Chapter 2797: Star Core Rescue (47)

"That makes it even more strange. Since Stark Group eventually could mass-produce and commercialize through their proposals, it proves that there was commercial value in it. If there is commercial value, then Mysterio and Stark Group's interests should be aligned,"

"Mysterio was in charge of research and development, and Stark Group was in charge of sales. Both parties benefited from fame and profit. Could Mysterio really do better breaking away from Stark Group? Would the leader of Stark Group be foolish enough to forgo the existing talents and replace the founder?"

Shiller said, "I remember Natasha told me that Beck was cursing Stark Group in his testimony, especially cursing Peter. This means Peter was involved in these matters."

"That would explain it." Wanda then pointed to another word and said, "And here, Sandman, for some reason, lost control and flew from the East Coast to the West Coast seeking revenge on Peter. You said someone implanted the idea of hatred in him. Is that hatred really from Robbins, or does it originate from Robbins? Or could it be someone else who bears a grudge against Peter?"

"It could be Mysterio," Shiller said. "Robbins and Peter hold no grudge against each other. Sandman and Peter just don't see eye to eye, they aren't enemies either. If Peter really was involved in getting Mysterio fired, then it would be normal for them to be enemies."

"But I really can't imagine Peter bullying others," Shiller showed a hesitant expression, the only thing that made him feel doubtful. How could Spiderman possibly bully someone?

"No, Doctor, it might not be bullying," said Wanda. "Peter may also think he's doing the right thing."

"What do you mean?" Shiller admitted that he might be too close to see clearly, so he had come to Wanda. Regarding matters involving her child, this woman was the smartest person in the world.

"First off, is this Beck a likable person? I mean, even if he isn't emotionally out of control and just being himself, could he be a kind person who gets along well with Peter?"

Shiller shook his head almost without hesitation and denied it, saying, "In fact, Quentin Beck is not a good person at all, and I can say from a professional point of view, he's not likable."

"That's right, he doesn't get along with Peter. They might occasionally rub each other the wrong way, and then one day, they have a small argument, maybe just about some perspectives on matters. Peter rebuts him, and then they both get into a conflict."

"But Peter is not the type to let things escalate uncontrollably. He has a good ability to control his emotions."

"That's if he's not contaminated," Wanda said calmly. "You also said, Doctor, that those who are contaminated show signs of emotional instability. Because it's so unusual for Peter to lose control, his rare loss of control might escalate the situation more easily. Who do you think would dominate in such a conflict?"

"Of course, Peter," Shiller said. "Not to mention that Peter's personality and popularity are far better than Beck's, just in terms of wisdom and eloquence, Beck could never match Peter."

"I owe it to you, Doctor," Wanda said with a helpless shake of her head. "A great teacher produces outstanding students."

Shiller touched his nose and said, "This isn't the time to say that, but I think you make some sound points. Although Peter wouldn't deliberately bully Beck, a normally good person suddenly losing control over an incident could easily cause everyone to side with him for various reasons, and the pressure that comes with that influence isn't something most people can withstand."

"There's another aspect," Wanda reminded. "If Peter has already spread the contamination to Beck, then Beck's emotions would definitely be affected. Even a little pressure could make him break down. Otherwise, a normal person wouldn't think of damaging such expensive equipment. It's clearly something only a madman would do."

Just then, as if a thought suddenly struck him, Shiller looked at Wanda and asked, "Have you ever heard of emotional contagion diseases?"

Wanda blinked, shaking her head; she really didn't have the relevant professional knowledge.

"Emotional contagion disease is a layman's term. It actually involves quite complex psychological theories. Studies have shown that children who were abused when young tend to have a high likelihood of violent tendencies, and many people think this is a genetic issue, but in fact, in adoptive families, this situation is also quite common."

"From this, many psychology experts suggest a possibility that emotions are also a kind of contagious disease, just like infectious diseases, they can be spread through short-term contact or long-term immersion."

"For example, in a panicking environment, if one person collapses, it might lead to a group collapse; this is the most common form of short-term emotional contagion because humans are emotional creatures, always first sensing the emotions of those they communicate with."

"And what I mentioned about children from abusive homes being more likely to become abusers themselves, is a kind of long-term immersion. Being in an environment of violence and agitation for a long period, children can gradually discern the pleasure adults derive from violence: the oppressor eventually turns into the oppressed, the dragon slayer turns into the dragon, and that's the same principle."

"So the pathway for contamination spread is possibly also emotional; something in the body affects the mind causing emotional instability, and once emotions need an outlet and are let out, the person bearing those emotions might become infected," Shiller speculated.

"But I don't think Peter would lose control with Gwen," Wanda obviously had more authority in this matter. "Peter is definitely not that kind of person; he wouldn't shout at Gwen or even lose his temper with her."

