Chapter 19: The Costume Ball Phenomenon (Edited)

As for why Clark possesses energy unique to the quantum realm, Hank Pym didn't know the exact reason, or rather, his initial purpose in approaching Clark was to find out the answer.

However, it now seems that any research on this matter must be halted until there's enough confidence.

Because the quantum energy inside the newcomer seems unstable.

"That's exactly it." Hank Pym said with an innocent expression: "You entered the quantum realm with just a normal operation, the only reasonable explanation is that the energy, using the power of Pym particles, pulled you into the quantum realm."

Taking a deep breath, Hank Pym calmly looked at Clark and said: "That's how things went. Can you tell us about Janet now?"

Clark responded with a wry smile: "Since you've researched the quantum realm, you should know it can affect a person's mind. My memories of the quantum realm are very vague, just some fragmented pieces, not coherent. It feels like... you know the feeling of blacking out from drinking?"

Hearing Clark's analogy, everyone's expressions turned peculiar.

What a unique comparison.

"Among those fragmented pieces, there's the name Janet van Dyne and the image of a woman." Clark continued thoughtfully: "I vaguely remember she helped me in the quantum realm, but I can't recall the specifics. I thought knowing the reason would help connect these fragments, but it turns out, it was of no use."

Hank Pym said if Clark remembered anything, to contact him immediately. He then bought the house next to Clark's and settled down.

From start to finish, Clark never doubted Hank Pym's intentions were malicious.

Regardless of Hank Pym's character, his power and methods should not be underestimated.

Having controlled the Pym particles, coveted by both S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra for over a decade without letting anyone succeed, and still able to cause trouble in New York safely, wasn't something that could be achieved just by "I've bled for S.H.I.E.L.D." If he didn't have the means, he would have been devoured by those behemoths long ago, leaving nothing behind!

With his power, making Clark disappear from this world without a trace would be too easy, so there was no need to risk a precious Ant-Man suit.

Weekend, Stark Tower.

Clark, dressed in a Superman outfit, and Hope, dressed as Wonder Woman, stepped in after showing their invitation, Clark couldn't help but whisper: "Honestly, after the issue with the Ant-Man suit, I always thought the so-called costume ball was just an excuse to get me to wear it. I didn't expect it to be real!"

Seeing the oddly dressed people around, Clark felt like Liu Laohan entering the Grand View Garden, finding everything incredibly novel.

Before crossing over, where had he seen anything like this? "Costume balls are indeed real, and so far, I haven't lied to you about anything, even the Ant-Man suit was originally intended for you to wear directly at this ball. It's just that your situation was special, overturning the previous plan."

Hope was right, although there was an initial concealment in terms of purpose, everything she said was indeed the truth.

What is this, a truthful lie?

Waving his hand, Clark firmly said: "Your Ant-Man suit and I are not compatible. I dare not wear that thing again."

"Hey! Isn't this Hope? It's been over a year, and you've grown so beautiful." At this moment, a middle-aged man approached and greeted Hope, who politely chatted with him for a bit and also introduced him to Clark.

"This is Justin Hammer, CEO of Hammer Industries…"

"This is Norman Osborn, CEO of Oscorp…"

"This is the editor-in-chief of 'Playboy' magazine…"

Each time they met someone familiar, Hope introduced them to Clark.

It turns out, these social elites indeed wield significant influence, easily providing dozens to hundreds of impression points, much more potent than ordinary citizens.

After all, the mainstream of Marvel is superheroes, with top industries involved in movies, TV shows, and comics, giving social elites more opportunities to appear than ordinary people.

Through Clark's attempts over the past two months, these appearances are what's known as destiny weight.

A more compelling evidence is that meeting Justin Hammer alone gave Clark 116 impression points, while some even higher in status, position, or wealth but unknown to Clark could only provide a few to dozens of points.

Realizing this, Clark became even more eager to meet Iron Man.

After greeting many acquaintances, Hope found a spot for them to sit, and took the opportunity to whisper to Clark: "Everyone here is an elite from various industries in New York society. Interacting more with them will definitely help your future development."

Clark just chuckled and didn't respond.

"Hey! What's with that expression?"

Shrugging, Clark said indifferently: "I'm just an ordinary high school student, a small gym owner, and now a part-time novelist. I don't think attending a costume ball means I've entered the circle of these social elites."

"I guarantee once we leave this door, these people will forget who I am tomorrow. It's pointless to flatter them now. It's better to stay low-key."

After taking a sip of juice, Clark continued: "But I believe in ten years, these people will definitely remember my name."

Hope chuckled: "Is this the meaning of 'Thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west, don't bully the young and poor'?"

"Hello, Clark Li." Just as Clark was about to explain that no one here was bullying him, he suddenly heard a voice and saw a man dressed like Gandalf, with white hair and a long white beard, wearing a white wizard robe, approaching them.

Hope winked at Clark as if to say: Didn't you say no one knows you?

Busted! Clark looked at "Gandalf" with some annoyance and asked: "And you are?"

"This is Stephen Strange, just two years into his career, but already New York's best neurosurgeon." Hope once again took the initiative to introduce Clark to the newcomer, and when she was about to introduce Clark, Stephen interjected: "Clark Li, the owner of the miraculous Martha's Gym. I came here specifically to find you."

Stephen Strange, the future Doctor Strange? Seeing this man dressed as Gandalf, it indeed seemed like a role he was born to play! "What can I do for you, Mr. Strange?"

Stephen Strange smiled slightly, then astonishingly said: "I want to buy your gym. Name your price."