The morning sunlight pierced through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled shadows in the room.

Levi had been awake for a long time, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the system interface hovering before his eyes.

Twelve hours had passed since his initial contact with Peter Parker yesterday, but Ben Parker still hadn't called.

"Too impatient..." Levi rubbed his temples. "Uncle Ben is a cautious man; he couldn't possibly trust a stranger immediately. I need to be more patient."

On the system interface, Peter's information still displayed:

【Target: Peter Parker】

【Favorability: 6%】

【Guardian Trust: 3%】

【Status: Apprentice Not Yet Accepted】

"A 6% Favorability isn't enough..." Levi pondered. "I need a more natural opportunity for contact."

He stood up and walked to the window.

The streets of Queens were already bustling, with people hurrying towards subway stations to start their new day.

Levi's gaze involuntarily turned towards the direction of Forest Hills.

"Can't always just wait around," Levi resolved. "I need to actively create an opportunity."

The system suddenly popped up a notification:

【Mission Assistance Function Activated】

【Perception Radar (Limited Trial Version)】

【Can Detect Target Movements Within a 5-Kilometer Radius】

【Remaining Usage Time: 24 Hours】

"There's a function like this?" Levi clicked on the radar interface in pleasant surprise.

A virtual 3D map unfolded before his eyes, clearly showing the entire topography of Queens.

On the map, the golden dot representing Peter Parker was moving—departing from home, following a familiar route towards school.

"Midtown Elementary..." Levi checked the time: 7:45 AM. "He's on his way to school."

Levi quickly washed up, changed into that neat shirt and casual pants, and rushed out the door. He needed to find an "accidental encounter" opportunity, but couldn't appear deliberate.

According to the radar display, Peter passed by a convenience store every day, where he bought a bottle of milk for breakfast.

"That's the place." Levi quickened his pace.

Ten minutes later, Levi stood at the convenience store entrance, pretending to read a newspaper.

Through the shop's glass window, he could see a thin, small figure carrying a heavy backpack walking from the end of the street.

It was Peter.

Levi took a deep breath, adjusted his expression, then pushed the door open and entered the convenience store.

"Good morning," he nodded to the shopkeeper, then walked towards the drinks section and picked up a bottle of orange juice.

The doorbell 'dinged,' and Peter walked in.

He looked somewhat tired, with faint dark circles under his eyes. He went straight to the refrigerated cabinet, picked up a bottle of milk, then went to queue at the checkout.

Levi pretended to have just noticed him. "Peter?"

Peter turned his head, his eyes lighting up when he saw Levi. "Teacher Levi!"

"What a coincidence," Levi walked over with a smile. "You're buying breakfast here too?"

"Mm-hmm," Peter raised the milk in his hand somewhat sheepishly. "I buy it here every day."

"Just milk?" Levi frowned. "That's not nutritious enough."

He turned around and took a sandwich and a banana from the shelf. "Here, take these too. You need to eat well when you're growing."

"But..." Peter hesitated. "I didn't bring that much money..."

"My treat," Levi had already placed the items on the checkout counter. "Consider it thanks for giving me a chance to demonstrate physics knowledge yesterday."

Peter's face reddened. "Thank you, Teacher Levi..."

The cashier scanned the items. The total was $8.50. Levi paid and handed the food to Peter.

"Teacher Levi," Peter hesitated for a moment. "Actually... I have a question I wanted to ask you."

"What is it?"

"It's about that 'Fundamental Physics' book from yesterday," Peter pulled the book from his backpack. "There's a formula in Chapter 3 I've never understood..."

Levi took the book and flipped to the page Peter had marked. It was about the acceleration calculation formula, which was indeed somewhat complex for a 10-year-old.

"This one," Levi crouched down to be at eye level with Peter. "It's actually quite simple. Look, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity..."

He explained in plain, easy-to-understand language, occasionally using hand gestures. Peter listened intently, a light of curiosity shining in his eyes.

Five minutes later, Peter suddenly understood. "I get it! So that's how it works!"

"Good," Levi patted Peter's head approvingly. "You're very smart, you just need some guidance."

A bright smile bloomed on Peter's face. Levi could sense how much this child yearned for recognition.

"Teacher Levi," Peter mustered his courage to ask. "You... you're really willing to teach me?"

"Of course," Levi said sincerely. "But this needs your uncle and aunt's permission."

"I'll convince them!" Peter nodded emphatically.

A system prompt sounded in Levi's mind:

【Target Favorability Increased: 6% → 75%】

【Special Event Triggered: Teaching Ability Demonstrated】

【Target Feels Trust Towards Host】

"By the way," Levi glanced at the time. "You should get to school, or you'll be late."

"Ah!" Peter only then realized. "I need to hurry! Thank you, Teacher Levi!"

He grabbed his backpack, waved goodbye, then hurriedly ran towards the school.

Levi stood at the convenience store entrance, watching the thin, small figure gradually fade into the distance.

"This kid..." Levi said softly. "Will become an incredible hero in the future."

He turned and left the convenience store, planning his next move in his mind.

The system's prompt was clear—Peter's Favorability had reached 75%, but to formally accept him as an Apprentice, Ben Parker's trust was still needed.

"I need to show more sincerity," Levi thought as he walked. "And I need to let Uncle Ben see that my teaching of Peter is genuine, not with ulterior motives."

Just then, his phone suddenly rang.

Levi pulled out that old flip phone. An unfamiliar number was displayed on the screen. His heart raced as he answered.

"Hello?"

"Teacher Levi? This is Ben Parker." Uncle Ben's steady voice came from the other end.

"Mr. Parker, hello." Levi tried to keep his voice calm.

