2008 – Tony's Return and Roy's Support
After weeks of tension in the business world, news broke that Tony Stark's life in Afghanistan was uncertain. Shareholders panicked, stock prices plummeted, and several directors started selling their shares.
Roy, of course, knew the truth: Tony was alive and already on the path to becoming Iron Man.
While respecting the natural timeline, Roy acted behind the scenes:
Roy bought an additional 5% of Stark Industries shares, increasing his stake to 30%, giving him a controlling influence over shareholder panic. Pepper Potts, with Roy's discreet guidance, regained control over the board and calmed nervous investors.
For three months, the world held its breath. Then came the news: Tony Stark was alive, returning to New York.
Roy, seeing Tony back on television, smiled calmly. He didn't intervene in the timeline directly; he simply observed.
Roy Meets Tony for Lunch
Tony arrived in New York and eventually made his way to Roy's villa in Malibu. Roy greeted him warmly:
"Welcome back, Tony. Glad to see you in one piece. Come, let's have lunch."
Roy prepared a special meal: a fusion of Teyvat delicacies and classic Chinese dishes, perfectly balanced and delicious.
Tony, tasting the dishes, immediately remembered the first time he had experienced Roy's cooking:
"Roy… this is… seriously good. How do you do it every time?"
Roy shrugged with a smile:
"Just practice… and a little magic. Eat first; talk later."
They ate, laughed, and relaxed—Tony hadn't had a truly calm meal in years.
Business Discussion
After lunch, Tony broached the topic of Stark Industries' weapons division:
"I shut it down. What do you think, Roy? Was I too rash?"
Roy leaned back, picking up a piece of stir-fried vegetable with chopsticks:
"You've got the skill, the brains, and the heart to make a comeback, Tony. Closing the weapons division? That's bold, but I have confidence in you. The right products, the right vision—you'll turn Stark Industries into a force for good. I trust you."
Tony's eyes softened.
"You… you actually trust me. That means a lot, Roy. More than you know."
They exchanged a brief nod of respect. No words were needed; the bond of trust between them was clear.
Tony then left Roy's villa to return to his own mansion, motivated, confident, and ready to take the next step toward becoming Iron Man.
Roy watched him go, thinking quietly:
"He'll make the world better. Just… make sure to survive the next few years, Tony. I'll be watching."