I Became Spider-Man's Cousin in Anime Crossover

Chapter 345 Tony's "Priceless Treasure"

"Honestly, Pepper, I don't think it's necessary to exaggerate like that... Your boss is incredibly handsome and charming. Even if I went out in my bathrobe, the cameras would only capture my genius, not this outfit."

To hide his embarrassment, Tony, whose pride was ingrained in his bones, spoke nonchalantly, but his body moved like a dutiful child, obediently cooperating with Pepper's actions. Even the instant Pepper raised her hand, he instinctively lifted his chin, understanding her intention, to make it easier for her to adjust his tie knot.

If you look closely, you'll notice that Tony's gaze is lowered, fixed on Pepper's focused and refined face. In those caramel-colored eyes that always sparkle with playfulness and wisdom, there is now a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of satisfaction and... enjoyment.

"Really? Then I'll have my staff bring over a bathrobe right away, along with a nightcap. I'm sure that'll make tomorrow's headlines quite unique. Maybe it'll even start a new fashion trend?"

Pepper didn't even look up, responding calmly, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

She skillfully tightened the tie knot a little more, making it fit perfectly under the shirt collar.

"Uh... never mind. After all, we still need to consider the feelings of the ladies and gentlemen here. We can't be too flashy. Otherwise, the marriage agency will be too busy today." Tony shrugged and said in a serious tone, but the smugness in his eyes was even more obvious.

Just then, the door to the lounge was pushed open, and Obadiah Stanislav's imposing figure walked in.

He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, with his usual smile, like that of a kind elder.

As soon as he entered, he glanced around casually before striding towards Tony, calling out enthusiastically in a loud voice.

"Haha, sorry to bother you, but the reporters outside are just too enthusiastic, I'm a little overwhelmed... So, our super genius, are you ready to shock the world?"

Unlike the imposter's feigned sincerity, the real Obadiah has a loud and emotional voice.

He stepped forward, looking Tony up and down like a proud father. He even instinctively reached out to pat Tony on the shoulder as a sign of encouragement.

But considering Pepper's hard work and effort, Obadiah ultimately resisted the urge and instead exchanged a high five and a fist bump with Tony's outstretched hand.

"Be ready, Obi. You know, this is nothing to me."

Tony flashed his signature, slightly cynical smile, trying to appear relaxed.

But considering what Tony was about to announce, everyone understood that if anything went wrong, the impact on Stark Industries would be no less than when Tony publicly announced the closure of the weapons division.

However, after understanding the reasons behind it, even knowing the cost of failure, no one chose to oppose it; instead, they fully supported Tony's choice.

Even if doing this, it's highly likely to offend many people...

But some things just have to be done by someone.

"Oh, come on, Tony, you don't have to shoulder this alone when we're around."

That's why Obadiah shook his head with a smile, his eyes conveying the message, "I don't know you yet."

He reached out and, unable to suppress his impulse, personally straightened Tony's collar, which Pepper had already arranged perfectly.

Having been kidnapped and imprisoned by Skrull radicals and deprived of decades of his life, Obadiah's movements were somewhat clumsy, but full of concern.

"Listen, kid, the reporters out there are like sharks; they'll pounce on the slightest smell of blood. And what they're best at is taking things out of context. So, stay clear-headed and don't fall into their trap. Remember, only say what you've prepared. As for the rest, especially about..."

As he spoke, Obadiah paused slightly and shifted his gaze to Pepper.

Then, meeting Pepper's puzzled gaze, he continued speaking earnestly to Tony.

"Yes, you know, like your 'personal hobbies,' try to keep them vague. If you encounter a tricky problem that you really can't handle, just give me a signal and let me or Pepper deal with it."

Obadiah kept nagging and giving instructions...

From camera etiquette to the tact of answering questions, even subtly reminding Tony to keep smiling and not appear too aggressive.

It's just like an old father personally sending his beloved child to an important competition.

He was deeply worried about everything, big or small.

He completely forgot that the Tony standing in front of him was no longer the naive boy he remembered from back then, who had just experienced the pain of losing his parents and needed his care and protection.

He is a mature man who has weathered many storms and hardships, and is well-versed in the burdens he has long been able to take over and support his family.

"Alright, alright, Obi, I know. But don't forget, this isn't my first time holding a press conference."

Tony appeared somewhat impatient and waved his hand, interrupting Obadiah's instructions.

But after pausing for a few moments, he turned his head away and added somewhat awkwardly.

"You've said all this to me decades ago, I'm sick of hearing it... So don't worry, everything is under control."

"I will make Stark Industries' name appear on the front page of every newspaper in the world again, in the best and most prominent position."

It was obvious from their words that...

Beneath Tony's seemingly impatient expression, he was secretly overjoyed, even a little giddy with pride.

Ever since experiencing the kidnapping incident in the Middle East, and realizing what I truly want deep down...

The feeling of being surrounded by his closest people (though he would never admit that he depended on this care) and receiving their tender care and advice greatly satisfied the deep-seated emotional void in Tony's heart.

This made Tony understand even more why Riley, despite his immense power, chose to be a superhero, protecting the simple happiness of countless families, rather than a power-hungry, ambitious man who sought to seize world domination by instigating war.

"You're always so confident, Tony."

Seeing Tony's confident demeanor, Obadiah, slightly stunned, realized that he had missed too many important moments in Tony's life.

After a moment of complex emotions swirling in his eyes, Obadiah finally sighed, his tone both helpless and indulgent, as he responded to Tony's words.

"Alright, get ready to go on stage and let the world gasp for you. Remember, no matter what happens, we're always behind you."

After Obadiah finished speaking, Tony took a deep breath and nodded slightly. The nonchalant smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by an expression full of confidence and charm.

He glanced at Pepper, then at Obadiah, a fleeting warmth flickering in his eyes. A confident smile involuntarily curved his lips, like a rock star about to step onto the stage, shouting with unbridled confidence.

"Well then, Obi, Pepper, let's go."

"It's time for the performance."