American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others

Lin En took the brochure and flipped through a few pages casually, then suddenly froze. Images of the stolen equipment flashed through his mind—chips, sensors, high-end circuit boards… These were the key components needed to build a small rocket!

“Gwen, where is this aerospace exhibition being held? When does it start?” Lin En's tone became anxious.

Gwen was a little surprised, but still replied, “It’s at the Science and Technology Museum in the city center. The exhibition has already been open for two days, and the grand finale rocket launch demonstration is the day after tomorrow.”

Lin En suddenly understood. Perhaps, things weren't as complicated as they thought. "Spider-Man" might not be building some high-tech weapon, nor working for some mysterious organization. His goal was likely just to participate in this university aerospace exhibition, assemble a small rocket with the stolen equipment, and showcase his technical skills.

“So that’s it…” Lin En muttered to himself, his brow gradually smoothing out. He took out his phone and immediately dialed Mark’s number.

“Mark, I know what ‘Spider-Man’s’ target is! He’s not plotting some grand conspiracy, but is heading for the university aerospace exhibition in the city center. He probably just wants to use the stolen equipment to build a rocket and show off his technical skills to others.”

Mark was stunned for a moment on the other end of the phone, then suddenly realized, “Detective, are you saying that this isn’t as complicated as we thought? He’s just a fanatic who wants to show off his skills?”

“That’s very likely.” Lin En nodded, his voice low and firm, “But regardless of the motive, his behavior is still a crime. We must find him as soon as possible and stop him before the launch demonstration.”

“Understood!” Mark’s tone instantly filled with enthusiasm, “I’ll investigate the exhibitors' list for the aerospace exhibition now, maybe we can find some clues.”

Mark walked in with a cup of coffee and asked when he saw Lin En staring intently at the screen, “Detective, have you found anything?”

Lin En didn't look up, his fingers flying across the keyboard: “Not completely sure yet, but the direction is clear. ‘Spider-Man’ has extraordinary climbing ability and a precise need for high-tech equipment, which is likely related to some special mutant ability. Now we need to find someone who fits these characteristics.”

As the system's screening progressed, some names and photos gradually appeared on the screen. Lin En further narrowed the scope, focusing only on mutants of university age with recent activity records.

“Look at this.” Lin En pointed to a file on the screen, a hint of excitement in his voice, “Glenn Hamilton, 21 years old, his talent is magnetic attraction. He can manipulate metal and adhere to any surface, which perfectly explains ‘Spider-Man’s’ climbing ability.”

Mark leaned over to take a look and nodded in agreement: “That’s indeed an important clue. Is there any other background information about him?”

Lin En continued to check the file: “Glenn has shown extremely high talent in engineering and physics since he was a child. His ability allows him to easily manipulate electronic devices. He was briefly detained for illegally breaking into a laboratory, but was released because no serious consequences were caused. He is currently studying at a university in Manhattan and happens to be participating in this aerospace exhibition.”

A flash of excitement appeared in Mark’s eyes: “Detective, it seems we’ve found our target. Glenn not only meets the age and ability requirements, but his academic background is also completely consistent with the stolen equipment.”

Lin En nodded, his eyes sharp: “That’s right. He’s very likely ‘Spider-Man,’ and this aerospace exhibition is his stage. His motive may not be for money, but to show off his abilities. But we must stop him.”

He immediately ordered: “Contact the security department of the Manhattan Science and Technology Museum to strengthen surveillance of the exhibition. At the same time, we need to find out Glenn’s recent movements to ensure that we can control him before he takes action.”

Mark responded quickly: “Understood! I’ll arrange an investigation into Glenn to see if he has any other accomplices or potential hideouts.”

The next day, Lin En walked into the campus of Manhattan University and, following the directions provided by the students, arrived at the door of the science and engineering interest group activity room. Through the glass window, he could see a group of students gathered around a large table, excitedly discussing something. The table was full of various electronic devices, tools, and a half-finished small rocket model.

Lin En's gaze quickly locked onto one of them. The young man in the dark hoodie was sitting at the table, intently embedding a circuit board into the rocket's control module. His movements were smooth, and his face wore a focused and confident smile, as if the whole world didn't exist, leaving only him and the work in his hands.

“Glenn Hamilton.” Lin En silently recited the name in his heart. He didn't go inside, but stood outside the door, carefully observing the situation inside the activity room.

Glenn's classmates obviously admired him very much, and often asked him questions. He patiently answered them and demonstrated with the tools in his hand. When a classmate proposed a new improvement plan, Glenn showed an excited look and immediately started a discussion with everyone.

Lin En's hand clenched slightly. He was very sure that the young man in front of him was “Spider-Man.” His ability, his background, and the purpose of these stolen devices all pointed to an unquestionable fact: Glenn was using his ability and talent to plan a bold show of skill.

But Lin En didn't go in immediately. He stood outside the door, quietly watching Glenn interact with his classmates. What he saw was not just a mutant with special abilities, but also a group of young people who loved technology, trying to realize a dream through their own efforts.

Lin En's thoughts became complicated. His duty was to enforce the law, to bring Glenn to justice and stop his illegal behavior. However, he also realized that Glenn might not be a malicious criminal. His actions were more of a rebellious venting, a test of his abilities, and a desire for recognition.

“Detective, are you going in?” Mark’s voice came through the earpiece.

Lin En didn't answer immediately. He took a deep breath and finally said in a low voice, “No, not going in for now. He doesn’t have any dangerous actions at the moment.”

“But he is a suspect after all…” Mark hesitated.

