Chapter 3250: Bloodied New City (Part 10)

An awkward atmosphere permeated Wei En Manor.

Batman put down his phone for the sixteenth time—Dick Grayson would not be coming back.

If Alfred were here, what would he do? He might smile and pour a cup of tea for the Pale Knight, or even take his coat to be ironed, persuading him through the door to welcome every guest who came here with a sincere attitude.

Alfred had always liked liveliness, as if managing such a large manor alone wasn't enough, hoping more people would come to cause him trouble. He was extremely sad when Jason left without saying goodbye, and Dick's arrival made him happy.

But Batman had never been a person good at making friends, and Bruce Wei En wouldn't hold those lively parties here. Every night Batman left, Alfred guarded the empty manor alone, hoping that something different would happen tomorrow.

Even if the Joker came today, as long as he was willing to sit down and have a cup of tea, Alfred would chat with him for a few words. When he was alive, Batman must have thought this was absurd, but now that he was gone, Batman wanted to see this absurd scene with his own eyes.

The Pale Knight didn't bring many personal items, but he brought a large number of documents. These were all things he had to deal with recently, especially regarding the chemical pollution problem in District X15. He had many documents to approve.

Because he didn't want to disturb Batman too much, the Pale Knight stayed in the reception area at the back right of the living room, while Batman watched the news on TV in the front.

He heard the news broadcaster on TV narrating several policies proposed by the mayor regarding pollution.

At first, Batman just watched casually, because he had never expected the Joker to come up with any effective strategies, but after hearing the first one, he didn't want to change the channel and listened very seriously.

"... The above are all first-hand news obtained by our reporter when receiving documents from the mayor's assistant this afternoon. It is reported that the mayor intends to implement the above policies within the next half month..."

Batman lowered his eyes slightly. He looked toward the back of the living room and at this moment re-recognized the Pale Knight's administrative ability.

Almost all the policies he proposed started from the quality of life of the grassroots people, and they would obviously be very effective. They weren't the kind of empty talk, it was just that half a month was still a bit too tight. He shouldn't have that many people and funds.

Batman also participated in the incident at the time. He knew that Maria actually damaged the pipeline on purpose to guard against him. He believed he was responsible for this.

Should he facilitate these policies?

Batman went through all the policies in his mind again and really didn't find any loopholes. Basically, it could be said that if they could be executed, this matter would almost not harm the Cat Getan people, and it could also significantly enhance people's trust in this term of the municipal government.

But helping the Joker still made him feel a bit awkward. If the Joker was right, then what about him?

Throwing away the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Batman still dialed Fox's phone and briefly described the mayor's policies on environmental pollution he saw on TV.

"... I think this might be beneficial to the daily lives of the surrounding people. If necessary, we can provide help to the municipal government. What do you think?"

"I'm very happy you think so, Bruce. It's time to cheer up again. I will continue to pay attention to the implementation of these policies and provide help when necessary."

Fox's firm voice made Batman breathe a sigh of relief. He knew that not everyone had abandoned him. Lucius Fox would be his firm supporter.

"But have you heard? The mayor cut the benefits of civil servants in the municipal system, and they are very dissatisfied with this."

"What do they have to be dissatisfied with?" Batman didn't even realize that his voice contained anger. He said, "If it weren't for them always helping those with ulterior motives, the municipal funds and the Wei En Group's funds wouldn't be like this now. What was cut was only a drop in the bucket of what they obtained through illegal means."

"Although that's what's said, human hearts are greedy. They could take more before, so they aren't willing to take only a little like now. City Hall might have some turmoil recently."

Batman's brows furrowed.

He originally thought that the Pale Knight saying the government would close, so he had to come here to work, was just an excuse and that he actually had other plans, but he didn't expect Fox to also think the government might have problems.

Batman had to believe Fox's judgment, because his old partner almost never spoke falsely. If he said such things, there must be reasons.

But if the government closes, what about the policies proposed? If they can't be pushed forward as early as possible, they will definitely be obstructed by some people again, disappearing silently in Cat Getan's night like countless proposals beneficial to people's livelihood in the past.

What on earth is the Pale Knight doing?

"I also watched the evening news. I have to admit that our new mayor has two brushes. The policies he proposed are not very extreme, but they have practical benefits. There is a great chance they can be pushed forward." Fox's voice sounded again.

"Do you think it's possible?" Batman asked.

"Yes, he used some means to cover it up, making these policies look like they don't touch the core interests of the upper-class people, and even enhance some reputation for them. Even if only half can be executed, it is a good thing for the residents nearby."

Batman was silent for a few seconds and then said, "If the municipal government has problems, these policies cannot be executed."

Fox was also silent, and then Batman said, "Don't count on the municipal government. Let's do it ourselves."

