Well, it's ti to visit Batman again and ask to beco his student. I think he won't refuse his friend. All my physical attributes have exceeded twenty, and now I won't get tired after throwing just two or three punches. I think I can withstand an intense baptism of fire with the Dark Knight. Besides, I may soon have a companion, soone I should be able to protect. At first, at least, from the local punks. Yes, there's another reason why I need to get into the Batcave... but it's not that important, so let's not dwell on it.
_____________________
The next day, I set out with renewed vigor to shape my destiny! In other words, I prepared myself to persuade Bruce with all my might to accept as his student. This ti, there was a man at the reception, and my fighting spirit dipped slightly. But that's not too important! Soon enough, I found myself in the office of the chairman of Wayne Enterprises.
"Alex, what brought you to again? Have you written new books?" Bruce asked, his expression barely changing.
"Judging by everything, my books have brought your company a small inco," I replied, sitting on one of the chairs with a smug grin.
"I won't hide the fact that they really do sell well. But sothing tells that's not why you ca here…"
"You're right, I'm here on other business," I said, my face growing serious. "Show your art, sensei," I added with a bow while still seated.
"No," ca the imdiate response.
"Why not? Please accept as your student. I want to learn martial arts, and there's no one better for the role. Bruce, you're the greatest fighter on Earth."
"I've never heard of this."
"Well, uh... that's what everyone says," I mumbled nervously. I couldn't exactly tell him that's what his creators dubbed him in the original comics. "Listen, Bruce, yesterday I t a girl—a reporter—who ca to interview . I even asked her out on a date... Rember what I said when we first t? I'll protect the people dear to myself. Until now, I was in no hurry because I was on my own. But now, I have soone I want to protect. And I'm asking for your help. Teach !"
"Why do you want to train you? You can find other teachers."
"I only want to learn from the best. Besides, there's no better teacher in Gotham than you. I'm not planning to leave the city anyti soon. And I'm not trying to be the new Robin, just an ordinary student."
"I have practically no free ti. During the day, I work at the company, and at night, I protect the city under a mask."
"You don't patrol the city every night. When it's relatively calm in Gotham, you just sit around in your dark cave, watching the bats."
"Your awareness is astonishing as always," Bruce said, leaning back in his chair without breaking his piercing gaze. "But again, what good does this do for ?"
"What if I write another book? Believe , you'll like it," I said, a sly grin appearing on my face.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
"This book will be about a clown," I began, watching Wayne visibly tense. "But it's not as scary as it sounds. There's even a mont where this clown—let's call him Pennywise—is beaten by children with sticks."
"Do you think that's interesting?" He raised an eyebrow, clear skepticism in his tone.
"Just imagine the trolling opportunities this book will open up for you! You'll be able to ss with the Joker! Isn't that a wonderful incentive to take on as your student?"
The dark veil of gloom on the Dark Knight's face grew even darker. "You know, I think it's you who will drive crazy soday, not the Joker. To hell with it—expect tomorrow at my estate at 9 PM."
"So, you're going to teach after all?!!"
Bruce didn't want to see in his office anymore and promptly threw out. Oh well, the main thing was done. I could relax now.
Then, it occurred to that getting to Wayne Manor on foot or by bus might be a hassle, so I decided to buy myself a car. I'd still need to find a free day to get my driver's license since I didn't have one yet. But that wouldn't stop from buying a car and driving it around the city... Let's hope the traffic police don't catch during that ti. Without delay, I headed to a local dealership to search for a suitable model.
"Good afternoon, sir. Can I help you with anything?" a young man, probably nearing thirty, approached . His gaze assessed my appearance, and disdain flickered across his face. Admittedly, I was wearing simple, non-branded clothes, but that didn't justify such obvious contempt. With that kind of attitude, you could scare off potential clients.
"No, thank you. I'll just look around for now," I replied, smiling politely.
"Sorry, but I'm afraid you've co to the wrong place."
"What do you an?" My voice turned noticeably harsher.