"I know," Lynn said, his tone calm but with a hint of determination. "But perhaps he's just a young man who needs direction. If we disturb him now, we might not only ruin his future but also push him down the wrong path."

Mark didn't say anything more, but his silence carried understanding.

Lynn took one last look at Green inside the activity room and turned to leave. He knew this case wasn't over, but perhaps he could handle this young "Spider-Man" in another way, so justice wasn't just punishment but also guidance.

A few days later, a crowd gathered in front of the Manhattan Science Museum for the grand opening of the University Student Aerospace Exhibition. Lynn brought his sister, Gwen, into the exhibition hall, feeling the youthful energy and boundless enthusiasm for technology.

"Bro, don't you think this place is super cool?" Gwen excitedly tugged at Lynn's hand, pointing at the various rocket models on display. "Look at these designs; they're amazing! Some even look like they're professional-grade."

Lynn smiled slightly, looking at the excitement on his sister's face, his tone laced with fondness. "They are indeed great. Seeing so many young people passionate about technology gathered together is something to celebrate."

The two followed the crowd to the main exhibition hall, which was already packed with spectators. In the center was an open area where several university teams were preparing for the final stages of their rocket test flights. One group caught Lynn's attention—it was Green's group.

Green stood at the front of the team, explaining the rocket's design concept to the judges. His tone was confident and enthusiastic, and his classmates nodded in agreement. The rocket model on the table was exquisite and complex, obviously the result of careful design and debugging.

"Is that their rocket?" Gwen whispered. "It looks really impressive!"

Lynn nodded, his gaze complex as he looked at Green. "Yes, they are indeed outstanding."

The test flight began, and Green's team's rocket was steadily placed on the launchpad. Amidst a countdown, the rocket ignited and soared into the sky, spewing out a dazzling tail of flame. The audience gasped, and applause and cheers echoed throughout the exhibition hall.

After reaching the predetermined altitude, the rocket successfully released a small probe, which transmitted real-time data back via signals. The entire test flight process was flawless, and the judges nodded in praise.

In the end, Green's group was announced as the first-prize winner of this aerospace exhibition. His classmates excitedly embraced each other, and Green stood in the center of the team, his face filled with undisguised joy and pride.

"Awesome!" Gwen clapped excitedly. "Bro, they're really amazing!"

Lynn also applauded, but his gaze remained fixed on Green. This young man had used his talent and hard work to accomplish something to be proud of, without going down any wrong paths.

As they left the exhibition hall, Gwen took Lynn's arm and said happily, "Bro, do you think they'll become future scientists or engineers? I think Green definitely will!"

Lynn looked at his sister, a gratified smile on his face. "Yes, Gwen. They have that potential, and they deserve that kind of future."

A few days later, Lynn found an opportunity to meet Green at a café off-campus. Green seemed a little nervous, sitting across from Lynn with his head down, his fingers restlessly stirring the spoon in his coffee cup.

"Detective," Green began, his voice low, "I know why you're looking for me. About those equipment… I… I know I shouldn't have stolen them, but I really had no other choice. I just wanted to complete this aerospace exhibition."

Lynn looked at him, his tone calm but serious. "Green, you were wrong. No matter what your original intention was, theft is always illegal. You are a smart young man, talented and capable, but you shouldn't use the wrong methods to achieve your goals."

Green bit his lip, a hint of shame flashing in his eyes. "I know, Detective. I originally just wanted to borrow those equipment, intending to return them after the exhibition… but later, things became more and more complicated, and I didn't know what to do."

Lynn nodded. "I understand what you were thinking at the time, but you must understand that every wrong decision has consequences. Those stolen equipment did not come without a price."

Green looked up, his tone a little anxious. "Detective, I am willing to take responsibility. I know I owe a lot, but I will work hard and pay back the money as soon as possible."

Lynn looked at him and smiled slightly. "Good, I hope you think that way. Actually, I have already paid for the stolen equipment for you."

Green looked up sharply, his face full of shock. "What? You paid for me?"

"Yes," Lynn nodded, "but this is not to let you escape responsibility, but to give you a chance to start over. I don't want to see you ruin your future because of this."

Green's expression was complex; he seemed to want to say something but didn't speak.

Lynn continued, "I have already contacted some after-school jobs you can do, such as a nearby repair shop, a delivery center, and a library that needs part-time help. You can earn money through these jobs, pay back the money you owe, and learn how to achieve your goals in the right way."

Green's eyes were slightly red, and he said softly, "Detective, I don't know how to thank you…"

"No need to thank me," Lynn said calmly, but his gaze was firm. "Thank yourself for choosing the right path. Remember, talent is a responsibility. Use it to do the right thing, not let it become your burden."

Green nodded vigorously, his voice filled with determination. "I understand, Detective. I will work hard to pay back the money I owe, and I will also use my abilities to do more meaningful things."

Lynn smiled slightly, stood up, and patted him on the shoulder. "Very good. I hope the next time I see you, it will be after you have completed another great work."

Green looked up, a hint of relief finally appearing on his face. "Definitely, Detective. I won't let you down."

Watching Green's departing figure, Lynn breathed a sigh of relief.

The next evening, Lynn stood outside the Manhattan Chronicle building, leaning against his car waiting for Kate to get off work. The twilight light was soft, and the streets were bustling with people, but Lynn's gaze remained fixed on the entrance of the building.

Soon, Kate came out of the revolving door with her handbag, and when she saw Lynn, she smiled. "Detective, you're really punctual."

(End of this chapter)