What on Earth Did Frank Do?

Alvin, in an excellent mood, greeted Ben Parker with a smile. "Old buddy, being the electrical engineer at the community school isn't an easy job. You'll have plenty to keep you busy from now on. These little brats are all troublemakers."

Seeing that the legendary brutal principal was so easygoing, Ben Parker was somewhat surprised. He laughed and said, "This place is great, Principal. I've been here for three days, and I've never seen a school where the children are this well-behaved. You see, I have a nephew. He'll be starting eleventh grade next year, and I'm considering whether to send him here."

It was the first time Alvin had heard someone voluntarily wanting to send their child to the community school. He asked curiously, "Old buddy, I'm happy to hear that. Could you tell me why? It might help with the school's future enrollment efforts. No matter what, I have to say you have good taste."

Old Parker was delighted. Smiling, he said, "I've been here for three days, and I've never seen an atmosphere for learning like this anywhere else. My God, if I'd gone to school here back then, I wouldn't have become an electrical engineer. Maybe I would've gone to Harvard, then found an office job on Wall Street."

Alvin happily shook Old Parker's hand and said with a smile, "See? Someone can always recognize this school's strengths at a glance. Old buddy, where are you living now? I haven't seen you in Hell's Kitchen before."

Old Parker smiled a little shyly. "I'm living in Queens right now. It's not too far, and driving here is convenient."

Alvin nodded. "Oh, that's not exactly close. Old buddy, maybe you should consider moving to Hell's Kitchen. Security in Blocks 24 through 26 is pretty good now. You're not young anymore. Driving an hour and a half to work every day isn't easy."

Old Parker did not answer immediately. After thinking it over, he said, "I'll consider it. It's not something I can decide right away. I need to consider my wife's and nephew's opinions. Maybe if my nephew transfers here in September, I'll sell the old house and settle down here."

Alvin nodded with a smile. "That's right, old buddy. You need to prepare properly. What's your nephew's name?"

Old Parker said with a trace of pride, "Peter. Peter Parker. He's a good kid, and his grades are excellent. But my salary can't afford good tutors for him. Otherwise, he'd be even better!"

Alvin nodded out of habit, then suddenly froze. He studied Old Parker carefully and said, "Buddy, what did you say your name was just now? I didn't catch it clearly."

Old Parker looked at Alvin kindly and said, "Ben Parker, sir. You can call me Old Parker."

Alvin thumped his head. How could he have forgotten this man? "With great power comes great responsibility." Those words had created the most outstanding and beloved superhero in the Marvel Universe. This man deserved more respect than many so-called superheroes. He was a truly good person.

Alvin shook Old Parker's hand again, this time very formally, and said seriously, "Old buddy, would you mind taking on some extra work? Of course, there'll be extra pay."

Old Parker looked at Alvin in confusion, a little flustered. "I don't mind, I don't mind, but there's no need for extra pay. I like it here, and my income is enough. I'm willing to do more for the school."

Alvin smiled sincerely as he looked at the kind old man before him, almost unable to stop himself from applauding his own idea. He said with a smile, "What I need you to do won't be easy. The Discipline Office needs someone as kind as you to clean up Frank's messes. He's only been on the job for a week, and several parents have already called me to say their children have been wetting themselves for days after going home. Old buddy, I don't think being tough all the time is such a good thing. If people keep saying that community school kids always wet their pants, that won't exactly be a good reputation." He looked sincerely into Old Parker's eyes. "I need your help, old buddy, even if it's just for these children!"

Old Parker had been an ordinary man all his life. This was the first time someone had told him that he was important, that he was needed here. It filled him with a sense of accomplishment and deeply moved him.

"If what you say is true, then of course I'm willing, Principal. I now believe you're absolutely nothing like the person described in the rumors," Old Parker said solemnly.

Alvin laughed heartily and gave Old Parker a hug. "Then welcome aboard! You'll leave your name in this school's history, I guarantee it."

Alvin did not actually care that much about Peter Parker, the kid who would one day swing around New York. He preferred Old Parker, this wise old man. Not wise in terms of knowledge, but broad-minded from the hardships of life. He hoped Old Parker could influence more people, rather than use his life to create a Spider-Man.

Turning around, he picked up his lucky star, little Ginny, and greeted Old Parker. His mood grew even better. Even the little brats hurrying past him no longer seemed so annoying. With light steps, he headed toward the school building. Today was definitely my lucky day! Definitely!

At the entrance to the school building, the students stood in orderly lines as they filed inside. There was no more chasing, running, shoving, or roughhousing. It was still lively, but everything was in perfect order.

Alvin's arrival silenced the entire area in front of the building. When Principal Nelson saw Alvin, he approached with a sweet smile and happily praised Frank. "Principal Alvin, our school has gained an incredible Director of Discipline. I had reservations about establishing this department, but now it seems you were right!"

It was obvious that this guy had suffered badly at the hands of these little brats when he had worked at the school before. Now that someone could finally keep these troublemakers under control, he felt much more relaxed. After all, Principal Alvin might be scary, but he was not often at the school!

Alvin looked at the old fox Nelson and said with a smile, "It seems you're very satisfied with Frank's work. That means he's well suited for the position. But I met an electrical engineer at the gate just now. His name is Ben Parker. Do you know him?"

Nelson looked at Alvin cautiously. "I hired him. The school really does need an electrical engineer, and he wasn't asking for much in salary."

Alvin waved his hand with a smile. "Relax, buddy. Old Parker is a good man. I just want him to take on another position at the Discipline Office."

Nelson let out a breath, then asked in some confusion, "That's certainly not a problem, but why? Old Parker can't keep those bad boys under control."

Alvin tapped his aching head helplessly. "Yesterday, several bosses from Hell's Kitchen called me and said that if their kids came home wetting their pants again, they'd have someone bring their children to school at gunpoint. Buddy, tell me, what on earth did Frank do?"