Kamen Rider ZZZ, the American comic book spiritual mentor

After school, at the coffee shop near the entrance of Midtown High School, Lin Nan couldn't resist Gwen's questioning any longer and called Wanda, sending her an address.

Gwen, Peter, and Lin Nan ordered drinks and waited quietly for Wanda to arrive.

There was no one else inside; it was quiet. Only three people sat at a table in the corner, staring at each other.

“Why don’t you two heroes speak?” Gwen asked.

Lin Nan gave Peter a look, meaning, "Your girlfriend, you go first."

"Um...Gwen...I didn't mean to hide it from you, it's just that..."

Gwen waved her hand and said with a grin, "No need to explain to me. My dad's job is also very special, so I understand your behavior. Actually, I've known for a long time and I've been holding it in, but that's not what I'm asking today."

"What is that?" Peter relaxed. "Ask me anything, and I... I'll tell you everything I can..."

"Lin, is Wanda also a superpowered person?"

Lin Nan nodded.

Where's Harry?

"I guess so, but it's not pure."

"So, does that mean I'm the only ordinary person in our circle?"

Gwen, biting her straw, opened her mouth in an "O" shape and exclaimed in surprise, then asked, "What about Uncle Norman? Is he still alive?"

“Yes, the green monster flying in the sky that the rumors on the forum are talking about, that’s him.” Lin Nan nodded. “He’s still alive, and he’ll probably come out under a different identity soon.”

Silence fell, complete silence.

All that could be heard was Gwen slurping her milk tea, her two bright blue eyes darting around, lost in thought.

"One more question: what is your relationship with Iron Man and Spider-Man?"

Peter looked up abruptly and pointed at Lin Nan: "His nephew, you ask him."

"puff!"

Gwen spat out a mouthful of milk tea, choking and coughing: "Cough cough cough, what?! Are you serious or joking?"

"Billionaire Tony Stark is your nephew?"

Lin Nan glanced at Peter and said with a wry smile, "I guess so, but I don't know if it counts."

"My friends are all great heroes who save the world, and I'm the only mortal?"

"Oh my god..."

As Gwen was marveling at this, the coffee shop door rang, and a girl of similar age walked in.

She had long brown hair tied in a bun, fair and delicate skin, exquisite features, and a tall and slender figure. She wore a white shirt, jeans, and canvas shoes, exuding a youthful charm.

Gwen immediately stood up and said excitedly, "You must be Wanda! You're so beautiful. I'm Gwen, it's nice to meet you."

Somewhat shy and socially awkward, Wanda wasn't quite used to this enthusiasm. Blushing, she extended her hand and shook it: "My name is Wanda, hello."

He then sat down next to Lin Nan, keeping his head down and remaining silent.

Actually, this was the first time Lin Nan had seen Wanda dressed like this; she looked like an ordinary girl, pure and lovely.

Lin Nan felt a sense of relief and satisfaction that Wanda could have an ordinary, happy life.

He smelled the faint fragrance emanating from Wanda and felt inexplicably nervous. He said, "Gwen is Peter's girlfriend. They really want to meet you, so I called you."

Upon hearing this reason, Wanda pursed her lips, a sweet feeling welling up inside her.

What is Lin Nan doing? In what capacity did he call me here?

The clever Gwen immediately saw the stage the two were in, just like she and Peter were back then—ambiguous, but not quite there yet, they hadn't officially crossed that line.

“Wanda, what would you like to drink? I’ll go get you something,” Gwen asked.

"Have some tea, I like tea."

"it is good!"

Gwen got up, went to the bar, ordered a cup of tea, and handed it to Wanda.

Wanda, your tea.

"Thank you."

The four people looked at each other, and the atmosphere was somewhat amusing.

Lin Nan almost wanted to run away. He hadn't been in such an awkward situation in a long time. It was obvious that Gwen was going to pull out a surprise move to repay his kindness in bringing them together.

Every cause has its effect! I want to escape!

Lin Nan was fully aware of the girl's feelings for him. Was he moved? Of course he was.

This girl always evokes sympathy. She cherishes even the smallest acts of kindness from others, remembering them fondly. She is sincere, kind, passionate, and pure.

But deep down he didn't want to face it, because this world is full of changes and risks.

But if something were to happen to me or Wanda, leaving the other person alone to bear the loneliness, how cruel that would be.

Gwen observed the expressions of the couple opposite her and asked, "Wanda, what do you think of the Lin people?"

