Not long after chatting, an Old woman came out with a large plate of steaming roast meat. She placed the plate on the dining table, then wiped her hands and smiled.
"I heard you badmouthing Peter from the living room. We have guests today, so don't always lecture Peter like a Little fellow."
"It's because you always protect him that he's so immature!" Ben Parker complained, while stepping forward to put his arm around the Old woman's shoulder and introduced her to Mr. Zhou.
"Mr. Zhou, this is my wife, Mei Parker. Darling, this is Mr. Zhou, who I've been telling you about, who saved me, and these two lovely Little Angels are Mr. Zhou's Children."
Mei Parker held her husband's arm and said to Mr. Zhou with a grateful expression.
"Mr. Zhou, thank you very much. If my husband had been in trouble, I really don't know how terrible that would have been. You saved our family."
"You're too kind, Mrs. Parker. I just happened to be there. In that situation, I believe anyone with a conscience would have lent a hand."
"But you saved him, and that's enough. We will always be grateful to you, sir!" The Old woman's attitude was very firm. So firm that Mr. Zhou couldn't refuse. He could only remain silent, implicitly agreeing with the statement.
At this point, the Old woman turned her attention to the two girls. As soon as she saw them, her already wrinkled face instantly blossomed like a flower. Her eyes revealed an undisguised look of affection.
"What lovely Children, Mr. Zhou. It's truly a blessing from God that you have such adorable Children, and only you could have such lovely Little Angels."
"I said Peter should get married sooner so we could see his Children earlier!" Ben Parker was still muttering distractedly at this moment. Mrs. Mei, however, quietly pinched his waist.
"You're talking nonsense again, you Old fellow. Peter hasn't even graduated from high school yet, how could he get married so soon? Even if he does, it should wait until he's in college."
"Speaking of which, it's not even two years."
Amidst the two old people's murmuring, Peter fled in a panic. He really couldn't stand being talked about like that, so he could only pretend to go to the kitchen to escape this embarrassing place.
Mr. Zhou, however, enjoyed the experience of chatting with others. Ben was an upright man, but he was also witty and humorous. You could always find some fun talking to him, and whether it was current events, news, or some gossip, this Old man could clearly see some hidden things. After chatting with him for a while, Mr. Zhou felt greatly enlightened. He couldn't say that everything Ben said was necessarily right, but some of his life values were enough to make Mr. Zhou ponder.
Mrs. Mei seemed to be more interested in the two little girls. She constantly asked them about their well-being and offered them pastries and honey to entertain her two little guests. It was clear that this Old woman seemed to like them very much, seemingly treating them completely as her own Children.
In such a joyful atmosphere for both host and guests, it was unknowingly lunchtime. So, the group naturally sat down at the dining table.
The Parker family prepared roast meat, sandwiches, and sea bass for lunch, with apple pie and cookies for dessert, plus the small pastries Mr. Zhou brought.
Opening a bottle of red wine, the group enjoyed Mrs. Mei's excellent cooking while continuing their earlier conversation. Generally speaking, it's not suitable to talk while eating, but with the changing times, this old rule has long since changed.
Many U.S. families like to talk about interesting things during family dinners, which not only prevents the dinner from being boring but also deepens the relationship with guests.
The Parker family may not have been wealthy, but they lived happily and fulfilling lives. Mr. Zhou finally understood why Peter could transform from a grassroots individual into a respected hero.
It wasn't because he was powerful enough, but because he was sincere enough. He wasn't cynical due to poverty, nor did he seek personal gain due to his identity. He simply did things to serve others, fulfilling the responsibilities his meager strength could bear.
And in the midst of this, his family played a very important role. The family of a good person, with their simple and pure values, provided this World with a true hero.
Lunch continued, and Mr. Zhou had already become a diligent listener, hearing Ben express his simple views in a resonant voice.
"I don't think Mutants are any different. There's no need to bring the dirty thoughts of Politicians into ourselves. If you haven't seen others do evil, you have no right to accuse them. Just do your part, that's enough. Why should you change your views based on what others say?"
"But you know, many people in this World are blind. They will follow and speak out with those around them. This is also why many Politicians control media public opinion. They need these to manipulate the thoughts of the public."
Mr. Zhou poured the Old man a glass of wine, while expressing his own views.
