Ch.168 Winter Soldier
Ronan was so diligent, asking questions here and there, constantly communicating with both sides for Tony Stark's request.
What was he doing it for?
Of course, it was for the sake of friendship between friends!
Well, and a little bit of hard-earned fee.
At that time, Tony Stark took out a $100,000 check and insisted on stuffing it into Ronan's pocket.
He even said that if Ronan didn't accept the money, it would mean Ronan looked down on him.
What Tony Stark hated the most was others looking down on him.
Helpless, Ronan could only accept the money, but for the sake of friendship, he also had to do his best.
A good friend like Ronan is truly rare.
"So, that's all he asked for?"
When Tony Stark heard Peter Parker's request, he remained silent for a full ten minutes.
In his view, when Tony Stark wanted to make a deal with others, most people would try to take advantage and demand an exorbitant price.
They would want to take a big bite out of Tony Stark, the big cash cow.
But Peter Parker was completely different.
"That's right, just these requests."
"And to show his sincerity, he even had me bring the data."
As he spoke, Ronan took out a USB drive and placed it on the table.
Of course, Peter Parker didn't say that, but Ronan was just polishing his little brother's emotional intelligence.
As the saying goes, you fear your brother suffering, but you fear even more your brother driving a Land Rover.
Even if Peter Parker could afford a Land Rover, Ronan wouldn't care.
Seeing the USB drive on the table, Tony Stark didn't hesitate. He picked it up and lightly tapped the table.
The table immediately transformed, revealing a USB port-like interface.
When Tony Stark inserted the USB drive, a holographic projection-like technology appeared before Ronan.
Why say "like"?
Because Ronan didn't understand what kind of technology this was.
Anyway, Tony Stark could use hand gestures to flip through the images, zoom in, and perform other operations.
It looked very sci-fi.
Ronan wasn't in a hurry. He sat on the sofa, quietly waiting for Tony Stark to finish reading.
Since Tony decided to look, it meant he agreed to Peter Parker's conditions.
Of course, there was also Ronan's $100,000—
No, it was the friendship between Ronan and his good friend!
"I see... I see..."
"The theories here seem fine, but why do the human experiments keep failing?"
Tony Stark looked at the data and couldn't help but mutter to himself.
He kept spouting terms and formulas that Ronan couldn't understand, even doing calculations.
Although Tony wasn't as accomplished in biological sciences, there's a saying: in some areas, geniuses are all connected.
Ordinary people can't imagine how geniuses think, just like a regular dog can't understand a sheepdog.
"Alright, why are you spouting all this incomprehensible stuff in front of a high school student?"
"Just say yes or no. I need to give him an answer."
Ronan rolled his eyes at Tony Stark, who seemed to be lost in his own world.
Not just in this life, but even in his past life, Ronan's peak knowledge was during high school.
Trying to understand these complex biological terms made his brain cells want to go on strike.
"No problem. Tell him that tomorrow—no, tonight—he'll receive an invitation from the Stark Foundation."
"He'll be invited to an interview at the Stark Foundation, though it's just a formality."
"After all, we want him and his family to feel involved."
"As for the antidote, I can finish it in two days."
"Regarding the job, he'll get the news tomorrow morning. It'll also be a position at the Stark Foundation."
Tony Stark kept his eyes on the content, multitasking as he replied to Ronan.
As for other matters, nothing could distract him now.
Seeing Tony like this, Ronan couldn't help but shake his head.
It was clear that Tony had no more attention to spare for Ronan.
So, Ronan didn't stay long. He got up from the sofa and left.
He turned around, hopped on his bike, and headed to the nearest bank.
When he took out the $100,000 check, the bank staff looked at him with suspicion.
If Ronan's skin were a different color, it wouldn't just be looks—it would be something else.
"Sorry, sir. For such a large amount, we need to verify it."
It was only because Ronan was handsome and had an undeniable aura that the staff was so polite.
Of course, the main reason was the one mentioned earlier.
The security guards nearby were also smiling at Ronan. If it were someone else, their hands would probably be on their holsters by now.
"Of course, go ahead."
Ronan smiled. He wasn't afraid of being checked.
It had to be said, Tony Stark was very considerate.
This fee was after taxes, and the source of the money was legitimate. Ronan could use it without worry.
"Hello, sir. We've verified it. Everything's fine."
"Would you like to withdraw the money, or do you have other plans for it?"
"If you want to withdraw, we don't have that much cash on hand. You'll need to make an appointment."
When the staff returned, her smile was warm.
Hearing this, the security guards acted as if nothing had happened, subtly dispersing.
"Please deposit it into this card."
Ronan thought for a moment, then took out a bank card from his wallet.
When the staff saw the card, her smile grew even brighter.
This was the highest-tier card at the bank. If Ronan had shown it earlier, they might not have even needed to verify the check.
The staff took a deep breath, leaning forward more, and somehow, a button near her collar came undone.
Ronan glanced subtly...
Wow!
Black seduction!
"Alright, I'll process this for you right away."
The staff swayed slightly, her gaze at Ronan almost tangible.
A young, handsome, and wealthy man.
Ronan deliberately avoided her gaze, leaning back slightly.
Well, he wasn't that kind of guy!
After about ten minutes of dawdling, the money was finally deposited into Ronan's account.
When handing the card back to Ronan, the staff "accidentally" brushed her hand against his.
Tsk.
Ronan wasn't the type to succumb to temptation.
So, he took the card and quickly left the bank.
As Ronan walked out, a man in a black jacket glanced around and followed him.
Ronan whistled, got on his bike, and decided to splurge tonight.
