"Godfather, the story you told me before."
Clark blinked and said, "You said that if you give rats and monkeys in a laboratory the illusion of choice, they usually live healthier lives, even if their choices are only two: mild electric shock and severe electric shock."
"But at least they can feel the difference in the outcome, so they are full of joy and live more flavorfully. However, if these rats and monkeys are not given any choice and are only subjected to continuous electric shocks, they will become increasingly anxious."
Clark exhaled, "I know, Godfather, you want to tell me that if our lives have no choices, then it will also be a mess."
Peter was stunned for a moment, then slowly nodded.
He hadn't expected Clark to possess such a philosophical mind.
It seems this kid has gained a lot of insights from reading Nietzsche.
"Choices are indeed difficult, Clark, but…"
Peter organized his words, "Regardless, as long as it is your own choice, there is no right or wrong or regret. The past you will not satisfy the present you, and the present you will not satisfy the future you. Just, Clark, follow your own heart."
Clark nodded upon hearing this; he probably understood what his Godfather meant.
Staring at the pitch-black night outside, he confided in Peter, "Actually, Godfather, I initially wanted to be a normal kid. When my super hearing first appeared, I thought I was sick, until I heard the voice of the child next door."
"To be a normal boy, with bruised knees and a wheezing cough, just like everyone else."
Clark rarely showed his vulnerability, "Dad said I must have my own mission, to bring a different change to this World. Godfather, can I… can I really do it? I'm afraid that if I make the wrong choice, I will disappoint you all."
"You will bring a different change to this World, Clark, but don't put pressure on yourself. You don't owe anyone anything."
Peter comforted the confused Clark, "No matter what choice you make, it will not affect your future."
Clark looked intently into Peter's eyes and asked uncertainly, "Really, Godfather?"
"Of course, Godfather has never lied."
Peter gently patted Clark's shoulder, "Godfather and your parents will never be disappointed in you."
"Thank you."
The next day, early morning.
In the school hallway, Clark thanked Mark.
Mark had just helped him fend off Whitney Fordham's harassment.
Whitney is the king of the kids at Smallville Elementary School and has been bothering Clark lately.
It started when Clark missed the school bus; Whitney made faces at him to mock him from the bus, but unexpectedly, by the time the school bus reached the school, Clark was already strolling along the sidewalk, which infuriated Whitney.
After the school bus incident, rumors began circulating at the school that Clark and Mark had superpowers.
Whitney then brought his lackeys to find Clark, wanting to prove that he didn't have any special abilities.
"You're welcome."
Mark put his backpack into the locker and said to Clark:
"'I owe you thanks'—that's the most trivial thing we can give to others. If you really want to thank me, Clark, you can help me mow the lawn at the farm. Of course, I'll split half of Dad's reward with you."
Mark, at this moment, transformed into a black-hearted capitalist, "Now Mr. Jones needs to train my flying ability, so I don't have time to earn pocket money."
Last night, Mark fully experienced the thrill of flying with Martian Manhunter, but as soon as he thought about not having time to earn pocket money in the future, his mood turned sour.
"Okay."
Clark nodded, agreeing to Mark's request.
Anyway, he had plenty of time.
"Thank you, Clark, you—my brother, you are the true hero."
Mark pointed at Clark with his finger, showing a heartfelt smile.
"That…"
Mark asked Clark cheerfully, "So before, you didn't fight Whitney?"
Clark shook his head, "No, he pushed me, but I didn't fight back."
"You should have punched him in the face."
Mark felt that Clark was a bit soft, "Dad said, you don't have to be afraid of people like that."
"I know, I'm not afraid."
Clark stated that he was not afraid of him, "He brought his followers just to prove one thing, which is that I am not an ordinary person. If I had really fought back, I would have fallen into his trap."
"That would attract bigger trouble."
Clark locked the locker door, "I won't be provoked by their clumsy methods."
"Perhaps there's another way."
Mark's eyes narrowed, "I'll go deal with that guy."
Clark immediately stopped him, "No, John, Godfather doesn't let us get into trouble."
"This isn't trouble; we are good kids, and what we are doing now is righteous."
Mark said confidently, "I believe Dad supports me too."
"But, John…"
"Alright, just leave it to me. At most, I'll just give him two black eyes. Don't worry."
Mark waved at Clark and walked towards the classroom.
Clark let out a helpless sigh and followed Mark's footsteps.
It seems he would have to tell Godfather about this.
Clark once again had the idea of "telling tales" in his mind.
The television in the classroom was broadcasting current news.
"According to the Fire Notice issued by the Kansas Forestry and Fire Bureau, a wildfire named 'Karl' erupted and spread from the McPherson City forest. Strong winds caused the Fire to gradually spread west and sweep through McPherson City, currently resulting in 2 Deaths and the evacuation of over a thousand residents."
Seeing the raging Fire on the television screen, Clark and Mark exchanged glances.
The announcer's voice continued, "Ralph Trasas, Director of the McPherson Fire Bureau, stated that the burned area on the northern edge of the city has exceeded 18 square kilometers, and at least 25 homes have been destroyed."
"Will the wildfire… spread to our small town?"
Mark asked with a frown.
Clark stared at the television screen and said hesitantly, "It shouldn't, there will be firefighters to put out the Fire."
As soon as he finished speaking, the announcer's voice came from the television:
"Currently, the Kansas Fire Department has jointly dispatched nearly 165 firefighters to combat the wildfire. Meteorologists predict that the upcoming rainy weather will help with the wildfire suppression, but a spokesperson for the Fire Department stated that given the current intensity of the wildfire, the effect of the rainy weather will be negligible."
Mark looked at the television screen and shrugged, imitating Peter, "Well, God bless the United States of America!"