"I'm afraid our car models are beyond your ans. Your shirt costs $70 at most, and your trousers even less. The watch on your wrist is ordinary and will probably break soon. I'd suggest buying a new one—if you can afford it, of course—because that one will likely start showing the wrong ti soon."
Well, in general, he wasn't wrong. He had sharp, trained eyes. But judging soone by their appearance wasn't right! Just as I was about to tell him off, my attention was drawn to a seductive figure approaching us. A stunning brunette with long, curly hair and eyes as clear as a sumr sky. She wore a simple dark blouse and dark trousers, yet even such modest clothing couldn't hide her commanding presence.
Judging by her cold gaze, she was in a bad mood. When she reached us, her sharp eyes settled on the arrogant employee.
"Your na?" she asked, her tone icy.
"Er... Thomas Backman," the man stamred slightly. It was clear he knew who she was, and her displeased look made him visibly nervous.
"Thomas... So this is how you conduct business? And I've been wondering why my sales are down—it turns out my own employees are chasing clients away." Sweat began forming on the young man's forehead. "How many tis have I told you to always treat clients with respect? It seems my instructions are being ignored," her tone grew even colder.
"Miss Lute, I—"
"Shut up! Since when is it acceptable to judge a person by their appearance? I'm also wearing plain clothes—are you going to ask to leave too?"
"I wouldn't dare—"
"You're fired. This conversation is over. I'll be reviewing all staff for professional suitability soon." She then turned to . Her icy deanor lted into one of sincerity and politeness. "Please forgive my employee. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to monitor everything personally. As an apology, we're happy to offer you a 10% discount on any car."
This woman had remarkable leadership skills. "It's fine; I'm not offended," I replied.
"In that case, let personally show you our selection."
"Is that normal? It looks like you're the boss here…"
"It's okay. This is completely normal."
"I'd be a real fool if I refused the company of such a beautiful lady," my words greatly surprised my companion. She clearly wasn't expecting flirting. Most likely, she thought I'd be nervous in her presence because she clearly ca from a higher class, while I looked like a commoner.
"You flatter , mister…"
"Alex Reath," I extended my hand in introduction.
"Very nice to et you. Lena Luthor," she shook my hand. Yeah, sothing was off here. If I'm not mistaken, she's Lex Luthor's half-sister. I thought she was supposed to be in tropolis. What brought her to Gotham?
"So, you're from the famous Luthor family?"
"It turns out so."
"Excuse my curiosity. Do you live in Gotham?"
"No, I live mostly in tropolis. I ca here for work," she explained, and we walked up to one of the cars on display. "How do you like this model?"
It was a Renault. I think it's the cheapest car here. Eh, I don't even know whether to laugh or cry. It seems I really do give the impression of being financially insolvent.
"I don't really like this brand. I'd like to look at so others. Oh, you don't happen to have an Audi R8 here?" My question surprised her, but she didn't show it.
"Sure, co with ."
There was a white beauty standing in the far corner. I'm clearly drawn to sports cars. It's decided, I'll buy it!
"Can I look around the interior?" I asked, moving toward the car.
"Of course."
"How much does it cost?"
"This model is one of the most expensive cars. Its cost is estimated at 200 thousand dollars," Lena answered, watching my reaction. I walked around the car, inspecting the interior. Everything suited . "I like this car. I would like to register for it."
Lena didn't expect such an outco, as her surprised eyes indicated. But she still didn't lose her composure and called one of the employees to prepare the docunts. All the formalities took an hour.
"Alex, we will have to wait a little longer before we resolve a few formalities. If you don't mind, we can wait in my office," said the mber of the Luthor family, smiling politely. Well, who would refuse to sit alone with such a beautiful girl?
We went up to the second floor. Miss Luthor's office was luxurious.
"How about so wine?" the girl asked, taking a beautiful bottle and two glasses from the minibar.
"Sorry, I don't drink alcohol," I decided to respectfully decline. My answer didn't match Lena's expectations at all. She couldn't understand who would refuse to sip so aromatic wine with her.
"To be honest, you have discouraged . May I know the reason for your refusal?"
"There's no important reason, I just can't stand alcohol. Even sothing as simple as champagne," I answered, trying to be as tactful as possible.
