Chapter 38: Thanks, Bro 666! (Edited)

"Troubled Teen Kicks Drug Habit with Novel, 'Battle Through the Heavens' Snapped Up by Rehab Centers Across the US!"

Seeing this headline, Clark finally understood where his skyrocketing impression points were coming from since the morning.

Excitedly reading the newspaper, its content was pretty much summed up by the headline. The only surprise for Clark was that the protagonist of this incident wasn't from New York.

The inspirational story of overcoming drug addiction through reading novels took place in Los Angeles! "Wait, wasn't my novel only published in New York? When did it expand to Los Angeles?"

Hearing this, Hope looked at Clark strangely: "Did you forget the bet you made with Tony Stark at the costume party?"

The bet at the costume party?

Clark thought back and remembered indeed there was such an event.

He and Tony had attended the party dressed as Superman and Wonder Woman, respectively. Tony, in a wolfish moment, had attempted to ask Hope to dance, but Clark was decisively pulled in by Hope as a shield.

Then Tony, after digging into Clark's background, mockingly made a bet with him. If Clark could point out three similarities between himself and Superman, Tony would fund the release of "Battle Through the Heavens" across Europe.

Clark had cleverly won that bet, but he saw it as nothing more than a stunt by Tony to attract attention and didn't take it seriously. However, according to Hope, "Did that guy actually sponsor my book?"

"That bet was publicized, and Tony Stark cares about his reputation. He wouldn't go back on his word," Hope said with a smirk, extending her right hand to form a six gesture: "He donated 6.66 million dollars and directly negotiated with the publishers."

That's an option?

Tony indeed knows how to make a scene! "Hmph!" Hank Pym snorted disdainfully, "That guy probably didn't have any good intentions, otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen that devilish number for his investment."

Hank Pym held a grudge against Howard Stark for replicating Pym particles without his consent and extended his disdain to Tony.

But Clark wasn't bothered: "This number is pretty good in our culture; it's called 'Liu Liu Da Shun,' symbolizing smooth sailing and success."

"Do you guys have Tony's number?" Clark asked cheerfully, "I need to send a message to thank him."

Hope quickly tugged at Clark's sleeve, signaling him not to touch on Hank Pym's sensitivities.

But Hank Pym didn't hesitate to give Clark the number, winking, "Make sure you 'thank' him properly."

"Don't worry!"

Soon, Clark drafted and sent a simple text message: Thanks, bro 666!

Receiving +66666 impression points from Tony Stark!

Hearing this system prompt, Clark's smile turned somewhat mischievous, mirrored by Hank Pym's similar grin.

Seeing their smiles, Hope shivered, "Why does seeing you two smile remind me of a Chinese idiom I recently learned?"

"Colluding in mischief!"

...

The inheritance prepared by Clark's parents included a special item locked in a bank safe, accessible only when Clark reached adulthood.

The original owner of Clark's body had died before retrieving this unique inheritance. If not for Marcus's reminder, Clark might have forgotten about its existence.

After completing various procedures at the bank, Clark finally received the inheritance, which wasn't rightfully his to begin with.

The inheritance consisted of two items: a black briefcase and a USB drive.

Opening the briefcase, wrapped in multiple layers, revealed a sunflower oil painting, presumably by a somewhat famous artist, given its meticulous packaging.

Clark was certain it wasn't a Van Gogh; his parents couldn't afford such a luxury. With little interest in art, he estimated its value and stored it away, then examined the USB drive.

The drive looked ordinary, sold in any computer shop, but a sticker on the side bore the Chinese characters for "freedom."

Securing the USB, Clark left the bank, boldly carrying the potentially valuable painting through the streets, deliberately choosing secluded paths.

While lamenting the scarcity of thugs in current times, Clark's adventurous spirit didn't wane. He was determined to explore every hidden alley in the vicinity.

His efforts paid off when he encountered a group of suspicious youths in a distant alley, opposite the direction between his new villa and school. Recognizing them from a previous encounter, Clark prepared to greet these "acquaintances." However, before he could speak, one of them spotted Clark and alerted the others, "It's that handsome Asian guy again, run!"

Receiving impression points from Morrison Gerard: +7!

Their survival instinct was strong.

After their last encounter, where a racial slur led to a beating, they had learned their lesson.

Hearing the warning, the youths fled, with Clark chasing after them, holding up the briefcase and proclaiming, "Wait, I have something good here, Van Gogh's genuine Sunflowers, enough for you to live lavishly for a lifetime!"

"You liar, we won't fall for your tricks!"