Chapter Thirty: Stark Industries

The mission to rescue the prisoners, led by Kyle and Steve, ended in a resounding victory. That very day, Kyle submitted the battle report and intelligence maps to Commander Bryant, not even bothering to confirm his military merit in person. After he and Steve had washed up and changed into formal shirts, they immediately set out to meet with Howard Carter and the others.

After all, before the rescue, Howard had promised to treat them all to sesame hot pot, and Kyle had no intention of letting him wriggle out of it so easily.

Howard was a wealthy tycoon, after all! There was no need to be polite with someone like him!

So, at Kyle’s strong insistence, the group boarded Stark’s plane that very day and flew to the nearest city for a banquet dinner.

Not only was Howard rich, he was also a gentleman with exquisite taste. Naturally, the place he chose for the three of them was no ordinary restaurant.

The entrance to the hotel was dazzling with golden lights, the clean red carpet stretched across the floor, and the security guards were dressed as elegant gentlemen. The receptionists were all stunning beauties in short skirts.

“Howard, you really know how to live,” Kyle remarked. Howard merely smiled, neither confirming nor denying, and led the group inside.

Howard was obviously a regular here. The staff didn’t even check his identity; the moment they saw him, they rushed over with flattering smiles, offering all kinds of VIP services.

The main dining hall on the first floor was much more subdued in its luxury compared to the exterior. Under the gentle glow of classical chandeliers, musicians played the violin, and guests dined elegantly to the music. Most here were either wealthy or noble, untouched by any worry or distress from the war raging outside.

However, just as Howard was about to ask the reception to find them a table for four, Kyle spoke first, requesting two separate tables for two.

Howard’s face immediately brightened. “A table for two? Lieutenant Kyle, you really understand me. Now I can enjoy dinner with the lovely Miss Carter.”

“You’re overthinking it,” Kyle retorted, rolling his eyes. He turned to look at Carter, who stood beside Steve. Tonight, she had finally shed her perennial military uniform.

Carter wore a strapless evening gown suited for the occasion. Already blessed with stunning features, a touch of makeup only made her more mesmerizing. The perfectly fitted red dress showcased the mature curves she had long concealed behind her uniform.

“I promised you I’d bring Steve back safely, and I’ve kept my word,” Kyle said to Carter. Without waiting for her reply, he patted Steve on the shoulder. “Go ahead and take Carter to dinner.”

“Ah!” Steve exclaimed in surprise, then quickly nodded. “Oh, understood.”

I’ve set this up for you—make the most of it, brother.

Kyle chuckled to himself. He’d never harbored any romantic thoughts about Carter, so there was nothing to regret. More importantly, tonight’s goal was far more than a luxurious meal.

“Please, this way,” the receptionist bowed warmly, gesturing to the dining area and leading Steve and Carter to their seats.

“So... Carter just leaves like that?” Howard looked crestfallen, glancing at Kyle and hesitating. “Are the two of us really going to have dinner together? A table for two?”

“Whether you eat or not is up to you. Honestly, I have something else I want to discuss with you tonight,” Kyle shrugged.

“Something else?” Howard asked, puzzled.

“Let’s find a place to sit down first. I’ll explain,” Kyle replied, a meaningful look in his eyes.

In the basement level of the hotel, the atmosphere changed entirely. Dim lighting bathed the room, where gentlemen and ladies of all kinds danced freely to the music, letting themselves go.

The waitresses serving drinks wore even more revealing outfits—skimpy bunny maid costumes that drew all eyes to their bare shoulders and long legs.

Howard and Kyle took seats at the bar. On the way, Howard brazenly squeezed a few passing bunny girls, charming and roguish in equal measure.

The Stark family truly bred playboys, Kyle thought with inner amusement as he ordered a vodka, Howard choosing a cocktail.

“Well then. Let’s have a drink—to World War II,” Howard said elegantly, lifting his glass with a surprising toast.

Kyle looked at him in astonishment. “Is the outbreak of war something to celebrate?”

“Of course. For someone like me, who studies scientific strategy, weaponry, and advanced technology, without war, I’d barely have work to do.” Howard smiled, fixing his gaze on Kyle. “The same goes for you—without war, how else would you rise from a recruit to a lieutenant in just a few weeks?”

“I must admit, your sense of self-interest is strong,” Kyle laughed, raising his glass to clink with Howard's.

War had its pros and cons. For the capable, it was an unprecedented opportunity; for the incapable, it was a hated disaster.

Howard took a sip and said, “Don’t keep me in suspense. If you have something to discuss, just say it. Otherwise, I’ll go chat up some beautiful ladies.”

Kyle nodded, getting straight to the point. “Alright, I’ll be direct—I want a stake in Stark Industries.”

“You want to be my business partner?” Howard looked surprised, tapping his fingers on the table. “May I ask why?”

Kyle took a sip of his drink and replied with certainty, “It’s simple. I believe in Stark Industries’ potential. In the future, it will be the top strategic and scientific manufacturer on the planet. Most importantly, I believe in you. You’re a bona fide genius.”

Howard looked pleased. He was, indeed, a genius with every reason to be proud.

“Because of the war, my main focus is still national scientific research. Stark Industries is still in its early stages, but we’ve already made progress on the anti-gravity project. In the future, we’ll enter even more scientific fields. When the war ends, Stark Industries will develop rapidly!”

Howard looked at Kyle seriously. “No offense, but I’ve reviewed your file. You don’t own much, and even a senior officer’s salary doesn’t amount to much. How exactly do you plan to invest in Stark Industries?”

Even for a friend, he couldn’t just hand over shares blindly.

Kyle understood this perfectly. He wouldn’t have dared speak directly to a proud genius like Howard about shares if he hadn’t come prepared.

“My investment isn’t money—it’s the future.”

With that, he placed a rectangular device, slightly thinner than usual, on the bar. He had brought it in his pocket, ready for this moment.

The device’s front was nearly all reinforced glass, with a tiny camera. The back was a smooth metal casing, with a distinctive, bitten apple logo in the center.

It was, unmistakably, a smartphone—an iPhone.