Chapter 135: The Osborn Father and Son

In the Marvel Universe, every second is busy for Leo, but it's not always dangerous. However, now that he has determined his research direction, Leo is willing to slow down the pace a little. After discussing some issues with Dr. Connors and confirming the next steps, Leo left the lab — and alongside him was Peter Parker, the spectacled guy. As they exited, they saw a group of people with dark circles under their eyes and frowning faces coming out of the adjacent building. Curious, Leo asked, "What are they doing? They look like they're about to die." Peter glanced over and, jokingly, said, "What do you think? They're clearly a bunch of PhD students — have you heard this joke before? If you see someone at a bar, well-groomed and bragging about being a PhD student, he's definitely a fraud. But if you see someone on campus, emotionally unstable, disheveled, muttering unintelligible things — That person is probably a real PhD student, and might even be an old one at that." Leo couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth — it rang so true. Peter quickly changed the subject, "Mr. Leo, you're really brave — are you planning to personally test the lizard serum?" "Of course not, I don't want to turn into a lizard. But donating some bone marrow shouldn't be a problem —" "But even though donating bone marrow generally isn't considered harmful in medicine, can your body really handle it?" Leo's expression froze — he hadn't thought about that. He had been focused on the idea of donating some bone marrow and then regenerating with a little extra lizard serum, completely forgetting about the impact on his body. He hadn't injected himself with that stuff yet in this world. However, Leo quickly added, "Uh, alright. But I'm sure I can find a volunteer." It wasn't vanity on Leo's part. He knew there would definitely be people in the community who believed in him and would be willing to volunteer. Even though they might sneer at ads about blood or marrow donations, calling them scams, they'd still choose to trust him. Leo was all too familiar with that feeling. He then turned to Peter and said, "Why are you bringing this up? Are you volunteering to be a test subject for the lizard serum?" "Uh," Peter scratched his head, "I might not be the best choice. It's not that I'm scared, really! I'm about to start college, and my family can't cover all the tuition, so I'll need to work while I study." Leo smiled, "I understand. Supporting yourself through college is impressive, but the pressure won't be small." Peter scratched his head again, "That pressure can't compare to yours — by the way, sir, do you think it's possible for genetically modified organisms to transfer synthetic genes to humans? Like, spontaneously, through a bite or some other contact?" "What do you think?" Leo asked knowingly. Normally, of course not — genetically modified organisms are still living beings, and their fluids couldn't possibly reprogram another individual's DNA. If that were possible, eating genetically modified vegetables would cause genetic issues in humans! In reality, genetic engineering relies on proteins that cut DNA — biological tools designed to splice genes! Only in rare cases might a genetically modified organism secrete chemicals or toxins that disrupt DNA structures. Sure enough, Peter said, "There's still some chance, right? Like if a genetically modified organism happens to secrete a protein toxin that just happens to cut DNA." "Maybe, but designing something like that would be incredibly complex. You need to remember, that genetically modified drugs are already tailored for specific test subjects. Now you'd not only need to customize the GMO, but also predict the specific effects its secreted proteins would have on human bodies. At least for now, we haven't discovered such a method." "True." This was why Leo wouldn't go looking for the spider that created Spider-Man. That spider was almost tailor-made for Spider-Man — whether by coincidence or intention. If that spider indeed secreted venom capable of altering DNA, it would probably only work properly on Spider-Man. The chance of an ordinary person being bitten and experiencing genetic collapse is far higher than becoming a Spider-Man. The kind of Spider-Man that would be opposite to Lizard-Man. In fact, even in some stories where the genetically modified spider was designed for Spider-Man, it didn't function properly and turned Peter into some sort of Spider-Demon instead. Leo's abilities weren't some kind of super identifier. On the contrary, so far, they had only worked on things Leo already understood. The more he learned, the more he felt that some things were just fate. Leo continued, "If an average person got exposed to this, they'd either suffer genetic collapse or turn into a Lizard-Man. Is that what you want?" Peter shook his head vigorously, "Of course not! By the way, have you seen the news recently? They're saying someone's been seen jumping between buildings at night, climbing like a spider." "I haven't seen it." Leo honestly hadn't. Every spare moment had been spent cramming biology knowledge — developing prosthetics was serious business. So he shrugged, "Well, I guess some people in this world are just chosen by fate. Maybe if you got bitten by a lizard, you could become some kind of Lizard-Hero, but I strongly advise against trying it." As they spoke, they reached the school gate, and not far away, a young man who looked quite wealthy was walking out of an office building. It wasn't that he had his account balance printed on his forehead — but wherever he went, people gave him that look, the one reserved for the rich. Speaking of which, the young man saw Peter and waved, "Peter!" Peter waved back and explained to Leo, "That's my best friend, Harry Osborn — yeah, the Osborn you're thinking of." "I know which Osborn," Leo replied. Harry looked quite energetic, with short hair and a bright demeanor, lacking the annoying air that often surrounds the wealthy second generation. If he were