Chapter 412-419
412. Sponsor Tony Stark
"See you at school, Mary!"
"Okay, see you at school."
Downstairs at Star Tower, Mary Jane, Kahn, Cindy, and the others exchanged greetings. Then, Mary Jane got into the car that Harry Osborn had driven over.
"See?"
After getting into the car and closing the door, Mary Jane buckled her seatbelt and said to Harry, who was starting the engine, "I told you, coming here was the right choice."
Harry hesitated for a moment, nodded, started the car, and drove away. "But Peter should be the one to participate in the knowledge bowl."
Compared to Peter, Harry knew his own limitations.
Moreover, Peter needed this knowledge bowl more than he did. Last year, because it was a grand slam and the first time, Midtown High gave generous rewards. Although this year, another grand slam was expected, the rewards might not be as good as last year, and the number of participants increased from five to eight. Still, the minimum rewards, when added up, would be at least around 30,000 US dollars.
For Harry, this 30,000 dollar reward was just pocket money.
After all, Norman Osborn merely disliked his son; in terms of living expenses, Harry was still a top-tier rich kid.
But for Peter, this 30,000 dollars could be said to be, if not Peter Parker's uncle's entire year's salary, then at least ten months' worth of savings for Ben Parker, if he didn't eat or drink.
Harry thought for a moment, then looked at Mary Jane. "Mary, what do you think if I let Peter..."
Although it sounded incredible, he and Peter were indeed good friends. They had been since Peter was little, but later, Peter experienced a misfortune, and he was sent to a boarding school in London.
Mary Jane heard Harry's words and, before he could finish, immediately said, "Are you crazy? Why wouldn't you go?"
Harry was slightly taken aback.
Mary Jane shook her head. "Didn't you notice? Locke doesn't like Peter Parker."
Harry blinked.
"He doesn't?"
"No."
Mary Jane nodded. "Perhaps you didn't notice, but Locke doesn't like Peter Parker."
This was certain.
Due to her family situation, Mary Jane and her mother had stayed with many relatives when she was very young, always receiving cold stares. So, Mary Jane learned from an early age to read people's expressions and, incidentally, how to please them.
Then, after her mother, Madeline, finally got an acting job in New York with the help of an old friend, she brought Mary Jane to New York.
Although Mary Jane lived next door to Peter Parker.
But.
Mary Jane had understood the pain of being dependent on others since she was a child. So, after turning fourteen, she had been working in various restaurants, helping her mother Madeline ease the burden and saving money for herself.
Peter Parker, however, had not experienced Mary Jane's life. After all, his Uncle Ben and Aunt May treated Peter Parker like their own son.
Working part-time?
Dream on.
To this day, ninety-nine percent of Midtown High students have had some work experience, whether during summer or winter breaks. But Peter Parker's work experience was zero.
Even Locke had worked.
Isn't the CIA exactly that?
Locke had the nameless person find him a federal enterprise, attached himself to it, and then got a stamp to prove that Locke had served as an intern consultant there.
After all, this also counted as social credits.
In short.
Perhaps others, without such an experience, wouldn't have noticed, but Mary Jane did.
Locke didn't like Peter Parker.
Mary Jane was also somewhat curious about this, not understanding the reason, but curiosity aside: "Anyway, just listen to me. Besides, since Locke thinks you can do it, why don't you go? Didn't you say you wanted to prove yourself to your father?"
Harry opened his mouth. "Yes."
Mary Jane said, "Then why would you give up an opportunity that belongs to you to Peter?"
Harry shook his head. "Peter is more qualified than me, and he's my friend."
Mary Jane listened to Harry's words and shook her head. Although it was precisely because of Harry's un-rich-kid-like personality that she liked him: "Alright, what you say is useless. Locke gave the spot to you, not to Peter."
Harry nodded, a little curious. "Locke... why would he dislike Peter?"
"I don't know either."
Mary Jane shook her head, then seemed to remember something and said to Harry, "You absolutely must not tell Peter about this, understand? This is all just my guess."
Harry glanced at Mary, then hummed in response.
"I won't."
Actually, not only Mary Jane and Harry Osborn were a little confused about why Locke disliked Peter Parker.
Even Gwen was the same.
After seeing everyone off.
Gwen tidied up the water glasses they had just used, put them in the sink, and then looked at Locke, who had moved his position, leaning on the sofa and reading a book. "You don't like Peter Parker?"
Locke looked up at Gwen, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Huh?"
"Peter Parker is more qualified than Harry to participate in the knowledge bowl, isn't he?"
"I don't deny it."
It was still the same old saying.
Peter Parker was an academic ace.
Harry Osborn was not.
Locke nodded, admitting this point very cleanly and directly. Then he folded the page he was reading, put down the book, got up, and walked towards the bar. "I thought you and Mary Jane were friends."
Gwen blinked.
"What?"
"I judge people, not things, Gwen."
"Ha."
Locke looked at Gwen with a slight smile. "I don't know Peter Parker, but I know Harry Osborn. And you know Mary Jane. So why not? Anyway, for me, even if the eighth spot is empty, we're under no pressure."
It was still a grand slam.
No doubt about it.
If he wasn't worried about drawing too much attention, Locke felt he could go on stage alone, take on all eight, and Trinity wouldn't have a single contestant who could put up a fight.
"So, you did it for me?"
"Yes."
"..."
Gwen's lips twitched, then she pursed them, turned off the faucet, and smiled as she looked up, feeling Locke walk up behind her and hug her. "You just dislike Peter Parker."
I'd be a fool to believe you.
You clearly just dislike Peter Parker.
This made Gwen a little curious. She thought for a long time but couldn't come up with any reason why Locke would dislike Peter Parker.
Locke, meanwhile, was greedily inhaling the scent from Gwen's golden hair. "Whatever, if you want to put it that way, fine."
Gwen twisted her waist, turned around, and leaned against the sink.
"Reason?"
"No reason."
Locke watched as her long ponytail drifted away from his nose, his appetite stirred, and the corners of his mouth turned up. "When I look at people, I like to go by feeling. If I don't like someone, I just don't like them. There's no reason."
He couldn't possibly tell Gwen that in the original timeline, this little spider would cause her death.
That certainly couldn't be said.
Gwen blinked, and just as she was about to speak, the phone rang.
"It's Pepper."
Gwen took out her phone, glanced at it, then pushed Locke aside, walked out of the bar, and answered the call.
Locke lowered his head, then shrugged.
It wasn't dark yet.
No need to be so impatient. Anyway, in his version, there would definitely be nothing for the little spider to do.
What's more... Locke suddenly thought of something.
Speaking of which, in Peter Parker's version, it seemed Gwen wasn't Spider-Gwen. However, in Spider-Gwen's version, Peter Parker was a major villain.
"Hiss!"
Locke raised an eyebrow, opened his memory bank, found the content from the Spider-Gwen version, and then shook his head. "Sacrificing a friend, Spider-Man, the nickname really wasn't wrong."
In the Spider-Gwen version, Peter Parker wasn't Spider-Man, but this guy, relying on his name, still managed to once again cause Gwen's family to be ruined.
That must have been in the parallel universe of Earth-65.
Spider-Man became Gwen, and Peter Parker became the Lizard. Afterwards, Gwen chopped up the Lizard, but because of that, she was wanted by the NYPD. Later, George Stacy learned the truth and went to jail in place of his daughter, Gwen.
It was because Gwen didn't want people to know that Peter Parker was the Lizard, which led to Gwen's family being ruined once again.
Indeed, there are only wrong names, not wrong nicknames.
So... cherish life, stay away from Peter. Even if Peter doesn't become a spider, he'll become a lizard. Anyway, no matter which one, whoever gets involved will be cursed to have their family utterly destroyed.
To describe Peter Parker as 'this child is terrifyingly powerful' is, in some ways, not wrong.
Soon.
Gwen, who had finished her call on the terrace, walked back in and said to Locke, who was standing by the bar, "I've arranged to meet Pepper tomorrow at ten in the morning."
Locke snapped back to attention. "Isn't tomorrow the Presidents' Mixer?"
It was the final meeting to launch the Student Council Knowledge Bowl. Then, next week, the knowledge bowl, based on the student councils of various universities, would fully blossom, aiming for a resounding success and becoming another major event for universities.
Gwen walked back over, kissed Locke's cheek, and smiled. "Yes, that's in the afternoon. The morning is for meeting Pepper."
"Meeting?"
"Yes."
"For what?"
Gwen put the used glasses into the sterilizer for disinfection, then turned around and said, "Sponsorship."
Locke raised an eyebrow. "Sponsorship?"
Gwen hummed. "I told you about this when I was in New Orleans, didn't I? Relying solely on us, the promotion and everything else wouldn't be very good. If we could get Stark as a sponsor, that would be different."
