"HAPPY!"
"Coming, boss."
A burly, good-natured-looking American man walked over.
"Get the car ready. We're going home."
Seated in the back of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, beside him was the graceful and slender Pepper.
Aetheris grabbed a glass of chilled cola from the fridge and took a long gulp.
"The air in the States is just better, and the temperature's perfect. Compared to those godforsaken places in the central regions of the world, it's like night and day."
"Boss, there's a banquet tonight. It's being hosted by Hans, the CEO of Hans Industries. Would you like to attend?" Pepper asked, holding a transparent tablet.
"Huh? Is my schedule really that packed? I just got back and already have to dive into work?" Aetheris looked completely unwilling.
Typical rotten capitalism, always trying to corrupt people with all this glitz and glamour.
No wonder Tony Shidake became a playboy at such a young age—fancy cars and beautiful women, who could resist?
Still, I've decided to challenge my own weaknesses.
"Well, since it's for work, I guess I'll reluctantly make an appearance," Aetheris said with a mock-serious expression.
Pepper's smile faded, and she turned her head away in annoyance.
She had hoped this flirtatious young master would settle down after coming back from the central regions, but some things never change.
As the saying goes, you can't teach an old dog new tricks!
Dressed in a sharp suit, Aetheris chose a silver Audi R8 and sped away from Stark Tower.
He had never been to a high-society banquet before.
Tonight, he was determined to harshly criticize these indulgent financial elites—and maybe rescue a few lost women along the way.
Whether physically or spiritually, he intended to purify them.
For the Light!
For Justice!
I—Tony—Aetheris—Shidake—vow to sacrifice myself for the great cause of humanity!
"Screeech—"
Tires screeched against the asphalt.
"Welcome, Mr. Tony Shidake!"
The host of the evening banquet, Hans, personally came out to greet him.
A character who had virtually zero presence in the Marvel movies.
But that's just the movies. In the real world, Hans Industries had a market value in the tens of billions of dollars.
Hans Industries specialized in thermal grease, lubricants, oils, and other similar fields.
In the U.S., it was considered a top-tier company.
"Oh, isn't this my old buddy Hans? Who've you invited tonight? Any beauties?" Aetheris shouted dramatically the moment he stepped out of the car.
"All your favorites," Hans replied with a knowing look that only men would understand.
"My favorites? Now I'm curious to see what Shidake's taste really is," Aetheris replied calmly, throwing an arm around Hans's shoulders as they walked in together.
The venue for the banquet was Hans's private estate, sprawling across hundreds of acres.
The grand hall inside was brightly lit and luxurious.
Aetheris thought he spotted the Chinese piano prodigy Lang Lang playing in a corner of the hall.
It spoke volumes about the level of this event.
Rich people really know how to enjoy themselves—no wonder everyone wants to be one.
Luckily, I've joined the club. And not just any rich guy—I'm top of the class.
Several barely dressed Victoria's Secret models were weaving through the crowd as waitresses, giving Aetheris quite the visual feast.
"See anything you like?" Hans whispered.
"I'll get a room ready for you—go wild."
"Haha, now that's what I call a true friend!" Aetheris laughed. This was his first time in such a grand setting, like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden.
His eyes didn't know where to look.
"Mr. Shidake, I heard your company is developing a new type of missile. Any chance you could let me take a look? I promise Hans Industries will offer the lowest prices in the industry!" Hans walked over with a glass of brandy in hand.
"What? What missile? Why don't I know anything about this?" Aetheris looked puzzled.
Truth be told, aside from knowing the major villains and heroes in the Marvel world, Aetheris only had a rough idea of the overall plot.
As for Stark Industries or Hans Industries, he didn't even know how many boroughs New York had.
"Heh, come on, don't play dumb. Everyone knows you're the renowned weapons research genius of the United States. Your company's Vice President, Obadiah, already held a press conference." Hans clearly didn't believe him and was silently cursing in his heart.
"This damn Shidake is getting better at acting. Looks like I'll have to bleed a little tonight to seal the deal!"
Poor Hans genuinely thought Aetheris was just trying to hike up the price.
And honestly, Aetheris really didn't know anything about his own company's business.
But the moment he heard the name Obadiah, it all clicked.
That bastard!
He was the traitor—the scheming snake trying to seize power! A silver-tongued backstabber!
Aetheris suddenly remembered: his kidnapping by that armed group in the central regions of the world had likely been orchestrated by that old bastard.
Great. I wouldn't have remembered if you hadn't brought it up.
I'll make sure to deal with him soon.
He won't live to see the sunrise in New York at 4 AM!
"Oh, that thing? Ah, I was so rattled by those militants I completely forgot. No problem. Come on, we're old friends. Just send the cooperation proposal over tomorrow and hand it to Pepper."
Although Aetheris didn't understand the specifics of the business, when it came to playing the social game American-style—saying the right thing to the right person—he was determined to master it.
"Good man! You're a real one! Tonight I've got two untouched Slavic warrior girls. They'll keep you entertained," Hans said with a hearty laugh, having gotten what he wanted.
"Warrior girls? You mean they're especially good at 'fighting' under certain circumstances?" Aetheris asked, pretending to be curious.
"Mr. Shidake, ever since your trip to the central regions, you've been taking all kinds of wild roads!" Hans replied, exasperated.
That unexpected turn almost threw out his back.
"It's getting late. I'll take those two Russian girls off your hands, and I won't bother you any further tonight." Aetheris finished the champagne in his hand in one go.
No way he was going to have his first 'battle' with the warrior girls on Hans's turf—who knows if there were any hidden cameras here?
He might end up like that poor Mr. Chen, splashed across the covers of every gossip magazine on Earth.
Or worse, he'd be forever featured on those shady Macau gambling sites where the dealer deals the cards.
Let's not forget, he had been granted superpowers by the system. Any girl, no matter her nationality, would tremble in front of him.
"Brother Shidake, you're the real deal. I respect you from the bottom of my heart," Hans said with admiration, snapping his fingers.
A bodyguard in a black suit walked over.
"Get those two women into Mr. Shidake's car."
"Yes, boss." The Black bodyguard nodded and went to make arrangements.
(End of Chapter)
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