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*****
The battle in Times Square stirred up a huge commotion.
After the fight, the streets looked like they had been ravaged by war—utterly shocking.
And then there was the footage from that night's battle.
The howling giant, the rain of light falling from the sky, and the red cape fluttering through the air…
Every frame of the video defied imagination, shattering people's understanding of the world bit by bit.
For a time, newspapers, TV, and the internet were flooded with news of the fight. People couldn't stop talking about it.
But no matter how shocked they were now, no matter how unbelievable it all seemed, as time passed, things inevitably settled down.
After all, for most people, this kind of thing couldn't put food on the table. Once the shock wore off, they just moved on.
Day by day, life gradually returned to normal.
As summer vacation drew closer, Gwen became a human countdown timer, announcing the approaching break for Mike.
"Dad! I'm almost on summer break! Only one week to go!"
"Dad, just three days left!"
"Dad, only two days!"
"Dad, the school is organizing a charity sale event."
"Hm?"
Mike blinked, tilting his head at Gwen, who had become the self-appointed ambassador for summer vacation. It took him a moment to process what she said.
"A what event?"
"A charity sale event!"
Mike chuckled to himself, then deliberately frowned in confusion. "A what kind of event?"
"A charity sale event!"
"A charity what?"
Gwen sighed and looked helplessly at Mike, placing a palm on her forehead and beckoning him over.
When Mike bent down, she grabbed his head and took a deep breath by his ear, just about to shout when Mike suddenly stood up. "Oh… I got it now, a charity sale event."
Gwen, who was just about to let out a yell, choked on the breath she had built up—
(╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻
"You were messing with me!"
She glared at Mike, puffing out her cheeks. Mike, grinning mischievously, pinched her nose. She slapped him twice in frustration, then ruffled his hair.
"Hahaha!" Mike laughed heartily. "So, when's it happening? Tomorrow?"
"Yep!" Gwen nodded excitedly, flashing a big smile. "It's the last day of the term, and we don't have any classes. So lucky!"
"Alright, tell me what this charity event is all about."
"Oh, that…" Gwen tapped her chin. "It's when we bring stuff we don't need and sell it. All the money we raise gets donated to help people in need."
That sounded like a meaningful activity.
"Since there are only so many booths, anyone who wants to participate as a seller has to sign up in advance and get approved by a teacher."
At this point, Gwen's face lit up with pride. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a badge, and held it high above her head.
"Ta-da! Look! I got approved by my teacher!"
Mike took the badge and examined it.
"Charity Sale Event – Stall No. 18."
He read it silently, then handed it back to Gwen while casually asking, "How many stalls are there in total?"
"About forty-something."
Gwen carefully put the badge away, then tugged on Mike's arm. "Dad, help me out. I don't know how much I should sell my stuff for."
"Go home first and gather everything you don't need."
"Things I don't need…" Gwen suddenly tilted her head and glanced at Thor, who was busy in the shop.
Feeling her stare, Thor turned and smiled at Gwen, his double chin now more prominent than ever.
Gwen blinked, then looked up at Mike.
Mike flicked her forehead with a laugh. "Don't even think about it!"
Rubbing her forehead, Gwen muttered under her breath, "Then maybe I'll just sell off one of my brothers."
Mike: "…"
"I'm heading home. Dad, come back early!"
Calling out as she ran, Gwen dashed out of the shop.
"Boss, your daughter's adorable."
"Of course she is!"
Mike lifted his chin proudly, his face beaming with pride.
…
The next morning, at eight o'clock.
It was "wonderful" weather.
The sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze stirred, and the summer heat made you want to shout the name of some cool, leafy plant. Thankfully, the school had anticipated this and provided shaded canopies over each booth—otherwise, these kids might have collapsed from heatstroke by noon.
Mike helped Gwen carry her boxes of goods to Booth No. 18, then left the school grounds. After all, this was the children's event—parents weren't allowed to interfere.
Gwen and Mike had already agreed on prices the night before, and each item bore a price tag. Every booth had a donation box. Once buyer and seller confirmed a sale and counted the money, they simply dropped the cash into the box.
Each booth was just a long table made by arranging several desks. With everything displayed, you were ready for business.
Although it was for charity, the school wanted to motivate the kids: the stall that raised the most money would win a special—but as yet undisclosed—prize.
Gwen opened her box and arranged her items:
Boxing gloves
Weighted vest
Speed bag
Assorted snacks and candy
A few plush toys
She surveyed her display with satisfaction.
Just then, Peter and Luke arrived carrying another small box.
They hadn't registered for their own booth but would share Gwen's.
"Quick—bring out your treasures!" Gwen smiled, curious what they'd chosen to sell.
Luke glanced at her toys and teased, "Gwen, you're just like all the other little girls!" He unloaded his goods: water guns, a basketball, and some bizarre masks.
"I am a girl!" Gwen retorted.
Peter timidly set down his box. He'd brought mostly books—and only a single Rubik's Cube.
Gwen patted them both on the shoulder. "Great! Thanks for helping Booth 18!"
Luke put on a black-and-white horror mask, then handed one to each of them. "Hurry—put these on. Business starts any minute!"
Gwen and Peter looked at their masks.
Gwen had a chimpanzee face, Peter an alien, and Luke's was a spooky skull.
"Are you sure we're supposed to be selling things, not robbing people?" Peter asked.
"You don't get it!" Luke pulled his mask down over his head. "Show some personality—then you'll draw customers!"
He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "With these masks on, we can be whoever we want and boldly call out for buyers—no embarrassment at all!"
Gwen and Peter exchanged glances. Somehow… it made sense.
(End of Chapter)