请一个帅气的男老师帮我详细见解解题过程---**Question Number:** 9
**Preamble:**
(仙桃中考) 已知关于 x 的一元二次方程 x² + (2m + 1)x + m² - 2 = 0.
(Xiantao Middle School Entrance Exam) Given the quadratic equation in x: x² + (2m + 1)x + m² - 2 = 0.
**Options:**
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
**Sub-questions related to the equation x² + (2m + 1)x + m² - 2 = 0:**
**(1)** 若该方程有两个实数根, 求 m 的最小整数值;
(If the equation has two real roots, find the minimum integer value of m;)
**(2)** 若方程的两个实数根为 x₁, x₂, 且 (x₁ - x₂)² + m² = 21, 求 m 的值.
(If the two real roots of the equation are x₁ and x₂, and (x₁ - x₂)² + m² = 21, find the value of m.)