Ding! You have obtained a special soulmate.
Ding! You have obtained Tarot Martial Arts.
Even without Qigong, Tarot Martial Arts were top-tier.
Inheriting ancient Eastern combat techniques, it included elements of modern Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and military fighting.
What surprised Steve most was that it even included Qinggong! Flying over rooftops and scaling walls became effortless.
With internal force driving him forward, he could glide continuously. It was exhilarating.
Rhode quickly rushed over and placed the trophy he had given out earlier onto the gambling table. "This is for you."
Knowing Tony wouldn't borrow someone else's things, he just let him take it himself.
Tony glanced at the trophy. He already had hundreds at home, all used as wine racks. What use was another?
He gestured toward the restaurant. "Over there. I'll leave it to you. I've got to go first."
Steve and Pepper walked toward the restaurant.
Their plan: a movie, a midnight snack, and maybe, if the night went perfectly, staying at Pepper's apartment.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
"Hello, Captain. I'm Rhode, a major in the Air Force and a Stark Industries contact." Rhode's voice trembled with excitement.
Steve was his idol, the hero many soldiers revered.
Steve nodded politely.
Fame, wealth, and power didn't interest him, but he understood the image had been crafted by the US Congress to squeeze every bit of value from his legacy.
He didn't mind—it benefited him in the end.
"Hello, I hear Tony mentions you often. You're his good friend. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Is there anything I can assist with?" Steve's words were courteous, though he was itching to get back to his date.
Rhode didn't hide his excitement.
"This is it, Captain. In three days, Tony and I will go to Afghanistan for an arms exhibition. I'd like to invite you to come with us. What do you think?"
"Middle East? An arms exhibition?" Steve's eyes gleamed. Is this the birth of Iron Man? Interesting.
"Count me in. I'll report to S.H.I.E.L.D. to retrieve my shield."
"No problem, Captain. It's an honor to work with you."
Rhode's excitement was palpable; he might even get a chance to witness the captain's strength firsthand.
Arriving at the hotel, Rhode noticed Tony being interviewed by a blonde female reporter.
She was average-looking but had a coquettish air.
"Mr. Stark, what do you think about New York Weekly and other outlets calling you a merchant of death?" she asked, holding her recorder toward him.
Tony barely reacted. Some envy, some jealousy—it's all normal. "Which university did you attend?"
"Brown University," she replied.
Tony smirked. "Ah, Miss Brown… I see your stick is longer than most."
The reporter's expression twitched. "That's… a bit crude, sir."
Tony's rare serious expression appeared as he leaned closer.
"My father helped defeat the Nazis and worked on the Manhattan Project. Many, including professors at your school, consider him a hero."
She raised an eyebrow. "But some say it's war profiteering."
Tony rolled his eyes.
"Tell me, are you planning to write about how military technology extended millions of lives, advanced medicine, and improved agriculture?
All that stems from the military! Remember the people who dug the well when you drink the water, honey."
The reporter was speechless, secretly questioning Tony's conscience.
Meanwhile, Steve and Rhode walked away, Steve still holding Pepper's waist.
"How about a bet? Tony will definitely take that reporter back to his villa tonight."
Rhode frowned. "They didn't have a pleasant conversation? What's the bet?"
"One hundred dollars!" Steve replied confidently.
"Good!" Rhode reluctantly handed over the money. "I should've guessed a long time ago."
Steve pulled Pepper into his car—it had Hill's S.H.I.E.L.D. license plate.
Tony drove off with the reporter, while Steve and Pepper headed back to her apartment.
Rhode stood in front of the casino, flustered and disheveled.
Bullying singles, right? Damn it! Two bastards!
Tony returned to his beach house; Steve took Pepper home, their future bright.
Rhode returned to work, preparing reports for S.H.I.E.L.D., including configuring Steve's weapons and gear.
Fury quickly received the update and glanced at Hill. "Seems like the Captain spent the night with Tony's secretary."
Hill's expression remained calm. "I know. I just need a break."
The advantage of soulmates: jealousy didn't exist.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have to limp to work holding the wall the next day—her husband was just too strong.
...
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