Damn it, I’m surrounded by those who kill their fathers!

Bruce approached Peter, and the two moved to a secluded spot.

"Sir, is there an issue?" Bruce asked curiously.

"Do you really like her?" Peter inquired, his gaze fixed on Bruce.

"Of course, she's my destined one," Bruce replied firmly. "She's given me a purpose in life, sir."

"But you don't seem to know her very well," Peter pointed out, scrutinizing Bruce's expression, trying to discern if he was enchanted or just caught in the trap of sudden love.

"Bruce, it's been less than a day. Her personality, her background—you don't know these things. I think you should be more cautious."

Bruce nodded. "I understand what you mean, sir. Even though we haven't known each other long, the feeling she gives me is like I've been waiting for her forever. That kind of feeling doesn't lie."

"Are you still planning to travel the world?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I'll have to think carefully about that," Bruce said with a conflicted expression.

"Is that so? Don't forget the path you originally chose, Bruce," Peter said, patting his shoulder. "Life is inherently lonely. We yearn for others because we fear the unknown. But clinging to love is a sign of fearing life. Only by embracing the solitude within ourselves can we become truly strong."

After speaking, Peter turned and left.

Bruce watched Peter's retreating figure, a mixture of confusion and doubt clouding his mind.

Night.

In the barn, after John and Star-Lord had fallen asleep, Peter stood gazing at the starry sky.

When he had free time, Peter often came here to observe the stars. His love for astronomy had likely been sparked by a meteor shower.

The clear night sky was adorned with brilliant stars. A milky-white band stretched across the sky, catching Peter's attention.

The band resembled a spiraling galaxy, exuding a unique allure.

"The Guardians of the Galaxy?" he mused, recalling the team Star-Lord was part of in his past life.

"Unfortunately, you won't be the King of the Galaxy this time," Peter muttered, shaking his head to dispel the thought. Picking up his professional telescope, he resumed observing the stars.

As he focused, footsteps echoed on the wooden stairs.

Lowering the telescope, Peter turned to see Katie ascending in a sensual purple dress.

"Ms. Witzniewski?" Peter frowned. "Are you here for Bruce? He's not around."

"No," Katie shook her head, smiling faintly. "Actually, I'm here to see you."

"Me?" Peter glanced around, puzzled. "I think Bruce wouldn't appreciate you being here in the dead of night, especially with just the two of us."

"Why bring him up? Let's talk about you instead," Katie said, drawing closer and licking her red lips seductively.

"You carry so many secrets, Peter, as deep and boundless as the stars. I'd like to be the explorer who unravels them," she whispered.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "You like astronomy?"

"I do," Katie replied, stepping closer. "But I like you even more. Most girls prefer young men, but I'm drawn to mature men like you."

Peter frowned. "Do I look old to you?" He felt slightly insulted.

"No, you're not old—you're mature. And I love that," Katie breathed, exuding charm.

Peter smirked. "Really? That's an interesting take."

Katie continued, "The first time I saw you at school, I was captivated. Honestly, I'd like to strengthen our relationship."

As she reached out to touch his shoulder, Peter caught her arm.

"Sorry, I'm not interested in strengthening any relationship with you," he said firmly.

"What?!" Katie stared in shock. She hadn't expected her charms to fail.

"Five years ago, you divorced a bank president and took half his wealth. Shortly after, he mysteriously disappeared. Then you became a teacher at Smallville High," Peter said, releasing her arm and walking to the barn's edge.

"What's strange is that your records before that were unremarkable, but your image now is entirely different. It's almost as if you're a completely different person. Care to explain, Ms. Witzniewski?"

Katie's eyes narrowed. "You've been investigating me?"

"And you've been investigating me. Why shouldn't I return the favor?" Peter countered.

Katie quickly denied it. "No, I haven't."

"Then why did you say I'm full of mystery?"

"That's just… a feeling," Katie stammered.

Peter approached her and said flatly, "I don't believe in feelings. Here's a warning: if you don't want trouble, stay away from Bruce."

Katie's expression grew complicated. "Who are you, Peter Podrick?"

"You don't need to know," Peter replied, leaving.

The Next Morning.

Peter descended the stairs and noticed Katie was gone.

"Bruce, where's your girlfriend?" Peter asked.

"She said she had to leave for something," Bruce replied.

John, watching TV nearby, commented ominously, "She doesn't like you, Bruce."

"What?!" Bruce exclaimed, shocked.

"She just likes your money. She has no interest in someone as immature as you," John declared bluntly.

Bruce was enraged and grabbed John, forgetting the latter's superhuman strength.

Unfazed, John added, "I think she likes Dad more. Though if she wants to be my mom, I'd never agree!"

"Hey, John!" Peter interjected, stopping John from going further.

Turning to Peter with a sheepish grin, John said, "Dad, I was just giving Bruce some dating advice."

"What advice could you possibly have?" Peter asked skeptically.

"Dating failures, Dad. Girls at school don't like me, so I know they'd reject me. That's failure experience," John said earnestly.

Peter sighed. "That's not dating failure, John. That's life failure."

John was left speechless, momentarily.

After Bruce left, Peter turned to John. "You saw what happened in the barn last night, didn't you?"

Caught off guard, John admitted, "Okay, I did. But it wasn't intentional!"

"Dad, you don't like her, right?" John asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because it's a shame," John said, feigning regret.

"What's a shame?" Peter asked suspiciously.

"Well," John hesitated, then blurted, "if you stole Bruce's girlfriend and made him call her 'Mom,' that'd be so cool!"

Peter was stunned. "What?! When did you become so twisted?"

Just as John realized he'd crossed a line, the phone rang.

Peter answered, and his expression darkened as he listened.

The suspect in a recent case of spontaneous human combustion was Katie?!

...

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