"This week."
Watson muttered under his breath.
George, distracted by thoughts of how to comfort her, didn't catch what Watson had said."What?"
"This week!" Watson repeated, then added,"The Mexicans are already here. Tony took this batch of goods and is reselling it for a profit."
"Where's the warehouse?" George asked.
Watson shrugged."How would I know? I've only been following him for two years."
George gave him a pat on the shoulder."Once we crack this case, we'll retire."
Watson smirked."Oh please, I've heard that line more than three thousand times already."
George handed him a brown envelope. Watson took it and frowned."What's this? Ugh, this junk again. With all the money the department has, can't they get us some decent gear?"
He opened the envelope. Inside was a bug the size of a matchbox.
"Huh? What's this?"
He also pulled out a wristwatch."A hidden camera? Where's the lens?"
Watson turned the watch left and right but couldn't spot any trace of a camera.
George chuckled."February 25th is your birthday, you rascal."
"Come on, I never wear watches."
Despite his complaint, Watson's hands betrayed him. He undid the strap, carefully slipped the watch onto his left wrist, then lifted his arm to show it off in front of George.
George nodded in approval."Well?"
Watson smirked again."Tch. How much did this thing cost? Did you expense it?"
"Nope. That watch cost me a month's salary."
"Yeah, right. Like I'd believe"
Scene change. Spider-boy stood just outside the classroom door. Even though he'd sprinted all the way, he was still late.
"Peter Parker!"
A teacher in a short skirt, black stockings, high heels, and a crisp white shirt glared at him.
"This is the seventh time you've been late this semester. Is it my class that doesn't interest you, or is it me?"
This striking teacher's name was Alice. She was in her early thirties and taught English at the university. About 165 cm tall, she had long, shapely legs and an enviably balanced figure. Her curvy hips stood out in contrast to her slim waist.
Her legs (flawless and toned) were wrapped tightly in seductive, stretchy black velvet leggings.
Peter lowered his head, unable to meet the stern gaze from behind her gold-rimmed glasses.
"Uh, I was… on the way and ..." he stammered, fumbling for an excuse.
"Alright, save it. You always trip over your words. I'm starting to think you've been out saving the world."
The class chuckled as Alice adjusted her glasses, her sarcasm sharp but playful. The room lit up with laughter.
"Go to your seat," she said, pointing toward it.
Peter mumbled a reply and shuffled over to his seat, head still low.
"Hey..."
He looked up, confused about who had called out. Scanning the room, his eyes landed on the blonde girl he had met on the bus just a few days earlier—Gwen Stacy.
"What's your name?" Gwen asked with a bright smile.
"You don't know my name?" Peter looked slightly disheartened.
"Of course I do," Gwen said, blushing a little. They had only met once, and Peter hadn't been to class since, so her memory was a bit fuzzy.
"Peter. Peter Parker," he repeated.
Gwen smiled."Got it. I'll remember."
Peter, still a little crushed from Alice's scolding, perked up instantly thanks to Gwen's warmth. His mood lifted noticeably.
He rested his head on the desk, eyes fixed on Gwen's golden ponytail, and whispered,"You're Gwen."
"Gwen Stacy," she replied with a smile as she turned back around.
Peter nodded."Right. Actually, I was late today because I ran into two robbers on the bus."
Gwen turned her head quickly."Robbers? Two of them? Were you in danger?"
Just as Peter was about to respond, Alice's voice cut in from the podium."Peter Parker! Not only are you late, but now you're chatting in class. Get outside and reflect on your behavior!"
Gwen immediately lowered her head, glanced at Peter apologetically, and whispered,"Sorry."
Peter waved it off and walked out of the classroom without complaint.
Just then, a girl walked past clearly prioritizing fashion over warmth. Her long, pale legs immediately caught Peter's eye and lifted his spirits. His gaze slowly drifted upward, past her flat stomach, her prominent curves, and finally to her pretty face.
But he didn't recognize her.
"You're Peter, right? I heard you're good with a camera," the girl said with a friendly smile.
Peter shyly nodded.
"Are you free this Friday?"
Peter froze. Was this… a date?Could it be that his luck had finally changed?
It was the first time a girl had ever asked him out. He couldn't waste the opportunity!
He nodded eagerly."Of course."
The girl beamed."Great! Could you take some photos of my boyfriend's car? I want to pick the best one, frame it, and give it to him as a birthday gift."
Peter's excitement instantly deflated, but he still smiled and said,"You're really thoughtful. That's a great idea. I'll have to check my schedule."
The girl nodded, waved goodbye, and walked off.
The smile faded from Peter's face. He sighed.So much for a miracle, he was still just as invisible as ever.
Ring ring ring...
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Peter followed the crowd out of the academic building.
He quickly spotted Gwen sitting on a bench, reading a book. She looked composed and graceful. Her legs, wrapped in sheer stockings, swayed gently an effortlessly elegant sight.
Unable to resist, Peter raised his camera and snapped a shot of the picturesque scene.
"Woohoo!"
A commotion broke out nearby. Peter looked up to see a crowd gathering, though he couldn't see what was going on.
Curious, he walked over and spotted someone familiar: Flash.
Flash was well-known around campus. Wealthy family. Captain of the basketball team. Tall, fairly good-looking. He had no shortage of female fans.
But he had one major flaw, he liked to pick on quiet, honest students.
At that moment, Flash had a skinny boy named Gordon in a headlock, shoving his face into a lunchbox. The reason? During that morning's placement test, Flash had tried to copy Gordon's answers, and Gordon had refused.
(End of Chapter)
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