American Comics: Something's Wrong with This Superhero World

Chapter 262 Xiao Xian's Influence (Bonus Chapter!)

In the study of Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne stood before the enormous French windows, overlooking the garden outside. He held a glass of red wine, attempting to soothe his mind. However, a flurry of footsteps outside shattered the tranquility.

The subordinate knocked on the door, and after receiving Bruce's permission, quickly entered, his face showing unease. "Mr. Bruce, the Osborn Corporation rejected our settlement proposal. Not only have they not stopped, but they've intensified their publicity efforts. Moreover, Superman has refused to speak out for Mr. Alfred."

Upon hearing this, Bruce's face suddenly darkened. His hand, which was gripping the wine glass, trembled slightly. He then smashed the glass on the ground, splashing red wine and scattering shards of glass everywhere.

"Harry Osborn is really asking for trouble," Bruce said coldly, his voice carrying a dangerous chill. "Since he wants to fight, then let's fight. Harry Osborn is no match for me."

At the same time, Bruce's disgust for Superman, this disobedient guy, only intensified; if he weren't outmatched...

"Contact Amanda Waller," Bruce ordered his subordinate. "Tell her I want to have dinner with her and discuss her suicide squad plans."

The subordinate nodded and quickly left the room to carry out the order.

Inside the upscale restaurant, a luxurious crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, creating an exceptionally elegant ambiance. Amanda Waller strolled in with a relaxed air, only to find the vast space empty except for Bruce Wayne. Raising an eyebrow, she remarked with a hint of sarcasm, "I thought this restaurant didn't offer private events."

Bruce sat at the dining table, smiled slightly, and said pretentiously, "They didn't accept private bookings before, but I bought this place, so now they naturally offer me private booking services."

Amanda nodded in admiration. "It's good to be rich. Unlike me, as a lowly public servant, I only have a few million dollars in legal income a year, which is simply not enough to live on."

Bruce chuckled softly. "I think your income this year will definitely jump to the tens of millions."

Upon hearing this, Amanda raised her glass, took a sip, and said, "Really? Thank you for your kind words."

Bruce continued, "But even rich people have their troubles. For example, recently my butler was falsely accused of being involved in a kidnapping case."

Amanda paused upon hearing this, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes. "I won't offend the Osborn Group for money."

Bruce smiled faintly, his tone revealing an undeniable firmness, "What if it's for the Suicide Squad? I can get Blackgate and Arkham Prison to provide you with superhuman criminals, and I'll get my congressman friends to support your Suicide Squad plan."

Amanda looked at Bruce in surprise, "You're actually willing to go to this lengths for Alfred?"

Bruce spread his hands, his tone tinged with helplessness and determination. "After all, it was Alfred who raised me, and now this is not just about Alfred himself, it's also a battle of egos between me and Harry Osborn."

Amanda pondered for a moment, weighed the pros and cons, and nodded. "No problem, I can help you, but I have a condition."

Bruce looked at her sharply. "What are the conditions?"

Amanda replied, "Xiao Xian did not participate in this operation. If he calls for Afu's trial, then I will withdraw."

Bruce Wayne scrutinized Amanda Waller and said, "Does Xiao Xian really have that much power? You're a leader of the Sky Eye Society, where did that fearless Amanda Waller go?"

Amanda responded calmly, "Xiao Xian is the Sorcerer Supreme, you know what that means. Moreover, he's collaborating with extraterrestrial demons to sell indulgences. Offending him is not a wise move."

Bruce frowned and said in a low voice, "Indulgences only fool those nouveau riche. Don't tell me you can't see the trickery in them."

Amanda smiled slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and the coldness of reality. "Of course I can see there's something wrong. But he's the Sorcerer Supreme. If he's embezzling, what can you do? And even just to be safe after death and avoid being targeted by demons, it's wise not to provoke him."

"Doesn't the Sorcerer Supreme have any oversight mechanisms? Is he just allowed to do whatever he wants? It's the 21st century, how can there still be such a dictatorial organization?" Bruce said angrily. He himself wasn't this arbitrary on the Wayne Enterprises board of directors, at least not before he eliminated all his opponents.

Amanda looked intently at Bruce and said with a hint of admonition...

"Bruce, I'm saying this to any other person, but you're one of my few billionaire friends. It's not just me; other congressmen and high-ranking government officials don't want to offend Xiao Xian either."

"On the one hand, we rely on Xiao Xian's power to deal with the supernatural; on the other hand, everyone dies eventually, and who wouldn't want to secure a way out after death? If I weren't a devout Christian, I would also be tempted by the so-called paradise. I advise you to think it over carefully; it's not a wise move to ruin your relationship with Xiao Xian."

Bruce fell into deep thought upon hearing this, knowing that Amanda's words were not unfounded.

As the Supreme Mage, Xiao Xian possesses immense power and influence. He has also amassed a large following of wealthy individuals who wish to enjoy bliss after death by selling indulgences. Therefore, he cannot be simply measured by his status as a superhero.

If this matter hadn't involved Afu, or if Afu hadn't been his biological father, Bruce wouldn't have insisted; he would have pushed Afu out to take the blame long ago.

Just as Bruce was pondering, Amanda's phone suddenly lit up. She glanced down at the screen, her expression shifting slightly, then looked up at Bruce and said...

"Xiao Xian has already retweeted the tweet condemning Afu. Sorry, Bruce, I can't work with you this time."

Bruce's face darkened upon hearing this. Amanda's decision to withdraw from the partnership only intensified his sense of pressure and isolation, making him feel more isolated than ever before.

After seeing Amanda off, Bruce returned to his post and picked up his phone to find a series of unread messages, all from his former business partners and allies.

Bruce clicked on it and the first thing he saw was a message from a media mogul.

"I'm sorry, Bruce, after careful discussion with my business partners, we've decided to suspend our cooperation regarding Alfred's case. Thank you for your understanding."

Following that, a series of messages from tycoons from various industries arrived, all conveying the same message: the collaboration was canceled.

Bruce's face grew increasingly grim as he looked at the messages. He understood that although these people hadn't explicitly stated their reasons, it was obvious that all the blame was being placed on the same person—Xiao Xian.

"F**k! You all call yourselves business tycoons, and Xiao Xian scared you away with just a retweet! A bunch of useless cowards!"

Bruce threw down his phone and angrily pushed all the documents on his desk aside.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the office door. Bruce looked up and saw Alfred standing in the doorway, a serious expression on his face.

"Young Master, are you alright?" Afu asked with concern.

Bruce nodded, his heart churning, but his face remained calm. "I'm fine, Alfred."

I think I've paid off half of my debt. (whispering)

(End of this chapter)