that kind of person, he wouldn't be friends with Peter. "You're doing well — I almost forgot you've hitched yourself to Professor Connors." After the two friends embraced, Harry looked at Leo, "And this is?" "Leo Lee, Professor Connors' partner." "Oh, nice to meet you. I guess Peter's already told you about me, you can just call me Harry." "Same here," Leo said, not feeling any ill will toward the young man. But soon Harry waved at someone behind Leo, his smile fading a bit. Leo turned around to see a man in a suit walking toward them, accompanied by a bodyguard. The man's eyebrows looked very similar to Harry's. "Here comes the big-shot businessman — I guess that's the end of our friendly chat for now. Peter, you can ride back with me later," Harry said to Peter. It was Norman Osborn, the CEO of Osborn Industries. Norman appeared to be a righteous man, the type often associated with the ideal image of a successful American entrepreneur — or rather, the kind America actively promotes. And he didn't carry the arrogance typical of such figures — at least, and he was almost imperceptible in his speech and mannerisms. He scanned the group with a friendly expression, though Leo noticed his gaze lingered on him a bit longer. When he finally approached, Norman spoke, "Peter, congratulations on getting accepted into Empire State University and even joining Professor Connors' lab. Unlike my son, who still has some work to do." Harry rolled his eyes, clearly used to this, though it still soured his mood. Afterward, Norman turned to Leo, "And you, I know you. You're the one funding Professor Connors' work now. To be honest, I should be upset about that, but I hope we can collaborate in the future — Osborn Industries is always looking for talent like yours." With that, he extended his hand, and Leo shook it. If Norman Osborn weren't the Green Goblin... He'd still be a full-fledged capitalist. Approach with caution. Smiling, Leo said as he shook Norman's hand, "I've heard a lot about you. I'm happy to meet you, and as for Professor Connors' decision — I hope you understand, I'm his partner, not just an investor. We prefer to maintain independent research." "I completely understand. I'm a scientist too — I must excuse myself, though. I have a lot of work to get through today." "Of course." As Leo watched the Osborns and Peter drive away, his mind was full of thoughts. There were rumors that Osborn Industries was in trouble — could this be a sign that the Green Goblin was about to emerge? Which version of Osborn Industries was this, anyway? Inside the car, Norman remained warm toward Peter, as usual. "Peter, you're getting better and better. Professor Connors is a top authority in cross-species genetics. I wanted to invite him to our company, but I couldn't convince him. Unlike some people, who probably don't even know what cross-species genetics is or what it can do. Do you want to explain it?" From the backseat, Harry rolled his eyes, "Come on, are you giving me a lecture now?" "You should at least understand what your friend is working on, instead of always doing nothing, needing help even to get into college." Clearly, the relationship between the Osborn father and son wasn't very harmonious. Peter, of course, didn't notice this, or if he did, he would just laugh it off. He was still a teenager, in a very carefree phase of his life. He had been genuinely excited about what was happening recently. The experiments of the past few days were leading to breakthroughs. "Harry — it's really cool, you know? Professor Connors actually managed to make a lizard that was less than 40 cm grow to nearly a meter! And that lizard used to be herbivorous, but now it eats meat, like a dinosaur!" Harry rolled his eyes even more, muttering, "Peter — no one cares about how the lizard's doing, okay? Are you on my side or not?" "Uh, it looks like I've arrived — but Harry, that lizard is really amazing. Do you like dinosaurs?" Harry patted Peter, "Still on about the lizard? Clear your schedule for tomorrow night; I'll take you to a party — Gwen will be there too, so don't be late!" "A party? I..." "Don't you 'I' me, get your clothes ready!" As the car stopped, Harry didn't give Peter a chance to say more and gave him a shove out of the car. After Peter got out, the car drove off a bit, but Norman suddenly told the driver to stop and quickly ran after Peter. "Peter!" Norman caught up with Peter, who looked puzzled. "Peter — I need to talk to you." "Go ahead." "It's about Harry." Norman hesitated, looking troubled and conflicted, "He has a genetic illness, just like his mother." Peter was stunned, "But he never told me..." "He doesn't know, but as he gets older, the disease will catch up with him." Norman spoke heavily, "Cross-species genetics isn't just a company project, it's also my investment to cure Harry. That's why I invited Professor Connors to take over the project — I'm really afraid that one day Harry will end up like his mother. In fact, his body is already undergoing changes, though he hasn't noticed the subtle changes yet." Peter was speechless. He had lost his parents at a young age, which made him somewhat introverted and friendless until high school, where he was still bullied for being a nerd. Harry was his only true friend, almost like a brother to him. Norman continued, "I really need this research to succeed." Peter was stunned but not foolish, his expression turning troubled and fearful: he feared Norman would soon ask him to steal research data. But Norman didn't say that. He looked at Peter's face, "Listen, Peter, I'm not asking you to be a spy. I just... If your project makes progress, I'm willing to invest — that was my initial plan, but Professor Connors rejected it. Think about it — if this project advances, it won't just save Harry but thousands of patients. You'll become heroes. I just hope it happens sooner, and that it can cure Harry quickly." Peter didn't know what to say. But every word from Norman struck deep in his heart — He could be a hero, saving Harry and thousands of patients.