Chapter 5: Peter Parker's Jealousy

Inside the shop, everything was neatly categorized:

Bentos, amulets, and tools.

In the game, each different bento, amulet, and tool had its own unique effect.

They would influence the destination of the frog's travels, as well as the souvenirs and mementos it would bring back.

The currency used in the shop was the game's special clovers.

These clovers could be harvested from the pond right outside Frog's door.

With the clovers he earned from the beginner quests and those he had harvested over the past couple of days, Alan had a balance of over 500 clovers.

After taking a quick glance, Alan spent 50 clovers to buy Frog a deluxe bento.

For comparison, the cheapest bento only cost 10 clovers.

Then, with a resolute heart, Alan spent 200 clovers on a red scarf that increased luck.

Both the scarf and amulets were permanent items. Although the scarf cost him 200 clovers, Alan didn't feel too bad about it.

If they had been consumable items, Alan wouldn't have been able to afford them.

He carefully packed the items into Frog's backpack, making sure everything was in place for the next journey.

With the bento in hand, Frog happily returned to its room to eat.

Watching Frog eat with its goofy expression, Alan smiled warmly, like a proud father.

Grumble~

Alan exited the game interface, as his own stomach started to protest.

After all, using the Emperor Armor took quite a bit of energy.

He rummaged through the fridge and selected some ingredients, then whipped up two simple Chinese dishes.

After finishing his meal, Alan sat down to meditate, following the inheritance information he had received from the Emperor Armor.

This meditation focused more on enhancing the strength of his mind.

As for physical strength, that would require more physical activity.

Alan's mind quickly calmed down, and time passed swiftly.

Suddenly, a soft system notification rang out in the background:

"Frog has gone on a journey!" 

***

The next morning, Alan felt refreshed as he finished his morning routine, picked up his backpack, and headed off to school.

A night of meditation hadn't left him tired at all. Instead, he felt better than ever, even sensing a subtle enhancement in his six senses.

It was a faint feeling, but Alan liked it.

In a good mood, he hailed a cab and headed toward school.

Once again, sitting in a New York City taxi made Alan even more eager to buy his own car.

Though his inheritance allowed him to buy a regular car for daily commuting, Alan had a better plan in mind.

It wasn't time yet, but he had a feeling it would be soon.

The taxi quickly arrived at the gates of State University.

As Alan stepped out and started walking toward campus, a voice called out behind him, "Alan!"

Recognizing the familiar voice, Alan smiled and turned around. "Hi, Gwen."

Gwen jogged over, excitement in her voice. "You missed it yesterday. We had so much fun!"

"Too bad I missed out. Hopefully, there'll be another chance next time," Alan replied with a hint of regret.

While they were chatting, a police car pulled up beside them, and the window rolled down.

A middle-aged man with blonde hair leaned out and looked at Gwen and Alan.

Gwen's expression froze with a bit of embarrassment. "Alan, let me introduce you. This is my dad, George Stacy."

"Dad, this is Alan Ford, a new transferred student at our school."

"Nice to meet you, Alan," George said, extending his hand.

Understanding the situation, Alan shook his hand and responded, "Hello, Mr. Stacy."

This was Gwen's father, the police chief of New York City, and a notorious overprotective father.

Occasionally, he would even drop Gwen off at school.

While it seemed like he was just giving her a ride, in reality, he was scaring off any boys who had thoughts about dating his daughter.

Whenever Gwen got too close to any male classmates, George would always intervene.

It wasn't because of anything specific, he just didn't want his daughter to get hurt.

This overprotectiveness annoyed Gwen at times.

She had rushed over earlier to avoid being caught talking to Alan, but to no avail.

Facing George's sharp gaze, Alan stood firm, meeting his eyes without flinching.

With his years of experience as a police officer, George could usually read people's intentions in an instant.

But Alan confused him; his eyes were clear, almost as if he was a pure-hearted kid.

Maybe I'm overthinking this? 

"It seems my daughter has made a good friend," George commented.

Alan smiled and replied, "I'm lucky to know Gwen. She's been a great help to me."

Gwen was stunned. It was the first time she had ever seen her father speak so highly of a stranger.

Just then, the police radio in the car crackled to life. "A robbery has been reported on Back Alley Street. Any nearby units, please respond."

George sighed. "Looks like I've got some trouble to deal with. I'll have to go."

"Bye, Dad!" Gwen said cheerfully.

"Goodbye, Mr. Stacy," Alan added.

As George was about to drive off, he called out, "Gwen, remember to come home for dinner tonight. Your mom wants to cook something special."

"Okay, Dad," Gwen replied.

With one last glance at Alan, George drove away.

Once he was out of sight, Gwen looked at Alan excitedly. "Alan, my dad's never said anything like that about anyone before!"

"Really? Then I guess I'm pretty lucky," Alan chuckled.

The two continued chatting and laughing as they walked onto campus together, giving off the vibe of a couple to anyone who saw them.

Not far from the school gates, Peter Parker stood with his backpack, watching Gwen walk away with Alan.

"Is that the new transfer student in your class, Gwen?" Peter muttered to himself, jealousy flickering in his eyes.

Then, self-doubt crept in as he thought about his own family situation compared to Gwen's.

Maybe I don't stand a chance after all. 

He and Gwen were good friends, but that's where it ended.

But once Dr. Connors and I make a breakthrough in our research, I'll finally be able to ask her out to dinner with confidence, Peter thought, determination flashing in his eyes as he headed toward Connors' biology lab.

...