Chapter 179: Ch.178 Holy Guidance

Chapter 179: Ch.178 Holy Guidance

The smell of instant noodles gradually transformed into that of a creamy stew. While the packaging of the heating element was a bit crude and could sometimes emit strange odors, in this era, getting to eat a cheese stew in just five minutes was something people couldn't complain about.

Of course, Su Ming called it hotpot, but in America, it was known as "instant stew." Essentially, it allowed people to enjoy stew even at the office or on a construction site.

Even Howard Stark, while being fed a vacuum-sealed, cream-heated vegetable by a beautiful woman beside him, started to feel like he had lost.

The Wilson Enterprises booth was much more lively than his own.

They didn't even need scantily-clad women dancing to capture attention. A single oddball in a tight turtleneck was enough to outshine him.

What stung even more was the realization that even if he successfully developed his hover car, it would still be just a toy for the rich. Meanwhile, these food products from Wilson Enterprises, given out so generously for free samples, would likely be affordable for the masses.

Howard fell into deep thought, contemplating how he could use technology to better serve humanity. Maybe he could discover a new element containing vast amounts of energy? That way, people wouldn't need to go to war over resources.

Once the idea hit, he was ready to act on it. He would start as soon as he got back.

"Well, maybe the day after tomorrow... I'm busy tonight and tomorrow, heh-heh," he mused, realizing the women surrounding him were smiling suggestively. The lure of science was no match for his love of... other activities.

Forget about the new element for now, he thought. There's a party tonight after we finish eating, and we can work off these calories together.

Meanwhile, Su Ming noticed Steve Rogers halfheartedly stirring a lotus root slice on his plate, still not having taken a bite. Bucky and the two girls were too busy devouring their food to speak.

Su Ming, of course, knew what was on Steve's mind. He also knew that Steve's life was about to take a pivotal turn, right here at this event.

Fireworks continued to explode in the distant sky, and the surrounding noise and celebration didn't affect Steve's unwavering determination.

"Steve?"

"Uh, Mr. Wilson." Steve quickly wiped his mouth, flashing a sheepish smile. Su Ming had treated him to a meal, and here he was, lost in his thoughts—an ungrateful gesture.

Su Ming waved it off, not bothered in the least. He hadn't eaten much anyway; all these novelty foods were too familiar to him. There were still different varieties of sausages to introduce later.

"Gin, bring out the endorsement contract."

As if on cue, Gin magically produced several contracts.

The contract stated that Steve Rogers' image would be licensed to Wilson Enterprises for free, for life, with any interpretation of his likeness belonging solely to Wilson Enterprises.

It was a strange contract. Steve knew he probably didn't have long to live, and he was an unknown nobody at that.

Mr. Wilson must have written this lifetime contract to make me feel better, Steve thought. What a good man, always thinking of my dignity.

Moved, Steve nodded and took the pen Gin handed him, signing his name without hesitation.

It was done.

Su Ming suppressed a laugh, wrapping an arm around Steve's bony shoulders and pointing to a spot in the distance.

"Over there, see that recruitment station? Just walk in, be yourself, and you'll easily get enlisted."

Steve turned to look, but his height only allowed him to see the peak of a roof. He hesitated, knowing he hadn't prepared anything—he didn't even have a fake identity ready.

"Relax, just go. I've taken care of everything," Su Ming reassured him, giving a thumbs up with a grin that made Steve slightly uneasy.

But Steve didn't doubt Su Ming's word. It had been that way for over a decade. Steve stood, whispered a few words to Bucky, who argued a bit but ultimately glanced at Su Ming and nodded in understanding.

As Steve turned to leave, Bucky watched him go, feeling as though his friend's back seemed to grow taller.

But in an instant, Steve's figure vanished into the sea of people.

Bucky sighed. He didn't like the idea of Steve going to war, but enlisting had been Steve's one true wish in life. He knew his friend wouldn't give up, and all he could do was wish him luck.

Hopefully, they'd end up in the same unit someday. Bucky resolved to continue the bond their fathers had shared—live and die together.

Su Ming instructed Gin to file away the signed contract. The future profits of his company rested on those few sheets of paper. Once Captain America became a household icon, products with Steve's image and likeness would fly off the shelves.