C95: Golden Smile
**Stark Industries.**
Standing in front of the food truck, **Tony Stark** looked dazed, watching the city traffic through the window of **Stark Tower**.
Two days ago, he was fighting for survival in the **Kunar Province of Afghanistan**. As Iron Man, he crushed Ten Rings with repulsors powered by his first arc reactor in a cave-built suit ([marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com][1]). Now, he was back in **New York City**—the metropolis pulsing around him like repulsor energy.
Taking a deep breath, Tony refocused.
"One order—no, three of your golden-ratio siu mai."
From inside the truck, **Xie Lu** paused mid-prep and met Tony's gaze.
"You surprised to see me back?" Tony asked, arm raised in casual greeting.
Xie Lu silently lowered his head and focused on folding the dumplings. "I didn't expect you to make it."
"Believe me—I'm as surprised as you." Tony grinned, then accepted a siu mai from Xie Lu. Carefully, with his uninjured arm, he took a bite.
The savory pork and shrimp burst in his mouth. He nodded slowly. "Honestly—during those dark days in Afghanistan, I thought about this. Helps keeps me alive. You've got a real knack."
**\[Fame gained from Tony Stark +120]**
Despite how Afghanistan changed him—almost being close to death, forced to build the first Iron Man armor with Yinsen ([marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com][1])—some things remained unchanged: good food and its comfort.
Tony polished off the three servings. Patting his stomach in rare contentment, he turned to leave but stopped as Xie Lu called out, "Wait!"
Tony paused, curious.
"I made something new for you," Xie Lu said, placing a tray before him.
Tony eyed the unfamiliar dish, hand on his belt instinctively. "Actually, I'm full already. I appreciate it, but what is this?"
Xie Lu smiled. "Jin jin xiao—you could call it a 'golden smile bun'."
"It's not ordinary," Tony muttered, noticing the bun's folds formed into a smiling crescent. The food truck crew beamed at him as he reached.
"Gentlemen," Tony said to the employees, "thank you." He lifted the bun and bit it.
---
Inside **Stark Tower's lobby**, **Happy Hogan** waited at the entrance when Tony entered.
"Good to see you back, sir."
Pepper Potts was already preparing press kits.
Tony held up the golden smile bun. "This came from the truck outside. You want to try one?"
Happy's eyes lit up, and he swallowed hard. "All yours, sir," he said with a respectful nod.
Tony chuckled and handed the bun to him. "Try it."
---
Just then, **Obadiah Stane**, the former VP of Stark Industries who once betrayed Tony ([marvel.com][2]), appeared behind them.
"I thought you'd be at a hospital."
They embraced. Obadiah's bald head shone under the lobby lights. "Pepper said you want a press conference?"
Tony's expression was rock-solid. "I've been planning this since I got back."
Obadiah exhaled slowly. "If you say so."
He turned to greet the press as they gathered. Tony spotted Happy clutching the last golden smile bun, eyes widening in delight. He leaned down.
"How is it?"
"It's... perfect, sir."
Tony smiled, eyes softening.
**\[Fame gained from Happy Hogan +50]**
**\[Fame gained from Tony Stark +100]**
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**Stark Tower, main lobby – press conference**
Reporters packed the room, cameras trained on Tony. It was his first public appearance since his abduction by the Ten Rings ([marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com][1], [marvel.com][2]). They hung on his every word.
Pepper lingered behind the podium, watching as Tony stepped into the spotlight. She exhaled, relief sweeping over her.
Behind them, **Agent Phil Coulson** approached in suit and tie, not with a mic but a discreet walkie. He spoke softly to Pepper.
"I'm not a reporter," he introduced. "Agent Phil Coulson, Department of Homeland Strategic Defense Attachment—S.H.I.E.L.D."
Pepper raised an eyebrow. Coulson cracked a single smile. "I know."
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