Yes, I can't stand alcohol. In my mories, I can't figure out why. I doubt I'm allergic to booze. I also don't think it has anything to do with my past actions. Most likely, I just don't like drinking alcohol.
"You are truly unique, Alex. May I use the informal form of address?"
"Of course."
"I'm afraid I don't have anything else here except wine."
"It's okay, plain water will do."
She handed a glass of clean, clear water and sat on the sofa, holding a glass of wine in her hands.
"So, what do you do, Alex, if it's not a secret?" the brunette asked, taking a few sips of the red drink. "Not everyone can afford such an expensive car."
"I'm the owner of a small ga company."
"Gas?" My interlocutor was surprised once again. "As far as I know, this is far from a profitable business. And what gas has your company produced?"
"I opened my company quite recently, so our gas are still in developnt," I said, slightly embarrassed, taking a small sip of cool water.
"Please forgive if I am too intrusive."
"It's okay."
"Are you from so rich family?"
"No, I'll even say more, I don't have a family."
"Sorry… So, you're an orphan?" she asked, slightly nervous. It was clear she wasn't comfortable with the direction the conversation was taking.
"You could say that," I answered calmly, showing that this fact didn't bother at all.
"So, you are very talented, since you managed to beco rich enough without extra support to spend 200 thousand so easily. How exactly did you achieve this, if it's not a secret?"
"There's no secret to it. I recently published a couple of books, and they beca quite popular, and to this day, they bring a significant inco."
"You wrote books? Is it possible to get rich off that?" Lena asked, doubting the veracity of my words. "Wait, just don't tell that you're the author of Sherlock Hols and Ten Little Indians?"
"Right, it's ."
"You're not kidding?" She beca very inspired. Her eyes expressed undisguised admiration. "Just think that today I t the author of my favorite works."
She stood up and went to the table. Opening the bottom drawer, she took out a book and headed toward . Lena handed the book along with a pen.
"Can I have an autograph?"
To be honest, this situation embarrassed a little. It seems my books have created a much bigger sensation than I thought. Who would have thought that even such rich ladies as Lena would openly express their delight? I left my autograph on the book Ten Little Indians.
"I must admit, you are a real genius, Alex. When will you write sothing new?"
"Quite soon."
"Will these be sequels?"
"No, these will be new works."
"What genre?"
"Horror…"
"What?!" Lena asked, a little louder than I expected, scaring a little. "This is the most worthless and boring genre! And most importantly, not scary at all."
It seems that no one in this world has ever been able to write a scary story. If in the movies they got by with sharp monts, then in books it doesn't work. People in this world didn't understand how to convey an atmosphere of horror with words. So that when people read, they'd get goosebumps from fear, but still continue reading. I'll have to show them how you can scare with dark words on white pages.
"I'm sure I'll surprise my readers," I gave a rather ambiguous smile. Our conversation dragged on for another half hour. Soon, I could leave here in my car with a clear conscience.
"This is my business card," Lena handed the card before I stepped on the gas. "If you need anything, you can call . And if you decide to co to tropolis, don't forget to drop by for a visit."
"Thank you. Here, take mine too." Having handed her my card, I drove off to my work. To be honest, I didn't expect to et Luthor's sister at all. As far as I know, she doesn't share the sa opinion as her brother and treats Superman quite kindly.
Lena owns her own company. And although it can't compare to LexCorp, it is still a huge enterprise. In the future, when Lex is sent to prison, she will be the one to lead her brother's company. So, I think today's acquaintance is a good virtue.
.
.
.
[A/N: If I had to be honest I don't find any fault with the salesman, I an ofcourse you should treat the custor with respect but there's also alot of things other than that, I an if I have a showroom worth millions of dollar and so guy wearing dregs walk into I might make the security kick him out, this is the sa as walking into a funeral wearing your wedding gown or a clown outfit.....forgive for the rant.]
Please vote with power stones and write a review.
You can always support by joining the p@treon or ko-fi.
[email protected]/annihilator009
Ko-fi/annihilator009
Chapters available at 1$.
Reviews
All reviews (0)