasn't really faced any extreme danger yet. While Earth might be in peril, the danger doesn't seem imminent."

Jessica clarified her response.

Their interview ended shortly after, followed by Wilson and Vanessa's segment. The love between Wilson and Vanessa hadn't diminished, and Vanessa was now pregnant.

Wilson openly admitted that Vanessa had saved him and that much of his current business success was due to her advice, as well as Link's guidance.

Wilson Fisk had been quite active in the past two years. On one hand, the joint construction company's development projects were progressing smoothly. On the other hand, Vanessa's charity foundation had boosted Wilson's public image significantly.

His political stunts had been very successful, and after their child is born, he plans to run for Congress.

His ultimate goal: Mayor of New York!

What really made "Tracy's Show" go viral, however, was the appearance of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. Stark's witty, off-the-cuff remarks stole the spotlight, as he constantly teased Pepper yet was quick to change his tone at a single glance from her. The dynamics of their relationship were clear.

…

"It's quite the spectacle!" Aldrich Killian muttered as he watched the show on TV, filled with resentment. Tony Stark had stood him up, leaving him freezing on a rooftop all night long. That's when he had an epiphany.

Previously, he had partnered with Hydra, but only because they had approached him first, forcing him to send some Extremis soldiers. However, once the opposition found a way to counter Extremis, Killian realized he couldn't get too deeply involved with Hydra just yet. So, he vanished with his team.

He had to refine the Extremis virus further, making it even more perfect. During S.H.I.E.L.D.'s internal turmoil, Killian stayed hidden, and S.H.I.E.L.D. never found him.

Given the agency's state of disarray, they had no resources to hunt him down, allowing Killian to slip through the cracks.

Alongside Maya Hansen, he continued to enhance the Extremis virus. Maya, unaware of Killian's dealings with Hydra, focused solely on their research, which Hydra generously funded, ensuring Killian had the resources to keep going.

…

"Link, will it work?" Steve Rogers asked nervously. Today was the day they were going to administer the serum to Peggy Carter.

"Don't worry, with the dragon bone, there won't be any issues," Link replied.

He had acquired the dragon bone from Coulson—only a few grams of it. Link had used two grams for previous research and experimentation, but the remaining amount was enough. The dragon bone was filled with life force.

A smile appeared on Peggy Carter's aged face as she said, "Steve, don't worry about me. I'm already old."

Steve approached her, holding her hand. "I may be old too, but I still owe you a dance."

The serum injection process began shortly afterward, with Link overseeing the procedure. It was similar to the one Steve had undergone during his transformation into Captain America, but this time it was much gentler. Peggy showed no signs of discomfort.

After the process was complete, Peggy didn't undergo a dramatic transformation, but she did regain her youthful appearance.

"Steve…" she said as Steve Rogers helped her down from the platform.

"Peggy…" Steve whispered back, their eyes locked in an emotional moment. The others, respecting the privacy of the scene, quietly left the medical room.

This was the Avengers' headquarters medical facility. As they stepped out, Natasha remarked, "It's incredible. She actually regained her youth."

"The dragon bone contains immense life energy," Link explained. "Paired with the super-soldier serum, it works even better and is much gentler. Peggy's age and vast experiences also help."

"She has the mental fortitude to handle the sudden surge of power. After all, she once led S.H.I.E.L.D."

"She's wielded authority far greater than this new strength, and her love for Steve is just as important."

(End of Chapter)