"So, Wayne, why did you end up becoming a driver at Stark Industries?" During Raiden further understanding of Wayne, he learned that Wayne was actually a top graduate in mechanical engineering from MIT.
But if that's the case, why would Wayne choose to be an ordinary driver at Stark Industries? It seems like such a waste of talent!
"Sir, actually, our family has a history with Stark Industries. My grandfather used to be Mr. Howard Stark's driver" Wayne explained.
"To be precise, he was one of the drivers in the team, but Mr. Howard was very kind. He helped our family through a difficult period after my grandfather retired" Wayne added.
Raiden thought for a moment, furrowing his brow, and said.
"But you didn't have to become a driver, did you? You could have chosen to join the research department or some other management position at Stark Industries. Given your grandfather connection to Stark Industries and your own abilities, you shouldn't just be a driver."
"Well, sir, my parents didn't join Stark Industries, and after my grandfather passed away, things got tough for us. So, my parents decided to send me to Stark Industries, but the research department is filled with countless Ph.D.s" Wayne paused, glancing nervously in the rearview mirror.
"However, Mr. Stark has very high standards for drivers—they must be people with a clear background, and mine fit perfectly. So, I chose to become a driver at Stark Industries, as it was easier to get close to Mr. Stark, wasn't it? Later, I met you, sir."
Raiden nodded thoughtfully, smiling.
"Not bad, you're quite clever."
Hearing Raiden response, Wayne relaxed and said. "Sir, we're almost at my house."
"Oh" Raiden responded, looking out the window as they arrived at a residential area in Brooklyn.
...
At Wayne doorstep, Wayne parents warmly welcomed Raiden... so warmly, in fact, that it bordered on being overly attentive, which made Raiden feel a bit uncomfortable.
"You must be Mr. Akatosh, so young and accomplished. I'm Wayne father, Laurie Hudson, and this is my wife, Emiline Hudson" Laurie Hudson pointed to his wife behind him and then enthusiastically shook Raiden hand.
Laurie Hudson had done a lot of homework on his son superior. He had asked many of his father old friends from Stark Industries to inquire about Raiden.
But the information he received was almost blank. This was a man who had suddenly appeared, returning to Stark Industries with Tony Stark after the chairman had been missing for several days.
His name was Raiden Akatosh, he was under forty, held a high management position at Stark Industries, never showed up for work, and had very close relationships with Chairman Tony Stark and the late Executive Director Obadiah Stane.
Based on speculation, many within Stark Industries believe that Raiden is the illegitimate son of the former chairman, Howard Stark, and the biological brother of Tony Stark.
However, regardless of the rumors, Laurie had only one thought about Raiden, to flatter him!
No, to compliment him, after all, he was his son boss, a man of high authority within Stark Industries.
"Hello, Mr. Hudson, it's a pleasure to meet you" Raiden also shook Lori's hand and said.
"Alright, please invite Mr. Akatosh in. Hello, Mr. Akatosh" Emmeline Hudson, Wayne mother, patted her husband and said, nodding slightly to welcome Raiden.
"Hello, Mrs. Hudson" Raiden quickly greeted.
"Alright, alright, Mr. Akatosh, please come in" Laurie Hudson laughed and stepped aside, gesturing for Raiden to enter first.
Raiden smiled and nodded, then walked into the house.
...
At the dinner table, Mrs. Hudson prepared a very rich and formal dinner to entertain Raiden, and Mr. Hudson opened a bottle of long-cherished red wine.
Mr. Hudson poured wine for Raiden and said.
"This is a red wine left by my father. It is said that Mr. Howard gave it to him back then. I hope you will like it."
"That is truly precious" Raiden said after smelling it.
"Entertaining a distinguished guest like you, it's only appropriate. Thank you very much for taking care of Wayne. It's his honor that you chose him as your driver" Mr. Hudson said enthusiastically.
Wayne, sitting beside his mother, seemed a bit reserved. Raiden smiled and took a sip of the red wine. It seems that no matter how old a child grows, in the eyes of their parents, they are always a child.
The taste of the red wine was average, barely considered a fine product. But if it was indeed given by Howard, then this bottle of wine had been endowed with a significance far beyond its actual value.
Of course, Raiden did not believe that Laurie Hudson would deceive him on this matter, as there was no need for it.
"Driver? Actually, Wayne is no longer my driver" Raiden put the wine glass back on the table and said while cutting the steak.
"Ah?"
The Hudsons at the table were both startled, and Mr. Hudson quickly asked.
"Mr. Akatosh, did Wayne do something wrong? He's still young and doesn't understand many things. He can learn. We hope you can give him another chance!"
The Hudsons exchanged glances, their eyes filled with worry and hope as they looked at Raiden.
After all, in their understanding, although their child had been employed for almost a year, according to what Wayne had said in the past, he had never communicated with Mr. Tony Stark before meeting Raiden.
To be precise, as a driver, Wayne had never once driven for Tony.
It was only when Raiden arrived that Wayne had the honor of driving for Tony for the first time, and it was then that he was chosen as Raiden driver.
After becoming Raiden driver, Wayne weekly salary increased from one thousand to two thousand dollars, and his bonuses and various social benefits doubled. Now, hearing Raiden say that Wayne was no longer his driver, the Hudsons naturally became a bit anxious.
"No, no, no, you've misunderstood. Although Wayne is no longer my driver, he has taken on a more important role. Hmm, you could say he's my assistant now" Raiden said after a moment of thought.
"Assistant? Oh my God!" Mrs. Hudson covered her mouth, looking at her son with delight.
Wayne glanced at Raiden, who nodded at him. Only then did Wayne turn to his mother and say.
"That's right, Mom. Mr. Akatosh has promoted me."
Mrs. Hudson hugged Wayne excitedly, while Mr. Hudson raised his glass and said, "Thank you so much, Mr. Akatosh. Really... thank you so much. I never expected you to..." Mr. Hudson was visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
"Wayne deserves it. He has the capability" Raiden said as he sipped his drink.
The atmosphere during the entire dinner was quite pleasant. After the meal, Wayne, who hadn't been drinking, drove Raiden home.
Before they left, Mrs. Hudson handed Raiden two boxes of homemade waffles she had just made, all because Raiden had tried one after dinner and complimented the taste.
In the car, Raiden teased. "Wayne, it's a good thing your parents didn't ask me what your future job will be."
Wayne looked puzzled and asked curiously. "So, sir, what will my job be in the future?"
"Driving" Raiden said, pausing for a moment.
"And flying planes, basically all kinds of vehicles. You'll be my backup. Oh, and you'll need to brush up on your professional knowledge. I expect you not only to drive but also to be able to repair them."
"Got it, sir! I'll work hard!" Wayne responded with enthusiasm.
As the car entered the Manhattan area, Raiden suddenly sensed a surge of energy—a powerful energy fluctuation, and it was very close.
Raiden quickly looked out the car window. Amid the bustling crowd, the endless stream of vehicles, and the neon-lit streets... was that her?
Raiden should have chosen to keep going.
After all, whoever it was, it had nothing to do with him. But... why was he suddenly so curious?
Damn it!
Faced with an unprecedented surge of curiosity, Raiden made a choice that was unlike him.