"Is it true, Tony?"
This time, facing Pepper's questioning, Tony obviously didn't have the confidence he had last time. He didn't even know how to explain it. Was he going to just get angry and leave
It was not until this time that Tony realized that Dio had actually given him some face last time. For example, he only said that he might be "poisoned" but did not specify what the poison was. He also did not say much after he repeatedly expressed "disbelief". He must have seen that Dio did not want to make Pepper worry, so he gave him a chance to try to save himself.
But this time, Dio must have realized something and found that Pepper had no way to save himself, so he was no longer polite and directly revealed the fact that he had always wanted to hide from Pepper.
If he hadn't really seen through him, how could he have guessed the words 'palladium poisoning' by luck
Even after he had searched for countless methods, he finally found that the only thing that was useful was chlorophyll, which was the glass of green vegetable juice that Dio had given him!
A certain amount of chlorophyll juice can alleviate the symptoms of palladium poisoning. It does not eliminate or cure it, but it can only alleviate the symptoms of palladium poisoning, that is, cover up those black spider web-like things that spread out.
This is why, after seeing that his exposed skin did not have such symptoms, Dio immediately guessed that he must be drinking vegetable juice every day to relieve the symptoms.
To be honest, it feels terrible to be caught lying in person.
But Tony's pride also prevented him from continuing to pretend that it was not the case after he had heard the words "palladium poisoning".
In fact, after he really couldn't find any solution, he was ready to ask Dio for help. Otherwise, with his original temper, he would definitely not come.
His previous childish behavior was also due to his personality. He was like a child who was in a sullen state. He wanted to reconcile but was too embarrassed to say it, so he could only continue to bully others more and more, so that the final result was often contrary to his true thoughts.
"Yes, Pepper. This guy is right. The Ark reactor that was originally used to sustain my life is now trying to kill me. Please forgive me for hiding this from you because I didn't want you to worry. I thought I could handle it. In fact, I have already..."
"You've already failed, haven't you?"
Pepper interrupted him rudely, and it was obvious that she was really angry at this moment.
If Dio hadn't exposed his lie, how long would he have kept it secret from her, until the day of his funeral
"Hey, calm down. Yes, I admit that I failed before, but I still have time, I can find new elements to replace it, I can..."
"Can you? No, you can't. Tony, listen, I know that your smart brain may be unique in the world, but you are not really omnipotent. When you are 'sick', what you need to do is to see a doctor instead of figuring out a solution by yourself. I think you should try to trust others."
Pepper interrupted Tony again. The biggest reason why she could still remain calm was that Dio was here. He had seen through all of Tony's disguises long ago. If it was him, Tony would definitely get better.
"Who should I trust? Him?"
"Yes, I believe him. Since Dio can see that you are suffering from palladium poisoning, I believe he must have a way to cure you." Pepper said without hesitation, looking at Dio with expectation and request in her eyes.
“Is it my turn to comment?”
By this time, Dio had finished three servings of organic ice cream and was leaning back in his chair to rest and watch the show.
"Now there is good news and bad news, which one do you want to hear first?"
"good news."
"The bad one."
Seeing Pepper looking at him expressionlessly, Tony immediately said, "OK, I'll listen to you."
"What's the good news?"
"The good news is that with my treatment, this guy won't die for the time being. The vegetable juice he secretly drank during this period of time has not really helped his condition. At most, it can only alleviate some of the symptoms of palladium poisoning. If he continues like this, he can probably live for another half a year? Or a few months? And as he uses the Iron Armor more and more, the poison will become more serious. Maybe in less than half a year, I can go to his funeral."
For the first time, Tony's face turned pale and he did not refute Dio's words, because he also realized that knowing his own 'death date' was really hard to accept.
Pepper didn't know the seriousness of the matter before. Now she felt extremely scared when she heard that Tony might only have a few months to live. At the same time, she was glad that she and Tony met someone like Dio who had the ability to save his life.
"What's the bad news?" Pepper asked hurriedly. The good news was frightening enough, so how terrible would the bad news be
At this time, Dio glanced at Tony's chest, and then said, "The bad news is that I can only maintain his life for the time being and help him regularly clean up the toxins accumulated in his body, but this is only a temporary solution and not a permanent solution. He has to be Iron Man for one day, and this risk will accompany him for one day, unless he can find a new harmless element to replace it."
This time Dio lied. As long as he was willing to use the Golden Experience, he was confident that he could completely cure Tony.
But this guy's character is still too bad. He shamelessly said in front of so many reporters that he alone can maintain world peace. This is not just narcissism, but being too arrogant.
The crisis that the world will experience in the future is unimaginable to Tony now, so he needs to transform and complete self-redemption again, so that he can become the real Iron Man in Dio's impression who can even sacrifice himself to save all mankind.
Dio wants to live the life he wants, instead of thinking about how to save the earth all day long. This requires the Avengers to stand at the forefront and solve the crises that threaten the earth time and time again, and Iron Man as the leader is indispensable.
In addition to this reason, Dio also thought that he couldn't just take advantage of the situation and run away. He had to take the 'road of sustainable development' and take advantage of it bit by bit. As long as Tony couldn't research new replaceable elements, he could sell vegetable juice for a while longer.
And Dio keeps his word. He said he would sell Tony one million dollars a cup, and that’s what he did. Not a penny less!
When the black-salted egg wants to intervene, he will jump out to grab the last handful of wool.
How much money does this cost
"Actually, I don't like money and I'm not interested in money. I do this for Tony's sake and for the happiness of all mankind."
No matter whether others believe it or not, Dio believes it himself.