Alfred's footsteps came from the lift platform.
"I consider that a perfectly reasonable request."
Chen Mo immediately turned his head.
The white-haired old man came down carrying a tray.
On it were hot tea, little savory pies, beautifully baked scones, and a small dish of jam.
Chen Mo's eyes lit up.
"Mr. Pennyworth, your timing deserves a place in the Wayne family rescue manual."
Alfred set the tray on the table.
"Master Bruce's rescue manual generally lacks a chapter on dinner."
Bruce didn't argue.
That made it serious.
Chen Mo sat down and took a savory pie first.
"I really don't understand how anyone in this world can turn down a delicious little snack while working."
Bruce dragged the files onto the main screen.
"Eat."
Although it was just one short word, the remark could actually have been expressed at greater length.
For example, "Just eat your food." Or, "Even food can't keep that mouth of yours shut."
Chen Mo took a bite, and his expression immediately brightened.
Standing beside him, Alfred's gaze softened a little too.
For years, the Batcave had housed only a young master who treated coffee as meals and bandages as rest.
Now there was someone else who could eat, loved to eat, and even offered compliments afterward.
The place came alive all at once.
At that thought, the butler crusader glanced at Bruce Wayne.
A sigh.
Alfred watched Chen Mo take another scone.
"The jam is on your left."
Chen Mo was filled with reverence.
"I hereby declare you the Batcave's most important system."
Bruce spoke.
"Jervis Tetch."
The scone in Chen Mo's hand paused.
"You really know how to ruin snack time."
Bruce opened a map of Gotham.
The old assembly hall.
The school bus terminus.
Henderson Children's Theater.
Three red dots lit up