Such a direct statement hit Wanda right in the face; she truly lives up to her reputation as a child of a free country, always sticking to the straight line.

Unexpectedly, the previously shy Wanda didn't hesitate at all: "He's my superhero, someone as important as my brother!"

"Wow, I didn't expect such a good impression. Lin, you should say something!" Gwen, who was always perceptive, urged, noticing Lin Nan's hesitation.

But after observing Lin Nan's expression, she quickly understood the reason, her smile faded, and she said seriously, "Lin, do you know what I said to Peter when we were together that day?"

"You said."

“I told him that no matter if we are healthy or sick, poor or rich, we will be together and face everything together. If something happens to one of us, the other will have beautiful memories and be able to live on strongly.”

"Those who live in love are ultimately much happier than those who live in regret. If you are afraid of losing and don't start, Lin, then you will always feel regret and pain."

As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a warmth in her palm as a large hand gripped hers tightly. Looking down, she saw it was Peter.

The two held hands under the table, looked at each other, and smiled.

This is what a true spiritual mentor is.

"Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly." Upon hearing these words, Lin Nan finally began to think about these matters.

Having been in this world for so long, to be honest, at first he regarded all the people around him as NPCs in a game, used to gain karma points and improve his strength.

But as time went on, the genuine, flesh-and-blood qualities of these friends made him realize the reality of this world; they were human beings.

Peter is sincere and kind, possessing the softest inner qualities and outward appearance.

Gwen is sharp-witted, brave, and always passionate, like a little sun.

Tony, beneath his prickly exterior lies a soft and gentle heart. Though he may be a smooth talker, he always steps up in crucial moments, offering help without complaint.

Harry and Matt each carry their own burdens and helplessness, yet they always remain kind-hearted.

The brilliance of humanity these people possessed reminded Lin Nan time and again that this was a real world.

Lin Nan always internally emphasized the importance of self-interest, convincing herself to be a selfish person, but faced with these genuinely heartwarming and touching stories...

Is it better to continue running away from danger that hasn't even happened yet, or to bravely face it and actively embrace happiness?

The café was silent as Peter and Gwen held hands and waited quietly.

Wanda lowered her head, sipping her tea and fiddling with the teacup. After a while, she bit her lip, determined to change the subject: "Lin, actually I'm not..."

Her body suddenly stiffened as she felt a warmth on the back of her hand, and a hand gently covered it.

Then they parted their fingertips and intertwined their fingers firmly yet gently.

She looked up and met his eyes, which shone like stars.

"Maybe Gwen is right, and I'm overthinking it."

"I have to admit that in some ways I am indeed a bit cowardly. I am always afraid that one day I will wake up and find that everything I have has become a dream."

"I'm also afraid of losing some precious friends one day, but in reality, I'm already entangled in this world and can't get out."

"As long as I am strong enough, I have nothing to fear about losing."

"So, Wanda, will you stay with me forever?"

Wanda was stunned for a long time, then smiled. She nodded slowly, as if fulfilling the most precious and solemn promise in the world, firm yet gentle.

"Although I don't understand some of it, I do understand whether you're willing or not. I'm willing, Lin."

"No matter what happens, I will be by your side, just like you suddenly appeared out of nowhere and became my hero."

Their hands were clasped together, their fingers intertwined, like an old tree taking root.

At this moment, Lin Nan felt that he was finally a part of this world, no longer an anomaly that had been stitched in.

He found friends and a lover, and embraced other meanings beyond mere survival.

As dusk fell and the streetlights came on, two couples walked under the streetlights, chatting and laughing.

The moon hung high, a small, narrow crescent, radiating a silvery-white light, clear and cold, and shining through the clouds with a faint pink hue that went unnoticed.

Chapter 113 is here again.

Peter and Gwen left first, leaving Lin Nan and Wanda alone.

After so many days in New York, Wanda has gained a little weight. She is no longer as slender as she was at the beginning and has gradually become more plump, with her curves showing.

With a height of 1.7 meters and delicate features, she is practically an impeccable beauty.

Walking under the moonlight, he held Lin Nan's hand tightly and didn't let go until they reached a secluded alley and suddenly stopped.

She turned her head and said softly, "I feel like I'm dreaming."

"Actually, I don't care about strength. Before I met you, I often hated myself."

“I often think that if my brother and I were just ordinary people, we wouldn’t have to go through so much suffering and hardship.”

"After meeting you, I slowly began to accept the power within me and started to look forward to life. Now I have hope, because of you."