Just the name'Stark' alone would be enough for ninety percent of New York City's newspapers to report on the event.
Coincidentally... Gwen had mentioned it to Pepper, and to her surprise, after serious consideration, Pepper was actually interested. They had arranged two days ago to meet and chat when she had time...
Four Hundred Thirteen, Pepper
Stark Industries Tower isn't far from Stellar Tower. Even without driving, walking for half an hour would bring you to that building, which could be considered a New York City landmark.
But... Locke drove.
His car speed was five miles per hour, and his mood matched it – slow and leisurely.
One sentence.
"I have money."
"..."
Locke looked at Gwen in the passenger seat with some helplessness: "Why did I agree to get sponsorship from Stark?"
He wasn't short on money.
Locke always felt that getting sponsorship was similar to begging, except others begged on their knees, while seeking sponsorship was like begging while standing.
But the essence remained the same.
Gwen said curiously, "Didn't you also get sponsorship when you ran for student council?"
"That's different."
"What?"
"He's not Stark."
"..."
Gwen opened her mouth, blinked, then shook her head and said, "Although you're also very famous, and if you directly sponsored it, the media would pay attention, you have to admit that you're not as newsworthy as Tony Stark, right?"
Locke raised an eyebrow: "Are you saying I'm not as good as Stark?"
"Of course not."
Gwen gave a brilliant smile and said, "You're much better than Stark. That guy is such a playboy. If I were Pepper, I would have slapped him and resigned a long time ago. But we have to admit that because Stark is a playboy, he's very newsworthy. Besides, you can think of this sponsorship as another time you've beaten Stark, right?"
Locke frowned.
Thinking about it that way... it seemed, perhaps, not impossible.
After a while.
Locke pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the engine, and got out of the car with Gwen.
He looked up!
Stark Industries Tower couldn't be described as soaring into the clouds, but it was significantly taller than Osborn Industries a block away and Hammer Industries three blocks away.
Locke gazed at the logo displayed on the building's exterior.
"What are you looking at?"
"I'm looking to see when the letters on it will be reduced to just an 'A'."
"Huh?"
"Nothing, let's go."
Locke came back to his senses, smiled slightly at Gwen. He had already sent Nick Fury directly to hell, so the Avengers, or whatever, was probably stillborn.
Moreover, Cordelia mentioned that there was a woman from S.H.I.E.L.D. who was quite active over there.
So... the Avengers were probably out of the picture, but a 'Women's Alliance' might be in the cards.
Locke looked up at the Stark letters on the building, knowing that the idea of all the letters falling off, leaving only an 'A', was probably not going to happen.
Soon.
Top floor.
After Gwen and Locke exited the elevator, Gwen couldn't help but exclaim in admiration at the open-plan design of the top floor.
"Gwen."
Pepper, who had just been informed by the doorman that Gwen had arrived and was waiting, rose from her desk with a smile, walked over in high heels, and hugged Gwen: "How are you? You're alright, right? Oh my gosh, have they caught the suspect?"
Gwen smiled: "I'm fine, really. But I don't think I'll be catching the suspect."
After Pepper released Gwen, she looked at her curiously.
Gwen shrugged: "Because my dad definitely won't let that person live."
Pepper paused slightly, then smiled: "Alright."
Gwen, seeing her reaction, said, "Oh my gosh, I was just kidding, Pepper, you didn't actually believe that, did you?"
That wouldn't do.
"Of course not. Senior Inspector George Stacy is recognized as one of New York City's best police officers."
"Really?"
"Of course."
After Pepper shook hands with Locke, she invited them both to the reception sofa nearby and said with a smile, "Wall Street once conducted a survey, and if they had a case, they both hoped and least hoped that Senior Inspector George Stacy would handle it."
Gwen, sitting down, looked a little suspicious.
"Because when they encounter trouble, they really hope to have someone like Senior Inspector George Stacy in charge. Likewise, when things happen to them, they don't want someone as upright as George Stacy in charge."
Pepper said with a smile, looking at her assistant who had just entered: "Two coffees, please."
"Alright."
After the assistant turned and left, Pepper walked to the side, pulled out a bottle of bourbon from the wine rack, found a glass, and sat back down, looking at Locke: "Bourbon. Tony bought this a while ago, but he only got two cases. Someone else was bidding against him and snatched five cases."
I know.
Locke smiled slightly in his heart as he listened to Pepper's words.
He hadn't been to New York before, and making money was tough, but now he was financially free. For the time being, he didn't need the dirty money from the Unrivaled Assassin, so he simply took advantage of this auction to turn the dirty money into fine wine.
After all, fine wine was always meant to be drunk.
And dirty money needed to be laundered to be used, which would devalue it. It was better to convert it into inconspicuous bourbon; at least, if he ever needed money in the future, he could sell it back to Tony Stark.
This was also a way to realize cash, and since it wasn't art, it wouldn't attract the attention of the FBI's art investigation department.
"How is it?"
"Not bad."
"After Tony bought the wine this time, he said that you're probably the only one who truly understands Thunder Bourbon, and he's been thinking about playing cards with you again sometime."
"I don't mind making some pocket money."
"Haha."
Pepper chuckled at Locke's words: "Are you still short on money now, Mr. Broughton, two hundred millionaire?"
Locke smiled: "You know about the hush money?"
Pepper smiled: "Stark Industries is one of the military's designated arms suppliers. Tony mentioned it to me a few days ago. He's still in New Jersey."
Locke nodded.
Very normal.
Although the military, pressured by Sam Malik's toughness, didn't dare to do anything to Jessica Campbell, Jessica wasn't the only one who successfully integrated the G-element.
There was another guinea pig in that military base.
That was the Purple Man.
Moreover, because the Purple Man was a spy, although he might not end up on an dissection table due to his rarity, various human experiments would certainly be indispensable.
For example, figuring out why the Purple Man could absorb external CPH4.
How could Tony Stark, who had close ties with the military and whose ancestors were involved in super-soldier serum research, a legitimate second-generation arms dealer, not go?
Not to mention, Stark Industries' ally in the military was General Thaddeus Ross.
If the super-soldier serum were truly developed, then the only one who could mass-produce it for the military, besides Stark Industries, would be no one else.
Even if there were others, General Thaddeus Ross wouldn't trust them.
However... this wasn't why Locke and Gwen were here.
Back to the main topic.
Pepper thanked the assistant who came in with two coffees, then handed one to Gwen, and then said with a smile, "President Broughton, the Stark Industries Education Foundation highly appreciates the College Student Alliance Knowledge Competition. Give us a chance to be the title sponsor, won't you?"
"May I ask why?"
Locke chuckled, looking at Pepper: "If, Pepper, you're doing this for personal reasons, then I'd say there's no need."
Pepper smiled: "The Stark Education Fund was established by Maria Stark, and from the beginning, it has been dedicated to improving the educational environment and competitiveness. However, for many years, the Stark Education Fund has primarily operated through scholarships and grants."
"Is that not good?"
"No, it's very good."
Pepper shook her head: "Over the years, countless people have been able to attend university without financial burden thanks to the Stark Education Fund, and more than a dozen of them even joined Stark Industries after completing their doctorates."
Locke shrugged: "Is there a problem with that?"
Pepper smiled: "Locke, do you know how much the Stark Education Fund's expenditure was last year?"
Before Locke could speak, Pepper picked up a document from the side with her right hand and handed it to Locke.
Locke took it.
Oh!
"That much?"
"Yes."
An amount that even Locke, now financially free, would call 'a lot' was, without a doubt, a huge sum. Gwen, looking on from the side, widened her mouth in astonishment: "Was it that much last year?"
Pepper gestured to Gwen, then looked at Locke: "That's the problem."
Locke nodded thoughtfully.
Gwen also understood.
In a word.
The output and input were not proportional.
Simply put, the Stark Education Fund was established by Maria Stark, and after Tony Stark inherited Stark Industries, he increased the funding for his mother Maria Stark's foundation year after year.
But... what Tony wanted, he never got.
Simply put.
Reputation!
The Maria Stark Education Foundation, as it was fully named, didn't have a great reputation. Although the education fund's expenditure last year was enormous, the reputation it gained was still just one of many Wall Street scholarships, even lumped together with those deceptive education foundations used for tax avoidance and reduction.
The most important point.
Pepper said, "Last year, some members of the board of directors were already suggesting whether to consider cutting the education fund."
Locke's lips curled up: "And then that person was fired by Tony Stark?"
Pepper shook her head: "No, he was demoted by Obadiah Stane, Tony's godfather. But the topic was brought up, so..."
Locke handed the document to Gwen and nodded: "So, you're planning to change your approach, from the previous wide-net model to a targeted model?"
