Su Yi and Tony entered the plant research lab and immediately saw Maya Hansen busy at work.
Maya Hansen, sharp and focused in her white lab coat, was meticulously observing the high-tech planting boxes. She was using a tablet to record minute changes in the environment of the experimental growth chambers.
Tony Stark proudly introduced the facility. "The high-tech planting boxes can precisely control the light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients inside. By planting in groups, we can observe which set of conditions is most suitable for the plant's rapid growth."
The Senzu Bean was incredibly precious, but this approach meant they didn't need to worry about complex external factors or whether it could survive in extreme environments. As long as they could successfully cultivate it in the lab under optimal, carefully nurtured conditions, the mission was accomplished.
Su Yi observed carefully and found that small, vibrant seedlings had already sprouted from the initial batch of seeds. He couldn't help but marvel at Maya Hansen's speed and efficiency. She was indeed a capable and focused mind.
Maya Hansen was completely focused until she finished observing one planting box, recorded the data, and was about to move to the next when she noticed Tony and Su Yi in the lab.
Maya Hansen seemed very happy and greeted Tony warmly, a genuine warmth that was undeniable. Seeing their intimate and easygoing demeanor, Su Yi knew without a doubt that they had successfully rekindled their old flame. This was, in many ways, a good thing for Tony.
With Pepper Potts having been 'intercepted' and positioned as his indispensable business partner, Tony now had someone equally brilliant and personally invested to look after his chaotic genius side. This way, Pepper could also focus solely on the massive responsibility of running Stark Industries.
Maya Hansen saw Su Yi and proactively extended her hand. "Hi, you must be Su. The one Tony often talks about, the one who doesn't use the revolving door."
"That's right, it's a pleasure to meet you, Maya Hansen."
"Me too."
The two shook hands formally, and Maya Hansen continued, her scientific curiosity already bubbling up. "I heard Tony say that these miraculous seeds—the ones that heal catastrophic injuries instantly—were brought by you."
Su Yi didn't hide anything. "I discovered them by accident. They might be ancient organisms, perhaps extraterrestrial plants, or simply a biological anomaly we haven't seen before. Their complexity rivals the most advanced nanotechnology."
Through this short period of research, Maya Hansen had developed a preliminary understanding of the Senzu Bean. There was a miraculous substance within the bean that could quickly trigger cellular regeneration.
If this substance could be successfully extracted and synthesized, it could be made into medicine to benefit the entire World. However, the content of the substance in the natural bean was extremely low.
Maya Hansen was already planning two simultaneous research tracks: attempting the artificial synthesis of the regenerative compound, and continuing the biological cultivation of the Senzu Bean itself.
"This plant is incredibly miraculous, Su Yi," Maya explained, her passion evident. "It possesses a magical, complex cellular structure that facilitates instantaneous healing. However, artificially synthesizing this substance might prove incredibly complex. The best approach now is to proceed with both artificial synthesis experiments while also ensuring we can cultivate the plant for a sustainable supply of raw material."
Su Yi nodded, thoroughly impressed. He knew he had found the right person for this critical task. The lab had only been established for a short time, yet Maya Hansen had already made so many essential discoveries and started the cultivation process. Her capability was undeniable.
"I believe in your abilities, Maya. We still have plenty of time to research slowly. Once successful, this technology will definitely save countless people and change the landscape of human medicine forever."
Maya Hansen, who possessed grand humanitarian ideals, was motivated by this vision. She found the Senzu Bean to be a far more reliable and noble goal than dangerous projects like Extremis; at least, it wouldn't cause people to self-detonate in a blaze of fire.
"Of course, Su Yi. I won't rest until we achieve a sustainable yield."
Tony casually stepped beside them, picking up a stray leaf. "How is the Senzu Bean growing now?"
"I just planted the most vigorous germinated seeds, and I'm observing them for optimal growth parameters now. We should have a stable cultivation model within the week," Maya replied, ever the professional.
Su Yi, fully trusting Maya Hansen's ability and security measures, pulled another small, environmentally sealed bottle from the inner pocket of his jacket. This bottle contained the delicate, seemingly unassuming seeds of the Blood Orchid.
"I have another plant that I'd like to ask for your help in cultivating," Su Yi said, handing the bottle over.
Maya Hansen took the bottle and examined the tiny seeds.
Su Yi explained, "These are Blood Orchid seeds. I hope you can use the controlled environment here to cultivate them and harvest more seeds. Do not begin research on them yet. Simply focus on successful cultivation and collecting the sap produced when it blooms."
Maya Hansen was a little surprised. "A flower? What's its function?"
"This flower also has miraculous effects, but right now, our focus is only on cultivation and resource gathering, not conducting research," Tony Stark interjected, reinforcing Su Yi's instruction. He still trusted Maya completely.
