Batman's Invitation

Wayne Industries.

In this world, no one is unaware of what it represents and the weight it carries.

Although in daily news reports, Wayne Industries is often overshadowed by Stark Industries in the tech sector at expos, this only highlights its undeniable super-tech foundation.

Moreover, compared to Stark Industries, which focuses on heavy industries like chemicals, metal forming, satellite communications, military manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, the Wayne Conglomerate behind Wayne Industries also spans financial investments, pharmaceuticals, civilian aerospace, railways, shipbuilding, and even light industries like video games and toys.

People often say that nearly half of Gotham City's industries belong to the Wayne Conglomerate.

That statement probably isn't a joke.

So, Wayne Industries (the Conglomerate) is truly the top dog in the entire world!

So this was the connection Aunt meant this morning?

As if guessing what Xi Nian was thinking, Butler Alfred waved his hand, and all the staff in the room immediately filed out the door.

Butler Alfred smiled gently and continued in a warm tone, "I'm actually here on behalf of the head of the Wayne family—Young Master Bruce Wayne. I mainly wanted to meet with Miss Diana to discuss some matters with her."

Before he could finish.

"Just say what you need to say." The outside door suddenly opened, and Diana walked in gracefully and nobly.

"Miss Diana." Butler Alfred gave a slight bow, his eyes filled with deep respect.

"Hello."

Diana gave a slight nod in return, calmly glanced at Butler Alfred, then took Xi Nian's hand and sat down on the living room sofa, gesturing, "Please, have a seat."

"Very well, Miss Diana. Then I won't stand on ceremony." Butler Alfred sat down on the sofa chair across from them, his back still straight as a pine even while seated.

"Just say what you need to say directly, no need to hide anything from Xi Nian." Diana repeated her earlier words.

"Yes, I understand." Butler Alfred glanced at Xi Nian with a flicker of surprise, then organized his words and began, "This time, Young Master Bruce intended to come in person, but urgent matters in Gotham City kept him tied up, so he specially arranged for me to make this trip."

Xi Nian's brow furrowed slightly.

Bruce Wayne—that name is as famous as Wayne Industries.

After all, he is the current heir of the Wayne Conglomerate, holding the economic lifeline of Gotham City in his hands. However, like Tony Stark, the head of Stark Industries, both have a less-than-stellar public reputation, known worldwide as playboys.

Butler Alfred continued, "Young Master Bruce's intention is to establish a cooperative relationship with Miss Diana. To that end, if you are willing, Miss Diana, you can move your entire family to any residence in Gotham City at any time. Young Master Xi Nian will also enjoy the best local services, such as education and healthcare."

"Cooperation? What kind of cooperation?" Xi Nian asked curiously.

"Bruce Wayne—he's Gotham City's Batman." Diana explained from the side, adding, "He's recently been considering creating an alliance, with members who are all exceptionally gifted individuals. He wanted to discuss cooperation with me."

"Oh, I see." Xi Nian understood.

This left Butler Alfred stunned.

An ordinary person, upon learning Batman's true identity, would probably be unable to contain their excitement, right? But this child, as if hearing something utterly mundane, showed no great surprise.

Little did he know, just last night, Xi Nian's family had handled mythology as if it were family business. Compared to that, what was Batman's true identity?

"As for the cooperation and the alliance, it's still just a simple idea for now. Young Master Bruce doesn't know if it will actually be implemented later, after all, exceptionally gifted extraordinary individuals aren't easy to find." Butler Alfred smiled. "Still, we are willing to spare no expense, hoping that Miss Diana will agree to move to Gotham City first."

"This isn't just my promise—it's the promise of Young Master Bruce and the entire Wayne Conglomerate!" At this, Butler Alfred emphasized with pride. Yet no one would question or resent his pride; if he weren't proud at this moment, he wouldn't be worthy of being the Wayne Conglomerate's highest steward.

The promise of the Wayne Conglomerate—even a nation's president would be tempted by it!

Diana, however, remained composed. Instead of answering, she looked at Xi Nian and said, "Xi Nian, what do you think?"

"Me?" Xi Nian was taken aback.

Butler Alfred was also startled, his gaze toward Xi Nian shifting once more. Before coming, he had reviewed many records and knew Diana to be a truly wise and decisive woman.

But now, when faced with a major issue, Diana repeatedly sought and deferred to this child's opinion.

As if Xi Nian were the master of this house.

This couldn't help but surprise and shock Butler Alfred.

As for Xi Nian, at that moment, he suddenly understood.

Aunt Diana's look at him now was giving him a choice.

If Xi Nian chose to accept Butler Alfred's proposal, he could immediately move to Gotham City. Enjoying the best local education, entertainment, healthcare, and more, under the Wayne Conglomerate's care, even if he never worked hard and just coasted through life, he could still live a very high-quality, upper-class wealthy existence.

But, but...

Xi Nian gently shook his head, indicating his rejection of the proposal.

"Why?" Butler Alfred was the first to ask, bewildered. "Young Master Xi Nian, don't you yearn for life in Gotham City? With the Wayne Conglomerate's help, you could have almost anything you want..."

Xi Nian shook his head again, his eyes bright and focused: "Butler Alfred, you misunderstand me. I actually do yearn for life in Gotham City. To be honest, receiving the promise and care of the Wayne Conglomerate—few in this world could remain unmoved."

"Then why?" Butler Alfred was even more confused.

"Because I don't want my choice to influence Aunt's own decision. You want our family to move to Gotham City because you value Aunt's abilities, not because of me, right?"

Xi Nian said calmly, "If Aunt is truly interested in your alliance, I'd be happy to see her join, and there's no need for the Wayne Conglomerate's promise or care. But if Aunt herself doesn't want to join, then no matter how much or how good the things you offer me, I can't accept your proposal."

"I see." Butler Alfred nodded thoughtfully, his eyes reflecting Xi Nian with growing admiration.

"I feel the same way." Diana, who had been silent, spoke softly. "For now, I'm not interested in Bruce Wayne's alliance idea. So, I'm sorry."

"No matter."

Butler Alfred smiled and stood up on his own: "Then I'll take my leave and convey your thoughts to Young Master Bruce."

"Butler Alfred." Xi Nian suddenly called out to him, saying, "Thank you for renovating my home. When the opportunity comes, I'll repay you."

"That's my promise." The boy spoke with utter seriousness.

Butler Alfred nodded, indicating he had taken note.