Su Yi and Mary Jane had returned to his Villa after the bar fight, but the night was cut short by the necessity of rest; Gwen and Betty both had commitments—Gwen's new internship at Osborn Corporation and Betty's journalism research. Since it was too late for a proper date night after dropping the others off, Su Yi had to compromise.
"It's a pity my beautiful drummer and bass player had to leave early," Su Yi confessed, kissing Mary Jane goodnight. "But don't worry. I have a plan for you."
"A plan?" Mary Jane grinned, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Yes. We need to go shopping tomorrow. You need a killer wardrobe, especially since you don't have a dress that's... well, a dress," Su Yi said, referencing the fact that all of Mary Jane's current stage clothes were, by necessity, tight, casual, or performance-oriented. This wasn't about necessity; it was about preparation. With the Monaco Grand Prix approaching—a trip he had secured with Pepper—he needed to ensure his burgeoning partner had the appropriate attire for a global high-society event.
The next morning, after Mary Jane had her turn being spoiled at breakfast, Su Yi took her on a lavish, targeted shopping spree. He wasn't focused on volume, but on quality and impact. They spent the morning selecting sophisticated daywear and, critically, an absolutely stunning ruby-red satin evening gown—a showstopper that fit Mary Jane's vibrant personality perfectly.
"This is not just for me, is it?" Mary Jane asked, examining the price tag, which was astronomical but entirely meaningless to Su Yi.
"It's an investment," Su Yi replied, handing the bag to a waiting assistant. "You deserve the best, and when you stand next to a certain billionaire's CEO at a global event, you need to own the room. You're going to overshadow everyone."
Satisfied with the success of the shopping trip and leaving Mary Jane energized and excited, Su Yi sent her home. He still had a free afternoon before the Liz Toomes party and decided to check on Tony Stark.
Su Yi drove to the undisclosed location of Tony's new R&D facility. This was no ordinary garage lab; it was a bespoke, subterranean complex focused entirely on advanced materials science and bio-engineering—the antithesis of his old workshop. The urgency, driven by the looming threat of Extremis and the need for medical breakthroughs like the Senzu Bean and Water of Life, had forced Tony to think bigger and staff smarter.
The research lab was already taking shape, equipped with cutting-edge clean rooms, particle accelerators, and sophisticated analysis equipment. Su Yi noted the immense financial investment—millions poured into construction and instrumentation in just a few short weeks.
However, as he approached the core area, the lack of personnel was noticeable. The field of nanotechnology was still niche, and talent like the person Tony had just hired was exceedingly rare.
Just as Su Yi was about to bypass the final security checkpoint—which he could easily do with a wave of his hand—a voice called out, sharp and authoritative.
"Stop!"
Su Yi turned and was instantly struck by the woman who stood before him. It was the bio-engineer Zhao Hailun , recruited specifically for this project. She was wearing a crisp, white lab coat that obscured her figure, but her face was striking: a classical East Asian beauty with elegant, high cheekbones, dark, intelligent eyes, and a natural, bare-faced glow.
A rare natural beauty, indeed, Su Yi thought, his internal assessment confirming her aesthetic appeal, but more importantly, her demeanor. She projected absolute, non-negotiable competence.
Zhao Hailun noticed that Su Yi wasn't wearing the mandatory lab coat or access badge. She approached him with firm, measured steps.
"Who are you? This is a core R&D area, and non-lab members are not allowed to enter under any circumstances!" Her voice was commanding, devoid of any attempt at flirtation or deference.
"I am a friend of Tony Stark's. I'm here to find him," Su Yi replied, offering his standard explanation.
Zhao Hailun did not back down, her principles clearly superior to even Tony Stark's notoriously weak security protocols. "Even if you're his friend, you cannot enter the lab without explicit, documented permission. You can call him out, or you can wait in the guest lobby."
"Are you sure, Doctor?" Su Yi challenged gently, a slight amusement in his voice. "He is your employer, you know. Your boss."
Zhao Hailun was incredibly firm. She met his gaze directly. "I am in charge of the security and protocols of this specific lab! Mr. Stark gave me full authority over the safety and integrity of the nanotechnology research. That includes gatekeeping."
Su Yi nodded, his respect for her instantly rising. This level of confidence and commitment to protocol was rare. "I understand. My mistake. I will call him out."
Zhao Hailun visibly relaxed, satisfied that her authority was acknowledged. "You're also East Asian," she noted, her tone softening slightly to a more professional curiosity. "Which country are you from?"
"I am from the Ancient Country. My name is Su Yi!"
"I am from the Stick Country. My name is Zhao Hailun," she responded. "Seeing you were East Asian, I thought you might be from my hometown." She seemed a fraction disappointed, the momentary cultural connection dissipating.
"Although we're not from the exact same hometown, we met here, in the pursuit of science and friendship, which is a kind of fate," Su Yi said, extending his hand.
Zhao Hailun accepted the handshake politely. Her skin was warm, and her grip firm. "You're right. That's a good way to look at it."
As she turned to leave, she paused, a slight hesitation in her posture, seemingly swayed by his manner and handsome appearance. "Do you need me to tell Tony you're waiting?"
Su Yi, recognizing the olive branch, smiled warmly. "Thank you very much, Doctor. I appreciate that."
