After class, Peter Parker ran over to greet Dr. Connors. "Dr. Connors, I didn't expect you to come to our school to teach—it's great!"
He had worked with Dr. Connors during his summer internship, and his performance was notably impressive, even more so than Gwen's.
"Peter, I'm happy to teach you too, but I think you've misunderstood," Connors said with a smile. "I only give occasional lectures, not on a regular basis. After all, I still have ongoing projects to research at Oscorp."
"Oh? How's that going?" Peter asked, interested.
"Peter," Gwen interrupted, coming over, "I don't think it's a good idea for Dr. Connors to discuss Oscorp's research project here."
"Hey, Gwen." Peter greeted her, suddenly shy.
"It's okay, Gwen, it's not a secret project," Connors said, picking up his briefcase and laughing at himself. "Regrowing lost limbs by transplanting lizard genes is a bit too radical—most people think it's just a joke."
"If anyone can make it work, Dr. Connors, it's you," Gwen encouraged.
Though she didn't know much about Connors' research, she didn't find it entirely far-fetched—especially since she herself had gained superhuman abilities.
Peter chimed in, "Yes, Doctor, I'd be glad to help you."
"Hehe, although I should say no…" Connors chuckled, "I admit, I could use your help. You're a genius, Peter."
In fact, the "regular" version of Peter Parker was even smarter than the Spider-Man version. During his time at Oscorp, he not only learned a lot but also provided Connors with several useful ideas.
"My lab's door is always open to you."
Connors left Peter with those words and prepared to leave.
Before he left, Gwen extended an invitation: "Dr. Connors, there's a party tonight. Are you interested?"
"Thanks, Gwen, but that sounds like something for you young people. I'll pass."
"Alright, take care."
After Connors left, Gwen turned to Peter with a smile. "Peter~ don't skip out on tonight's party. There will be plenty of girls, and maybe one of them will catch your eye. I could introduce you."
Peter had been her neighbor since childhood. Although her feelings for Evan were different, she genuinely wanted her friend to be more social.
"Ah... okay, I'll definitely be there, Gwen."
Peter hurried off, almost as if fleeing.
"Hehe~"
Jessica appeared behind Gwen. "Gwen, there's going to be a special event at the party tonight~"
"Special event?"
.
.
.
Nightfall
The party venue was none other than Evan Li's Sunville Manor.
Jessica was one of the sponsors, and the other was Harry Osborn, son of Oscorp's founder.
When Evan arrived in his stylishly modified car, the party was already in full swing inside.
Let's see what kind of face Gwen makes when she sees this, he thought mischievously.
He retrieved a long scroll from his trunk, grabbed two small gifts, and headed inside.
"Mr. Li?"
Although Jessica hadn't told him, Harry Osborn guessed Evan would come.
For a while, Evan had been Harry's art tutor.
"Harry, it's been a while. Are you missing art class already?" Evan asked, noticing Harry in a casual suit, looking relaxed. It was probably because he hadn't yet experienced the "Green Goblin" incident.
Hmm… Norman Osborn is the Green Goblin—definitely need to deal with him someday.
Unaware of Evan's intentions for his father, Harry chatted casually, walking alongside him. "You know, besides my courses, I've got to learn how to run a company. I don't exactly have Peter's brain."
"Peter?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah—Peter. Is there a problem?"
"No, I mean, he's over there, and it doesn't look too good."
Evan pointed ahead.
The party was held indoors, but outside, Peter, holding a video camera, was confronted by a stocky, blonde boy with a few others backing him up.
"Hey, look who's here," said Flash Thompson, the classic Spider-Man bully. He sneered at Peter. "What are you doing here, loser? This is a party, not a place for trash like you."
One of Flash's friends chimed in, "No garbage allowed here!"
Flash waved dismissively, "Go home, or stay and do my homework for me."
"I'm here for the party, Thompson! You can't do that!"
Peter felt a surge of anger and almost swung his camera at Flash, but he hesitated, reluctant to risk damaging it.
"Oh? And who invited you, genius?" Flash asked, feigning surprise.
"Lots of people!" Peter said. "Gwen, Jessica, Harry—they all invited me!"
"Yeah, Thompson, Peter's with us," Harry said, walking over and frowning at Flash. "You'd better move aside."
"Heh, hiding behind your friends, Parker?" Flash mocked but stepped out of the way as one of the organizers approached.
...
If you find any mistakes in the chapter. Please point it out in the comment section and I will try to correct them as soon as possible.