The Old Guard and the New Generation

"So, you've decided to intern at Stark Industries?" Schiller asked.

Peter took a big gulp of his porridge, bit into a sausage, and said while chewing, "Yeah, that way I can explain where the money comes from. I told Uncle Ben that Stark Industries wants to buy out my employment opportunities, not only will they give me a large sum of money in advance, but they'll also cover my university tuition."

"Did your uncle believe you?"

Peter replied, "Actually, Uncle Ben always knew I had good grades and a bit of a genius mind. Now that I finally have the opportunity, he's very happy for me."

"But…" Peter put down his bowl, and said a little sheepishly, "Mr. Schiller, I was hoping to stay with you for a few days. Our house is a bit run down. After Uncle Ben and Aunt May get this money, they want to renovate the house a little. After all, the rain a few days ago even caused the exterior plaster to fall off. They'll be staying with their old classmates, but since I'm almost an adult, it's a bit inconvenient for me."

"I'd be happy to have you stay," Schiller said. "But doesn't the Stark Company internship provide accommodation? It's still quite a distance to Stark Industries."

Peter sighed and said, "But Stark Industries is even farther from Gwen's house."

Schiller chuckled and said, "I'd bet you came to me because your attempt to stay at Gwen's failed."

Peter's face immediately turned red. He said, "How could I possibly make such an unreasonable request? I would never say something like that to Gwen."

"You're surprisingly reserved for an American," Schiller said, also taking a sip of his porridge.

Before the two had finished breakfast, Steve jogged in. There was a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead, clearly indicating he had run the whole way. The moment he entered, he smelled the aroma of Schiller's porridge. He patted his stomach and said, "If you ask me, man, this is so much better than the S.H.I.E.L.D. cafeteria."

Schiller gestured towards the kitchen, and Steve went to serve himself. Peter kept looking back, chewing happily like a hamster, and poked his head out to whisper to Schiller:

"Who is that? He looks so handsome, even more muscular than my high school quarterback."

Schiller said, "Clearly, he's the guy who beat up Stark. Of course, he was originally going to beat you up because you've been zipping around New York all the time."

Peter choked slightly. When Steve walked over with his bowl, Peter subtly shifted his chair to the side.

It was impossible for the current Spider-Man to defeat Captain America, and Peter was clearly self-aware. He also knew that his previous high-profile actions had displeased many people. He wasn't the only one, or even one of the few, who wanted to beat him up.

Stark, who was capable of beating him up, was one of them. Now, it seemed this strong man was also one, after all, if he could beat up Stark, he must be a master.

The moment Steve's gaze fell on Peter, Peter jumped up as if he had been electrocuted and said, "I'll pack the porridge into takeout containers. I'll take it to Matt at the hospital later."

"I'd advise you not to go right now," Schiller said. "Don't you remember how awkward it was last time you went in the morning and saw Matt lying in bed with his girlfriend?"

Peter's face turned red again. He mumbled, "That's a hospital, and Matt's injuries haven't healed yet. They're just a bit too… wild…"

Steve silently took a couple of sips of porridge and then asked Schiller, "Is that Matt one of the good people you mentioned?"

Schiller nodded and said, "I can't even describe him as just a good person. He's a hero, a true hero.

Schiller briefly told Steve about Matt's life. Steve sighed and said, "Perhaps I can't compare to him. Because when I was still an ordinary person, even though I couldn't stand many things, I didn't have the courage to stop them. I knew I couldn't beat those people, and getting hurt would be very painful."

Schiller said, "Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human nature, so those who move forward against the wind are more worthy of respect."

After Peter went to pack his things, Steve asked, "This kid doesn't look like he has any superpowers at all. You know, even in my time, guys wouldn't blush like a pizza when talking about their girlfriends."

While Peter was out of earshot, Schiller lowered his voice and said, "It's not just about girlfriends that makes him so flustered. His father-in-law is the head of the New York City Police Department."

Steve bared his teeth and said, "Didn't you say he was a lucky kid? I don't think he can handle a father-in-law like that."

After Peter went to deliver the food to Matt and returned, Schiller was no longer at the clinic. Steve was sitting alone at the counter, fiddling with an old record player.

Although it was an old record player by this era's standards, it was still a novelty in Steve's time, so he wasn't quite sure how to insert the record.

Peter said, "You can't just yank that compartment door like that, you'll break it. Give me the record, I'll put it in for you."

Steve handed him the record player and said, "That doctor went to give that damn Stark some psychological treatment. How old are you? Are you about to graduate from high school?"

Peter shook his head while fiddling with the record player, "Not yet, I'm only in my second year of high school."

"I heard from Schiller that you're very lucky and have gained some special abilities."

