Marvel: Father of Superheroes

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*****

After three days of lazy rest at home, Mike finally decided to reopen his restaurant.

It was a tough decision.

Once a couch potato gets used to not working, getting back into the swing of things is incredibly difficult—especially when said couch potato is well-off and lacks for nothing.

It was like trying to get out of a warm blanket on a freezing winter Sunday.

Thinking of it that way...

Whoa, Mike suddenly felt like a legend for pulling it off.

Over a month had passed since Mike last stood in his restaurant's kitchen.

That morning, he cleaned up the restaurant and restocked ingredients. By noon, the "Open for Business" sign was finally hung back up.

Today's Special: Seafood Fried Rice.

Chef: Mike.

Waiter: Thor.

Due to Thor's rapid weight gain and sharp decline in looks, many of the fangirls who once drooled over him had lost interest. As a result, business had dropped by about 20%.

This, to Mike, was excellent news.

Though there were still a few customers who genuinely came for the food, many were clearly obsessed with Mike's appearance. It was a source of both frustration (and satisfaction) for him.

Still, he couldn't exactly throw them out. After all, they hadn't done anything inappropriate—at most, they left a few slips of paper with their phone numbers.

"Thor, prep the shrimp," Mike instructed while working on the mussels himself.

"Excuse me."

Just then, a familiar voice rang out.

Mike poked his head out from the kitchen and was a bit surprised to see a familiar figure curiously scanning the restaurant.

"Carrie?"

"Mr. Kent."

Carrie turned with a sweet, polite smile.

"I heard from Clark that your restaurant was opening today, so I came by to try your cooking."

"Oh, yes, today's the first day back," Mike said as he poured her a glass of water. "Today's special is just seafood fried rice."

"Anything is fine," Carrie replied quickly as she took the water and glanced toward the kitchen. "Is there anything I can help with? I used to help cook a lot at home."

Mike waved his hand. "No need. Just relax and wait."

"Mr. Kent, please let me help. I really can do it."

Carrie gave him a pitiful look. "Just sitting here waiting to eat makes me feel uneasy. You're my savior, after all."

"Well... I guess you can come in and wash some vegetables."

"Thank you!" Carrie said excitedly.

Mike: "…"

You're helping me wash vegetables. Why are you thanking me?

Carrie set her bag down, rolled up her sleeves, greeted Thor in the kitchen, and got to work.

She was so diligent, she looked like a girl trying to impress her future in-laws.

Wait a second…

Mike's expression turned slightly strange as a thought crossed his mind.

Could she really be trying to impress me?

Just as the thought settled, the bell above the restaurant door jingled again.

Mike turned and spotted Clark and Lois walking in. He blinked and smiled to himself.

Well, well… this is getting interesting.

"Dad,"

Clark nodded at Mike and said, "Lois said she was craving your food."

Lois smiled at Mike—

A smile that reeked of flattery.

She said, "Mr. Kent, your cooking is incredible. I've been dreaming about it for a whole month."

Mike laughed heartily. "Well then, you'll get your fill today."

Lois set her bag down, preparing to sit, when Carrie popped her head out from the kitchen.

"Clark, you're back!"

Lois's body stiffened, and she instantly stood up, shooting Carrie a cold look.

What do you mean, "you're back"?

This was Clark's home—don't make it sound like your place!

Like a wife waiting for her husband to return?

Seeing Carrie smiling warmly as she greeted Clark, Lois subtly shifted her body to block him from view.

With a fake sweet tone, she said, "Wow, you sure came early, Miss Carrie. Who knew you were such a foodie? You even made your way straight to the kitchen?"

Carrie's smile didn't waver as she replied gently, "I'll have to correct you on two points."

"First, I'm in the kitchen to help. And second, I'm your supervisor. Even though we're off the clock, I expect basic respect."

Lois replied smoothly, "That's right! You are my supervisor. It's amazing how you went from a newbie to my superior in just one month. I heard you spent quite some time in the editor-in-chief's office recently. Must've been a very important conversation, huh?"

She winked. "Mind sharing so I can learn something too?"

Carrie's smile froze for a moment before she let out a cold chuckle. "I also heard you've been at The Daily Planet for years and still don't have your own news section. Seems like you have a lot to learn. If you're not careful, you might just get replaced."

Their eyes locked. It felt like the air was crackling with electricity.

Mike glanced at Clark and, seeing his deadpan face hiding a deep sense of helplessness, gave him a playful nudge and a teasing smile.

Clark gave his dad a bitter smile.

"Uh, Dad, I'll go help in the kitchen."

"No need!"

Before Mike could say anything, both Lois and Carrie shouted in unison.

"You sit down!"

They both shot Clark a glare, rolled up their sleeves, and stormed into the kitchen.

Watching the two march off, Mike slung his arm around Clark's shoulders and gave him a playful shake, laughing.

"So, son, which one do you like? Want me to help you evaluate them?"

"Dad! Don't make it worse!"

Clark clutched his head and groaned, "It's already giving me a headache."

They clashed at work all the time, and now he was stuck right in the middle of their personal war. It was exhausting.

"What's there to be torn about?"

Mike waved his hand grandly. "Just take 'em both!"

Clark: "…"

He gave Mike a hard shove and snapped, "Old man, stop talking nonsense and go cook!"

Mike shrugged and headed toward the kitchen. But just as he reached the door, Thor's furious voice boomed out.

"You two troublesome women! Get out! Don't ruin the ingredients! If you want to fight, take it outside! The kitchen is sacred!"

Mike: "…"

Well damn!

Is Thor… evolving? That's some serious awareness!

The two women slunk out of the kitchen, clearly embarrassed.

They flashed awkward smiles at Mike and sat down at separate tables—

But the moment they saw Clark sitting alone, they both immediately moved to join him.

"…"

What the heck is happening today? Why is Thor so emotional?

Mike wondered as he stepped into the kitchen.

Thor was fuming, practically radiating storm clouds, like he was moments away from calling down lightning to fry them both.

Cautiously, Mike said, "How about you peel a couple of potatoes to cool down?"

Thor said nothing. He silently picked up two potatoes.

(End of Chapter)