Even though Pepper now has her own position and is no longer Tony's assistant, she still reminds him about some things and continues to handle assistant duties, unless Tony completely steps down from all his roles and washes his hands of everything.
"Not going... wait... hmm, maybe going out for a change of pace isn't a bad idea. Two people. I'll go with Kai."
Tony originally wanted to refuse, but he figured staying home would only add to his worries, so he might as well go out and clear his head.
Having decided to attend the party, Wang Kai went to change his clothes and drove to the venue with Tony. They took two separate cars; Tony certainly didn't want to share a ride with another man. If reporters saw them together at the party, they'd likely start rumors about his sexual orientation.
Upon arriving at the party, the place was already packed. So many people had come that it felt less like a charity foundation event and more like a socialite gathering. And in truth, that's exactly what it was; very few people here genuinely wanted to do charity work. They were all just making an appearance. But that's the desired effect; the foundation didn't care about these people's intentions, as long as their money came in.
Tony was the center of attention wherever he went. As soon as he arrived, he drew away the reporters who had been interviewing Obadiah Stane. What's more, many ladies began to flirt with Tony. They knew there was no chance of a serious relationship with him, but even just spending one night with Tony would be a bragging right for them.
As for Wang Kai, he was completely overlooked, assumed to be just one of Tony's hangers-on. It was his own fault for being so low-key. If people knew Wang Kai was a shareholder in Stark Industries, even a minor one, there would be swarms of eager women flocking to him, eager to get their hands on this "fresh meat."
"Hey, Pepper, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Even the goddess Muse couldn't compare. When Tony sees you, he's definitely going to be speechless."
Wang Kai arrived at the party and saw Pepper wearing a dark blue backless evening gown. This was a stark contrast to the Pepper who usually only wore business suits, and it added a touch of allure.
"Kai, you have such a sweet tongue. I'm really going to have to trouble you this time."
Pepper said with a bright smile, clearly pleased by Wang Kai's compliment.
"It's nothing at all. I'm a shareholder in Stark Industries, and more importantly, Tony's good friend. Whether it's for business interests or friendship, I wouldn't hesitate."
Wang Kai said. Wang Kai had been waiting for Tony to announce the closure of the weapons division. When that happened, his shares in Stark Industries would significantly increase. Furthermore, Wang Kai was very optimistic about Stark Industries developing energy. Energy is one of the most profitable businesses in the world, capable of standing alongside lucrative industries like arms and tobacco.
"I'm almost finished with the investigation. I believe the person trying to harm Tony won't be able to hide for much longer. It won't take up too much of your time."
Pepper also said. She even had her suspicions, but she couldn't voice them.
"Of course I trust your abilities, Pepper. But right now, you should be focusing on your boss. His eyes are practically bugging out. He's coming over. Don't be too nervous."
Wang Kai said. He had already seen Tony walking up behind Pepper, and Tony's eyes were also filled with astonishment. He hadn't expected his assistant to have this side to her.
"Really? What should I do? Oh god, I forgot to put on antiperspirant."
Hearing Wang Kai's words, Pepper immediately tensed up. This was the first time she had faced Tony while looking like this.
"You look amazing. I didn't even recognize you at first. Kai, you have a sharp eye."
Before Pepper could figure out what to do, Tony had already walked over to Wang Kai and Pepper and spoke to them both.
"Of course, I'm a professional. Since you asked me to protect Pepper, I certainly wouldn't be looking around aimlessly like you. Alright, I'm going to get a glass of ice water. I won't play the third wheel here."
Wang Kai wisely found an excuse to leave.
Otherwise, Tony would just kick him out anyway.
He went to the bar and ordered a glass of ice water. There was no other option; in a place crawling with reporters, Wang Kai didn't dare be so careless. He wasn't yet of legal drinking age, and drinking alcohol would be illegal.
"Mr. Wang Kai, I'm Agent Coulson."
Just as Wang Kai activated his scanning mode and began to feast his eyes, someone appeared beside him.
"Oh, hello, Agent Coulson. Are you with the FBI? The CIA? What can I do for you?"
Wang Kai, of course, knew Coulson's identity. If he hadn't intervened, his future girlfriend would be working under him. But when it was necessary to play dumb, he still played dumb. Didn't Master Zheng Banqiao say, "Ignorance is bliss"?
"No, I don't belong to either of those agencies. We're a higher-level organization, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. I'm here to talk to you about what happened with you and Mr. Stark in the Middle East. We have a lot of questions we need you to clarify."
Coulson's practiced smile didn't make people feel annoyed; the man's smile was simply too disarming. No wonder Skye was completely won over by Coulson, even to the point of being utterly devoted and loyally risking her life for S.H.I.E.L.D., despite having once been an adversary.
"What needs clarifying? I haven't committed any crime. And this matter should be handled by the military, shouldn't it? Why don't you just ask them? I can give you their number."
Wang Kai said. Wang Kai was a little annoyed by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s high-handed approach. You want confirmation, and you just show up asking for it? Do you have a subpoena? An arrest warrant? This shadowy organization was acting incredibly arrogant.
"No, those terrorists aren't under our jurisdiction. We only handle special individuals, like yourself, Mr. Wang Kai. We're very curious how Mr. Wang Kai managed to protect Mr. Stark amidst so many ambushes. Furthermore, according to our on-site investigation, a shell exploded right next to you and Mr. Stark. Based on our calculations, the survival rate from a shell explosion at that proximity is less than one percent."
Coulson said in a very professional manner. S.H.I.E.L.D. had investigated the scene afterward because they found something unusual in the military's report. There were questions surrounding Wang Kai and Tony Stark's survival, and the deaths of the Ten Rings members were also very peculiar.
"Are you starting to suspect that I was behind the plot against Tony? Well, you're welcome to investigate then. I'm not afraid of any investigation."
Wang Kai continued to play dumb. He already understood that his name was likely already flagged by S.H.I.E.L.D. After all, most of those people had died under the white lightning of the Ghost Path, struck dead by lightning. This was an unnatural death, and it was perfectly normal for it to be investigated.