But Peter pouted and said, "Lucky? Maybe I thought so before, but now it doesn't seem like it's entirely the case."

"You're a bit more mature than I expected. I thought you'd be bragging or eager to show something off."

"I would have been like that a month ago. Alright, here you go. You just need to press this button, and it'll play. Not many people know how to use these things anymore. My uncle has one too, which is why I know how to use it."

Steve pressed the button and smiled, "Do you know how to use a vinyl record player? I'm more familiar with those."

Peter shook his head, "That thing is too ancient. I only saw one once at a colleague's house of my uncle's, but the vinyl records always skipped when played, and no one could fix it."

"Then you can ask for it, and I'll fix it. I'm very good at this. In the army, these things were treasures. If they broke, you'd hear a lot of wailing."

"You're a soldier? But I can tell, you're really strong. You must be at least a master sergeant, right?" Peter said.

"Master sergeant? Something like that. I have a special operations team under me, and I lead them on missions."

Peter became interested then and said, "You're a special forces soldier? What unit are you from? Navy SEALs? Or Delta Force?"

Steve smiled and said, "We like to call ourselves the Patriot Squad, but you've probably heard a more famous name."

Peter was curious and asked, "What is it?"

"Captain America and his friends."

Peter's mouth fell open, and his eyes widened. "You were part of Captain America's team? Good heavens! That must have been almost 100 years ago. You guys…"

"Oh, right, indeed. Captain wasn't an ordinary person. Some of them must have lived until now. So you know Captain? My god…"

Peter scurried into the inner room, took out his backpack, and rummaged through it. He pulled out an action figure and said, "Look, this is the latest bottle cap figurine they released in collaboration with a soda company. I drank two whole cases of soda to get this. It's the only one with a shield among all the styles. Everyone at the party was envious of me a few days ago. This is much more impressive than doing a breakdance or something."

Steve squinted and looked at the small figurine. He took it and turned it around, noticing that the figure's head seemed to move. He gently wiggled it with his finger, but it seemed he used too much force, and the little figure's head snapped off with a crack. Peter let out a cry and rushed to snatch it back.

"Oh my god, it's broken!! Glue! I need glue! I spent two whole months collecting this!!"

"I'm very sorry, um..." Steve said, "I haven't played with this thing before, I thought it was supposed to move."

"Oh, it's okay. If you really are from seventy or eighty years ago, toys back then were definitely much sturdier than they are now. Like LEGOs, for example. They must have had LEGOs back then, right?"

Seeing that Peter wasn't angry, Steve felt that Schiller's description of the kid wasn't entirely accurate. Although Peter was a bit excitable and still a bit childish, he could indeed shoulder great responsibility.

He said, "I think you should take a closer look at the head of that little figure. Don't you think it looks familiar?"

Peter picked up the head of the small figurine with some confusion. He had to admit, even though the quality of the figurine wasn't great, the carving was very detailed.

Then Steve looked at the big kid across from him, glanced down at the statue, then looked up at him, glanced down at the statue again, then looked up at him again. His eyes gradually widened, his mouth opening so wide his jaw looked like it might dislocate.

When Schiller returned with Pikachu, he encountered this scene. Pikachu waved its little short arms in his arms and said, "Looks like we came back at the wrong time. We've interrupted Jack and Rose's reunion..."

Schiller rubbed its face and said, "I told you to watch fewer romance movies."

Peter turned his gaze back to Schiller, stammering as he sought confirmation, "He... I mean... he, that..."

Schiller pressed a button on the record player, and a melodious old song came out. He patted Steve's shoulder and said, "Captain, it seems he really wants to ask you for proof. Yes, I can see what he means."

Captain tapped the bar counter and said, "Where's my proof?"

Natasha's pleasant voice came from inside, "Coming right up."

Before Peter could react, with a gust of wind, a shining red and blue shield with a five-pointed star in the middle flew in. Steve caught the shield with one hand, and Peter said, mesmerized, "That's so cool!"

Outside the door, Natasha leaned against the doorframe and said lazily, "Welcome back, Captain."

Steve patted the shield and said, "It seems you guys were well-prepared."

Schiller said to Natasha, "Alright, we can talk about the sentimental old stories later. The consultation fee for two days is 5 million US dollars. When will it arrive?"

Steve glanced at him and said, "You're really planning to charge that much?"

"Otherwise, why would I let you install listening devices here and mooch off my meals? Is it because you're Captain America?"

"I thought we were friends," Steve said.

"Of course. If we weren't friends, 5 million US dollars wouldn't even buy me breakfast."

"Is that the same price you charge that Stark?" Steve asked.

"Next time, I'll charge him double."

Steve immediately turned and looked at Natasha, saying, "Pay the money, and give me an extra 10% tip."