Chapter 156: The Commander Returns!

"Commander of the Special Forces?!"

This was a name even more widely recognized than Captain America. Even after seventy years, people still frequently discussed him. In terms of his historical significance, he stood among the most impactful figures in the entirety of modern world history.

A certain nation had instigated a global conflict, nearly conquering the world through force. Yet, the Commander had almost single-handedly decimated their elite fighting force, the Hydra Legion, equipped with advanced weaponry and formidable combat prowess, thereby swiftly ending the war and preserving global peace.

Furthermore, to thwart Hydra's insane plot to annihilate the world and safeguard major cities from destruction, the Commander had selflessly sacrificed himself, piloting the super bomber intended for global devastation into the sea without hesitation, saving the lives of hundreds of millions of civilians.

His extraordinary power and savior-like achievements had garnered him the unwavering admiration and worship of countless people. However, his image in the public consciousness was primarily that of a figure clad in a dark, full-body armored combat suit, wielding a sword and shield, and carrying two firearms. While most knew him as the Commander of the Special Forces, his actual name remained less widely known.

Therefore, upon seeing Chen Mo's name on the contract, the directors of Stark Industries had not immediately connected it to the legendary Commander.

It wasn't until Tony Stark explicitly revealed Chen Mo's identity that they realized the true owner of Stark Industries, the mysterious controlling shareholder holding 60% of the shares, was none other than the legendary Special Forces Commander!

However, considering Howard Stark's past affiliations, his close relationship with the Commander, and the various legends they knew about the Commander, they didn't find it entirely unbelievable.

Rumor had it that the Commander hailed from a mysterious and ancient family, possessing a net worth in the billions, wealth comparable to a small nation. Meanwhile, Howard Stark was consumed by the research and development of advanced technologies like anti-gravity, spending money prodigiously. No matter how much profit Stark Industries generated, it was never enough to satisfy his expenditures.

With these two individuals – one possessing inexhaustible wealth and the other with an insatiable need for funding, and both being comrades-in-arms with a strong bond – it wasn't entirely surprising that Howard had sold Stark Industries to Chen Mo.

Chen Mo's consistent non-involvement in the company's management and his allocation of all profits to Howard for research purposes now made perfect sense.

It was just...

"The Commander crashed into the sea with the plane seventy years ago. Even if he somehow survived, he would be over ninety years old by now. How could this young man possibly be the Commander!"

One director, observing Chen Mo's youthful appearance, voiced his disbelief in Tony's claim.

"Tony! Don't treat us all like fools!"

Other directors echoed their skepticism, accusing Tony Stark.

"The Commander saved the entire world back then. Our parents and elders owe their survival to him. If this person is truly the Commander, shouldn't we all be addressing him as 'Uncle'?"

"I think 'Grandpa' would be more appropriate!"

"Haha!"

"Tony, you're so naive. You actually came up with this elaborate scheme to regain control of the company. Do you really think we're idiots? We'll believe such an obvious lie of yours!"

"Ridiculous!"

"Absolutely ludicrous!"

...

The directors flatly refused to believe Tony Stark's assertion that Chen Mo, who appeared younger than Tony himself, was the legendary Commander.

They simply assumed that Tony had discovered the equity transfer contract and realized the true identity of the company's enigmatic shareholder was the Special Forces Commander. He was now attempting to wrest back control of the company from them and reclaim his authority over Stark Industries.

However, in their estimation, Tony's plan was laughably naive. He had actually found a young man with an imposing demeanor and expected them to believe he was the Commander who had been missing for seventy years. It was pure fantasy!

They couldn't fathom that anyone would genuinely fall for such a preposterous lie. It was simply too absurd!

Seeing the widespread disbelief, Tony Stark looked at Chen Mo with a helpless expression.

Chen Mo remained largely unmoved by the clamor below. He glanced at his watch and addressed Pepper, who was standing beside Tony.

"Turn on the TV."

Although Pepper didn't grasp Chen Mo's intention, she turned and picked up the remote control from the nearby table, switching on the television mounted on the wall at one end of the conference room.

The television appeared to be broadcasting a live press conference. Observing the logo displayed on the backdrop, it seemed to be a military-organized event.

Seeing that Chen Mo remained silent, Pepper randomly switched through a few channels, only to find the same scene being broadcast across all of them. It seemed every television station was carrying this press conference live.

Pepper sensed something significant was unfolding and then seemed to have a sudden realization, ceasing to change channels. All eyes in the conference room were now fixed on the television. They were curious to see what this imposter was up to.

