Chapter 136: Reputation and Boarding the Carriage

"All right, I will keep a close eye on reports from around the world."

"If the other party shows up, I’ll go and take a look."

Tony felt completely at ease upon hearing this. He did not bother to ask Harvey where exactly the individual would appear. As long as an alien surfaced and was confirmed to be an enemy, he would certainly show no mercy.

...

Harvey was lost in thought after hearing Tony’s promise to monitor reports globally. The Thor who had temporarily lost his godly powers posed no threat to Earth, and even with his powers, he wouldn't harm the planet, so Tony shouldn't view him as an opponent. At most, Tony would deal with Loki, so Harvey didn't feel the need to say anything more.

Knowing that the looming trouble wouldn't threaten their lives, both Tony and Pepper felt relieved. Pepper then relaxed and joined them at the table, where the three enjoyed their meal with laughter and conversation. After lunch, Harvey went home; rather than watching Tony and Pepper be affectionate, he preferred to take his car out for a drive and perhaps pick up a woman.

Harvey only remembered that 2011 was the year Captain America would wake up and Thor would arrive. To be honest, he didn't know the exact month. Still, it would be within the next few months, so he just had to wait for the show to begin.

Harvey drove his luxury car along the road. Even during the holiday season, New York was a place where, true to its rugged nature, incidents of looting or armed conflicts often occurred. However, those operating in New York—unless they were complete newcomers—knew to steer clear when they saw Harvey’s luxury car and license plate. While they were quick to lose their tempers and even fight for the sake of their pride, they certainly weren't going to throw their lives away for it.

Before Harvey had become acquainted with New York’s top billionaire, Tony Stark, he had frequently gone for drives. Having gone several years without incident, he clearly wasn't someone to be trifled with. Moreover, it was widely known across the streets and alleys of New York that Harvey was a young billionaire with deep ties to Tony Stark, the former arms tycoon and head of Stark Industries, and was a frequent visitor to the Stark mansion.

Even though Tony Stark had pivoted to energy, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. Not to mention Tony’s reputation and capabilities as the hero Iron Man, everyone in New York knew of his connections to the military. Any low-level thug who had managed to survive for a few years in New York was a shrewd operator; they might bully ordinary people, but they wouldn't dare touch the heavy hitters.

The various underground factions and gangs in New York, hearing that the billionaire Harvey was out and about after a year of keeping a low profile, restrained themselves to avoid any accidental gunfire. Even if they didn't kill Harvey, merely scratching his car would mean paying with their lives if they couldn't afford the damages.

As for the circles of New York socialites and young women, hearing that Harvey was out for a drive prompted them to dress up and head to the streets. After all, Harvey’s net worth had already reached over eight billion dollars. Earning billions annually just from dividends meant he wasn't just "young and promising," but a truly successful man. Since Harvey wasn't married and was incredibly handsome, women wouldn't be branded as "mistresses" if they approached him directly. Naturally, Harvey became the most coveted catch in the eyes of countless New York beauties. As for Harvey being of Asian descent, that wasn't an issue at all; if you were rich and generous, race didn't matter.

Harvey had originally gone out for a drive hoping to find a beauty, but he realized that even on this day, January 1st, when many in America weren't back to work, the streets were filled with women dressed to the nines, casting flirtatious glances his way. Yet, none of it interested him. Harvey didn't oppose makeup; appropriate makeup could highlight a woman's beauty. However, he could only accept natural beauties whose charm remained evident even after makeup. As for those who looked like different people before and after, that wasn't makeup—that was renovation.

Harvey was also particular about cleanliness; he wouldn't entertain a woman who was "tasted by thousands," no matter how widely acclaimed her beauty was. He preferred clean, natural beauties. In America, finding an adult woman who was still a virgin was almost impossible. He wasn't looking for a lifelong commitment, so he didn't demand virginity, but he also didn't want someone with a sordid past. Because of these reasons, Harvey was extremely picky. But whoever he chose was guaranteed to be one in a million.

Harvey wasn't like Tony, the famous "pile driver" of New York who would play with anyone who caught his eye. He had plenty of time and was in no rush, cruising through New York in his convertible. As night fell, Harvey wandered about, occasionally pulling over to wait for a beauty to initiate a conversation. Just as he was about to give up and head home, a tall, beautiful woman with a cold temperament and brown hair looked around from a distance, her eyes lighting up when she saw his car. She trotted over to his vehicle in a hurry.

Her attire wasn't flamboyant; it was rather simple—a black professional skirt that highlighted her curvaceous figure.

"Are you the famous young billionaire in New York, Harvey Amber-Laka?" she asked, hesitating as she looked at him.

Harvey glanced up at her and realized she was indeed a beauty, and his intuition told him she was still a virgin.

"I am. But you aren't my type, so I suggest you stop overthinking it and go home." He could tell she had deliberately put on mature, sexy makeup, and her clothes might even have been borrowed, so he told her to leave.

"I heard that if I sleep with you, I can get a lot of money?"

"I am in desperate need of money right now, so please, give me a chance."

"Please, look at me again and see if I fit your standards." Seeing that this handsome man was indeed Harvey, she bit her lower lip, her voice filled with pleading.

"I've heard the 'I'm desperate for money' excuse until my ears are calloused."

"If you need money, earn it, borrow it, or find a billionaire you find acceptable to keep you. Even if you aren't my type, given your looks and youth, I'm sure there are plenty of men willing to keep you." Harvey saw the young woman’s pitiable expression, unsure if it was genuine or an act. He had plenty of money, and if he found someone who fit his tastes, he would indeed be willing to pay a large sum for a one-night encounter and then cut ties. But the prerequisite was that he had to be the one who wanted to do it. As for using strange excuses or moral blackmail to get his money, that was impossible.

"Please, I need to raise one hundred thousand dollars within three days to save a life. But the banks are closed for the holiday; I can't even mortgage my house. I could find someone else to keep me, but I’ve looked into the habits of New York’s billionaires. I can't be sure if they would really cut ties after the agreed-upon time. I don't want to ruin my future for one hundred thousand dollars. I heard you are a man of your word, and that after spending the night with you, you voluntarily provide millions to end the relationship. I don't need that much—just ten thousand will do. If you are willing to give it to me so I can pay the debt, I don't care if it's for a day or a month. As long as you don't come looking for me afterward, I promise I will never bother you again. Please."

The young woman reached out and grabbed Harvey’s hand as it rested on the car window, her eyes and words filled with desperation.

"Get in." Harvey heard her plea and saw the tears in her eyes. After a moment of consideration, he spoke.

The woman immediately got into the car, looking relieved. "Thank you, thank you so much."

Once inside, she kept thanking him. She had sought him out precisely because she had heard that Harvey Amber-Laka was a young billionaire who would take the initiative to sever ties after one night, meaning she wouldn't have to worry about lingering trouble. She had hoped to raise the money to save a life without destroying her future.