Chapter 139: Mariko's Deal, Alloy, Interest
The Exposition ended, and the passage leading outside was packed with people, many waiting just to catch a glimpse of Tony Stark.
Happy Hogan and two Bodyguards struggled through the crowd, desperately blocking the surging masses and escorting Tony Stark towards the exit of the Exhibition Hall.
Hands stretched out from the crowd, eagerly thrusting Business Cards towards Tony Stark.
"Hi, Tony, this is Larry from Oracle..."
A Stark executive pulled a Middle-aged Man forward and introduced him to Tony Stark.
"Hello! Hello!"
Tony Stark shook his hand in a hurry.
Before he could even say a few words, he was surrounded by another wave of people.
"Mr. Stark, could you possibly reserve two more Booths for our Company at the Exposition?"
A man wearing Glasses frantically waved at Tony Stark from outside the crowd.
A little girl squeezed out from the crowd, holding an Iron Man toy Helmet Model in her hand. She timidly looked up at Tony Stark and asked, "Can you sign this for me?"
"Of course, sweetie!"
Tony Stark squatted down and signed his name on the Helmet the seven or eight-year-old blonde girl held up.
He patted her head, stood up, and before he had taken two steps, he was surrounded by a group of Reporters.
"Mr. Stark, what is the purpose of you holding this Exposition?"
"Mr. Stark, will the Stark Industries Expo still be free to the public next year?
Or will this become a tool for Stark Industries to accumulate wealth! I'm a Reporter from the New York Times, please answer directly!"
"Hello, Mr. Stark, I'm a Reporter from The Sun (London). A popular Hollywood actress posted claiming she's pregnant with your Child, do you plan to take responsibility for this?"
If Happy Hogan hadn't been desperately blocking them with two Bodyguards, the Reporters' Microphones would have been shoved directly into Tony Stark's mouth.
Having escaped the frenzied Reporters, a group of beautiful Models and celebrities swarmed around him.
"Tony! I love you!"
"I love you too!" Tony walked through the throng of women, and his Pockets instantly gained several Paper Balls with Room Numbers written on them.
Even his collar and face were adorned with several Lipstick Marks.
"Remember to call me!" a beautiful Model leaned in and whispered into Tony Stark's ear.
...…
"Hey, I told you, it's like being at the Zoo, they're crazy!"
"But the Exposition went pretty smoothly!"
"Pretty smoothly!"
Happy Hogan echoed, pushing open the door ahead and escorting Tony Stark to the Company's main Entrance. Happy pressed the Car Key, and Tony Stark looked at the white Sports Car parked at the Entrance. "New Car? What kind of Car is this?"
"A new Sports Car from the Car Company!" Happy Hogan opened the Front Passenger Seat door for Tony Stark and was about to head for the Driver's Seat.
"How about I drive today!"
Tony Stark was eager to try out his new Sports Car. His Eyes casually glanced to the side, and he couldn't help but whistle.
"Oh? Tang, I thought you'd be more reserved. Didn't expect you to have my style from back in the day!"
...…
Tang Song had just come out of the Venue. The Security Guard parking Cars nearby pointed to his Car with an apologetic Look:
"Excuse me, sir, your Car!
I think you probably don't need me to park it!"
Tang Song looked at the winking Security Guard and followed the Direction of his finger.
Leaning languidly against the Car Door of his silver-white Concept Sports Car was a woman in a black silk dress. She held a slender lady's Cigarette in her hand, puffing smoke into the night breeze, looking beautiful on her own.
"Just give me the Key! Thanks!"
Tang Song took the Key from the Security Guard, handed him a hundred US Dollars as a Tip, and amidst the Guard's repeated thanks, walked directly towards his Sports Car.
"Miss Mariko needs a ride?"
Tang Song pressed the Car Key, and the Sports Car's two Headlights flashed.
Mariko Yashida turned around languidly. The black silk dress revealed her graceful figure, especially her pair of long, beautiful Legs. Just looking at them was enough to make any Man's imagination run wild, giving them an urge to reach out and touch.
Mariko Yashida leaned against the Car Door, extending her hand languidly. "Yes, it's hard to get a taxi here, no way back to the Hotel. Can Mr. Tang give me a lift?"
Tang Song stepped forward, took Mariko Yashida's hand, pulled her into his Embrace, wrapped his arm around her waist, and opened the Sports Car's Gull-wing Door.
