Chapter 54: Stark Industries (2)
The dining hall beneath the ground floor secreted a different sense of emotion. The lights were dim -- identities of many gentlemen and women danced to the beat of the music. They soaked themselves in smiles and laughter, dancing upon the beat of each octave while hundreds of conversations were told in loud voices, all of them competing with the music that dominated the atmosphere. The female staff walking around with a tray of wine glasses wore a sultry uniform pleasing to the eye.
It looks more like a bar, but everyone's attempting to appear proper in their high-end suits and attire, Kyle thought.
Howard sat on the stool seat, openly pinching the buttocks of a few snow-white beauties.
"The Stark Family's men are playboys, sure enough," Kyle complained inwardly and ordered a vodka for him and a cocktail for Howard.
"Then, let's have a toast amidst the World War." Howard raised his glass gracefully and uttered an unexpected remark.
Kyle looked at him in surprise. "Is it worth being happy finding yourself in a war?"
"Of course. For people like me engaged in technological warfare and scientific breakthroughs, it'd be difficult for me to do my job without the involvement of war." Howard wore a smile on his lips. "You wouldn't have become a recruit to a second lieutenant in a span of a few weeks either."
"I have to say," Kyle smiled and raised his glass, "You've got an interesting perspective."
The presence of war both had its own advantages and disadvantages. It provided an unprecedented opportunity for capable men like Howard, but for the many unlucky ones, it'd be a disaster, an abhorrent existence.
Howard sipped on his drink. "Well, if there's anything you want to discuss, speak; otherwise, I'll be going ahead to converse in the language of romance with a beautiful woman."
Kyle nodded, chuckled, and opened his mouth, going straight to the point. "All right, I'll be honest with you. I want a stake in the Stark Industries."
"Oh? You want to become a partner?" Howard's mouth was frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise. "Can you tell me your reasons?" He said, tapping his forefinger on the table.
"Of course." Kyle took another sip. "Simply put, I believe in the growth and potential of Stark Industries. I believe that it'll become a leader that'll lead mankind towards the future. But above all, I believe in you. You're a complete genius, Howard."
"Well, I must say, you have a good eye." Howard relished in the compliment, nodding at Kyle's satisfactory reasoning. He was, after all, a genius with a proud, hefty capital. "Since the beginning of World War II, I've put sole focus on the study of the country's science and technological progress. Though the Stark Industries I've founded have yet to progress much, we have achieved remarkable results in anti-gravity. There'll be more areas of scientific progress in the future. Once the war is over, Stark Industries will develop rapidly!" Then, Howard looked at Kyle and said thoughtfully, "I'm not belittling you. I've read your files. You don't have many assets in your name. Let's not even talk about your annual salary. How exactly do you want to invest in Stark Industries?"
Even if it's a close friend, shares of the Stark Industries can't be given out in vain. Kyle understood this. It was why he dared to speak directly to Howard, a proud, intellectual genius.
"I invest not in money, but in the future," Kyle said, pushing forward a thin box that he pulled out from the trousers of his pocket.
The product inside the box was made of glass with a tiny camera on the front and back. The rear body of the product was made of a smooth metal shell. On the middle was an apple logo. Yes, it was a mobile phone, an iPhone to be precise.