Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Cards on the Table, I’m a Spider-Woman Fan
As the police commissioner, George had far more experience and insight than the average person.
He had long seen that Peter would achieve great things in the future, which was why he didn't oppose Peter getting close to Gwen.
But he never expected that Peter, still in high school, could earn a million dollars just by excelling academically.
Peter smiled faintly, his attention entirely on the dish in front of him.
A steamed sea bass, with a lemon perched on its head and a small piece of bread on the side.
Oh my God…
Who came up with this culinary abomination?
Its level of culinary crime is second only to nine-turn intestines.
Wouldn't a hearty fish stew be so much better?
After a brief moment of joy, George fell back into a state of worry.
Recently, he had been thoroughly tormented by the Punisher and Spider-Woman.
Those two were like demons.
If only all young people could be like Peter and Gwen.
To be fair, if George were an ordinary citizen, he wouldn't dislike the Punisher or Spider-Woman.
But his position as the NYPD commissioner meant he was under constant pressure from above.
"I really wish the Punisher and Spider-Woman would go cause trouble in another city."
"The world doesn't need such self-righteous people."
Every time George said something like this, Gwen's expression would dim slightly.
As the police commissioner's daughter, she just wanted her dad to have an easier time.
The more criminals she caught, the less stress her dad would have.
Gwen's expression was subtle, but it didn't escape Peter's notice.
He exhaled softly and said:
"Uncle George, while their methods may not align with the law, there's no denying that New York's crime rate has dropped significantly."
"Criminals now have to think twice before committing crimes, wondering if a gun will be pointed at their heads later."
George looked at Peter in surprise. For a long time, he had hoped Peter would become a police officer.
After all, as the commissioner, he could provide Peter with significant support if he chose that path.
So, George often brought up these topics with Peter, but Peter had never shown much interest.
What was going on today?
George shook his head:
"No, Peter, you don't understand the situation."
"That Punisher!! He's insane!!!"
"His methods are downright horrifying!"
"Just yesterday, he tortured the Rhino to death right in front of me!"
"He's way too extreme!"
"If he were more moderate, like Batman, there'd be far less controversy."
Like Batman?
Peter shook his head but didn't argue further with George.
"What about Spider-Woman, Uncle George? Her methods are gentler. She doesn't kill criminals."
"At most, she just ties them up with her webs."
"Maybe the NYPD could consider collaborating with Spider-Woman. After all, when it comes to superpowered criminals, it's best to have superpowered individuals handle them."
"Take the Rhino, for example. The police emptied their clips, but they couldn't even scratch him."
"The only way to deal with superpowered individuals is with other superpowered individuals."
Peter's words left George speechless.
He had never considered the idea of the police collaborating with superpowered individuals.
But he still didn't like the idea of working with someone who flouted the law.
"Peter, you seem to have a high opinion of Spider-Woman?"
"I'm her fan," Peter answered without hesitation.
Hearing this, Gwen couldn't hold back her smile.
…
After dinner.
Peter and Gwen chatted on the rooftop. The night lights of New York sparkled, and in some relatively safe areas, the streets were bustling with people. The joyful atmosphere brought life to the city.
Unfortunately, such safe areas were few and far between.
"Hahaha, Peter, I've never seen Dad so stumped before."
"By the way, do you really like Spider-Woman that much?"
"If I say yes, will you be upset? After all, praising another girl in front of a girl is a big no-no."
"Don't worry, Peter, I'm not jealous. I'm her fan too."
Gwen was ecstatic. Who was she?
She was Spider-Woman!
Peter openly admitting he liked Spider-Woman was basically admitting he liked her!
It made her heart flutter and her legs tremble.
Peter turned to face Gwen. They were so close that their breaths mingled.
Looking at the blonde girl before him, he could see the visible exhaustion that came with being a superhero.
It made his heart ache.
"Gwen, I think helping others isn't wrong. If everyone helped others, we'd all live in a happier society."
"But the prerequisite for helping others is to take care of yourself first."
"If someone is struggling to make ends meet, they shouldn't feel obligated to do charity work."
"Peter…"
Gwen looked into Peter's eyes, mulling over his words.
It felt like Peter had the ability to see right through people.
The life of a superhero was indeed exhausting.
It was too much.
Her studies were demanding, and she had college entrance exams next year.
On top of that, she had to be a superhero every night.
It was really taking a toll.
Though she was smart, she paled in comparison to Peter.
For example, she could never figure out how to make a web shooter, no matter how hard she tried.
Perhaps it was because the moonlight was too beautiful, or maybe the cool night wind only served to heighten the warmth between them.
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