William introduced them like old treasures.
"For example, if you encounter any technical difficulties during the subsequent synthesis of new elements.
We can provide 24/7 consultation support.
If your experimental equipment malfunctions during high-intensity operation.
We have global coverage for rapid repair guarantees.
If you need certain special catalysts or rare materials unheard of on Earth during the synthesis process... we also have unique procurement channels."
William smiled slightly.
"In short, we will ensure that all your worries are cleared on the path to pursuing technological breakthroughs, allowing you to create miracles with single-minded focus."
Tony looked deeply at William, as if trying to see through him:
"I must admit, your company... or rather, the power behind you, has truly opened my eyes.
If these things are really as effective as you say.
I, Tony Stark.
Am willing to become your long-term client, or even a strategic partner."
"That is truly an honor."
William was already overjoyed inside, but maintained a professional smile on the surface.
"This is the official insurance contract; you can review the terms carefully with Ms. Pepper.
We adhere to the principle of complete transparency."
Tony took the tablet, and Pepper immediately leaned over, and the two began to read through it item by item.
"One question."
Tony, who had been reading for a while, suddenly spoke.
"The terms of this 'Integrated Technical Consulting and Asset Protection Insurance' state.
If my invention or research results generate any 'unforeseen accidental consequences' or 'uncontrollable risks' during the research and development, testing, or application process.
Do you also provide comprehensive risk assessment and response plans?"
William nodded, his tone firm: "Yes, Mr. Stark. Our team of risk assessors is composed of top experts in various fields.
Among them are special talents with in-depth research on cutting-edge technological risks.
Whether it is the risk of technological loss of control, market risks at the commercial level, or more complex ethical and social impact risks, we can provide the most professional analysis and response strategies."
"Alright then."
Tony put down the tablet, leaned forward slightly, a hint of cunning and probing in his eyes.
"What if I tell you that I am currently secretly developing a set of... well, let's just call it a personal enhanced exoskeleton system with independent flight capabilities.
What kind of risk assessment and guarantee can you provide?"
Pepper gasped, her eyes wide as she looked at Tony:
"Tony! What the hell are you developing? Are you still trying to make that flying armor?!"
William's heart was already setting off fireworks: Here it comes!
The Iron Man suit!
He's actively jumping into the "insurance pit" I dug!
It's a sure thing!
"Personal enhanced exoskeleton flight system..."
William pretended to ponder, tapping his fingers gently on his knee, as if quickly searching his mental database.
"From the perspective of actuarial science and risk management, the main risks faced by such cutting-edge products at this stage include, but are not limited to:
Structural integrity and operational safety risks during high-altitude, high-speed flight.
Stability and endurance risks of the core energy system.
Unauthorized technology leakage and reverse engineering risks.
Applicability of existing laws and regulations and regulatory gaps.
And... its potential, unavoidable militarization and weaponization risks."
A flicker of genuine surprise, no longer feigned, passed through Tony's eyes:
"Your analysis is... very accurate, even more comprehensive than my initial assessment."
"Professionalism is our foundation, Mr. Stark."
William smiled slightly, beginning to smoothly switch into "gold-medal salesperson" mode.
"For such epoch-making high-tech innovative products, we have specially launched the "Comprehensive Protection Insurance for Cutting-Edge Technology Innovation" series.
Which includes, but is not limited to:
Accident and core personnel safety insurance during the R&D process.
Global intellectual property tracing and rights protection insurance.
Prototype testing and verification risk management insurance.
And, after the product matures, management solutions for various market and liability risks it may face during commercial promotion."
"Moreover,"
William emphasized, offering even more tempting conditions.
"If your 'flight system' unfortunately malfunctions, is accidentally damaged, or even causes some... well, unexpected destruction during the testing process, we can not only provide loss restoration.
But also mobilize our team of technical experts to assist you with fault analysis, technical review, and provide practical improvement suggestions and optimization plans."
Tony and Pepper exchanged a complex look.
That look contained shock, disbelief, and a hint of subtle excitement.
Tony took a deep breath, leaning back on the sofa, his tone becoming more serious than ever before.
"I think we do need to have a deeper, more comprehensive business negotiation."
William was ecstatic internally, almost unable to resist doing a backflip in celebration.
But he forcibly suppressed it, maintaining that calm, professional smile on his face: "Always Happy to serve, Mr. Stark.
We have absolute confidence in providing you and your great invention with the most comprehensive, professional, and reassuring risk protection service in this World."
"Very good." Tony picked up the electronic pen, no longer hesitating, "Then let's sign this basic contract now.
As for the insurance matters for that... flying armor, we'll find a time to discuss it in detail another day."
William, suppressing the tumultuous excitement in his heart, watched Tony Stark sign his name with flourish on the contract on the tablet computer.
At this moment, he clearly knew that in this crisis-ridden Marvel Universe, full of gods and demons, he finally had a truly powerful and infinitely potential "ace client."
The next morning, as William was contemplating how to use his new ability to "scavenge" a few stuck coins from the coin machine at the corner laundromat by "sensing" its internal structure to subsidize his dinner, there was a knock at the door.
Knock knock knock.
Steady, firm, not as urgent as a landlord chasing rent.
William looked out through the peephole.
A burly man in a black suit with a serious expression stood outside the door.
Happy Hogan.
Tony Stark's driver and bodyguard, the future Security Supervisor.
William's heart skipped a beat.
He's already here so soon?
Did something go wrong with yesterday's "claim materials"?
Or did Tony Stark go back on the contract terms?
That shouldn't be the case, that's Iron Man.
He took a deep breath, trying to smooth out the extra wrinkles on his shirt from tossing and turning last night, and opened the door.
"Mr. Rodriguez?"
Happy's voice, like him, was devoid of extra emotion, but carried a subtle hint of scrutiny.
"Yes, Mr. Hogan."
William tried to force out the most professional smile he'd learned in training, "Come in?"
Happy shook his head slightly, stepping aside: "Mr. Stark sent me to pick you up."
"Pick me up? Where to?"
William was a little surprised, did Tony have new "business needs" so soon?
Or did his performance yesterday make him decide to discuss the flying armor's insurance matters earlier?
"Get in the car first." Happy didn't explain further.