Chapter 105

"Witnesses claim that an unknown monster caused the accident."

"And damaged buildings, causing massive losses."

"In reality."

"This was just a movie invested in and filmed by Stark Industries."

"The two monsters at the scene, along with Superman and the robot."

"Were all actually props, and the video was edited with special effects."

"Because it was invested in by Stark Industries."

"So in terms of actors, we invited Stark Industries CEO Tony Stark." "And Stark Industries shareholder Karl Smith to appear."

Colonel Rhodes gradually finished speaking.

It was General Ross’s turn.

After all, the events of that day.

Could be said to have been caused entirely by him.

He naturally had to appear.

If he didn't clean up this mess himself, who would?

However.

General Ross didn't speak for very long either.

Even if this incident was caused by him.

Ross was a general, after all.

Even if he had done something wrong.

And had to come out to clean it up personally, he couldn't make it too excessive.

What he said was basically a brief summary.

Of what Colonel Rhodes had said.

Then, using an official tone.

He affirmed that this was indeed just filming a movie.

……

Behind the scenes of the press conference.

At this moment.

Tony Stark and his assistant Pepper were here.

Because in this incident.

S.H.I.E.L.D. agents hadn't helped Tony Stark.

So Tony hadn't paid any attention to Coulson.

As for what he had promised at the cocktail party earlier.

Tony had long since forgotten.

At that time, he just wanted to find Pepper and had agreed casually.

Now, he couldn't even remember who Coulson was.

Coulson had tried to meet with Tony twice.

Both times, he had been turned away with excuses.

So now, only the two of them were backstage.

……

Pepper carefully straightened Tony’s clothes.

Tony Stark was looking at the press release in his hand.

"Honestly, I actually quite like the name Iron Man."

"It’s quite evocative."

Looking at the press release, he couldn't help but complain: "How ridiculous, Stark Industries invested in a movie? The whole country knows."

"Stark Industries only does high-tech industries like military, AI, aerospace, and energy. Oh right, we don't do military anymore."

"But regardless, we don't do the performing arts industry." Pepper rolled her eyes at Tony: "These things have already been arranged. You just need to read from the press release."

"What I mean is, don't you think this is a bit fake?"

Tony Stark seemed to be looking for a reason: "Filming a movie?"

"At the time, everyone on the whole street saw it."

"Those two behemoths, and me and Mr. Superman."

"A lot of the road facilities were destroyed."

"Those people aren't stupid, how could they believe this excuse?"

"Didn't Colonel Rhodes say, just read from the script."

Pepper responded: "The situation will calm down soon."

"Get ready to go on stage."

Pepper put the jacket on Tony.

"Actually... Iron Man is pretty good too."

"I couldn't even come up with such a nice name myself."

Pepper smiled and said: "You are not Iron Man."

"I am."

"You are not."

"Alright then, whatever."

Tony knew that arguing about this was pointless.

However, he said pointedly:

"If I were Iron Man, a girlfriend who knew my identity would definitely be very conflicted. She would worry all day that I might die, while at the same time feeling proud of me."

"But this would only make her even more..."

"Love me."

Afterward.

Tony brought up the scene where they danced at the cocktail party that day.

For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat ambiguous.

However.

Pepper interrupted with deep resentment.

Because.

That day, Pepper had waited upstairs for Tony for a long time.

And Tony.

Had seen photos of terrorists, gotten furious, and gone to question someone.

Leaving Pepper hanging there.

Once this was said, Tony didn't know what to say either.

Originally, he had wanted to build up an ambiguous atmosphere.

To find a chance to confess or something.

Even if he didn't confess, it would have improved their relationship.

Now, it was the opposite.

It was incredibly awkward.

Fortunately, it was his turn to speak now.

A perfect escape.

……

Press conference.

Colonel Rhodes, seeing General Ross finish his speech.

Said: "Now, Mr. Stark will issue a statement."

"No questions, thank you."

As he finished speaking, Tony went on stage.

"It’s been a while since I’ve seen everyone, I think I’ll just read from the script this time."

Many reporters let out good-natured laughter.

"Some people suspect that I was involved in the previous incident in Harlem."

Before he could finish.

The female reporter who had previously sat with Tony raised her hand suddenly.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stark."

"Do you think we will believe."

"That Stark Industries invested in a movie?"

Stark said firmly upon hearing this: "I know this sounds a bit far-fetched."

"But questioning the official statement is one thing."

"So speculating, or hinting, that I am a superhero."

"Is another thing entirely."

The female reporter sneered: "I didn't say you were a superhero."

"You didn't?"

"No."

"That’s great."

Tony continued: "Otherwise, that would be a bit of a fantasy."

Glancing at the script, Tony said absent-mindedly: "Clearly, I am not cut out to be a hero. I have many character flaws and have made many mistakes."

"Most of which you already know."

Beside him, Colonel Rhodes felt something was wrong.

And immediately reminded Tony to read from the script.

Tony nodded and picked up the script.

"Actually, the truth is..."

Looking at the script, Stark fell silent.

He was thinking about whether he should explain it according to the script’s narrative.

I don't care about such things.

Do as you please.

Suddenly.

He remembered yesterday.

When he called Karl.

The words the other party had said in a casual tone.

Tony looked at the countless reporters below.

He tossed the script aside.

He spoke slowly.

"I am."

"Iron Man."

In an instant.

The entire press conference atmosphere became heated.

Originally.

The reporters who had been sitting upright in their chairs.

All stood up, starting to film.

At the same time, they brought out microphones to interview him.

The scene was extremely chaotic.