"Alright, then let's continue the research in this new direction."
Henry clapped his hands, his tone casual as he made the decision.
"I believe it won't be long before we can turn this fish tank into a real cradle of life."
"I agree." Tony nodded as well.
He looked at the cell model, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
This technology was a good thing—it could make up for so many shortcomings.
"Maybe we can even solve human hair loss while we're at it. I'd bet that's far more profitable than inventing some new weapon."
Henry and Helen Cho exchanged a look, a little speechless.
Hair loss? Are you sure you're not using this in a way that's way too trivial?
At that moment, the lab door silently slid open.
A red-haired beauty in a black dress walked in. Yes, it was Natasha.
She clicked her heels elegantly, her presence exuding a classical beauty that seemed completely out of place in the lab.
The moment Tony saw her, he immediately grinned.
"Oh, look who it is!" He leaned on the console, raising an eyebrow at Natasha.
"Our beautiful and charming Miss Rushman. What's this, bringing us afternoon tea? I have to say, perfect timing—we could use a little dessert to celebrate our latest achievement. This is a breakthrough that could change the world."
Natasha's face maintained a perfect professional smile. She glanced at the equally curious Helen Cho next to her, then turned her gaze to Henry and Tony.
"Mr. Stark, Miss Potts asked me to inform you both that the time is near—you may head to the press conference now."
Henry and Tony exchanged a look, each seeing the same indifferent attitude in the other's eyes.
"Alright then." Henry shrugged and was the first to head for the door.
"Let's go. Finish early, go home, and start the party."
Tony followed, and as he passed Natasha, he leaned in slightly, whispering, "Seriously, haven't you reconsidered my offer? My personal assistant comes with a lot of hidden perks."
Natasha only gave a faint smile, not responding. Her eyes were calm, as if Tony's charm had no effect on her at all.
Henry was about to leave the lab when a clear, crisp voice came from behind.
"Mr. Stark."
The voice belonged to Helen Cho.
Henry paused, turning to look at the woman standing there, hesitating slightly, and raised an eyebrow.
"What's up, Doctor? Another technical problem you need me to solve? I should remind you, my consultation fee is per second, and it's not cheap."
Helen Cho took a deep breath, gathering courage.
"What do you do in the evenings?" Her voice was quiet but clear.
"I mean, I know a really nice restaurant."
Henry chuckled at that.
He looked at this woman, a powerhouse in the academic world, now acting like a shy girl summoning courage to invite her crush out to dinner—how amusing.
What's this? A date invitation?
Well, damn this irresistible charm of mine…
But my appearance fee is high; one dinner isn't enough to bribe me.
He remembered the last time he'd been invited to dinner by a magazine cover model.
Yet outwardly, he lazily leaned against the doorframe, observing Helen Cho with curious eyes.
Her research lab coat didn't hide the curves of her figure.
Looks like tonight's celebration party with that fool Tony would have to be postponed.
After all, exploring a genius female doctor's mind seems a lot more interesting than a boring party.
He smiled slightly, speaking casually.
"I'll pick you up at six."
Helen Cho's eyes lit up. The embarrassment vanished from her face, replaced by a playful smile.
She gave Henry a small, teasing shrug, then turned back to her experiments.
Henry shrugged and turned to leave the lab.
Outside, Tony and Natasha leaned against the hallway wall, wearing expressions that said, We heard everything.
"Let me guess." Tony was the first to speak, his tone teasing.
"Our great Superman has once again used his damn charm to capture the heart of an unsuspecting girl. Honestly, Henry, you're a walking hormone generator. Wherever you go, the flowers bloom just for you."
Henry spread his hands innocently.
"I didn't do anything." he said.
"She came to me. You know, exceptional people naturally attract other exceptional people. This is called the magnetic field effect—a scientific phenomenon ordinary humans like you can't understand."
"Magnetic field effect?" Tony rolled his eyes.
"Sounds to me more like lust at first sight. But seriously, why do girls always approach you? How do you do it? Did you secretly learn some magic spell? Like one that makes people completely devoted after a few words?"
"No, it's simple." Henry looked at him with a you're too dumb expression.
"You just need to act like a real man, not a mobile ATM that attracts women with money and sports cars. Just say directly, 'Hey, beautiful, free tonight? Want to rescue a boring evening together?' That's it. Watch."
He stopped, turning toward Natasha, who was following behind.
With a faint smile, he spoke confidently.
"Ms. Rushman, will you come? I think tonight could be a very nice evening."
Tony's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw nearly dropping.
This bastard… is he serious?!
Natasha was stunned too.
Henry Stark… has he gone mad?!
Is he really using me as an experiment?! Or does he actually know something?
Though her mind raced, as a top agent, her face remained a flawless professional mask.
She knew that even a hint of panic would give her away.
Her eyes flicked to Henry, a trace of hidden interest showing.
"Delighted, Mr. Stark," she replied calmly.
Henry turned to see Tony, who looked completely petrified, and shrugged casually.
"See? It's that simple."
Tony stared at them, feeling his worldview crumble and reform in mere seconds.
He had lived all these years and never seen such an absurd maneuver.
This is a new assistant! That damn Henry!
"Fuck!" he finally spat between his teeth, then stared at Henry like he was a monster.
"You're not human."
They continued toward the first-floor press conference.
Henry walked along with a smile.
He wasn't interested in Natasha, but teasing Tony was quite fun.
Natasha smiled as well, following along.
She began to think that this mission might not be as boring as she had imagined…
***
69 stones for bonus as usual.
And i started Another fanfiction if you guys are interested.
One piece: Reign in the name of Shinigami
You can go to my profile to check. Thanks for the support 🙏
If you're interested and wish to support me, you can read advanced chapters:
p-atreon.com/Redestro666