Pepper shook her head: "No, Maria Stark's original intention was for the foundation to help everyone who wanted to learn but couldn't, to receive an education. That won't change. But that doesn't hinder us from needing a big show."
Locke: "..."
414. Human Enhancement Project
Besides, it couldn't be some self-produced spectacle.
At this juncture, the New York State and New Jersey Student Council Knowledge Competition—headed by Locke and jointly organized by Midtown High School's and Trinity High School's student councils—fit the bill perfectly.
At last year's board meeting Tony was absent. Although the executive's proposal was shot down by Obadiah Stane, afterward Obadiah had pulled Pepper aside and asked her to find a moment to float the idea to Tony.
As Obadiah put it, the Maria Stark Education Fund's input-to-output ratio was frankly underwhelming.
But… Pepper would have to be insane to raise the matter with Tony.
Not to mention, Tony had handed the Maria Stark Education Fund over to her three years ago; that executive's comments in the meeting were, in effect, a direct jab at her.
She didn't mind taking the blame herself.
Yet this was the education foundation Maria Stark had personally founded; Pepper swore that if she so much as mentioned it, Tony would fire her on the spot.
And without a second's hesitation.
Still, the issue couldn't stay buried.
Perfect timing.
When Gwen last chatted with her, she'd mentioned Locke was setting the stage for a Knowledge Competition. Pepper went home, had a flash of inspiration, and saw the solution.
Locke was already the most famous high-schooler in New York—no, in the entire country—and his reputation was even beginning to spread overseas.
Moreover.
The event carried Locke's personal endorsement and was led by the Student Councils, making it far better at attracting top students than any inter-school league quiz.
Pepper asked Gwen for a draft of the rules. Though the framework looked borrowed from the inter-school league, the content had been completely overhauled.
Team events and individual events.
Nothing about it felt like a casual stunt.
Clearly.
Pepper, like Gwen, believed Locke intended to stamp his name on this and pave the way for his future.
But—God knows—Locke's original aim had been singular.
Rack up points.
To be honest.
Locke couldn't understand it either; he'd simply wanted to rig a competition to farm points, yet somehow the thing kept ballooning.
Especially whenever he spotted phrases like "five-year plan" and "expand nationwide" in the bylaws, he was hit by a weird sense of déjà vu.
"The Maria Stark Education Fund is prepared to sponsor ten million U.S. dollars."
"…"
Pepper Potts stayed silent at first, then opened with a starting bid of ten million. Looking at Locke, she upped the ante: "We also have a newly renovated gallery on the Hudson River that was slated to be an art museum. It can serve as the venue. How about it, President Broughton—satisfied with the sponsorship level?"
Locke lifted his gaze. Though she asked if he was satisfied, her expression practically begged for cooperation—Gwen's face wore the same plea.
After a moment.
Locke shrugged. "All right. But understand, Pepper, you're basically handing me money. Aren't you afraid the board will give you grief again?"
He hadn't created this competition to benefit the public but to benefit himself; still, whoever topped the points would claim first place and pocket the lion's share of the prize.
So, in a sense, Pepper was simply walking millions over and gifting them to him.
No strings attached.
Free money—who would refuse?
Pepper smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. At the press conference I'll announce that anyone who beats your first-place score will receive an additional two-hundred-thousand-dollar after-tax scholarship from the Stark Education Fund."
Locke raised an eyebrow at her. "Brilliant!"
Pepper beamed. "Thank you."
If the press conference actually announced that.
The buzz would explode. This year might be too late, but by next year every top prodigy in the country would likely enter.
Locke didn't mind Pepper marketing him as the final boss.
In a word.
The bigger the hype, the bigger the rewards.
Half an hour later.
The sponsorship contract was ready.
Pepper "Potts" was no empty nickname.
After signing the agreement, they shook hands. "President Broughton, looking forward to working together."
Locke smiled and offered his hand. "At the press conference, make sure Tony Stark makes the announcement."
Reluctant as Locke was to admit it, Tony still drew far more media attention than he did.
"I will."
"Good."
Locke withdrew his right hand and turned to Gwen. "Shall we go?"
Gwen nodded, signaled "one moment," and looked at Pepper. "Pepper, tomorrow I'm meeting Cindy for shopping. Are you free—want to join us?"
Pepper handed the signed contract to her assistant. "Didn't you say you wouldn't shop until summer vacation?"
Gwen sighed and said that, although she was all right, her entire wardrobe had been ruined. "And I won't be able to go home for at least five months, so I'll have to stay with Locke for now."
Pepper's eyes lit up. "Living together—congratulations!"
She said.
Pepper looked at Gwen with a grin. "Gwen, you're not using this to announce your happy news that you've moved in together, are you?"
Gwen blinked, then waved her hands quickly. "No, no, I'm not. I'm just saying I've lost all my clothes. Want to go shopping tomorrow? Never mind if you're not up for it."
Pepper pressed her lips. "Of course I'll go. I need a few new pieces myself—I'm running out."
Even though Pepper owned three wardrobes just for clothes.
Still… a woman's closet is always missing one more item. Although the gowns she wore to galas and banquets were all custom-made, her everyday clothes cost only a little more than the average woman's.
At most, just a tad more expensive.
"Let's invite Maggie too."
"Sure."
Gwen nodded. "I was going to ask her, but she's busy preparing for her June wedding. I'm afraid she won't have time to come out."
Pepper shook her head. "Maggie would jump at the chance. You know how stressful wedding prep can be. But you'll be next—four years to go?"
Gwen blinked, turned around. "See you tomorrow, Pepper. I'll call you."
How could wedding planning possibly be stressful?
I won't be stressed.
Pepper's just trying to scare me.
After she went downstairs and got back into the car, Gwen glanced at Locke as he climbed in and thought exactly that.
Locke had just ended a call. He started the engine and pulled away. "Helen phoned to ask when we're heading to Long Island. Let's go back there first and come up again in the afternoon?"
Gwen nodded. "Sounds good."
They'd promised to spend the weekend in Long Island; they couldn't break that promise the very first weekend.
However… just as Locke drove past a block and they passed Osborn Biologics Industry, Gwen, in the passenger seat, spotted something. "Stop for a second."
Locke hit the brakes.
Gwen unbuckled, opened the door, crossed the street, and called toward someone about to enter Osborn Biologics, "Dr. Banner!"
Locke swung the car around in a smooth U-turn and parked. Getting out, he saw the Bruce Banner he'd met once before, along with Betty Ross and… Thaddeus Ross.
"Gwen?"
Bruce Banner turned, surprised to see her walking up behind him. "Great—I was wondering if you'd be around this weekend."
Gwen blinked. "Dr. Banner, did you come here specifically to find me?"
Dr. Banner shook his head, then nodded. "Not exactly."
Gwen blinked again.
Just then…
A group emerged from the gates of Osborn Biologics Industry, led by the elusive head of the company, Norman Osborn.
"General Ross,"
Norman said, beaming as he shook the general's hand. "The lab is ready."
"Lab?"
Gwen blinked and looked at Banner. "Dr. Banner, has Dr. Connors's human-enhancement project finished?"
Good heavens…
What have I missed?
I only skipped one winter break.
Still smiling, Norman glanced at Gwen, then turned to General Ross in puzzlement. "General, who is…"
General Ross looked back at him, equally puzzled. "Mr. Osborn, she's one of your people—don't you know her?"
Norman froze.
My people?
Gwen said to Norman, "Mr. Osborn, I'm Gwen Stacy from Midtown High School, an intern with Dr.Connors."
It was perfectly normal for Norman Osborn not to recognize her.
Gwen thought so too; it would've been weird if he had.
Norman didn't know what to say and simply nodded.
Betty Ross explained, "It's not Dr. Connors's project. The general's here to tour Dr. Stimm's human-enhancement program."
"Dr. Stimm…"
"Yes."
Gwen was surprised. "Dr. Stimm's experiment succeeded?"
Good heavens…
What have I missed?
If Dr. Stimm's project is finished, what happens to hers and Dr. Connors's work?
At that moment…
General Thaddeus Ross said, "No. My predecessor signed off on this project; I'm just here to decide whether it's worth continuing."
Gwen: "…"
415. Max Dillon, the King of Electricity
The military has money.
However... the military isn't just a bunch of rich fools. Thaddeus Ross wasn't sure about other generals, but General Ross himself was certainly no fool. He definitely didn't like the practice of throwing money around.
Especially after the super soldier serum research made groundbreaking progress.
Again, not only was the military researching the super soldier serum themselves, but they were also looking for external partners to research it. In the initial years, basically, if you put together a decent PowerPoint presentation, you could get military sponsorship.
But times have changed.
The military's super soldier serum has already made breakthroughs, while some external organizations, which have been tinkering with military funding for years, are still stuck in the early experimental stages.
