Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 97: The Mindset of the Poor

Alvin sent Professor Cage and Domingo away that day. The next day, rumors started spreading in Hell's Kitchen that the boss of 25th Street, Alvin, had a fierce Mexican hitman under his command!

Clark Gable, who sold fake goods on the next street, even came to the restaurant to ask Alvin if he wanted to expand his territory and take over his street. He was willing to pay a price every year!

Alvin felt a bit sorry for this guy who ended up being a community director instead of a gang leader, feeling so much pressure that he wanted to quit.

But what can you do? The path is chosen by oneself, and guys like Clark who want to go legit are always welcome!

...

On the lawn of Stark's estate in Long Island, Alvin and Frank were nervously watching Nick, who was taking his first steps with a crude mechanical prosthetic leg.

Stark looked at Alvin with disdain, showing his contempt for his bumpkin behavior, and said, "Buddy, that's just the simplest, cheapest mechanical leg. Staring at it won't make it any fancier.

Have you really not considered our Stark Industries' multifunctional enhanced prosthetics?

If you're really that poor, I can sponsor one for you for free!"

Alvin glanced sideways at Stark. There was really nothing to talk about with this rich bastard. If he spent all his money on a high-end gadget, it would be useless next year when Nick grew taller. Where would he find that much money again?

Alvin understood that Stark wanted to sponsor Nick, but he didn't like it, and he believed Frank wouldn't like it either.

Besides, the current mechanical leg was good enough. It had adjustable height, weight distribution, and was highly responsive with good human-machine interaction. The only downside was its skeletal appearance, but Nick probably wouldn't mind. Didn't you see him limping around, showing off his "crippled leg" to Ginny?

Watching the happy Nick, Alvin turned to Stark and said, "I have to say, you're a genius, buddy. I think this is the kind of thing that could hit the market, not those enhanced human assistive devices your lab is working on.

You should fire your product manager because he's an idiot."

Stark scratched his chin in confusion and said, "Why? When there's a better option, why use this low-end stuff? Stark Industries only makes the best!"

Alvin resisted the urge to punch him in the nose and said, "Buddy, there's something wrong with your brain. You need to get it checked or find someone suitable to help you run things.

How much does that thing your lab made cost? How many people do you think can afford it?

This prosthetic you designed in just three days, how much does it cost?"

Stark proudly said, "You're wrong. I divided the lab's products into high, medium, and low tiers. Poor people can consider the low-end human assistive system!

Buddy, you need to learn from me about doing business. Haha! I'm a genius, don't forget!"

Alvin looked at Stark like he was dog shit and said, "So, Mr. Genius Stark, how much does your low-end human assistive system cost?

How many have you sold?"

Stark gave Alvin a proud look and said, "The lowest version of the human assistive system costs only $180,000, the price of an average car. Who can't afford that?

Our product hasn't hit the market yet; it's still in clinical trials, but the results are excellent, as you should know!"

Alvin mocked Stark and said, "You're so dumb, Stark Industries will go bankrupt sooner or later. Go and get Pepper back!"

Stark angrily waved his fist and shouted, "Hey, buddy, you better explain yourself, or we'll settle this in the ring. My karate coach says I'm ready to kick some ass!"

Alvin couldn't understand the mindset of these rich folks. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Tony, in your eyes, what kind of people are poor?"

Seeing Stark seriously contemplating what to say, Alvin stopped him from saying something that would definitely hurt him.

Pointing to Nick's prosthetic leg, Alvin said, "How much do you think this should cost?"

Stark thought for a moment and said, "If we don't count my genius design, hmm... $8,000."

Alvin smiled and said, "Which do you think would be more popular?

And just to correct you, as a community school principal, I should be considered middle class, not a poor guy in your eyes!

Buddy, go get Pepper back. Really, apologizing to a pretty girl is not embarrassing at all!"

Stark thought for a moment and said, "You mean Stark Industries producing these cheap prosthetics would be more promising than our lab's high-end products?"

Alvin decided to ignore this guy. He would never understand the business mindset of the rich. Stark Industries probably didn't need the money anyway!

Seeing Alvin ignoring him, Stark turned and made a phone call. Judging by his sheepish look, it was probably to Pepper. After all, as the CEO of the group, he didn't even know all the board members!

After a while, Stark came back, arrogantly raising his chin, and said to Alvin, "Buddy, when it comes to business, you're still a bit behind. The best approach for Stark Industries is to license these low-end products and focus on developing high-end ones.

Buddy, really, you need to change your poor man's mindset sometimes. You can't do big business that way! Haha!

But since you kindly reminded me not to throw this thing in the trash, I've decided I can sponsor Nick with a human assistive system, a high-end one, until he grows up!"

For Stark, Alvin no longer saw him as dog shit but as a pile of dog shit. Annoyed, he said, "Nick's future prosthetics will be the real deal, not your battery-powered mechanical claw!"

Seeing Stark's disdainful expression, Alvin laughed in anger. This egomaniac was really annoying!

"Maybe in a while, I'll show you what a real iron limb looks like!

Just afraid you won't like it then!" Alvin said meaningfully.

"OK, OK," Stark waved his hand like shooing a fly, looking impatient, and said, "Alright, buddy, bragging isn't a good habit, but I forgive you because we're friends!"

Ending the discussion about Stark Industries' products, Stark got excited again and pulled Alvin, saying, "You have to come see the War Machine 2 I designed for you.

You didn't take War Machine 1 last time, so I made some modifications.

She's more aggressive now; you'll love it!"