Chapter 57: CH-57. Tony gets a hint
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Tony and Pepper are coming to visit Jaxon tonight.
Jaxon also wanted to fulfill his promise to cook a sumptuous dinner for Tony himself.
It happens to be a good day since he was graduating.
Tony's car arrived first.
Jaxon went out to greet him personally.
"Tony, you're early."
"I can't wait to see you in action. I'm going to record it—Jaxon, cooking for Tony Stark in person!"
"You think too much. I made this meal for Pepper. You're just here to eat and drink for free."
"What? I can't accept that. You owe me a meal cooked for me alone."
"I remember the deal was that I'd cook, but it didn't specify only for you!"
The two have a close relationship, and it's normal for them to bicker daily.
Tony's personality is not just narcissistic but also a bit childish.
As they entered the living room, Jaxon continued to work in the kitchen.
"If Pepper arrives, Tony, help bring her in."
"No problem."
Tony wandered around idly, "Nice villa you have here, though not as nice as mine."
"Yes, yes, your beachfront mansion is the best."
"Hey, Jaxon, do you still have that water? The one you used on Pepper, and on that disfigured woman from the Red Room?"
There were only two drops left of this precious "Water of Life."
"You looking to buy it?"
Tony had been working on his armor yesterday and felt exhausted. Today, Jarvis reminded him of Jaxon's graduation, and he also noticed how rejuvenated Pepper looked since using the water, sparking his interest.
"Of course, if it has no side effects."
"Don't worry, there are none. One drop extends your life by about 20 years, making you younger and more energetic."
"Looking at you, I guess you're feeling a bit worn out."
"If I'm buying, it's 100 million per drop, right?"
Tony trusted Jaxon's claims; after all, such an elixir was invaluable.
"How much do you have? I'll buy all of it!"
"Excuse me?"
Jaxon laughed, "Do you think this stuff is common? If I auctioned it, the price would soar."
Tony finally caught on, "Alright, alright. Guess I got a bit carried away. I'll take one drop, then."
"Why not buy both? I could use the other one for research, maybe replicate it."
Jaxon grinned, "I believe in your genius, Tony, but you're not exactly a biologist. Besides, I have a plant you could look into."
"What kind of plant?"
"It's called a Senzu Bean. It primarily heals external injuries, no matter how severe. But it's tough to grow in its original world and even harder here."
"Oh, sounds intriguing. Give me a batch, and I'll study them. Even if I can't crack it, I can always hire some botanists."
Jaxon teased, "Maybe that beautiful botanist you had a thing with, Maya Hansen?"
Tony looked baffled, "Who?"
"Ask Jarvis. You might recognize her when you see her face."
Still no memory jogged for Tony, though her resume showed she was a capable botanist.
"Jaxon, you know something?"
"Maya Hansen was developing the Extremis virus, which was unstable at the time. Back then, you ignored it and brushed off another scientist, Aldrich Killian."
"They're probably working together now and might not be too happy with you."
Tony grew wary, "Are you implying they could turn dangerous?"
"If they start human trials with that virus, they won't exactly be saints."
"They're conducting human experiments?"
Tony realized he had to act.
"I—"
"I think you need a plan, Tony."
"I have a plan!"
Jaxon cautioned him, "Tony, if you rush in recklessly, the fallout could be immense."
"You're just a human in armor; you're no god."
"Even I wouldn't act rashly. If you rush into this without thought, you could be responsible for many casualties."
"Good intentions aren't enough."
Tony took a sip of Lafite and calmed down, "You're right. I need a plan."
"Talk to Maya Hansen first, gather information, and maybe bring SHIELD in on this. When it's time, I'll join you to minimize the damage."
Just then, Pepper arrived, and Tony went to greet her.
She wore a backless purple evening gown, clearly putting thought into tonight's party.
Jaxon was impressed, "An evening dress—always the best choice."
Pepper's skin, now radiant and smooth thanks to the water, made her look stunning.
"Oh, did I overdress?" She asked playfully.
Jaxon wrapped his arms around her with a smile, "Just a little, but I love it. This dress is absolutely perfect on you."
"Please, take a seat. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Happy, join us." Jaxon called out.
Happy looked surprised, "Me?"
"You all guests here, come taste my cooking. But no drinking for you; you'll have to drive Tony back."
"No problem."
Jaxon prepared a lavish dinner. Though his guests weren't used to Chinese cuisine, the taste won them over.
"Jaxon, you should consider being a chef. I'd hire you in a heartbeat."
"Cooking is just a part of life. If you ever want more, come by anytime."
"Don't mind if I do." Tony grinned.
Tony didn't drink much, but he still couldn't drive. Happy took him home.
As for Pepper, she seemed prepared not to return tonight.
"Pepper, care to dance?"
"Of course."
She placed her hand in Jaxon's, and they danced gently to the music.
"Pepper, do you have superpowers?"
"What?"
"Otherwise, how would you know I wanted you to wear this dress? You look beautiful."
Pepper blushed, "Really~"
"Absolutely."
Jaxon expressed his feelings with actions rather than words.
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A new day dawned, and Jaxon prepared breakfast.
When he returned to the bedroom, he noticed Pepper looking concerned.
"Jaxon, I think this dress is ruined."
Jaxon felt a pang of guilt, "Oh, maybe I wasn't as gentle as I thought."
"The problem is, I can't stay wrapped in a towel all day."
"I have two solutions. I can teleport you home to change, or you could borrow my clothes."
After a moment, Pepper opted for the second option.
Soon, they sat at the table, enjoying breakfast.
"Pepper, Tony invited me to a car race, and I accepted."
"What? Are you planning to go wild with Tony?"
"Of course not. I'm not into racing. I'm thinking of it as a romantic getaway with you."
"But I may not have the time."
"There's always a way to make time."
Pepper hesitated but finally agreed. Business only took up the daytime; evenings were free for a romantic dinner and some beautiful sights.
"Alright."
"Pepper, do you have other evening gowns? If not, we could go shopping together, and I'll help you pick."
"I do, but Jaxon, promise you'll handle them gently."
"I'm always gentle."