For example, Hammer Industries' Ultimate Soldier program.
Ten years ago, Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries used a PowerPoint to get the military involved in research. As a result, it's still literally just words on a slide.
However... Justin Hammer was researching with other factions of the military, which General Ross couldn't control. What he could control was Osborn, who, about ten years ago, had roped his predecessor into the Human Enhancement Project.
After General Ross took office, due to his passion for the super soldier serum, he continued the cooperation with Osborn Biocorp. Now, with the super soldier serum having made breakthrough progress, but Osborn Biocorp's Human Enhancement Project still in the experimental stage, and researching CPH4 being another huge investment, General Ross was considering whether to withdraw from the cooperation with Osborn Biocorp.
Today, the purpose of coming here was to investigate this very point.
"Dr. Mendel Stromm is the most renowned expert in the field of biology, and also a big shot in physics. Like Dr. Connors, he has his own independent laboratory..."
"No, no, no, that's not what I wanted to ask."
Locke, walking with Gwen at the back of the group, following General Ross and the others through the internal corridor of the Osborn Biocorp building, looked at Gwen curiously, "Aren't we supposed to be going back to Long Island? Why are we here?"
Gwen hugged Locke's arm, "Please, we're just looking. You know, both Dr. Stromm and Dr. Connors are researching human enhancement technology. If Dr. Stromm's research succeeds, do you know what that means?"
Locke looked at Gwen, "It means you'll be out of a job?"
"Bingo!"
"..."
Gwen nodded, glanced at the team walking ahead, and whispered, "If Dr. Stromm succeeds, it means that some useless research, like Dr. Connors's and mine, will be directly shut down."
Although Gwen was already considering shifting her career path from biology to aerospace.
For no other reason.
She remembered Jelly's other request. Although Jelly died protecting her, he didn't die completely. As long as they could return to Jelly's home planet, Jelly could be revived.
But... biology couldn't save Jelly.
Aerospace could.
However, Gwen was only in the initial stages of considering this and hadn't made a final decision. Moreover, Gwen wasn't the type to give up halfway. Besides, she had been working with Dr. Connors for two years. It could be said that if Dr. Connors's human enhancement project succeeded, it would be a major highlight on her resume. How could she remain indifferent when she heard that her competitor Dr. Stromm's research seemed to have succeeded?
Most importantly.
If Dr. Stromm succeeded, wouldn't she be fired?
Although Osborn Industries paid interns very little, Gwen wasn't working for the money. She was there for her interest, for the same dream as Dr. Connors—a world free of disease and disability—that's why she joined.
"Hmm?"
Locke looked at Gwen, whose face was practically screaming "corporate spy," smiled, then looked ahead, grabbed Gwen, and pulled her close, "Watch out."
The next second.
Thud!
A lab worker, walking with his head down, tripped over his shoelace with his left foot and fell flat on his face, attracting the attention of the few people walking ahead.
"Sorry, sorry!"
The lab worker scrambled to his feet, then frantically searched the floor for his glasses, which had also flown off when he fell.
Gwen bent down, squatted, picked up the glasses at her feet, and handed them over, "Mr. Dillon."
Locke raised an eyebrow.
Max Dillon, who had hastily taken the glasses from Gwen's hand and put them on, seemed to remember something. He looked up at Gwen's gentle expression and was stunned, "You... know me?"
Gwen smiled, "Of course, you're an engineer in the Electrical Engineering Department. The last time there was a power outage, thanks to your timely help in transferring the circuits, Dr. Connors's and my experimental data weren't lost."
"...Really?"
"Mm."
Gwen, holding the data she had just picked up, stood up and handed it to Max Dillon, who also looked a bit silly (silly/foolish), "Here you go, Mr. Dillon."
Max Dillon took it dazedly.
After Gwen and Locke walked forward again and caught up with General Ross and the others, Max Dillon, who had been standing still, slowly came back to his senses.
Max Dillon?
Electro?
Interesting.
Locke turned his head and glanced at Max Dillon, who was once again walking with his head down. After finding this guy's record in the database, he thought to himself.
In a sense, Osborn Industries was indeed full of talent.
Dr. Connors, the Lizard.
Max Dillon, Electro.
Osborn, the Green Goblin.
Plus... a Spider-Gwen who could be considered a support role?
Stark Industries didn't have such a luxurious setup.
However, this left Locke a bit confused.
By the way, which version of Spider-Man was in his version?
Soon.
Locke looked at the Green Goblin Glider suspended directly in the middle of the lab and thought to himself.
"Could it be..."
Locke seemed to have thought of something. He looked thoughtfully at Gwen, who was standing next to him, also looking surprised, and blinked, "In my version, Gwen is the protagonist of the Spider-Man series?"
Spider-Man still hadn't found any trace of his parents' notebook.
And Gwen had already transformed.
Locke raised an eyebrow.
Gwen, on the other hand, was staring at the somewhat sci-fi lab around her, her eyes unblinking.
Betty Ross, standing next to Gwen, saw this and asked curiously, "Gwen, you seem to have never been here before."
Gwen nodded, "Dr. Stromm's lab requires A-level security clearance. I only have B-level clearance."
Besides... she was from Dr. Connors's lab, so even if she could come, she wouldn't. After all, it's always bad to constantly visit your competitor's place.
Moreover, Dr. Connors and Dr. Stromm, the bald, bespectacled man demonstrating the single-person glider up front, didn't get along, so Gwen would be even less likely to come here.
This time was different.
She was here as a corporate spy.
Up front, Dr. Stromm, who was demonstrating the Green Goblin Glider, turned and said to General Ross, who was holding his military cap and surrounded by several assistant officers, "We have already solved the problems of parallel gliding and gravity balance."
General Ross looked at the lab worker cautiously stepping onto the glider, wearing a green suit, with a posture similar to a statue, and his brow twitched, "That's great, but I've already seen the glider. However, I'm not here for this."
He was here to investigate whether Osborn's Human Enhancement Project had made any progress, or rather, what stage the experimental data had reached.
He wasn't here for this broken toy in the air.
As he spoke.
General Ross looked directly at Dr. Stromm, "I want to see all the experimental data for the Human Enhancement Project right now."
This was his purpose for coming here.
Dr. Stromm said, "Of course," then reported the latest progress, "We have subjected mice to vapor inhalation tests. According to the experimental results, the mice's physical abilities increased eightfold."
General Ross took the documents in his hand and immediately passed them to Dr. Bruce Banner next to him. Hearing this, he looked up and said, "That's fantastic."
Betty Ross asked from the side, "Are there any side effects?"
Dr. Stromm turned his head and looked, "Once."
Norman Osborn said from the side, "In other tests, the experiment was very successful."
"What kind of side effects occurred in the failed experiment?"
"Uh..."
General Ross looked at the stammering Dr. Stromm, "Is it difficult to answer?"
Dr. Stromm said, "Of course not. There was just a slight tendency towards violence, aggression... and a little bit of madness."
General Ross's face was expressionless.
Norman Osborn next to him detected a slight uneasiness.
It seemed... General Ross wasn't here to investigate the cooperation this time, but rather, genuinely to see if the cooperation could continue.
Norman Osborn said with a smile, "These are just minor side effects. Besides Dr. Stromm, all of us can vouch that human trials have already been conducted."
General Ross looked at Dr. Stromm, "Dr. Stromm?"
Norman Osborn immediately turned to look at Dr. Stromm, a smile on his face.
But... Dr. Stromm was silent for a moment, then looked up and said, "We must roll the entire research back to the equation stage."
General Ross let out a deep sigh.
It was a sigh of relief.
After all, if the experiment succeeded and human trials could be conducted, he wouldn't have an excuse to end the cooperation with Osborn. If he couldn't find an excuse, then he would have to find money from other sources to purchase the large equipment for researching CPH4 and gamma rays...
416. Gwen Seeking Sponsorship Again
Even for Thaddeus Ross, he didn't have so much money that he had nowhere to spend it.
Moreover... collaborating with Osborn was a legacy left by his predecessor, not his own doing. As everyone knew, his predecessor had stepped down in disgrace—or rather, had been pushed out by him.
Therefore,
General Ross listened to Dr. Stimm's words and nodded. "So we have to go back to the formula stage."
Norman Osborn was shocked as well. He looked at Dr. Stimm. "Back to the formula stage... You're joking, right?"
Dr. Stimm shook his head. "No, it's the only solution."
Although he was employed by Norman Osborn, he was a scientist—a top-tier dual-specialist in biology and physics. He had to be responsible for his own research.
"We talked about this."
"Yes, but I insist."
"..."
Norman Osborn looked at Dr. Stimm, who had just backstabbed him to his face. He took a deep breath and then looked at General Ross. "General, perhaps we could..."
