Chapter 6: One Morning, Eight Years Later

8 AM, a private villa on Long Island, New York.

The sharp ring of a phone echoed through the living room. A man lying in bed stirred, opening his eyes to the bright morning sun streaming through the window. He ruffled his messy hair and got up.

Ten minutes later, still shirtless, he pressed play on the voicemail in the living room.

"Dear, it's me, Mom. I heard you're back from China. Hope you had a great time there. I've got work and am already on a plane to France—it'll be four months before I'm back. A teacher from Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters called. Your sister's been having some issues that need your attention. So, when you're rested, head over to Staten Island. Also, call me if anything comes up—I don't want Charisse turning into some street thug."

"Yi, it's me, Ororo. I know you're back. First, thanks for the gift from China. It's beautiful, and I love it. Now, about your sister—she's seriously breaking school rules. She's been sneaking out at night using her abilities with a bunch of troublemakers. We're worried she'll end up in places she shouldn't be. You should talk to her when you have time. Alright, call me when you're free."

"Hey, Yi. Heard you're back from China—hope those cute Chinese girls aren't too heartbroken. Hate to interrupt your vacation, but since you're always on one, I guess it doesn't matter. Listen, I need a favor. Obadiah wants to sell our Jericho missiles to extremist groups in the Middle East. No idea what he's thinking. I tried talking him out of it, but he's determined—he's even calling a board meeting and has already convinced quite a few people. You know I need backup to stop him, and as a friend, I know you won't say no. Call me back. ASAP."

Yi, now an adult, rubbed his chin after listening to the messages. He thought for a moment, then decided to return the most urgent calls first. He picked up his phone and dialed a number. After two rings, the call was answered.

"Hey, Yi. Calling this early? That's not like you. Don't tell me you actually missed me." A woman's cheerful voice came from the other end.

"Ororo, that hurts. I was thinking about you the whole time I was in China. That's why I called as soon as I got back—to hear your voice."

She chuckled. "Yeah, right. I bet you were busy charming naïve little girls over there. So, what do you need?"

"Come on, Ororo. You know I care about you."

"Sure, sure. But not just me, right? Anyway, I have class. If it's important, come find me after school." She hung up.

Yi scratched his face awkwardly before calling another number.

"Hello, Stark residence. This is Jarvis. How can I assist you, Mr. Yi?"

"Jarvis, is Tony in? Patch me through."

"Of course. Please hold."

A few seconds later, a familiar voice came through.

"I thought you were planning to disappear again, Yi."

"If it weren't for your message, I actually might have. I just found a new combat trainer."

"Alright, alright, master fighter. Let's get to business. What do you think about the Obadiah situation?"

"It's your call. Don't worry—I'll back you up." Yi used telekinesis to keep his phone floating midair while he put on a suit.

"That's a relief. With your six percent stake, we'll have the votes. Consider me in your debt." Tony let out a long breath.

Yi smirked. "I don't get it, Tony. If you don't want to do this, why not just refuse? It's your invention. Legally, if you veto it, the board can't force the decision—your patents give you full control."

"Hey! You know how it is. Obadiah was my dad's friend. Stark Industries wouldn't be where it is today without him. Out of respect, I have to at least hear him out. What you're suggesting is my last resort."

Yi nodded. "When's the meeting? You know if I'm late, you're on your own."

"I'll stall if I have to. It starts at ten. With your driving skills, getting to Stark Tower on time shouldn't be a problem."

"Oh? Our resident playboy actually praising someone else's driving? That's rare." Yi laughed, pulling on his jacket and heading out the door.

"After seeing you drive, I decided to keep my distance—at least when you're behind the wheel. Alright, I gotta go. Obadiah's here. Get here fast—I don't want to deal with this old man alone."

"Relax, I'm on my way." Yi ended the call, got in his car, and with a roar of the engine, sped toward Manhattan.

At Stark Industries' Manhattan headquarters, Tony Stark and Obadiah Stane walked into the top-floor conference room, joking as they went. Employees watched them pass, some in admiration, others with less enthusiasm—especially the female staff whose gazes lingered a bit too long.

"Tony, I'm disappointed. Everything I do is for the good of Stark Industries. Why don't you understand?" Obadiah's tone was heavy, like a father scolding a reckless son.

Tony puffed his cheeks and muttered, "Here we go again," before lazily replying, "Look, Uncle Obadiah, I know how profitable this deal is. But just because we make weapons doesn't mean we should support every war—especially ones with shady motives. Even the White House won't be on board with this."

Obadiah scoffed. "Those idiots in Washington? Just throw money at them, and they'll shut up. This isn't about morality—it's business. War isn't our fault; we just provide the tools. What happens after that isn't our problem."

For a moment, Tony almost felt guilty. Almost.

As their back-and-forth continued, the meeting began. The conference room was filled with board members and executives. When Obadiah and Tony entered, they all stood—after all, these two were the real bosses.

Obadiah patted Tony's shoulder and whispered, "Tony, don't screw this up. This decision is best for the company."

"Of course, of course," Tony said with a smirk, his perfectly groomed goatee twitching. "I always make the best decisions."

Meanwhile, Yi pulled into Stark Tower's underground parking lot in his roaring V-Rex motorcycle, attracting stares from security guards and a certain waiting assistant.

"Morning, Pepper! Didn't expect Tony to send you. Thought he'd keep us separated like a warden keeping inmates apart."

The sharp-dressed blonde smirked. "I believe Mr. Yi has earned temporary visitation rights from the warden."

"Always taking Tony's side, huh? Lucky for you, I planned ahead. Your bribe has already been delivered to the warden—I'm sure he'll pass it along."

Pepper sighed. "Tony never gives back gifts meant for me."

"Not my problem, Miss Potts." Yi grinned as they stepped into the elevator leading to the conference room.

As Yi pushed open the door, the room fell silent.

"Morning, everyone. Whatever you're discussing—count me in. As Stark Industries' third-largest shareholder, I think I have a say."

Obadiah, who had just been enjoying his upper hand, froze, staring in disbelief. He turned to Tony and hissed, "You called him here, didn't you?"

"Swear on my playboy reputation—it wasn't me." Tony raised his hands.

The board members rolled their eyes. Tony Stark swearing on anything meant absolutely nothing.

"Yi Zhou, this is a shareholder meeting. You're forty minutes late. As the one who called this meeting, I don't think you have the right to speak," Obadiah growled, trying to shut Yi out.

Unfortunately for him, shutting Yi Zhou out was easier said than done.

---

Join the "Marvel's Sun God Membership" for advanced chapters & faster updates here: patreon.com/KZ478