I Have a Girlfriend in Marvel

Exchanging Spider-Man's identity for a $2 billion valuation seemed like a good deal.

Forget $2 billion—even $200 million or $20 million would be quite impressive.

Even heroes are hindered by a lack of money. The original Spider-Man entered an illegal fight, lost an uncle, and only made $100. Selling exclusive high-resolution photos of himself to a shady newspaper earned him just $300.

At that rate, he could forget about ever making $20 million in his lifetime.

Meanwhile, Su Ye could become a $2 billion tycoon in minutes, simply by joining a wealthy corporation as Spider-Man.

Although it was "joining" rather than "marrying into," Su Ye couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.

Did he really have to rely on Oscorp? Become a spokesperson for capitalists, helping them manipulate the stock market and their fan base?

How was that different from the influencers propped up by capital?

Back when a certain internet celebrity fell from grace, Su Ye had been among those criticizing them online. Now, was he about to become Marvel's version of the same?

Su Ye understood that aligning with a wealthy and powerful corporation would greatly aid his endeavors. But why did he have to join someone else?

Why couldn't he be his own powerhouse?

"This is something I'll have to think about when I get back!"

Harry meant well, and Su Ye didn't want to reject him outright, so he responded with a typical Chinese polite phrase.

"Think about it" means no. "Next time" means never. "Later" means don't ask again.

Of course, Harry, despite having lived in China and thinking himself knowledgeable, didn't grasp these nuances.

After interrogating Bullseye, the two left the scene.

As for Bullseye, he was just a minor villain. Whether he lived or died wouldn't cause much of a stir.

However, Harry remembered how Bullseye had pushed him to the brink earlier, so before leaving, he gave him a parting gift—a pumpkin bomb to "send him off."

That night, it was another sleepless one for the NYPD.

The complete takedown of the Russian Mafia's suburban base was commendable, but the high body count created a logistical nightmare.

More importantly, dozens of kidnapped women of various ethnicities were found at the Mafia's base.

The plans left behind by the Mafia were even more horrifying.

If they hadn't been rescued, these women would have been smuggled out of the U.S., repackaged at sea, and sent to various regions in Europe and Africa.

There, they would have faced lives of utter darkness, treated worse than animals.

When this incident was revealed by the media, it caused an immediate uproar. Not only did local New York outlets report on it, but opposition parties also launched fierce criticisms.

Moreover, various activists and advocates piled on, questioning the government with phrases like, "What's wrong with this country?", "Serious systemic issues?", "Failing its people?", and "Deeply concerning."

Some went further, saying, "This country can land on the Moon, Mars, and even leave the solar system, but it can't protect a few women—right here in its most bustling city, beautiful Manhattan!"

The fall of a single Mafia group turned New York's public safety issues into a global hot topic.

The authorities, with no other option, pinned the blame squarely on the Russian Mafia, claiming the root of the problem lay with them.

The Russians were immediately outraged. They had been watching the chaos unfold quietly, only to be dragged into it. They weren't going to take that lying down.

The Russians had no concept of "turning the other cheek." Any provocation was met with swift and firm retaliation.

For a time, tensions between the two nations escalated, with both governments and media locked in a heated war of words.

Meanwhile, Su Ye didn't concern himself with any of it. The entire affair was attributed to the Green Armored Hero, leaving Spider-Man out of the picture. He simply swung home and spent the night sparring with Gwen.

Gwen, still upset over Harry's claim of knowing Su Ye best, made her displeasure clear. Su Ye spent most of the night trying to calm her down, leaving little room for sleep.

At midnight, as Gwen begged for mercy, Su Ye suddenly shuddered, almost losing his footing.

"Hah... ha... you're finally worn out, huh?" Gwen forced a smile.

Su Ye snorted. "You're overthinking it. I'm just warming up!"

"It's been over two hours, and you're still warming up? Who are you trying to fool?" Gwen protested.

Su Ye's lips curled into a Nike-shaped smirk. "You'll find out if I'm lying."

The ten principles of Bajiquan: poised stances, synchronized movements, stable footing, quick bursts of force, sudden changes, fluid transitions, internal energy driving power, a balance of hard and soft, rhythm in tension and relaxation, and unison of spirit and form.

Su Ye was already a master of Bajiquan, applying its ten principles with ease. Gwen thought she'd seen everything, but in reality, she had only witnessed 80% of his full capability.

As Su Ye's Bajiquan mastery grew, Gwen found herself increasingly outmatched. She might have to expedite her cross-species genetics project.

As for Su Ye's earlier shudder, it was because he'd received another reward.

[Ding! Event 'Mafia's Fall' completed. You've received a 'Girlfriend Card (Green ★)']

(Note: ★ cards increase the probability of drawing high-quality cards.)

Su Ye initially thought that only completing major Spider-Man-related events would yield high-quality ★ cards. Therefore, he hadn't given much thought to saving Harry, since it wasn't part of the original plot.

When the clock struck midnight, he expected a basic gray card. To his surprise, he received a Green Star card, which explained his momentary lapse in focus.

Based on his experience with Blue ★ cards, Green cards had a high chance of yielding exceptional-level girlfriends. Without hesitation, Su Ye chose to open it.

[Ding! You opened 'Girlfriend Card (Green ★)' and received an Exceptional Girlfriend Card: 'Beautiful Nightcrawler.' Use to gain a Nightcrawler girlfriend.]

'Nightcrawler? That name…'

Su Ye suddenly recalled the Nightcrawler from X-Men—the blue-skinned, teleporting hero with sharp fangs and a pointed tail. Most importantly, he was male.

Who said a man couldn't be a girlfriend? Cross-dressing overlords and all that...

"Hiss!" This was a bit too much to accept!

Gwen, noticing Su Ye's sudden change, let a relieved smile slip through her sweat-covered face.

Still claiming you're just warming up? Can't keep up anymore, huh?