Although Qin Xiao had a thick skin now—and plenty of money to match—it was still impossible for someone who had suddenly struck it rich to compete with an old capitalist like Tony Stark, a man who had spent decades fighting and thriving in a capitalist society and possessed a truly deep foundation.
After receiving a car worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from Tony, Qin Xiao was promptly dragged along to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a newly opened luxury apartment complex.
Surrounded by provocatively dressed hostesses, Tony kept chatting away nonstop.
Having just come into a large sum of money and determined not to lose face, Qin Xiao ended up purchasing two rooftop duplex apartments with a combined area of over 1,000 square meters.
The cost ran into tens of millions of dollars.
After signing the contracts and paying the full amount, Qin Xiao still wore a puzzled expression as he turned to Tony.
"Even if we're all going to be staying in New York more often in the future, why did I buy two apartments?"
"No, no, no!" Tony said, wagging his right index finger proudly."My friend, you've got it wrong. That's one set. The other set is under my name!"
"Oh my god!" Tony added. "You definitely didn't read the contract carefully, did you? Surprised to find yourself becoming my neighbor?"
"My New York villa is already very old. The new Stark Tower has only just started laying its foundation—it'll take at least two or three years to finish. Surely you wouldn't want me living in a rundown villa all those years, would you? My friend."
Tony grinned like a weasel that had just stolen a hen.
"Tony, you practically dragged me to that ribbon-cutting earlier," Qin Xiao said stiffly, grinding his teeth as he slowly turned his head."That apartment building must've been built by one of your friends, right? Ask if I can get a refund."
"Unless there's an official quality inspection report proving structural defects, absolutely no refunds," Tony replied confidently."Trust me—that building is part of a new industry under Stark Industries. I wouldn't misremember something like that."
Tony pulled Qin Xiao into the car and took the initiative to drive.
"So let me get this straight," Qin Xiao said grimly."I paid enough money for two apartments, but only bought one. I gave you one for free, and bought a place built by your company. Is that right?"
"Calm down, buddy! Don't get so worked up—your hand's about to crush the car door! My god! This is your car, Qin!"
…Can I return the car?
Qin Xiao's eyes grew a little moist.
"No," Tony Stark declared firmly."I, Tony Stark, will never take back anything that I, Tony Stark, have given to my friends!"
"Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"My language comprehension has declined a bit lately," Qin Xiao said seriously."Can you help translate something for me? What exactly does 'unexpected' mean?"
…
Since the apartment couldn't be moved into right away, Qin Xiao stayed with Tony at one of New York's most luxurious hotels for several days, living in Tony's presidential suite.
He locked himself inside for two whole days and carved Tony Stark's name into the toilet dozens of times.
Finally, the system upgrade was completed.
It was called an "upgrade," but in reality, it was just the opening of a new shopping mall.
Secondary Mall
Intermediate Super Serum: Grants the primary Asgardian god physique, dormant divine power, and extends lifespan to 5,000 years!Price: 3,000 points
Intermediate Combat Skills: An upgraded version of basic combat skills, allowing more efficient use of the body's bones and muscles. Under the same physical conditions, strength and speed are increased by at least 20%!Price: 800 points
Intermediate Weapon Mastery: An upgraded version of basic weapon mastery, enabling easier use of most cold weapons and reaching the preliminary threshold of human–weapon integration.Price: 800 points
D-Grade Combat Suit: An upgrade to the E-Grade combat suit. In addition to all E-Grade functions, it provides an extra 30% kinetic energy absorption.Price: 700 points
D-Grade Custom Cold Weapon: An upgrade to E-Grade weapons. Barely capable of piercing high-end alloys (such as Iron Man's gold–titanium alloy), though not sharp enough to cut through steel. Weapon durability and toughness greatly enhanced.Price: 700 points
Primary Spatial Storage Device: Storage capacity of ten cubic meters. Shape can be freely customized—ring, bracelet, watch, necklace, etc.PS: If you like, you can even turn it into a diaper. Just don't complain if the contents get soaked.Price: 1,000 points
With the opening of the second-floor mall, prices had been adjusted upward multiple times. The points Qin Xiao once thought were abundant suddenly felt painfully insufficient.
After careful consideration, Qin Xiao concluded that if he wanted to forge steel, he still needed to become stronger himself.
Nothing was more important than one's own strength.
Gritting his teeth, he bought the Intermediate Super Serum first.
In an instant, he was left with a pitiful 500 points—completely unable to afford anything else in the secondary mall.
"System," Qin Xiao asked, puzzled,"why does this intermediate super serum give an Asgardian god body? That seems completely unrelated to the term 'super serum'!"
"Because the host has previously injected the Hulk serum," the system replied emotionlessly."In order to maintain healthy growth of the host's power, an intermediate serum that merely doubled the primary serum's effects would be meaningless. Even a slight upgrade therefore requires more points than before. As for the name—consider it irrelevant. The host need not concern themselves with such details."
"Damn it," Qin Xiao muttered,"that actually makes so much sense I don't even know how to argue with you."
He couldn't find any real fault with the explanation. All Hulk-related tasks had been completed by him personally. If the intermediate serum only doubled the basic serum's effects, it would be meaningless for someone who already possessed 30% of the Hulk's power.
As for spatial storage devices and other items, those could be purchased later by earning more points.
"System, I still have questions about Master Gu Yi's abnormal behavior that day—and about this so-called Time Variance Management Agency…"
Qin Xiao explained his doubts.
"First of all, this is not a question. There are many questions," the system replied."Second, I am merely an auxiliary tool to help the host enhance power more easily and efficiently. To put it bluntly, I'm just a plug-in. Thinking is something the host, as an intelligent life-form, should do. My biological brain thinks—but still needs an auxiliary tool. If I knew everything, why would I need you as a host? Host, you are overthinking things…"
Damn it!
Being lectured by a support tool left Qin Xiao speechless. He felt his brain might need an upgrade first.
Since the system had said so much, Qin Xiao stopped asking further questions. He had already decided earlier not to dwell on confusing matters—so long as he stayed alive and kept growing stronger, that would be enough.
However, deep down, Qin Xiao couldn't shake the feeling that the items in the secondary mall—especially the divine body wrapped beneath the Intermediate Super Serum—
Must be connected to Thor's upcoming mission.
Most likely, it was laying the groundwork for Qin Xiao to one day go to Asgard and receive Odin's reward.
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