Chapter Seventy-Two: On the Right Track

A suit for a ten-year-old child...something that wouldn't hinder movement, and would provide some combat support? Hearing this request, Ivan was utterly confused. Was this meant to be a toy for some kid? Yet this toy seemed a bit too ferocious.

Noticing the doubt in Ivan's expression, Zhong Shenxiu gently curled his lips and said, "In a couple of days, I'll bring him here. Make the suit according to his size, and see if he has any additional requirements before you start."

Ivan nodded, taking this as agreement. But as he glanced around the room once more, he suddenly realized another issue:

Missing raw materials!

This base was so small, it seemed to have almost no materials. Even the cleverest craftsman can't cook without rice; if Ivan wasn't supplied with all kinds of materials, he wouldn't be able to make anything.

Besides materials, there were also various tools. Some tools might look inconspicuous, but they were absolutely indispensable.

"So...what about materials? And as for tools, I’ll need a welding gun, a grinding wheel, a chip debugging station..." Ivan rattled off a list of items that came to mind; the rest he’d need to consider slowly. Yet it was clear, this would not be a small expense.

Zhong Shenxiu fell into thought at Ivan's words. The issue of materials and tools indeed needed to be resolved.

After a moment, he pointed to a large truck parked not far away and said to Ivan, "Take that apart. There should also be some other materials stored in the house. Check what’s missing, and I’ll procure everything you need and send it over."

Take...that thing apart?

Ivan stared at the massive, jet-black beast of a truck, dazed. It wasn’t that dismantling it would be difficult; rather, it was such a huge vehicle, beautifully designed and wild in its aesthetic, and being asked to take it apart made him feel a pang of reluctance.

Zhong Shenxiu noticed the hesitation in Ivan’s gaze and guessed what he was thinking. He continued, "That truck can't be driven outside. Its best fate is to be dismantled."

"And...I need to discuss your compensation."

Compensation?

At those words, Ivan snapped back to attention. He'd assumed he’d be working for free, but now it seemed there was money involved? That sparked a bit of anticipation.

Seeing Ivan’s reaction, Zhong Shenxiu nodded with satisfaction. What followed was the most common ‘painting the big picture’ session found in any company or team.

"You’ve already been to the hospital, right?" Zhong Shenxiu cut straight to the heart of the matter, asking the most sensitive question.

"I have. The doctor said my father’s illness hasn’t been completely cured, and there’s still a risk of it worsening," Ivan Vanko replied truthfully.

"Yes, that was intentional."

At this, Ivan Vanko’s wrinkled, dark face twitched. He thought he’d misheard and stammered, "W-what?"

Ivan Vanko had pondered this situation many times. He expected this mysterious figure to offer any excuse, even a perfectly reasonable explanation, and he wouldn’t be surprised. But this answer—he just admitted it so bluntly? That was what shocked Ivan Vanko the most.

Zhong Shenxiu maintained a faint smile and explained, "Yes, I actually have the ability to cure Anton Vanko completely, but I stopped halfway. I calculated the most suitable point to stop."

"At this stage, Anton Vanko’s condition is greatly alleviated, and his body is much improved compared to before."

"But at the same time, this stage ensures his illness cannot heal on its own. His health won’t gradually improve over time, but instead, it will inevitably worsen."

"Why?" Ivan Vanko’s face was full of confusion.

This question asked why Zhong Shenxiu did this, but also why he told Ivan every detail after doing it.

By the most prudent approach, he shouldn’t tell Ivan anything, keeping him in the dark forever, and then discarding him mercilessly once he’s of no use.

That was Ivan’s way, and the approach he understood best.

He wasn’t a good person. He believed that if someone treated him this way, he’d be angry, but only just.

But Zhong Shenxiu’s candidness left him unable to accept it.

"Because this is an open scheme. Everything I do is to ensure one thing: that Ivan, you will come to Queens, come under my command, and display your talent."

"Others might not understand, but I do. Your abilities are no less than the renowned Tony Stark. What you need is an opportunity, and I can provide it."

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at Ivan and continued:

"Don’t worry about Anton Vanko’s illness. I intend to let him experience his health deteriorating, then gradually quit drinking. Once he does, I’ll cure him completely. Otherwise, with his drinking habits, even ten healthy livers wouldn’t last him."

"And as for your salary, don't worry. I’ll pay you far above the market average. But—"

Zhong Shenxiu’s tone shifted:

"You’re not yet at the level to earn that salary. Right now, you’re still a bit behind the mainstream, and that’s understandable—you spent fifteen years in prison."

"So, we’ll discuss your wages once you start creating real value."

In short, your father’s illness will be cured, you’ll get your pay, but you need to work for me first.

"I believe in you, Ivan. I think it won’t be long before you reach a level comparable to Tony Stark. Precisely because I believe in you, I’m telling you all this."

Believe...Hearing this long-lost word, Ivan was truly moved.

His whole life, since returning to Moscow, had fallen apart. He was surrounded by unsavory friends, and never had anyone affirmed his talent like Zhong Shenxiu, let alone compared him to Tony Stark.

For someone who had always measured himself against Tony, this was the highest praise Ivan had ever received.

Seeing the faint flame of ‘inspired success’ flickering in Ivan’s cloudy eyes, Zhong Shenxiu nodded slightly.

Perfect. The vision had been painted well.

With Ivan Vanko’s issues mostly resolved, it was time to set everything on track, Zhong Shenxiu thought to himself.

————

Twenty-seven days later.

With the opening of Zhong Shenxiu’s clinic, his life gradually became busier.

His income also soared day by day.