It turned out that even the thickest skin and the deepest pockets couldn't compete with the seasoned veterans of capitalism. Qin Xiao, despite his recent windfall and bold demeanor, found himself outmaneuvered by Tony Stark, a capitalist who had been circling the globe for decades, with inherited wealth and a legacy to uphold.
After accepting Tony's million-dollar car, Qin Xiao was dragged to the grand opening of a luxury apartment building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Surrounded by scantily clad hostesses and with Tony constantly nudging him to speak, Qin Xiao, unable to back down after his recent windfall, found himself vaguely agreeing to buy two penthouse duplexes, totaling over a thousand square meters, for tens of millions of dollars.
Only after signing the papers and handing over the money did Qin Xiao, still dazed, ask Tony, "Even if we'll be in New York more often, why do I need two apartments?"
"No, no, no! My friend, you've misremembered. It's one apartment. The other one is in my name!" Tony declared, wagging his index finger triumphantly.
"Oh, my God! You must not have read the contract carefully when you signed it, right? How about it, neighbors? Surprised?"
"My villa in New York is already in pretty bad shape, and the new Stark Tower is just starting its foundation. It'll take at least two or three more years to finish. You don't want me living in a dilapidated villa for the next few years, do you, my friend?"
Tony grinned like a weasel who'd just stolen a hen.
"Tony, you dragged me to that ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier. That apartment building must have been built by one of your friends, right? Ask if we can get a refund!"
Qin Xiao turned his head, his face pale, and said through gritted teeth.
"Unless the relevant authorities issue a certificate of structural defects, there's absolutely no way to get a refund. Trust me, that building is a new project under Stark Industries. I wouldn't get that wrong."
Tony pulled Qin Xiao into the car and took the wheel.
"So you're saying I paid for two apartments and only got one, and you even gave me one of your own, and it was built by your company? Is that right?"
"Relax, my friend, don't get so worked up. You're about to crush the car door. Good heavens! This is your car, Qin!"
"Can I return this car too?" Qin Xiao asked, his voice tinged with despair.
"No way! What Tony Stark gives to a friend, he never takes back!" Tony replied firmly.
"Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"My language skills have been a bit rusty lately. Can you translate for me: what the hell is a 'surprise'?"
***
Since the house wasn't ready to move into yet, Qin Xiao dragged Tony to the most luxurious hotel in New York, where he shamelessly mooched off Tony's presidential suite for several days.
He locked himself in the suite for two full days, carving Tony Stark's name into the toilet dozens of times.
Finally, the system upgrade was complete.
What was called an "upgrade" was actually just the unlocking of the Second-Tier Shop.
**Second-Tier Shop**
**Intermediate Super Serum**: Grants the Asgardian Primary Godly Body in an unawakened state, extending lifespan to 5,000 years! 3,000 points.
**Intermediate Combat Techniques**: An upgraded version of Basic Combat Techniques, allowing for more efficient use of bone and muscle strength throughout the body. At least a 20% increase in the utilization of physical attributes like strength and speed compared to Basic Combat Techniques! 800 points.
**Intermediate Weapon Mastery**: An upgraded version of Basic Weapon Mastery, making the use of most melee weapons as natural as using one's own arm. It provides the initial threshold for achieving the "unity of man and weapon" state. 800 points.
**D-Rank Combat Suit**: An upgraded version of the E-Rank Combat Suit. In addition to all the functions of the E-Rank suit, it adds an extra 30% kinetic energy dissipation. 700 points.
**D-Rank Cold Weapon Customization**: An upgraded version of E-Rank weapons. Can barely pierce high-end alloys (like Iron Man's Gold-Titanium Alloy), but still lacks the sharpness to slice through steel like butter. Durability and toughness are greatly increased. 700 points.
**Primary Space Storage Device**: 10 cubic meters of storage space. The form factor can be customized at will: rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, etc. PS: If you like, you can even turn it into a diaper, as long as you don't mind the contents being drowned in urine. 1000 points.
The Second-Tier Shop had opened, and prices had increased severalfold. The points Qin Xiao had always had in abundance suddenly seemed insufficient.
After much deliberation, Qin Xiao realized that self-reliance was paramount.
Nothing was more important than his own strength.
With a grimace, he bought the Intermediate Super Serum.
His points dwindled to a pitiful 500, leaving him unable to afford anything in the Second-Tier Shop.
"System, why is this Intermediate Super Serum called the Asgardian Divine Body? That seems unrelated to the term 'Super Serum'!"
Qin Xiao asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
"Because the host previously fused with the Hulk's serum, and to ensure the healthy growth of the host's power, the Intermediate Super Serum, which merely doubles the effects of the Primary Super Serum, would have been of little significance. Therefore, we slightly upgraded it. The required points are only marginally higher. As for the name, it's all superficial. Please don't dwell on such trivial details, host."
The System's emotionless voice replied.
"Damn it, that makes too much sense! I don't even know how to refute you!"
Qin Xiao couldn't find any fault with this logic. He had completed the Hulk's random mission, and if the Intermediate Super Serum only doubled the effects of the Primary Super Serum, it would indeed be of little value to him, who already possessed 30% of the Hulk's power.
As for space storage devices and the like, he could always buy those later when he earned enough points.
"System, I have another question about the Ancient One's abnormal behavior that day, and this so-called Space Anomaly Management Bureau!"
Qin Xiao voiced his doubts.
"First, this isn't one question, but several. Second, I'm merely an auxiliary tool to help you acquire power more conveniently and simply. In plain terms, I'm just a cheat. As an intelligent being, you should be using your own biological brain to think, not asking me, an auxiliary tool. If I knew everything, what use would you have as a host? Host, you're just dreaming..."
*Damn it!*
Being rendered speechless by an auxiliary tool, Qin Xiao felt his brain needed an upgrade.
Since the System had spoken so plainly, Qin Xiao didn't press further. He had already decided last time: *Whatever this mess is, I'll just focus on getting stronger.*
Still, a faint intuition lingered in his mind: the items in the Second-Tier Shop this time, especially the Divine Body disguised as Intermediate Super Serum...
They must be related to this Thor mission. Perhaps they were laying the groundwork for him to receive Odin's reward in Asgard later.
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition
" Marvel: Awakening the Power of a Million Stars at the Start "
" Marvel: I Am the Leader of the Mutant Race "
" Fan-Made Marvel: Breaking Marvel from the Start "
" Marvel: Silver Superman Template "
" Marvel: Starting by Creating Miss 2B (18+) "
" Marvel: Starting by Drawing Gold Pikachu (18+) "
" Much Blessing: Starting from Gwen, Sweeping Across Marvel! (18+) "
" Marvel: Plundering Multiverse Technology Starting (18+) "
" Superman in the Marvel Hero "
" Sentry of American Comics World "
" Marvel: My Wife Is Hela "
" Marvel: Married Black Widow at the Start "
" DC Universe: The Days of Being a Mage God "
" Marvel Universe: I Pick Up Attributes "
many more are available 130+
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
patreon.com/SuperTL
(End of Chapter)