The plane slowly landed at New York Airport. Four vehicles were waiting nearby: two Rolls-Royces, a military Humvee, and an ambulance.
Pepper Potts, along with Happy, watched the plane as it descended. Colonel Rhodes from the military was also present with a group of soldiers.
Everyone had gathered primarily to welcome Tony Stark and Charles back home.
As the plane's door slowly opened, Pepper Potts, with teary eyes, saw Tony Stark walking out of the aircraft.
Tony Stark was the first to step out of the plane. He looked at the stretcher that medical personnel had brought and waved them away, saying, "I'm fine; there's no need for that. Let them go."
Seeing Tony Stark walking toward her, Pepper Potts, with red eyes but a joyful smile, stepped forward.
Tony Stark approached Pepper Potts and said, "You've got red eyes."
"Were you worried about your boss?"
Pepper Potts smiled and replied, "These are tears of joy. I hate job hunting."
Tony Stark responded, "Well, the vacation is over."
Meanwhile, Charles had also disembarked from the plane. He didn't come out immediately, giving Tony some space.
Seeing Charles, Pepper Potts hurriedly took a step forward and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for bringing Tony back safely, Mr. Charles. The final payment will be transferred to your firm's account later."
On the other hand, Tony interjected, "Pepper, remember to use the company account for the money and claim it as an expense."
Charles chuckled and waved it off, saying, "You provide the funds, and I provide the effort. It's only fair."
"Next time you need assistance, remember to contact Charles's agency."
Clearly, Charles knew that the appearance of the Iron Man suit marked the beginning of a significant event in the Marvel Universe, and the future would not be peaceful.
Colonel Rhodes, who was standing nearby, saw Tony's empty space and immediately stepped forward for a hug. He said, "Buddy, don't disappear from my sight again."
Tony Stark returned the hug but didn't say much.
After Pepper Potts expressed her gratitude to Charles, Tony Stark, who was standing nearby, spoke up, saying, "Charles, I'll get in touch with you when I have some free time. I'll definitely let you see my new masterpiece."
It was evident that Tony couldn't forget Charles's ninja dog and the giant snake.
After exchanging pleasantries, Tony Stark walked toward his Rolls-Royce.
As the crowd saw Tony and the military personnel disperse, Ginny, who had been waiting nearby, approached and said, "Welcome back, BOSS!"
After a brief embrace between Charles and Ginny, they both got into Charles's Rolls-Royce. At the wheel was Iruka Umino, who was responsible for driving.
Charles asked, "Ginny, how did things go with the tasks I assigned you? Have you handled them?"
"I thought you brought back Tony Stark's dead body this time, which is why I was bearish on Stark Industries."
"Given the current situation, it might lead to a rebound, causing us significant losses. Should we clear out all the short positions before news of Tony Stark's return gets out?"
Charles smiled and said, "NO, not only should we not clear them out, but once the remaining task commissions are received, we'll invest that money as well and maintain a bearish position on Stark Industries."
"What?"
Ginny asked in confusion, "I don't understand. What's going on?"
This time, Charles didn't maintain any mystery and explained, "Let's get in the car, and once we check the latest news, you'll understand what's happening."
Iruka Umino, who was acting as the driver, asked, "Lord Charles, should we go to the agency or your apartment?"
Charles casually replied, "Let's head to the agency!"
…
On the other side of town, Happy, who was driving another vehicle, asked, "Where are we going?"
Pepper Potts spoke up first, "Please take us to the hospital, Happy."
Tony Stark, seated beside her, refused, saying, "No."
Pepper Potts, surprised, turned to Tony and insisted, "No, Tony, you must go to the hospital."
Tony Stark refused once more, saying, "No, I said no."
Pepper Potts explained on the side, "You absolutely need a medical check-up."
Tony Stark retorted, "I don't need anything right now. I've been locked up for three whole months, and all I want to do is two things: eat an American hamburger and..."
Hearing Tony's words, Pepper Potts interrupted, her face cold, "Don't say another word."
Seeing that Pepper had misunderstood, Tony clarified, "It's not what you're thinking. I want to hold a press conference."
Upon hearing it wasn't about hiring models, Pepper Potts asked in surprise, "A press conference?"
Tony looked towards Happy, who was in the driver's seat, and said, "Yes, Happy, start the car."
Pepper Potts was still puzzled and asked, "Why do you want to hold a press conference?"
Tony didn't answer Pepper's question but simply said, "Let's go grab those hamburgers first."
Without hesitation, Happy started the car, driving them away from the airport.
…
On the other hand, Charles had already returned to his agency.
Ginny received a phone call and then said, "BOSS, your beloved car has been repaired. Where would you like it delivered?"
Hearing that his Mercedes-Benz 300SL had finally been fixed, Charles thought to himself, "It's been a long time, but it's finally getting repaired. I was even considering other vehicles."
He then replied, "Deliver it to Charles's Agency."
"Understood, BOSS."
Meanwhile, Iruka Umino sat at the service desk, going through mission listings from the Continental Hotel.
Ginny, on the other hand, attended to other matters, such as handling large sums of money and investing them in the stock market – not an easy task.
After Charles returned to his room in the agency, he poured a glass of Black Jack whiskey, added ice, and a splash of cola.
After taking a sip, he found the taste satisfying.
Lying on the bed, Charles entered the system space.
He opened the Mission Guild and saw that the mission to rescue Tony Stark was marked as completed. He immediately clicked to claim the rewards.
Ding! Congratulations! You have completed a B-rank mission. You have received 2,000 reputation points, 200,000 copper coins, and a regular treasure chest.
As for the missions involving Rock Lee and Sasuke, they were not completed yet, so he couldn't claim any rewards.
"System, perform the daily check-in."
Ding! Check-in successful. You have been rewarded with 50 gold coins!
Upon hearing that it was a gold coin reward, Charles, who had been lying on the bed, immediately sat up.
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