Chapter 76: A New Home and Unfinished Business!

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In a foreign land, it was important to take care of oneself. While savoring the flavors of another country, one should also remember the tastes of home.

Lemu, happily munching on half a dough stick, took a big gulp of oat milk. The white milk foam lingered on the corner of his lips, his hair gently fluttering in the warm morning breeze. The sight looked like a beautiful, lively scene from a cozy breakfast illustration.

Pepper sat opposite him, elegantly brushing her golden hair behind her ear. She took small, measured bites of her breakfast, a tiny sandwich and half a glass of milk. Her portion was so small it seemed like she was feeding a kitten.

Since confirming their relationship, Pepper had moved into the villa at Tony Stark's request. America, being a rather open country, meant that certain things were understood without having to be explicitly mentioned. Every night, the sounds of passion could be heard echoing through the walls.

Unfortunately for one particular slime, his hearing was far too sharp, and there were nights when he couldn't fall asleep. It was another reason he had to move out.

Pepper took a delicate bite of her sandwich, chewed slowly, and after swallowing, she finally spoke, her voice soft yet curious.

"I've noticed that construction on the mountain top across the way has been going on for quite a while now. It's progressing quickly. Is that the villa you're building?"

Lemu continued eating without missing a beat, responding as he chewed. "Yeah, I contacted a well-known construction company in California. I heard their boss studied in Japan and mastered some sort of theory—'scallions' or was it called 'spinach'?"

Pepper blinked, slightly confused, as Lemu explained, but decided to continue listening.

"They're incredibly efficient. They can build a whole villa in just a few months, from the ground up, inspections, to moving in. The fastest record is just three months."

Lemu took another bite of the dough stick, showing no sign of slowing down, while adding, "Of course, their prices are pretty steep. But it's nothing too outrageous. It's only about ten million or so, but that's not something worth mentioning."

After finishing his meal, Lemu wiped his mouth clean and looked up at Pepper, his expression casual.

"When it's done, I'll move in there myself."

Pepper still seemed a little concerned. She set down the sandwich in her hands and placed both of her hands on the table, looking across at him. "Are you sure you'll be okay living on your own? Should I hire a caretaker for you?"

"It's fine. I can take care of myself."

Pepper hesitated but eventually nodded. "I'll ask Tony to keep your room reserved. If you can't get used to it, you can always come back."

…But what if it's to eavesdrop on us?

However, Lemu didn't directly reject Pepper's kind offer. He just smiled and agreed, "Alright, I should be heading out now. Happy's waiting for me outside. Take your time eating."

Lemu finished the last half of his milk, licked the corner of his mouth with his tongue, stood up, and waved.

"Drive safe on your way."

"Got it—"

Lemu was heading to school. Of course, he didn't have to worry about exams, but he had promised his mentor, Old Emick, that he would visit him when he had the time. After the holiday, Old Emick's family would come to pick him up for a family gathering, so these last few days were his only chance. After this, he would have to wait until school resumed.

Outside the villa, a discreetly luxurious black car was parked. Happy was leaning against the car, wearing sunglasses and a suit. At first glance, he looked like a thug from the old movie "The Godfather," one of those gangsters who might pull out a Beretta M1934 handgun from his pocket or take a Chicago Typewriter out of the car.

He seemed just as solid as when they first met. Invisible data flowed in Lemu's eyes—actually, Happy had gained 1.879 kilograms since then, and his belt was pulled tight.

At this rate, he'd end up looking like the chubby guy Lemu remembered.

"Have you been slacking off with your workouts lately?"

Happy took off his sunglasses and laughed, immediately transforming into a goofy figure, completely ruining his tough guy image. He instinctively patted his protruding belly, adding to the silliness.

"Hahaha, no, no, not at all. As a professional bodyguard, I maintain a high-intensity training schedule every day… you know how it is. Get in the car, I'll drive you to school."

Lemu couldn't help but mutter inwardly… but you're just a driver.

In the past six months, Tony Stark, Lemu, and the others had hardly left the house, and Happy had been stuck at home for over half a year as well.

More than half a year of staying indoors, collecting a paycheck, naturally led to some weight gain… training? Probably just going through the motions.

Lemu didn't meet with Happy often, but over the past six months, they'd gradually become more familiar with each other. The roads were clear, the sun was shining—perfect weather.

The car cruised along smoothly.

Happy reached out and pressed a button on the console, switching the car's radio from rock music to the morning news. He figured the younger generation probably didn't enjoy those old songs from decades ago, much like how he himself wasn't fond of music from over a hundred years ago.

Lemu leaned against the car window, quietly listening to the sounds of the wind, the hum of the engine, and the soothing voice of the female news anchor. Green trees and various American-style buildings passed by outside the window.

"…It has been reported that the investigation into the plane crash that killed Obadiah Stane, a senior executive at Stark Industries, has been concluded by the FBI."

"The conclusion confirmed that the plane's engine failed due to metal fatigue in the engine's turbine blades, leading to the engine's disintegration. It was an unfortunate accident with no human factors involved."

Obadiah, huh… time sure flies. It feels like just yesterday that they were fighting it out on the rooftop.

Lemu couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic. That battle had been truly dangerous—missiles flying around, bullets scattering, and flames and smoke engulfing everything.

He had managed to escape death multiple times, narrowly evading the grim reaper's scythe. He had fought back in the face of certain doom, dancing with the angel of death, Gabrielle.

One wrong move, and his career as a tentacle monster would've ended right there.

War was war—life and death decided in an instant. He'd need to be more cautious in the future.

The female anchor's report continued.

"…After Tony Stark revealed his identity as Iron Man, Stark Industries has recently released new technology, sparking a new round of media frenzy… According to sources, the miniaturization of the arc reactor is expected to bring about numerous revolutionary changes for humanity's future…"

"…And now, a brief update—last night, a panda at the San Mungo Zoo in California gave birth. Both mother and baby are healthy and doing well…"

Did I just hear that right?

Stark Industries' new tech… the stock prices are soaring… wait, what? Panda? It's a Panda!

Lemu's attention immediately sharpened. He sat up straighter, excitement lighting up his eyes as little stars seemed to twinkle in his gaze.

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If you want to read 15+ chapters ahead and unpublished fanfics you can check out my patreon or just take a visit.

[P].[A].[T].[R].[E].[O].[N]

http://patreon.com/Kazuma_trash