Bruce Banner, who had been intently studying the data, looked up and interrupted directly. "Sorry, Dr. Osborn, I've finished reviewing the materials. Does the 'little bit of madness' you mentioned mean turning a normal person into a complete lunatic?"
Norman Osborn opened his mouth to speak.
General Ross shook his head.
"What I want is super-soldiers, not super-lunatics, Dr. Osborn..."
"General Ross..."
"That's enough."
General Ross raised his hand. "Regarding Osborn Biologics and the Military's 'Human Enhancement Project,' I don't think there's any need to continue..."
Just then.
"Please wait a moment."
"Ms. Stacy?"
General Ross snapped out of it and looked at Gwen, who had suddenly interrupted him. He frowned. "Is something the matter?"
Norman Osborn also fixed his gaze on Gwen.
Gwen looked at General Ross and said with a smile, "General, regarding the Human Enhancement Project, besides Dr. Stimm, Dr. Connors is also conducting research."
It was just that their research directions were different.
Dr. Stimm and Norman Osborn were researching how to enhance human physical qualities, while Dr. Connors was researching how to eliminate diseases and restore physical disabilities.
Gwen had also picked up on it.
General Ross had come here intending to withdraw his investment.
That simply wouldn't do.
Gwen thought to herself: if General Ross withdrew his funding, and Mr. Norman Osborn, not daring to vent his anger on the Military, decided to take it out on Dr. Connors because he remembered she was here too, what would happen?
Most importantly,
Dr. Connors' research had been consistently facing budget cuts from Osborn Biologics. Even Gwen's internship pay had been delayed for two months, which was one of the reasons she hadn't been coming to work at Osborn recently.
Right now, Gwen felt that while General Ross could withdraw his investment, he could also increase it elsewhere.
For example... withdraw funding from Dr. Stimm's experiments and transfer those funds to her and Dr. Connors' research.
It was just seeking sponsorship, wasn't it?
Gwen had just negotiated a sponsorship fee worth over ten million with Locke. She had quite a bit of experience in how to attract and successfully retain sponsors.
"You mean Dr. Connors' research? It's called..."
"The human restoration project!"
Gwen said with a smile, "Dr. Connors' research on the human restoration project has also made breakthrough progress. Perhaps you would be interested, General. After all, Dr. Connors' research is about restoration—comprehensive restoration."
She emphasized the word. General Ross should be able to understand.
Gwen had also realized why General Ross wanted to withdraw his investment today.
Earlier, Gwen had leaned over to Dr. Banner's side to look at the experimental data. It was clear that the Human Enhancement Project was just the super-soldier serum program from another angle.
But... the Military's most authentic super-soldier serum had already found its key point. Once CPH4was understood, the super-soldier serum could be recreated.
So, Gwen thought, if she were in his shoes, she wouldn't waste money on other knockoff projects either.
However, Dr. Connors' research was the human restoration project, which had great prospects. If the research succeeded, there would be no more disabled people in the World.
And where are there the most disabled people?
Undoubtedly,
In the Military.
General Ross smiled.
He was prepared to refuse.
He had come here to terminate the partnership, not to discuss reinvestment.
However, just as General Ross was about to speak, Betty Ross spoke up. "Dad, Dr. Connors' work is indeed worth a look. Since we're already here anyway."
"Since we're already here..." General Ross smiled and then nodded, looking at Gwen. "Alright then, let's go have a look. It seems Ms. Stacy doesn't intend to let me take my money back."
If I hadn't come over, I wouldn't have bothered.
Gwen thought to herself. She didn't want Dr. Connors' research to be negatively affected because of her.
Over there, Norman Osborn watched the group as they followed Gwen to move toward Dr. Connors' lab, his mind a complete fog.
Wait.
Who am I, where am I, and what am I doing?
Dr. Connors was just as confused as he was.
Dr. Connors listened to Gwen, who had quickly found him after entering and explained what was happening. He looked up at General Ross and the others who were touring his lab, then back at Gwen. "You're saying the Military wants to invest in our research?"
Gwen nodded, then shook her head. "No, but there's a very good chance."
"Hasn't the Military always been collaborating with Dr. Stimm?"
Dr. Connors was curious. It wasn't that he hadn't tried to get Military funding before, but the bellicose Military would rather spend hundreds of millions on how to make soldiers stronger than shell out tens of millions on how to restore injured soldiers to their original state.
Gwen shrugged. "Doctor, just give it a try. There's a high probability."
Due to a non-disclosure agreement, she couldn't say that she and Dr. Bruce Banner had actually completed the most critical information for the super-soldier serum during the winter break.
After all, if that leaked, it wouldn't just be a matter of paying a penalty; it would be a trip to a Militarytribunal.
"Ms. Stacy."
"General."
General Ross looked at Gwen and Dr. Connors as they walked over and smiled. Then, his gaze settled on Gwen as he said warmly, "Ms. Stacy, since you're the one who pulled us over here, how about you give us the introduction?"
Gwen blinked. "Me?"
While walking over, General Ross had already heard a brief introduction of Dr. Connors' research direction and progress from his daughter, Betty Ross. He wasn't entirely uninterested, but he wasn't particularly excited either.
However... facing Gwen Stacy, who had helped him complete the most core and important information for the super-soldier serum—and given that Gwen Stacy seemed to be good friends with Jessica Campbell—
General Ross was more than willing to give Gwen some face.
Dr. Connors was a typical research academic. Hearing General Ross say this, he had no objections. He also knew he wasn't very good at charming sponsors. Back when Richard was around, Osborn dealt with Richard instead of him. But as long as the money came in, it was fine.
So... Connors also looked at Gwen and said with a smile, "Gwen, since the General wants you to introduce it, then go ahead. After all, this is your research too."
Gwen blinked and looked at General Ross. "Alright then, I'll do it."
As she spoke,
Gwen lowered her head, seemingly thinking for a moment.
The next second.
Gwen looked up.
She was radiant with charm.
Locke leaned against a nearby surface with his arms crossed, watching intently. Gwen, with her ponytail tied back, exuded endless charm as she spoke with a confident and pleasant voice about the concepts and technology of the 'human restoration project' and the results of the recent animal trials. His lips curled into a slight smile.
There was nothing that made a man prouder than seeing his woman confident and full of charm.
Locke was no exception.
He wasn't the type of chauvinist who believed women should only rely on men.
George might be like that.
In any case, Locke was very happy to see Gwen doing something she loved. All he could do was watch the confident, high-spirited Gwen from the side and protect her.
Locke turned his head. His gaze fell on the lab they had just come from. At this moment, Dr. Stimm and several of his unknown assistants were standing at the entrance of their lab, watching from a distance.
"There's quite a bit of hostility."
"What?"
Locke snapped back to reality and smiled. Looking at Norman Osborn, who had come up to him instead of listening to 'Teacher Stacy's' lecture, he said with a slight smile, "Dr. Osborn."
Norman Osborn had a PhD. It didn't matter if you didn't know and called him 'Mister,' but once you knew, continuing to call him 'Mister' would be impolite.
"Mr. Broughton."
Norman Osborn smiled slightly and shook hands with Locke. "I heard Harry mention you last night."
Locke shook his hand. "Harry is a good guy."
Norman said with a smile, "I heard from Harry that you invited him to join the Knowledge Competitionteam."
This was something Norman Osborn had just remembered.
After he went home yesterday, he saw Harry in the study, buried in books and forgetting to eat or sleep. Norman had asked in passing but hadn't taken it to heart.
After all, he had more important things to do.
So, at the entrance just now, Norman Osborn hadn't recalled it. Only now did he remember exactly who this person calling himself Locke Broughton was.
Locke listened to Norman's words and said with a smile, "Believe me, Dr. Osborn, I didn't let Harry Osborn join the competition group just because my girlfriend is interning at your company. It's either someone I like or someone I don't. If it were you, I believe you would also choose people you like, Dr. Osborn."
Norman Osborn: "..."
Four Hundred and Seventeen, Helping You Get on the Horse and Sending You Away
"...You are very honest."
"Honesty is my greatest virtue."
Locke smiled at Norman Osborn: "Dr. Osborn, what do you think?"
Norman Osborn nodded: "It's a virtue worth learning, but unfortunately, many people no longer have it."
"Harry has it too."
"That's not good."
Norman Osborn smiled thoughtfully and looked at Locke: "So, Mr. Broughton..."
"Call me Locke."
"...Alright."
Norman Osborn nodded, glanced at General Ross and the others who seemed to be engrossed in Gwen's explanation, then looked at Locke: "So, Locke, you also know about Harry and me?"
Locke shrugged.
Did he even need to know? Any normal person, after meeting Harry and then learning a little about Osborn, would know.
