Chapter 124: Deep Behind Enemy Lines

"Miss Alice, thank you very much for your help in saving these wounded men." Nick Fury pulled out a chair, sat down, and expressed his gratitude to Alice.

"It is nothing. After all, we are business partners. Even for the sake of the acquisition contract just signed, I could not sit idly by and watch them bleed to death," Alice said calmly.

"Hey, Nick Fury, you arrived way too fast. I am starting to suspect that you have been hiding in the building across the street, monitoring us the whole time," Tony Stark suddenly interjected from the side.

"Mr. Stark, we can discuss our affairs later. Please give Miss Alice and me a moment of privacy," Nick Fury said, looking at Tony Stark, who remained in his armor and refused to lift his faceplate even at a time like this.

"Fine, fine. But a piece of advice: do not think about crossing her, or Wang Jing will not let you off!" With that, Tony Stark walked out of the messy, blood-stained private room without looking back.

After Tony Stark left, Nick Fury acted as if nothing had happened and continued to ask Alice, "I wonder if Miss Alice could describe the ability you just used?"

Alice used her telekinesis to scan Nick Fury from head to toe, then smiled slightly and said, "You may understand my ability as telekinesis. Its uses are extremely extensive, much like the many uses of petroleum."

"That is truly enviable!" Nick Fury replied.

When he saw the smile on Alice's face just now, Nick Fury felt as though he had been completely stripped bare. It was strange and unsettling, which caused Alice's danger rating in Nick Fury's mind to rise by another level.

"Envy won't do you any good. My ability is not something you can replicate, unless you are willing to risk the destruction of the world."

"Could you be more specific?" Nick Fury asked, frowning slightly.

"Sorry, given your current technology, telling you would be no different from destroying the world directly," Alice said calmly.

After Alice spoke, the atmosphere in the room turned heavy. After a long silence, Nick Fury spoke again, "Since it is so dangerous, are you not afraid that those with ulterior motives might target you?"

"Of course I am not afraid. Since I dared to tell you this, it means we have absolute confidence in handling any problems that might arise," Alice said confidently.

Hearing Alice's words, Nick Fury's previously furrowed brow relaxed. "Your organization makes me increasingly interested."

"I personally inquired with the Chinese branch, but they could not find any useful information about you. I am very curious: what kind of organization are you, that you can have a major power act as your backer?" Nick Fury looked at Alice with great interest.

Just as Alice was about to respond, a rapidly approaching roar sounded from outside the window. Both Nick Fury and Alice looked toward the window, and the next moment, they saw Wang Jing, wearing his armor, landing in the room with a stylish flourish.

Outside the room, the special operations team members moved to raise their weapons, but were stopped by a wave of Nick Fury's hand.

"Alice, it is time to go; we have things to do!" Wang Jing said, opening his helmet.

"Mr. Wang Jing, long time no see!" Nick Fury stood up and said.

Wang Jing looked at Nick Fury, nodded, and said flatly, "It has indeed been a long time."

"I have taken to heart the feedback you gave Phil Coulson regarding me. We have recognized our shortcomings and have been actively making corrections. I wonder if Mr. Wang would do me the honor of sitting down for a proper chat."

Wang Jing was slightly surprised that Nick Fury was willing to lower his posture so much just to recruit him, but he still declined the invitation.

"Sorry, I really don't have the time today. Perhaps next time!" With that, he wrapped his arms around Alice and flew out through the shattered window, leaving behind a helpless-looking Nick Fury.

Just then, Tony Stark, having heard the commotion, walked over. Seeing that only Nick Fury remained, he gloated, "Seriously, they didn't even say goodbye to me before leaving!"

Hearing the voice, Nick Fury turned to look at Tony Stark with a dark expression and said, "Mr. Stark, it is time we discussed our own business!"

Seeing Nick Fury's grim, dark face and his sharp, single eye, Tony Stark instantly regretted being so mouthy. Now, all that pent-up frustration was being directed at him.

However, as Iron Man, Tony Stark still asked stubbornly, "What business?"

"This is Agent Romanoff's assessment report on you," Nick Fury said, sending a file to Tony Stark's armor.

"Personality assessment: exhibits obsessive behavior and tendencies toward self-destruction."

"Give me a break, I was dying! Who wouldn't be like that if they knew they were about to die?" Tony Stark shrugged, defending himself.

"There is more," Nick Fury said calmly.

"Typical trait: Narcissist."

"Uh-huh! I actually quite agree with her assessment on that one."

"And this section: Avengers Initiative recruitment evaluation—Iron Man: Approved." As soon as he finished speaking, Tony Stark lifted his faceplate and said to Nick Fury righteously, "Sorry, I'll have to think about it!"

"There is more below, keep reading!" Nick Fury reminded him.

Tony Stark frowned, closed his faceplate, and continued to read. Just then, a communication request from Wang Jing popped up.

Tony Stark answered it decisively and muted his armor's external speakers.

"Tony, accept his request. Join the Avengers," Wang Jing said.

"Why? Aren't you just throwing me into the lion's den?" Tony Stark said excitedly.

"It is for the follow-up plan, and someone has to go deep behind enemy lines, right?"

"Fine! I get it!"

After hanging up, Tony Stark lifted his faceplate again and asked in confusion, "What is the meaning of this? This is ridiculous. How can you both affirm me and deny me at the same time?"

"Based on your current state and situation, we have decided to hire you as our consultant!" Nick Fury stood up and walked over to Tony Stark.

Tony Stark pursed his lips, shook hands with Nick Fury, and then said with a smile, "You cannot afford me!" With that, he closed his faceplate and turned to walk out the door.

However, as he reached the exit, Tony Stark suddenly turned back to Nick Fury and said, "How about this: I will waive my consultant's retainer in exchange for a favor!"

Nick Fury nodded slightly, signaling for Tony Stark to continue.

"I am going to Washington with Rhodey to attend an awards ceremony, but as you know, this award should have included Wang Jing."

"If he is willing to attend, I will persuade Congress to add a spot for him!" Nick Fury agreed readily.

"I will convince him to go. Also, we are missing a heavyweight presenter," Tony Stark said, arching an eyebrow.

"I will find a way to resolve that," Nick Fury said after a moment of hesitation.