"This is an industrial park, quite remote!" The driver's brother glanced at the address on his phone.
"Within twenty minutes, I'll pay double the fare!"
"Alright!" With a push of the accelerator, the car sped off.
In the speeding car, John noticed many vehicles heading in the same direction, overtaking them, appearing all headed to the same destination.
"What are all these cars?"
The driver glanced as well. "Those are from TV stations, and newspapers like the New York Times and the New York Daily News!"
"How do you know without any signs on them?"
"They're on a rampage every day, crazier than our taxis, a bunch of lunatics!" The driver seemed to have a big complaint, speeding and tightly following behind.
Eighteen minutes later, the taxi halted outside the Stark Factory gate, and the driver's brother looked expectantly.
John kept his promise and paid double the fare.
Exiting the car, he walked towards the gate. Many reporters hurried over.
John's appearance was inconspicuous, yet he had to admire his group friends' methods; the news was timely, no worse than the reporters'.
But John's young age presented an obstacle.
He was stopped by the guard at the door.
"Hey kid, where are your folks? Can't let you in here."
"Miss Pepper Potts asked for me to come!" John boldly stated.
The guard scratched his head. "Sorry kid, don't recall Miss Potts having any Asian friends. Unless you can call her!"
John pursed his lips, surveying the nearby walls, and then leaped up, using a piece of metal under his shoes to lift himself over lightly.
He quickly made his way to the official interview venue inside. From the gate to the venue, there was still some distance to cover. On the way, he saw numerous luxury cars rushing in, all to meet Tony Stark.
John hastened his pace. Soon, he reached a building door teeming with people. Most were neatly suited employees waiting outside for the master's arrival.
Standing at the door was a white-bearded, bald man in a light blue striped suit, sporting sunglasses, conversing with the crowd.
John squinted. "Obadiah!"
Stark's uncle, Obadiah, Tony's kidnapping mastermind, and Iron Monger's pilot.
Glancing at the wristwatch, he could kill him with a single thought.
Of course, John had no intention of doing so now, paying little attention to Obadiah since he posed no threat to him.
Passing through the gate, he directly entered the hall, where forty to fifty journalists from various media outlets had congregated.
Before the stage, many cameras pointed at the podium, ready to capture every detail of the conference.
John stood silently behind all the reporters, awaiting Tony's arrival when he spotted a familiar figure.
A figure perpetually smiling, clad in a black suit, with a prominent hairline.
Level seven agent of the National Land Strategic Defense Attack and Logistics Support Bureau, Agent Phil Coulson.
John pondered whether to initiate contact, but applause and cheers erupted outside, signaling the master's arrival.
Shortly after, Tony, encircled by a group, strolled in with a cheeseburger in hand. Obadiah warmly embraced him, Pepper and Happy trailing behind.
Obadiah ushered Tony directly onto the stage, preparing for the upcoming speech.
Coulson spotted Pepper, his eyes lighting up, and he approached.
John smoothly sidled up beside Pepper, halting before Coulson.
"Miss Potts!"
Coulson didn't anticipate John's interference, gazing curiously at the kid before him.
Pepper turned around, first seeing Coulson, then lowering her head to see John.
"Oh kid, hi, kid, what's up?"
John hesitated for a moment, raising the small metal model in his hand and presenting it to Pepper.
"Oh, you're that kid!" Pepper exclaimed in surprise. She was quick-witted and immediately connected the dots, especially considering the model in his hand was similar to the one Tony had given her.
Pepper had been searching for the Asian boy she met in Las Vegas three months ago.
She didn't expect him to come to her first.
"Kid, what's your name? I need your help with something, can I?" Pepper squatted down, looking excitedly at John.
"My name is John Li, Miss Potts. I think the gentleman behind me has something to discuss with you; I can wait a while!"
Coulson couldn't quite place the kid. There was no information on him. Who was he?
Nevertheless, he stepped forward. "Miss Potts, I'm Agent Phil Coulson. I work for the National Land Strategic Defense Attack and Logistics Support Bureau."
Pepper glanced at Coulson and remarked, "That's quite a mouthful."
Coulson handed her a business card. "I know."
Seeing Pepper wasn't in the mood to continue chatting, he thanked her with a smile and departed.
"John, after Tony comes down, shall we talk again?" Pepper kindly addressed John.
"Of course, I'm also eager to see Mr. Stark!" John gazed at Tony ahead and smiled.
...
"Hey everyone, please take a seat, okay?" Tony, seated on the steps leaning against the podium, invited, pulling out a cheeseburger from his pocket.
Obadiah sat down next to Tony. Pepper and John squatted beside him.
Happy also joined Pepper's side, squatting and asking, "What's he up to?"
"Don't look at me; I have no idea what he's planning!" Pepper glanced at Tony on stage, smiling.
Happy cast a strange glance at John by the side; John grinned at him.