[Apology chapter for yesterday's blunder. Really sorry. Was so stressed due do rl that I didn't even check what you guys were complaining about and practically argued with almost everyone.]

... ​​

"Long time no see, Howard. "

Luke managed to get out of the crowd's adoration and cheers and return to the Strategic Science Reserve's temporary base.

Walking through the gate, he saw Howard Stark, the chief scientific research consultant, was already busy in his own stuff.

He had multiple roles and multiple identities.

He was also the most potent weapons sponsor of the Allied forces and a clever and famous scientist.

Not only did he have substantial financial resources, but he also had a strong hands-on ability, and he invented many novel things for the Allies.

Many bigwigs in the Defense Department had a good impression of this arms magnate.

Such talents naturally wouldn't be overlooked by the Strategic Science Reserve.

In the name of scientific research consultant, Colonel Philips enlisted Howard - even though the old-school soldier didn't like him.

"Luke - or do I need to call you Brigadier General Sir?"

Howard turned to look at him and spoke with a light smile.

"Congratulations on once again becoming the hero of the Allies! To be honest, I envy you. Just by giving your name, you can make countless women throw themselves at you, and I have to show my car keys, book a seat in a fancy restaurant, and show off my funny and charming side before those pretty girls are willing to sleep with me. "

After coming to the Strategic Science Reserve these days, Luke also had a clear understanding of Howard.

Different from the later mature and serious founder of SHIELD.

Currently, the arms magnate who led Stark Industries' rise to prominence was no different from his son.

He loved to prove his powerful charm of a male by hooking up with a beautiful woman.

That mouth will never spit out appreciation and affirmation to others - said to be the Stark family's usual arrogance and venom.

Compared with Tony Stark, who has yet come to this world, he only had technology and women in his eyes.

Howard only had one hobby over his son, that was, making money.

In just a few decades, Stark Industries would have caught up with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and other established giants; Trying to stand side by side with them and then overtake them.

Howard's sociability and his genius brain contributed significantly to this.

"I guess those tricks of yours don't work all the time, do they?"

Luke scoffed nonchalantly.

Many people say that this playboy risked going to the Strategic Science Reserve's front lines because of the cold female agent, Peggy Carter.

The other party wanted to pick this delicate, charming, and thorny red rose and kiss it.

It's a pity that Carter ignored him and refused a date invitation many times.

"After that flight, Carter and I went to eat cheese fondue. "

Howard was smug, like a victorious soldier.

"Mr. Stark, you think I don't know that "cheese fondue" is cheese and bread, right? If eating bread together is considered to win a woman over, they won't half of all the women in New York have had sex with you? "

Luke deliberately sneered.

"What do you know? You have to be patient with women. "

Howard wasn't angry. Instead, he assumed the attitude of an elder and taught, "You have to be like Don Quixote who charged at the windmill, failed and started all over again. At the same time, don't be too deprived and show great eagerness. It will make the other party feel that your feelings are too cheap and they wouldn't take you seriously, but be caring and attentive, and appear at any time -- if a woman's heart is a solid castle, then I must be the best sieging tactician in the entire world!"

"Since Carter agreed to have dinner with me, it's not long before we get closer. "

Seeing Howard's unabashed praise of himself, Luke smiled lightly.

The other person's appearance was quite similar to his son's.

It seems that narcissism was also one of the Stark family's traditions.

However, in Luke's view, Howard was a successful businessman and a top scientist globally.

Compared to his son, Iron Man's father was better in all aspects.

The first is Tony Stark's high-tech armor, which uses the Arc Reactor as its core.

Howard developed it as early as a century ago, but due to the material conditions and the times' limitations, he couldn't meet the downsizing requirements.

Otherwise, no matter how clever Tony is, to design an unprecedented cold fusion energy source by hammering out a suit of armor in a dark and humid cave was a fantasy.

His father had already paved the way to become a superhero!

Later, Tony, who became Iron Man, was troubled by palladium poisoning, and the new element that solved the problem was first discovered by Howard and left for his son.

In other words, his father's brain was ahead of its time!

Tony's future success is that Stark Industries provided strong financial backing and solid technical support.

More importantly, he inherited the knowledge left by his father!

That was the most precious legacy!

"I've heard that you stole a fighter contract from Lockheed Martin and recently won a contract for a passenger jet that was supposed to go to them, and there's been some discontent from the Defense Department. "

Luke said casually.

Howard, who was busy studying Hydra's energy weapon, looked a little ugly and bitterly said, "I told my secretary about this problem. There is fierce competition among peers, which is inevitable. If Lockheed Martin is dissatisfied, let their researchers work hard to keep up with my talented brain!"

Just now, Howard, who was so charming and imparted tips on how to flirt with girls, turned into a poisonous person in an instant.

It's clear that Lockheed Martin, indeed, had placed some considerable pressure on Stark Industries.

"Why, Brigadier-General Sir, are you going to lend a helping hand to help Stark Industries tide over the difficulties?"

As a wise man, Howard quickly read the other meanings in Luke's words.

"With all due respect, you may not be able to get involved in this kind of thing. "

The man at Stark Industries' helm was very discreet, saying that Luke's current position may not be helpful.

After all, the military rank on a shoulder patch is one thing, but the actual power you have is another.

Unless Luke could sit in Eisenhower's position, maybe he can talk.

"The future is anybody's guess, isn't it, Howard?"

Luke surveyed the new weapons belonging to the Strategic Science Reserve and glanced down at a silvery circular shield.

"Can I have this? Steve's going to love it."