Norman Osborn

The moment Bren saw Norman Osborn, he sensed that things could get complicated.

This was no ordinary man.

However, Bren wasn't entirely surprised by Norman's appearance.

He had been looking for a partnership with Harry and needed a significant amount of funding, there was no way such a big matter could escape Norman Osborn's notice. No matter how little attention he paid to Harry, Norman was still his father.

The only good news was that Bren's Spider-sense didn't react at all, meaning at least he didn't have to worry about Norman suddenly stepping on a skateboard and throwing pumpkin bombs at him.

"Hello, Uncle Norman." Bren ignored Harry, who was making faces behind Norman, and greeted him directly.

Regardless of the situation, Bren wasn't going to back down just because Norman was here, nor would he allow Oscorp Enterprises to interfere with his company.

When Norman saw Bren, he unexpectedly smiled, which surprised Bren, it didn't seem like a polite smile but rather one of genuine warmth.

"Hello, Bren, it's been so many years. You've grown up," Norman said as he affectionately put his arm around Bren's shoulder. In that moment, he didn't appear to be the head of Oscorp Enterprises but rather like any concerned elder looking after the next generation.

"I heard from Harry that you're planning to start a company. Don't blame him; I figured it out myself," Norman said. "Do you know? I've only seen you and Peter a few times, but I've always known both of you were extraordinary."

He spoke sincerely, "I've always believed that you two would achieve something great."

What Norman said was true. Although he'd only met Bren a few times, Bren had always been impressively mature for his age, which had left a deep impression on him.

Norman Osborn greatly admired Bren's style. In contrast, he always thought Harry was like a child who never grew up.

"Harry, I've told you before, you should learn more from Bren and Peter," Norman praised Bren and Peter, while subtly putting pressure on his own son.

Bren could clearly see the disappointed and ashamed expression on Harry's face. Harry shrank his head, clearly intimidated by his father's scolding, and said, "Uncle Norman, actually, Harry is quite excellent too."

"Oh, please, I'm his father. Do you think I don't know him?" Norman shook his head, clearly uninterested in continuing the topic. "I heard from Harry that you plan to venture into the nanotechnology field? When I was younger, I studied nanotechnology too, it's not easy."

Norman had indeed made some accomplishments in nanotechnology, though many scientists had worked in this field. However, Oscorp Enterprises later focused on human enhancement serums, partly for Norman's own health and partly because Oscorp had collaborated with the military. And the military, decades later, was still fixated on that super soldier serum.

"I've read the paper you wrote," Bren said.

When Bren heard Norman's question, he knew the crucial moment had arrived.

A multimillion-dollar investment might not be much to Oscorp, but as a businessman, Norman couldn't just let it go to waste.

At the very least, he needed to know if Bren's idea was feasible.

For Bren, the real test today was how to convince Norman that his concept could succeed while avoiding Oscorp Enterprises' interference.

Bren smiled confidently. "Entering the nanotechnology field is actually a long-term goal. Aside from the technical challenges, the current funding is far from enough. I plan to develop other products in the early stages of the company to ensure its survival and growth."

Norman nodded, signaling for Bren to continue.

"Primus will start with communications and healthcare…"

Harry watched Bren speak confidently in front of his father, his eyes filled with envy.

As Norman Osborn's son, Harry could barely raise his head in front of his father, yet Bren could speak so confidently to him.

Bren stood tall, his face free from any trace of inferiority or timidity, as if he wasn't speaking to the founder of Oscorp Enterprises but to someone on equal footing, someone not from Queens, but someone who belonged at the top.

The conversation between Bren and Norman lasted much longer than Bren's talk with Harry earlier.

The more Bren spoke, the more Norman Osborn saw him in a new light.

Not only did Bren show his knowledge of science, but Norman also saw his market research skills as impressive. But most importantly, it was Bren's demeanor that stood out. Many CEOs would find it hard to remain so composed when speaking with him.

In Bren, Norman saw a reflection of his younger self, the self who had built everything from scratch.

Of course, Norman quickly realized that Bren was avoiding the subject he most wanted to hear about the nanotechnology. Bren wasn't elaborating on it.

Norman soon saw through Bren's intentions.

'Doesn't want to be Oscorp's puppet?'

He paused, but didn't confront Bren's thoughts. There was no sign of dissatisfaction in his expression.

Had this been in the past, if Bren really had the technology, Norman would have never let it go.

He would have used every method necessary to acquire it.

But now, things were different. He had worked so hard to acquire these technologies, yet who would benefit from them in the end was uncertain.

Thinking of the vampire-like shareholders and the board members back at the company, Norman couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Those people were like hyenas circling him, waiting for his demise, and when the time came, they'd devour him whole, leaving nothing behind.

He knew that his time was running out, and leaving Harry alone would never ensure the survival of Oscorp Enterprises.

Now, it seems that Bren's Primus Technology might be a potential lifeline for Harry.

If Primus could grow before he died, with such external support, Harry might be able to preserve Oscorp Enterprises. If not, even if he lost Oscorp, Harry wouldn't be left with nothing.

With this in mind, Norman realized he couldn't interfere with Primus. On the contrary, he would have to go all out to help it grow.

When Norman's gaze once again focused on Bren, it was filled with unmasked care and affection.

He almost wished Bren were his own son.

"You're amazing, Bren."

"I believe your vision can definitely be realized. With Harry by your side, I'm confident," Norman said reassuringly. "Also, I'll personally, no, as an elder, I'll make an additional donation to Primus Technology."

Norman Osborn's attitude left Bren feeling a bit strange.

But soon, he remembered Norman's health.

In the setting, the Osborn Family had always struggled with severe hereditary diseases.

Looking at Norman now, Bren suspected that Norman knew his time was limited. In such circumstances, he likely no longer cared about the future of Oscorp Enterprises.

But Bren was curious.

If Norman Osborn had reached this point, why had he expelled Connors, who was just about to finish the serum?

Moreover, Norman had already gotten his hands on the Lizard serum. Although it had side effects, what did that matter to a man who was soon to die?

Unless...

Someone was deliberately plotting his death.