Chapter 83: Hyping Up Connors
The news that Osborn Group was about to be delisted had spread throughout New York. As one of the top biotech companies in America, the changes at Osborn had significant ripple effects.
"Peter, you have great hands-on ability and intuition when it comes to biological research. But your theoretical foundation is still lacking. Then again, you're just a high school student—you've got plenty of time to grow."
Inside Osborn's newest laboratory, Dr. Curt Connors had initially been very dissatisfied with the idea of a high school student joining his lab. What could a kid possibly understand? All he'd do was slow down Connors' progress.
But unfortunately for Connors, Peter Parker was personally brought in by the chairman, Uchiha Akira. Connors didn't know what kind of relationship the two had, and he didn't want to start off on the wrong foot.
However, Peter's quick learning ability left Dr. Connors in awe. The kid was incredibly sharp, absorbing knowledge at an astonishing pace.
Not to mention Peter's precise and efficient lab work—Connors was blown away. Now this was a gold-medal lab assistant! He worked faster than three grad students combined.
Based on Peter Parker's skill alone, even if he could only assist with minor tasks for now, he clearly had a bright future.
"Chairman!"
"Chairman!"
The staff all respectfully greeted the man entering the room.
"Dr. Connors, are you satisfied with the brand-new lab equipment?" Uchiha Akira asked with a warm smile. He always held talented researchers in high regard.
"I'm very satisfied. In fact, this state-of-the-art equipment has significantly boosted our research efficiency."
Dr. Connors was particularly pleased with the new chairman of Osborn Group. First, Akira treated him with genuine respect—a fact Connors could clearly feel, unlike the fake courtesy Norman Osborn used to show.
Second, Uchiha Akira was remarkably generous, especially with his support for the limb regeneration project. His funding was virtually unlimited.
And what researcher doesn't dream of a boss like that?
"Dr. Connors, I fully support your limb regeneration research. And I sincerely hope you can one day fulfill your life's dream."
Connors had once been a military doctor and lost his right arm on the battlefield. So limb regeneration had become his life's ambition.
"Don't worry. My research is in its final phase. We'll have results very soon!" Dr. Connors responded with excitement.
"No, Dr. Connors—that's not what I meant. I'm not here to rush you. On the contrary, I want you to take your time and make sure the technique is completely understood and perfected before any trials. We've already purchased 300 cynomolgus monkeys for the first phase of trials. There's no need to hurry."
Dr. Connors was momentarily stunned by Akira's words.
"Did I hear that right? You're telling me not to rush and to prioritize safety—even if it takes more time?"
A capitalist… telling him not to rush?
Uchiha Akira sighed inwardly. It wasn't that he didn't want faster progress—he just didn't trust Connors to avoid doing something reckless. If another Lizard Man incident broke out... well, even that wouldn't be the end of the world, but still.
"Rest assured, Dr. Connors. Once this technology succeeds, its application market will be massive. And when that happens, you'll receive 5.8% of the net profit. As long as you're with Osborn, this promise stands."
Yes, the strongest bonds are always built on shared interests. Uchiha Akira wasn't stingy with money—he only cared about whether it could be converted into power or influence.
"Of course, the rest of the lab team will also be handsomely rewarded."
"Long live the boss!"
"I knew he wouldn't forget about us!"
Suddenly the entire lab erupted in cheer. Uchiha Akira had injected new life into the whole team. Everyone felt reinvigorated.
"Dr. Connors, these are members of my clan—Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Mikoto. They'll be joining the lab team. Please teach them everything you can. That's a personal favor I'm asking."
Thanks to all the earlier praise and financial promises, Connors was feeling both respected and motivated—so he gladly agreed.
"Well then, I'll leave you to it. I wish you all success. If the limb regeneration project succeeds, it won't just be your achievement—it will help fix regrets for countless others. Osborn Group will give you full support!"
After dropping some motivational "chicken soup for the soul," Uchiha Akira left Mikoto and Izumi behind and finally relaxed a little.
"Big Orange… you followed me again today?" Feeling the familiar rubbing against his leg, Akira crouched down and picked up the chunky orange cat.
"You're even heavier than before."
"Meow~" Big Orange strongly objected.
"Don't worry. Even if you get fat as a pig, I won't abandon you." Akira gently scratched under the cat's chin. Indeed, it was looking noticeably rounder than before.
As the elevator doors opened, Akira was greeted by his secretary, Catherine.
"Sir, Mr. Tony Stark has been trying to reach you. Since your phone's been off, he contacted me instead."
Akira pulled out his phone—sure enough, it had powered off on its own.
"Catherine, let me borrow your phone for a moment."
"Tony, what's up? You're not chasing me for debts, are you?"
"Do I look like that kind of guy? I'm Tony Stark! You can take your time repaying me—there's interest anyway."
"Got it. In that case, I'm running away."
"No problem. If you're gonna flee, I'll even recommend a good escape route. And then I'll just take over Osborn Group for myself. Anyway, I've got something serious to talk about."
"Alright, spill it. What is it?"
"The cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji in Japan are blooming. Things seem calm lately, and your Osborn Group is more or less stable now, right? How about we go see the cherry blossoms together?"
"…Tony, what the hell is wrong with you? You're asking me, another man, to go see cherry blossoms with you at Mount Fuji? Is there something wrong with your sexuality—or mine?"
Akira, on the other end of the line, was seriously concerned that Tony had lost his mind.
"Come on, I just thought we were close friends…"
"Talk like a normal person!"
'…Fine. I want to invite Mikoto to see the cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji, but I'm worried she won't want to go. If you come too, there's a good chance she'll say yes.'
"Tony, you really are a genius~"