Osborn Tower.
The revolving doors at the entrance of the tower exhaled cool air, keeping the summer heat at bay.
The two receptionists at the front desk idly flipped through fashion magazines, occasionally chatting about gossip.
"I heard the new intern in the R&D department…" One of the receptionists didn't finish her sentence when the automatic door sensed someone entering and let out a soft sound.
Realizing a guest had arrived, both of them quickly stood up.
The glass doors slowly slid open, and two figures stepped into the lobby.
The young woman walking in front was dressed in a sharply tailored black suit.
That's right, it was a suit, not a skirt suit.
Although she had long red hair, she gave off a very capable impression.
Despite her still-youthful face, she exuded a maturity unbefitting her age.
The young man following her wore a casual shirt and khaki trousers, with a bit of dirt still clinging to his White sneakers.
His short, brown bangs covered his eyes, he carried a bulging backpack, and his fingers nervously clutched the straps.
Though tall, he habitually hunched his shoulders and lowered his head, as if afraid of drawing attention, and appeared even more awkward and reserved in contrast to the young woman's powerful aura.
The two receptionists at the front desk exchanged glances, their eyes full of confusion.
Such a peculiar combination of visitors was truly rare.
However, they had heard that their young CEO seemed to have a secret crush on a red-haired, green-eyed young lady. Could this be her?
What they thought in their hearts wasn't important; the receptionist on the left side of the front desk offered a professional smile and asked, "May I ask who you two are looking for?"
The young man's Adam's apple bobbed, looking very nervous, his voice somewhat trembling: "Hello, I'd like to see Mr. Norman Osborn."
As soon as he finished speaking, the two receptionists couldn't help but exchange another glance.
Ultimately, the young man opposite them was acting too nervous, which made them instinctively suspect something was amiss.
"Mr. Osborn, our CEO?"
"Yes, that's right."
Although they had some suspicions, they showed no neglect. The receptionist on the left quickly turned, her fingers rapidly typing on the computer keyboard, beginning to check for an appointment.
The other gently looked at the young man: "Sir, may I have your name?"
"My name is Parker, Peter Parker."
"Yes, there is an appointment." The receptionist operating the computer whispered to the other, and the receptionist speaking to Peter subtly nodded, her professional smile becoming even sweeter.
"Please follow me, I'll take you to the elevator."
She walked quickly ahead in her high heels. Peter secretly glanced back at the red-haired young woman beside him, and seeing her follow, he then followed suit.
Once the two followed her into the elevator, the receptionist lit up the floor number for the CEO's office.
She held the access card near the sensor, the metal card slot made a "beep" confirmation sound, and then she directly exited the elevator.
Once the elevator doors closed, leaving only the two of them, the young man finally let out a sigh of relief.
But just then, he heard a low chuckle from beside him.
The red-haired young woman leaned against the mirrored wall, her fingertips playing with a strand of fallen hair, her eyes slightly upturned: "Mr. Peter has quite the influence; the receptionists at Osborn Tower are so accommodating."
"Boss, that's enough, stop teasing me."
However, what Peter didn't expect was that Gwen's attitude was very serious.
"I'm not joking. In my hometown, those receptionists are much fiercer. 'What status do you have to see our CEO?' 'Our CEO is swamped with work, and look at your caliber.' 'Alright, alright, stop dreaming, do country bumpkins even deserve to enter our company?' " She mimicked an exaggerated, high-pitched voice, then shook her head slightly, "It's nothing like here, even swiping the card feels polite."
Peter's face was etched with embarrassment at her words.
He instinctively reached to adjust his glasses to relieve the awkwardness, only to suddenly realize he no longer wore them.
"If that had really happened just now, I think I would have been so embarrassed I'd have found a crack in the floor to crawl into."
Gwen's lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes full of teasing, yet she lowered her voice conspiratorially, as if sharing some earth-shattering secret: "It's alright, in my hometown, the plot gets really exciting at times like these. Usually, before the person who's been stopped can even explain, the CEO they want to see will come rushing down themselves."
"Then, the CEO will embrace you, greet you warmly with a look of pleasant surprise, saying things like 'I've been waiting for you!' 'I've been looking for you so hard!' and it sounds incredibly sincere."
"Then look at the receptionist, her face instantly turns paler than White paper, her body can't even stand steady, and she can only humbly apologize, begging you not to let her lose her job."
"The CEO then rushes over and slaps the secretary, cursing them for being blind. 'If even a single hair on the Divine Doctor is harmed, I'll have everyone present buried with him!' "
"Hahaha…" Peter laughed awkwardly, feeling like something was off. "That CEO… has quite a temper, doesn't he?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the elevator emitted a soft "ding," and the red light on the floor display stopped at the top floor number.
The metal doors slowly slid open to both sides, and a mixture of sandalwood and leather scents, carried by the cool air, wafted out.
Peter walked out first, looked around, and then headed in one direction.
Clearly, it wasn't his first time here.
Gwen narrowed her eyes slightly, following silently, while also observing her surroundings.
A long corridor, with several familiar-looking paintings hanging on the walls.
After walking out, a spacious office soon came into view.
Curved floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the entire city skyline, obsidian embedded in the walls gleamed coldly under the lights, and a huge fish tank with various fish swimming inside was even placed in the center.
At a highly technological-looking computer desk, Norman Osborn was hunched over, reviewing documents. His broad shoulders were encased in a navy blue suit, revealing keen, eagle-like eyes beneath his thick brows.
"Uncle Norman!" Peter's voice held a hint of excitement.
The sound of typing abruptly stopped.
Norman looked up, his previously tense jawline immediately relaxed, and a genuine smile spread across his lips.
"Peter, it's been a long time since I've seen you, my boy."
He walked around the desk and stood beside Peter, patting his shoulder.
Peter also smiled and nodded: "Yes, I've been busy lately, haven't had a chance to come see you."
Norman's face always held a warm smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening with his laughter: "Peter, it's been a long time since I've seen you. Harry is currently studying abroad. Is there something you need to discuss with me this time? Or do you have a message to convey to Harry?"
Peter then suddenly remembered the purpose of his visit and quickly turned sideways, introducing Gwen, who was standing beside him: "Uncle Norman, this is Gwendolyn Wayne, my current part-time boss. She has some important matters she'd like to discuss with you."
Norman's previously gentle gaze shifted to Gwen, and the smile instantly faded from his face, leaving only a stern expression.
He frowned tightly, his gaze, sharp as a hawk's, scrutinized the young woman before him.
In that instant, the air seemed to solidify, becoming heavy and stagnant.
Gwen, however, maintained her elegant smile, calmly extending her left hand with a graceful and proper demeanor.
"Hello, as Peter said, I am Gwendolyn Wayne."
But Norman remained motionless, leaving Gwen's hand suspended in mid-air.