Chapter 20: Tony Stark. (Edited)

Want to buy Martha's Gym?

Clark couldn't help frowning upon hearing this: "Is Mr. Strange planning to change careers?"

"No!" Stephen Strange proudly shook his head and explained: "Actually, I am also a member of Martha's Gym. I found that the fitness effect there is the best, much better than any other place. But now, it's too crowded, and waiting for each piece of equipment wastes a lot of my time."

With an air of entitlement, Stephen Strange continued: "So, I thought about buying this gym so that only I can train there, saving me a lot of time. So, name your price. As long as it's not too outrageous, we can sign the contract right now."

Clark politely shrugged: "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Mr. Strange."

Receiving +133 impression points from Stephen Strange!

After being refused by Clark, Stephen Strange's demeanor became less polite and somewhat arrogant: "Clark Li, I've had someone estimate the market value of Martha's Gym, around three million dollars. I can offer five million!"

Clark frowned at the sudden change in attitude but remained graceful: "Martha's Gym was given to me by my parents, and I wouldn't sell it for any amount of money."

Receiving +1333 impression points from Stephen Strange!

After being refused again, Stephen Strange's face grew even uglier. He was about to say more when a wave of cheering interrupted them. Turning towards the source of the noise, they saw the focus of the costume ball, Tony Stark, arriving at the center of the ball in a lavish Santa Claus outfit.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the ball I've organized. I hope everyone has fun!"

After his brief introduction, another round of piercing cheers erupted, not from the social elites Hope had introduced to Clark but from a group of invited supermodels and beauties forming Stark's fan club.

Amidst the cheers, Stark wore a smug smile, eyeing the ladies and pondering where to start his flirting for the day.

Stephen Strange, having turned his attention away from Tony, said to Clark still watching Tony: "The idea that something left by parents can't be sold is utterly ridiculous. I'm offering eight million to buy your Martha's Gym. Kid, you're making a fortune this time!"

Turning back to Clark, who was growing impatient, shook his head again: "Not for sale!"

"You're asking for ten million!" Stephen Strange continued to raise his offer: "This is an astronomical sum. I advise you to seriously consider my proposal. This will be your last chance."

As the conversation deepened, Clark's opinion of the future Doctor Strange grew increasingly negative: "Mr. Strange, as far as I know, the most precious asset you have are your hands, which were also given to you by your parents. Would you sell them for money?"

"That comparison is absurd!" Stephen Strange stood up angrily and shouted at Clark: "You will regret your decision today, I guarantee it!" After saying that, he stormed off, leaving behind the image of an angry Gandalf.

Receiving +7777 impression points from Stephen Strange!

Watching Stephen Strange's angry departure, Clark wore a victorious smile.

Heh...

Why would I regret? +7777 impression points, what a windfall!

Meanwhile, Stephen Strange's shouting had drawn the attention of everyone at the ball to their side.

Seeing his spotlight stolen by an impolite fellow, Tony Stark couldn't hide his annoyance, frowning towards the source of the noise, intending to see who dared overshadow him.

Then his eyes lit up, revealing a wolfish gleam at the sight of "Wonder Woman."

"Oh, my God, what do I see, Wonder Woman herself!" Tony said, making his way towards Clark, but his gaze never left Hope, dressed as the sexy Wonder Woman: "Beautiful Diana, may I have the honor of dancing with you?"

Hope, with a charming smile typical in the West, gently declined: "I cannot!"

Tony was taken aback but quickly recovered: "Why not?"

"Because I already have a dance partner." Saying this, Hope glanced at Clark beside her, making her meaning clear.

Clark felt unjustly implicated and a bit annoyed.

But Tony, already taking out his phone, said: "Jarvis, check the information on this Superman gentleman."

"Right away, sir." Jarvis's voice from the smartphone caused a stir among the models. It was still 1998 in the Marvel universe, and a phone that could communicate with its owner was considered futuristic.

A moment later, Tony had reviewed the information Jarvis gathered on Clark. A brilliant idea to regain the spotlight struck him, and he turned to Clark with a mischievous smile: "Superman, kid, how about we make a bet?"

Clark sighed, wondering if he had become the object of Tony's display of superiority: "What's the bet?"

Tony, excited, said: "I know your name is Clark Li now. Besides that, can you list any other similarities between yourself and Superman? If you can name three, I'll sponsor the European release of your 'Battle Through the Heavens.'"

Pausing, Tony's smile widened: "If you lose, I just want to invite your dance partner for a dance. Please don't interfere."

I never did, hey! Hope might be a catch in your Western eyes, but she's really not my type! But the challenge was laid, and Clark couldn't help wanting to win. Seeing him seriously considering, Tony wore a victorious grin.

Hope, to him, was just an interest, not something to lose sleep over if unattainable.

He just didn't like being overshadowed.

Now, as Clark pondered in line with his thought process, he successfully became the focus again, exactly what Tony wanted.

Suddenly, Tony added: "Of course, I'm talking about unique characteristics. For example, both you and Superman are male, have two eyes, and a nose—such basic facts don't count."

Clark then confidently smiled: "First, Superman and I are wearing the same outfit."

"Second, we're both poor."

"And, my mom's name is Martha, too."

Receiving +6666 impression points from Tony Stark!

That works!?

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