In the original storyline, Stark surgery went very smoothly and successfully, without any unexpected incidents.
And now?
The lead surgeon had been replaced by Strange, whose physical strength and technical skills were superior; they had Shi Xiaolei medication as a safeguard; Helen Cho, who participated in the surgery, possessed a ridiculously effective cell regeneration technology that would eventually develop into the 'Cradle'; and JARVIS provided vital sign monitoring with precision far beyond human capability.
Without exaggeration, it would have been difficult for the surgery to fail.
Around nine in the morning, Stark was wheeled into the operating room, and by around noon, the surgery had been successfully completed.
With JARVIS controlling everything and nurses assisting on the side, in no time at all, Stark was transported, bed and all, to the observation ward that had been prepared in advance.
Pepper, who had already changed into sterile clothing, hurried to the bedside.
Holding Stark hand in both of hers, her gaze fixed on his face—still unconscious from the anesthesia—and confirming that his breathing was steady, Pepper finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Doctor Strange, the results of the surgery..."
"Everything went smoothly."
"Here, all the shrapnel fragments we removed are in here. You can keep them for him as a memento."
Strange said with a look of satisfaction on his face, casually pulling a small glass bottle from his pocket.
It wasn't that she didn't believe Strange words, but because she was so concerned, she couldn't help wanting additional confirmation.
Taking the small glass bottle, Pepper turned her gaze toward Wu Changkeng, Helen Cho, and the others.
"Doctor Strange skills are exceptional."
"For someone of Doctor Strange age to possess such impressive surgical skills... it's much better than I was in my younger days. To be honest, I'm surprised and very impressed."
Said Wu Changkeng, who, as the first assistant, had the most authority to speak after Strange.
Meeting Pepper gaze, he first gave her a smile, then gave Strange a thumbs up.
"Of course. When it comes to surgical skills, I'm the best in America."
Just like Tony Stark before his life-changing incident, Strange, who had yet to experience his own life crisis, also had an arrogant and smug personality.
Having learned how to deal with narcissists from Stark, Pepper responded appropriately.
She smiled at Strange with gratitude, her tone warm but not overly familiar: "Thank you, Doctor Strange. Both Stark and I believe that choosing you was the most correct decision."
"Well, you get what you pay for. Since you've paid a substantial sum, I naturally had to deliver the best results and ensure your satisfaction."
"Thank you."
Not only did Pepper express her gratitude verbally, but she had also prepared substantial tokens of appreciation.
Of course, those were trivial matters not worth elaborating on here.
In short, having confirmed that Stark had successfully made it through this ordeal, Pepper finally set aside her anxiety.
During these days of observation, she thanked and entertained the several doctors; took care of the post-surgery Stark more meticulously than any nurse would; remotely managed company affairs to ensure Stark Industries ran smoothly.
Even with several tasks piled up together, they were no match for Pepper, who had transformed back from a helpless woman to a formidable executive.
The reality proved that Pepper efforts were indeed very effective.
In just two or three days, Stark had already passed through the post-surgical weakness phase.
Although his movement was still somewhat restricted due to the large hole in his chest that hadn't completely healed—he couldn't walk freely as usual, let alone put on his armor and fly around the world—his mental state had already returned to its normal standard.
Case in point: taking advantage of Pepper bathroom break, Stark sitting in an electric wheelchair, sneakily approached the coffee machine, ordering JARVIS to keep it a secret while he made himself a cup of coffee.
"Sip, ahh~"
"Just the taste I've been dying for~"
Taking a small sip, Stark unconsciously displayed a look of intoxication.
After one sip came the desire for a second, and in a moment of carelessness, he completely forgot his earlier self-caution.
"Tony!"
"Uh."
Hearing Pepper angry rebuke in his ears, Stark finally came to his senses.
Sheepishly turning around to see Pepper standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips, Stark awkwardly twitched his lips, forcing an extremely rigid smile.
"Pepper, I..."
"Put the cup down first."
"Oh."
"I only had one sip, really, just one small sip, a few milliliters at most."
Reluctantly placing the cup on the table, Stark rubbed his nose uncomfortably.
"Even a few milliliters is not allowed."
Picking up the cup from the table and throwing it into the trash without hesitation, Pepper frowned deeply and started scolding Stark like a nagging mother: "Don't you know the state of your own body? We've said it already, all stimulating beverages and foods are off-limits. This cup contains at least 100 milligrams of caffeine..."
"...That was my favorite cup."
After mumbling this, and seeing Pepper's eyebrows raised, Stark quickly shut up and raised his hands.
"Okay, okay, I promise, there won't be a next time."
"..."
After staring at Stark for a few seconds, Pepper suddenly looked up.
"JARVIS, are you there?"
"I am here, Miss Pepper. How may I assist you?"
"Why didn't you stop him or alert me earlier?"
"Because sir gave me an order."
"Hey, JARVIS, you're betraying me?"
"For the sake of your health, sir, I believe it was necessary to be honest with Miss Pepper."
Though his tone showed no fluctuation, JARVIS words somehow seemed to carry a hint of mischief.
"Very good."
Pepper nodded, turning her gaze back to Stark face.
"Tony, now I want you to give JARVIS an instruction. As for the content, I shouldn't have to tell you, right?"
"I protest! I demand the right to privacy!"
"Protest rejected, overruled."
Pepper was unmoved, crossing her arms and staring at Stark.
"Hurry up, don't dawdle."
What else could he do? Stark was forced to give JARVIS an instruction, letting him help Pepper monitor his activities.
Knowing it was for his own good, but to be honest, completely losing his autonomy still made Stark feel somewhat stifled.
Like a sulking child, Stark deliberately closed his mouth, planning to show his dissatisfaction to Pepper by refusing to speak or engage.
Looking at Stark in this state, Pepper felt both annoyed and amused.
Just as she was about to nag a bit more, suddenly, JARVIS provided an alert: "Sir, Miss Pepper, I apologize for interrupting your conversation. Mr. Rock has arrived and is knocking at the door downstairs."
"Rock? I see."
Responding on Stark behalf, Pepper instructed: "JARVIS, let him come up here directly."
"Very well."
Soon after, guided by JARVIS instructions, Shi Xiaolei appeared at the doorway of the room.
"Tony, how are you feeling? Better than yesterday?"
Placing the small flower basket he had ordered by phone on the table, Shi Xiaolei inquired about Stark while nodding to Pepper.
"Hello, Pepper."
"Buddy, you've come at just the right time..."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)