Su Yi and Jessica Campbell continued their quiet conversation for a few more minutes, moving past the raw grief and focusing on logistical next steps. Su Yi, now fully aware of the young woman's enhanced sensory and mental capacity, spoke with deliberate care, choosing his words to settle in her mind rather than just her ears. He gave her practical advice: contact social services, reach out to school counselors, and prioritize regaining her routine.
It was during this low-key exchange that Su Yi learned a small but significant detail.
"I used to go to Midtown High School," Jessica mentioned offhandedly, her gaze distant, fixed on the memory of her old life. "I was in the tenth grade."
Su Yi froze internally. Midtown High.
"Midtown," he repeated, injecting a casual tone into his voice. "That's a good school."
"Yeah," Jessica murmured. "My family moved to the city specifically so my brother and I could go there. We were in the same class as those brainiacs—Peter Parker, Ned Leeds, Michelle Jones…"
Su Yi quickly absorbed the information. Jessica had been a classmate of Peter Parker. Not only were they barely classmates now, but Jessica had been directly in Peter's orbit before her accident. The proximity only reinforced the critical need for absolute secrecy regarding Peter's identity. A newly powered, guilt-ridden, and highly perceptive girl who felt indebted to him could be a monumental risk to Spider-Man.
He carefully avoided admitting his own attendance at Midtown. "That's quite a coincidence. A good place to restart your network once you're out."
He decided against bringing Peter to the hospital to visit her now. First, Jessica needed to stabilize her overwhelming new reality. Second, Su Yi needed to engineer a non-contact introduction—perhaps a message of support from the "Midtown community"—to maintain the required distance.
Time flew by, and the low hum of the hospital was punctuated by the rhythmic calls of the intercom. Just as their conversation reached a natural conclusion, Dr. Christine Palmer appeared outside the ward, checking on her favorite "miracle patient."
Seeing the two of them—Su Yi seated calmly, and Jessica upright, her eyes puffy but clear, talking rather than silently weeping—Christine felt a rush of professional satisfaction and personal relief.
"It looks like you two are having a good chat," Christine said, stepping into the room with a gentle smile. "I seem to be interrupting you, though."
Jessica understood the signal immediately. Christine was clocking out, and she was here to collect Su Yi. Their relationship was obvious, and Jessica didn't miss the subtle, possessive warmth in Christine's gaze as she looked at her friend.
Jessica didn't stop them. She exchanged a few sincere words of thanks with Christine for her medical care, then turned to Su Yi.
"Thank you, Mr. Su. For… the story."
"You're welcome, Jessica," Su Yi replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "Take care of yourself."
As they left the hospital, the city lights were just starting to dominate the twilight. Su Yi and Christine continued their date at a quiet, dimly lit restaurant downtown, the conversation naturally revolving around the girl they had just left.
"I can't believe how much better she is, Su Yi. You have a real gift for empathy," Christine commented, sipping her wine. "It's more than just a miracle cure; you gave her something to focus on besides the blame."
"Grief is a black hole, Christine. Sometimes all you can do is give the person a small, bright light to aim for," Su Yi said, enjoying the moment of shared purpose. Then, he steered the conversation toward the logistical challenge.
"Christine, regarding Jessica, there's one more thing I want to tell you—or rather, ask you."
"What is it? I've already contacted social services and alerted them to her case. Given her age, she'll likely be placed in temporary foster care or an orphanage associated with her school."
Su Yi took her hand across the table. His expression was serious, betraying the weight of the suggestion. "Jessica's family has all passed away. She's waking up to a world where she has no home, no legal guardians, and a devastating new reality. I know your life is hectic, but I think you could take care of Jessica. Not as a ward, but as a mentor. Treat her like a younger sister, a temporary dependent."
Christine was genuinely surprised. Su Yi's suggestion was incredibly sweet, but also incredibly impractical. She sat back, the professional, analytical part of her mind immediately engaging.
"Su Yi, I… I need to think about that very carefully." She traced the rim of her glass, running through the possibilities. She had her demanding surgical rotation, her on-call schedule, and the unpredictable nature of her profession. She valued her independence, and her apartment barely contained her.
After a few minutes of careful, honest consideration, Christine gave her decision, regret etched into her features.
"If someone can adopt her, or if a stable, quiet foster family can take her, that would be the absolute best situation for her, Su Yi. You also know that my schedule is completely unpredictable. I can be called into a twelve-hour surgery at a moment's notice. When I get busy, I'm not even sure if I can reliably take good care of myself, let alone an emotionally traumatized teenager."
