The morning streets were everywhere desolate, and Hell's Kitchen was no exception.
When Corin walked out of the underground exchange this time, his face was not in a good mood.
Because, he had no money.
After finally finding a craftsman to custom-make throwing knives and negotiating materials and quantity, the cost was fifty thousand dollars.
The same boldness that led him to smash two million dollars upgrading talents now left him embarrassed.
But would a little thing like this stop Corin? Of course not.
Looking at the Mustang parked by the curb that had belonged to Scorpion Baring, a price tag appeared before his eyes:
[Used Mustang sports car → Estimated value 100,000 dollars]
After making sure no one was watching, he placed his hand on the car roof.
"Exchange!"
As the Mustang dissolved into a stream of data and disappeared, his account balance jumped to 101,380 dollars.
Just as Corin was about to return to the exchange, the mission phone rang.
["Mr. Cockroach, please arrive at Stark Tower within one hour. Someone will contact you."]
The call ended before Corin could speak.
'What an impatient fellow!'
Looking at the old-fashioned flip phone with limited functions in his hand, he missed his smartphone a little.
He hurried back to the exchange to finish the knife order and then took a taxi to Stark Tower.
———
Stark Tower soared into the clouds. Its facade was mainly black granite and chrome metal, the sharp spire stabbing into the sky.
This was Corin's first close look at the building that would someday be full of stories.
He wondered what JARVIS would be like at this time.
Inside the building, staff hurried about.
Tony valued efficiency, so they had no time to chat.
Just as Corin hesitated whether to ask at the front desk, a tall, broad-shouldered bald man in a suit walked straight toward him. The white in his beard showed he was not young.
"Cockroach?", Obadiah Stane immediately spotted that distinctive Eastern face in the crowd. He did not know who the man was, but in the lobby only he and that person lacked a badge.
Corin nodded slightly and said nothing.
This man carried a strong presence. The staff around him regarded him with awe. He was likely an upper-level executive at Stark Industries. Corin felt he looked familiar but could not place him.
"Come with me."
Obadiah Stane did not waste words. After confirming Corin was the person he sought, he led him to his office.
As a company shareholder, his office was high up in Stark Tower. Not the top floor.
The top floor was Tony Stark's private domain.
Obadiah looked at the sharply dressed Eastern man in a stylish overcoat and showed a flicker of surprise.
"Mr. Cockroach, I didn't expect someone with your manners to have the guts to take on this mission."
Corin heard the implication behind his words, he just wanted to show off a little.
He also remembered something about the man.
'So it was you, old fellow~'
'You're the one pulling little moves behind Tony, hoping he kicks the bucket so you can take his place.'
'You're the one who put up the contract to kill Tony…'
While Obadiah was introducing himself, Corin recalled who he was and mentally rolled his eyes.
He casually lifted his arm.
Whoosh~
A playing card flew at a speed almost invisible to the naked eye and slammed into the reinforced concrete wall, kicking up dust.
Obadiah's pupils constricted.
"A master!"
A moment of glee flashed across his face.
'Wonderful! I didn't expect tossing a contract on the black market to attract someone of this caliber!'
'Tony, unfortunate for you, your day has come…'
"Heh! Heh!"
Obadiah looked at Corin with excitement, "Mr. Cockroach, my friend, you haven't answered me yet about the second task. I mean… you know, that matter. Have you considered it?"
Corin found the bald man amusing.
After all, openly coveting Tony's life under Tony's nose was a bit shameless.
"Of course. As a bounty hunter, it's absurd not to take money."
"But, employer, you don't mind if I finish the bodyguard job first before doing the subsequent task, do you?"
'One million for guarding, mine. Three million for killing, also mine.'
That was Corin's thought.
Seeing Corin formally accept the commission, Obadiah was like a delighted child.
"Good! Good! Mr. Cockroach, I only hope that once he returns from Afganistan, you act quickly!"
"The bounty has been pre-deposited with the exchange. Once the task is complete, the exchange will pay you at once."
Clapping his hands, Obadiah seemed in a good mood.
"Come, Mr. Cockroach, I'll introduce you to this playboy."
Corin nodded in agreement, 'Indeed, Tony nearly had every cover girl of GQ in his bed.'
———
When the helicopter landed at the Malibu bay villa in California, Corin again marveled at how well Tony knew how to enjoy life. The sea-facing villa of glass curtain walls, metal lines, and minimalist style looked out over the Pacific, had a private beach and sweeping bay views, and was surrounded by cliffs and greenery. It was one of California's finest residences.
Following Obadiah upstairs to the living room, they saw Pepper Potts dealing with the blonde who had spent the previous night with Tony.
"I will do anything Mr. Stark asks, including occasionally handling the trash he left from last night."
The blonde's pretty face made Pepper flush with anger. She grabbed the clothes from Pepper's hands and stormed out.
Obadiah gave Pepper a thumbs-up. Pepper forced a professional smile for a moment and turned to Tony's workspace.
Obadiah gave Corin a look and followed closely.
In the workspace, Tony Stark was intently repairing a car.
It was an old car. Though clearly vintage, the paint and patterns were still vivid.
Corin knew this car had inspired Tony, and that the Mark 42 armor's main color scheme came from it.
Obadiah quietly told Corin it was a 1932 Ford Model A Roadster.
Corin nodded politely but was more interested in observing Tony Stark, the future Iron Man who would save the world.
His deep brown short hair had a fluffy curl, mussed from focusing on mechanical repairs.
His eyes were narrow and sharp with dark brown irises. The focused gaze carried a hint of arrogance.
Thick, neatly trimmed brows enhanced his facial angles. The defined chin was slightly pointed, matching a strong jawline.
And that distinctive little mustache.
Finally seeing Tony Stark in person, Corin thought to himself, 'He's exactly like in the movie!'
Pepper held a notebook and reported Tony's schedule item by item, recording each of his decisions in real time.
After a few brief exchanges, Corin learned it was Pepper Potts's birthday today.
"Obie? What wind blew you here?", When Tony turned after finishing his coffee, he finally noticed Obadiah and Corin.
But he only greeted Obadiah. Although he saw Corin, his gaze immediately returned to Obadiah.
He performed aloofness to perfection.
Corin understood him and showed no reaction. Obadiah, however, grew anxious.
"Tony, I hear you're heading to Afganistan. The terrorists there are rampant. You need protection. This is who I found for you."
"No need, Obie!"
Tony glanced at Corin and furrowed his brow slightly.
"The company has a dedicated security department, and the local military will provide protection. I don't need an extra bodyguard."
He put on his coat and left the room, Pepper following closely in high heels.
Obadiah looked at Corin, a flash of resentment in his eyes.
"Mr. Cockroach, it seems your first mission may be off."
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