With his strength further enhanced, Su Yi gained a few more points of confidence.
"Even now, without a single Superhero or super Villain standing out in the open, I'm already almost invincible."
"This feeling is truly wonderful."
After tallying his gains, Su Yi immediately prepared dinner.
Natasha's sudden appearance had delayed him quite a bit.
In a blink of an eye, it was the night of the charity gala. Su Yi, dressed in his newly bought formal wear, drove to pick up Pepper.
Pepper, also wearing a long purple dress, waited for Su Yi by the roadside, looking exceptionally beautiful.
"It's a shame not to give her a cupping massage on that back."
Su Yi pulled over to the side of the road, "Hi, beautiful, need a ride?"
Pepper finally smiled when she saw Su Yi, "I think I do. Can you take me to the hotel?"
"Of course, please get in."
Pepper sat in the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt.
"Pepper, I can hardly believe it. You usually wear formal wear and already look very beautiful. I didn't expect you to look even more beautiful now in a gown."
Pepper was still a bit shy from Su Yi's compliment, "Really? I've never worn clothes like this before. I was worried earlier that the back might be too open."
"I think it's absolutely gorgeous, and I believe you'll attract everyone's attention. If you were my girlfriend, I would definitely try everything to stop other men from looking at you."
Pepper was gradually falling for him, unsure how to handle Su Yi's advances, so she changed the subject.
"Su, I think you should get going."
"No problem."
Su Yi drove Pepper to the outside of the hotel.
The venue had been booked, and many people were invited.
The charity gala, though ostensibly for charity, was actually a place for these socialites to socialize and conduct business.
Pepper, assisted by Su Yi, got out of the car and entered the hotel, arm in arm with Su Yi.
By this time, the charity gala was already quite lively, and Su Yi also saw Obadiah.
Obadiah looked much like he did in the movie, very cunning and capable.
Obadiah was talking to other people when he suddenly noticed Su Yi and Pepper.
Pepper was Tony's assistant, and Su Yi, with his East Asian face, was someone Obadiah had never seen before.
As Su Yi and Pepper approached the bar to order two drinks, Obadiah appeared.
"Pepper."
"Sir, is there something you need?"
"Tony won't be coming tonight?"
"I'm not sure. When I left, he was still busy in his underground workshop and told me not to disturb him. Normally, he shouldn't be showing up."
"Alright then, and who is this?"
Pepper immediately introduced, "This is Su Yi, Mr. Su."
"Mr. Su bought quite a few shares when the company's stock plummeted, and now he owns 14% of the shares."
Su Yi, neither humble nor arrogant, extended his right hand, "Hello, Mr. Obadiah, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've always wanted to find an opportunity to invest in Stark Industries, but the stock price was too high."
"This time, I finally seized the opportunity. I believe Stark Industries will surely rise again, right?"
Obadiah was also extremely confident, "Of course, you believe in our Stark Industries, and we will work hard to repay that. However, Tony announced the closure of the weapons division, so it will take some time to rise again."
"I know. I trust Tony. He's a genius and will definitely find a way to solve the problems."
Obadiah was very displeased but could do nothing about Su Yi.
Su Yi now held 14% of the shares and was no longer a small shareholder.
Obadiah looked at the intimate relationship between Su Yi and Pepper and even suspected that Su Yi was being supported by Tony.
Originally, he could influence the Board of Directors and eventually dismiss Tony as CEO.
But now, Su Yi's appearance introduced an uncontrollable factor into his plan.
If Su Yi sided with Tony, his plan to oust Tony might be very difficult to achieve.
"Yes, we will solve the problems."
After a brief chat, Obadiah turned and left, his face very grim.
Now, normal methods could no longer solve the problem; he had to resort to some unconventional means.
"Tony, let you die by your own design."
"This company, all my hard work has been poured into it. It's my company!"
...After Obadiah left, Su Yi also relaxed, "Pepper, let's go dance in the ballroom."
Pepper hesitated slightly, then agreed, "Okay."
The two went to the center of the dance floor, naturally becoming dance partners, swaying slowly and chatting.
"Pepper, are you Tony's woman?"
Pepper was surprised for a moment and immediately denied it, "No, I'm just his assistant."
"Tony is a playboy; how could he miss out on a beauty like you?"
"I don't know. The beauties around him are clearly prettier than me. Maybe I'm not his type, and he's not my type either."
"He's not your type?"
"Yeah, he's my boss. I don't want people to think I got ahead by underhanded means."
"Besides, in my opinion, Tony is completely immature. He's a genius with a tragic past. He has many quirks and can't take good care of himself."
"These years, I've taken care of him like a younger brother, or rather, I'm just his nanny."
Su Yi defended Tony, "Perhaps it gives people that impression, but I believe he has already started to change himself. He will mature and begin to take on his responsibilities."
"Perhaps."
Su Yi decided to strike while the iron was hot and continue to deepen their relationship.
"Then what about me, am I your type?"
Pepper panicked for a moment, her dance steps faltered, and she stepped on Su Yi.
Pepper immediately realized the problem, stopped, "I'm sorry, I, I need to calm down. I'm going to the balcony for some fresh air."
"It's okay."
Pepper went to the balcony with Su Yi first, still finding it a bit difficult to face Su Yi.
Su Yi didn't press further, "Would you like something to drink? I'll get it for you."
"Vodka Martini, no Water, extra olives."
"Just a moment."
As Su Yi left, Pepper couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart looking at Su Yi's face.
"Oh, God, this is really too awkward. He's several years younger than me."
"Pepper, why are you blushing? Are you really falling for him?"
"But, Su is very handsome, and also mature and steady, completely different from Tony."
Pepper let the wind blow across her face, finally calming down a bit.
Su Yi returned with two drinks, "Pepper, here's your drink."
"Thank you."
Pepper drank it all in one go, taking a breath and mustering her courage, "Su, there's something I want to tell you."
"Go ahead, I'm happy to listen."
"Su, you are excellent, and you attract me very much. However, you are younger than me, and I find that a bit hard to accept."
Su Yi actively put his arm around Pepper, bringing them a little closer.
"That's not a problem. I like you."
Pepper froze, staring intently at Su Yi.
Their eyes met, the atmosphere gradually warmed, and a unique affection arose.
Su Yi lowered his head and kissed Pepper.
Just then, an untimely voice came, "Oh, God!"
"Su, you're actually poaching my talent?"