Su Yi and Tony sequestered themselves in a shielded corner of the lab for a private discussion on the Extremis crisis. Tony was visibly agitated, pacing the floor as he recounted his latest attempt to reach Dr. Maya Hansen.
"She hung up on me, Su. Hung up. She's completely consumed by resentment and Killian's promises. She's deep in the development phase, and I can't locate their current experiment hub," Tony sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I'm fighting ghosts. I don't know the full scope of Extremis, and I can't risk attacking Killian without knowing the collateral damage."
"Solving a problem like this requires patience, Tony, not brute force," Su Yi advised calmly, leaning back against a console. "Killian needs to be exposed, not engaged. He'll make a mistake. Focus on tracing the victims—the 'exploding men'—to find the source, not the scientists. And in the meantime, don't let it consume you. You have a new lab, a brilliant new lead scientist, and the future of Nanotechnology to build. Keep developing your countermeasures."
Tony, recognizing the solid logic, conceded. "Fine. Long-term strategy. It's just harder when I know lives are at risk."
"You can't save everyone today, but you can build the technology to save millions tomorrow," Su Yi countered. "That's why Dr. Cho is here."
☕ The First Date Protocol
With the crisis conversation tabled, the two men joined Zhao Hailun, who was clocking out for the evening. Tony quickly excused himself, mumbling something about a necessary data dump, leaving Su Yi and the doctor alone over a complimentary, high-octane brew provided by the lab's advanced coffee station.
Zhao Hailun didn't waste time on small talk. She was direct, her questions aimed at understanding Su Yi's perspective and influence.
"Tony mentioned you, an outsider, were the reason I'm here. How did you know about my work in bio-fabrication and my research at the Ulsan lab?" she asked, her eyes sharp and analytical.
Su Yi met her intensity with warmth and respect. "I am a silent investor and occasional consultant in a number of fields, Doctor. I don't just invest capital; I invest in potential. I recognized your work, particularly the concept of using genetically-coded nano-assemblers for somatic cell repair. It's light years beyond anything else currently in the field. When I saw Tony needed a breakthrough, I introduced him to the best. I believe in helping great minds reach their destiny."
This explanation resonated perfectly with Zhao Hailun. It wasn't flattery; it was validation of her life's work. "You are an excellent judge of talent, Mr. Su. Most people focus on the sensational; you focus on the substance."
"Substance and beauty, Doctor. I find brilliance incredibly attractive," Su Yi smiled, keeping his tone light. "But your mind is certainly your most powerful feature. Now that the hard work is over, how about we trade this lab coat for an evening dress and discuss the philosophical implications of rapid cellular regeneration over dinner?"
Zhao Hailun, typically reserved, found herself completely charmed by his blend of profound recognition and easy confidence. "I think that is a necessary adjustment for maintaining peak mental health. Yes, Mr. Su. Dinner sounds perfect."
Target Acquired: Initial progress was successful. Su Yi established himself as both a respectful intellectual equal and an attractive prospect. He filed the information away. He had another pressing, immediate task to complete.
The next morning, Su Yi was jolted awake not by an alarm, but by a rapid succession of frantic texts from Peter.
The excitement was palpable. The first day of business for The Eastern Express—the sleek, customized black-and-green food truck—was on.
Su Yi met Peter at the pre-approved spot near Osborn Tower. The location was excellent, capturing early morning traffic heading toward the corporate skyscrapers. The novelty of the food—the Golden Egg Burgers and Hand-Grabbed Pancakes—attracted the first wave of curious customers.
Peter, wearing a pristine chef's apron, was buzzing with nervous energy. He efficiently manned the egg burger station, while Su Yi handled the more complex, layered pancakes.
The work was efficient. Customers bought, ate, and left satisfied. The line, though not overwhelming, was steady—a positive sign.
Around 8:30 AM, Gwen arrived, looking stunning in her new professional attire, carrying a high-end corporate briefcase. She spotted the truck immediately.
"Hi, Gwen," Peter chirped, trying to remain professional while his best friend's girlfriend was standing in his line.
Gwen smiled radiantly. "I knew your food truck was opening today, Peter, so I deliberately skipped my usual coffee run. I need the full experience."
Su Yi and Peter quickly prepared her order: one of each item, perfectly layered.
"Now, how much do I owe, gentlemen?" Gwen asked, holding up her wallet.
Su Yi leaned over the counter, his eyes twinkling. "You know exactly how to pay, Gwen, but I need a moment of privacy for that transaction."
Gwen feigned confusion, then looked pointedly at the small gap beside the truck. "I think you need to come out first, Su."
Su Yi stepped out. Gwen set her food on a nearby low wall, walked straight up to him, and, completely disregarding the line of hungry businessmen, cupped his face and delivered a slow, lingering, and unmistakably affectionate kiss .
"Good morning, my love," she whispered tenderly, stepping back, her cheeks flushed.
Su Yi replied with equal affection, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Good morning, Gwen. Have a successful day."
