Su Yi watched as Gwen and Natasha returned from their private discussion. He had used his enhanced hearing to catch the conversation and was both impressed and slightly terrified by Natasha's psychological finesse.
In just a few minutes, she had completely neutralized Gwen's potential jealousy, reframing the situation in a way that empowered the younger woman.
"A truly capable woman," Su Yi thought, shaking his head slightly. "With Natasha involved, maybe I don't have to worry about all the inevitable relationship drama. She's a professional problem solver, even when the problem is me."
Natasha immediately took charge of her next moves. "Melina, Yelena, I'm heading back for a trip and won't return until tomorrow. Melina, you have command here."
This aligned perfectly with Nick Fury's plan: a "dead" Natasha would be operating in the shadows with her new S.W.O.R.D. agents, completely under the radar of HYDRA. She would remain at the Helicarrier until S.H.I.E.L.D. was completely purged.
Melina accepted the command swiftly. "I'll manage the transition smoothly."
Yelena rushed forward to hug her sister. "Be careful, come back soon. We need to talk properly."
"I will," Natasha promised.
Su Yi then initiated the Teleportation, bringing himself, Gwen, and Tony directly back to Stark's Villa, before dropping Tony off and continuing to his own home. He couldn't risk the high profile of Tony flying away from his suburban Queens residence.
Back at his Villa, Su Yi felt a profound sense of relaxation. He poured a drink and sank onto the sofa. His current power level made fighting low-level villains feel boring and effortless. "Forget saving the world today," he mused. "It's much better to just enjoy time with the girls."
Natasha, having returned, vanished into a guest room to change clothes, emerging shortly in a simple T-shirt and jeans, already radiating effortless confidence. She immediately grabbed an iced Coke from the fridge, acting as if she owned the place.
Gwen, who hadn't gone home, sat down beside Su Yi.
"I've already called Mom," Gwen said, leaning into him. "I told her I'd have dinner here before heading back."
"Dinner? Excellent. I can whip up some Chinese food," Su Yi offered.
Gwen was clearly preoccupied, barely registering the offer. She looked at him with an intensity that Su Yi recognized instantly.
Su Yi felt a flutter of nerves. "Here? I'm afraid that might be awkward, and Natasha will be out any minute."
Gwen gave him a mischievous, confident smile. "Isn't that exactly what you were hoping for, Su?"
Hiss! Su Yi realized just how effective Natasha had been. In minutes, she had radically shifted Gwen's perspective from cautious girlfriend to adventurous co-conspirator.
"I think we should relocate to the bedroom," Su Yi suggested, pulling her closer. "Do you remember the gift I mentioned preparing for you?"
"Oh, right!" Gwen remembered, her eyes lighting up. "What gift?"
Natasha reappeared, crossing her long legs and propping her feet up on the coffee table.
"You two continue, don't mind me at all," she said casually, taking a sip of Coke. "Besides, I promised you, Su, that I can fulfill any wish you have."
Su Yi decided to test her boundaries. "Natasha, aren't you supposed to be reporting to the bald egg right now?"
"I've already sent him the necessary brief," she replied. "He's arranging someone to meet me tomorrow. I need to be low-key now—'dead' to HYDRA—so I must remain discreet."
"Discreet," Su Yi thought, watching her brazenly occupying his living room. "Right."
Gwen, now totally unconcerned, urged him on. "It's getting late, Su. Let's hurry up and see this gift."
Su Yi led the two women into his bedroom. He opened his wardrobe and pulled out two custom-made black spider-themed pajamas—not actual combat gear, but high-quality cosplay costumes.
"Gwen, this is the new gift I prepared for you."
"They're available online now," Su Yi explained. "I thought they would suit you perfectly."
Natasha picked up the second one. "I think they're very good. Do I have one too?"
"Of course," Su Yi confirmed. "Though I wish I had a proper suit for you—you'd look stunning in a fitted business suit."
Natasha held up the black spider costume. "Black Widow is a kind of spider, too. So a Spider-Suit is quite appropriate." She gave him an intensely suggestive look. "Gwen is Ghost-Spider, so I will be the Black Spider."
"A perfect name," Su Yi agreed, trying to control his rapidly accelerating heart rate.
Soon, Gwen and Natasha emerged, modeling the tight, sleek suits. Su Yi was extremely satisfied with his excellent taste.
"Dinner is ready," Su Yi announced, letting them admire themselves a moment longer. "I've made some authentic Oriental food—take a bath and relax before we eat."
Half an hour later, they were seated at the dining table, where Su Yi had prepared a feast of authentic Oriental dishes.
"Su, this is amazing," Gwen praised, struggling slightly but determined to use her chopsticks. "It tastes so good."
Natasha, however, gave a teasing retort. "I ate something even more delicious today. This food is a respectable second place."
Su Yi understood the hidden meaning instantly: She was referring to the kiss.
After the meal, Su Yi knew his time was short. He needed to get Gwen home before Director George Stacy decided to launch a recovery mission.
"Good night, Su. I'll see you soon," Gwen said reluctantly as he dropped her off.
When Su Yi returned home, he found that Natasha had already made herself comfortable. She was waiting for him, not in the living room, but in his bedroom.
The Black Widow is now operating in the shadows and right in Su Yi's home, setting the stage for domestic chaos.