Chapter 165: I, Hulk, Will Never Accept the Offer!

Carol stayed a few days before leaving. The universe had its demands, and she'd been away for too long. She resumed her role as a cosmic enforcer, having only lingered due to the Ultron crisis.

Thor took a break himself, spending this period enjoying a comfortable life in his manor, surrounded by a group of heroines by day—and sometimes by night.

"Hey, Dr. Palmer, how's it going? Are you getting used to the place?" Thor asked as he approached Christine Palmer.

Christine blushed and gave him a sidelong glance. "I should have known—you had ulterior motives, tricking me into staying at your manor was just the first step!"

"Oh, really? Who told you that?"

"Maya Hansen mentioned it. She said you lured her here the same way," Christine teased.

Thor looked a bit sheepish. Thankfully, he was thick-skinned and smoothly changed the subject. "Anyway, everything's fine, right? With so many people here, we definitely need a family doctor."

Before Christine could respond, Thor's communicator buzzed.

Minerva, in charge of the manor's security, sent a message: "Mr. Tony sent an invitation. His Highness wasn't invited to the last party, so this time, he wants to celebrate defeating Ultron!"

Thor nodded. "Sounds good! Let's hold it at the new Avengers building."

"Cheers!"

The party was in full swing. After the stress of recent events, the Avengers were ready to cut loose. Even Wanda, who usually didn't drink, had a glass, leaning against Thor with flushed cheeks.

At the bar, Natasha was sharing drinks with Tony. Tony, however, clearly couldn't keep up—he finally realized that Natasha, this stunning beauty, was actually Russian-born. Other than Thor, no one here could out-drink her.

"Hey, Bruce, why so glum?" Thor said, patting Bruce Banner on the shoulder as he sat in the corner.

Banner looked up but stayed silent.

"What's up?" Thor pressed.

After some coaxing, Banner finally admitted, "Nothing, really. Just feel…out of place."

Thor scanned the room. Tony had stumbled away from Natasha's persuasion and was now chatting up a model. Natasha winked at him when she noticed Thor looking. Hawkeye was on a video call with his daughter, and Captain America, having lived through so much, just seemed peacefully content. Pietro and Vision were absorbed in their own conversations.

"Oh, I see what this is," Thor grinned. "You're looking for a partner, aren't you?"

Banner went red, and Thor teased, "Aren't you worried Hulk might come out unexpectedly?"

Banner cleared his throat. "Hulk's more manageable now. If he's going to emerge, he'll give me a heads-up. He won't just appear because of a quickened heartbeat."

Thor paused, intrigued. This timeline was different—Banner and Hulk's relationship had clearly improved. They seemed more like partners, capable of communicating and coexisting.

With a smirk, Thor nudged him. "You know, you could always ask Tony. He knows plenty of models!"

"Huh? Someone mention me?" Tony walked over, overhearing. Everyone else perked up with interest.

Thor chuckled, giving a quick rundown. "Just trying to help Banner meet someone."

Not only Tony but also Steve looked intrigued. Banner turned red, well aware that Tony knew plenty of models—but also aware of how Tony usually met them!

Despite his mild-mannered persona, Banner was still a renowned scientist, with his own sense of pride. Taking on Tony's matchmaking style? Not a chance!

Thor noticed Banner's expression and raised an eyebrow. "What's that look for? Don't tell me you're old-fashioned?"

Thor found the idea amusing—could Banner be a traditionalist at heart?

It's not the offer I mind, Banner thought frantically, it's that it's Tony offering! How am I supposed to face these people if I start playing Tony's game?

But instead of saying this, Banner felt a surge of frustration. His face flushed, and, in a sudden outburst, he trembled, his skin momentarily turning green. He quickly regained his composure, giving everyone a deadpan look. "It's not me—it's Hulk. He refuses to accept the offer!"

"Yeah, right…" Everyone burst into laughter and boos.

"Come on, Bruce, even Hulk wouldn't believe that excuse!"

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