In the original storyline, Stark's surgery went very smoothly and successfully, without any complications.
But what about now?
The lead surgeon was replaced by the stronger and more skilled Doctor Strange; there was a guaranteed supply of medicine provided by Shi Xiaolei; Dr. Helen Cho, who participated in the surgery, held a ridiculously effective cell regeneration technology that would eventually evolve into the 'Cradle of Life'; and there was vital sign monitoring provided by Jarvis, whose meticulousness far surpassed that of humans... It's no exaggeration to say that it would be difficult for the surgery to fail.
Stark was wheeled into the operating room around nine in the morning, and by around noon, the surgery was successfully completed.
Controlled by Jarvis, with nurses attending by his side, Stark, bed and all, was soon moved to a pre-prepared observation room.
Pepper, who had already changed into sterile clothing, eagerly approached the bedside.
Holding Stark's hand, her gaze fixed on his still unconscious face, where the anesthetic hadn't worn off, she confirmed his breathing was steady before finally sighing in relief.
"Doctor Strange, the results of the surgery..."
"Everything went smoothly." Doctor Strange's face lit up with a proud expression, and he casually pulled a small glass vial from his pocket. "Here, all the shrapnel that was removed is in here. You can keep it for him, as a souvenir."
It wasn't that she didn't believe Doctor Strange, but she was simply too concerned and couldn't help but want to confirm it several times. Taking the small glass vial, Pepper turned her gaze to Wu Chang Geng, Helen Cho, and the others.
"Doctor Strange's skill is excellent." As the first assistant, Wu Chang Geng had the most authority to speak after Doctor Strange.
Meeting Pepper's gaze, he first offered a smile, then gave Doctor Strange a thumbs-up. "For Doctor Strange to possess such formidable surgical skill at his age... he's much stronger than I was in my youth. To be honest, I'm very surprised and impressed."
"Of course, when it comes to surgical prowess, I'm the best in America."
Like Tony Stark before his accident, Doctor Strange, who hadn't yet experienced a major life setback, also had a cocky and flamboyant personality.
Having learned how to deal with narcissists from Stark, Pepper responded perfectly. With a grateful smile, she spoke to Doctor Strange in a warm yet polite tone, "Thank you, Doctor Strange. Stark and I both agree that choosing you was the right decision."
"You get what you pay for. Since you've paid a large sum, I naturally have to deliver the best results and ensure your satisfaction."
"Thank you."
Not only did she express her gratitude verbally, but Pepper also prepared plenty of substantial thank-you gifts.
Of course, those were minor details and won't be elaborated on here.
In short, after confirming that Stark had successfully overcome this ordeal, Pepper finally let go of her anxiety.
During these few days of observation, she thanked and entertained the doctors; she was more attentive than the nurses, personally caring for Stark, who had just undergone surgery; and she remotely managed company affairs, ensuring Stark Industries operated smoothly... Even with several tasks piled up, it didn't faze Pepper, who had transformed from a helpless woman into a strong businesswoman once again.
As it turned out, Pepper's efforts were truly effective.
In just two or three days, Stark had already passed the post-operative weakness period. Although his movements were still somewhat restricted due to the large wound on his chest not being completely healed, preventing him from walking freely as usual or flying around the world in his armor, his mental state had already returned to its usual level.
Just now, while Pepper was in the restroom, Stark, sitting in his electric wheelchair, secretly made his way to the coffee machine, and while ordering Jarvis to keep it a secret, he brewed himself a cup of coffee.
"Slurp, ah~~." Taking a small sip, Stark unconsciously revealed a look of intoxication. "This is the taste, I missed it so much~."
He drank one sip and wanted a second, accidentally forgetting his earlier reminder to himself entirely.
"Tony~~!"
"Uh." Hearing Pepper's exasperated scolding, Stark finally reacted.
He sheepishly turned his head, looking at Pepper standing at the doorway with her hands on her hips. Stark's mouth twitched awkwardly, forcing out an incredibly stiff smile. "Pepper, I..."
"Put the cup down first."
"Oh." Reluctantly putting the cup on the table, Stark rubbed his nose dejectedly. "I only had one sip, really, just a tiny sip, at most a few milliliters."
"Not even a few milliliters." Picking up the cup from the table, Pepper unhesitatingly threw it into the trash can. With a deep frown, she began to lecture Stark like a mother. "Don't you know your own physical condition? I told you, no stimulating drinks or food. This cup of yours contains at least 100 milligrams of caffeine..."
"...That was my favorite cup." He muttered, then, seeing Pepper's eyebrows shoot up, Stark quickly shut his mouth and raised his hands. "Alright, alright, I promise, there won't be a next time."
"..." Staring at Stark for a few seconds, Pepper suddenly looked up. "Jarvis, are you there?"
"I am here, Miss Pepper. How may I assist you?"
"Why didn't you stop him just now, and why didn't you remind me?"
"Because sir gave me an order."
"Hey, Jarvis, are you selling me out?"
"For the sake of your health, I believe it is necessary to be truthful with Miss Pepper." Although his tone was devoid of emotion, Jarvis's words somehow sounded a bit playful.
"Very good." Pepper nodded, then turned her gaze back to Stark's face. "Tony, now I want you to give Jarvis an instruction. As for the content, I shouldn't have to teach you, right?"
"I protest~! I demand the right to privacy~!"
"Protest denied, overruled." Pepper was unyielding, staring at Stark with her arms crossed. "Hurry up, don't dawdle."
What else could he do? Stark was forced to give Jarvis an instruction, asking him to help Pepper monitor his actions.
He knew it was for his own good, but to be honest, completely losing his autonomy still made Stark feel a bit stifled.
Like a pouting child, Stark deliberately closed his mouth, intending to show Pepper his displeasure by remaining silent and unresponsive.
Looking at Stark like this, Pepper was both annoyed and amused.
Just as she was about to nag him a bit more, Jarvis suddenly gave a reminder: "Sir, Miss Pepper, I apologize for interrupting your conversation. Mr. Locke has arrived and is knocking downstairs."
"Locke? I understand." Responding on Stark's behalf, Pepper instructed, "Jarvis, let him come up here directly."
"Alright."
Soon after, Shi Xiaolei, guided by Jarvis, appeared at the door of the room.
"Tony, how are you feeling? Any better than yesterday?" Placing the small flower basket he had ordered on the table, Shi Xiaolei asked Stark while nodding to Pepper. "Hello, Pepper."
"Buddy, you came at just the right time..."