Chapter 105: At the Hearing

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Upon hearing Wang Jing’s words, the crowd present began whispering among themselves. After exchanging a few words with a fellow senator beside him, Senator Stern on stage decided to make a call.

Five minutes later, Senator Stern returned with a look of reluctance. “Alright, Mr. Wang Jing, we have verified your identity. However, you entered the United States carrying weapons without notifying or reporting to customs officials. This is illegal. According to the law, we must confiscate your Iron Man suit.”

“You’ll have to get Tony to agree first. If he consents to surrender it, then I will hand it over too. Otherwise, you’re just seizing someone else’s private property. Of course, if you believe it’s legal for the United States to confiscate private property, then come at me!” Wang Jing retorted provocatively.

“No, the United States will never seize anyone’s private property!” Senator Stern replied, his expression darkening.

“Then prove it to me!” Wang Jing said, turning to Tony Stark beside him. “Tony, is your armor a weapon?”

“Of course not!”

“There you have it. Even the former weapons expert says the armor isn’t a weapon!” Wang Jing said, shrugging at Senator Stern on the stage.

“No, Tony Stark cannot evaluate his own armor. We have specialized weapons experts to conduct the assessment. Now, please welcome Mr. Justin Hammer, the Department of Defense’s primary arms supplier!” Senator Stern said as he adjusted his tie.

The crowd turned to watch as Justin Hammer entered from behind the door. Tony Stark addressed the microphone in front of him, “Please note in the record that I personally saw Mr. Hammer enter, and I’m eager to know when the real weapons expert will appear!”

Tony’s remark sparked a wave of chatter among those present. Senator Stern struck his gavel to restore order.

Justin Hammer chuckled and took the microphone. “Indeed, I am not the expert here. Tony, you’re the genius prodigy. Senate, may I speak?”

Tony Stark quickly turned his head away, clearly uninterested in listening to Hammer.

Hammer continued, rising and approaching the podium. “Although I’m no expert, do you know who the real expert is?”

“Your father, Howard Stark!” Hammer pointed at Tony.

Tony showed a look of impatience; his father had always been a painful subject for him.

Hammer’s speech went on, “To all of us, he is the father of the military-industrial era. But let me clarify—he wasn’t one to seek attention. He was a lion.”

Hammer looked skeptically at Tony sitting below. “Why are we here? Because in the past six months, Tony Stark has created an indestructible spear—but he insists it’s a shield.”

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“He wants us to trust him because we need his protection. I want to live comfortably—that’s my honest feeling.”

“Your honest feeling should be, Stark, I want to crap on your head!” Wang Jing suddenly interjected.

“Oh! That’s disgusting!” Justin Hammer feigned repulsion.

“Come on, everyone knows back when Stark Industries' weapons division was still open, your Hammer Industries was struggling just to survive. Now that Stark’s weapons division is closed, you’re still stuck in place, doing work that even Afghan blacksmiths could manage.”

“Seeing your former rival gone, yet remaining so useless—aren’t you especially jealous and resentful?” Wang Jing mocked, as if seeing through Hammer’s facade.

“No, no, no. I’m not jealous. I’m not jealous of Tony. Plus, Hammer Industries’ stock price has been rising over the past six months, and we’re developing new weapons projects!” Hammer quickly denied, but judging by his complexion and reaction, anyone could tell he was uneasy.

The crowd erupted in boos and murmurs.

“Thanks, Wang Jing. Though your first comment truly disgusted me, I swear I will never let such a thing happen. That would be utterly revolting!” Tony Stark offered timely support.

Meanwhile, Justin Hammer, who had been brash moments earlier, returned to his seat with a sullen face.

Senator Stern pounded the table and sternly said to Wang Jing, “Quiet, Mr. Wang. Watch your words. If you continue with personal attacks, I will have to remove you.”

“Fine! Fine! The United States is yours, Senator Stern. Now you don’t even allow honest words!” Wang Jing sneered without a care.

Senator Stern’s face turned ashen with anger, but unwilling to eject Wang Jing outright, he decided to move on.

“Next, the committee will call Colonel James Rhodes to testify.”

Hearing Rhodes would appear, Tony immediately looked toward the door as reporters swiveled their cameras, flashes snapping.

Seeing Rhodes arrive, Tony stood to greet him, “Never thought I’d see you here!”

“Yeah, but you better be ready. Things might be worse than you think,” Rhodes quietly warned.

As the two returned to their seats, Senator Stern announced, “I have here a complete report on the Iron Man weapons division.”

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“Colonel, for the record, please read paragraph four on page 57.”

“You want me to read a specific excerpt from the report?” Rhodes asked Stern.

“Exactly,” Stern replied without hesitation.

Rhodes tried to negotiate, “Senator, based on my understanding, my testimony should be more comprehensive and detailed…”

Before he finished, Stern cut him off, “I know, but today’s circumstances have changed.”

“But you know that reading a selected passage out of context won’t fully convey my point!”

“I understand, Colonel. Please proceed. Thank you,” Stern said with a smile.

Realizing he had no choice, Rhodes sighed and opened to page 57, reading aloud, “Because he operates outside the guidance of designated government departments, Iron Man poses a potential threat to national security and national interests.”

Rhodes wanted to continue but was interrupted by Stern.

At that moment, Tony leaned toward the microphone, “If you beg me, I might consider becoming Secretary of Defense, but I want modified working hours!”

Tony’s comment drew laughter.

Stern cleared his throat and said, “Colonel, I’d like to play the footage mentioned in your report.”

“I think it’s premature to make this footage public at this time, Senator,” Rhodes declined.

“I understand, Colonel, but if you could explain the footage to us, we would greatly appreciate it,” Stern insisted.

Reluctantly, Rhodes signaled for the footage to be played.