Chapter 35: The Father's Worry Alliance

"Can you understand?" Ang suddenly blurted out.

"Of course! My father, Howard, was like that back in the day. Maybe to outsiders, he seemed great, with achievements that could amaze the world, and he founded a vast business empire. But he was the worst father; I hardly saw him when I was growing up. At one point, I even thought the butler and the housekeeper were my parents," he continued.

Ang: "…"

To outsiders, Tony appeared to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth, living a life of supreme happiness, thanks to his immense wealth.

In reality, despite having endless wealth, Tony lacked the love of a father and mother. This made him feel insecure, with no desire for marriage and family life. That's why Tony had been a playboy for many years, a famous ladies' man worldwide, yet he never had a steady partner.

Tony rambled on for a few more minutes, something he wouldn't do with just anyone.

But in Tony's eyes, Ang's life experience was almost identical to his own.

Having a father who was the head of a top financial conglomerate, having limitless money, and losing his mother, with no one to care for him.

This resonated deeply with Tony.

Especially when Ang agreed and said, "I'm sure that even if I die, my father won't spend a second at my grave. At most, he'll hear the news from the butler and say 'Oh' to show that he knows. He believes he always has more important things to do."

This statement clearly struck a chord with Tony.

As a former playboy who had experienced life and death and was beginning to evolve into a true hero, he teared up on the spot.

Tony casually grabbed a bottle of top-shelf brandy that had been prepared in the living room and poured a glass for Ang.

"To our lousy fathers."

"Cheers."

They both drank their glasses and looked at each other, feeling an unspoken bond.

After downing one glass, Tony immediately refilled it and said, "This glass is to officially thank you for saving my life."

"I didn't."

"No! If you hadn't bought me time, I would have been done for."

Ang remained silent and took another drink.

"This glass is to thank you for reminding me about Stane. Without you, Stark Industries would have been finished."

Ang drank the third glass without a word.

"And this last glass is to thank you on behalf of Ethan."

Ang felt embarrassed but refused, "No, since we've made things clear, when I visit in the future, I'll have Ethan toast me himself."

"Alright!" Tony wasn't one to hold back and poured himself another drink.

With a few drinks under their belts, Tony and Ang became quite friendly, even casually draping arms around each other.

"Ang, I don't know if you're helping me to prove yourself or for some other reason. Anyway, I owe you two lives, one human and one career. As long as you don't harm me, my women, or my company, I'm your best buddy in this world. I'll help you with anything... no matter how big."

Tony was truly capable of making friends despite his various quirks. Even though he had his unreliable side, he was unwaveringly loyal to his friends.

Especially in this life, Ang was his and Ethan's savior, so Tony genuinely appreciated Ang.

After another half-bottle of wine, the two guys had really hit it off.

Ang muttered, "There's no conspiracy! I'm just a bastard. If Bruce suddenly got the idea to marry and have a child one day, I wouldn't mean a thing. He'd give me a little money and tell me to scram."

Tony's tongue was a little thick. "Is that why you secretly trained in martial arts and took down the Black Mask and took his money?"

"Nonsense! I trained in martial arts because I thought my family's bodyguards were unreliable."

"Bodyguards should be fine. In the past, European nobility would assign their own people to watch over their illegitimate children. Old-fashioned families love doing that." Tony had another drink. "By the way, I saw the video of the Golden Gate Bridge. That part where you took down that lizard freak was really cool."

"Cut it out. You had nothing to do with me that day."

To be honest, Iron Man, with his flight, heavy firepower, and laser cutting system, was a perfect counter to the Lizard Doctor.

"Since you're rich now, how about I help you with a hostile takeover of Wayne Enterprises?"

"Good idea."

Tony, with slightly blurred vision, opened his portable computer and checked Wayne Enterprises' stock price. "Damn, Wayne Enterprises' stock price is too stable, and the shareholding is vast. If I really want to help you, I'd have to sell off half of Stark Industries to make a dent in Bruce's ownership."

"Forget it. Things are fine as they are."

"Alright, call me if you need me. Since you're in New York, I'll go back to the Middle East to deal with the Ten Commandments."

"Um, wait a minute. Can you get me a rubber-insulated suit, something that can withstand high voltages, no matter the size?"

"Sure."

Outside, the Tumms' residence was undoubtedly a top-tier mansion. A 200-square-meter hall was decorated in a modern art style, with abstract-shaped chandeliers scattered throughout, making the guests feel impressed.

In the adjacent 100-square-meter side hall, wild electronic music was playing. On a typical day, this place would be filled with students dancing wildly.

But today, all the attention was stolen by the red and gold humanoid metal creation.

Iron Man, the true top-tier hero of the United States and the number one idol in the hearts of young people.

Compared to the almost godlike Superman, Tony Stark, an ordinary human, had a natural affinity with the public. The high-tech armor he wore gave ordinary people the illusion that "I can be just like him."

Young people surrounded Iron Man, taking pictures and screaming excitedly. A group of beautiful women chatted casually but cast their eyes on the living room where Tony and Ang had just entered.

You see, every woman who had slept with "America's Sweetheart" Tony Stark, even if they couldn't enter the Stark family, would still see their value skyrocket. For example, the journalist Christine, who became famous in this life for being bedded by Tony, now hosted her own solo program.

Furthermore, anyone who succeeded today would not have slept with an ordinary rich kid but with Iron Man!

The excited screams of the girls were starting to affect the Tumms father and daughter. Normally, this kind of behavior from guests wouldn't make the hosts happy.

But, as the saying goes, if you have a big enough background, guests you can't even invite on normal days will come voluntarily.

Liz noticed that the guy she had her eye on seemed to have an extraordinary admiration for Iron Man.

In fact, all the guys here were the same.

The door to the reception room opened after about ten minutes.

Two figures who were closely connected immediately became the center of attention.

Ordinary people might not have noticed, but Adrian Toomes's eyes narrowed. He remembered very clearly that when Tony first arrived, he and the young man named Ang were clearly not familiar with each other. Now they looked like long-lost brothers. What had they talked about in there?

Adrian, or rather, Mr. Vulture, who hadn't made a public appearance in New York yet, was curious. Unfortunately, he had secretly checked the surveillance cameras, and all electronic devices inside had been jammed.

This was Iron Man's electronic technology.

At this moment, Tony Stark, who had become the party's main attraction, walked out, and naturally, Adrian went to greet him.

"I apologize for not coming over to greet you earlier. I am Adrian Toomes, the host of this place. Mr. Stark, your presence has truly illuminated our gathering."

Tony politely shook Adrian's hand. "The one who should apologize is me. I crashed the party without an invitation."

"No, no, no! Your face is the universal invitation worldwide," Adrian said, not out of courtesy but as a fact.

Throughout the United States, there were very few who didn't buy into Tony Stark's reputation.

Tony looked around and complimented politely, "Great party."

"This is my daughter, Liz…"

Adrian hadn't finished his sentence when he saw a group of beautiful women around them, all eager to introduce themselves to Tony.

Tony furrowed his brow. "I'd love to enjoy this party, but unfortunately, I have an urgent matter to attend to."

This remark made Harry Osborn's body, who considered himself of noble status, stiffen instantly. He had already pushed his way next to the Tumms, intending to greet Tony immediately after the host did.

In fact, he had even extended his hand for a handshake.

But Tony ignored him.

Ang, feeling as though a gust of wind had just passed by, thought that Harry, who was already petrified, would crumble on the spot and then be blown away by the wind, dissipating into nothingness

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