"Thoughts will not be obscured. People will eventually see everything clearly. No one can bury the truth forever. As someone who has lived most of his life, I can only say that often, time allows you to see more clearly. In chaotic situations where you can't even see clearly, waiting is often the better choice. If you really need to make a choice, I can only say that changing your perspective is also a method."
"You cannot make choices for others. If you really want to do that, put yourself in their shoes and think. And conversely, if others force you to do something, put yourself in their shoes and think about why they are doing it. Sometimes, there might be unexpected results."
The Old man shook his head and expressed his views, which Mr. Zhou admired.
"You're very right, perspective is key. Honestly, Mr. Parker, your insights are truly profound. I feel you're more brilliant than the Professor who taught sociology in my college days. May I ask what kind of work you do?"
"You might be disappointed. I have no relation to such a noble profession as a college Professor. I am just a retired ordinary worker who has worked diligently for decades, and thus have my own insights into this World."
"Speaking of which, I must thank you again for the job you provided Peter. If it weren't for your help, Peter probably wouldn't have become a formal reporter so easily. You brought hope to our family."
The Old man spoke nonchalantly about the fact that he had lost his job, and finally expressed his gratitude to Mr. Zhou, which puzzled him.
"Sorry, Ben. I don't understand what 'hope' means."
Looking at his somewhat uneasy nephew, Ben Parker smiled and replied.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of telling you. Peter's grades have always been good, so his aunt and I always hoped he could go to college. But because I lost my job, our family really couldn't afford his tuition."
"I originally wanted to find some odd jobs and earn a little more money while I could still move. But Peter actually argued with me about this, saying he'd rather not go to college than have me work again. Luckily, you gave him an exclusive interview right, allowing him to earn money for college by working himself. Otherwise, our family might have been in turmoil for a while longer!"
"This is not a good thing, Peter. No matter what, you shouldn't disobey your elders." As an elder, especially with the two Little fellows nearby, Mr. Zhou naturally sided with Ben. However, he was very diplomatic in this matter. "But I can understand your feelings, after all, you are being filial. But I think Mr. Parker's health is very good, and it's far from time for him to retire, so your worries are unnecessary."
"Exactly! Peter is clearly just a Child, yet he always wants to make decisions for us. It's truly outrageous! I know my own body very well; working is no problem at all. Staying at home would make me sick." Ben Parker spoke with a flushed face, clearly pleased to find someone who shared his views.
"Uncle!" Peter could only say with a mournful tone. At this moment, he could only honestly act as a punching bag, not daring to offer even a tiny rebuttal.
At this moment, Mr. Zhou thought for a moment and seized the opportunity to speak.
"If Mr. Parker wants to work, I actually have a job for you!"
"Really? That would be wonderful." Ben opened his mouth and immediately agreed. He hadn't expected such a good thing.
But Peter was unwilling; he quickly interrupted.
"Wait, Uncle, shouldn't you at least ask for details before agreeing to someone? Casually promising something you can't do is a big mistake, that's what you told me."
"Peter!" Ben drew out his voice. Peter interrupting at this moment was a very impolite thing to do, although he knew it was for his own good. "You should trust Mr. Zhou, it's a matter of politeness."
"Don't blame him, Mr. Parker. It's understandable; he's just concerned about you. I should explain the job clearly first."
Mr. Zhou waved his hand, stopping Ben from scolding Peter.
"The job is like this: You should know that I recently sponsored an event in New York. Those young Mutant fellows don't have a place to stay in New York City yet. So, I offered an apartment under my name. But because of their identity, the original apartment manager has already resigned. So, I've been looking for a new manager."
"The requirements aren't high, just don't discriminate against Mutants. The daily work only involves preventing some miscellaneous people from entering the apartment. As for benefits, everything is preferential! How about it, Mr. Parker, are you interested?"
This kind of matter usually wouldn't require Mr. Zhou's involvement, but because everything in the newly established Mutant department was monitored by Ada and reported to him at all times, he knew what was happening around these Mutants. And coincidentally, he remembered this job vacancy.
In his opinion, few people would be more suitable than Ben Parker. This Old man was wise, clear-headed, and clearly expressed his view of treating Mutants and humans equally. He wouldn't be hostile to those young people, nor would he pity them. This perspective was the most important. Moreover, he was also Spider-Man's uncle.
"Of course, Mr. Zhou. It seems our family will have to thank you again!" Ben Parker agreed once more.