Chapter 7: Spider-Gwen's arrival! Check in multiple times!

Chapter 7: Spider-Gwen's arrival! Check in multiple times!

...

This was a sentiment shared by many. It was like asking a head of state to seek advice from a layperson—ludicrous on the surface. Wanda, after all, was a powerful witch, and her issues were far from ordinary. The idea of an average psychologist being able to help seemed far-fetched.

Natasha, although silent, wasn't entirely convinced. With her background in psychological training, she understood the importance of self-reliance in such matters. The role of a counselor was merely to assist; the real work had to come from within the individual.

Tony, unfazed, slid his sunglasses back on and started his car. "How should I know? I haven't tried it myself. Whether it works or not, it's worth a shot. At the very least, it gives her a break. Just consider it a temporary reprieve."

With that, he revved the engine and sped off, leaving Natasha and Hawkeye to ponder the unconventional approach.

Back in the building, life continued for Lorien. Over the past few weeks, he had adhered to his routine of signing in every day, but the rewards he received were often underwhelming. Items like the [Crayon Shin-chan complete comic book], [Queen Esdeath's Whip], [Super delicious milk tea recipe], and [Delicious Fried Rice x10] filled his inventory.

Each item seemed trivial. What use did a complete comic series or a recipe have in his line of work? The whip, while intriguing, didn't have much practical application in his everyday life. Sure, the milk tea recipe and fried rice might be enjoyable, but they hardly advanced his goals.

During this period, Lorien also attended to a few clients. His approach remained straightforward and effective, solving their issues with a clarity and simplicity that belied the complexity of their problems.

Lorien reclined comfortably in his chair, glancing out at the bustling city below. Over the past few days, he had kept a close eye on the news. The Avengers were under fire, not entirely opposed by the public but criticized for their unchecked freedom. This backlash was growing into a call for more control over the superheroes, a familiar narrative that Lorien knew all too well from the plot of "Captain America: Civil War."

For now, it was just a proposal circulating among the upper echelons of society and government. When it would actually be put to a vote was anyone's guess, but it signaled the beginning of significant changes on the horizon.

...

It was a typical afternoon when Lorien finally welcomed a client he found particularly intriguing—Gwen Stacy. Or, as he suspected, Spider-Gwen.

"Ding~"

The soft chime of the elevator announced Gwen's arrival. She stepped out, her jacket hood drawn up, and hesitated outside Lorien's office door. Her father was the commissioner of the New York Police Department, and she knew that Su Yi's—or rather, Lorien's—counseling services came at a steep price. Although she could afford it, the cost still stung. Gwen was torn. Should she turn to her father for help, or trust Lorien, who had a reputation for being the best?

She gently touched the spot where a radioactive spider had bitten her. Rationally, she knew she should be in a hospital, getting her genes and body examined. Yet, an inexplicable feeling—perhaps intuition or a sixth sense—had led her here.

As she stood there, caught in her indecision, Lorien's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in, Gwen."

Startled, she pushed the door open and entered. "Lorien, how did you know I was here?"

Lorien simply pointed to the camera at the door, a faint smile on his lips. Gwen blushed, embarrassed by her obliviousness.

"Sit down," Lorien offered, gesturing to a chair. He handed her a bottle of milk tea. He had an abundance of the drink stored away, so it seemed fitting to offer it to a young visitor.

"What's this?" Gwen asked, eyeing the bottle curiously.

"Milk tea, it's sweet," Lorien explained, motioning for her to try it. "I think you'll like it."

Gwen took the bottle and sipped tentatively. Her eyes widened with delight as the flavor hit her taste buds. "Hmm~~~"

Her eyes sparkled, and she took a larger gulp. Lorien observed her reaction, noting the youthful exuberance that matched the persona of Spider-Gwen. Unlike her typically composed self, this Gwen was lively, animated, and brimming with energy, reminiscent of a female Peter Parker.

"Delicious!" Gwen exclaimed after a few more sips, her spirits visibly lifted.

Lorien nodded approvingly. The sweetness of the milk tea had done its job, triggering a release of dopamine that made Gwen feel happier. It was a simple yet effective trick to make his counseling sessions more productive.

As Gwen enjoyed her drink, Lorien intertwined his fingers, his thumbs tapping lightly together. He leaned forward slightly and looked at Gwen with a discerning gaze.

"I can sense your anxiety and uneasiness," he began, his voice calm and reassuring. "Something is clearly troubling you, something significant that's happening in your life. You're searching for a solution, perhaps a way to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Isn't that right?"