Hearing Pepper's words, Tony paused for a mont.
Should he tell her so of the truth?
If she knew, she wouldn't be so worried.
Suspect Qin Xiao?
The man was a demonic envoy.
He naturally knew far more than ordinary people.
Tony's kidnapping had happened in the East—perhaps that was when the Eastern demons beca aware of him and used the opportunity to approach him.
Maybe even when Obadiah went east, he had already been targeted.
That would explain why Qin Xiao had warned him months in advance.
It was just that Tony hadn't taken it seriously at the ti.
And this ti, letting him fight alongside mutants to save New York—wasn't that also a way of connecting him with them?
Not just any connection, but one forged in battle.
It even hinted at sothing else—that the Eastern demons had their eyes on more than just him.
Himself—the largest weapons manufacturer in New York.
Professor X—the leader of the peaceful mutant faction.
Who knew how many others like them were being watched?
From this angle, it only further proved how terrifying those "demons" were.
Even from the East, they could grasp events happening in the West.
Qin Xiao had asked for company shares when selling the Yellow Springs Fruit,
and then went on to buy even more stock.
Clearly, he had great confidence in Stark Industries.
In a way, it was reassurance for Tony.
Investing in a genius—any rational person would do the sa.
The additional 6%?
Perhaps Qin Xiao simply didn't have enough capital—otherwise, he might have bought even more.
When a smart person starts filling in the blanks, the conclusions can be… impressive.
Qin Xiao didn't need to explain anything—Tony had already constructed the entire narrative in his head.
Soon, his expression returned to normal.
"I understand your concern, but it's unnecessary.
The reason he bought those shares is because I gave him so insider information."
Tony casually shifted the responsibility onto himself.
"If that's the case, then I'm relieved."
Hearing that it was Tony's decision, Pepper relaxed significantly.
"Pepper, contact Qin Xiao.
Between the two of us, we now hold 69% of the shares—more than two-thirds.
From here on, the company's decisions can essentially be made by just the two of us.
I need to et him in advance and discuss a few things."
Tony quickly decided to arrange a eting.
Their last eting had been rushed—focused entirely on dealing with Magneto.
Now, it was ti for a proper conversation.
"Alright, I'll handle it right away."
Pepper turned to leave.
"Wait."
Tony stopped her.
"What else? I'll take care of it too."
Pepper assud he had more tasks to assign.
"No… there are so things I think I should tell you."
Tony's expression turned serious.
Pepper looked at him, suddenly uneasy.
"I don't know whether you believe that people go to hell after they die."
The question caught her off guard.
But Tony didn't wait for an answer.
"I do know this—soone like , an arms dealer, is definitely going to hell.
Selling weapons.
Developing even more destructive ones.
Bringing suffering to the world.
The injury in my chest—that's my retribution.
And soone like … could die at any ti.
If that happens, I'm leaving the company to you."
He paused.
"Tony, don't say things like that. How could you die?
Tomorrow—I'll arrange a full dical checkup."
Panic crept into Pepper's voice.
This wasn't like Tony at all.
"No, that's not what matters.
What matters is—I'm Iron Man now.
I want to save as many people as I can.
I want to atone for my past.
I want to do sothing for those whose lives were destroyed by my weapons.
Maybe then… I'll suffer a little less in hell."
He exhaled softly.
"But that also ans I'll have less ti to manage the company.
Stark Industries… will need you."
Tony had no intention of getting that checkup.
If he did, the palladium poisoning would be exposed.
Pepper was completely shaken.
This wasn't the Tony she knew.
What had changed?
"Pepper, rember this—if I really die… don't let anyone handle my body carelessly.
Let Qin Xiao take care of my funeral."
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