Chapter 37: What If I Say No?

“It’s beautiful.”

At the Padrick Farm, Azur gazed at the small fish glowing with a green light in the aquarium.

When Peter returned from the Smowell River, he casually caught two small fish irradiated by kryptonite and tossed them into the tank.

Curious and excited, Azur asked Peter, “Dad, what kind of fish are these?”

Peter examined their shapes and said, “They should be chisel-mouth fish.”

The oddly shaped chisel-mouth fish were attracted, staring at Peter’s finger as it touched the glass of the fish tank.

“I’ve never seen this kind of fish before.”

Azur wanted to reach his hand in but held back. Looking up at Peter, he asked, “Dad, is this a mermaid?”

“No, this isn’t a mermaid,” Peter shook his head. “Mermaids live in the sea.”

“Then do mermaids really exist in this world, Dad?” Azur continued, full of curiosity.

Peter thought for a moment. Since this world has a Sea King, mermaid-like creatures must exist too. However, these mermaids aren’t like the ones in stories that grant immortality.

Peter touched his hair and said, “That’s something you’ll have to explore.”

Azur nodded confidently. “If they really exist, I’ll catch one for you and keep it in the fish tank.”

“Is that so? I look forward to it.”

He wanted to say, “Dad is already immortal, so can I catch a mermaid instead?” but thought it sounded too frivolous and swallowed the words.

“Dad.”

Not knowing his father was lost in thought, Azur turned around and asked, puzzled, “You said I’m not allowed to reveal my powers with Clark. Why didn’t you scold us when we made a mistake?”

Looking at the fish that nearly dragged Clark to the riverbed, Azur recalled the scene from earlier that day.

Peter said, “Because you and Clark are still kids, it’s unrealistic to restrain you with adult logic. When a crisis hits, even adults can’t always make the best choice. Most people act on deeply ingrained instincts. You and Clark just followed your inner instincts.”

Azur scratched his head, feeling a little confused.

He thought for a moment and asked again, “Then why did you say what we did was neither right nor wrong, but that we would lose something?”

Peter looked at Azur’s eager face. This kid, like Clark, had become a walking “Why” machine.

“You and Clark chose to save lives, but those you saved will both be grateful and fearful. When you are seen as different, it’s hard to maintain your mindset. Your peaceful life will never be the same.”

Azur nodded, roughly understanding his father’s meaning.

Dad was saying he would lose the tranquility of his current life.

“It’s okay, as long as Dad’s with me.”

Azur felt it wasn’t a big deal.

Seeing Azur no longer troubled, Peter knew the boy had accepted it.

“All right, it’s getting late. John, go upstairs and sleep.”

He patted Azur’s shoulder and told him to go to bed.

“Okay.”

Azur obediently nodded.

Just as he was about to go upstairs, he turned back with determination and said to Peter, “Dad, if the school bus ever falls into the river again, I won’t save anyone—unless you’re in there, then I will.”

“Thump! Thump! Thump!”

After saying that, Azur ran upstairs.

Standing by the fish tank, Peter’s mood grew complicated.

Kid, are you cursing me or saving me?

...

The next day.

Clark and Azur were sent to attend school-organized psychological counseling.

At the Kent Farm, Jonathan and Martha were busy loading soybeans into the truck’s cargo bed.

While they were busy, an unexpected visitor arrived at the farm.

“Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent.”

A young Black man wearing sunglasses entered the farm and greeted them.

“Who are you...?”

Jonathan stopped his work, surprised at the unfamiliar visitor.

The young man removed his glasses. “I’m Horace Hawkins.”

The older Horace, disguised as a young man, had adopted a false name. “I’m from the Smowell Police Department and want to ask you about something.”

He pulled out a fake police badge, showed it briefly to Jonathan, then put it away.

“I want to talk to you about yesterday’s school bus accident. Isn’t Clark around?”

Seeing the police officer here specifically for this matter, Martha cast an uneasy glance at her husband.

Jonathan gently tapped his wife’s arm, speaking calmly. “Our child was also a victim of the accident. He’s now undergoing counseling. I don’t think it’s appropriate to question him right now.”

“Uh-huh.”

Horace nodded and said to Jonathan, “I’m not here to question Clark, but you.”

“Us?”

In the living room, Jonathan and Martha exchanged a glance.

Jonathan hesitated and asked, “What do you want to know, Officer Hawkins?”

Horace picked up his coffee cup, speaking calmly, “I investigated adoption records from the Smowell Welfare Institute six years ago. Between April and July, only one girl was adopted.”

He pulled out a printed document and placed it on the table. “According to your registration, you adopted a baby boy from the institute in July six years ago, and the institute provided proof.”

“How strange!”

He sipped the coffee lightly. “Why did you adopt a baby boy when the number of babies at the institute did not decrease?”

Hearing this, Martha gripped her husband’s hand tightly.

She knew something had been discovered.

Horace continued, “There’s only one explanation: Clark was not adopted from the welfare institute, and you... have both lied.”

Jonathan frowned sharply, staring at Horace. “What are you implying?”

“Calm down, Mr. Kent. We’re not enemies.”

Horace put down his coffee cup. “I know Clark has extraordinary gifts. He’s destined to make a difference and change the world. He shouldn’t be quietly living on a farm.”

Horace revealed his intention. “I can help him. Together, we’ll make the world a better place.”

Jonathan shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Clark is just a child. He’s not as remarkable as you say.”

“We all know who he is, so there’s no need to hide it from me, Mr. Kent.”

Before Horace finished, Jonathan suddenly stood up, face darkened, and pointed toward the door. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Officer Andis.”

Seeing Jonathan’s dismissal, Horace slowly rose. “What if I say no?”