"Oh? Tang, I thought you'd be more reserved. Didn't expect you to have my style from back in the day!"
At this moment, a whistle, accompanied by a teasing Voice, came from the side. Tang Song turned around, still holding Mariko Yashida.
"Mr. Stark, what a coincidence!"
Seeing Tony Stark, Tang Song waved and greeted him.
As for Mariko Yashida, she had buried her head in Tang Song's Embrace, refusing to look up for anything.
"Mr. Stark, the Superhero descending from the sky, that was a great Opening Ceremony Performance!"
Tony Stark spread his hands, saying confidently, "Of course, look who designed it, a cool opening..."
"I see your Complexion isn't looking too good, Mr. Stark. Is it because you were preparing for this Exposition?"
Tony Stark's Dark Circles and pale Complexion, even though he had tried hard to cover them, were immediately obvious to Tang Song.
Palladium Poisoning!? Has it reached such a serious stage? Tang Song's Gaze fell upon Tony Stark's Neck, which he had deliberately pulled up his collar to conceal...
"It's getting late, I won't disturb you from enjoying Life, Mate. I can tell she's a very beautiful girl!"
Tony Stark changed the subject, clearly not wanting to discuss his physical condition.
He looked at Mariko Yashida, who had her head buried in Tang Song's Embrace, and said teasingly.
Tang Song gave Tony Stark a Look, signaling him to pay attention to what was behind him.
"Thanks for your kindness, it seems a beautiful girl is looking for you!
But I think you might be in Trouble!"
"Trouble? Beautiful women are never Trouble!"
Tony Stark turned his head stubbornly, and a woman with long brown hair was walking gracefully towards him.
"Hello, Beauty!"
Tony Stark greeted the woman, while not forgetting to give Tang Song a provocative Look.
"It's nice to meet you, Tony!"
The brown-haired Beauty, wearing a purple base shirt and a black hip-hugging skirt, came up to Tony Stark and extended her hand proactively.
"Beauty, what's your Name? Where are you going later? Want to grab a drink together!"
Tony Stark held the brown-haired Beauty's hand.
"Marshal!" the brown-haired Beauty said with a smile. "Tony, I'm here to deliver something to you?"
When he heard the word Marshal, Tony Stark felt something was wrong. He let go of her hand and got directly into the Car.
"I don't like receiving Things from others?"
"You heard her, Beauty, my Boss doesn't like receiving Things from others!" Happy Hogan chimed in from the side.
"Mr. Tony Stark, you need to attend the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I hope you won't be late!"
The woman directly threw the Folder containing the Subpoena to Tony Stark. The Document was caught by Happy Hogan next to him.
"How can you prove you're a Marshal, Beauty?" Tony Stark said, somewhat unconvinced.
Especially when he noticed Tang Song, who was watching the show while embracing a Beauty.
Tony Stark was furious and questioned the brown-haired woman resentfully.
Happy Hogan explained from the side, "Beauty, my Boss means he wants to see your Identification!"
The brown-haired Beauty pulled something from her Pocket, and a Police Badge appeared in her hand. "Can I prove my Identity now, Mr. Stark?"
After saying that, she put away the Badge and turned to leave. As she left, she didn't forget to remind Tony Stark, "Don't forget, Mr. Stark, 9 AM tomorrow morning! Don't be late!"
Tang Song, embracing Mariko Yashida, walked over to Tony Stark's Car.
"Looks like you have a little Trouble! Mr. Stark!"
Tony Stark rubbed his Temple. "Like you said, a little Trouble! Insignificant, easily solved!"
Tony Stark pinched his index and middle fingers together, leaving a very small gap.
"Just a bunch of Hyenas trying to snatch other people's Things. I have enough Bullets to deal with them!"
He turned and asked Happy Hogan.
"Happy, how far is DC from here?"
Happy Hogan looked at him sideways and said, "250 miles!"
Tony Stark waved at Tang Song. "Tang, have a wonderful night. I have Things to do, I'm leaving first!" Watching Tony Stark speed away in his Sports Car, Tang Song, embracing Mariko Yashida, also got into the Car.
...…
"My grandfather was a Soldier during the WWII Period. Later, relying on the circumstances and his connection with the Deputy Commander of the Federal Army stationed in Japan at the time, he successfully dug up his First Pot of Gold!"
In the silver-white convertible Sports Car, Mariko Yashida stretched her hand out the window. The night breeze blew through her hair, and her Eyes were somewhat hazy.