The last $100,000 he earned hadn't even warmed his pocket before it was ruined by that terrorist named Thor.
Thinking about it, Ronan's heart ached.
This time, he wouldn't make the same mistake. He would keep this money firmly in his hands!
No one could take it away!
As Ronan hummed a tune and turned into a small alley, a figure soon appeared ahead.
Ronan squinted, stopping his bike.
The person was walking toward Ronan. The alley was narrow, barely enough for two people to pass.
Since the other person was in a hurry, Ronan decided to let them pass first.
Soon, the man in the black jacket was right in front of Ronan.
As they passed each other, the man suddenly reached out to grab Ronan's neck!
A flash of silver light passed by. Ronan raised an eyebrow and instantly extended his left hand.
Thud!
Their left hands collided, and a dull sound echoed through the air.
Only then did Ronan see what the fleeting silver on the man's arm was.
A metal arm!
Someone with something like this...
"Bucky Barnes?"
"No, given your current state, I should call you the Winter Soldier, right?"
Ronan raised an eyebrow, immediately recognizing the man.
Ever since leaving the bank, he had felt someone following him.
But with so many people on the street, it was hard to avoid someone walking the same way.
So, Ronan turned into this alley.
Unexpectedly, the person had gotten ahead of him.
Bucky Barnes didn't speak. He kept applying pressure with his left hand, trying to break through Ronan's defense.
Unfortunately for him, Ronan's strength was greater.
Despite Bucky's increasing force, Ronan remained unmoved, firmly blocking his fist.
The two were locked in a stalemate for a full minute.
Finally, Ronan's bike gave out first.
Crack!
The bike's wheels were crushed by the force, followed by the frame and other parts.
Feeling the bike's cry of despair beneath him, Ronan's face darkened.
F***!
Another $200 gone!
Thinking about the lost $200, Ronan was furious.
He quickly grabbed Bucky's arm with his right hand and, before Bucky could react, executed a perfect shoulder throw!
Thud!
Bucky was slammed hard into the ground.
Ronan didn't stop. He firmly gripped Bucky's right arm with his right hand, while his left hand formed a knife-hand strike, slamming it into Bucky's shoulder.
Bucky's most powerful weapon was that arm.
Remove it, and he's no different from Steve Rogers.
Well, he might not even be a match for Steve Rogers.
Knowing your enemy's weakness but not exploiting it? Only a fool would do that.
Buzz!
Just as Ronan removed Bucky's arm, a massive surge of electricity shot up Ronan's arm.
Beep... beep... beep...
Along with the electric shock, there was a beeping sound.
Ronan's eyes narrowed, and he immediately threw the arm away.
He had seen the countdown to self-destruction inside the metal arm.
If Ronan had held onto it, the bomb inside would have exploded!
After Ronan threw the arm, the beeping stopped abruptly. The arm flew through the air and reattached itself to Bucky's body.
Bucky twisted the metal arm, his eyes locked on Ronan.
After their first exchange, he had a rough understanding of Ronan's abilities.
Taking Ronan down in a few moves was basically impossible!
"If I remember correctly, you should have regained your memories."
"So why are you still attacking me?"
Ronan looked at Bucky, recalling the general plot.
Normally, after Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes fought, they both fell into the water.
At that time, Bucky had regained his memories and dragged Steve out of the water.
But now, it seemed things weren't going as planned.
Bucky didn't speak. He just assumed a fighting stance, ready to continue his mission.
Seeing this, Ronan sighed.
Fine, let's sell him for a good price.
With that thought, Ronan took out his phone and dialed a number.
"Hey, Steve? It's Ronan."
"I've got a deal for you. Interested?"
Ronan spoke casually into the phone.
He even turned his back to Bucky.
Seeing this, Bucky frowned. His instincts told him this was a trap!
But his mission demanded he bring Ronan back!
So, without hesitation, he charged at Ronan from behind!
"Hyah!"
Just as he reached Ronan, a strange shout came from the back of Ronan's head.
Then, Bucky felt a blur before his eyes as a fist slammed into his nose!
A sour sensation flooded his senses, but as an experienced fighter, he kept his eyes on the direction of the attack.
Somehow, behind Ronan, there was now an exact copy of him!
The clone had both fists raised, one in front of the other, in a boxing stance.
His legs bounced lightly, ready for action.
At the same time, a shadow flashed past Bucky, appearing behind him.
Another Ronan clone stood there, looking distracted as he chewed his nails.
He was surrounded!
Instantly, Bucky assessed the situation.
After considering his own combat skills and the clones' bizarre abilities, his first instinct was...
Run!
But with his front and back blocked, the only escape route was...
Thinking fast, Bucky jumped up, grabbing the alley wall with his left hand, causing bricks to crumble.
He planned to escape from above!
Thud!
But as soon as he reached the top, a size 42 shoe slammed into his face.
He fell back into the alley.
In just a few seconds, Ronan's face surrounded him from all sides—front, back, and above.
Even the original Ronan was still on the phone.
"That's right, your good buddy."
"One price: $50,000. I'll knock him out and deliver him to you."
"You think it's expensive? I think it's expensive too! When was the last time you saw a wild Winter Soldier?"
"Alright, come to the address I sent you in five minutes."
Soon, the fourth Ronan hung up.
When he looked at Bucky again, his smile was eerily wide.
Bucky shuddered. The way Ronan looked at him was as if he were a stack of cash.
This feeling was unbearable!
And he had heard the conversation.
If he still had emotions, he would have asked Ronan: Why am I only worth $50,000?
But Ronan didn't give him the chance.
Ronan licked his lips, his eyes gleaming.
"Brothers, let's get to work!"