"What's with that expression?" Dr. Roman looked at Roland in confusion. "Isn't this a good thing that benefits superheroes and ordinary citizens alike? Why do you look like disaster's about to strike?"
"Who told you that?"
"Bruce Wayne."
"Now I'm even more worried." Roland looked utterly exasperated. "Just tell me exactly what happened."
7
"Oh." Dr. Roman nodded. "A few days ago, Bruce Wayne held a press conference—"
A few days earlier.
Wayne Tower.
A red carpet covered the ground, and a line of gorgeous, shapely blondes with blue eyes greeted the guests. Countless luxury cars surrounded the venue, and a champagne tower glittered in the sunlight.
Everyone knew what was happening the moment they saw this extravagant display: the Wayne Family's young master was about to squander his fortune again.
Still, sights like this had become rare lately, making the people of Gotham City nostalgic for the old days. Back then, Father Roland had still been unknown; Joker had been the Prince of Crime, rather than an actual clown; the Robin at Batman's side had still had curves in all the right places; and the Mob had still been Gotham City's main criminal force—
All right, perhaps there wasn't much worth missing after all.
"—He really knows how to show off." Black Sun had come with Penguin. "Dad, was Bruce Wayne always like this?"
"He's always loved flaunting his wealth. How else do you think he earned his reputation as a playboy?" Penguin explained. "But lately, he's been doing less of this sort of thing. Maybe Uncle Thomas has been keeping him on a tight leash, or maybe becoming a father made him grow up."
"I see." Black Sun nodded.
"What, you want to copy him?" Penguin glanced sideways at him. "My pockets aren't as deep as Wayne Enterprises'.