"Twenty years from now, when you look back and see a Gotham transformed, will you feel proud of the effort you made today..."
"This guy really knows how to fire people up."
Harleen sat in the passenger seat, listening to the car radio. "You said he used to be some lackey who held an umbrella?"
"That's right. He's got perseverance and determination, too. But I think he's trying a little too hard." Li Jie kept one hand on the wheel. "He's been showing up on camera a little too often lately... Hmm, what's that?"
He made a U-turn at the intersection ahead and pulled over, motioning for Harleen to lean back before lowering the window and calling out:
"Jim?"
Gordon heard him and hurried out from behind the police tape. "Jay, Harleen."
"Big case?" Li Jie leaned out and gestured toward the scene.
"No, just an ordinary murder and dismemberment. I'll catch him." Gordon sighed softly. "The East End seems a lot better now? I didn't expect Cobblepot to actually be different from before."
"Then give it a shot. Get him to push harder and become mayor. Maybe Central Headquarters will get better, too." Li Jie smiled, then asked, "How's Dent?"
"Uh..." Gordon's expression darkened. "His injuries have actually healed pretty well, but now... He's completely given up his legal career. It looks like he's really going to devote himself to philosophy."
"Ah..." Li Jie sighed along with him. "Now he'll really have trouble finding work. Think of Socrates. The man didn't even have a decent suit."
"Hah!"
Gordon rolled his eyes and waved him off. "I need to get back to work."
Li Jie said goodbye and started the car. Beside him, Harleen covered her mouth and snickered.
"Where do you get all this nonsense?"
"Maybe I just always