"It's not just anger that's an emotion," Shiller, now convinced in his theory, said. "In fact, the emotions that cause more harm to people often aren't momentary anger, but long-term anxiety. Beck might have been contaminated short-term, and Gwen could be experiencing long-term immersion."

"Now the question is, what should we do?" Wanda said, somewhat frustrated as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Can't we figure out what this mysterious contamination is? Is there a permanent solution?"

"There is, but it's difficult to accept," Shiller said. "I also find it hard to accept, especially when the concerned party is Peter Parker."

Wanda looked at Shiller, Shiller stared into her eyes, and then said, "Since the problem has appeared in the body, we must switch to another body."

Wanda didn't react at first; she wanted to ask how to swap bodies, but looking into Shiller's eyes, she suddenly understood.

"He seemed quite anxious, constantly rubbing his hands." and then said, "I think you should discuss it with Peter… no, that won't work, what if he truly is the source of the contamination? What if there's some spying device on him? Or if you go to him and he loses control of his emotions and passes that contamination on to you?"

"But... but..." Wanda took a deep breath, then looked at Shiller and said, "Otherwise I'll go, now Peter is just a normal person, he can't fight back, I can do it while he's not looking..."

Wanda nodded slightly, but her expression was still conflicted. Clearly, making this decision was not her wish, but she believed that even for the sake of her children, she had a duty to nip the danger in the bud.

"No." Shiller shook his head and said, "I won't let anyone else do this."

Then he stood up, and Wanda stood with him. Just as he was about to leave, Wanda suddenly stopped him and said, "You have a lot of personas, right? Doctor, your memories aren't shared, you still remember this, don't you?"

Shiller shook his head, said nothing, and Wanda watched him walk out the door. Jarvis came out of the room, gently embraced Wanda, and Wanda placed her hand on the back of his hand, feeling his human-normal temperature and said, "This world is always like this."

"But at least the Doctor is among those who can strike back powerfully." Jarvis said. "That's a small consolation in this misfortune. Can you imagine how much trouble the behind-the-scenes manipulator will be in after this?"

Wanda suddenly laughed, as if eagerly anticipating that day.

Shiller left Wanda's house, tucking his hands in his lab coat, and sauntered towards the vegetable market, buying a large pile of fresh vegetables and a fish.

Exiting the vegetable market, he shifted all the bags to one hand, and with the other hand holding his phone, he dialed a number and said, "Hello? Peter? How have you been lately?"

Peter seemed to mumble a lot, and Shiller laughed and said, "I bought some groceries, they felt a bit heavy, so I won't carry them back to the sanatorium, I plan to go to the clinic. Do you want to come over?"

"No, don't bring Gwen along; today's main dish is fish, and she doesn't like to pick bones, does she?" Shiller looked down and said, "Perhaps you can bring some wine over. I haven't formally invited you for a drink since you turned of age."

"That was ages ago." Peter, on the other end, put on his jacket and said, "I'm almost 30 now, how time flies."

Peter soon hung up the phone, straightened his jacket, and said to Gwen, who was still working in front of the computer, "I'm going to see the doctor; can you handle dinner on your own?"

The two of them were well past the honeymoon phase, and Gwen waved her hand saying, "I plan to go out to eat with my two best girlfriends; actually, I was just figuring out how to tell you."

"Don't tell me it's Gwen Spiderman."

"Yes, she's one of them, the other is a new friend she met, Pamela. We've created a group for show-tracking, we get along pretty well; I've wanted to meet offline for a long time. Don't drink too much, and be safe."

Peter walked over, wrapped his arms around her chair and kissed her on the cheek, then said, "Don't worry, I won't drink too much."

Peter quickly arrived at the small clinic; even before entering, he caught the scent of cooked fish. He peeked in through the doorway and saw Shiller peeling fruit.

"Oh, come on, Doctor, I've told you I'm not a kid anymore." Peter squeezed through the door with a bit of resignation and said, "Only patients need their apples peeled!"

"Did you get here this fast?" Shiller turned around in surprise, then pointed at the island platform in the kitchen and said, "Sit down first, dinner will be ready soon."

Peter happily took his seat, stretching his neck to peek into the kitchen to guess today's menu from the used utensils, then took out the wine he brought.

"I occasionally drink with colleagues during meals." Peter seemed to be justifying himself, even though he knew he was of age, but for some reason, he still felt a bit guilty, as if he was confessing a crime.

"But I won't drink too much," Peter added. "And I've never been drunk; of course, I also drink a bit with Gwen before we go to bed, but she can't handle her alcohol, so we always sleep early."

"I'm not a big fan of strong liquor, so I brought this." Peter shook the bottle, and Shiller turned around to see, realizing it was a bottle of Sherry Wine.