Chapter 106: After the Hearing

“Intelligence reports indicate that the devices in these photos are attempts to replicate Mr. Stark’s Iron Man suits.”
“Our allies and local intelligence agencies have confirmed this. From what we can see, these suits have very likely already been deployed.”

As Rhodey explained, Tony Stark pulled out his transparent phone and began searching online for more information.

When Rhodey finished, Tony tapped his phone against the screen and said, “Hold on, folks, I think it’s time to increase the transparency!”

Amid the shocked gasps of those around him, lines of code flashed across the conference room screen, followed by a series of videos. The scenes were gruesome enough to make some senators turn their heads away in discomfort.

Meanwhile, the reporters present grew excited—this was breaking news, potentially the story that would earn them their bonuses this month.

“Turn it off, quickly, shut it down!” Senator Stern anxiously shouted from the stage.

But Tony Stark, standing to the side, fanned the flames, mercilessly exposing the senators’ hypocrisy, especially targeting Senator Stern.

Amid the chaos, Tony, Rhodey, and Wang Jing shared a knowing smile from their seats.

Hammer, however, hastened to the screen, trying to shut it off. At that moment, Hammer himself appeared in the footage.

The gathered reporters and senators gasped as the mech’s upper body rotated 180 degrees, followed by a brief, agonizing scream from inside.

Just then, Hammer finally yanked the power plug out of the screen.

“In my estimation, most countries lag behind by five to ten years, but Hammer Industries is twenty years behind!” Tony Stark declared boldly.

“I must clarify, the pilot inside did not die!” Hammer grabbed the microphone, trying to steer the conversation.

“Even if the gap is huge, how can we be sure he won’t leak the technology to other nations?” Senator Stern attempted to drag Wang Jing into the debate.

But Wang Jing was not swayed. “My country would never act like you—like a pack of starving mad dogs, stealing everywhere.”

“Compared to other countries, the greatest threat is if you were to acquire the Iron Man technology. Look at the Middle East—because of your interference, decades have passed, and it’s still a bloodbath.”

“Look at how history records your so-called achievements—the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Korean War... I’ve lost count.”

“But what’s clear is that since America’s founding, the wars have never ceased. You say you uphold world peace? Hmm, I believe in your resolve—after all, ruling the world would be the ultimate peace.”

“You’re slandering! You’re slandering the United States of America!” Senator Stern exclaimed furiously.

“Hmph! Whether it’s slander or not, everyone knows the truth in their hearts,” Wang Jing retorted coldly.

At that moment, Tony Stark stepped forward to add fuel to the fire. “If all of this is true, then I’m sorry—I will stand on the side of justice, even if God himself were to come.”

“Stark, are you trying to betray your country?” Senator Stern challenged.

“No, I love my country. I love America. But that doesn’t mean I’ll stand by as it falls into decay,” Tony declared with righteous conviction. Amid the applause, he turned and walked away.

Wang Jing made a universally understood gesture to Senator Stern before following Tony out, leaving Rhodey looking helpless as Senator Stern on stage raged, accusing Tony of treason.

The United States, long the champion of justice, never imagined a day would come when its own righteousness would be questioned—and unable to respond. How bitterly ironic.

Outside the parliament hall, reporters swarmed Tony Stark and Wang Jing. One reporter thrust a microphone toward Tony. “Mr. Stark, aren’t you afraid the public will label you a traitor?”

Tony removed his glasses, exhaled deeply, and asked, “If I had been born a hundred years earlier, and were German, would you say I betrayed Germany or that I developed weapons for it?”

“Are you saying America might become like ***?” a reporter pressed.

“I never said that. But I sincerely hope it never happens—after all, I don’t want my beloved country to end up like that,” Tony said with heartfelt emotion.

Seeing no more answers from Tony, the reporters turned to Wang Jing. “Mr. Wang, did you really build your Iron Man suit on your own?”

“That’s right, I built it independently,” Wang Jing nodded.

“How did you raise the funds? If I’m not mistaken, building an Iron Man suit must be incredibly expensive.”

“Yes, about half a billion dollars.”

“Do you, like Mr. Stark, have a company providing financial support?”

Wang Jing shook his head. “I don’t have the advantages Tony does. I earned my funds myself through stock trading.”

“Could you explain how you did that?” the reporter asked, curious.

“Sorry, that’s my secret. But the most important thing is having a sharp mind; without that, none of it would work,” Wang Jing said, tapping his head.

“Mr. Wang, do you think the United States is ***? Or could it become *** in the future?” another reporter asked.

Wang Jing smiled and countered, “How far do you think a country is from *** if it shamelessly confiscates a citizen’s private property?”

The reporter who asked the question was left speechless—no matter the answer, it was a death sentence, so silence was safest.

Seeing no response, Wang Jing slipped past the reporters. Suddenly, a suit of armor flew down from the sky. Under the barrage of camera flashes, Wang Jing donned the armor and soared into the air.

Nearby, Tony Stark watched and silently vowed to himself that he must develop a quick-release mechanism for the armor soon—this was just too cool.

Back at the hotel, Wang Jing was surrounded by Li Yiyi, Liu Peiqiang, and Wang Lei.

“Boss, the way you shut down that senator was absolutely awesome,” Li Yiyi said excitedly.

“Enough chatter. Pack up—we’re moving,” Wang Jing said calmly, as if it were no big deal.

“Why are we moving again? We just got here!” Li Yiyi complained.

“Are you really that dense or just pretending? Wang Jing just exposed himself on live TV. This hotel will be compromised soon. If we don’t leave now, when will we?” Liu Peiqiang tapped Li Yiyi on the head.