Obadiah played a very important role in Tony Stark's life.
Especially after Tony's father passed away.
Not to mention, he also helped Tony take control of the entire company.
At that time, Tony was just in his early twenties—extremely wealthy, brilliant, but also arrogant and self-centered.
No one knew how much trouble or emotional debt he caused in the outside world.
All of that was quietly handled by Obadiah, like someone cleaning up after him.
It wasn't until Pepper came along that Obadiah gradually stepped back from Tony's personal life.
Even though he did this to ensure Tony, the "old hen," could focus on producing golden eggs without distraction, from Tony's perspective, he certainly harbored deep feelings for Obadiah.
He was a partner, a friend, a mentor—even a father figure.
In fact, Tony immediately knew something had gone wrong when he returned—terrorists had seized a large quantity of his company's weapons.
Very few people could manage to do both things at once.
Tony Stark wasn't stupid, but when it came to human emotions, he could be surprisingly slow to catch on.
Even a genius can act half-stupid when emotions are involved. He didn't want to think about it and was a little afraid to take matters into his own hands.
Before Qin Xiao could finish speaking, Tony fully understood.
For years, Stark Industries had become the world's largest arms supplier.
Tony Stark's numerous inventions and designs had effectively monopolized the weapons market.
In other words, Tony had paved the way for future weapons design.
The scientists who followed in Stark Industries' footsteps would simply continue along his path.
From Obadiah's perspective, Tony Stark had gone from being a "golden-egg-laying hen" to a stumbling block—an obstacle preventing him from fully controlling Stark Industries.
Of course, Qin Xiao didn't need to explain any of this. Once he confirmed it was Obadiah's doing, Tony would understand on his own.
"Ah!~~"
Tony tilted his head, chugged a whole beer, and exhaled heavily.
"So now, you're watching him closely, right?"
"I don't know. I'm just a temp, Tony. People think I'm a super soldier, but considering the way I do things, maybe I am. Depends on what you mean!"
"Tony, you've seen the weapons those people have. That's what we're facing. We don't know how many more we haven't seen—terrorists? Drug lords?"
Seeing Tony hesitate, Qin Xiao spoke beside him.
"I know, I know. Even if I stop producing weapons, he still has the means and resources inside the company to secretly manufacture and sell them."
Tony frowned, running his hands through his hair.
"Give me some time. I'll get him out of the company and let him enjoy his retirement."
Yet Tony still felt conflicted.
Perhaps it was destiny—the Iron Overlord was fated to rise, and the name Iron Man was meant to exist.
The difference now was that Qin Xiao could join in.
"Alright! I'll tell them not to act on their own!"
Qin Xiao agreed simply.
He now possessed 30% of the Hulk's strength. In the later Marvel Cinematic Universe, he might lack sufficient combat power.
But for now, 30% of the Hulk's strength was just a bug.
The Iron Tyrant was only a thicker paper shell—it was a little harder to tear open.
"Tony, I understand how you feel. It's okay. There's no one else here. If you want to cry, go ahead. Come on, lean on my broad shoulders—I'll help you bear it! Beibei!"
"Get out! J.A.R.V.I.S., call the Los Angeles Police Department! Tell them a psycho broke into my house!"
Qin Xiao didn't know what S.H.I.E.L.D.'s decision regarding Obadiah would be.
He could only call Black Widow.
"Do you have a problem with me? I'm just a trainee agent?"
This time, it was completely quiet around Black Widow—no gunfire.
"There is indeed something… something big, but I don't want to do it anymore. I originally wanted to join the biggest intelligence agency, become a mysterious agent, and save the world in my spare time. All my companions were beautiful women!"
"Who would've thought I'd become a trainee agent and still fail to save the world? Even the beautiful agents around me are gone. Sigh… do you know what it feels like to miss someone every night and not sleep?"
Qin Xiao's teasing made Black Widow laugh out loud.
"If you really miss me that much, then once I finish this mission, I'll come see you in Los Angeles!"
Usually, she was busy every day, and their conversations were strictly business.
Perhaps Qin Xiao's few lighthearted words brought a different, warmer atmosphere to Black Widow.
"You're lying! That's just a puppy!"
Qin Xiao's childlike words felt genuinely honest to Black Widow.
Her smile grew even brighter.
"Alright, I lied. It's just a puppy!"
"Hmm, I have something to tell you about Obadiah."
Qin Xiao repeated Tony's meaning.
Hearing this, Black Widow hung up and asked Qin Xiao:
S.H.I.E.L.D. could respect Tony Stark's wishes, but its agents would monitor him closely.
If they noticed any small private maneuvers, S.H.I.E.L.D. would act immediately.
This could be considered an explanation to Tony. If Obadiah sought death voluntarily, Tony could do nothing.
"By the way, you said you were on a mission just now. What mission? Dangerous? Do you need my help?"
After the serious business was discussed, Qin Xiao changed the subject.
"That's classified. You don't have the clearance, trainee agent!"
Black Widow teased him.
As she spoke, he sensed the genuine concern behind her words and added:
"Don't worry, this mission is safe. There's no danger at all!"
"Damn it, I swear, next time we meet, I'm going to smash Nick Fury's head in!"
Qin Xiao said fiercely—he was fed up with being called a trainee agent.
"You idiot, haha! The nickname fits you perfectly. Nick knows you'll drive him crazy!"
"Alright, I won't say more. I'm off to work. Wait for me in Los Angeles, trainee agent!"
Even Black Widow playfully teased Qin Xiao this time.
After hanging up, she stared at her phone in bewilderment.
Qin Xiao was different from others. His way of speaking and caring for others felt like that of an ordinary young man.
This was exactly what Black Widow lacked and longed for—it was touching.
"I won't really fall in love with this boy!"
Black Widow muttered, immediately abandoning the thought.
She smiled wryly, thinking she'd probably never experience such ordinary happiness in her life.
Qin Xiao tossed the phone onto the sofa and gazed at the night skyline outside.
Suddenly, a golden square portal appeared behind him.
A woman in black combat armor with "TVA" printed on it stepped out.
But as she entered Qin Xiao's apartment, a hand appeared on the portal.
He immediately pulled the woman back.
The golden portal vanished instantly.
Qin Xiao felt a strange sensation and spun around sharply.
Nothing.
"Something feels off… maybe it's because I haven't slept well the past few days."
He scratched his head and gave a wry smile.
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