After leaving Clark's room, Ben went to the living room, where May was waiting. From the worried look on her face, it was clear she was just as concerned about Clark's future as he was. When she saw Ben, she immediately walked over, thought for a moment, and said, "Ben, I think I could try running for community representative. What do you think?"
A hint of surprise flickered in Ben's eyes. It turned out his wife had the same idea as him. "May, we're on the same page. I still have my old biology books. I think I could try starting a business." They looked at each other, understanding that they both felt the same way: why should their child have to suppress his amazing talent?
Just as they hugged, feeling a connection in their thoughts, Ben's phone suddenly rang. It was the owner of the container he leased at the New York port. The lease was up for renewal, and he hadn't signed the new contract yet. The call at this moment gave him a bad feeling.
"Parker, I'm sorry to tell you that your contract might not go through smoothly. The reason is simple: someone offered more money than you and is willing to rent my container. We've reached an agreement."
Sure enough, something had gone wrong. The container Ben used to store the spaceship was about to be rented to someone else. This was arguably the worst possible situation. If others, like the government, found out Clark was likely an alien, they'd have countless ways to take Clark and the spaceship away for research.
"Please wait, I'll be there soon. Before I arrive, please don't open the container; it contains my private belongings." Ben had put the call on speaker, so May heard everything. Her eyes showed extreme worry.
"May, try to contact other private warehouses and moving trucks around here. It doesn't matter if it's a bit expensive, but that thing must not be seen by outsiders. I'm heading there now."
"I know. Go ahead."
A Race Against Time
Ben immediately drove to the port. He was very conflicted on the way. He knew that Clark merely showing his superhuman talent was one thing; those things could be hidden. But if the spaceship in the container, which was clearly beyond human technology, was discovered, then his good life might just come to an end.
On the way, Ben also called his brother, Richard, hoping he might have some good ideas. He knew his own limits. He was definitely capable, but he'd been living an ordinary life for so long that his ability alone couldn't handle everything.
But Richard's phone couldn't be reached. Ben checked the time; it was just past dinner. Although Richard was a researcher at the Oscorp Group, he usually didn't miss dinner at home.
"I hope nothing has happened," Ben muttered. His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. Although he didn't think he'd been exposed, what if? What if the spaceship had indeed attracted the attention of some powerful groups, and Richard was affected? Ben had to consider these serious possibilities.
With these troubling thoughts, Ben finally arrived at the port. After parking his car by the side of the road, he ran all the way to the container. He couldn't reach the container owner on the phone anymore, nor Richard. So Ben called May and asked about the warehouse and the truck.
It was at that moment that Ben reached the container. Looking at the person waiting there, his heart, which had been racing, finally calmed down.
"Ben... what happened? Ben? I've found a suitable warehouse, but none of the truck drivers are willing to work overtime, even if I offer double wages."
Listening to his wife's voice on the phone, Ben slowly raised his hand and pressed his fingers to his ear. "May, it's okay. Prepare dinner. We'll have guests tonight. We'll be back soon."
With that, Ben hung up and looked at the person who had been waiting for him. "My dear brother, you really scared me." Ben gave a wry smile. The person who had rented the container at a higher price was none other than Richard, who he hadn't been able to reach.
"Ben, you've learned to hide such important things from me," Richard said. He walked up and gave Ben a strong hug. Both brothers were clearly a bit upset, and they put all their strength into the hug, so much so that their faces turned red afterward.
"What did you tell me when I asked you? Clark was just an abandoned baby you found on the roadside while traveling on the farm? Then what is this?" Richard pointed to the nearby container.
He had given Ben enough respect, investigating this far without opening the container without permission. "If Clark's behavior wasn't so different from normal people, and if I didn't love you and Clark, so I investigated it in my own way, how long would you have kept it secret from me?"
Ben smiled bitterly. He truly hadn't been thoughtful enough. He was so focused on protecting Clark that he forgot about Richard. His brother was definitely someone he could trust. "I'm sorry, Richard. I'll explain this to you."
As he spoke, Ben took out the key to the container, opened the door, and revealed the spaceship inside before Richard's shocked eyes. "Clark is indeed an abandoned baby, but he wasn't abandoned on the roadside. Instead, he was an alien who fell from the sky and landed right in front of May and me."
A Family United
Back home in Queens, Richard sat on the sofa, rubbing his forehead. "So, Clark's behavior is even more exaggerated than what I know so far? Sister-in-law, you held back a little when you were chatting with Mary, right?"
May gave an embarrassed smile. After all, Ben hadn't told Richard everything at first, so she naturally left out some details when talking to Mary.
"But there's one thing I completely agree with," Richard said, suddenly changing the subject from his distress. "That's the change you two have made. My brother and sister-in-law have never been ordinary people. While letting Clark curb his talents, it's absolutely right for you to become his solid support."
Working at the Oscorp Group and having met many powerful people, Richard had a deep understanding of this world. If a genius is born into a royal family, they might become a revered figure, but if they're born in a slum, that genius could become an outcast.
"Since you're willing to change, why not add me as well!"