When Meng Ran displayed the death threat on the Times Square big screen, it already caused a huge stir.
When the twenty-minute countdown began, it further stimulated everyone's nerves, and discussions were heating up online.
Meanwhile, at the New York Police Department, some people were putting pressure on George, saying that such blatant acts were a provocation to the government's authority.
Those people demanded that the police department immediately dispatch officers to find the rampant evil spirit.
George could tell with his toes that this was the Crocodile Gang's doing, using various officials connected to them to exert pressure, wanting to quickly resolve this matter, and preferably bring the masked clown evil spirit to justice.
It's ironic that a masked man resorted to vigilantism to punish crime, while the government, representing justice, was protecting criminals.
George mobilized the entire police system, wanting to find Ur and Meng Ran's whereabouts.
But unfortunately, even as the countdown approached its end, they still hadn't found any trace of the two.
Just as the police department was at a loss, after the big screen's countdown reached zero, several lines of blood-red text appeared:
"Trial Concluded!"
"Criminal Ur!"
"The Evil Spirit judges your sins!"
After the text finished playing, a coordinate was given.
Seeing the coordinates on the screen, everyone reacted.
George hurriedly called the people in the nearby district, shouting loudly, "Go to this location immediately! Remember to seal off the scene as soon as you arrive. Don't let the media have any opportunity!"
Hanging up the phone, George then cursed inwardly, "This damned Evil Spirit, why does he have to be so high-profile? Can't he just contact the police department directly?"
At the same time, Meng Ran, who was leaping and traversing building rooftops, sneezed, almost losing his balance and falling.
Rubbing his nose, Meng Ran thought, "Who's thinking about me? Could Peter be mad that I'm late?"
Meng Ran and Peter had agreed to play games together tonight. In the afternoon, he said he was going to buy something, but he was actually out dealing with Ur's matter.
Pulling his thoughts back, Meng Ran continued to rush to where his car was parked.
Driving his little black car, Meng Ran stopped by Chinatown to buy some gifts and food, then drove towards Peter's house.
Arriving at Peter's house, Meng Ran pressed the doorbell at the door, and a crisp "Ding-dong~" sounded.
Footsteps approached, and Uncle Ben, with a kind smile, opened the door for Meng Ran.
"Come in quickly, good boy. Aunt May was just telling me why you haven't arrived yet." Uncle Ben smiled and led Meng Ran inside.
"Hi, Aunt May, I brought some special gifts and food from Chinatown. I hope you like them."
"I'm sorry to bother you tonight."
Meng Ran said, placing the items in his hands on the table.
Aunt May smiled gently, "Oh, good boy, you're really too kind."
"I was just worried you might be lost. Uncle Ben should have gone to pick you up."
Aunt May patted Meng Ran's head, looking at Uncle Ben with a hint of reproach.
They both liked Meng Ran very much, and after a few interactions, they felt he was a well-mannered and polite good boy.
Aunt May was indeed worried about Meng Ran, as the streets at night were always a bit unsafe, especially since she had recently heard about some masked wack appearing.
Uncle Ben also looked at Meng Ran apologetically and said, "It's my fault, son, I didn't think it through. After all, there are always thugs on the streets at night."
Listening to their words, Meng Ran felt warm inside and also a bit apologetic, as he was the one who had been delayed outside.
Meng Ran rubbed his head sheepishly and said, "Actually, I should be the one apologizing. I was out a bit late, and I made you worry."
Hearing this, Aunt May looked at Meng Ran even more gently and said, "What a good boy."
Uncle Ben also nodded, looking at Meng Ran from the side, and his impression of Meng Ran improved even more.
Peter, hearing the commotion upstairs, also rushed downstairs.
"Hey! Meng Ran, I've been waiting for you for a long time. Come up quickly! I bought a new Lego set, and I'm waiting for you to build it together."
Meng Ran looked at the happy Peter, said goodbye to Aunt May and Uncle Ben, and followed Peter upstairs.
Aunt May also told them to bring some snacks upstairs with them.
Peter excitedly led Meng Ran into his room and then closed the door.
He picked up a Lego package and happily showed it to Meng Ran.
"Ta-da! I finally bought this with my allowance that I saved for a long time. Let's build it together today."
"Oh, and the Evil Spirit made big news tonight! It's so cool. The internet is full of discussions about him!"
As soon as he entered the room, Peter revealed his talkative nature, excitedly telling Meng Ran all sorts of things.
Meng Ran listened with a smile.
He could feel Peter's goodwill, and having such a friend made Meng Ran very happy, even if he was a bit talkative.
Meng Ran also discussed the Evil Spirit with Peter. Ever since the Evil Spirit first appeared online, Peter had been following things about him.
Or rather, young people in New York were all discussing it.
At first, it was just people who occasionally observed the Evil Spirit or were helped by him discussing it together.
Later, after Meng Ran helped more people, some even created an Evil Spirit forum specifically to chat about him.
Today, the exposure of Bill's case, as well as the death threat and countdown trial against Ur tonight, hit everyone's sweet spot even more.
The overwhelming reports and Meng Ran's audacious actions significantly increased his exposure, which could be seen from his continuously growing points.
"So, Peter, what do you think of the Evil Spirit's actions? I saw that he directly killed those criminals," Meng Ran asked Peter.
Peter pondered, "I saw that too. To be honest, when I first saw that news, I didn't quite believe it, nor did I quite understand it, because during this time, the Evil Spirit had never killed anyone while fighting crime."
"At first, I thought there must be a mistake. Later, I couldn't understand why the Evil Spirit would do this. Finally, when I saw the connection between Mia's case and Bill's case, I think I might understand him a little."
Peter looked at his computer wallpaper, which was a candid photo of the Evil Spirit. Although a bit blurry, it still couldn't hide his impressive heroic posture.
Peter continued, "Although I still believe killing is wrong, I can also understand the Evil Spirit. As long as he doesn't kill innocent people indiscriminately, he will always be a hero in my heart."
Meng Ran looked at the sincere Peter, feeling very relieved in his heart. As expected of my good brother. If I get the chance in the future, I'll definitely sign an autograph for you as the Evil Spirit.
Yes, being a masked hero isn't about forming a band and debuting. He just needs to stick to his inner sense of justice. There will always be people who don't understand, and there will always be people like Peter who support him.
Initially, Meng Ran just wanted to fulfill his superhero dream, just like those movies he watched in his previous life. At that time, he didn't understand the weight of the word 'hero' at all.
Later, he finally understood the responsibility behind this power and paid a heavy price. The life of that innocent girl would forever be a pain in Meng Ran's heart. Meng Ran would also bear this price and continue to move forward steadfastly.
After chatting for a while, the two began to assemble the Lego set.
Looking at Peter's skilled hands, Meng Ran couldn't help but exclaim in his heart, "As expected of you, homebody Spider-Man!"
Meng Ran's heart stirred, and he asked Peter, "By the way, Peter, how are things with you and Mary Jane?"