Chapter 11: Peter Parker
"I can't believe this!" Rex couldn't believe it! The teenager said his name was Peter Parker. Rex used his Ki Sense, then nodded with relief. 'His Ki is normal. They must just share the same name. I can't possibly encounter the Iron Fist on my first day, Polaris on the second, and now Spider-Man on the third!'
"Wait… maybe he hasn't been bitten by a spider yet!"
'My name is Rex Lee,' he said, after a moment of awkward silence. 'Mr. Parker, are you of legal working age? I don't want to be a child laborer!'
Peter nodded quickly. 'Of course! Call me Peter. As you can see, I'm 16.' He pulled out a document from his backpack.
Rex glanced at Peter's paperwork. 'You're a high school student, right? I'm not hiring part-time workers.'
Peter shook his head frantically. 'No, I mean, yes! I'm a high school student, but I'm looking for part-time work. I'll be here every morning after school, and I'll leave for school at 3 pm. I'll be back by 6 at the latest. That should work, right?'
Rex had one more question. 'Peter, I'm open until 8 or 9. Do you have any problems getting home so late?'
Peter's eyes clouded with sadness. 'My parents died in an air crash. I'll get my guardian, Aunt May, to sign a consent form.'
His parents died in an air crash… Aunt May. This was the Peter Parker he knew. Spidey hadn't been bitten yet!
Rex looked at him sadly. 'I'm very sorry. I lost my parents in an air crash a few months ago. I know how you feel.'
Peter clapped his hands. 'So that's it! I thought you looked too young to own a restaurant!'
Peter realized his mistake. His face fell. 'Oh, that's really unfortunate. I'm so sorry.'
Rex patted Peter's shoulder. 'Peter, you're still young. You should focus on school. Working here would take up too much of your time. It's not for you.'
Peter let out a dramatic sigh. 'Oh, no! Believe me, I have good grades. School won't be a problem! I've been relying on Aunt May for too long. I need to find a job to help out. Please, give me a chance! I'll work hard!'
Rex was a bit soft-hearted. He couldn't refuse Peter's plea. 'Well, I can't stop you from helping your aunt. As long as she agrees, you can work here.'
Peter pumped his fist in the air. 'Yes! Thank you! I've applied to so many places, but everyone refused. I was desperate!'
Rex held up his hand. 'Stop! I'm getting a headache. Give me your contact information. Do you live nearby?'
Peter rattled off his phone number. 'I live in Queens, not too far from here. The subway is just seven stops away. My school is just five minutes from here, right across the street from your restaurant!'
Rex winced. 'Stop! This area isn't the safest at night. Do you think your aunt will let you work here?'
Peter scratched his head. 'What? I'll convince Aunt May. I'm a man, I can protect myself.'
Rex put his finger to Peter's lips. 'Call her now! Like I said, I'll only hire you if she agrees.'
Peter nodded. 'Okay, boss, wait!' After a few moments, Peter handed Rex the phone. May gave Rex her permission. 'Alright, welcome to Lee's Chinese Restaurant. You can start whenever you're ready.'
Peter pumped his fist. 'Yes! I'm ready! What should I do?'
Rex sighed. 'Take your bag and put it in a locker. The work clothes are on the wall. Find something that fits and change. I've got things to do. Wait for Lorna. If you have any questions, ask her.'
"Boss, who is Lorna?"
"Like you, she's part of the staff. You'll know when you see her!"
After releasing a sigh of frustration, Saint walked into the Kitchen without looking back, and quickly began slicing the meat and preparing the side dishes. Peter took around ten minutes of his time, and he was rather in a hurry.
Ten minutes later, Lorna arrived to the restaurant on time. She pushed the door, spotting the young man who seemed like he might be underage. Right behind her, a tall brown haired woman followed.
"Hi! My name's Peter. Are you Lorna?"
The brown-haired woman squinted at Peter and waved waved impatiently: "You have mistaken me for someone else!"
"Welcome, please sit down." Lorna stepped forward and greeted the brown haired women, then push Peter aside. I am Lorna. You're new here? Go to the side and wait for a while."