PFC Chapter 3261 Bloody New City ()
Chapter 3261 Bloody New City ()
Chapter 3261 Bloody New City ()
An awkward atmosphere spread in Wayne Manor.
Batman put down his hand that was holding out his phone for the sixteenth time - Dick Grayson was not coming back.
What would happen if Alfred were here? He might smile and pour a cup of tea for the pale knight, or even take his coat to be ironed, and persuade him through the door to welcome every guest here with a sincere attitude.
Alfred always liked the hustle and bustle, as if it was not enough for one person to manage such a big manor, and he hoped that more people would come to trouble him. He was very sad when Jason left without saying goodbye, but Dick's arrival made him happy.
But Batman has never been good at making friends, and Bruce Wayne would not hold those lively parties here. Every night when Batman was away, Alfred would guard the empty manor alone, hoping that something different would happen tomorrow.
Even if it was the Joker who came today, as long as he was willing to sit down and have a cup of tea, Alfred would chat with him. When he was alive, Batman would definitely think this was ridiculous, but now that he is gone, Batman wants to see this ridiculous scene with his own eyes.
The Pale Knight didn't bring many personal belongings, but he brought a large number of documents. These were all things he had to deal with recently, especially the chemical pollution problem in Area X15. He had many documents that needed approval.
Because he didn't want to disturb Batman too much, the Pale Knight stayed in the reception area at the right rear of the living room, while Batman watched the news on TV in the front.
He heard the news anchor on TV describing several policies proposed by the mayor to combat pollution.
At first Batman just watched it casually because he never expected the Joker to come up with any effective strategy, but after hearing the first one, he didn't want to change the channel and listened very carefully.
"…The above is all first-hand information our reporter received from the mayor's assistant this afternoon. It is reported that the mayor plans to implement the above policies within the next half month…"
Batman lowered his eyes slightly, looking towards the back of the living room, and at this moment he re-recognized the White Knight's ability to govern.
Almost all the policies he proposed were based on the quality of life of the grassroots people, and they would obviously be very effective. They were not empty talk. However, half a month was a bit too tight, and he probably did not have that much manpower and funds.
Batman was also involved in the incident at that time. He knew that Maria deliberately damaged the pipe just to prevent him, and he believed that he was responsible for it.
Should we promote these policies?
Batman went over all the policies in his mind again and indeed did not find any loopholes. It can be basically said that if it can be implemented, this matter will hardly harm the people of Gotham, and will also significantly enhance people's trust in this city government.
But he still felt a little uncomfortable helping the clown. If the clown was right, what about him?
Throwing away the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Batman still called Fox and briefly told him about the mayor's policy on environmental pollution that he had seen on TV.
“…I think this could benefit the daily lives of the surrounding residents, and we can help the city government when necessary. What do you think?”
"I'm glad you think so, Bruce. It's time to get back on your feet. I will continue to pay attention to the implementation of these policies and provide help when necessary."
Fox's firm voice made Batman feel relieved. He knew that not everyone had abandoned him, and Lucius Fox would be his staunch supporter.
"But have you heard? The mayor cut the benefits of municipal employees, and they are very unhappy about it."
"What are they dissatisfied with?" Batman didn't realize that there was anger in his voice. He said, "If they hadn't been helping those people with ulterior motives, the funding situation of the municipal funds and Wayne Group would not be like it is now. The reduction is just a drop in the bucket of what they got through illegal means."
"That being said, people are greedy. They could have taken more in the past, so they are not willing to take just a little like they do now. The city government may experience some unrest recently."
Batman's brow furrowed.
He originally thought that the Pale Knight's statement that the city government would be closed and that they had to work here was just an excuse, and that he actually had other intentions, but he didn't expect that Fox also thought that there might be problems with the city government.
Batman has to trust Fox's judgment, because his old partner almost never speaks nonsense, and if he says something like this, there must be a reason behind it.
But if the government shuts down, what will happen to the policies that have been proposed? If they cannot be implemented as soon as possible, they will definitely be blocked by certain people, just like countless proposals that are beneficial to the people's livelihood in the past that disappeared silently in the night of Gotham.
What the hell is the Pale Knight doing?
"I also watched the evening news, and I have to admit that our new mayor is quite capable. The policies he proposed are not extremely extreme, but they have real benefits and there is a good chance that they can be implemented." Fox's voice sounded again.
"Do you think that's okay?" Batman asked.
"Yes, he used some means to cover it up, making it seem that these policies do not affect the core interests of the upper class, and even enhance their reputation. Even if only half of them can be implemented, it will be a good thing for the residents nearby."
Batman was silent for a few seconds before saying, "If there is a problem with the city government, these policies will not be enforced."
