[Two Chapters Combined] Riley: Buhou! I'm so angry!

In summary...

Osborn will provide financial and technological assistance for the follow-up operations in District 13.

Upon being specifically invited by District 13, Dr. Otto, Dr. Connors, and their affiliated teams were transferred to serve in District 13.

In return, Osborn only needs to pay a share of the profits to obtain a patent license and use the stabilized lizard serum... or rather, the healing serum, to explore a completely new market in the medical field.

It's important to know that in the United States alone, the annual expenditure on medical equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs for people who become disabled due to various unforeseen circumstances adds up to six billion dollars.

If we add the amputation surgery and the medications taken during that time, the number will only be higher.

Therefore, conservatively speaking, if this groundbreaking healing serum can be successfully rolled out, it will not only be a boon to patients worldwide, as Dr. Connors initially hoped, but also a lucrative opportunity for Osborn!

Even if Norman Osborn only did a rough mental calculation, he could be pleasantly surprised to find that, without any competing products vying for the market, once the market stabilized, this new business would bring Osborn at least 20 billion in revenue every year!

This only applies to the United States itself, and does not include the global market!

If it could be sold all over the world, even with a low-profit, high-volume model, it would be enough to make Norman Osborn count money until his hands cramped!

Along with District 13, they no longer need to worry about operating funds while enjoying dividends! They will also face fewer concerns and restrictions in subsequent operations!

Of course, the price to pay for achieving this is also considerable.

Not to mention market expansion, developing more suitable drugs for different types of users, etc., all of these require a lot of money to pave the way.

The sheer amount of trouble Norman Osborn, a shrewd businessman, was caused by the inevitable encroachment on other industries' markets during the promotion of this new drug, along with the resulting suppression, smear campaigns, and defamation.

This is why, even though Riley knew full well the staggering profits this serum would generate once it was released, he still advised District 13 to negotiate with Norman Osborn to license the formula to him, making him his agent.

It's not that Riley wasn't envious of the lion's share of the profits.

This is similar to the NPCs in online novels, each one more powerful than the last. Even if you are truly gifted and invincible in the future, it doesn't change the fact that when your abilities are insufficient in the early stages, being too sharp and showing off will easily invite disaster and ultimately lead to becoming an unnamed corpse in a mass grave.

With the current capabilities of District 13, how could they possibly hold onto this formula so tightly, attempting to monopolize this immense wealth?

So sooner or later, District 13 will be like Li Yunlong, who received a congratulatory call from his brigade commander shortly after recruiting a large number of warhorses, and immediately received a forced order from his superiors to "friendly second" him!

By then, let alone preserving the lion's share of the profits...

Whether District 13 will even get a sip of soup is still unknown!

It would be better to stay behind the scenes and paint a rosy picture for Norman. For the sake of profits far exceeding 100%, Norman would instantly transform into Norman Pineapple Snowball Osborn and handle these thorny problems for District 13!

For Norman Osborn, this path was no less difficult than trying to negotiate with a tiger.

But at least, the pie that District 13 painted for Norman is really tempting, and the future looks very promising!

Furthermore, Sheriff Black, with his easygoing nature, never put on airs in front of Norman Osborn during their interactions.

Compared to the previous client, General Ross, who spent the entire process making things difficult for Osborn without gaining any benefit whatsoever, this was infinitely better!

This prompted Norman Osborn, who was always shrewd and calculating, to make a decisive decision and agree to the cooperation project after a brief discussion!

This fully demonstrates what it means to say, "Without comparison, there is no harm!"

Of course, besides the stark contrast between the two generations of "clients"...

Norman Osborn's prompt agreement stemmed from his fear that a delay would be misinterpreted by Sheriff Black as a rejection of the deal. This could cause him to lose a once-in-a-lifetime client, who would then seek cooperation with rivals—such as Stark Industries, whose stock price had plummeted after Tony Stark's disappearance and which desperately needed to develop new industries to stabilize morale!

If that's the case, whether it succeeds or not is secondary...

But seeing his competitors making money was more painful for him than killing Norman Osborn!

Of course, at Riley's prompting, Sheriff Black set a precondition for this collaboration.

That is, Osborn is not allowed to use this formula as a basis for other experiments such as "super soldier serum".

