American Comics: The Girl Next Door is Spider-Gwen

But she couldn't say it out loud.

Thinking about her recent troubles, Gwen said, "Jessica, you've seen the reports about the Black Spider, right? Because of Black Spider, Dad doesn't think highly of Ghost Spider anymore."

"What does that have to do with you?"

Jessica threw an arm around Gwen's shoulder and teased with a smile, "Are you a fan of Ghost Spider?"

"Fan? ...Uh, I guess so."

Gwen replied reluctantly.

Being a fan of herself... how embarrassing.

So Gwen's a fan of Ghost Spider—Jessica had an idea.

She quickly started typing a message to her brother on her phone.

On the other side.

On Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

In a luxuriously decorated high-end studio.

"Dr. Banner, it's not a short trip from my house to the studio."

Looking at the man visiting him, Ye Li tried to remain calm and said, "I usually only come here once or twice a week, so I hope you're not joking—do you really want to learn how to paint?"

That's right, the man sitting in front of him was none other than Bruce Banner, the Hulk.

Although he was confident he could handle the Hulk before he got too powerful, he was still afraid that the green guy might come out and wreck the studio.

That's why, after receiving the message, he chose to meet at his official workplace instead of at home.

If it weren't for the system, Ye Li wouldn't have wanted to meet this doctor at all.

To be honest, he was already regretting it.

The Hulk template might be powerful, but it was quite an eyesore.

Ripping clothes all the time was bad enough, but being entirely green on top of that...

And getting close to Banner to be recognized by the system as one of his "extraordinary connections" wasn't something that could happen overnight.

Without this prerequisite identity, Banner's tasks couldn't be triggered.

"Yes, Mr. Ye Li."

Banner looked a little dejected and said, "I've heard that the art of painting can help calm one's mind, so I'd like to give it a try."

"If your emotions are unstable, I think you should see a doctor instead," Ye Li said bluntly.

Ye Li conceded, "Sometimes painting can indeed cleanse the soul."

"But it can also make you even more irritable."

"For example, Vincent Willem van Gogh—everyone knows about him."

"Dr. Banner, do I need to give you more examples?"

Banner nodded.

"I know this might not work.

"But I've tried many ways to control my emotions, and trying this won't cost me anything."

You might have nothing to lose, but I could lose a lot.

Just as Ye Li was about to say something else, his phone chimed.

He only set notifications for messages from Jessica and the others, so he picked it up to take a look.

It was a message from Jessica:

[Li, I want to start a Ghost Spider fan club!]

[You like Ghost Spider too, right? Could you help draw a poster for her?]

[I plan to announce it at tonight's party.]

"Hehe, Gwen is also a fan of Ghost Spider. I'll definitely give her a good scare."

She'll probably be really surprised...

Ye Li couldn't help but admire Jessica's knack for coming up with schemes.

Gwen is a fan of Ghost Spider? Heh, that's interesting.

He turned to the computer beside him with interest.

To create a large poster by tonight, hand-drawing wouldn't cut it; he needed software to help.

"Banner, I agree."

While operating the computer, Ye Li said, "You'll act as my assistant for now, until you feel this isn't helpful anymore."

Banner smiled and said, "Thank you, Ye."

No need to thank me.

Free labor—might as well make the most of it.

....

The scene shifts back to Midtown High School.

Gwen and the others were already in class.

At the podium was a middle-aged man with one arm, named Curtis "Curt" Connors.

As a biology professor, his expertise gave him unique insights into certain topics, and he taught with ease and confidence.

Gwen listened attentively. During her summer internship at Oscorp, she had studied under Dr. Connors.

Jessica, on the other hand, was distracted, fiddling with her phone as she replied to the message Ye Li had just sent.

Ye Li: [I'm working on the poster; I'll bring it over tonight.]

Jessica: [Wow, it's rare to see you not being lazy.]

Ye Li: [I've got a great helper here. He's a genius and learns everything really quickly.]

Jessica: [Thanks to that helper, and thank you, Li. I'll reserve the position of vice president of the fan club for you.]

Ye Li: [Wait, aren't you supposed to be in class right now?]

Jessica: [Uh, ….(ー〃)]

Ye Li: [Put your phone down, Jessica. Looks like I'll need to teach you a lesson.]

Darn it, her brother was too cunning!

Jessica reluctantly put her phone away, knowing she'd probably get scolded when she got home.

Gwen tugged on her arm. "Jessica, it's rare for Dr. Connors to give a lecture. You should pay attention."

She tilted her smooth chin slightly, gesturing toward a boy in front. "Look how focused Peter is."

"Tch~"

Jessica pouted. "That nerd? I had to save him when Thompson was bullying him."