Chapter 473 The Hero in the Dress

In a high-end men's clothing store, soft lights cast a shadow on the racks filled with expensive suits. Peter Parker stood helplessly in front of the mirror, trying on the latest suit that Ned had chosen for him. He looked a little uncomfortable in the mirror, and his fingers gently pulled at his collar, his face full of resistance to the scene in front of him.

"Ned, we've already bought a lot of clothes, isn't it a bit too much to buy these? Otherwise, why not let Umbrella's Xumagia take care of the matching?" Peter said helplessly, with a hint of pleading in his tone. He didn't understand why it was necessary to dress up for such an occasion, not to mention that these clothes were terribly expensive.

Ned stood beside Peter with a nonchalant look on his face, holding a more luxurious-looking suit jacket in his hand. He looked like a seasoned man, and put on an expression that was well versed in dating. "Hey, Peter, you don't understand. For an important moment like this when you go to your goddess's house, dressing like a real man is the key. Xiu Magia is great, but technology can't help you with relationships! Besides, Liz's dad is a big shot to you, you have to leave a good impression on them."

Peter rolled his eyes and muttered, "Yeah, yeah, dating expert Ned," as he tried to squeeze himself into a pair of extremely uncomfortable-looking pants. "But I still don't understand why it's all that trouble. Does Liz really care what I wear?"

Ned curled his lips and patted Peter on the shoulder, as if he was a mentor giving him the last lesson. "My friend, this is your first time visiting Liz Toomes's house, how can you not take it seriously? This is her 'territory'! You have to make a deep impression on her and her family - a good impression! And," Ned changed the subject and winked, "when we buy these high-end clothes, you can put them in your new villa."

Peter was stunned for a moment, his hands resting on his collar looking a little stiff. He looked at Ned and asked curiously, "Villa? What villa?"

Ned shook his head proudly, as if he had expected it. "You haven't told your aunt yet, have you? Didn't Umbrella give you a mansion? Are you still living in that shabby apartment?"

Peter frowned, scratched the back of his head, and said awkwardly: "I really didn't say it... I think if Aunt May knew that I have a villa, she might think I have become different, or... I am showing off my wealth too much."

Ned laughed and shook his head in disbelief. "Man, you are so modest! If I had a villa, I would have shown it off to the whole world." He exaggeratedly boasted, "But, to be honest, I haven't told my parents that I am not only a superhero, but also a millionaire living in a mansion!"

Ned patted his belly, his smile full of pretentious pride and self-mockery, "Of course, my figure hasn't caught up with my identity. After all, I'm still the 'fat otaku' in the superhero world." He glanced down at his slightly bulging belly, seeming a little helpless, but with a bit of confidence in his eyes.

Peter couldn't help laughing and shook his head. "You're so confident, Ned. When you become as rich as Iron Man, you might even be able to design your own superhero suit."

Ned nodded seriously, "Don't say that, Peter. I've already started learning and designing. When you want to upgrade your suit, just come to me and I promise to make you an extremely cool one." He winked and then joked, "But don't worry about that for now. Focus on the present - tonight is a great opportunity for you to win Liz's heart!"

Peter sighed and adjusted his bow tie, the helplessness on his face becoming more obvious, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. But if I get scared by her family, you'll be responsible."

"Don't worry, I won't let you face the pressure alone. I'll be there to help you," Ned patted his chest with confidence, "After all, I'm your most loyal supporter!"

Peter smiled and shook his head, finally accepting his friend's enthusiastic advice.

......

Peter and Ned were sitting in an unmanned car, which smoothly passed through the New York city. The two sat in the car, looking out the window at the gradually sparse high-rise buildings, and their mood became more and more nervous as the journey progressed. Peter kept pulling at his suit collar, looking a little restless, while Ned leaned back in his seat leisurely, humming a little tune from time to time, with a sly smile on his face.

"I'm telling you, man, you can't be a wimp tonight." Ned said lazily, breaking the quiet atmosphere in the car, "After all, you've been preparing for the goddess for so long."

Peter sighed helplessly, "I know...but, you know, I'm still a little nervous."

The driverless car drove smoothly out of New York City and finally stopped slowly on a quiet suburban road. Peter and Ned got out of the car and saw a beautiful villa. The exterior of the villa was as white as new, and the yard was full of neatly trimmed shrubs and flower beds, exuding a warm and stylish atmosphere.

While Peter was still looking at the villa, the door suddenly opened and Lizzie Toomes walked out. She was dressed in an exquisite princess outfit, with a soft pink skirt fluttering in the wind. She wore a pair of thin high-heeled sandals on her feet, which outlined her slender ankles and slender calves in an especially charming way. Her blonde hair was carefully styled into soft waves, shining like a princess from a fairy tale. Her figure was curvaceous and perfect, making people unable to look away.

Peter suddenly felt his heartbeat speed up, his sight was completely attracted by Liz, the hormones in his body burst out instantly, his eyes became stringy, and he could hardly control himself. He stood there in a daze, opened his mouth, but said nothing.

