"Is this what youth feels like? It's great to see all of you!"

  Tony Stark waved at the students in the .

  But to be ho, he wasn't particurly excited.

  If it weren't for that Mafia guy, if it weren't for Peter, he wouldn't be here.

  "I never used to believe that knowledge could ge one's destiny, but now I do. Keep w hard, everyone. Don't let Peter take year's million-dolr schorship too."

  With that, he pulled out a bank card from his pocket.

  He looked at Peter and patted him on the shoulder.

  "This is what you deserve. I think we should step outside and have a chat about… well, how you pn to spend this schorship."

  The erupted with mixed emotions—envy, regret, and jealousy.

  But what they didn't know was that this money had been prearranged. Even if Peter had been a terrible student, the million dolrs would have found its way to him under some other pretext.

  Did they think this was a gift from heaven?

  Wrong. All gifts from fate e with a hidden price tag.

  Among the students, Gwen was undoubtedly the happiest.

  She was gehrilled for Peter.

  As the daughter of the NYPD issiwen's family was far from struggling financially. Gee had even sidered sp Peter's education.

  But Gwen had stopped him.

  She was worried Peter might feel inferior in front of her, losing his self-esteem.

  What guy wouldn't care about his pride?

  Now, with this million dolrs ier's hands, it would greatly ease—no, pletely solve—the Parker family's financial crisis.

  Dice, oher hand, was pletely dumbfounded by the news.

  Just moments ago, he had bragged about his father being a wealthy man earning half a million a year.

  And now, within five minutes, Peter had bee a millionaire!

  This wasn't fair! How could this happen?!

  Now, Dice was pletely outmatched. The only thing he had over Peter was his family's wealth.

  But now, even that was gone.

  His grades were worse thaer's, his looks were worse, his physical fitness was worse, and now even his wealth couldn't pete.

  Diew he could never pete with Peter fwen's attention.

  Unless… he got rid of Peter.

  And Dice just so happeo have the means to do it. He was from Gotham and knew a crime boss—people called him the Penguin.

  Back when the Penguin wasn't yet a boss, Dice had helped him out.

  Now, it was time to call in that favor.

  Dice had already made up his mind. Tomorrow night, he would take a trip to Gotham.

  Meanwhile.

  Peter and Tony were in another .

  "Mr. Stark, thank you so much."

  Peter's words were sincere. He had been trying to scrape together more money, but the small amounts he got from street criminals were nowhere near enough.

  This million dolrs was a lifesaver.

  With this money, Uncle Ben wouldn't have to drive a cab after work, and Aunt May wouldn't have to cry over er pints.

  Everything was about to get better.

  Indeed, money really does solve everything!

  "You're quite the actor, young man."

  Peter: "??"

  "What am I ag?"

  "You definitely know that Mafia guy."

  "After you left yesterday, he came to see me, clearly trying to save face for you."

  "Impressive. You've got es with someone like that."

  That scared me for a sed. I thought my real identity had been exposed.

  Peter had already decided he would never reveal his true identity.

  Even if he one day became as powerful as Superman, he would never let it slip.

  After all, enemies could always kidnap his family or friends and use their lives to threaten him.

  After hearing Tony's words, Peter decided to drop the act.

  "Alright, I do know him."

  "We've known each other for a while. Let me guess—did he say you're arrogant?"

  Tony suddenly lost the desire to tihe versation.

  Everyo calling him arrogant. How was he arrogant?

  Just then, his ph.

  It was Obadiah calling.

  Tony answered the call.

  "Hey, I'm not at the office right now. There's something important I o discuss. I'll be back soon."

  After hanging up, Tony patted Peter on the shoulder.

  "Listeer, tell your mysterious friend not to show up again. When he appeared yesterday, he nearly gave me a heart attack."

  "But you're always wele at Stark Industries. We exge some tips on pig up girls."

  With that, To.

  He drove back to Stark Industries headquarters.

  As soon as he entered his office, he saw the bald, bearded Obadiah.

  At this point, Tony still didn't know that this business partner of his father's would one day bee the Iron Mohe man who would try to kill him.

  Obadiah smiled.

  "Oh, Tony, I was out handling business. You called me back sently—it must be something important, right?"

  Tony smmed a few photos oable.

  They were pictures of the Rhino's armor being dismaaken by Rhodes.

  "I've always trusted you over the years, but what the hell is this?!"

  "Why are my ons showing up outside the military?!"

  "Someone used Stark Industries' ons to hurt people!"

  "I need an expnation!"