She shook her head, her eyes clouded with guilt. "I want to help her desperately. I feel responsible for her recovery. But asking me to take on the role of guardian is not a good idea. I would only end up letting her down, and she doesn't need any more disappointment right now."
Seeing Christine's genuine distress and acknowledging the harsh truth of her demanding career, Su Yi quickly comforted her.
"You're right, Christine. I was too rash. I shouldn't have put that burden on you. You're already doing incredible work. If it's not suitable for you, I can think about whether there are other suitable candidates."
He gave her hand a squeeze. "Don't worry. Actually, the conditions at the good city-run orphanages aren't bad. She'd be safe."
But in his mind, the wheels were already turning. The truth was, Su Yi had only offered Christine the role out of politeness and as a gauge of her character. He knew, realistically, it wasn't a fit. The true candidate had been on his mind all along.
Vanessa.
Vanessa Marianna, the successful art gallery owner, was wealthy, secure, and—in spite of her public success—profoundly lonely. Her life was quiet, almost monastic, centered around her art and the infrequent, chaotic visits from Su Yi. Su Yi couldn't always be with her, and while Vanessa never complained, her constant, yearning anticipation during their time together was telling.
A lonely adult who needs a purpose, paired with a lonely teenager who needs an anchor.
Su Yi wasn't entirely sure whether these two lonely people would get better or worse by being together, but he knew the risk was worth the potential stability it could offer both of them. It was a calculated move, one that would certainly earn him a significant amount of Destiny Points for improving the trajectory of a future key player in the city's heroic landscape.
"I know," Su Yi said to Christine, making his final decision. "I have a very good friend who is stable and has a lot of space, both physically and emotionally. I'll discuss it with her and see if she's willing to meet Jessica first. It has to be Jessica's choice."
Christine looked relieved. "That's very kind of you, Su Yi. You're a good man."
After the date ended, Su Yi sent Christine home, ensuring she was safely inside before leaving. He had originally planned to rest, but the idea of Vanessa and Jessica together suddenly felt urgent. He decided to find Vanessa immediately.
He contacted Vanessa in advance, and she sounded immediately pleased and energized by the unexpected late-night request.
Su Yi drove to the affluent area of the city where Vanessa's elegant, contemporary apartment was located. When he appeared at the door, the sight that met his eyes was intoxicating.
Vanessa opened the door, dressed only in a black silk nightgown that shimmered in the hallway light. The silk was edged with delicate, black lace, and it was loose enough to imply comfort, yet perfectly draped enough to define the elegant contours of her figure. She had a lazy, yet intensely sensual, look about her, her dark hair slightly disheveled, giving her an intellectual and alluring beauty that made Su Yi's eyes light up with genuine, appreciative heat.
"When you contacted me, I thought you would appear before me very quickly," Vanessa said, her voice a low, husky whisper, carrying a slight hint of playful complaint. "I hate waiting."
Su Yi stepped into the room, closing the door firmly behind him. He inhaled the faint, familiar scent of expensive perfume and oil paint.
"If I did that, Vanessa, tomorrow's news would feature a bizarre case of spontaneous combustion in the building lobby. I believe in respecting the laws of physics—when necessary," Su Yi quipped, his eyes fixed on hers.
Vanessa smiled—a slow, private smile that always melted the edges of his resolve. She reached up, pulling him down for a kiss that was both a warm greeting and a demand for more.
Su Yi was content with a light, lingering touch, but Vanessa, always intense in her desires, wanted to devour the rest of his evening.
"Vanessa, I have something serious I want to talk to you about," Su Yi managed, pulling back only slightly.
"Then let's make the serious matter first," she murmured, guiding his hand to her waist. "Other matters can be discussed later; we'll have plenty of time then."
What else could Su Yi say? He was momentarily lost in the intoxicating silence of her apartment.
After a period of intense focus on the "other matters," Su Yi found himself stretched out on the plush, king-sized bed, completely relaxed. Vanessa lay beside him, her head resting on his shoulder, completely at peace.
It was in this intimate, quiet aftermath that Su Yi brought up Jessica Campbell.
"Vanessa," he began gently, tracing the line of her shoulder. "I had to deal with a case at the hospital. A young girl, barely sixteen, whose family was killed in a car accident. She just woke up from a coma, and now she's completely alone. Jessica is homeless, and I want you to consider taking care of her."