After they reconciled, their relationship had only deepened, built on mutual respect and shared scientific ambition. She could sense they were hiding something significant about the flower but chose not to dwell on it, prioritizing the Senzu Bean.
"No problem," Maya agreed. "Judging by the structure, this Blood Orchid should grow best in a tropical rainforest environment. I can certainly mimic that environment in one of the isolation chambers."
"I knew you could," Su Yi replied.
After handing the Blood Orchid seeds to Maya Hansen, Su Yi felt a measure of relief. He had successfully outsourced two of the most critical resource cultivation projects to the best and most secure lab in the world. No one here knew the true effects of the Blood Orchid—its capacity to dramatically extend life and enhance physical strength—and it was impossible for anyone to take the seeds out.
With the official business concluded, Su Yi, Tony, Maya Hansen, and Dr. Helen Cho (who had rejoined them) went to the nearby communal area for coffee.
Tony casually brought up the major incident from the previous night. "I heard quite the show went down in Times Square last night. Someone mutated and gained the ability to absorb and release electrical energy. Seriously, is mutation that common these days? It's like the city's a petri dish."
Su Yi took a sip of his coffee. "You can try it yourself, Tony. I heard the mutation was caused by a violent, unmedicated shock from a mutated electric eel."
Tony immediately recoiled, dismissing the idea with a theatrical shudder. "Pass. I'm a playboy with a wonderful life ahead of me, thank you. I'd be bored out of my mind to risk being attacked by an electric eel just to gain a power I can already simulate. Besides, I have my Iron Man Armor. Once I nail the nano-armor, the World will be my oyster!"
He paused, then began tapping his fingers on the table. "However, the incident gives me an idea. My armor doesn't seem to have strong anti-electrical properties yet. I need to figure out a way to upgrade it and enhance its anti-electric capabilities. If I could absorb the opponent's electrical energy and convert it into my own power source, that would be a perfect defense and a great power-up."
Su Yi briefly choked on his coffee. "Huh?"
Poor Thor, Su Yi thought, suppressing a laugh. Tony clearly intended to target Electro, but he didn't realize he was essentially turning the God of Thunder into a high-powered, walking battery pack. Su Yi himself had such an ability, but Tony was talking about building a technological counterpart.
"Do you think my idea has a problem, Su Yi?" Tony challenged.
"No, it's a great idea!" Su Yi quickly recovered, his eyes twinkling. "A self-regulating energy dampener and absorption system would be revolutionary. You should focus your engineers on that immediately."
Throughout this exchange, Zhao Hailun (Helen Cho) stared intently at Su Yi, constantly pondering one core question: Su Yi's true identity. After this period of close interaction and communication, Zhao Hailun, a renowned bio-engineer, vaguely felt that Su Yi's presence and knowledge base were far too advanced for a mere tech investor. He was a major shareholder of Stark Industries and Tony Stark's close, indispensable friend, but his intelligence and secretive nature were too profound.
After some careful observation, piecing together the Iron Celestial's power signature with Su Yi's sudden and timely appearances, Zhao Hailun came to a bold conclusion: Su Yi, like Tony Stark, was a Superhero.
The difference was that Tony was aggressively high-profile, while Su Yi was fiercely low-key, much like the quiet efficiency of the new Golden Guardian who had appeared and disappeared without a trace.
As the group finished their coffee and casual chat, Zhao Hailun managed to stop Su Yi before he left.
"Su, can we talk alone? Just for a minute."
"Of course, Hailun."
As they stood slightly apart from the others, Zhao Hailun suddenly leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a serious, conspiratorial whisper.
"Last night, in Times Square, you arrived in that incredible golden armor, didn't you? You were the Iron Celestial."
Zhao Hailun was absolutely certain of her guess. Her high intelligence and analytical mind weren't just for show; they allowed her to see patterns others missed.
Su Yi met her gaze, his expression unreadable. After a moment's consideration, he saw no point in lying to someone who was both a genius and a potential long-term ally.
"It was me, Helen. I had to intervene before the situation became lethal."
Zhao Hailun was both excited and nervous, her hands clutching the mug. "It really was you! The energy signature was incredible. Your armor absorbed the massive electrical output with zero visible recoil. It's far beyond anything Tony has developed. We need to study your anti-conductive polymers—or whatever you used."
"That armor is not of this world, Helen. And neither is its technology. It must remain secret." Su Yi immediately countered the intellectual demand.
Helen nodded, accepting the boundary. But then, she moved to her second, more personal question.
"I also saw the footage of Ghost-Spider webbing the unconscious Spider-Man out of the danger zone. And I know you and Gwen Stacy are… close. Is that true? Are you and the Ghost-Spider a couple?"
Su Yi found himself in a new dilemma. Helen had just confirmed two identities—his own and Gwen's—in one breath. If he admitted the second, he elevated the level of trust and danger exponentially. The secret of his and Gwen's relationship was the linchpin of his carefully constructed life.