Zhao Hailun turned and entered the core lab, her mind already buzzing with questions about the polite and exceptionally attractive man waiting outside.
Inside, she located Tony, who was hunched over a holographic schematic. "Tony, someone named Su Yi is looking for you outside."
Tony stopped his work, his brow furrowing. "Why doesn't he just come in? He's on the main access list."
"I stopped him at the door," Zhao Hailun stated simply.
Tony stood bolt upright, genuinely shocked. "You stopped him? He's my friend! He's practically family!"
"I remember you gave me the authority over this lab," she countered, pointing to the signed contract pinned to the wall. "He's not lab staff, and he represents a security risk if he doesn't follow protocol."
Tony threw his hands up in defeat, but a flicker of pride crossed his face that she was so protective of the work. He decided to subtly boost Su Yi's credibility.
"Do you know, Doctor?" Tony lowered his voice conspiratorially. "He recommended you. He's the one who first brought your name and revolutionary work to my attention, which is why I invited you to establish this lab. Although he's not part of the lab, he will absolutely not leak any information. He's... a special case."
Zhao Hailun was stunned. "He recommended me? How does he know my work?" She had been working quietly and had assumed the approach was purely meritocratic on Stark's part. The realization that this strikingly handsome man was responsible for her current, dream opportunity was an immediate and profound boost to his standing.
"I'm not sure how he knows," Tony admitted, "but he did. Now, please, let him in. He's waiting."
Zhao Hailun immediately relented, feeling a surge of personal gratitude. "Okay. Let him in, then."
"Come in, Su!" Tony's voice echoed through the intercom.
Su Yi entered, his eyes moving instantly between the two scientists. "Tony, Dr. Zhao Hailun!"
Zhao Hailun looked at Su Yi with renewed interest, her eyes now seeing him not just as a handsome distraction, but as a powerful, silent sponsor. "I heard from Tony that you recommended me? How do you know me?"
Su Yi didn't hesitate, launching into his carefully calibrated charm offensive—a blend of ego validation and aesthetic appreciation.
"Of course, I know you, Doctor. It's because of your extraordinary talent and the potential of your Nanotechnology research that I noticed you," Su Yi stated, his gaze sincere. "After learning more, I realized you are so young and possess unlimited potential. And, naturally, you are also very beautiful. Knowledge and aesthetics, a rare combination."
Zhao Hailun was incredibly pleased with the depth of the praise. It wasn't just about her looks; he had recognized her intellectual worth. "You have excellent taste, Mr. Su!"
Su Yi continued to praise, solidifying the emotional connection. "My eye for both technical talent and beautiful women has never been wrong. Dr. Zhao Hailun is indeed knowledgeable, highly capable, and exquisitely beautiful."
Zhao Hailun was already somewhat smitten. Not only did Su Yi fit her aesthetic preference perfectly, but he was the key figure who recognized her true worth and gave her a platform. Her favorable impression of Su Yi doubled, crossing the line from professional respect to genuine, personal interest.
Tony, recognizing the imminent threat of his lead scientist being distracted by his friend, quickly interrupted. "Su, why are you really here? Because this isn't a social call."
"Nothing much," Su Yi said, leaning against a clean bench, crossing his arms. "Just taking advantage of today's free time to check on your lab. It looks pretty good. But what's the progress on the nanotech?"
Tony was forced back to work, his attention shifting to the complex equations on the holographic screen. "The research has begun, and with Dr. Cho's input, the feasibility is undeniable. But it still requires intense structural mapping and integration. If progress is smooth, we should have a mature, deployable Nanotechnology within one year."
"A year is already a remarkable timeline, Tony," Su Yi acknowledged.
Zhao Hailun interjected, a smug, satisfied expression on her face. "Without me, it would probably take him seven or ten years to complete usable nanotechnology on his own. He's brilliant, but he needs direction."
Tony bristled, but couldn't completely deny it. "I wouldn't need ten years! At most five years! Okay, maybe seven years," he conceded, which was an indirect, massive acknowledgment of Zhao Hailun's excellence.
"So, Tony, you should really thank me for recommending such a valuable asset," Su Yi smiled triumphantly.
"Yes, I thank you," Tony grumbled. "But if you didn't show up to try and engage in emotional exchanges with her, delaying our vital work, I would thank you even more."
Su Yi simply shrugged. "Work is not everything in life. Only with a happy, stimulated mood can work efficiency be higher. Don't you agree, Dr. Zhao Hailun?"
"I think that makes a lot of sense," she affirmed, already looking forward to the end of the day.
"Then let's celebrate this progress. How about a proper dinner and drinks after work tonight, Dr. Zhao Hailun?" Su Yi asked, his voice low and inviting.
"Of course, Mr. Su," she accepted instantly, already visualizing what dress she could wear that evening.
Tony watched the exchange, utterly speechless. Su Yi had not only secured a new, top-tier relationship but had also confirmed his status as a critical player in Tony's technological future, all while delaying Tony's research for a date.
The evening plans have been set: Su Yi has a date with Dr. Zhao Hailun, but his official next stop must be the Liz Toomes party to head off the Vulture crisis. Meanwhile, Peter is still deeply suspicious.