Chapter 24: First Encounter with Iron Man

Upon arriving at Stark Industries, Yang Xin did not go straight to see Tony Stark; instead, he first sought out Pepper. After all, Yang Xin was here for business, not to see whose sharp tongue could cut deeper.

Pepper was visibly excited to see Yang Xin and immediately led him and his companions to find Tony Stark.

“Hey, buddy, where’s that beat-up old Volkswagen you call the Dinosaur Express?” Perhaps because Yang Xin had once saved him and Pepper, Tony Stark was not nearly as arrogant and conceited as the rumors claimed. On the contrary, he was amiable and almost too familiar.

“In fact, the Dinosaur Express is a superweapon,” Yang Xin replied politely, though a hint of embarrassment crept into his voice. Truth be told, Yang Xin had no desire to get too close to Tony; the closer they were, the harder it would be to take advantage of him later.

“I know, I know. Pepper told me all about it—Human Cannon, Level One Ready! Human Cannon, Level Two Ready! Human Cannon—fire!” Tony mimicked the motion of launching Coulson, his performance comically exaggerated. “And then, Coulson was shot out, transformed into a Jedi, wielding a lightsaber. The only thing I’m not sure is whether he’s mastered the Force.”

Yang Xin glanced at Pepper, as if to ask: Didn’t you explain what really happened to him?

Pepper gave a helpless shrug, as if to say: I did, but he doesn’t believe a word.

“Alright, may the Force be with Coulson. If you’re interested in the Dinosaur Express, Mr. Stark, you can visit S.H.I.E.L.D. and talk to Nick Fury. It’s just a super battle vehicle; I doubt Nick Fury would be that stingy,” Yang Xin said with a smile.

“He really is that stingy! I just wanted to take a look, and he insisted I trade my armor for it! I, Tony Stark, would rather starve, or jump from here, than beg that bald, egg-headed bastard! Don’t mention him in front of me!” Tony Stark was visibly agitated.

“Sorry, Tony, but today I have to mention him—I’m here on his orders.”

“You joined S.H.I.E.L.D.? You actually joined S.H.I.E.L.D.? Why? What did that bald egg offer you?” Tony demanded, his tone wildly exaggerated.

“He didn’t offer me much, and as for why I joined S.H.I.E.L.D., you wouldn’t believe me if I said it was for world peace. I did it for… Hydra.”

“Hydra?” For once, Tony Stark’s expression turned serious. With a wave of his hand, a holographic screen appeared in the air, and Tony’s fingers flew over the interface.

“All these people sent on suicide missions lately—are they all Hydra agents?” Yang Xin knew S.H.I.E.L.D.’s firewalls wouldn’t keep Tony Stark out, but he hadn’t expected their tech team to be quite so hopeless. At least put up more of a fight.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. You should know that Nick Fury swapped one of his eyes for something quite special—it can hypnotize people with ease…”

“Oh, my next generation of armor will have anti-hypnosis protocols,” Tony cried. Then, as if remembering something, he asked, “So, what did that bald egg send you for?”

“To purchase your arc reactor. And, if possible, to acquire the manufacturing technology as well.” Yang Xin made no effort to hide that he was selling out Nick Fury.

“I thought we were becoming friends,” Tony Stark replied, disappointment heavy in his tone.

“We are friends, Tony. You’re a genius, and there are fewer than five people in the world who can compare to you. So here’s the thing…” Yang Xin’s words clearly pleased Tony, and what came next pleased him even more.

“Even if you hand over the arc reactor and its blueprints to S.H.I.E.L.D., do you really think those academic slackers can build one? Even if they could, how long would it take? Meanwhile, your technology will keep advancing.”

Tony’s eyes lit up instantly. “You’re right! Even if S.H.I.E.L.D. gets the arc reactor and the plans, those losers couldn’t make one in fifty years… Ha! You’re absolutely right, my friend. Still, S.H.I.E.L.D. should pay the proper price if they want the arc reactor. I wonder what that bald egg is willing to offer?”

Of course, Yang Xin wasn’t about to tell Tony that Nick Fury had only offered some standard, nearly obsolete World War II equipment. In fact, the Treasure System had already generated a new item, but Yang Xin had no intention of trading it directly to Tony Stark. Let S.H.I.E.L.D. fill their own pit.

“A piece of information,” Yang Xin said, holding up one finger.

“Information? What kind of information is worth that much?”

“You’re suffering from palladium poisoning, aren’t you? Drinking chlorophyll every day?” Yang Xin tapped the arc reactor in Tony’s chest.

Tony’s expression darkened, and after a long sigh, he said in a defeated voice, “No wonder they call you Mister Fantastic. You know even this?”

“That’s exactly why, on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., I’m offering this information in exchange.”

Tony’s eyes lit up once again—after all, who wants to die? “What is it?”

“This piece of information will solve your palladium poisoning for good. On top of that, it will allow your suit’s energy system to advance another step—it’s an entirely new power source…”

Tony immediately produced an arc reactor and a USB drive. “Here’s the arc reactor and the manufacturing technology.”

“By my watch, the timing is just about right,” Yang Xin said, glancing at the standard-issue S.H.I.E.L.D. wristwatch.

Just then, Coulson entered, arms laden with objects. “Sir, these are the items you requested I bring.”

“Tony, these are your father’s belongings, left in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s care. I asked Agent Coulson to bring them to you—especially these tapes. You’d do well to watch them closely… In fact, watch them three thousand times. The information you need is hidden in your father’s last words. With your intellect, I’m sure you’ll find it easily.”

Tony quietly put away the stack of belongings—items Yang Xin had specifically requested from Coulson after parting ways with Nick Fury, who had thought it was just an Eastern bargaining custom and hadn’t paid it much mind.

Yang Xin clapped his hands. “Now that business is concluded, it’s time to discuss something personal. Coulson, Natasha, Hill, please step outside and give us some privacy. I need a private word with Tony.”

“Yes, sir!” Coulson, Natasha, and Hill replied in unison and exited the room.

As she was leaving, Hill cast a worried glance at Yang Xin, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately left in silence.

“What personal matter?” Tony asked, curiosity piqued. “Does Pepper need to leave as well?”

“No need. The so-called personal matter is actually another transaction I wish to make with you,” Yang Xin replied, shaking his head to indicate that Pepper could stay.

“What kind of transaction?”