After seeing Commissioner George Stacy off, Luke Field stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the New York Police Department's distinctive pickup patrol car leave.
He turned around, looked at Ina Sandra, who was standing behind him, staring intently, and sighed, "Alright, what else do you need me to handle and decide?"
Ina Sandra smiled in satisfaction, "Justin Hammer wants to acquire some shares of Haibolun Technology, or rather, he's willing to exchange some Hammer Industries shares and resources with us."
"Reject him." Luke Field shook his head without hesitation. "I'd rather deal with that narcissistic and arrogant guy Stark than get involved with him."
Ina Sandra nodded. Although Luke had entrusted most of Haibolun Technology's affairs to her, and even given her significant authority, her intelligence lay in the fact that for truly important matters, she never made decisions on her own.
Instead, she would fully listen to Luke's advice, even if Luke was perceived by outsiders as merely a Stark-type research genius, not skilled at managing a large enterprise.
If Luke Field made a decision on something, she would execute it.
Luke set the goals, and she used her abilities to assist and manage the team to achieve those goals.
She truly enjoyed this process. The two had clear divisions of labor, yet cooperated seamlessly.
"There will be an insider gathering tomorrow night."
After getting the answer, Ina Sandra moved past the previous question, pulling up the next matter to decide on the transparent tablet in her hand.
"I need to attend?" Luke Field frowned.
"Yes!" Ina Sandra's tone was firm. While she could listen to Luke on many matters, that didn't mean she wouldn't argue reasonably on these issues.
"The big deal with the Military is at a critical juncture recently. As our first major collaboration with the Military, I believe you need to show up and socialize when necessary!
After all, the one worshipped as the Heberon Monarch within the company isn't me, but you!"
"That sounds a bit sour." Luke Field smiled. He knew, of course, that Ina Sandra was exaggerating.
If Haibolun's researchers were wholeheartedly convinced by him, revering him as the monarch on their research path, then in the hearts of other employees, Ina Sandra, the woman responsible for managing most of the company's affairs outside of research, held more authority.
"I'll go, bringing what they want to see." Luke Field nodded.
...
A Military transport helicopter flew over mountains and ridges, landing on the helipad of a suburban training ground.
The rear ramp opened, and Luke Field shielded himself from the surging wind that rushed in as the door opened, stepping sideways down the ramp.
Beside him were Ina Sandra, dressed in a gray professional skirt suit, and a fully armed squad of six, the Becky Squad.
They were an Heberon Technology security squad, led by Lieutenant Wallace, a Military veteran.
Some people in Military uniforms were already standing in front of the ramp, and they came forward to greet Luke when they saw him.
"Is that the squad participating in this test? They look well-equipped." A middle-aged man with graying hair and a resolute face shook hands with Luke Field, his gaze falling on the Becky Squad behind him.
"General Evra, this is the Becky Squad, newly formed by Haibolun Technology, with personnel carefully selected from Hebron Industrial Technology's security forces, equipped with Haibolun's latest Technology products.
They will be one of the most elite and powerful squads." It was Ina Sandra who spoke.
"I expect so." General Evra nodded, forcing a slight smile. "If Hebron Industrial Technology's products are truly as good as you claim, then we will certainly place an order that will satisfy you."
Although General Evra said he was very expectant, Luke Field and Ina Sandra detected some skepticism in his tone, but they did not offer explanations or rebuttals.
For these people, no amount of words could compare to seeing it with their own eyes. Although Tony Stark was currently quite annoying, what he told reporters was correct.
"In this business, fame or debate doesn't make products sell better."
And after two hours of testing, actions indeed spoke louder than words.
During those two hours, with each passing moment, the smile on General Evra's face grew wider and more genuine, until all projects were tested.
His previously serious and rigid face was now beaming, and his attitude towards Luke Field became much friendlier. Although his soldiers had been thoroughly outmatched by Luke's Becky Squad in every aspect during those two hours, which was quite embarrassing for him, he clearly understood that it wasn't due to his soldiers.
It was because Hebron Industrial Technology's products had enhanced the soldiers' capabilities beyond everyone's expectations.
In General Evra's eyes, the power of the equipment displayed by the Becky Squad was even more outstanding than Haibolun Technology's self-assessment.
Core Helmet + Mechanical Gloves + Sprint Boots = 300,000 U.S. dollars?
That's too practical!
General Evra even began to stare at the person from the Military's procurement department beside him, frequently signaling with his eyes.
Is it expensive?
Not expensive!
I want it!
I really want it!
Don't mess this up for me!
Seeing the procurement officer, who was somewhat embarrassed by General Evra's gaze, Luke and Ina exchanged a smile.
What followed was naturally a joyful occasion for both host and guests.
...
Night fell.
Inside the car.
Finally free from being plied with drinks by men old enough to be his Grandpa, Luke Field let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing Luke Field's expression of relief, Ina Sandra smiled. As partners, it was rare to see Luke Field so eager to escape.
"Back to Heberon? Or home?" Ina Sandra asked softly.
"Back to Heberon." Luke Field replied immediately.
Today's finalized Military large order had increased his talent card experience again, meeting the requirements for the next stage of unlocking!
This meant it was time for him to draw cards again. He had already been impatient during the banquet, and even those shrewd old men had noticed, looking at him and Ina beside him with expressions like "I know, I understand, it's good to be young."
A hint of disappointment flickered across Ina Sandra's face, but she still nodded and told the driver, "Back to Heberon."
The convoy started, with two cars, one in front and one behind, sandwiching Luke Field's vehicle, heading towards the Haibolun Technology building.
Halfway through, as they passed a relatively remote section of road, a gunshot suddenly rang out from ahead.
The front windshield of Luke Field's car was covered in a dense, spiderweb-like pattern of cracks.
A sniper bullet, its tip visible in the shattered windshield in front of the driver, was embedded in the bulletproof glass, looking like a pimple on skin.