"You just wait. My research on Vibranium has already made progress. Next time, I'm going to beat you so hard you won't know which way is north. I'll pin you down and give you a Brazilian wax—the kind where I pull out two hairs at a time."
Tony had already made up his mind. He would build an even stronger and sturdier armor to completely crush Jack and finally pluck his hairs out one by one.
Jack sneered. "Even when I'm sleeping, I'm bigger than your final form. That thing of yours is laughable. Who knows if you'll even be able to use it after today."
Tony said nothing, silently pondering the prototype of an 'Anti-Jack Armor' in his mind.
"Remember to get the AI ready for me, or I'll flick your little head off."
Jack's speech, so reminiscent of a certain white-haired someone, paired with his arrogant expression, only strengthened Tony's resolve to develop a 'Great Strength Vajra Finger' flicking gadget.
That night, Jack returned to New York. Tony wasn't in any hurry to fulfill the previous bet of three robot maids just yet.
Jack was planning to open a burger shop and let Flash run it—a true case of "villain re-employment."
Besides, this version of Flash wasn't too bad; he even seemed genuinely concerned when Peter Parker's Uncle Ben died.
Jack held the soft and fragrant Wanda, preparing to sleep.
"Jack, no more. Let's go to bed early."
Jack gave Wanda a light peck on the lips. "I thought of something. You go to sleep first."
Wanda murmured dizzily, "Don't go… it's so lonely when it's empty."
Mwah~
Jack got dressed and had Jarvis locate Peter Parker's home.
"Sir, the location information for Peter Parker's home has been sent to your phone. Is there anything else I can assist with?"
"Thanks, Jarvis. Have Tony add another CPU for you."
"Thank you very much, sir."
Jack found the approximate location and saw the Parker family living in a townhouse. He installed small cameras Tony had provided, fixing them on trees at various angles aimed at the bedroom and other key areas.
"Jarvis, monitor this place. If Peter slams the door and leaves, alert me immediately."
"Understood, sir. I will notify you when Peter Parker exits."
With his preparations done, Jack went to see Dr. Curt Connors, who had connections to Peter.
Dr. Connors, deep in thought, heard a knock and reached for a handgun.
"Hello… may I ask what this is about?"
Connors glanced outside and saw a tall, handsome young man.
"Dr. Connors, I'm here to talk about Richard Parker."
Connors hesitated for a moment before opening the door.
"Please, come in."
Connors tucked the handgun behind his back and poured a glass of water for Jack.
"Thanks."
Connors asked, "Can you explain your purpose?"
Jack took a sip. "Regarding Richard's business… have you ever seen his son?"
Connors shook his head, a mix of anger and loneliness crossing his face. "No. Since Richard went missing, I haven't contacted the family."
Jack nodded. It was possible Peter hadn't been bitten yet.
"Let me tell you about Richard's departure."
Before Connors could speak, Jack continued:
"Richard discovered that Norman Osborn was colluding with foreign forces, trying to use your research for biological weapons. Richard fled with the data. Ultimately, he and his wife died in a plane crash while on the run."
Connors paused, processing the information.
A few seconds later, Connors, connecting the dots, smiled.
"So that's how it was… Then the one who killed Richard must have been Osborn, right?"
Jack: "Probably. I'm not certain, but the story is true. If you want more proof, find Richard's calculator. His son, Peter Parker, will lead you to the evidence."
Connors was silent for a long moment, then said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I have one condition: you come help me with research in the future. I'll also help restore your lost arm."
Connors shook his head. "If I go, all my previous research will be wasted."
Jack: "It won't. Focus on your research. Who knows, maybe during an experiment, news will arrive that the company has a new boss."
Connors picked up his glass. "Then I look forward to it. At least I won't break my contract and leave with nothing."
"I'll take my leave now."
Connors escorted Jack to the door. Jack reminded him:
"Whatever you do, don't conduct human experiments. That will cause big problems."
Connors chuckled wryly. "Without Richard, my research isn't advanced enough for that anyway."
Back home, Jack held Wanda, settling in.
Wanda moaned softly. "Sleep properly. Don't move around, and no heavy breathing."
Jack held her tighter.
"Oh, don't get too close. It's too cramped."
Early morning, Jack called Gwen.
"Gwen, it's Jack. Do you have Flash's phone number?"
"I do… wait, how did you get my number?"
Gwen wondered how he had her number after all this time.
"Finding the phone number of the New York Police Director's daughter is pretty easy," Jack said, admitting he hadn't found Flash's number.