"It's like this," Ben Parker paused. "Peter just called home, said he met you at the convenience store, and that you helped him with a physics problem."

"Yes, it was just a chance encounter," Levi said. "Peter is a good kid, very eager to learn."

"Teacher Levi," Ben Parker's tone became serious. "I checked your information last night and called the school you previously worked at to confirm. They all said you're a good teacher."

Levi's heart jumped to his throat.

"So," Ben Parker continued, "if you're truly willing to teach Peter, we can discuss specific arrangements. Of course, we'll pay a reasonable fee..."

"Not necessary," Levi immediately interjected.

"Mr. Parker, I genuinely want to teach Peter, not for the money.

I've just started private tutoring and need to accumulate experience and reputation.

Moreover, Peter really has talent. Teaching a student like him is a pleasure for me."

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds.

"Teacher Levi," Ben Parker's voice carried a touch of warmth. "Thank you. Well, how about this Saturday afternoon? I'd like the first lesson to be at our home, with Mei and me observing."

"Absolutely no problem," Levi smiled. "That's very reasonable."

"Then it's settled. Saturday at 2 PM," Ben Parker said. "Peter will be very happy."

After hanging up, Levi's hand holding the phone trembled slightly.

The system interface instantly popped up:

【Major Progress!】

【Guardian Trust Increased: 3% → 65%】

【Formal Teaching Permission Obtained】

【Mission Progress: Nearing Completion】

【New Suggestion】

The first teaching session will be a critical moment. Recommended preparations:

1. Teaching Plan (Demonstrate Professionalism)

2. Suitable Teaching Materials

3. A Small Gift (Build Favorability)

"Saturday..." Levi looked at the phone screen. Today was Wednesday; there were still three days. "I need to prepare well."

He quickened his pace back to the apartment and immediately began drafting a detailed teaching plan.

As a physics teacher, he knew well the importance of first impressions.

This teaching session not only needed to help Peter learn, but also show Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei his sincerity and professionalism.

Levi opened his laptop and started searching for physics teaching materials suitable for a 10-year-old. At the same time, he pondered what kind of gift to give Peter.

"Can't be too expensive, it would raise suspicion," Levi thought. "Can't be too casual either; it needs to feel meaningful to Peter..."

Suddenly, he thought of something.

"A book!" Levi slapped his thigh. "Give him a good physics book. It's both practical and educational."

The system promptly popped up a notification:

【Detected Host Plans to Gift Target an Item】

【Reminder: First Gift Will Trigger Item Return Mechanism】

【Suggestion: Choose an Item Highly Aligned with Target's Interests to Obtain Maximum return multiplier】

Levi's heart raced. This would be his first test of the system's return function.

"Must choose well," he murmured to himself. "This isn't just about what return I get; more importantly, Peter needs to genuinely like it."

For the next three days, Levi spent almost all his time preparing.

He went to the library, browsing through numerous physics textbooks; he went to bookstores, comparing various popular science books;

He even looked up many teaching videos online, learning teaching methods from other instructors.

By Friday night, Levi was finally fully prepared.

Teaching Plan: A detailed twelve-week course schedule, progressing step-by-step from basic physics concepts to simple experiments.

Teaching Materials: Handouts he compiled himself, explaining complex physics concepts in simple, understandable language.

Gift: A copy of 'fun physics for kids,' $15, hardcover edition, containing many explanations of interesting physics phenomena and small experiments.

"This is the one," Levi looked at the book in his hand. "Not too expensive to make Uncle Ben feel burdened, yet interesting enough to attract Peter."

He carefully wrapped the book and wrote an inscription on the title page: "Physics helps us understand the world, while curiosity drives us to explore the unknown. — Teacher Levi Wei"

Saturday at 1:30 PM, Levi set off early. He wore his most formal clothes—a white shirt, dark trousers—and carried the prepared teaching materials and gift.

When he stood before the Parker house and pressed the doorbell, he took several deep breaths.

The door opened, revealing Ben Parker. He wasn't wearing work clothes today, but a neat polo shirt.

"Teacher Levi, welcome," Uncle Ben shook Levi's hand. "Please come in."

"Sorry to intrude," Levi said politely.

The interior of the house was warm and tidy. Though the furniture was somewhat old, one could tell the owners maintained it with care.

Family photos hung on the living room wall, including one of a younger Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei with a couple—likely Peter's parents.

"Teacher Levi!" Peter rushed down the stairs, an excited smile on his face.

"Peter," a gentle female voice came. Aunt Mei walked out from the kitchen. "Don't be so rude."

She was a woman who looked to be in her forties, with brown long hair and gentle eyes.

She walked over and smiled at Levi. "Teacher Levi, I'm May Parker. Welcome to our home."

"Mrs. Parker, hello," Levi nodded politely.

"No need for formalities, just call me May," Aunt Mei smiled. "I've prepared some snacks and drinks for you; you can have them during the lesson."

"Thank you," Levi turned to Peter. "Peter, are you ready for class?"

"Ready!" Peter nodded emphatically.

"Then let's begin," Levi handed the gift to Peter. "But before that, this is for you."

Peter carefully accepted the beautifully wrapped book. After unwrapping it and seeing the title, his eyes immediately lit up. "'fun physics for kids'! I've always wanted this book!"

Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with warmth.

A system prompt sounded in Levi's mind:

【Detected Host Gifted Apprentice Item: 'fun physics for kids' (Value: $15)】

【Item Value Assessment In Progress...】

【Apprentice Acceptance Level: 100% (Extremely Likes)】

【Apprentice Potential: SSS-Rank】

【Item Compatibility: Perfect Match】

【Calculating return multiplier...】

Levi's heart raced, awaiting the system's final judgment.