At this moment, Ned, who was standing next to Peter, whistled and said jokingly, "Wow, Peter, it seems that your good luck has come today! I knew that your suit tonight was not worn in vain."

Liz smiled and walked towards the two of them. Her high-heeled sandals made a gentle tapping sound on the ground, and every step was full of elegance and confidence. Her eyes fell on Peter, and she said with a hint of mischief, "You look so handsome today, Peter."

Peter's face immediately turned red to his ears. He nervously touched his tie and stammered, "Ah...thank you, thank you, Liz. You...you are...very beautiful too."

Ned looked at Peter's uneasy look and couldn't help but snickering with his hands covering his mouth. "Peter, brother, stay calm. Don't run around like a deer."

Liz chuckled, walked up and patted Peter's shoulder gently, "It's okay, Peter, relax, today is just a family dinner." Her tone was gentle and natural, which made Peter's tense nerves relax a little.

Ned leaned next to Peter, still with a playful smile on his face, and whispered to Peter, "My friend, your performance just now was already 'excellent', but the rest depends on you."

Peter glared at Ned and shook his head helplessly, but he couldn't help feeling a little relieved in his heart that at least Ned was there to help him smooth things over.

As soon as Peter and Ned walked into Liz's house, they found that many classmates were already in the living room. Everyone was chatting in groups of three or four, and the atmosphere seemed quite lively. Peter looked around and noticed many familiar faces - obviously, this was not just an ordinary family dinner, but more like a small party. The room was filled with the aroma of food and relaxing music, which eased Peter's tension a little.

Just as the two were about to join the crowd, a slightly sarcastic voice suddenly came from behind them: "Hey! Country bumpkin Peter Parker is here too?"

Peter and Ned turned around at the same time and saw Eugene "Lightning" Thompson leaning against the wall, with his signature sarcastic smile on his face and a bit of provocation in his eyes. Eugene was a star football player in the school and always liked to tease and laugh at Peter, especially in public.

"Wow, I didn't expect you to have the guts to come to such a high-end place, Parker." Eugene walked forward, crossed his arms over his chest, and his tone was full of contempt and provocation. "I thought you only knew how to memorize books in the library. I didn't expect that."

Peter was a little uncomfortable at first, but seeing Eugene's expression, he couldn't help laughing. Ned immediately stood beside Peter and said with a wink, "Oh, Eugene, this is really interesting. It seems that you are particularly interested in Peter's 'social life', right?"

Eugene obviously didn't expect Ned to respond like this. His expression froze for a moment, then he returned to his smug look. "Don't be ridiculous. I have no interest in your 'social circle'."

Peter then casually interjected, "Don't worry, Eugene, our 'social circle' may not be suitable for you. After all, there are no football-related games here." His tone was relaxed and natural, with a hint of joking, which made several students around him couldn't help laughing.

Eugene was obviously angry. He gritted his teeth and pouted his lips in a calm manner: "Tsk, don't be too proud, Parker." He deliberately puffed out his chest, trying to make himself look more imposing, and then said arrogantly, "Don't forget, I am a man saved by Spider-Man. Do you have such an experience?"

As soon as he said this, everyone around him showed surprised expressions, as if he had just told a shocking story. Eugene glanced at everyone proudly, and when he was about to continue showing off, his eyes suddenly fell on Peter and Ned. He stared at the brand on Peter's suit, frowned slightly, and muttered: "Huh, what a crappy brand..."

He then realized that he had run out of things to say, so he turned around awkwardly, muttering under his breath: "Forget it, I won't bother with you country bumpkins." After that, he left in shame.

Ned looked at Eugene's departing back, his face full of confusion and curiosity, and asked in a low voice: "Wait, Peter, did you really save this guy? When did it happen?"

Peter couldn't help laughing, waved his hands, and answered in a relaxed tone: "Oh, it was an accident. I just did it at the time. It's no big deal." He looked nonchalant, as if saving Eugene was a completely normal thing.

Ned scratched his head after hearing what Peter said, and then said in a serious tone: "Wow, Peter, you are such a humble superhero. Next time you save me, don't forget to find an opportunity for me to show off."

Peter couldn't help laughing, patted Ned on the shoulder, and said half-jokingly: "Don't worry, buddy, I'll save you again when I get a chance." The two looked at each other, and then laughed at the same time.

Liz came over at this time, and seeing the two of them laughing so happily, she couldn't help but ask curiously: "What are you laughing at?"

Ned immediately regained his clever expression and said with a smile, "Oh, nothing. Peter was just thinking of how to save me again so that I can have a chance to show off at the party."

Liz was also amused. She shook her head and said softly, "You two are really funny." There was a hint of tenderness in her eyes, and then she gently took Peter's hand, motioning him to go with her to meet the others.

Peter's heartbeat quickened involuntarily, and a nervous and shy smile appeared on his face, while Ned raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a mischievous smile: "Go, Peter, the goddess is calling you."