"Later, he married and had children, and the Yashida Family's Business grew larger and larger, once becoming Japan's top Zaibatsu!"
"As my grandfather got older, my father also entered his prime! But the internal Conflicts in the Family accumulated more and more. My father always wanted to take over my grandfather's Business, but my grandfather made a Will in the past two years, leaving the entire Yashida Corporation to me!"
"So," Tang Song looked at Mariko Yashida's Side Profile, "Miss Mariko wants me to get rid of your father!"
"Of course not!" Mariko Yashida pressed down on Tang Song's restless Hand on her Thigh.
"I want Mr. Tang to help me smoothly take charge of the Yashida Family! I am willing to pay Mr. Tang a Remuneration of one hundred million US Dollars!"
"One hundred million!" Tang Song repeated the number, controlling the Steering Wheel with one hand.
"If you hadn't met me at the Exposition! What would Miss Mariko have done?"
Tang Song suddenly asked Mariko Yashida a Question.
Mariko Yashida pondered for a moment and said, "My father controls most of the Family's Military Force, and because of the tradition of valuing sons over daughters in large Japanese Families, even with my grandfather's Will, it would be difficult for me to smoothly take charge of Yashida Corporation.
Unless I get my grandfather's support, although he has already made a Will, he has been reluctant to let me take charge of Yashida.
Once he passes away, I will have no more opportunities!
So I've always told my father and grandfather that I don't want this inheritance.
But my father is still not at ease, he has already started looking for a Fiancé for me, wanting to marry me off in a Marriage Alliance! This time, helping my grandfather find Logan is my last chance.
I originally wanted to use this opportunity to please my grandfather,
and have him support me in becoming the Chairman of Yashida in his remaining time!"
"Until I met Mr. Tang!"
Mariko Yashida looked at Tang Song with the adoring Gaze of a young woman.
"Heh heh!" Tang Song chuckled lightly. "Miss Mariko overestimates me.
The Yashida Family is worth hundreds of billions of US Dollars, covering various industries in Japan. To put it plainly, I'm just a Yakuza Thug, I can't afford to Provoke Yashida!"
As Tang Song spoke, he withdrew the Hand he had placed on Mariko Yashida's Thigh.
"Mr. Tang is too modest. An Organization like The Hand, which has been passed down for hundreds of years, Mr. Tang just casually..."
Mariko Yashida didn't finish her sentence when she felt a Chill envelop her. She turned her head and met Tang Song's Ice-cold Eyes.
Indifferent, cold, just like the Look in her father's Eyes when she was a Child and saw him casually strangle her pet puppy to death. It was this kind of indifferent heartlessness, like casually cutting down roadside flowers and grass while practicing with a Katana.
Mariko Yashida, being stared at by Tang Song's Gaze, felt as if a large Hand was choking her Neck.
"Miss Mariko, some jokes shouldn't be made!"
"Tang, Mr. Tang, ten percent, ten percent of Yashida Corporation's Shares..."
"Ten percent of Yashida Corporation's Shares!" Tang Song laughed. "What kind of Person do you take me for, Miss Mariko!"
At his laugh, Mariko Yashida immediately felt the chilling Bitter Cold dissipate from her entire Body. She gasped for Air, feeling as if she had come back to Life.
"I'm very curious, what's this about The Hand that Miss Mariko mentioned? Can you explain it to me?"
Tang Song patted his Thigh, uh, Mariko Yashida's! Mariko Yashida brushed her hair behind her ear. Although her Hand was still trembling, she forced herself to be calm and said:
"It's Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Footage. A Mountain Fire broke out in Aokigahara (Sea of Trees) at the foot of Mount Fuji.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department announced it was due to natural causes, but a piece of Aerial Footage from that Time leaked out. A Supernatural Incident occurred there!"
"What does that have to do with The Hand? Or rather, what does it have to do with me?" Tang Song smiled, stepped on the Accelerator, and overtook a slow-moving classic Car.
"At that Time, Murakami, one of the five Chairmen of The Hand, came to my grandfather, seeking his help to look for something in New York.
According to him, Madame Gao died by your Hand, Mr. Tang!"
"Not long after Murakami returned, The Hand's Base was burned to the ground by a Mountain Fire!"
Mariko bit her Lip and looked at Tang Song, her expression pitiful, causing Tang Song's Hand to move up a few inches.
"Yashida Corporation has the Adamantium Formula?"