"Okay." Fox said, "I will try my best, but I only have the confidence to execute half. After all, the municipal government and the upper-class people are both enemies and friends. They also think they can move the Pale Knight and let him be used by them, so they will make concessions in this regard."

"But we are in a pure competitive relationship with them. In recent years, they have been uniting to suppress the Wei En Group. If we come forward, they won't let it go."

Batman was silent again. He knew how depressed his sigh sounded, but he also knew that anyone in the world facing such a situation who could only sigh once could be considered firm in will.

Fox suddenly said, "Have you heard the wind from the Cat Getan Police Department?"

"What?"

"James met a few people. They are rich people. They seem to be negotiating issues related to GTO funding."

"You predicted long ago that the GTO would be short of funds, and I also reminded Nightwing, but he didn't listen." Batman said, "What method do they intend to think of?"

"I also feel very shocking, but our old friend seems to intend to sell the GTO."

"What?!" Batman stood up with a *swoosh* and said, "Lucius, now is not the time for jokes!"

Although Batman is a superhero most of the time, he is also a successful businessman with a keen commercial sense.

At this moment, he realized that if Gordon possessed the GTO, it would be equivalent to no one having it, because Gordon wouldn't be corrupted. But if Gordon didn't want the GTO, then whoever had the GTO would be the new King of Cat Getan.

"Before you called, I was investigating this matter." Fox's voice came from the other end of the phone, his tone also revealing a trace of seriousness. He said, "I can't be sure who persuaded James, this old stubborn man, but he indeed succeeded. James chose to play the best card in his hand, and the timing is perfect."

"The new mayor took office. Although they have already controlled 90% of the departments in City Hall, the mayor is the mayor. If he is firm and doesn't waver, many things will become very troublesome."

"They have recognized that the Pale Knight is not a person who will easily waver, and perhaps they have also prepared many means to tame him, but these all take time. During this period, no one can guarantee the smooth operation of their industries from the official level, which will make them feel dangerous."

"If James chooses to throw out the GTO at this time, it will definitely cause everyone to scramble for it, because the ability of this team has been verified before, and it is independent, not under the jurisdiction of Cat Getan's police system and military. This is a powerful private army that can guarantee the safety of their industries to the greatest extent."

"And I also heard that James made a huge concession. He even let the members of the team accept private employment, which means whoever wins this team can use it to find trouble for their competitors."

Batman sat down slowly again. His tone revealed doubt. This didn't look like Gordon's style.

"Who says it isn't? It's just that before, my focus was on our new mayor, and I neglected James's recent movements. Now our focus is not on why he suddenly thought it through, but on who can get this sharp blade in the end."

"It must be us." Batman said without thinking, "We cannot let others possess the GTO, otherwise they will definitely use this knife to stab us. The Wei En Group can no longer accept more twists and turns."

"But you must also consider the price of winning it. First is a large sum of money, second is the subsequent maintenance costs, and if you aren't willing, we can't use it to create trouble for competitors, which means the cost-effectiveness will be lower."

Batman thought silently, and Fox always knew when to leave space for him, so he was also silent.

"We can only choose one of two." Batman said, "Support the mayor's new policy, or win the GTO."

"Yes, our money is probably only enough to do one thing."

"Then what is your suggestion?"

"I would be more inclined to the latter, but I know you want both. Give me some time, I will think of a way as much as possible, and you should also make a decision as soon as possible."

Hanging up the phone, Batman sat silently in place. He was thinking about the pros and cons.

"On the truck carrying goods." Bruce looked at Schiller and said, "That group of rich people got the GTO. Even if it is used for mutual fighting, it will endanger civilians, right? Or make the resistance of civilians more difficult."

"You think too much. They won't get the GTO."

Bruce looked at Schiller full of doubt. He said, "Isn't your purpose to let them get the GTO and then strike at each other?"

"If they strike at each other, money will only flow between them and won't enter my pocket."

"I don't quite understand." Bruce said, "You seem to be very good at quickly overturning your previous conclusions."

"That's just because you didn't calculate comprehensively enough." Schiller said, "For example, you missed a key factor here."

"What?"

"Batman." Schiller smiled and said, "James Gordon's every move cannot be hidden from Batman. You say if he knew Gordon was going to sell the GTO, what would he do?"

"Batman won't allow this knife to be held in someone else's hand." Bruce said very positively, "Aside from him being a control freak, it's also because if someone else gets it, the Wei En Group will be in danger."

"Yeah, he won't allow it."

"He also has the ability to win it." Bruce continued, "Although the Wei En Group has been in difficult circumstances recently, a lean camel is bigger than a horse. It should still be able to afford the price."

"Normally, it can." Schiller smiled again and turned to look at Bruce, saying, "Then what if there is a plan that can better benefit the people, waiting for him to spend money to execute?" ===== CHAPTER 3251 =====