[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel":3,"chapter-my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-chapter-183":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Life as a Mental Mentor in Marvel",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2322751,4544,"Chapter 183: Smile (Part 1)","my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-chapter-183",183,"\u003Cp>Several spotlights shone on Batman, making him squint, like a bat sleeping in a dark cave suddenly awakened by a flashlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I advise you not to move now,” Schiller turned to look at Batman, but saw no expression on his face—he was no longer the Bruce Wayne of his early days; his thoughts were now nearly impossible to discern from his outward demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?” Batman’s voice remained low and deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller turned back to the stage; the spotlight swept over him, glinting off his lenses as he said, “You need patience—the best act has only just begun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t see anything worth watching here,” Batman remained still, his face grim. “Even if he moved the kidnapping case into a theater, it’s still just a crime—he’s a madman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He is indeed a madman, but different from other madmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What makes madmen different?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why are you sitting here instead of rushing down to stop him? I advised you, but I didn’t stop you—I couldn’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batman fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because he’s caught your interest. Because you’re wondering how this play will unfold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because the Owl is your enemy, and your inaction may carry the pleasure of revenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batman opened his mouth to deny it, but Schiller said, “Watching these actors suffer is certainly entertaining—but if you still see him as an ordinary madman, it’s you who will suffer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batman’s brow tightened further, but the man on stage had turned his attention back from him; the Joker held the small metal rod used to strike the triangle to the lip of a bound, obese man and said, “Alright, pick an audience member—have him read the clue on his ticket to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, I…” The obese man was drenched in sweat; after being suspended by rope for so long, his body was utterly exhausted. The Joker pursed his lips, then suddenly straightened his posture, swept his hair back behind his ears, and revealed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deliberately kicked his legs forward as if marching in step, walked over to another man beside him, snatched off his glasses, and put them on his own face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the small metal rod against his lips like a microphone, cleared his throat, and said, “Next, Jack, the world’s most professional psychologist, brings you a deep psychological analysis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller in the audience narrowed his eyes; Evans instinctively shifted toward the aisle, as if trying to put distance between himself and his professor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a pathetic spectacle, buddy,” the Joker walked back to the obese man and said, “Your arrogance is built on safety—you stand in suits in a secure conference room, leveraging your ancestors’ accumulated wealth, believing you control everything, drowning in the thrill of being the shadow puppeteer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But when your so-called unshakable beliefs meet reality, they turn into the agony of losing what you’ve gained. In truth, you’re no different from ordinary people who suffer sleepless nights over losing five dollars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All great ambitions ultimately dissolve into the most mundane regret and pain—and when you truly sink to the level of commoners, you lose everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s left after that? A bloated, flabby body? A soul utterly devoid of novelty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As actors, you’ve failed so utterly you can’t even stage a decent performance on your own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know what you’re thinking—I know it all. Begging a madman for mercy is so hard…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The obese man emitted a guttural, wheezing sound, his face flushed crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Joker said, even the most self-proclaimed masterminds, suspended on a rope in front of an audience, cannot remain composed when their shame is laid bare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you won’t choose, I’ll choose for you,” the Joker adjusted his glasses and said, “I’m sure our Professor Rodriguez has been waiting long enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The obese man seemed to choke; he squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth: “No! No… this violates the rules…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut up!” The Joker suddenly went berserk, smashing the metal rod against the obese man’s face until he could no longer speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The obese man, fearing further violence, fell silent, trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller stood from his chair and said, “I’m honored to be first—but before this, I have a better suggestion for this game. Would you like to hear it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker narrowed his eyes at him; everyone felt the atmosphere freeze, as if an invisible struggle had begun—two madmen clashing by invading each other’s domains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A better suggestion?” The Joker emphasized the words, grinning with bared teeth. “Better make sure it’s good—or I’ll treat it as your forfeit…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, this gentleman wants me to reveal the clue, but he can’t expect me to give it for nothing. I propose a new rule: if they want the clue, they must agree to one demand from the audience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker froze for a few seconds, then burst into wild laughter. “Oh, you’re a genius!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly his face darkened. “But you think I’d say that? A terrible idea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller cut him off and continued, “Alright, I withdraw the suggestion. I have only one question: Can I lie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker stared straight at him, his lips curling sharply downward. He muttered low, “I told you—I hate that name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let this gentleman decide: accept my demand for the true clue, or do nothing and risk receiving a lie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp female voice rang out from above: “Agree to him, Harl! Agree to his demand! Do you want us all to get false answers? We’ll die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another Ma Lei voice chimed in: “Exactly! We choose the first option!