"Really?"
Clark looked doubtful.
"Why do I feel like listening to you might actually be a mistake?"
Tony was immediately offended.
What did he mean—a mistake?
"Do you have any idea how I managed to rotate through magazine cover girls like a daily schedule?" Tony said shamelessly.
"It's all thanks to my irresistibly lethal personal charm, my ever-flowing sweet talk, and—most importantly—my sincere devotion to every single woman I've ever dated!"
"Mr. Stark," Pietro suddenly spoke up from the side,
"I feel like you forgot to mention one more thing."
"Oh?" Tony brightened instantly and found this kid more likable by the second.
"What incredible advantage of mine did I miss? Even I didn't notice it."
Pietro replied honestly,
"You have money. And I think a large part of that 'deadly charm' comes from that ability."
Tony clapped his hands and pointed at Pietro approvingly.
"Kid, you've got a future! You're absolutely right. If you ever want a job, come to Stark Industries—I see a lot of myself in you. You're worth training!"
Pietro was just about to say thank you when he suddenly sucked in a sharp breath and winced.
"I think my brother won't be joining you, Mr. Stark," Wanda said with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
Her hand was firmly twisting the soft flesh at Pietro's waist—already rotated a full ninety degrees.
"Well, that's a shame," Tony shrugged, wisely retreating.
Then he turned back to Clark and continued enthusiastically,
"So—are you sure you don't want me to teach you how to win over the woman you like?"
Clark frowned, hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth.
"…I'll trouble you, then."
"Looks like you really like her," Tony nodded approvingly.
"I understand that feeling."
"You're being serious?" Lucas asked skeptically from the side.
"You're sure you've ever felt that way?"
Tony immediately turned around, frowning.
"Lucas, don't ruin my moment—this is my showtime!"
He then turned back to Clark and said solemnly,
"Anyway, our goal is simple—help you win that girl over. Agreed?"
Clark nodded, then hesitated again.
"But… I'm not as rich as you."
"STOP."
Tony raised a hand decisively.
"Never think like that. These are two completely different concepts."
He now fully assumed the role of Professor Tony, Relationship Consultant.
"If you're rich and she likes your money, that means she likes your ability."
"If you're poor and she still likes money, that's her values and character problem."
"But if she refuses to even get to know you because you're not rich—then trust me, you should give up on her immediately."
Hearing this, even Lucas nodded slightly in agreement.
For Tony Stark to say something like this was genuinely surprising.
Clark's eyes lit up.
It was as if he'd achieved enlightenment.
"Thank you, Tony," Clark said sincerely.
"Small matter. As for how to pursue her—I'll handle it."
Tony raised his arm and tapped a few times.
A holographic screen instantly appeared in midair.
"JARVIS, look up Lois Lane. Just her preferences will do."
[Understood, sir.]
Two seconds later—
[Sir, I've located four individuals named Lois Lane within three nearby states. Which one?]
"The Lois Lane who works at the Daily Planet in Metropolis," Clark added quickly.
[Target confirmed, sir.]
"Send all the information to Clark's phone," Tony ordered.
[As requested, I've organized the lady's preferences and sent them to Mr. Clark's phone.]
Clark looked uneasy.
"Isn't this… a bit too much?"
Tony stepped forward and draped an arm around Clark's shoulders.
"This is just helping you understand her preferences. There's nothing wrong with that. Any private investigator could dig this up."
"I'm just streamlining the process—at least now you'll know what kind of movie to pick when you ask her out tonight, right?"
Clark hesitated for half a second… then convinced himself.
"Thank you," he said again.
"Don't mention it. When you get married, remember to tell me—I'll throw you the biggest wedding ever."
"You won't have to pay a cent. The only condition is that I must be your best man!"
"I guarantee the entire America—no, the whole world—will know about your wedding!"
Under Tony's relentless hype, Clark started grinning like an idiot.
The others watched in stunned silence, as if they were binge-watching a drama series while snacking on fruit.
"Oh right," Tony suddenly asked,
"You mentioned you're also superhuman—so how strong are you?"
Clark glanced at Lucas. After receiving a nod, he replied,
"It's hard to quantify. But one thing Lucas said is correct."
"Your red-and-gold armor… I could probably smash it to scrap with just a few punches."
Tony's cheek twitched slightly, but he tightened his arm around Clark instead.
"Here's my contact info," Tony said, handing him a card.
"If you're ever confused—or need advice—call me immediately."
Clark accepted the card and carefully tucked it into his pocket.
"You didn't come here just for this, did you?" Lucas suddenly asked.
Clark paused, then spoke seriously.
"I almost forgot. I've decided to join the organization you founded—the Guardians."
Lucas had already expected this. Kara would definitely have told Clark about it.
He nodded.
"No problem. Welcome aboard."
"Hey—what's this 'Guardians' thing you're talking about?" Tony asked curiously.
"It's an organization Lucas created," Clark explained.
"Our goal is to use our power to protect those we love—and those who love us."
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
He had never said that.
But he immediately realized—this was definitely Kara's wording.
So he didn't deny it.
"Count me in!" Tony said without hesitation.
"You're joining without even knowing what kind of organization this is?" Lucas asked.
"No need to think," Tony waved it off.
"Just hearing the name tells me it's a heroic group."
"Besides, that philosophy sounds way better than Nick Fury's Avengers."
"And once I'm in, I can even provide some operational funding!"
Lucas smiled faintly.
"Then I'll say this upfront."
"Oh? Go on," Tony said eagerly.
"The Guardians are a completely independent organization. We accept no government control, restrictions, or accusations. Understand?"
Lucas crossed his arms.
"And every member must follow my commands."