"But I'm in a hurry now. How can I drive away with my car like this? It's going to become a laughingstock," Bruce complained.
After inspecting his own car, which had suffered no visible damage due to its model and bumper, Leon said: "I apologize sincerely, Mr. Wayne. Please come to our car, we will drive you to your destination."
"As for this car, we will call the best towing company to take it for repair, and we will be responsible for all the costs."
Leon was bowing and nodding at Bruce, but Bruce seemed still rather unsatisfied. He glanced at Lady Gothic. Seeing his intentions, she said, "Leon is my cousin from Los Angeles. He came to Gotham to select a female lead for a new film investment..."
"Frankly, we also visited the theater backstage hoping to find a qualified actress who could potentially thrive in Hollywood. However, we did not expect this incident." Lady Gothic revealed a regretful expression, then pointed to the car door, saying, "Mr. Wayne, please get in the car."
Bruce sat down in the passenger seat. As the car drove away, he asked with feigned interest, "You came to Gotham to find an actress? Amazing."
Leon chuckled, took out a box of cigars from the car, and handed it to Bruce who promptly lit it up, puffed smoke, and said: "Well, you aren't wrong. There are indeed many beautiful women here."
"Mr. Wayne, I have heard much about you." Leon, the fat man, said with a smile, "Hollywood has plenty of beauties, but lacks generous investors like you. If you are willing to invest in Hollywood films, the actresses would surely flock around you."
Bruce let out a puff of smoke, scoffed, and said, "I do have some interest in films. Tell me more about investing in films."
Leon gave a knowing smile. He knew such things could not be put on the table, and often, if not refused firmly, it meant to discuss privately."
"Yes, Mr. Wayne. I'm working on a movie that needs an investor. Of course, if you invest, we can let you choose the leading lady. If your female companion is interested in acting, she could also give it a try..."
"Her?" Said Bruce dismissively, "She can't act in movies. Let's talk about this some other time, I've almost arrived."
"This is my business card." Leon quickly handed over his business card saying, "If you're interested, just call me. I'm always waiting."
Bruce raised an eyebrow, took the business card, he stuffed it into his pocket, opened the car door, and walked into Wayne Manor.
After returning to Wayne Manor, he immediately went to the basement, turned on the bug he had planted, and heard the conversation between Lady Gothic and Leon through the receiver.
"... He didn't bite, but it's normal. Although Little Wayne is a playboy, he is not stupid. A single interaction will not win his trust." Leon's voice was not as sincerely nervous as before, but rather solemn.
"Did we appear too eager? Perhaps it would be better to bring up the movie during the second or third meeting?" Lady Gothic's voice came over.
At first, Bruce thought they were simple liars, but soon Leon's words made Bruce realize that they might have ulterior motives.
"Originally, I had high hopes for Vivian, but unexpectedly, after only a couple of interactions, she couldn't keep her composure. She let the head of the theater troupe know about her Hollywood intentions."
"Unluckily for her, the theater troupe's boss is insane. He killed her. What a pity, with Vivian's qualifications she could have drawn in many influential figures for our Great King."
On hearing the phrase "Great King," Bruce frowned, but then he heard Leon speak again.
"If we can bring Wayne in, we won't have to worry about funds. More importantly, the power of the Wayne family could make Gotham our stronghold on the East Coast."
"But the Goth family...." Lady Gothic was worried.
"Yes, the Great King will not forget your contributions, but with the Wayne family, our power would be significantly boosted. As soon as we complete our great plan of ruling humanity, you will receive your reward sooner."
Lady Gothic fell silent, Bruce didn't hear any reply from Leon. Standing in front of the receiver, Bruce realized there must be a bigger secret behind this group of people.
As Bruce pondered, he instinctively glanced at the clock on the wall.
Then he discovered it was already 9:20 in the evening, and he had to hand in his overdue 50,000-word essay by 9:30 the next morning.
Bruce dashed up the stairs as if he were running. Dick, who'd been waiting for him in the hall, was almost blown over by the gust of wind Bruce brought with him. He chased after and asked, "Sir Wayne, will you be telling Aisha a story tonight? If so, then I won't..."
"Not tonight, Dick. I have urgent matters to attend to, if you're tired, go to sleep."
Bruce responded without turning his head. Dick shook his head in confusion, he didn't know what was going on with Bruce.
Just as he was about to go upstairs, he was about to be knocked over by Bruce who was carrying a bunch of documents. Dick gave a puzzled look, turned around, and walked upstairs.
Upon entering Aisha's room, Selina was putting Aisha to sleep. Seeing Dick arrive, she motioned with her hand and said, "She's all yours. I'll go check on Bruce, he's been acting a bit strange lately."
Dick lifted Aisha up to cradle her while Selina headed downstairs. After looking around the hall, she turned to the study.
She tiptoed into the study, and sure enough, she found Bruce buried in a massive amount of paperwork. Selina walked over and asked with a smile, "Are you okay, dear? Want to take a drive?"
While she was speaking, she dangled the car keys enticingly in front of Bruce, he responded without lifting his head, "The car is in the garage. Remember to park it properly when you return."
Selina's eyes widened in surprise, "What did you just say? Are you letting me go alone???"