But... that's none of my business.
Locke thought to himself, looking at Norman Osborn: "I never interfere in other people's domestic affairs. Harry is honest, so I like Harry, and that's enough. It has nothing to do with you, Norman. Besides, I imagine you must have investigated me last night, right? I'm not short on money."
Norman also nodded honestly: "Yes, it was presumptuous."
Locke waved his hand: "I understand."
If it were him, if someone abruptly pulled his son into a venture, he wouldn't just investigate the person involved; he'd probably investigate their entire family tree.
Norman smiled, said thank you, and then said: "You appreciate Harry's honesty, so you're friends with Harry. But because of Harry's honesty, I've become even stricter with him since he returned from London."
He was fading fast.
This was one of the main reasons why Norman wanted to bring Harry back from London.
The Osborn family men all had a hereditary disease.
This was also why Norman Osborn was so keen on the "Human Enhancement Project" experiments, but after so many years, there had been no progress.
So, Norman Osborn felt that he couldn't escape death, and if he died, the vast family fortune would fall into Harry's hands.
But... Harry was too honest.
This was also why Norman Osborn had intended to cultivate Harry well after bringing him back, but looking at the somewhat introverted and un-self-like Harry, every time he wanted to say something, he would eventually seem to see Harry's mother, his wife, and get angry again.
In a word.
Honesty couldn't control Osborn Bio.
Simply put.
Norman Osborn's attitude towards Harry Osborn was one of deep love and strict discipline, but it was a bit too simple and crude. Now, it was too late to change.
Locke could pretty much understand Norman Osborn.
After all, Osborn Bio-Industrial was different from Stark Industries.
Stark Industries had been involved in military manufacturing from the start, and its relationship with the military had always been very close. In addition, when Stark Industries was going through a difficult period, Obadiah Stane stepped forward to help his godson, Tony Stark, stabilize Stark Industries again.
But... Harry Osborn wasn't Tony Stark, and Harry didn't have a godfather named Obadiah Stane.
The most important point.
Ninety percent of Stark Industries' shares were in Tony Stark's hands. No matter how much other shareholders tried to cause trouble, they wouldn't be able to pull off any cuckoo-taking-over-the-nest schemes.
But Osborn Bio was different. First, Osborn Industries started by making canned herring, then transitioned to weapons, and later transformed into its current energy and biotechnology business.
Second, Osborn only held 45% of the shares in Osborn Bio-Industrial, not even 51%. Norman Osborn was the founder and could command respect, but what if Norman Osborn died?
Could Harry Osborn command respect?
Clearly, it wasn't possible.
"Want to hear my advice?"
"Of course."
"Put him in the saddle, and give him a push."
"..."
Norman Osborn frowned, listening to Locke's words: "What does that mean?"
Locke had just spoken in clear Mandarin Chinese, after all, Chinese uses fewer characters for more meaning, and some phrases, if translated into English, would not only become longer but would also lose their impact.
He hadn't intended to give advice.
However, Norman Osborn had already gone this far, and the conversation had led to it.
Anyway, he just said it casually. How to proceed was Norman Osborn's business, and it had nothing to do with him.
Just then.
The woman who had been standing not far away, wearing leather pants that accentuated her good figure and with long, straight black hair, walked over to Norman Osborn and quietly translated Locke's words.
Locke raised an eyebrow, looking at the woman. Her translation wasn't exactly verbatim, but it was close enough, conveying the core meaning of the phrase.
Simply put, stop training him, let Harry Osborn take over now. While you're still healthy, complete the handover early. Keeping him in a greenhouse, no matter how much you try to push him, will only make Harry withdrawn, not help him grow strong.
"Mr. Broughton."
"...You are?"
"Felicia, Dr. Osborn's secretary."
"Pleasure to meet you."
Locke and Felicia shook hands, smiling slightly. Yesterday, when he, Harry, and Kahn were drinking, Harry received a call, and Harry later mentioned the caller was likely this Felicia.
Just then.
Gwen's presentation and introduction also concluded. She distributed several copies of the initial experimental report, which the lab personnel had excitedly duplicated, to Bruce Banner, Betty Ross, General Ross, and several others.
After all, these were potential funders.
How could they not be excited?
Dr. Connors's human rehabilitation project was just one of over a dozen experimental departments within Osborn Bio-Industrial, and it was frequently facing budget cuts. Norman Osborn himself rarely paid attention to this department that used his money for research.
Now?
With a chance to secure military sponsorship, especially after hearing that it was highly likely they could snatch funding from the arrogant Dr. Sm—, several female staff members transformed into salespeople, giving a detailed and patient explanation to the military officers General Ross had brought.
Dr. Connors, in particular, meticulously answered the several questions posed by the true financier, General Ross.
For example, what stage the experiment was at, and when human trials could begin at the earliest.
General Ross had initially intended to just observe, not to invest, but he had to admit that Gwen's presentation of the experiment's results and prospects had captivated him—a beautiful prospect where, if successful, the military's rehabilitation hospitals across the country could completely shut down.
Half an hour later.
General Ross personally watched the lizard, after being injected with the serum, regrow its tail, and then looked up directly: "So, human trials can begin?"
He hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise on this visit.
Dr. Connors shook his head: "Not yet."
General Ross stood firm.
"Is there a problem?"
"Currently, the lizard experiment's results are very good, but it's not long-lasting. This state lasts a maximum of twenty-four hours. Also, the process for applying for human trials..."
"I'll take care of it."
"Ah."
General Ross looked at the surprised, one-armed Dr. Connors, chuckled, and then turned to Norman Osborn: "Dr. Osborn, the military is no longer interested in investing in the Human Enhancement Project."
Norman Osborn frowned: "General, this is in the agreement..."
"It was signed by my predecessor."
"..."
General Ross didn't beat around the bush, directly stating his biggest reason for not wanting to continue investing. He pointed to the lizard in the glass box behind him, whose tail had just broken off with a splat, and said: "However, the military is very interested in Dr. Connors's Human Restoration Project. This year, the funds the military planned to invest in Dr. Sm— will be transferred to Dr. Connors."
How could the Human Enhancement Project compare to this Human Restoration Project?
For the former, General Ross already knew how to successfully refine the Super Soldier Serum; a pirated version held little significance.
But Dr. Connors's Human Restoration Project held significant meaning.
If the experiment succeeded, his prestige within the military would be immense. After all, since 2002, the number of disabled soldiers in the military, while not small, could certainly be described as substantial.
Therefore.
They had to act fast.
General Ross's words were less a discussion with Norman Osborn and more a notification: either the military would withdraw its funding, or the investment would be redirected to Dr. Connors's Human Restoration Project.
What?
What about the money for building the lab to study the interaction between CPH4 and gamma rays?
There was no other way.
They could only cut two of Hammer Industries' weapons experimental projects.
General Ross thought to himself.
Norman Osborn listened to General Ross's words, opened his mouth, and then readily agreed, shaking hands with General Ross.
Actually... Norman Osborn didn't have much choice. He certainly couldn't let the military withdraw its funding. Osborn Bio had had very little contact with the military since it transitioned into the energy and biotechnology business.
Moreover, General Ross had just given a major reason for his intention to withdraw funding.
The agreement with Osborn Bio was signed by the previous general, not him, Thaddeus Ross. "After I, General Thaddeus Ross, took office, you Osborn never came to pay your respects to my dock."
But last year, Norman Osborn had felt increasingly overwhelmed, spending almost all his time in Dr. Sm—'s lab, worrying about his illness, so he wouldn't have thought about this matter.
And if the military withdrew its funding, then even if Harry Osborn could take control of Osborn Bio, it would still be a huge fat sheep in the eyes of those predatory Wall Street types.
Now?
General Ross wanted to withdraw from the Human Enhancement Project and invest in the Human Restoration Project?
Norman Osborn's peripheral vision caught Locke, Gwen... his thoughts raced.
And then... he chose to agree!
Chapter 418: One Norman, Zero Gold, and a Certain Locke
This time, it was a outcome where everyone was happy.
Norman Osborn did not have to see the Military's General Thaddeus Ross divest from Osborn Biologics; in fact, upon leaving, General Ross even stated he would arrange matters related to human experimentation.
The Federation recruits for human trials, which costs at least two thousand U.S. dollars per person. Meanwhile, in the East, in the land of curry, a test subject can be found for ten dollars—and there are even discounts for bulk orders.
Therefore.
Over the years, local capitalists in the Federation haven't chosen to let their own people participate in drug trials, not because they suddenly grew a conscience, but because locals are too expensive and prone to legal disputes. In the land of curry, the cost of one local could hire two hundred test subjects. Capitalists aren't being kind; if there's a cheaper option, why on earth would they use the expensive one?