Gwen, feeling energized, gathered her food. Peter, who had witnessed the entire interaction, felt a complex mix of emotions: a wave of embarrassment, followed by a sudden shot of inspiration. That's what being bold looks like.
"Gwen, remember to promote us to all the interns!" Peter reminded her quickly.
"Of course," she laughed, heading toward the towering glass entrance of Osborn Corp.
The customers behind her, momentarily stunned by the public display, quickly resumed their purchases, though the conversation in line shifted from morning meetings to "who that guy was."
As the morning rush subsided, Peter slumped against the counter, calculating his earnings on the tablet.
"This morning's revenue is okay, but it's not amazing, Su. At this rate, we might only clear a few thousand for the entire break," Peter worried, looking at the spreadsheet.
"Don't be impatient, Peter," Su Yi said, cleaning the griddle with practiced ease. "This is day one. Within a week, word-of-mouth and Gwen's promotion will turn this into a lunchtime stampede. Trust the product. Trust the process."
"By the way, Su," Peter started, his voice lowering with sudden, intense seriousness. "Are you going to Liz's party tonight?"
"Of course, I promised, so I'll definitely be there."
Peter's excitement was almost manic. He fidgeted with the napkin dispenser.
"Su, you're quite good at... matters of the heart. Can you give me some advice on how I should pursue Liz?" Peter finally confessed, his shy desperation evident.
Su Yi didn't show a hint of surprise. He had suspected this was coming.
"You like Liz, Peter?"
Peter was instantly flustered, but he nodded vigorously. "I do. She's... really great. And after graduation, I feel like I need to try."
"But you two are about to separate. Do you know where she's going to college?"
"I inquired," Peter admitted sheepishly. "She's staying local, at New York University. It's not far at all."
"Ah, NYU. A lovely campus," Su Yi commented, mentally calculating the distance to Midtown. Peter had clearly done his homework.
"Su, are you willing to help me? Give me some of your famous strategies?" Peter pleaded, his hope hanging entirely on Su Yi's next words.
Su Yi leaned back, looking at Peter's earnest, hopeful face.
Liz is genuinely a good person, caught in a bad situation. She is destined for Peter in the established timeline. I have already secured Mary Jane, Gwen, and Betty. It's time to let Peter have a win, unencumbered by my complications.
Moreover, if Liz becomes Peter's girlfriend, her destiny is secured, making my intervention with the Vulture less disruptive for her.
"I actually don't have a complicated plan, Peter," Su Yi said, keeping his advice simple and genuine—the core of all his successful maneuvers. "I am very sincere with Gwen and the others. You just need to follow that rule: Sincerity and Presence. Show her your kind and true self, then be a little bolder. Actively ask her to dance tonight, and ignore the inevitable, louder competition. I think you'll gain her favor."
Peter mulled this over, recalling the boldness of Su Yi's public display with Gwen minutes earlier. "That's what you say, but Mary Jane was snatched away by you exactly because I was timid. This time, I need to take the initiative."
"You do," Su Yi affirmed. "Go for it. Tonight is your night."
The two friends packed up, Peter rushing home to prepare for the biggest social event of his life.
At the Parker apartment, Aunt May was already in full guidance mode. She had proactively pulled out a perfectly pressed, simple suit that Ben had worn, altering it slightly to fit Peter's frame.
"Aunt Mei, how do I look?" Peter asked, turning awkwardly in the suit.
May looked at her handsome nephew, her eyes soft with pride. "You look wonderful, Peter. You just need to show her your sincerity and actively approach her; it will definitely make a deep impression on Liz."
"Su said the same thing, but he's even more outstanding than me, so I'm a little worried," Peter confessed.
May chuckled, tying his tie knot perfectly. "Oh, Peter. Liking someone isn't just about whether he's perfect or the richest. Your Uncle Ben wasn't perfect, but he was a good person, and that part is what I liked most. Don't compare yourself to anyone."
Peter was quiet for a moment, touched by the story. Then, emboldened by Su Yi's earlier challenge, he pressed the question that had been nagging him all day.
"Aunt Mei, have you considered finding someone else?" Peter asked softly. "I've grown up now, and I'm ready to take care of myself. I think it's time for you to enjoy your life instead of continuing to sacrifice for me."
The question, so direct and so timely after her recent interactions with Su Yi, hit May hard. She instantly panicked, Su Yi's impossibly handsome face flashing into her mind.
"I—I'm already old, Peter," she stammered, pulling back quickly and smoothing her apron, her face flushing despite her youthful appearance. "Let's just let this matter rest. Focus on your date!"
She composed herself, giving him a final, encouraging pat on the arm. "You look great. Now, go and enjoy the party. And make sure to dance with Liz."
Peter, sensing his Aunt was uncomfortable, decided not to press the issue. He grabbed his keys, ready to tackle the party, completely unaware that Su Yi wasn't just planning to help him get the girl, but to secretly save her father.
The stage is set for the Liz Toomes Graduation Party. Su Yi is attending to orchestrate Peter's love life and to execute his primary objective: the pre-emption of the Vulture.