"You investigated me?" Gwen's voice rose.
"No, I just couldn't find Flash's number. You're pretty and cute, with a bit of Russian loli charm, but didn't you disagree with me having several wives? So, can you give me Flash's number now?"
Gwen: "I don't understand your world, but I'm definitely going to find a soulmate who loves only me."
Jack: "I can set aside one night just for you. I'm afraid you won't handle it and insist on sharing."
"Goodbye!"
Gwen hung up and texted Flash's number.
Jack met Flash in the garden outside Stark Tower.
Flash stood there for a long moment before asking, "Boss, where's our burger shop?"
Jack pointed to an empty lawn patch.
"There. That's the burger shop you'll run from now on."
Flash hesitated. "Boss, this is Stark property. They'd never allow it."
(︶～︶)╭
Jack waved dismissively. "It's fine. I'm here. The crew will start soon. Build it according to the blueprints."
Inside Stark Tower, a security guard opened the door without a card.
"Sir, please come in."
Flash and others were surprised.
Flash sat on the ground, studying the blueprints.
Jack went to Pepper's office to discuss business.
Pepper: (O_o)??
"Jack, are you talking about Osborn Industries? Or is there a new company with that name?"
Jack: "I'm serious. Norman Osborn has only a few years left. After he's gone, I'll handle his son. Little Osborn will comply."
Pepper was uneasy. "Jack, we can't blatantly break the law."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So secret illegal actions are okay?"
Pepper: "Not okay either. We can't do anything illegal."
Jack: "Don't worry, it's not illegal. It's just an equivalent exchange."
Pepper still couldn't fathom what kind of exchange could secure Osborn Industries.
Downstairs, Jack saw Flash directing workers. He looked the part, despite having doors swapped.
Fortunately, the modular steel-reinforced structure allowed for a fresh start. Walls were thin American boards; by afternoon, the steel triangular roof was in place with solid wood on top.
Construction continued until 11 PM. Flash returned after finishing. Jack had already returned to the small house to pump iron.
"Natasha, keep pace. Deep breaths."
"I told you to breathe through your mouth. What are you doing? Start over."
"Wanda, 400-meter sprint next. Then Natasha takes over. Everyone ready?"
[Check-in successful, Speed +5]
Wanda noticed the increase the most.
"Jack, slow down! I can't keep up!" She panted heavily. Jack stopped.
Jack: "No, Natasha is waiting for the relay. Hang in there—only a hundred meters left."
Wanda: "No—" Though she protested, her legs kept moving. Stumbling, she pressed on.
Jack: "You can do it. Keep going."
Wanda collapsed ten meters before Natasha. Jack dragged her to the finish line, baton in hand.
The baton reached Natasha. Exhausted, she pushed forward—one final sprint.
Two days later, Jack went to the burger shop. Despite minor hiccups, it was ready under financial pressure.
Jack began teaching Flash hands-on.
Flash invited Gwen, who brought Felicia and Missy Karenback (the girl with glasses from the Amazing Spider-Man basketball court) for tasting.
"Cut the bread, add minced meat. Green peppers for those who like them."
"Now, learned how to make a Chinese burger?"
Gwen, Missy, and Felicia bit the Meat Sandwich—thumbs up.
Flash hesitated.
Jack: "Flash, why aren't you eating?"
Flash: "Boss… I… I…" He glanced at the girls eating happily.
Jack: "Say it. Your wife isn't over there."
Flash: "Boss, don't treat us like fools. This is Meat Sandwich. I eat it all the time. Where's the Liangpi? I prefer it with sesame paste."
Gwen, Missy, Felicia: Fools? Us?
ᕦ(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇)
The girls paused, processing Flash's words.
Jack hadn't expected someone to recognize Meat Sandwich or for Flash to know about Liangpi.
Jack coughed guiltily. "Ahem, it is indeed Meat Sandwich, but also called a Chinese burger. One of the shop's items."
Flash lit up. "Boss, Liangpi? I haven't had it in days."
Gwen: "Flash, you eat Meat Sandwich often?"
Flash: "Of course. I go to Chinatown whenever I can."
Felicia angrily: "Then why haven't you invited us?"
Flash: "High-achievers aren't like me. When others hear Chinatown, they hesitate. I've always gone alone."
"And the daughters of several shops are pretty; I used to watch them. Last year, my favorite Char Siu shop's daughter got married. Missed a lifetime of free Char Siu and love."
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