New York City, Vientiane Book Café
May woke up early, got ready, and rushed to the book café. She was expecting a very important guest today and needed to prepare in advance. When she arrived, three store clerks were already at the door. She quickly took out her key and opened the door.
Inside the café, she noticed that some books seemed to be out of place compared to last night, but she didn't think much of it, assuming she might have misremembered. She quickly instructed the clerks to start cleaning and prepare coffee and tea. Tony drank coffee yesterday, and her boss wanted tea. Although May felt a little out of place, she had to be ready to provide whatever they wanted.
To her, today's opportunity could be pivotal for the café's success. Regardless of whether her boss approved of the publicity, she believed that no business-minded person would refuse a chance for profit.
Soon, the entire store was clean and open for business. A while later, her nephew, Peter Parker, quietly entered the café. They had agreed to pretend not to know each other to avoid unnecessary trouble. Peter ordered a cup of coffee and found a spot with a good view, reading silently. However, May could see the excitement and anticipation in his eyes.
What May didn't notice was Alice, the receptionist, giving Peter a strange look. Alice had seen photos of May's nephew before and recognized him as the young man reading by the window. She quickly masked her thoughts and resumed her duties.
As time passed, it was almost 8:30. May saw her boss, Lockhart, approaching from outside and hurried out to greet him. Peter, curious about his Aunt May's boss, watched with interest.
Lockhart entered the café, pleased with the quiet atmosphere. The main purpose of opening the café was to avoid unnecessary trouble and earn magical resources, not money. Hence, May's marketing efforts were meaningless to him.
However, Lockhart noticed a slightly handsome young man near the window with a strong breath of life. Recognizing him as Spider-Man, Peter Parker, Lockhart smiled and nodded at May. "May, I'll be in study room 101. When Tony Stark arrives, bring him in. Also, bring me a pot of tea."
May nodded in understanding, and Lockhart went to study room 101.
As it approached 9 o'clock, a commotion outside caught May's attention. She saw Tony Stark arriving in his Iron Man suit. May quickly ran out and waved. "Mr. Stark, the boss is waiting for you in study room 101."
Tony Stark, in his Iron Man armor, entered the café, waving to the guests inside and causing a stir. Several people, especially the women, rushed to take photos and get autographs. Passersby outside also joined in, creating a crowd. Peter seemed ready to join, but held back.
Tony was easy-going, agreeing to fans' requests, signing autographs, and posing for photos. It seemed like the café was his territory. May, seeing this, lit up with joy and instructed the clerks to take photos, thinking this would be great promotion for the café.
However, she forgot that it was past 9 o'clock, and her boss was still waiting in the study. Tony seemed absorbed in the attention, forgetting his appointment.
Lockhart, sensing the scene outside, was speechless. He understood Tony was venting his dissatisfaction from being rejected the previous day. But Lockhart wasn't going to indulge him.
He gently waved his wand and cast several spells: "Repello Muggletum," "Obliviate," and "Sugestio." A transparent ripple spread from the tip of his wand, enveloping the entire bookstore. Pedestrians outside seemed confused and continued walking without noticing Iron Man. Inside, the crowd surrounding Tony slowly moved outside, their memories of the encounter becoming hazy. They remembered meeting Iron Man and taking photos but couldn't recall details. A thought ingrained in their minds to keep this as a personal secret.
May and the clerks seemed unaffected, returning to their tasks. Peter, under Lockhart's control, returned to his seat and continued reading, though a brief flash of clarity crossed his eyes before turning to confusion.
Tony, unaffected by the spell, was shocked by the scene. He called Jarvis, closed his armor mask, and prepared to escape. Then, he heard a gentle voice.
"Mr. Stark, I'm waiting for you in study room 101."
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[More Chapter available at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]
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