Chapter 12

[Peter's POV]

I made it to the editorial office quite quickly. The subway solves the traffic jam problem.

After taking the elevator to the right floor, I was genuinely stunned by the sight. 

This floor was full of activity. 

A lot of people were yelling and running around. While some were answering calls, others were asking to speak to the printing house, and so on.

In the middle of everything was a big, very stylish office with glass walls and a door. 

It looked like everyone was trying to stay away from it, going around and around it in a circle.

I confidently reached the desk where a stunning brunette was sitting.

"Excuse me, miss, this is the Daily Bugle editorial office and Jonah Jameson's office, right?"

"That's correct, sir."

"Parker."

"Betty Brant, I'm sorry, but Mr. Jameson is very busy. You probably won't be able to meet with him."

"Trust me, he'll want to see me. Let him know I have pictures of Spider-Man."

Betty looked at me in surprise but dialed a number.

"WHERE IS THIS GUY?!?!?!" 

Jameson screamed loudly as he stormed out of his office.

"Um, I think you're talking about me?"

"IS THIS HIM, MISS BRANT?!?!?!?!"

"Yes, Mr. Jameson," 

Betty said, seemingly unfazed by his tone.

"Call Robbie," 

Jonah said more calmly. 

"AND YOU, FOLLOW ME!"

Once inside the office, he immediately snatched the photos from my hands. 

A few minutes later, a tall man approached and nodded at me—presumably Robbie Robertson.

"Trash. Crap. Crap. Complete crap. Two hundred bucks for all of it," 

Jonah said, handing the photos to Robbie, who immediately began looking through them.

"Well, in that case, I'll just take them to a more appreciative publication,"

I said with a hint of irritation on my face.

Jameson was about to launch into an angry rant but was cut off by Robertson's voice.

"With all due respect, these shots are pretty good. Get a more professional camera, practice a bit, and you're good to go. The kid clearly has talent, Jonah."

"Hmm..." 

Jameson took the photos again. 

"I still think you're as much of a photographer as a grenade made of crap... fine! I'll listen to my friend. Eight hundred bucks for the whole batch, and get yourself a better camera. Go see Miss Brant for the check. The door's over there."

Surprised by the sudden change of mind, I left, not even noticing Robbie's stunned gaze.

"Miss Brant."

"Come on, just Betty."

"Then just Peter. Mr. Jameson said to come by for the check."

"Yeah. You got lucky. I haven't seen him be this generous... well, ever, actually."

"Maybe it's my signature 'Parker Luck.' The name's trademarked, by the way."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha. Funny. Have a nice day, Pete," 

Betty said with a smile, handing me the check.

...

[3rd POV]

Jonah's office after Parker left.

"Seriously, eight hundred dollars? The photos are good, but still." 

Robbie started the conversation uncertainly.

"You saw it for yourself. If the guy had more professional equipment, I'd bet you wouldn't be able to name three photographers with such quality."

"Yeah, but..."

"And besides, I never miss a profit, you know that. And the kid's eyes? Confidence. After I gave him that clearly low offer, he didn't agree or quietly walk away—no, he showed some character! The kid's a fighter, you can tell right away, but with his generation, it's sometimes useful to knock down some of that arrogance."

"So, what's your plan?"

"He'll work for us unofficially. Then, to cut off unwanted revenue from other publishers, I'll offer a contract for exclusive Spider-Man photos for the Daily Bugle. There's something about this kid, Robbie. We need to keep an eye on him."

Robbie had no choice but to agree with his friend.

...

[Peter's POV]

This eight hundred bucks is unbelievable! Jameson handed out that sum, I still can't believe it.

Without much thought, I decided to drop by the nearest electronics store. 

I now had two options, or more accurately, two staff. 

The first was a pretty brunette with whom I could easily flirt, but in that case, I was unlikely to get everything I needed. 

The second was a typical acne-faced nerdy guy who could easily be me.

Sigh 

As much as I wanted to flirt with the brunette, it looks like I'll have to settle for the nerd.

Twelve minutes later

Derek turned out to be a pretty good guy. 

We started talking about the latest tech gadgets. He even said that he had long wanted to ask Nicole (the brunette) out on a date, but unfortunately, he was afraid of rejection. 

I, being completely honest, told him that it's better to try than to miss the chance, only to later find out the girl you like is already with someone else. 

He gratefully said he would take my advice.

Anyway, the deal is done.

First, I bought the latest model digital camera, which, funny enough, is from Sony. 

It cost me five hundred bucks, but the device is top quality, no doubt about it.

Second, I bought headphones. 

They were cheaper, but I decided not to be stingy and got a quality product for one hundred and fifty dollars.

From what I earned, I was left with hundred fifty bucks. That'll go into savings for better times.

Besides, I'm planning to take more pictures today.

When I got home and took the headphones out of my ears, I ran into Uncle Ben.

"Hey, champ, how's it going?"

"Great, Uncle Ben, look." 

I show him the crumpled bills.

"Wow, where did you get the money from?"

"I earned it." 

I proudly puff out my chest.

"Wow, good for you, Peter." 

Uncle Ben suddenly hugged me. 

"I'm really glad you're growing up to be an honest person, earning your own way."

I had to keep a straight face, not letting on that we hadn't exactly earned the money in the most honest way.

"May's at the store, but we'll surely wait for her and have a nice dinner. What do you say?"