Chapter 259: I’m Calling the Police

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*****

A glass of plain water, a bowl of noodles, and a warm little face.

When someone has hit rock bottom and lost all hope, seeing something like this can suddenly breathe a bit of life back into them.

White steam rose in front of his eyes, carrying the aroma of the noodles straight into his nose, making his mouth water involuntarily.

Even though he still didn't feel hungry, he couldn't control his body's instinctive reaction.

"Uncle, eat up! It's really delicious," Gwen said cheerfully, handing Bruce a pair of chopsticks. "Once you're full, everything will feel better."

Bruce took the chopsticks and nodded at Gwen. He tried to smile at her, but the bitterness and sorrow in his heart only let him force out a smile that looked more painful than crying.

Gwen blinked, then said with distaste, "That smile is awful. Maybe don't smile at all."

"Sorry, she tends to speak without thinking,"

Mike said with a smile as he walked over. When he saw the smile on Bruce's face, he paused and added, "It really is a terrible smile."

Bruce: "..."

So… do you think before you speak?

Gwen looked up at Mike, wearing a look that said she stood by her words.

Bruce watched the father and daughter and felt a surprising warmth in his heart.

"Mike Kent,"

Mike said calmly, extending his hand.

Bruce quickly set down his chopsticks and rasped out, "Bruce Banner."

So it really was him.

Mike noted silently, casting a quick glance at Gwen.

Next time, maybe bring home a mermaid or something…

"Try it. I've got some confidence in my cooking."

Mike said with a light smile.

Bruce thanked him and picked up the chopsticks again, but still couldn't bring himself to start eating.

The sorrow and grief in his heart were still suppressing his appetite.

"Mind telling me what happened?"

Mike asked casually.

Truth be told, he was quite curious about what had happened.

Before his transformation, Bruce was one of the top minds in physics. After transforming, he became the Hulk—one of the most powerful beings in the world.

What kind of event could reduce such a person to this?

Bruce opened his mouth, gave a bitter smile, and shook his head.

Mike and Gwen, who had both been ready to listen, watched him and let their expectant expressions fall.

What the heck?

Mike and Gwen glanced at each other, both clearly a little disappointed.

Seeing their expressions, Bruce suddenly felt like it would be wrong not to say anything.

So, after a moment's hesitation, he opened his mouth and said, "My girlfriend was killed—right in front of me."

Even though he tried to stay calm, his mind uncontrollably replayed what had happened the night before, and a faint green light flickered in his eyes.

Just then, Mike suddenly asked, "Do you want some water?"

Bruce froze, snapped out of it, and let out a couple of quick breaths, a flash of fear passing through his eyes.

"Gwen, get a fresh glass of water."

"Okay!"

Gwen obediently picked up Bruce's cup and walked to the kitchen.

After she left, Mike said with a gentle smile, "If it were me, I'd take that person out first—then think about everything else."

"So you really want to die that badly?"

Bruce said nothing but clenched his fists tightly.

Mike went on, "My daughter is adopted. When she was six, she watched her birth father get beaten to death. Don't tell me you're weaker than a child, Bruce."

That child went through something that brutal?

Bruce was quietly stunned.

"Uncle, here's your water!"

Gwen came out, placed the cup in front of Bruce, propped her chin up with both hands, and gave him a big smile.

Bruce couldn't help but say, "You're really strong, Gwen."

Gwen paused, then suddenly turned to Mike with a glare and said angrily, "Dad! Did you tell him I got scared after watching that horror movie last night and couldn't sleep?!"

Mike blinked and said, "I didn't!"

"You definitely did!"

Mike: "..."

Watching the father and daughter bicker, Bruce couldn't help but smile.

He lowered his head and looked at the noodles in his bowl, then picked up his chopsticks.

Yes—he still had things to do.

Abomination. Mr. Blue. And… Ross.

A cold glint flashed through his eyes. He fiercely picked up a large clump of noodles and stuffed it into his mouth. Bite after bite, he ate faster and faster.

Before long, the bowl was completely empty—down to the last drop of broth.

A warm feeling spread through his stomach, slowly bringing energy back to his body.

"Thank you. Both of you."

He stood up, folded the blanket that had been draped over him, and was about to head out when Gwen leaned toward Mike, whispered, and said, "Dad, I don't think he paid… Is he dining and dashing?"

Bruce: "..."

W-Was I supposed to pay…?

Mike nodded, then turned to Bruce and said, "Friend, are you trying to dine and dash? I might have to turn you into ramen."

Ramen?! Weren't you talking about making buns earlier?

Wait, that's not the point.

Weren't we just having a sincere, heartfelt moment? How did it suddenly become all about money?

Bruce was a little stunned.

Gwen stood up, puffed out her cheeks, and said angrily, "You're not allowed to leave until you've paid!"

"I… I don't have any money. I'll pay you back once I do," Bruce muttered, his face flushing slightly.

"Not trustworthy," Mike said, shaking his head as he stood up and began clearing the dishes. "You can work here tomorrow to pay it off."

Work to pay it off?!

Before Bruce could say no, Gwen was already clapping with joy like a decision had been made: "It's settled then!"

Settled?! I didn't even get a word in!

"This is for you."

Gwen shoved the blanket back into Bruce's arms and tugged him to sit down again. In a serious tone, she said, "You're not allowed to leave until your debt is paid!"

Bruce stared blankly at Gwen. He noticed her glancing anxiously out the window again and again, and suddenly he understood.

It was raining outside. She was worried he'd end up back out there, like before.

Bruce gripped the blanket tightly, overcome with the sudden urge to cry.

Just then, Mike emerged from the kitchen and said quickly, "You'll stay and watch the shop tonight. That'll count as payment for the noodles."

Bruce stammered, "I think I'd rather—"

"Dad."

At that moment, Clark walked in, holding a bag in his hand.

After getting home from work and finding the house empty, he'd called Mike a few minutes earlier. Once he learned Gwen had "picked someone up," he came over right away.

He glanced curiously at Bruce, nodded at him, then exchanged a look with Mike. In that moment, he understood what was going on and barked, "You're not allowed to leave! If you try, I'm calling the cops!"

As he spoke, he shoved the bag into Bruce's hands.

Bruce looked down—it was a set of clean clothes.

"There's a chair over there you can sleep on, and the bathroom is across from the kitchen if you want to shower."

Mike rattled off the instructions quickly. Before Bruce could react, he and Clark took Gwen and hurried out the door.

Just before leaving, Gwen turned around, made a fist in a cheering gesture, and gave Bruce a warm, encouraging smile.

(End of Chapter)