"Well then, let's continue the research in this new direction." Henry clapped his hands, deciding with an easy tone.
"I believe it won't be long before we can turn this fish tank into a true Cradle of Life."
"I agree," Tony also nodded. He looked at the cell model, his eyes sparkling with excitement. This technology was a good thing; it could compensate for so much.
"Perhaps we can also solve human baldness while we're at it. I bet that would make much more money than inventing new weapons."
Henry and Helen Cho looked at Tony, somewhat speechless. You're going to use this to solve baldness? Are you sure that's not overkill?
Just then, the lab door silently slid open. A red-haired beauty in a black dress walked in—yes, it was Natasha. She walked gracefully in high heels, her demeanor a classical beauty that seemed out of place in the lab.
The moment Tony saw her, a smile instantly appeared on his face. "Oh, look who it is?" He leaned against the control console and raised an eyebrow at Natasha.
"Our beautiful and moving Miss Rushman. What's wrong, did you come to bring us afternoon tea? I have to say, your timing is perfect; we could use a little dessert to celebrate our recent achievement—a great breakthrough that could change the world."
Natasha's face maintained her perfect professional smile. She glanced at Helen Cho, who looked equally curious, and then turned her attention to Henry and Tony.
"Mr. Starks, Miss Potts asked me to inform you that it's nearly time for the press conference."
Henry and Tony exchanged glances, both seeing an indifferent attitude in the other's eyes.
"Alright," Henry shrugged, the first one to walk toward the door.
"Let's go. The sooner it's over, the sooner we can go home and party."
Tony followed, and as he passed Natasha, he leaned in and murmured, "Seriously, are you really not considering my offer? My personal assistant has a lot of hidden benefits."
Natasha merely smiled faintly, not responding, her eyes completely calm, as if Tony's charm did not affect her.
Just as Henry was about to leave the lab, a clear voice came from behind him.
"Mr. Stark." The voice belonged to Helen Cho.
Henry paused. He turned to look at the woman standing there, who seemed to be hesitating, and raised an eyebrow.
"What is it, Doctor? Do you have another technical problem you need me to solve? I should remind you that my consultation fee is calculated by the second, and it's not cheap."
Helen Cho took a deep breath, as if gathering immense courage.
"What are you doing tonight?" she asked, her voice quiet but clear.
"I mean, I know a very good restaurant."
Henry smiled when he heard that. He looked at the woman who was a formidable force in the academic world, but who now looked like a girl who had worked up the courage to ask out her crush. He found it amusing. What does this mean? She's asking me out?
Well, my charm is just too much to handle.
But my appearance fee is very expensive; one dinner won't buy me.
Want to ask me out for dinner? Henry remembered the last time a cover model did that.
But outwardly, he just leaned lazily against the doorframe, curiously sizing up Helen Cho. Even in her lab coat, her figure was shapely. It seems I'll have to cancel the celebration party with that fool Tony tonight. Compared to a tedious party, exploring the inner world of a genius female doctor seemed more interesting.
He smiled faintly and spoke in an easy tone.
"I'll pick you up at six o'clock."
Helen Cho's eyes brightened. The embarrassment on her face disappeared, replaced by a captivating smile. She gave Henry a playful shrug, then turned back and immersed herself in her experiment.
Henry also shrugged, then turned and walked out of the lab. Outside the door, Tony and Natasha were leaning against the corridor wall, waiting for him with expressions that said, We heard everything.
"Let me guess," Tony was the first to speak, his voice full of teasing.
"Did our great Superman capture the heart of another naive young woman with his damned charm? Seriously, Henry, you're a walking hormone machine; wherever you go, flowers bloom for you."
Henry spread his hands, looking innocent.
"I didn't do anything," he said.
"She came onto me herself. You know, excellent people naturally attract other excellent people. It's called the magnetic field effect—a scientific phenomenon that a mortal like you couldn't possibly understand."
"Magnetic field effect?" Tony rolled his eyes.
"I think that's called 'lust at first sight.' But seriously, why do girls always ask you out first? How do you do it? Did you secretly learn some magic? Like a spell that makes people fall madly in love with you after a few words?"
"No, it's simple," Henry looked at him with an expression that said, You're too stupid.
"You just need to act like a real man, instead of a walking ATM who only uses money and sports cars to attract women. You just need to say directly to them, 'Hey, beautiful, are you free tonight? Want to save the world from a boring evening together?' That's all. If you don't believe me, watch."
With that, Henry suddenly stopped, turned, and looked at Natasha, who was following them. He smiled faintly, confidently.
"Miss Natalie," he said, his voice quiet but magnetic.
"Will you go? I think tonight would be a very good night."
Tony's eyes widened. He looked at Henry in disbelief, feeling his jaw drop. This bastard is serious?!
Natasha was also momentarily stunned. Is Henry Stark crazy?! Is he actually using me as an experiment?!
Or does he really know something? Although her mind was racing with analysis, as a top-tier agent, her face maintained her impeccable professional smile.
She knew that any hint of panic at this moment would expose her. She looked at Henry, a subtle flicker of interest in her eyes.
"With pleasure, Mr. Stark," she answered calmly.
Henry turned, looked at the petrified Tony, and shrugged casually.
"See, it's that simple."
Tony stared at the two of them, feeling his worldview being repeatedly shattered and rebuilt in just a few seconds. In all his years, this was the first time he had witnessed something so outrageous. This is the new assistant! That damned Henry!
"Fuck!" He could only squeeze the word out through gritted teeth.
"You bastard, you're simply not human."
They continued walking toward the press conference venue on the first floor. Henry followed with a smile. He wasn't actually interested in Natasha, but teasing Tony was fun.
Natasha also followed with a smile. She was starting to think that this mission might not be as boring as she had imagined.