The sll of instant noodles gradually transford into that of a creamy stew. While the packaging of the heating elent was a bit crude and could sotis emit strange odors, in this era, getting to eat a cheese stew in just five minutes was sothing people couldn't complain about.
Of course, Su Ming called it hotpot, but in Arica, it was known as "instant stew." Essentially, it allowed people to enjoy stew even at the office or on a construction site.
Even Howard Stark, while being fed a vacuum-sealed, cream-heated vegetable by a beautiful woman beside him, started to feel like he had lost.
The Wilson Enterprises booth was much more lively than his own.
They didn't even need scantily-clad won dancing to capture attention. A single oddball in a tight turtleneck was enough to outshine him.
What stung even more was the realization that even if he successfully developed his hover car, it would still be just a toy for the rich. anwhile, these food products from Wilson Enterprises, given out so generously for free samples, would likely be affordable for the masses.
Howard fell into deep thought, contemplating how he could use technology to better serve humanity. Maybe he could discover a new elent containing vast amounts of energy? That way, people wouldn't need to go to war over resources.
Once the idea hit, he was ready to act on it. He would start as soon as he got back.
"Well, maybe the day after tomorrow... I'm busy tonight and tomorrow, heh-heh," he mused, realizing the won surrounding him were smiling suggestively. The lure of science was no match for his love of... other activities.
Forget about the new elent for now, he thought. There's a party tonight after we finish eating, and we can work off these calories together.
anwhile, Su Ming noticed Steve Rogers halfheartedly stirring a lotus root slice on his plate, still not having taken a bite. Bucky and the two girls were too busy devouring their food to speak.
Su Ming, of course, knew what was on Steve's mind. He also knew that Steve's life was about to take a pivotal turn, right here at this event.
Fireworks continued to explode in the distant sky, and the surrounding noise and celebration didn't affect Steve's unwavering determination.
"Steve?"
"Uh, Mr. Wilson." Steve quickly wiped his mouth, flashing a sheepish smile. Su Ming had treated him to a al, and here he was, lost in his thoughts—an ungrateful gesture.
Su Ming waved it off, not bothered in the least. He hadn't eaten much anyway; all these novelty foods were too familiar to him. There were still different varieties of sausages to introduce later.
"Do you sotis feel like you're not a complete man, unable to give girls the happiness they want?"
Su Ming gestured toward the two girls, who were glued to Bucky. To them, Steve didn't seem like much of a man—more like he didn't exist at all.
Steve sighed quietly and nodded. As harsh as it sounded, it was the truth.
Su Ming nodded empathetically, his single eye gleaming under the stage lights. Then he asked, "Have you ever considered writing romance novels?"
Steve blinked in confusion. Was Su Ming suggesting he beco a romance author? In these tis, the age of knights and princesses was over, though cowboy love stories were quite popular lately.
Su Ming didn't wait for Steve to respond, continuing, "You have talent and perseverance. You could quickly rise to fa, with books lined up on every shelf. Soon, you'd realize that a man's passion isn't just about the roar of engines or the thrill of a racetrack. It's about having a heart as bright as gold and as transparent as glass. One day, you'll stand at a 45-degree angle, gazing up at the sky, pretending a tear rolled down your cheek, and feel that sweet sorrow—that'll be your era."
Steve glanced at his legs. At 5'4", the idea of writing enough books to line a shelf was a bit far-fetched.
"Sorry, sir. I never considered becoming a writer." Steve smiled awkwardly, appreciating that Su Ming was only trying to help.
"No worries, just kidding around," Su Ming chuckled, enjoying teasing Steve a bit.
"Mr. Wilson, I understand you're encouraging to stay true to myself, and I will." Steve's resolve strengthened as he looked at Su Ming, taking the lighthearted comnt as a heartfelt gesture of support.
Su Ming patted Steve's shoulder, knowing that Steve and Bucky often misinterpreted his words. Their upright, righteous nature had beco so ingrained that they always twisted any statent into sothing positive.
"Alright then, let give you a path forward," Su Ming said. "But you've known since you were young that you shouldn't accept gifts for nothing in return. Rember how you and Bucky worked for your food back in the day? This complicates things..."
"Do you have a way for to join the military?" Steve's eyes lit up.
"As long as you agree to endorse my company's products once you enlist, I can get you onto the battlefield."
"? Endorse your products?" Steve glanced at his chest and face, wondering if Wilson Enterprises needed a sick person as their spokesperson. Did they have a pharmaceutical branch?
Still, if Mr. Wilson could help him get into the army, a bit of labor in return was more than fair. He assud Su Ming was just being considerate of his feelings.
"Alright, I agree."
"Gin, bring out the endorsent contract."
As if on cue, Gin magically produced several contracts.
The contract stated that Steve Rogers' image would be licensed to Wilson Enterprises for free, for life, with any interpretation of his likeness belonging solely to Wilson Enterprises.
It was a strange contract. Steve knew he probably didn't have long to live, and he was an unknown nobody at that.
Mr. Wilson must have written this lifeti contract to make feel better, Steve thought. What a good man, always thinking of my dignity.
Moved, Steve nodded and took the pen Gin handed him, signing his na without hesitation.
It was done.
Su Ming suppressed a laugh, wrapping an arm around Steve's bony shoulders and pointing to a spot in the distance.
"Over there, see that recruitnt station? Just walk in, be yourself, and you'll easily get enlisted."
Steve turned to look, but his height only allowed him to see the peak of a roof. He hesitated, knowing he hadn't prepared anything—he didn't even have a fake identity ready.
"Relax, just go. I've taken care of everything," Su Ming reassured him, giving a thumbs up with a grin that made Steve slightly uneasy.
But Steve didn't doubt Su Ming's word. It had been that way for over a decade. Steve stood, whispered a few words to Bucky, who argued a bit but ultimately glanced at Su Ming and nodded in understanding.
As Steve turned to leave, Bucky watched him go, feeling as though his friend's back seed to grow taller.
But in an instant, Steve's figure vanished into the sea of people.
Bucky sighed. He didn't like the idea of Steve going to war, but enlisting had been Steve's one true wish in life. He knew his friend wouldn't give up, and all he could do was wish him luck.
Hopefully, they'd end up in the sa unit soday. Bucky resolved to continue the bond their fathers had shared—live and die together.
Su Ming instructed Gin to file away the signed contract. The future profits of his company rested on those few sheets of paper. Once Captain Arica beca a household icon, products with Steve's image and likeness would fly off the shelves.
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