Besides, since the land of curry doesn't treat those test subjects like human beings, the capitalists feel even less of a psychological burden.
The members of Dr. Connor's research team were also very happy.
They had money now.
They could finally buy whatever equipment they wanted. Various chromatographs—Dr. Connor had already impatiently placed an order for five units.
Gwen was also very happy.
After all, helping others is always a joyful thing.
So... it was a story where everyone was happy.
Wait, that's not right.
Someone was definitely unhappy.
Dr. Mendel Stimm certainly couldn't be happy. After all, projects like human enhancement were a joint venture between Osborn Biologics and the Military. Over the years, despite heavy Military sponsorship, Dr. Mendel Stimm's progress on human enhancement had been slow; instead, he had tinkered out a bunch of things in the field of physics, like those Flight Vehicles.
And now?
The Military had stopped sponsoring him. Could Dr. Mendel Stimm, who had always spent money lavishly, be happy? Most importantly, he had almost caused Osborn Biologics to lose its Militarybacking. If Gwen hadn't appeared at the critical moment to turn the tide and keep the Militarysponsorship within Osborn Biologics—even making Norman Osborn a partner of General Ross—Norman Osborn probably wouldn't have been satisfied even if he killed Dr. Stimm.
However, it was a close call.
Scientists have their pride, but Norman Osborn showed that capitalists have their butcher knives!
Frankly speaking, if someone reported Dr. Mendel Stimm missing tomorrow, Locke wouldn't feel the slightest psychological ripple.
After all, who told this Dr. Stimm to almost strip Osborn Biologics of its Military protection?
Don't forget.
Norman Osborn was already on the verge of death. Having failed to find a cure for himself after all these years, the only thing he cared about was the empire he had built.
Sure enough.
The next day.
After Gwen finished her shower, she wrapped her long hair in a towel and walked down the spiral staircase. Seeing Locke sitting at the bar, drinking his first morning bourbon while reading the newspaper, she said with a look of surprise, "Dr. Mendel Stimm died in the lab yesterday from a sudden heart attack. Oh my god, we just saw him yesterday."
I guessed correctly.
Norman Osborn is a tiger about to die of illness, but one must remember that a dying tiger is the most terrifying kind.
Locke thought to himself as he looked up. "Is that so?"
Gwen hummed in affirmation, sat on the high stool opposite him, and turned her phone around. "Look, someone in the work group posted pictures. The Police Department has already cordoned off Dr. Stimm's lab."
As she spoke.
Gwen shook her head. "No, I need to ask Dad."
Locke raised an eyebrow, but before he could say anything, Gwen had already dialed George's number and, still in her pajamas, walked straight toward the terrace.
A while later.
Gwen walked back, sticking her tongue out playfully—it was quite cute.
Locke said, "Is George busy running around in circles?"
Gwen looked up. "Were you eavesdropping?"
Locke smiled.
"Kingpin, the so-called Emperor of New York's underworld, is dead. The gangs in all of New York... no, the entire East Coast are competing to see who will inherit Kingpin's position. New York at night is probably as lively as an amusement park. Didn't you hear the sirens wailing everywhere last night?"
"...No."
Gwen blinked, sat back down, and shook her head. "I didn't hear a thing. It just felt like I woke up and it was morning."
That's right then.
Locke noted secretly upon seeing this.
Last night, he had worked some overtime.
In a word.
He had said that anyone who dared to touch a single hair on Gwen's head—even if they just had the thought—would have ten generations of their family buried with them.
Locke was a man of his word.
So... Bullseye Lester's ten generations were completely wiped out last night.
Fortunately.
The furthest of Bullseye Lester's relatives was no more than two hundred kilometers from New York. Locke went to 'overtime' at around two in the morning. By the time he finished off the last one and rushed back, it was nearly five. Then, he hurriedly washed up, and by the time he lay back in bed, it was exactly six o'clock.
Just in time to wake up.
As for why Gwen didn't notice?
A quick switch to Witch mode and a magic spell for beautiful dreams not only kept Gwen from noticing, but also ensured she woke up feeling refreshed.
Gwen blinked and was silent for a moment. "Then we shouldn't go out at night lately."
It's too dangerous outside.
Locke shrugged. "We don't really have any entertainment activities at night anyway."
To have entertainment activities, one would have to wait until after age twenty-one. Only then would the decadent life of capitalist society fully spread its legs, which it had kept modest for twenty-one years.
Gwen nodded and headed upstairs. "I'm going to wash the dirty clothes. Cindy will be over later; remember to open the door for her."
Locke looked at Gwen's back as she went up the stairs and smiled. "Okay."
No need for adjustment or integration.
In just one day, Gwen and Locke had adjusted very well, and Gwen had already automatically stepped into the role of the lady of the house.
The laundry Room.
Having dried her hair, Gwen carried the laundry basket to the laundry Room, intending to throw the clothes in for an automatic wash and dry. By the time they finished shopping, the clothes would be mostly dry.
"Huh?"
As Gwen opened the washing machine and threw in her and Locke's jackets, her nose wrinkled. She pulled back and looked at Locke's suit jacket in her hand. "Why did he throw the suit in here again?"
Handmade suits can't be washed in a washing machine; they are sent to the dry cleaners. At least, that's how George's handmade suits were handled.
But Locke seemed not to care at all, throwing them in the wash whenever they got dirty.
Gwen had originally been curious why Locke wore suits all day long and they never looked wrinkled or smelled bad, but she hadn't felt right asking. When she went to the walk-in closet last night to tidy up and make Room for her clothes, she pulled open the hanging rack... Goodfellas.
Gwen was completely shocked when she saw the rows of brand-new, custom handmade suits—enough for Locke to change into a new one every day for a month.
She seriously suspected that Locke treated handmade suits like disposable underwear.
What a waste.
It would be better to keep them, dry clean them, and give them to Dad.
Thinking this, Gwen opened the washing machine, then folded Locke's suit jacket, pants, and shirt, planning to drop them off at the dry cleaners when she went shopping with Cindy.
Just then.
"What is this?"
As Gwen was organizing Locke's suit pants, she blinked, looking at a dark red stain on the pant leg. Before she even brought it to her nose, she seemed to realize what it was. "Blood?"
Once she brought the pant leg to her nose, Gwen was even more certain.
This was blood.
"But..."
Gwen sniffed it again to confirm and frowned. "How did Locke get blood on his pant leg?"
She hadn't noticed Locke being injured anywhere.
Could it have been accidentally picked up yesterday in the lab?
Gwen thought to herself and tested it with her hand, then shook her head. If it were from yesterday, even fresh blood should have coagulated by now.
Then what was this?
Holding the clothes, Gwen walked out of the laundry Room and went downstairs, saying to Locke, "Locke, where is the first aid kit?"
Locke looked up. "First aid kit?"
Gwen hummed in response.
Locke looked at Gwen walking down holding his suit and was slightly stunned, then shook his head. "Gwen, I thought you were joking last night. You don't really plan on giving my clothes to George, do you? Doing that won't increase the friendship between George and me; it'll only deepen his grievances against me. Even if you want to give him something, take a new set, not an old one."
If she gave the clothes he had worn to George...
Locke didn't even have to think to know that George would definitely go crazy. Perhaps he would be touched at first, but after that, his anger would pour entirely onto Locke.
Gwen gave Locke a look. "I was just joking. There's a bloodstain on your pant leg, let me see."
Locke raised an eyebrow. "Bloodstain?"
Gwen hummed, spread out the pant leg, and looked at Locke. "See? Is it?"
Locke looked down.
shit.
It must have splashed on accidentally last night.
There was no helping it; blood had been flowing like a river. Although he had been very careful, this kind of thing was hard to avoid.
Locke thought to himself, leaned in, and sniffed. "It really is. That damn Clinchester."
Gwen blinked. "Mr. Clinchester?"
Locke sat back down and laughed. "Didn't I go out for a bit last night?"
Gwen nodded. "Didn't you say you were going to buy pizza?"
Locke hummed. He had actually used buying pizza as an excuse to receive some data; otherwise, why the hell would he have worked overtime last night? "When I went out, I happened to see Clinchester. That guy's trunk was full of blood. He gave me a big steak and insisted I bring it up. It must have accidentally gotten on then."
Gwen blinked. "...Is that so?"
Locke nodded.
"Definitely. That damn Clinchester!"
419. God's Prophecy Cindy
If not that, then what else could he say?
Should he tell Gwen directly that he worked an extra shift last night, butchering Bullseye Lester's entire clan, and that anyone even remotely connected to Bullseye Lester was dead?
Don't be ridiculous.
Gwen wouldn't believe him; she'd just drag him to a therapist.
So... Chester did it. Besides him, no one else could have appeared before him at that time with a plausible excuse.