If any mutated creature resembling a lizardman is discovered, regardless of whether it originated from Osborn, District 13 has the right to immediately revoke the right to use the formula and demand an exorbitant penalty from Osborn for breach of contract.

This collaboration can be seen as both an opportunity and a double-edged sword for Osborne.

This was enough to make the ambitious Norman Osborn temporarily quiet down and focus on running his company properly.

Furthermore, due to the aforementioned limitations, Norman Osborn would be particularly careful to maintain secrecy regarding this series of products.

To some extent, this can be considered a preventative measure against Snake.H.I.E.L.D.'s infiltration and intrusion.

Unfortunately, even Riley couldn't guarantee that this mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation could continue indefinitely.

After all, just like Dr. Connors, even though he meant well, ended up becoming "Dr. Lizard" in the end.

Based on Riley's understanding of Norman Osborn, his ambition was never satisfied and his appetite would only grow bigger. Even if his life was perfect, there was still a possibility that he would turn into the "Green Goblin".

But to achieve this goal, he will certainly need even greater power.

The easiest and most effective solution would undoubtedly be to keep this formula secret from District 13 and develop a new enhanced serum!

So, from the very beginning, this recipe was an opportunity that Riley gave to Norman Osborn out of respect for Harry...

It was also Riley who, through Harry, deliberately set a trap for Norman Osborn.

After all, compared to enhancement potions with unclear paths and uncertainties, this kind of enhancement route, which is known to all, is obviously much easier to deal with.

Therefore, when giving the formula to Harry to take back to Osborn, Riley deliberately had Peter and the others keep a special copy of the antidote formula.

To ensure that after injecting this special antidote...

No matter what methods Norman uses to strengthen himself.

But as long as the core foundation of the potion is strengthened, including this serum formula, it can turn him back into an ordinary Norman Osborn!

This can be seen in Bronsky, who was also injected with the lizardman serum, but whose core was still Abomination. After "voluntarily" accepting the antidote injection, he not only lost the power to transform into Super Abomination.

Even the effects of the Super Soldier Serum, intertwined and mixed with the Lizardman Serum, became inseparable. This provided powerful proof that when the antidote took effect, both were eliminated, completely transforming the user back into an ordinary human!

Although subsequent test results indicate that this condition, like when Hulk received "treatment" from Mr. Blue in "The Incredible Hulk," was only temporary.

The exact duration of its effects, and whether drug resistance will develop with repeated use, leading to a gradual decrease in efficacy, all require further research by observing changes in Bronsky's cells.

However, it was more than enough to outmaneuver Norman.

Isn't doing this a bit too much?

To be fair, Riley had repeatedly warned Norman Osborn through the people of District 13 that this formula could only be used to treat illnesses and save lives, and absolutely could not be used in any other field.

To prevent Norman Osborn from continuing his old ways and still intending to use the formula in other areas, they even went so far as to poach Otto and Connors, the two most skilled in biological research at Osborn, to District 13 in advance! This was to ensure that even if Norman Osborn had such intentions, he wouldn't be able to put them into action anytime soon!

Therefore, Riley believed that he had done more than enough and given Norman Osborn face.

Having gone this far, if something like the Green Goblin, shortly after its creation and before it even had a chance to cause trouble, is to be instantly reduced to its original form by an antidote...

Well, no wonder Riley is so heartless!

At that time, although Riley wouldn't do anything to Norman out of respect for Harry...

However, with a written contract, it was more than enough to make Norman Osborn obediently step down and hand over the top position to his good friend Harry.

By then, even if Harry takes power, it will allow Section 13 to cooperate with Osborn with greater confidence...

With their good brother leading the entire Osborn company, the Parker brothers had the support and necessary assistance behind the scenes.

Riley's resources, even if not as good as Stark Industries, are by no means inferior, right?

Who knows, maybe I can even get my hands on a few pieces of vibranium to play with and try to further enhance this suit?

Oh dear, now that I think about it, Uncle Norman's little tricks don't seem so unacceptable after all?

So, dear Uncle Norman...

Please don't listen to my advice, or you'll definitely go astray!

As he thought about it, Riley couldn't help but smile, revealing a playful smile full of anticipation and excitement.

