Chapter 88: A Spray of Plum Blossoms

Nine years ago, Hank Pym was in a coma, and Clark was not yet strong. Facing the colossal entity that is S.H.I.E.L.D., it was a lie to say he wasn't concerned.

The reason he dared to confront them was entirely because he was backed into a corner with no way out. He was relying on his knowledge that Pym was timid, along with a reckless courage, to barely hold on.

But now, Clark has become a prominent figure and billionaire in America, with Hank Pym supporting him from behind. Even when facing S.H.I.E.L.D., he does so with confidence.

With this confidence, he speaks more freely.

Upon seeing his attitude, Coulson could only bitterly smile to himself, then took out a business card and said, "This is my contact information. If Mr. Clark needs anything in the future, or if you have any information you'd like to share, feel free to contact me."

As Tony Stark was approaching, he added, "It seems Mr. Stark wants to speak with you as well. I'll leave you be then, farewell."

After Coulson left, Tony came over, and Clark greeted him, "Here comes my bro!"

Impression Points from Tony Stark +66666!

Tony wanted to tell Clark that he wasn't old, that he was still young, but seeing Clark's youthful face, he found himself unable to say it.

Feeling frustrated and with nowhere to vent, Tony changed the subject, "I saw you with Miss Christine earlier. Those words, you didn't teach her, did you?"

Should he say, "As expected of Tony Stark"? His intelligence really was unmatched!

But Clark, of course, would not admit to such a misdeed, and feigned ignorance with a shake of his head, "What did she tell you?"

Impression Points from Tony Stark +66666!

"You want me to go through it again with you, huh?" Tony felt frustrated, and the continuous setbacks, combined with the soul-deep wounds inflicted by Christine earlier, made him forget his original purpose in testing Clark.

With a cold smile, Tony said casually, "Right, Clark, after you became a new shareholder of Stark Industries, I looked into some of your past data. It mentioned something about your combat ability being 9.58 seconds, is that true?"

Clark's face darkened, but Tony didn't give him a chance to rebut, turning away with a stylish exit.

What's the point in probing when mocking is so much more satisfying? Exhilarating!

Clark was not in a good mood, but seeing Tony leave triumphantly, he couldn't just chase after him to retort, could he?

That would seem too deliberate.

Seeing Tony's triumphant demeanor, what else could Clark do?

He simply snapped his fingers, and the BGM "A Spray of Plum Blossoms" activated right before he entered the door.

Target Locked: Tony Stark.

At that moment, Pepper Potts came in from outside. Seeing Tony, she quickly asked in a low voice, "How did the probing go?"

"Probing?" Tony said nonchalantly, "I forgot."

Pepper rolled her eyes at this response. Her boss could be so childish at times, truly a handful.

Ignoring her unreliable boss, Pepper, with a smile, approached Clark, "Hello, Mr. Clark, I'm in need of a dance partner. Could you do me the favor?"

Internally, Clark was reluctant.

However, remembering Tony's earlier mockery, he readily agreed, "It would be an honor."

Thus, Clark took Pepper's hand and entered the dance floor under Tony's hostile gaze.

Meanwhile, the predetermined background music began to play throughout the hall.

"The true feelings, like the vast grasslands, cannot be blocked by layers of wind and rain. There will always be a time when the clouds part and the sunrise emerges, illuminating you and me with a myriad of sunshine…"

Impression Points from Tony Stark +77777!

Amidst the music, Tony and Pepper began to dance lightly.

Clark was adept at martial arts, but dancing was somewhat beyond him.

However, Pepper didn't aim for any complicated moves, and with the slow pace, Clark, with his high coordination, managed to keep up.

Unlike Tony, Pepper was serious about her work. She hadn't forgotten the purpose of inviting Clark here today. Using the dance as an opportunity, she whispered in Clark's ear, "Mr. Clark, how did you anticipate the fluctuations in Stark's stock in advance?"

"Purely by sharp business instincts?"

"Instincts?"

"Yes, like right now, I smell a refreshing fragrance."

"Mr. Clark, you're quite the humorist," Pepper laughed before changing the subject, "I heard you've learned Chinese kung fu?"

"Indeed! I'm particularly good with the staff," Clark bragged unreservedly. "I have a magical staff that can grow or shrink, extend or retract, thicken or thin at will. Quite impressive!"

Impression Points from Tony Stark +99999!

"As snowflakes flutter and the north wind howls, the world is a vast expanse of bleakness!…"

Taking advantage of the dance, Pepper asked Clark many questions. Clark would answer what he could and dodged the rest with jokes.

At the end of the song, Clark felt it was pointless to stay any longer, so he bid Pepper farewell and left the hall first.

Seeing Clark leave, Tony quickly pulled Pepper aside to ask, "Did you find out anything?"

Pepper shook her head, "He's very cunning. Every time I asked a critical question, he'd dodge with a joke. But I can confirm he almost didn't know how to dance at the beginning, yet by the end of the song, he was quite proficient."

Tony asked without showing much emotion, "From your tone, don't tell me you've taken a liking to that guy?"

"How could that be?"

Pepper hurriedly shook her head, "Besides being younger, more handsome, funnier, and richer than you, he's just a big boy. How could I be interested in him?"

Impression Points from Tony Stark +99999!

Just as Clark stepped out of the hall, he brightened at the system's prompt.

My bro is really something! Even as I'm leaving, he doesn't forget to send a parting gift.

Thanks a million, bro!

Excited, Clark looked around and saw an elderly man in a red robe chatting happily with several beautiful women, apparently having switched to a new group of ladies.

Youthful despite age! Clark approached without a second thought, patting the elderly man on the shoulder, "Old Hank, oh Old Hank, you've really put me through a lot."

"I mistook another old man for you twice just now!"

Suddenly, Clark felt a surge of panic.

At the same time, the white-haired elderly man turned around, "Young man, don't be greedy!"

With those words, Clark's body shook as if struck by lightning. He staggered back three steps, tasted sweetness in his throat, and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood onto the red carpet below.