At that moment, Peter had no idea what was going on between Mary Jane and Harry. He strolled casually through the bustling streets, Gwen's arm linked in his, looking completely relaxed.
"How about it? Feel good? Like you've slapped them in the face?" Gwen suddenly asked with a teasing smile.
"???"
"What feeling? I don't really get what you mean."
Peter looked confused, caught off guard by Gwen's unexpected question.
"Don't play dumb. I know what happened between you and Mary Jane."
"So?"
"What do you mean 'so'? You used to like her, but she ended up with your good friend. That's pretty harsh. I think it wasn't fair to you."
"So, you invited me to your performance on Valentine's Day and acted all lovey-dovey in front of them just to help me save face?" Peter asked, genuinely curious.
"You're only half right."
"Half? Which half?"
"I did want to help you save face. But I also truly wanted you at my performance. And I wasn't faking the intimacy."
Gwen's voice grew softer as she spoke, almost becoming a whisper. Her cheeks turned red, and she looked shy.
Seeing her hesitation, Peter's heart skipped a beat. In that moment, he wanted to grab her chin and kiss her passionately. But after a long pause, he held back.
He wasn't the same Peter Parker anymore. He had injected himself with Lizard Serum and now possessed strength beyond any ordinary person.
More importantly, he had made an enemy of the Kingpin. Even though he hadn't been discovered yet, from the moment he chose revenge, his future was destined to be unstable.
Anyone close to him could end up getting hurt. He didn't want to see Aunt May's tragedy repeat itself with anyone else.
Unless he became powerful enough to protect his loved ones unconditionally, the only way to keep them safe was to keep his distance.
"Thank you, Gwen," Peter said sincerely, gazing into her sapphire-blue eyes.
"Don't be so serious! Honestly, Mary Jane is a good friend, but not a good partner. Her head's full of dreams of stardom. Even if she's with Harry, it's for what she can get. There's no real love there."
"Whether there's real love or not isn't my business. I'll admit that when I was younger and dumber, I had a crush on her. But I've already let go."
"Really? You've truly let go?" Gwen smiled and stood in front of Peter, staring into his eyes as if trying to see through him.
Peter found her cute, though he kept a calm expression and nodded.
"Yes. I've let go. The world's a big place—plenty of women out there. Why hang myself from one tree?"
"Hmm, that's a good point. So, what's your ideal type?"
"My ideal type?"
"Yeah, the partner you dream of."
"Well… it's kinda embarrassing."
"Come on, say it. I won't laugh."
"Alright then… I want a big-breasted beauty."
"Big waves? Like big curls?"
"No, not big waves—big boobs, waves!"
"What the hell, I'm going to kill you!"
"You can't! You're the one who asked me to say it."
"Men are all pigs! You pervert!"
"Correction. I may be a pervert, but I'm not old, thank you."
"..." Gwen.
Still laughing and teasing each other, the two walked toward a nearby Western restaurant. As Peter had mentioned, he had indeed made a reservation.
After all, it was the first time in his life that a girl had invited him to a performance, and he had shown up more than an hour late. Treating her to dinner was the least he could do.
"Paradise Island Restaurant? Are you serious?" Gwen exclaimed, surprised as they arrived at the entrance of one of New York's famous upscale restaurants.
"What's the problem?"
"This place is all over social media! Even a simple meal here costs hundreds of dollars. Did you win the lottery?"
"Not exactly, but I dipped into some savings. I can afford one good meal."
"Peter, you've changed. You never used to spend like this. It's not a good habit!"
"People change, Gwen. Today's special—you invited me, and I ruined it. Let me make it up to you, okay?"
"You know I don't care about that stuff."
"I know. But let me splurge, just this once. A once-in-a-lifetime deal."
"Fine. Just this once. No more reckless spending," Gwen agreed, smiling as she slipped her arm into Peter's again.
As they entered the restaurant, a tall waiter greeted them politely.
"Do you have a reservation, sir?"
If the old Peter had walked in here with Gwen, they might've been kicked out based on looks alone. But now, dressed in a sleek black suit, Peter gave off a confident, stylish vibe.
"Yes," Peter replied, handing over the reservation details.
"Ah, Mr. Peter. VIP seating. Please follow me."
The waiter's tone instantly changed from polite to respectful. Gwen looked even more surprised—and slightly worried.
She knew Peter's background well. After Uncle Ben's passing, Peter and Aunt May had struggled financially. Aunt May worked odd jobs, and Peter began working early just to scrape by.
It wasn't until grad school that things improved a little, thanks to his research stipend. But even then, this kind of luxury was far out of reach.
"Peter, this must have cost a fortune," Gwen said once they were seated at a window table with a breathtaking view of New York's skyline.
"Don't worry about it. It's within my budget. Just enjoy the view. Look over there—that's the Empire State Building."
Gwen finally turned her gaze to the window, and her eyes sparkled with delight.
"It's beautiful! I think this is the first time we've ever eaten somewhere this fancy and had such a view."
"It is," Peter said, flipping through the menu. "But I think there'll be more chances in the future."
Hearing this, Gwen blushed. "Hmm, I think so too."
Peter paused and glanced up at her, only to see her gazing at him, resting her chin on her hand.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Who's staring at you? You wish. I just think you've changed."
"In a bad way?"
"No, in a good way. You're more confident now—and kinda annoying. But I like this version of you."
"Thanks for the compliment, Council President Gwen. But calling me annoying? That hurts."
"Really? Then I'll say it more often—maybe you'll grow to like it."
"...Are you a devil?"
"Have you ever seen a devil this gorgeous?"
"Nope. Never."
The two of them laughed and joked as they admired the view.
But then, chaos erupted at a nearby table. Two men suddenly began shouting and fighting, even smashing items.
Before Peter and Gwen could react, one man got punched and went flying—right into their table. Gwen screamed in shock.
Their dinner hadn't arrived yet, or it would've been a complete disaster. Still, the situation was embarrassing.
Just as one of the men raised a wine bottle to strike the other's head, Peter instinctively reached out and grabbed it, stopping the blow cold.
The restaurant staff quickly intervened, pulling the men apart.
The man who had been punched and collapsed onto Peter's table slowly stood up, swaying slightly and reeking of alcohol.
"Darling, are you okay?" A stunning blonde rushed over. "I didn't think that jerk would follow us here. I already told him we broke up!"
"I'm fine, babe. I could go three hundred rounds with him," the man said drunkenly, wrapping his arm around the woman's waist.
He turned to Peter, grinning mischievously. "Hey, handsome. What's your name?"
Peter's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
The man standing in front of him—drunk, charming, and reckless—was none other than Tony Stark, New York's most famous playboy.