On the way to Queens, the latest news was playing inside the car. ]|I{•---» «---•}I|[
"Billionaire Tony Stark has gone missing while testing a new weapon in Afghanistan."
Hearing this, Harry made a phone call to his father.
"Father, have you seen the news?"
"Of course. You mean the matter of Stark's disappearance? I have some Stark Industries stock on hand and was just planning to sell it off."
"That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. Don't sell their stock. Find a way to increase our holdings—the more, the better."
"What? But son, Tony Stark's fate is unknown. Once it's confirmed he's not coming back, the value of Stark will plummet."
"Father, trust me. Even if Stark really doesn't return, I have other plans for Stark. By the way, if they start selling off factories, I think we should look into acquiring some."
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
It would be ideal to become a director or even the chairman of Stark Industries directly, but unfortunately, that's unlikely. Even if the other directors agreed to sell all their shares, "Pepper" would find a way to preserve the company's ownership.
"Mr. Osborn, we have arrived at our destination."
"Alright, wait for me up ahead. Once I'm done here, I need to check out a factory further down."
Ding-dong. Osborn rang the doorbell.
"Mei! Someone's at the door!"
"Good heavens! Ben Parker, can't you see I'm cooking? Can't you move your royal backside for once?"
"Alright, alright. Who is it?"
Bang!
"Hello, I am Harry Osborn. I'm looking for Peter Parker. Is he home?"
Looking at the middle-aged man holding a newspaper, Harry was somewhat shocked. Uncle Ben was actually still alive, which meant Peter hadn't truly become Spider-Man yet; he was just a high school student with spider abilities.
Yes, a high schooler. In fact, if Harry hadn't skipped grades to enter university after getting the System, they likely would have enrolled at Empire University at the same time and become good friends.
"Mr. Osborn, is it? Peter! Mr. Osborn is here for you!" Ben called out twice before sizing up Harry again. "Osborn... wait, are you the Osborn from Harry Osborn?"
"If you mean the Chairman of Osborn Enterprises, Harry Osborn—then yes."
Thwack. Uncle Ben's newspaper fell to the floor.
"Please, Mr. Osborn, have some. Of course, this probably doesn't compare to the tea you usually drink."
Aunt Mei brought over some tea. After learning Harry's identity, Ben and Mei invited him inside to talk.
"Don't say that; I actually quite like your tea." Harry took a small sip and continued, "I've come here for some company property—a spider."
"Peter stole something from you!?" Ben tried to stand up in agitation but was held back by Mei.
"Of course it's not that serious. A few months ago, Midtown High School organized a field trip to Osborn Biotech. The theme was genetically modified organisms."
As he spoke, Harry took out some photographs.
"Due to a staff error during the experiment, a spider escaped and jumped onto your nephew. Looking at this photo, we suspect your nephew unknowingly helped this spider'stow away'."
"So, you want to ask where he went after the internship ended?"
"Exactly. But it seems he isn't home."
Ben and Mei exchanged a look and sighed.
"I don't know what's been going on with that boy lately; he comes home very late every day. You should have a good talk with him, Ben."
Thump!
A muffled thud suddenly came from the second floor.
"Peter?" Ben called out tentatively.
"Ah, it's me! I—I just woke up. I'll be right down!"
The future Spider-Man ran down with his clothes only half-on and his hair a mess. If one looked closely, faint bruises could be seen on his face.
"Where were you when we called you just now?" Mei asked with concern.
"Uh, I was sleeping just now. I wasn't feeling well today, so I went to sleep as soon as I got home. You probably just didn't see me."
Mei wanted to say more, but Peter interrupted her.
"Mr. Osborn, I admire you so much! I've seen the power armor you designed; it's so cool."
Harry's expression turned a bit strange. These words were likely meant for Tony Stark originally.
"Peter! Mr. Osborn is here today to ask you about the spider!"
Aunt Mei briefly explained the matter of the spider, while Harry secretly observed Peter's expression. Peter didn't seem too shocked—likely because he had already been shocked in private.
"Uh, Mr. Osborn, about that spider... I hope you won't be angry. After the tour that day, it bit me, and in a reflex, I swatted it to death."
"It bit you?" Harry said, feigning shock. "But that was a genetically modified spider! Do you feel unwell? I suggest we take some of your blood back for testing, after all, we don't know..."
"No, no, no, there's no need for blood tests. I feel great!" Peter shook his head vigorously at the mention of drawing blood.
"Peter, this is for your own safety." Aunt Mei grabbed Peter's arm worriedly. "Hmm... is your arm a bit swollen?"
"I'm really fine, Aunt Mei. My arm is like this because I've been working out lately." Peter helplessly pushed her hand away. "Anyway, Mr. Osborn, I'm truly fine. But the spider's body... uh, I kept it as a specimen. It's here."
Harry surprisedly took the body of the genetically modified spider. The little thing had been made into a specimen and appeared to be well-preserved.
It seemed arriving early had its benefits. The young little spider didn't seem to realize what immense power this was or the responsibility he would bear, easily handing back the spider specimen.
"Better than nothing. Oh, and here is my business card. If you feel unwell in any way, contact me immediately. After all, it's our responsibility that you were bitten by the spider."
Harry handed over a business card, causing Peter to inwardly exclaim things like, "I got Mr. Osborn's business card!"
"Well, I'm very sorry for disturbing you at this time. I think that will be all for today; I still have some things to do." Harry checked his watch; it was getting late.
"Oh, of course, Mr. Osborn. I mean, please take care."
Before leaving, Osborn thought for a moment. Why not take Peter along to inspect the factory? It could help build a rapport; it might be useful later.
"Uh, Peter, actually, I'm going to check out a civilian exoskeleton processing plant right now. If you're interested, I can take you along."
"Mm, take care... Wait, what? I can visit your factory?"
"Of course, as long as these two agree. If I recall correctly, you're still a minor."
Peter looked at Aunt Mei and Uncle Ben with excitement and trepidation. Finally, the two of them nodded slowly.
"Awesome!"