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller tapped the back of the chair in front of him, making a noise, and said, “I’m letting this gentleman decide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s just a lowly councilman—he represents nothing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can such an important decision be left to a low-ranking councilman?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We should vote—votes must be weighted by rank…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only senior councilmen can decide—don’t forget that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You old bastards! At this point, you’re still thinking about…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker’s shoulders began to shake; his chuckle swelled into full laughter. After a moment, as if exhausted, he wiped his eyes and said, “This is… actually kind of interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harl trembled, his fat lips quivering as he whispered, “I choose… I choose the first option. I’ll accept his demand—tell me the true answer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Joker could proceed, Schiller moved to the next step himself: “Alright, my demand is—take off your mask, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! No… I can’t…” Harl screamed in terror, his eyes darting toward Falcone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I regret it!!! I choose the second option!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t get another chance,” the Joker grinned. “You already agreed to his demand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he yanked off the obese man’s mask, revealing the fat, round face beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wild Boar Harris,” Falcone smiled, recognizing him. “Didn’t your father Bruno ever teach you? Once you put on a mask, never take it off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harl’s face turned ashen. His true identity was exposed—not just his, but his family, his influence, his wealth—all would never see tomorrow’s sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mask fears no godfather—but the man beneath the mask fears. The mask won’t die—but the man beneath it will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people on stage, who had been shouting moments before, fell silent. The Joker dashed to the center, arms spread, head tilted: “Why so serious? He chose the outcome you wanted—why aren’t you smiling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Jack, may I announce the answer now?” Schiller spoke like a cold, mechanical NPC.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker wore a childlike look of disappointment. “What a shame—I should’ve designed an interview segment. I wanted to play longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring his reaction, Schiller picked up the crumpled slip of paper, unfolded it, and read aloud: “Artemis is more beautiful than Athena…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people hanging on stage froze, then fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker tapped his triangle sharply. “Alright, that act is over—next! Next! Sit down, you’re done…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1200ksw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller sat down as instructed. Batman said to him, “You’re a devil.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Likewise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker walked over to a tall, thin man and struck the triangle hard against his ear, making him jerk violently, trying to escape the madman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your turn—who do you choose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I choose… Little Falcone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker first pulled his lips sharply downward, then twitched the muscles around his nose into a cruel expression, then grinned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then please welcome Evans Falcone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his arm; a spotlight fixed on Evans. Schiller beside him thumped the chair back loudly: “I object! Why does he get a host’s introduction and spotlight? This is discrimination! We all bought tickets—we paid the same!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Objection dismissed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Joker turned his gaze to Evans. Evans blinked, surprised someone had chosen him. Three minutes into the play, he still didn’t understand what was happening, and now he was busy uncrumpling the paper balls from his popcorn bucket, trying to piece them into a whole sheet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, he twitched. A cold expression crept over his face. He stood and said, “First—I’m not Evans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He offered a chilling smile to the tall, thin man. “Second—you can choose again. Option one? Or option two?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I choose two! Let him give the answer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alberto’s voice rang out coldly: “The answer is—your button corresponds to the fat man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alberto’s words hit the ground, the entire audience fell silent. No one had expected this answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schiller’s earlier answer had been like a mythic riddle, full of incomprehensible metaphors—even for Gothamites, it felt premature. But now, Alberto’s answer was brutally direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a math problem: the first part asks you to solve a differential equation; the second asks what you had for breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!” the suspended tall man said. “You’re lying—this contradicts the first answer entirely…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you chose option two, it might indeed be a lie,” Alberto shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the tall man heard whispers from his companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Harl’s too heavy—he’s close to the ground. Even if the rope lowers slowly, his belly will hit the floor before anyone else’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right. And this madman might’ve prepared several wildly different answers. Maybe he’s not lying…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Harl’s dead anyway—Falcone knows his identity. He’s finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He dies sooner or later…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then press it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Press it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>",1670,"2026-06-20T16:39:12.484Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f14a86e2ff1f81d24c45e73737ca2bc4cf6c8b649462927f0c9c4591e9ad6431","my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-chapter-184","my-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-chapter-182",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-mental-mentor-in-marvel-cover.jpg"]