Next, the smell of instant noodles transformed into creamy hot pot. Although the heating agent's packaging was somewhat crude and prone to odd smells, what could be better in this era than enjoying cheese hot pot in just five minutes?
Of course, hot pot was just Su Ming's name for it. In the United States, it's called 'Convenient Stew.' Anyway, it's something that lets you have stew even at the office or construction site.
Even Howard, in the corner, felt like he'd lost when the beauty next to him fed him a piece of vacuum-packed, then cream-heated, vegetable.
Wilson Enterprises' booth was much more bustling than his own.
They didn't even need to have beauties with exposed thighs dancing; just a quirky guy in a tight sweater had beaten him.
More crucially, even if the hover car research succeeded, it would inevitably be a toy for the rich, but as for their food, from offering free samples so generously, it's clear the price wouldn't be too high.
Howard fell into contemplation, considering how to better benefit humanity with technology, like finding a new element containing a lot of energy? This way, people wouldn't start wars over energy.
Act now, and get started tonight when he goes back.
"Forget it, maybe the day after tomorrow. I probably can't find time tonight and tomorrow. Heh heh..."
But he noticed the booth girls around him were all looking at him with teasing smiles, and he immediately changed his mind. What scientific research could be more important than clapping for love?
What new elements? Let's talk about it later. After eating, let's go home and have a party, for everyone to exercise and digest together.
................
As for Su Ming, he saw Steve absentmindedly poking at a piece of lotus root, unable to take a bite for ages, while Baki and the two beauties were eating speechlessly.
He certainly knew what Steve was thinking. He also knew that Steve's life-changing moment was actually at this venue.
Fireworks still blossomed in the distant sky, yet the hustle and bustle around couldn't sway Steve's determination. His firm beliefs would not waver.
"Steve?"
"Uh, Mr. Wilson." Steve wiped his mouth, showing a sheepish smile. Invited to eat, he spaced out, which was truly inappropriate.
Su Ming shook his head, showing he didn't mind. He had barely eaten, as newfangled foods felt overly familiar to him. Soon, there were various kinds of sausages to showcase.
"Do you ever feel less of a man, unable to provide the happiness girls want?"
Su Ming gestured towards the two girls engrossed with Baki. In their eyes, Steve seemed less than a man, almost nonexistent.
Steve sighed, nodding silently. It might sound harsh, but such was reality.
Su Ming, as if fully understanding, nodded, a gleam from the stage lights flashing across his single eye as he promptly inquired further.
"Have you considered... writing some romance novels?"
Steve was immediately bewildered. Was he being suggested to become a female romance writer? While knights and princesses were outdated, cowboy love stories were popular lately.
Su Ming, not waiting for him to react, continued, "You have talent and perseverance. Soon you will gain fame at light speed, with a plethora of works to your name. Then you'll realize that a man's romance isn't just the roar of engines and the cheers of the racetrack, but rather a heart shining like a gilded spear, clear as glass. By then, you can casually look up at a 45-degree angle, feigning tears streaming down, sweetly melancholy. That will be your tiny era."
Steve touched his leg, though he was only five feet tall, his numerous works were too exaggerated.
"Sorry, sir, I never thought of becoming a writer." Steve laughed shyly, understanding well that this was all for his benefit.
"It's nothing, just a joke." Su Ming meant only to tease a bit.
"Mr. Wilson, I know you are encouraging me to stay true to myself, and I will." With a firm gaze at Su Ming, he expressed his resolve, taking these words as encouragement, thus boosting his confidence even more.
Su Ming laughed, patting Steve's shoulder. He and Baki had misunderstood each other's intentions far from one day or two. Their essence of Guang Weizheng was ingrained deeply, making every word heard transformed automatically into light.
"Alright then, I'll point you in the right direction. But since childhood, you've known not to accept others' gifts without cause. Back then, you all traded labor for food, which makes this tricky..."
"You have a way for me to enlist?"
"Just promise to endorse my company's products after you successfully enlist. I have ways to get you to the battlefield."
"Me? Endorse?"
Steve awkwardly touched his chest and face. Was this for a patient endorsement? Does Wilson Enterprises have a pharmaceutical division?
But since Mr. Wilson had a way for him to get to the battlefield, it was right for him to do some insignificant work in return. It was surely him considering his feelings.
"Alright, I agree."
"Gin, endorsement contract."
As if long prepared, Gin conjured up several contracts like magic.
They stated all images of Steve Rogers would be granted free lifetime usage rights to Wilson Enterprises, with interpretation rights reserved to the company.
The contract seemed odd, as Steve knew he might not live long and was entirely penniless.
"Surely Mr. Wilson designed this lifetime contract to ease my mind? He's really a good person, even taking care of my pride..."
Steve nodded emotionally, taking the pen offered by Gin, signing his name.
It was a done deal.
Holding back laughter, Su Ming put an arm around Steve's thin shoulder, pointing into the distance.
"Over there, there's a recruitment center. Just walk in leisurely, be yourself, and you will easily enlist."
Steve turned to look but, due to his height, could barely see the roof's tip. He hesitated, knowing he had come unprepared, with his fake identity undecided.
"Rest assured, enter boldly; I've arranged everything perfectly." Su Ming gave a thumbs-up, his sparkling teeth leaving Steve speechless.
However, he didn't doubt Su Ming—a truth unwavering over the decade. He got up, whispered a few words into Baki's ear, who, upon considering Su Ming, understood and nodded.
Steve turned to leave; Baki turned back to watch him, feeling as if his friend's back had broadened.
But in a moment, that figure was swallowed by the crowd, never to be seen again.
Baki sighed. Truly, he didn't want to see Steve go to war, but enlisting was Steve's life-long wish. He knew his friend wouldn't let it go, so he could only wish him luck.
If so, hopefully, they would be assigned to the same unit in the future. Baki resolved to continue the friendship their fathers shared, living and dying together.
Su Ming told Gin to put away the contract, knowing his company's future revenues hinged on these papers. Once Captain America became a household icon, products emblazoned with his image and photos would likely sell like crazy...