Mariko Yashida felt the tingling sensation. Hearing Tang Song's Question, she replied with a slightly trembling Voice:
"The Research Laboratory for Adamantium was originally located at the Federation's Yokohama Base in Japan!"
"My grandfather bribed a Federal High Official at the Base at that Time and stole the Adamantium Formula! Later, he spent huge sums to establish connections with the Federal Department of Defense!
He became one of the approved Suppliers of Adamantium, but the Shipment Volume is limited each year!"
"I want the Adamantium Formula!" Tang Song patted Mariko Yashida's Thigh.
"Ah! That's impossible," Mariko cried out in pain and shook her head. "The Adamantium Formula has always been in my grandfather's Hands. The Backup is stored in the Vault of the Bank of Tokyo.
I can only open it through the Will after he passes away!"
"Don't worry, I promise, you will become the Mistress of the Yashida Family!" Tang Song laughed. "But tonight, I'll collect some Interest first!"
...
Morning!
Tang Song, wrapped in a Bath Towel around his waist, pulled open the Curtains of the Presidential Suite's window. Sunlight, like crushed gold, spilled into the Room.
"Mmm!"
Sunlight fell on the Large Bed, and Mariko Yashida let out a drowsy hum. Her fair and beautiful Back, exposed outside the Quilt, was covered in Red Marks.
"Ding!"
Tang Song walked to the Presidential Suite's own Wine Rack and selected a bottle of Red Wine.
With a casual flick of the Bottle Body, the Oak Wine Cork popped off.
Pouring himself a glass of Red Wine, Tang Song lazed on the Sofa, casually picked up the Remote Control, and turned on the Television.
"I can say, this is a high-tech prosthetic limb that I developed!"
On the Television, the Federal Senate Armed Services Committee hearing was being broadcast live.
Because it involved Tony Stark, a Public Figure, this hearing was highly anticipated.
Major Television Stations were broadcasting it simultaneously.
Tang Song held up his Wine Glass, sipping Red Wine, and played with a Jade Box in his Hand, watching Tony Stark debate against many on Television.
The purpose of this hearing initiated by the Senate Armed Services Committee was simple: they wanted to nationalize Tony Stark's Iron Suit.
The Senator invited Justin Hammer, a Weapon Expert, to testify against Tony Stark, aiming to classify his Iron Suit as a Weapon.
As long as the Iron Suit could be classified as a high-tech Weapon, they would have a Reason to nationalize this unapproved high-tech Weapon.
Unfortunately, Justin Hammer was no Match for Tony Stark at all.
He was defeated by his few words of rebuttal.
Left with no choice, the Military deployed their Trump Card, bringing in Tony Stark's Close Friend, Colonel Rhodes.
They wanted him to accuse Tony Stark's Iron Suit of its Aggressiveness and Threat.
They also showed Videos of various Countries attempting to Counterfeit the Iron Suit, using the proliferation of Counterfeit Iron Suits and the Threat to World Peace as a Reason to try and force Tony Stark to comply.
It was a pity that they underestimated Tony Stark, especially the Ability of his Artificial Intelligence, J.A.R.V.I.S..
J.A.R.V.I.S. successfully hacked into the so-called Satellite footage Evidence they presented and retrieved higher definition footage.
"It's obvious that these rickety things that can't even walk steadily pose no Threat to World Peace, isn't that right!"
As the Video showed a Counterfeit Iron Robot crashing to the ground with a clang after taking only a couple of steps.
Tony Stark looked arrogantly at everyone at the hearing:
"My Technology cannot be surpassed within twenty years. The Iron Suit is safest in my Hands. I absolutely will not hand it over to you!"
"Oh, look, who is this?"
At this moment, a figure in one of the Videos walked into the Lens,
pointing loudly at a broken-down Counterfeit Iron Suit,
and scolding the Designer next to him. The familiar figure was none other than Justin Hammer, who was standing at the hearing.
"This Thing, where's the Switch? Turn it off!" Justin Hammer lunged forward, trying to shut off the Video that was playing.
The Senator also shouted loudly, and the hearing was in Chaos.
Only Tony Stark turned his head and whispered to Colonel Rhodes.
"Do you think he'll hand over his Iron Suit? He's confronting a Country!"
A pair of slender and fair Arms reached out from behind and wrapped around Tang Song's Neck.
Mariko Yashida's Head rested on Tang Song's Shoulder, her whole Body pressed against his Back.
Tang Song felt the unobstructed...
(End of chapter)