Soon, the press conference officially commenced, and a middle-aged officer in a crisp military uniform, his face resolute, stepped onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this press conference is being held to announce something of paramount importance."

"Three months ago, a polar scientific expedition team discovered a colossal aircraft that had been frozen within the ice shelf for seventy years."

"And within this aircraft, we made an extraordinary discovery."

"The legendary hero who rescued the people of the world from the ravages of war and made monumental contributions to its conclusion during World War II, the Commander of the Special Forces, was found frozen within this aircraft, having slumbered in the glacier for seventy long years."

"And just recently, after a successful thawing process, the Commander has emerged from his frozen state, ending his seventy-year hibernation and awakening."

"In other words, our hero of all mankind, the Commander of the Special Forces, is back!"

"He will continue to dedicate himself to the noble cause of safeguarding human security and maintaining global peace. From this day forward, the safety of the people will have another powerful guarantee!"

As the officer's voice resonated through the room, the entire press conference erupted into a cacophony of excitement, and the assembled reporters fell into a state of fervent enthusiasm.

The legendary hero, the architect of world peace, the protector of human safety, the savior, Commander Chen Mo, had not perished but had been preserved in the glacial ice for seventy years. And now, seven decades later, he had miraculously returned to life. The sheer improbability and incredibility of it all were overwhelming.

An uncontrollable surge of excitement coursed through their veins. The impact of this news was akin to learning that a true deity had descended upon the world. Simultaneously, a profound sense of security also took root. A hero who had willingly sacrificed himself to shield civilians from bombings instilled a greater sense of reassurance than any lofty and distant gods.

Amidst the exhilaration and fervor gripping the press conference and people worldwide upon hearing this astonishing news, the silence within the Stark Industrial conference room became almost deafening.

The nine directors stared at Chen Mo with intensely complex expressions – shock, fear, apprehension, hesitation, disbelief, and doubt all swirling within their eyes. A maelstrom of conflicting emotions played across their faces.

"Even if the Commander is truly alive, how do we know that you are him?"

One director still refused to concede, or perhaps was simply unwilling to accept the reality. In other words, he wouldn't believe it until he saw irrefutable proof.

Chen Mo cast an indifferent glance at the speaker. As Chen Mo's eyes swept over him, the director felt an unnerving intensity, as if Chen Mo's gaze held a divine light. The piercing sharpness made him feel a sudden chill, as if every hair on his body had stood on end. He involuntarily averted his gaze, avoiding Chen Mo's intense scrutiny.

At that moment, there was renewed activity at the press conference on television.

The middle-aged officer raised his hand to quell the frantic questions erupting from the numerous reporters below. When they finally subsided into a temporary silence, he continued to speak, his words eagerly anticipated.

"In order to address special events that may threaten the safety of the earth, Commander Chen Mo will be forming a strategic response team composed of powerful superheroes."

"This team will be personally led by Commander Chen Mo, and its first confirmed member is the superhero wielding a powerful iron suit, Iron Man, Tony Stark, who recently neutralized the giant robot that attacked civilians!"

...

At this point, the board members below were utterly speechless. Clearly, the powerful and cold young man seated before them was undoubtedly Commander Chen Mo, who had been slumbering for seventy years.

Seeing that everyone below had fallen silent and had evidently accepted his identity, Chen Mo spoke slowly.

"It seems no one is questioning my identity any further."

All the board members below bowed their heads, rendered speechless. Chen Mo continued.

"As the majority shareholder of Stark Industries, holding 60% of the company's equity, I have a few decisions to announce to you."

Chen Mo's 60% stake granted him absolute control over Stark Industries. The decisions he was about to make required no one's consent; he was simply informing them of his directives.

Everyone below understood this, and they listened attentively with a mixture of apprehension and resignation.

"First, dissolve the board of directors."

The faces of all the directors changed in unison. They opened their mouths to speak, but found themselves at a loss for words.

Ignoring their reactions, Chen Mo continued.

"Second, the company will be delisted, and all outstanding shares will be repurchased."

The directors' expressions shifted again. This action meant that Tony and Chen Mo would control 90% of Stark Industries' shares. The 10% of shares they held would completely lose any ability to influence the company's operations. They would be entirely excluded from the company's management and would only be entitled to dividends.

Furthermore, once delisted, the company's valuation would undoubtedly be significantly affected. The value of their shares would be greatly diminished, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Without waiting for their reaction, Chen Mo proceeded.

"Third, repurchase all shares held by minority shareholders and transfer them entirely to Tony Stark, along with my 60% stake, thereby completing the privatization of the company."