Hydra always insisted on presenting themselves as sinister, relying on underhanded tactics, wantonly destroying property and slaughtering civilians. That was the true reason for their repeated failures.
They were always fixated on a handful of elite humans the Avengers while completely ignoring the vast population of ordinary people. They overlooked the fact that the masses were the foundation of power.
Every time they unveiled some minor invention or scheme, they foolishly believed they could overthrow the existing order. They never acted for the benefit of the people, nor did they attempt to mobilize them. All they spread was harm and fear. For an organization like that to succeed would be nothing short of a miracle.
"Whether you believe me or not, you don't have to decide right now. Time is the best storyteller. When you return from Antarctica, you'll surely understand much more. In fact, the clues and signs are already visible in daily life, but long-standing habits have made you overlook them. Well then, I wish you a safe journey."
Victor found it somewhat amusing to see Black Widow frowning, but he still opened his arms and gave her a big hug. Having watched the movies in his previous life, he already thought her figure was incredible. Now, in such a close embrace, he realized just how young and inexperienced he truly was.
As the saying went, the eyes of the people are sharp. Not only did she have a stunning figure, but she even carried a natural fragrance a true Russian beauty: full curves, narrow waist.
Victor glanced at Pepper standing nearby. Though reluctant to part, he knew what awaited in New York. Forget Pepper, an ordinary person even beings as powerful as Thor or the Hulk might not survive. In the original storyline, if Tony hadn't risked his life to send the nuclear missile into space, not one of the city's eight million residents would have lived.
So he could only endure the pain of parting for now.
"After I leave, you're not allowed to get involved with any new women!"
"Uh… by 'new women,' you mean…?"
"Anyone besides Nova and the maid!"
Victor broke into a cold sweat. He decided to keep his opinions to himself; otherwise, he feared Pepper might just fly an Iron Man suit straight from Antarctica to beat him up.
"Woo-woo,"
Stark No. 1 slowly set off. Victor waved toward Pepper and the others at the stern of the ship, watching them gradually drift into the distance.
Turning around, his eyes grew cold. The warmth he had just shown vanished with Pepper's departure.
Loki?
The Chitauri?
The Winter Soldier?
The Mandarin?
Come then, whether all together or one by one, I, Victor, will face you all!
But before that, it was time to clean house. For example, that young woman who caused an explosion last night. He wanted to see who truly ruled New York, who was its real king.
"Peter, come to my villa."
Victor called Spider-Man. It was time to involve him in his plans. After all this time building trust, Spider-Man's family was deeply grateful to him. Uncle Parker and Aunt May spoke of Victor's kindness almost daily in Peter's ear.
Every month, Spider-Man received $15,000, which left him so excited he could hardly sleep. Having spent little on helping the poor lately, he had even saved up to buy a second-hand Harley motorcycle.
His old scooter had been smashed beyond repair, and besides, with a girlfriend now, his expenses had gone up. They say marriage is the grave of love. well, love itself is the grave of money.
Gwen was nothing like Mary Jane. She had received strict, upper-class family education, while Mary Jane came from the lower rungs of society. Without luck and opportunities, someone like her might never have risen to prominence.
America was a country with stark class divisions. Children of wealthy families could attend private schools, hire the best tutors, and build broad social networks.
This divide began as early as elementary, middle, and high school. Spider-Man could only attend a community high school, while university marked a critical turning point in life.
Mary Jane, after finishing high school, pursued acting, working at a small theater in the Bronx with a monthly income of $4,000. Meanwhile, Spider-Man entered a state university alongside upper-class children like Gwen. It wasn't Stanford or Harvard, but it was still a respected institution in the U.S.
In America, the difference between having a college education and not having one was huge. University courses were extremely demanding, you had to study as hard as if you were preparing for senior year in a Chinese high school. Otherwise, you simply wouldn't graduate.
So, in the U.S., completing college, and especially going on to earn a master's or doctorate, carried significant weight.
Spider-Man soon arrived at Victor's seaside villa in Happy's car. The villa stood alone, with no other buildings nearby. Victor had bought all the surrounding land.
It was Peter's first time visiting, and he was awestruck by the air of wealth. The one who opened the door was Zhen, dressed in a pure white gown, her beauty radiant. Standing at 1.68 meters tall, she looked like a goddess from some ancient Eastern land. Flustered, Spider-Man quickly lowered his gaze, afraid to be disrespectful.
Seeing his nervousness, Zhen smiled gently and said, "You must be Peter Parker? Tony always talks about you, saying you're clever and capable. Meeting you today, you truly are impressive."
Spider-Man gave an awkward laugh.
"Mr. Stark flatters me. I'm really just an ordinary guy."
Zhen's smile deepened as she handed him a pair of slippers.
"Tony's waiting for you in the living room. I'll take you there."
Peter quickly thanked her, though his eyes involuntarily followed her graceful figure as she led the way. He didn't know what her relationship with Victor was, only that she carried an elegant, gentle aura. Could she be some distant relative of Stark's?
But no, Stark was American, while this woman was clearly Eastern. The connection didn't make sense.
Still puzzled, Spider-Man entered the living room.
Victor sat reading leisurely. On the cover, Spider-Man noticed several strangely dressed men and women, but the text was completely foreign to him.
When he saw Peter, Victor closed the book and casually handed it to Zhen.
"You may go. Bring me a pot of Da Hong Pao after the rain."
Zhen nodded softly and left gracefully.
"Sit down. Make yourself at home."
Victor chuckled as he saw Peter standing stiffly in the middle of the room, looking utterly lost.
At that moment, Spider-Man resembled nothing so much as a grade-schooler visiting his teacher's home unsure where to stand, too nervous to sit, terrified of making a poor impression.
(End of Chapter)
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