An Unexpectedly Open-minded Old Father

Fortunately, children's attention is always easily diverted.

At Riley's urging, Simon, remembering that he still had a game to finish, abandoned Officer George and scurried back to Riley's side.

With the score tied at 2-2, Riley deliberately frowned, pretending to be completely serious.

His exceptional reflexes allow him to accurately anticipate Simon's every move. This enables him to deliberately control his character, creating an opening at the opportune moment to appear as an intense, evenly matched tug-of-war.

As the game countdown reached its final twenty seconds, Riley deliberately pushed the joystick lightly, making his character appear as if he was about to jump into the air and launch a desperate attack, but due to a misjudgment, he failed to dodge Simon's Hadouken, resulting in a narrow defeat with his last bit of health depleted.

And so, by the narrowest of margins, he lost to Simon. This brought Simon's hard-working spirit to its peak!

"Yay! Three to two! I won! Riley, you almost pulled off a comeback! But it proves that my Akuma is still the best!"

"Oh dear, just a little bit short... You've improved so fast, it's really beyond my expectations. I'm afraid that in a while, even if I used Zangief, I wouldn't be able to beat you~"

"Hmph, of course! Dad, look, I'm really good now! Even Riley can't beat me!"

As the match ended, Akuma's victory animation appeared on the screen. Simon rubbed his eyes in disbelief to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

Then he put down the controller, his little face flushed with excitement, and rushed into Sheriff George's arms, eagerly sharing his joy with his father.

"Haha, that's right, our Simon is the best!"

However, after instinctively catching Simon, Sheriff George not only responded somewhat perfunctorily, but also looked thoughtful as he sized up Peter and Gwen beside him.

As an adult, he certainly couldn't believe that Riley would be no match for his own youngest son in a game, who, aside from a few specific moves, could only roll his face across the controller and randomly press buttons.

But what bothered him even more was Peter's overly obvious nervous reaction when Gwen asked that question earlier, and the frequent eye contact between the two of them now.

From the perspective of "friends," this interaction is clearly excessive.

"Alright, now that the game's over, let's wash our hands and get ready to eat... Peter, come with me and help carry the plates, okay?"

Thinking of this, George, whose ominous premonition grew stronger, suddenly stood up.

While seemingly asking questions in a friendly manner, she didn't give Gwen any chance to salvage the situation, and instead took Peter's hand and walked into the kitchen.

She stood in the corner, avoiding her daughter's anxious gaze.

George became increasingly certain of his suspicions, but the suddenness of the situation left him momentarily at a loss as to how to face the two children.

After a brief silence, Sheriff George, ultimately siding with his daughter, pinned Peter against the wall with one hand, under his wife's puzzled gaze. He then questioned Peter meaningfully, as if interrogating a criminal.

"Okay, Peter, I'm suddenly a little curious... how are things going between you and Gwen lately?"

"Great! Gwen is wonderful... Ah, of course, I mean, as a friend, Gwen is a wonderful friend of mine! And our collaboration in Dr. Connors' lab is progressing very well, so I think we're getting along quite well?"

Faced with the immense pressure emanating from his future father-in-law when he became serious, Peter felt overwhelmed and spoke at an abnormally fast pace in his eagerness to explain.

Fortunately, Sheriff George, with his vast experience with people, could tell that the young man before him was genuinely in love with Gwen, unlike those good-for-nothing thugs who were simply lusting after Gwen's beauty for a fleeting moment of novelty.

Therefore, after Peter finished speaking, Sheriff George simply gave a meaningful "hmm" and did not pursue the matter further, nor did he offer any positive evaluation of Peter's answer.

After a brief silence, Sheriff George, having barely composed himself with his complex emotions, patted Peter on the shoulder. Although his expression was still a little unnatural, he continued earnestly.

"You know what, Peter, I meant what I just said. I truly consider you part of this family."

"If you are fully prepared, this home welcomes you anytime."

"Thank you, Uncle George. This... I... I don't know how to answer, but I assure you, your words are very important to me!"

By this point, Peter, who was no fool, could see that his little schemes were not hidden from his future father-in-law.

But precisely because of this, Peter, whose thoughts were not yet clear but who seemed to have no objection to Peter and Gwen taking that step beyond friendship, finally put his mind at ease.

He then rubbed his hands together, his throat tightening. Overwhelmed with nervousness, Peter answered incoherently.

And so, when the two of them returned to the living room carrying plates full of food...

Gwen was being pestered by Simon, and a new round of games began.

Upon noticing Peter's return, Gwen, who was also feeling nervous and uneasy, immediately turned to look at him, her eyes asking how things had gone during their brief separation.

Peter gave a barely perceptible nod, signaling to Gwen not to worry. His demeanor also seemed less hesitant than before.

Gwen, seemingly understanding what was going on, smiled and turned her gaze back to the screen. She decided to celebrate overcoming the biggest hurdle…

With a dazzling combo, Simon, who had defeated Riley and was now strutting around with pride, instantly had his health bar emptied!

"Ugh! Sister! Your character is so unfair! Brother Peter! You've come at the perfect time, let's switch characters and teach my sister a lesson!"

"Hey! We agreed it was just the two of us playing, but you brought in outside help! Who's cheating here?!"

"Hehehe, never mind! Brother Peter, come quick, help me!"

"Hey, you bastard...!"

When Gwen and Peter set aside their concerns, they exchanged a knowing glance and then enjoyed the warm atmosphere amidst laughter and joy.

George then sat back down on the sofa and gave Riley, who was also sitting on the sofa and clearly knew the inside story but was deliberately keeping it to himself, annoyed.

Sheriff George's gaze shifted back and forth between Gwen and Peter, the young men he admired and liked more and more as they spent more time together.

Although theoretically they are too young, and their immature feelings could very well lead to a heartbreaking ending for both of them.

But the seemingly serious and rigid Sheriff George does not intend to interfere too much with Gwen's choices like other parents do.

After all, in Sheriff George's view, this kind of youthful and mutually devoted relationship, regardless of its final outcome, is the most precious part of growing up.

Moreover, judging from the Parker brothers' performance...

Although Peter's personality wasn't as outgoing as Riley's, Riley seemed more likable in comparison.

However, Peter, as the top student in the class, whose exam scores consistently rank first in the grade, has already fully demonstrated his potential and has a bright future ahead of him.

Moreover, what if Peter really did end up with Gwen and became her son-in-law?

Doesn't that mean it's a buy-one-get-one-free deal?

For example, after the Stacy family and the Parker family became closer because of their children's marriages...

Wouldn't Sheriff George then have a legitimate reason to treat Riley, this "other people's child," as his own?

Thinking about it that way, Sheriff George really would be laughing in his sleep, just like he said before.

She risked everything, clearly betraying her own family, helping outsiders deceive her own father's treacherous and heartless daughter, in exchange for two caring and devoted sons...

This deal was a good one!