Hmm.
"Achoo!"
At this moment, Chester, who was having breakfast at home with Agatha and Carrie, sneezed heavily. He tilted his head back and then said, "That damn little fox is using me as a shield again."
Agatha and Carrie exchanged glances, then shrugged, not responding.
In the Stellar Building.
Gwen frowned, feeling that something wasn't quite right, but just then, the doorbell rang.
Cindy had arrived.
Seeing this, Gwen carefully put away Locke's suit: "I'll take it to the dry cleaner later. Even if you don't like wearing it a second time, you can still give it to little George."
Big George had an image to uphold and wasn't used to wearing second-hand clothes, but little George didn't have such a burden.
What?
Not wearing other people's clothes?
Heh.
This was a purely handmade Italian tailored suit. One set was worth two months of George's salary, and Gwen strongly suspected that this suit might become little George's most valuable suit in the future.
After all, with little George's academic performance, finding a job with an annual salary of thirty thousand dollars after graduation would already be a miracle.
Soon.
Cindy came up and hugged Gwen, then greeted Locke, who was walking out from behind the bar: "Good morning, Locke. How were the results of the student council meeting yesterday afternoon?"
Locke gently brushed his left hand over the suited bag as he walked over and shrugged: "The results were remarkable."
What a shame.
Locke had originally wanted to say, "Who agrees, who objects?" at yesterday afternoon's inter-university student council meeting, but he didn't get to use that line.
This left Locke somewhat disappointed after the meeting. He had so wanted some hothead to jump out and shout, "I object!" so he could directly send the guy flying into the Hudson River.
But... no one dared to provoke President Locke's wrath, apparently.
Cindy smiled: "That's right. After all, before you went, you received a ten-million-dollar sponsorship from Stark Industries. They'd be crazy to object."
Locke shrugged, not wanting to say anything more.
Gwen checked the time on her watch, pulled Cindy to sit on the sofa, and smoothed her hair: "Oh, right, what were you going to say when you called last night? Why did you insist on waiting until today?"
Cindy shook her head: "Actually, it's nothing much. Just that something unexpected happened at the Columbia Science Center yesterday."
"Unexpected?"
Locke glanced at the suit bag, returned to the bar, and raised an eyebrow: "What unexpected thing?"
Cindy shrugged: "It's Peter Parker again."
Locke paused slightly.
Cindy shook her head at Gwen: "Peter Parker went there with a camera, and then, the exhibition was almost over, when Flash and Eddie saw Peter Parker seemingly secretly taking pictures of Mary Jane. Peter Parker, of course, didn't admit it, and a dispute broke out."
After that... in the pushing and shoving, they accidentally bumped into a device used to display radioactive rays.
And then.
There was no 'and then'.
After hearing this, Gwen and Locke exchanged glances, then Gwen frowned: "Did Peter Parker really secretly photograph Mary Jane?"
Mary Jane had a boyfriend, after all.
Good heavens.
After speaking, Gwen shook her head slightly: "I remember Harry is friends with Peter, right?"
Oh my goodness.
If it's true, that's just disgusting.
Gwen thought to herself.
Cindy, however, shook her head: "Who knows? The camera was broken, and the film, or whatever it was, seemed to have been overexposed directly by that knocked-over radioactive ray device."
Locke just laughed: "And then? Do Mary and Harry know?"
Cindy looked at Locke: "What do you think?"
Saying that.
Cindy looked back at Gwen, shaking her head: "Originally, I thought Harry would directly scold Peter, but, guess what happened?"
When everyone generally believed Flash and Eddie, Harry said that Peter was his friend and wouldn't do something so tasteless, unless there was concrete evidence.
And the camera that could serve as evidence was already broken.
Gwen was a bit surprised, then thought for a moment, and nodded: "Harry seems to trust Peter quite a lot, and it seems Peter is Harry's only friend. It's predictable that Harry would do that."
After all, Flash and Eddie were both considered assertive students.
They had a history.
And Peter Parker looked like an honest person, plus the evidence camera was already broken, and there was only Flash and Eddie's one-sided story. Maybe it could convince other students, but it would be difficult to convince Harry.
Or rather, without concrete evidence, it would be very difficult to make Harry believe that his friend, Peter Parker, had feelings for his girlfriend.
Cindy disagreed with Gwen's understanding and directly turned to Locke: "Locke, if it were you, and someone said they saw someone secretly photographing Gwen, what would you do?"
Locke paused slightly, then showed a brilliant smile: "My dear Cindy, I have a team of lawyers available twenty-four hours a day to provide me with any service."
However, he basically wouldn't need the legal team.
He would go directly to their house that very night and chop them up.
Look?
Gouge out their eyes.
Have thoughts?
Heh heh.
Gouge out their heart.
Treat the illness where it acts up!
Cindy gave Locke a thumbs up, a gesture of approval, and looked at Gwen: "See, this is what a real boyfriend should do."
Gwen smiled: "You don't understand Harry's experiences."
Cindy blinked: "You do?"
Gwen checked her watch, stood up, picked up the bag containing Locke's suit, and looked at Cindy: "Alright, let's go downstairs. The dry cleaner should be open. I'll tell you on the way, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else."
Cindy raised her hand, her gossipy eyes twinkling: "I swear."
Gwen looked at Cindy, whose face was full of gossipy desire, shook her head, and kissed Locke: "Don't wait for me for lunch. Pepper said she's taking us to a new restaurant for lunch."
Locke nodded: "Okay."
Soon.
They got off the elevator.
"Good morning, Ms. Stacy."
"Good morning."
Gwen smiled and greeted the staff on the first floor of the Stellar Building, then thanked the doorman who helped open the door.
Cindy followed behind, rolling her eyes: "No one opened the door for me when I came in, and no one greeted me."
Gwen laughed: "Of course not. You're not a resident of the Stellar Building, and you don't pay them. Do you know how much Locke pays in management fees every month?"
"How much?"
"This much."
"..."
Cindy looked at the number Gwen gestured, her mouth wide open, and followed Gwen into the dry cleaner's shop not far from the building: "That's too expensive! Haven't you considered moving?"
A detached house would be nice.
It's not like they couldn't afford it.
Gwen smiled, took out the suit from the bag: "I've thought about it, and I'm looking at land."
Cindy said, "Oh."
The next second.
Cindy looked up: "Looking at land..."
Hiss.
Cindy felt that her conversation with Gwen was no longer on the same wavelength. She was talking about buying a house, while Gwen seemed to be talking about directly buying a plot of land?
"Still looking."
Gwen turned her head and said, then her hand movements paused slightly: "That's strange."
Cindy swallowed the words she was about to say, looking at Gwen, who was holding Locke's pant leg, and asked curiously: "What's wrong?"
Gwen said: "There was a bloodstain on this pant leg."
Saying that.
Gwen looked up at the dry cleaner behind the counter. She had originally intended to point it out to the dry cleaner to ensure it wouldn't be missed, otherwise, it would require re-washing.
But now?
Cindy leaned in and touched the pant leg: "No, is it the other pant leg?"
Gwen shook her head and pulled out both pant legs: "No."
Cindy blinked.
"Could you have seen it wrong?"
"Impossible."
Gwen shook her head: "Before you came, I even showed it to Locke."
Cindy blinked, then quietly leaned closer to Gwen: "Gwen, what if it was human blood, and Locke, seeing that you saw it, was afraid you'd take it for analysis, so he secretly wiped it off when you weren't paying attention?"
"Get out of here."
Gwen pushed Cindy irritably: "Do you think Locke is that kind of person?"
Cindy shrugged: "Locke can be very frightening when he's angry, and don't you think he's a bit mysterious? After all, Locke's biological mother was a spy."
Gwen rolled her eyes at Cindy, speechless, took the receipt from the dry cleaner across the counter, and pulled Cindy out, saying: "Maybe it just accidentally rubbed off. If you keep thinking like this, according to you, you might as well say Locke secretly killed someone last night behind my back, then came back and pretended nothing happened and slept with me. Oh my god, are you talking about Locke? Are you sure you haven't watched some bloody movie and cast Locke as the villain in it?"
Cindy chuckled: "A serial killer is also pretty good. Think about Ted Bundy; he was a serial killer, and he still had countless fangirls. Locke is handsome, so even if he's a villain, he's a handsome villain."
Gwen rolled her eyes: "You're comparing Locke to Ted Bundy. Are you sure there's any comparability?"
Her Locke wouldn't do such a tasteless thing.
Moreover... can a indiscriminate trash serial killer compare to my Locke?
My Locke is a CIA agent.
Code name, Bourbon!
Gwen thought to herself. With Cindy's rambling, she no longer cared much about how the bloodstain had disappeared.
It was just cow's blood, not human blood...