Vanessa lifted her head, her curiosity piqued by the sudden switch from passion to altruism. She propped herself up on an elbow, her eyes narrowed in a familiar, teasing suspicion.
"Is she also one of your Hong Yan confidantes, Su Yi?" she asked, using the evocative term for a beautiful, influential female companion.
Su Yi naturally denied it, a genuine laugh escaping him. "No, Vanessa, not at all. Not even close. She is a child, a grieving victim. And I certainly don't have any intentions there. I just feel a bit sorry for her immense loss, and I want to help stabilize her future."
He turned his head to look at her, making his pitch. "You're usually alone too, Vanessa. You spend days wrapped up in your work, quiet and contemplative. If you could have one more person by your side—someone who needs guidance, not company—it might be a very good thing for both of you."
Vanessa sighed softly, running her hand along his arm. "You know, the person I want by my side always is you, Su Yi. You, and the silence."
Su Yi immediately used a cheesy pick-up line, delivered with complete sincerity. "I'm always by your side, darling. But if you want me around more, you can always move in and live with me at the penthouse."
When this matter was brought up, Vanessa was typically resistant. She was lonely inside, yes, but in reality, Vanessa was not keen on being in overly lively or shared environments. Her solitude was a necessary defense for her sensitive, artistic nature.
"A crowded apartment is not my style, my love. But I can try your suggestion regarding the girl. It's a risk, but I understand the need for human connection. However, you also know that I'm not exactly good at taking care of people. My empathy usually extends only as far as a painting's emotional depth."
"Perhaps she will take care of you, Vanessa," Su Yi countered, gently touching her cheek. "You would be giving her stability, and she would be giving you a reason to look up from the canvas."
Since Su Yi had offered such a compelling argument, and since he so rarely asked her for anything, Vanessa had no objections left.
"Alright then," she decided, a new sense of purpose shining in her eyes. "Let's go meet this Jessica tomorrow. We need to be discreet, and, of course, the child's consent is paramount."
"Thank you, Vanessa. This means a great deal to me."
Vanessa propped herself up, her earlier, playful energy returning, now tinged with satisfaction. "You can thank me later. For now, I've just finished a new painting. Would you like to see it?"
Seeing Vanessa's keen interest and proud anticipation, Su Yi immediately sat up. "Of course, I'm interested in any of your paintings. Especially your new work."
Vanessa left the bedroom, the silk rustling softly, and walked into her adjacent studio. She returned moments later, carrying a large, carefully wrapped canvas.
The painting was already framed, and with the heavy, dark wood frame, both its length and height exceeded one meter. It was a substantial piece. Su Yi quickly helped her, taking the weight of the massive artwork.
When the painting was unveiled and displayed before Su Yi, he froze. His expression was extremely peculiar, a blend of shock, wonder, and deep affection.
Vanessa looked at Su Yi's reaction, appearing incredibly happy and slightly nervous. "How is this painting?"
It was a portrait. But it wasn't a static, posed image. It was a swirling, dynamic depiction of him. Su Yi was painted mid-motion, perhaps as he was momentarily using his powers: the colors were rich and almost iridescent, capturing the sense of impossible speed and immense, barely restrained power. His features were rendered with a precision that bordered on hyper-realism, yet the background was abstract—a storm of blue, silver, and gold that seemed to radiate from his core. It captured his inner conflict, his hidden strength, and his calm facade perfectly.
"Absolutely perfect," Su Yi managed, speechless for a long moment. "It's exactly like me, yet more profound than I see myself. It's breathtaking."
He then added the instinctive compliment. "It just lacks one thing, Vanessa: a beautiful, ethereal woman in the background. Like you."
Vanessa was extremely pleased by Su Yi's flattery, but she shook her head, directing his attention. "I think this is enough, my love. Look closer, right here."
Su Yi leaned in, his gaze drawn to the center of the canvas—the area directly over the subject's heart. There, subtly integrated into the background brushstrokes, was Vanessa's unmistakable, flowing signature: a stylized 'V' interwoven with a delicate, almost invisible thread of crimson that seemed to pulse through the center of his chest.
Su Yi felt a warmth spread through him that no amount of Celestial energy could replicate.
"A perfect painting," he whispered, looking up at the woman who saw him more clearly than anyone else. "And an exquisite design." He wrapped her in his arms, the promise of a future commitment silently acknowledged in the art.