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*****
"The restaurant we bought is only a two-minute walk from home—right here!"
Clark pointed to the location on the map for Mike.
Mike glanced and gave an approving nod.
Clark continued, "It used to be a bakery, but they went out of business recently."
"Nice choice!" Mike patted Clark on the shoulder. "What do you want to eat first? I'll cook it for you."
"Braised pork."
Clark grinned—his favorite.
Mike rolled up his sleeves. "This afternoon, let's go see the place, then find a renovation company. We need to hurry and get it ready."
Clark rolled his eyes. "Dad, there's still plenty of time. Why the rush?"
Mike lowered his voice. "If we don't move fast, Peggy and Steve will be back, and we'll end up playing cards again. I don't want to see Steve's pouty face when he loses."
At the memory of winning Carter's money and seeing Rogers' sulky look, Mike shivered.
Clark shivered along. Father and son exchanged a grin and nodded in agreement—time to speed things up.
Over the next two days, they finalized the renovation company and layout, then enlisted Nick Fury to secure all the permits. Once the funds were in place, work began immediately.
The storefront was small—just over forty square meters. Mike insisted on a spacious kitchen, which ate up half the floor, leaving room for only six tables.
For the next few days, Mike raced between home and the shop. Watching the daily transformation put him in high spirits.
To speed things up, he'd hired a Chinese-owned renovation firm with an all-Chinese crew. They worked so efficiently that, in just one week, the place was completely transformed.
Next came purchasing kitchen equipment and dining furniture.
Meanwhile, Tony had been through his own slump, struggle, and resurgence as Mike had predicted—quickly, thanks to Maria's intervention.
When Tony hit rock bottom and even quarreled with Rhodey—who'd stormed off with one of the suits—Maria showed up at Tony's door. One scolding and a couple of slaps later, she had him wide awake.
She then handed Tony Howard's secret project, and he dove in like he'd been shot with adrenaline.
…
As dusk fell, the cozy new restaurant glowed with warm lights.
Mike stepped outside, admired the view, and nodded with satisfaction.
Done.
As for the grand opening date and time… he'd decide later. It wasn't like he needed the money—it was just a hobby to keep him busy.
Locking up, Mike whistled happily on his way home.
On the big screen at the mall, an advertisement blared: "Everyone Can Be Iron Man!"—promoting Justin Hammer's Iron Man suit showcase at 8 PM tomorrow in the Stark Expo Main Hall, complete with a lucky-visitor dress-up contest.
Mike shook his head. Tony must be furious—his own territory turned into Justin Hammer's stage.
Although Hammer Industries had long been criticized for copying others' designs, their low prices made them popular buyers. Now, with an Iron Man suit—even inferior to Tony's—they'd attract a huge market.
If Ivan Vanko didn't screw things up and Hammer honestly cooperated… Well, Hammer Industries would boom.
But thinking of Vanko's one-track mind, Mike shrugged. Tomorrow's expo could go any number of ways. And who knew if Tony had a new reactor yet? With Maria's guidance, though, Tony's comeback would be easier than in the original timeline.
Lost in thought, Mike found himself at his front door. He reached for his keys—but the door swung open.
"Dad, you're back!"
Clark greeted him with a smile and hurried aside.
Mike nodded and stepped inside just as Gwen came running down the hall.
"Dad! I'm starving!"
Gwen exclaimed dramatically and suddenly jumped up.
Mike quickly caught her and pinched her nose playfully, "No running inside the house!"
"Ow!"
Gwen stuck out her tongue and asked, "Dad, how's your shop coming along? When are you opening?"
Mike put Gwen down and walked inside, replying, "The Spring Festival is coming soon. I'm busy these days. We'll open the shop after the festival."
"The Spring Festival!" Gwen's eyes lit up, excitedly shouting, "I love the Spring Festival the most!"
Not only is there delicious food, but also red envelopes!
Thinking about the money in those red envelopes, Gwen squinted happily, then glanced toward the living room, exchanging a sly look with Clark like a little fox.
"What do you all want to eat?"
Mike took off his coat and hung it on the rack, asking.
"Braised pork!"
"Kung Pao chicken!"
"Fish-flavored eggplant!"
"Sweet and sour ribs!"
Mike was a bit stunned.
Braised pork was Clark's choice, Kung Pao chicken was Gwen's… and fish-flavored eggplant and sweet and sour ribs?
He looked toward the living room and a delighted smile appeared in his eyes.
It was Eric and Charles.
"When did you guys get back?"
Mike asked as he walked over, his face full of emotion.
"We came back together this afternoon," Eric said with a smile.
Charles quietly added, "Don't worry, no one saw us. I promise."
Mike looked at their smiling faces, patted their shoulders, and hugged them both. "Welcome home, sons."
Even Mike didn't realize his voice was trembling slightly.
After letting them go, Mike laughed and suddenly grabbed Eric's hand, saying, "Come with me."
With that, he pulled Eric toward the bathroom.
Charles widened his eyes, watching the scene.
"Hey! Dad, don't be so biased!"
The only reply was the sound of the bathroom door closing.
Charles twitched his mouth and looked at Clark and Gwen beside him, angrily saying, "Don't block me. I can't stay here anymore. I'm leaving!"
Both Clark and Gwen stepped aside in unison, gesturing politely to let him pass.
(End of chapter)