Wayne Industries.
In this world, surely no one was unaware of what it represented or how much weight it carried.
Although Wayne Industries was always overshadowed by Stark Industries in the technological field at expos reported on in the news, that only proved its unquestionable, profound technological foundation.
Moreover, compared with Stark Industries, which focused on heavy industries such as chemical manufacturing, metal forming, satellite communications, military production, and Artificial Intelligence, the Wayne Enterprises behind Wayne Industries also extended into finance and investment, pharmaceuticals, civilian aerospace, railways, shipbuilding, and even broad light-industrial fields such as video games and toys.
People often said that nearly half of Gotham City's industries belonged to Wayne Enterprises.
That probably wasn't a joke.
So Wayne Industries—Wayne Enterprises—was a truly filthy rich powerhouse even on a global scale!
So this was the connection Aunt Diana had mentioned that morning?
As if guessing what Xi Nian was thinking, Butler Alfred waved a hand, and all the staff inside the house immediately retreated outside the doorway.
Smiling, Butler Alfred continued gently, "I am actually here on behalf of the head of the Wayne Family—Master Bruce Wayne. Mainly, he wished to meet with Miss Diana and discuss some matters with her."
Before he could finish.
"What is it? Just say it." The door to the room suddenly opened, and Diana walked in with elegant nobility.
"Miss Diana." Butler Alfred gave a slight bow, his eyes filled with deep respect.
"Hello."
Diana slightly inclined her head in greeting. She calmly glanced at Butler Alfred, then took Xi Nian's hand and sat down on the living room sofa. "Please, have a seat."
"Very well, Miss Diana. Then I won't stand on ceremony." Butler Alfred took a seat in the sofa chair opposite them. Even while seated, his back remained straight as a pine.
"If there's something to say, just say it. There's no need to hide anything from Xi Nian." Diana repeated her earlier words.
"Yes, I understand." Butler Alfred looked at Xi Nian, surprise flashing through his eyes. After briefly organizing his thoughts, he said, "This time, Master Bruce had originally planned to come in person. However, an urgent matter in Gotham City kept him tied up, so he specifically arranged for me to come instead."
Xi Nian's brows furrowed slightly.
Bruce Wayne was a name as famous as Wayne Industries.
After all, he was the current heir to Wayne Enterprises and held Gotham City's economic lifeline in his hands. Yet, much like Tony Stark, the man in control of Stark Industries, neither had a particularly good public reputation. They were both renowned playboys.
Butler Alfred continued, "Master Bruce hopes to establish a certain cooperative relationship with Miss Diana. If Miss Diana is willing, your family may relocate at any time to any residence in Gotham City. Young Master Xi Nian will also receive the finest local education, healthcare, and other premium services."
"Cooperation? What kind of cooperative relationship?" Xi Nian asked curiously.
"Bruce Wayne is Gotham City's Batman." Diana explained from beside him, "Recently, he has had the idea of creating an alliance. Its members would all be extraordinary individuals with exceptional gifts, so he wants to discuss the matter of cooperation with me."
"Oh, so that's how it is." Xi Nian suddenly understood.
Even Butler Alfred was stunned by this.
Ordinary people would probably be too excited to contain themselves upon learning Batman's true identity, wouldn't they? Yet this child acted as though he had merely heard something utterly ordinary, without showing much surprise at all.
What Butler Alfred didn't know was that just last night, Xi Nian's family had handled mythology as though it were an ordinary family matter. Compared to that, what did Batman's true identity amount to?
"This so-called cooperation and alliance are merely simple ideas for now. Master Bruce himself does not know whether they will truly be put into action in the future, since extraordinary individuals with exceptional gifts are not so easy to find." Butler Alfred smiled. "Still, we are willing to pay any price in the hope that Miss Diana will move to Gotham City first."
"This is not my promise. It is the promise of Master Bruce and all of Wayne Enterprises!" At this point, Butler Alfred proudly emphasized his words. Yet no one would question or resent that pride. If he could not be proud at this moment, then he would not deserve to be Wayne Enterprises' chief butler.
A promise from Wayne Enterprises was enough to tempt even a president of a nation!
Yet Diana remained composed. Rather than answering, she looked at Xi Nian and asked, "Xi Nian, what do you think?"
"Me?" Xi Nian froze.
Butler Alfred was also briefly taken aback, and his gaze toward Xi Nian changed once more. Before coming here, he had reviewed plenty of information and knew that Diana was a truly intelligent and decisive woman.
Yet now, when faced with such an important matter, Diana had repeatedly sought and placed importance on this child's opinion.
It was as if Xi Nian were the true master of this household.
Butler Alfred could not help feeling surprised and shocked.
As for Xi Nian, he suddenly understood.
By asking for his opinion now, Aunt Diana was giving him a chance to choose.
As long as Xi Nian chose to accept Butler Alfred's proposal, he could immediately move to Gotham City. He would enjoy the best local education, entertainment, healthcare, and other services. Under Wayne Enterprises' protection, even if he never worked hard and simply coasted through life, he could still live an exceptionally high-quality life among the upper class.
But, but...
Xi Nian gently shook his head, making it clear that he rejected the proposal.
"Why?" Butler Alfred was the first to ask in bewilderment. "Young Master Xi Nian, don't you long for life in Gotham City? With Wayne Enterprises' help, you can obtain nearly everything you desire..."
Xi Nian still shook his head, his eyes bright and clear. "Butler Alfred, you've misunderstood me. I actually do long for life in Gotham City. To be honest, very few people in this world could remain unmoved by a promise and protection from Wayne Enterprises."
"Then why?" Butler Alfred found it even harder to understand.
"Because I don't want my choice to affect Aunt Diana's own choice. You want our family to go to Gotham City because you value Aunt Diana's abilities, not because of me, right?"
Xi Nian said calmly, "If Aunt Diana is truly interested in your alliance, then I would be very happy to see her join it. There would be no need for a promise or protection from Wayne Enterprises. But if Aunt Diana herself does not want to join, then no matter how much or how good the offer is, I cannot choose to accept your proposal."
"I see." Butler Alfred appeared thoughtful, and his eyes reflecting Xi Nian held a deep admiration.
"That is what I think as well." Diana, who had remained silent all this time, said softly, "For now, I am not interested in Bruce Wayne's idea for an alliance. So, I apologize."
"It's all right."
Butler Alfred smiled and rose to his feet. "Then I shall take my leave for now and relay your intentions to Master Bruce."
"Butler Alfred." Xi Nian suddenly called out to him. "Thank you for renovating my home. When I have the chance in the future, I will certainly repay you."
"This is my promise." The boy spoke with utmost seriousness.
Butler Alfred nodded, indicating that he would remember it.
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