I Am Spider-Man

Before going to Gwen's house, Su Ye didn't have any expectations for the so-called lemon sea bass.

Lemon sea bass—just hearing the name didn't sound appetizing.

However, once he actually tasted it, it wasn't a "delicious surprise," but at least it wasn't hard to swallow. It was much better than he had expected.

The conversations with Gwen's parents and her three younger brothers were, overall, quite enjoyable.

Soon, the conversation shifted to Gwen's father, Captain George Stacy, and his work.

"Anything interesting at work lately, Dad?" asked Howard, the third brother.

The subtext of this question was: "Captain Stacy, time to show off."

As the pillar of the family and a police captain with a legendary job, Mr. George Stacy had plenty of stories to share.

Captain Stacy cleared his throat and started recounting past events, though it was a shame he didn't have a cigarette.

He intended to impress his daughter's boyfriend, showing his authority as a captain, so the boy would think twice before hurting his daughter.

Thus, Captain Stacy retold various heroic tales he had already shared with his kids before: storming criminal hideouts, lone heroics, and strategic brilliance.

Listening to him, one might think he was Captain America.

Su Ye listened cheerfully, occasionally exclaiming in admiration, playing along with Captain Stacy's performance.

With good food and free entertainment, Su Ye felt the trip was worth it.

But the three younger brothers didn't think so; they'd heard these stories hundreds of times and wanted something new.

The second brother, Philip, only a few years younger than Gwen, was in his rebellious phase.

"Dad, what about that Spider-Man you mentioned yesterday? Did you find anything on him?"

"Spider-Man?" Su Ye immediately looked up.

Which Spider-Man? Me?

I've only been active for three days, saved around twenty women from danger, and I'm already on their radar?

Captain Stacy nodded.

"That's right, Spider-Man, a masked individual who carries out justice at night."

"Carries out justice?"

Su Ye caught the keyword. In the original movie, wasn't Captain Stacy supposed to despise Spider-Man and want to lock him up?

Why was he so calm now, using terms like "carries out justice" instead of "vigilante behavior" or "disrupting public order"?

"According to our records, he's been active for two to three days, saving at least ten women walking alone at night. While the mask is a bit creepy, we must admit he has contributed to society."

As Captain Stacy spoke, his eyes drifted toward Gwen and her mother.

Clearly, his change in attitude was due to the women in his life.

He had a wife and daughter; no one could guarantee they wouldn't have to walk alone at night in New York, where danger was all too common.

At times like that, everyone could use a Spider-Man.

Thank goodness New York had a "women's ally."

With Captain Stacy's endorsement, what could Su Ye do but silently accept the praise?

He couldn't exactly come out and say that being a hero was just a side hustle, and his main goal was enjoying the thrill of swinging through the air like on a giant jungle gym.

After dinner, Su Ye and Gwen stood side by side on the rooftop, looking out at the myriad city lights.

"So beautiful!" Gwen said with a smile.

"Yeah," Su Ye nodded. From a visual perspective, the twinkling lights of countless homes lighting up the night were truly mesmerizing.

But beneath this sea of lights, the countless hidden crimes were equally overwhelming.

"Dad's used to interrogating suspects, so he might sound a bit stiff. His tone earlier didn't scare you, did it?"

"Not really."

Su Ye held a certain respect for the police profession. Aside from the corrupt ones, most officers genuinely upheld justice, and in that regard, Captain George Stacy did a pretty good job.

For a mere human to risk his life battling alongside Spider-Man against the Lizard spoke volumes about his character.

"It's clear he's not just a good cop, but also a great dad and a hero of this city," Su Ye said sincerely.

Gwen smiled at first but then her expression darkened.

"He's a hero to the city, but most of his time and energy are spent protecting it. He rarely gets to have a peaceful dinner with us like today."

Just as Gwen finished speaking, the sound of police sirens blared from below—loud, with at least seven or eight cars rushing by.

This kind of scene was rare in China, but here, it was an everyday occurrence.

"There's trouble at the Aerospace World Carnival! Some guy in a demon costume on a glider attacked. I've got to get there immediately!" Captain Stacy's voice echoed from below.

"Why does this city have so many criminals? Dad's always so busy and can't handle them all. If only there were more superheroes like Spider-Man," Gwen said, her face filled with worry.

Worry immediately appeared on Gwen's face. Every time Captain Stacy went on a mission, she wouldn't be at ease until he returned safely.

Aerospace World Carnival? Su Ye wasn't familiar with the name, but a demon-costumed man on a glider? That had to be the Green Goblin.

So the Green Goblin attacked the carnival? Could it be the one Harry and Mary Jane were attending?

Those two unlucky fools!

Harry should be fine; even if the Goblin's crazy, he wouldn't harm his own son…

Wait, no! That guy's a lunatic who wouldn't care. In the movie, he tossed bombs without a second thought, even if Harry was in the blast zone.

Should I go check it out?

Harry was Su Ye's only friend in America, and seeing Gwen so worried about her father made him uneasy too.

Forget it, I should go. The Green Goblin's trouble I brought upon myself; I'll have to face him sooner or later.

"Gwen, grab my coat."

Gwen turned around and saw Su Ye's clothes tossed aside. He now stood on the edge of the rooftop, wearing his red-and-black Spider-Man suit.

"Whoa!"

Gwen froze, both excited and nervous, struggling to speak.

"You… you…"

"Wait for me. I'll be back with the captain for a late-night snack!"

Su Ye pulled on his mask and flipped backward off the rooftop.

Gwen rushed to the edge and looked down, just in time to see a web shoot out, carrying Su Ye as he swung swiftly into the distance.