Fox was also silent, and then Batman spoke up: "Don't count on the city government, let's do it ourselves."
"Okay." Fox said, "I will do my best, but I am only sure I can execute half of it. After all, the city government and the upper class are both enemies and friends. They also think they can impress the Pale Knight and make him work for them, so they will make concessions in this regard."
"But we are in a purely competitive relationship with them. In recent years, they have been united to suppress the Wayne Group. If we step in, they will not give up."
Batman was silent again. He knew how dejected his sigh sounded, but he also knew that anyone in this world who could only sigh in the face of such a situation was considered to have strong will.
Fox suddenly said, "Have you heard anything from the Gotham Police Department?
"what?"
"James met with several people, all of whom were wealthy people. They seemed to be discussing issues related to GTO funding."
"You predicted that GTO would be short of funds a long time ago. I also reminded Nightwing, but he didn't listen." Batman said, "What are they going to do?"
"I find it surprising, but it seems our old friend is planning to sell the GTO."
"What?!" Batman stood up and said, "Lucius, this is not the time to joke!"
Although Batman is a superhero most of the time, he is also a successful businessman with a keen business sense.
At this moment he realized that if Gordon had the GTO, then it would be equivalent to no one having it, because Gordon would not be corrupted, but if Gordon did not want the GTO, then whoever had the GTO would be the new king of Gotham.
"Before you called, I was investigating this matter." Fox's voice came from the other end of the phone, and his tone also revealed a hint of seriousness. He said: "I'm not sure who convinced James, the old stubborn man, but he did succeed. James chose to play the best card in his hand, and the timing was perfect."
"The new mayor has taken office. Although they already control 90% of the city government departments, the mayor is the mayor. If he is steadfast, many things will become very troublesome."
"They have already realized that the Pale Knight is not someone who will be easily swayed, and they may have prepared many methods to tame him, but this will take time. During this period of time, no one can guarantee the smooth operation of their industry from an official level, which will make them feel dangerous."
"If James chooses to release GTO at this time, it will definitely cause everyone to rush to buy it, because the ability of this team has been verified before, and it is independent and not under the jurisdiction of the Gotham police system and the army. This is a powerful private army that can guarantee the safety of their industry to the greatest extent."
"And I also heard that James made a huge concession. He even let the team members accept private employment. This means that whoever takes over the team can use it to cause trouble for his competitors."
Batman sat down slowly again, his tone revealing doubt, which was not like Gordon's style.
"Who said it wasn't? It's just that I was focusing on our new mayor and neglected James' recent movements. Now our focus is not on why he suddenly came to his senses, but on who will get the blade in the end."
"It has to be us." Batman said without hesitation: "We can't let anyone else have the GTO, otherwise they will definitely use this knife to stab us. Wayne Group can no longer accept any more twists and turns."
"But you also have to consider the cost of getting it, first of all a large sum of money, secondly the subsequent maintenance costs, and if you don't want to, we can't use it to cause trouble for competitors, which means the cost-effectiveness will be lower."
Batman thought in silence, and Fox, who always knew when to give him space, also remained silent.
"We have two choices," Batman said: "Support the mayor's new policy, or take down the GTO."
"Yes, we have only enough money for one thing."
"And what's your suggestion?"
"I would prefer the latter, but I know you want both. Give me some time, I will try my best to think of a solution, and you should make a decision as soon as possible."
After hanging up the phone, Batman sat there in silence, thinking about the pros and cons.
"On a truck carrying goods." Bruce looked at Schiller and said, "If that group of rich people got the GTO, even if they used it to fight each other, it would endanger civilians or make it more difficult for civilians to resist."
"You think too much. They can't get the GTO."
Bruce looked at Schiller with doubt and said, "Isn't your goal to let them get the GTO so that you can attack the other party?"
"They're slashing at each other, and the money is flowing between them, not into my pocket."
"I don't quite understand." Bruce said, "You seem to be very good at quickly overturning your previous conclusions."
"That's just because you didn't calculate it comprehensively enough," Shiller said. "For example, you missed a key factor here."
"what?"
"Batman." Schiller smiled and said, "All of James Gordon's actions cannot be hidden from Batman. What do you think he would do if he knew that Gordon was going to sell the GTO?"
"Batman won't allow anyone else to have this knife." Bruce said with certainty: "Apart from the fact that he is a control freak, if someone else gets it, Wayne Group will be in danger."
"Yeah, he won't allow it."
"He has the ability to take it over." Bruce went on to say, "Although Wayne Group is in a difficult situation recently, a lean camel is bigger than a horse. They should still be able to pay the price."
"Normally, yes." Schiller suddenly smiled again, then turned to look at Bruce and said, "What if there is a plan that can benefit the people more, waiting for him to spend money to implement it?"