Standing next to Riley, Peter, seeing his brother's expression, immediately understood which lucky person had been targeted by this modern-day Jia Xu.

A chill ran down his spine, and the kind-hearted Peter couldn't help but silently pray for the "lucky one"...

I pray the other side doesn't do anything foolish and willingly walk into Riley's trap to get themselves killed!

"Oh, right, Riley, what are we going to do next? Gwen said she has something important to do and can't meet up these next few days. Harry got noticed by Uncle Norman because he brought the formula back, and he's now in charge of liaising with Section 13, officially starting their collaboration. I bet he's already swamped with work and doesn't have time to hang out with us... Hmm, why do I suddenly have this feeling that everyone's busy with important matters, and we're just the two of us lounging around in the street?"

After a moment of silence, I swallowed the last bite of my hamburger with my coffee.

Peter, seemingly remembering something amidst his incessant muttering, curiously asked Riley.

"Also, we haven't been home for several days in a row... How are you going to explain this to Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei?"

"...!"

When Peter uttered this soul-searching question, Riley, who was increasingly displaying the demeanor of a modern-day Jia Xu and gradually beginning to envision the future, was suddenly struck dumb, frozen in place as if by lightning.

hiss……

Upon closer reflection...

Since the day they told their parents they were going to Gwen's house for dinner, the Parker brothers haven't been home for two days and two nights.

Normally, this wouldn't be considered a big problem.

But when Riley left without saying goodbye and secretly went to Mexico for a trip without telling her parents, even though she brought back bags of gifts to try to distract them, Ben and May still nagged her a lot.

Even a powerful figure like Jia Xu in modern times had to obediently succumb to the oppressive feeling stemming from his bloodline under the care and instruction of his parents, and humbly shrank back.

It was because of his parents' silent gaze that Riley solemnly and repeatedly assured Ben and May that such a situation would never happen again!

As it turned out, in less than a day, they lost contact for two more days!

You should know that due to her special experiences in her past life, Riley especially cherishes the company, nagging, and discipline of her parents. She is fearless, except for her parents worrying and shedding tears!

During the brief silence, Riley's entire demeanor plummeted. His face turned deathly pale at a visible speed.

Clearly, just imagining the tense atmosphere his parents would create when he got home made Riley break out in a sweat!

Honestly, if there were a choice...

Riley would rather fight a formidable foe like Hulk head-on for three hundred rounds than face that suffocating scene!

That's why, prompted by Peter's casual question, Riley, whose heart had already stopped, couldn't continue appreciating J. Jonah Jameson's "latest masterpiece."

In a panic and instinctive scream, she grabbed Peter's hand and started running quickly across the sidewalk.

"What's the point of playing then! Let's go home! If we don't go back soon, Mom and Dad are going to skin us alive!"

"Pfft...cough cough cough! Wait a minute? From what you're saying... Riley! So you're taking this leisurely stroll not because you've figured out what to say, but because you've completely forgotten about it?!"

"Nonsense! I was in a forced 24-hour coma. From the moment I woke up, I was either scared by the boiled egg or running around cleaning up the mess. I didn't have any energy left to think about these things! I'm not Superman! You didn't even remind me!"

"How can you blame me! Who would have thought that you'd calculated everything except this! Besides... you didn't even ask me!"

"I...you...! I don't care! You were the one who insisted on dragging me along to meet your parents! So if Mom and Dad are angry, I'll say it was you who made the trip!"

"Huh? Don't you want to listen to what you're saying? How can you say such cold words when your mouth is in over 30 degrees Celsius? I'm your only brother—!!!"

"So you should respect the elderly and care for the young, and help your brother share the burden! Don't worry, I believe in you, Peter!"

"Wait, is this the law about respecting the elderly and caring for the young? Is it right?!"

You chime in, I chime in...

Peter, who had tried to awaken his brother's last shred of conscience but ultimately failed, continued to bicker with Riley until they disappeared into the crowd.

However, upon closer inspection, one can see that Peter's smile has become noticeably more pronounced.

Clearly, compared to that superhero who is not only cunning and shrewd but also capable of wreaking havoc on the battlefield...

Peter still prefers his lively older brother, who is always anxious and worried about being punished by their parents, and who "hurts" each other!