American Comics: Something's Wrong with This Superhero World

Chapter 264 Incompetent Teammates

On the streets of Metropolis, Superman was surrounded by a group of reporters. Seeing so many reporters interviewing him, Superman couldn't help but feel a little smug, it seemed that his popularity was still undeniable. However, what the reporters said next made Superman less happy.

Flashbulbs went off everywhere as reporters surrounded Superman and threw out a pointed question: "What would you do if Atlantis invaded Amelia?"

Superman frowned slightly and hesitated for a moment. In the past, he would have immediately declared that he would protect the human world, but Bruce's warning was still ringing in his ears.

Superman didn't want to answer such hypothetical questions. But the reporters clearly weren't going to let him off the hook so easily.

"Aren't you willing to stand up for Amelia and human civilization?" another reporter pressed. "Does this really make you a superhero, or are you just protecting your boss?"

Superman felt a surge of annoyance. He looked around and saw more reporters raising microphones and cameras.

"Xiao Xian and many other superheroes have already declared that if Atlantis invades, they will stand up to protect human civilization." Another voice rang out from the crowd.

Superman fell silent. He stared at the camera, his mind a jumble of conflicting emotions. Bruce's advice, the company's interests, and his own image were all clashing fiercely in his mind.

The few seconds of silence felt like an eternity. Finally, Superman made his decision. Maintaining his public image was the top priority; everything else could be dealt with later.

Superman took a deep breath, straightened his back, looked firmly into the camera, and flashed his signature confident smile.

"Listen, everyone," Superman's voice was deep and powerful, "if Atlantis dares to invade our great America, I, Superman, will be the first to stand up!"

The reporters held their breath, the red lights on their cameras flashing incessantly. Superman continued passionately:

"Protecting Amelia, safeguarding the human world—this is not only my duty and mission, but also my honor!" Superman's voice echoed across the plaza. "I will never turn a blind eye to this threat simply because I signed with Wayne Enterprises. Contracts cannot bind my conscience, and money cannot sway my principles!"

Superman's eyes shone with unwavering determination, as if he were ready to die.

"If Atlantis launches a war against America, I will not hesitate to rush to the front lines. I will make Atlantis understand that they have chosen the wrong opponent!"

"We will defend our home, our civilization, everything we have!" Superman raised his fist, his voice reaching its peak. "This is my promise to the people of America!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted from the audience. The reporters clapped excitedly.

Superman looked at the bustling scene before him, and a smug smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

The smug Superman started striking various poses for the camera: hands on hips in a heroic stance, one finger pointing to the sky with imposing force, and arms crossed with a piercing gaze.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Superman's smile grew even brighter. As for Bruce's warnings and instructions, they had been completely forgotten by Superman.

In the spacious living room of Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne sat alone on a luxurious sofa, his eyes glued to the enormous LCD television. On the screen, Homelander was delivering a spirited speech at a press conference, then striking various heroic poses.

Bruce's expression shifted from shock to anger, eventually culminating in an almost ferocious rage. He abruptly stood up, grabbed the crystal wine glass beside him, and smashed it forcefully against the television screen.

"Bang!" Accompanied by the sound of shattering glass, the liquor meandered across the expensive screen.

"Damn teammate!" Bruce roared, his voice echoing in the empty living room. "You idiot! What did you promise me on the phone?!"

Bruce paced back and forth, his fists clenched, his breathing rapid.

"One day," Bruce said through gritted teeth, "one day I'll make this arrogant guy pay. He'll regret his foolishness today."

The damage caused by a terrible teammate, especially the psychological damage, is far greater than that caused by an opponent. At this moment, Bruce's hatred and anger towards Superman have almost reached their peak, even briefly surpassing that of Xiao Xian.

Just as Bruce was about to continue venting his anger, the television screen suddenly switched. A handsome face appeared on the new screen—Xiao Xian was being interviewed.

Bruce froze, staring blankly at the screen. Xiao Xian's voice came through clearly:

"Friends," Xiao Xian said earnestly and firmly, "if Wayne Group continues to protect Alfred Pennyworth, I urge you all to show our stance with concrete actions—boycott all products and services of Wayne Group."

Bruce's face turned deathly pale. He slumped back onto the sofa, listening incredulously as Xiao Xian continued:

"At the same time, I urge the President to thoroughly investigate the potential problems within the Wayne Enterprises, particularly its de facto monopoly in Gotham City. This monopoly not only violates the principles of fair market competition but also risks jeopardizing the interests of ordinary citizens."

Bruce slumped onto the sofa, feeling as if the world was spinning. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger and panic.

However, before Bruce could regain his composure, the television screen changed again. This time it wasn't a live broadcast, but a rolling breaking news report.

Breaking news! The President has just released an important statement on social media!

Bruce froze, staring at the screen in disbelief. The news feed switched to President Amelia's social media page, which prominently displayed a tweet that had just been posted:

"I have listened to @XiaoXian's advice. I will immediately instruct law enforcement to investigate any potential illegal activities by the Wayne Group. At the same time, I have ordered the establishment of a special anti-monopoly investigation committee to thoroughly investigate the Wayne Group's suspected monopolistic practices in relevant fields. We will give the people of America a clear explanation! #FairnessAndJustice #AntiMonopoly"

Is it really necessary for the dignified President America to go to such lengths to fawn over Xiao Xian, a mere yellow-skinned man?! She couldn't even wait for a press conference and directly posted on Twitter!

Bruce stared at the television screen, his head spinning. So what if Xiao Xian has a lot of female fans? Even if President America wanted to curry favor with voters and run for re-election, did she have to go this far? Couldn't she at least have a little more restraint? Don't grovel to this extent! Give me at least some time to react!

Bruce felt a wave of dizziness, and his legs trembled uncontrollably. He stumbled to his desk, picked up his phone, and with trembling fingers swiped across the screen to open the stock market app.

The sight before him made him gasp.

Wayne Enterprises' stock chart resembled a straight waterfall, plummeting downwards at an alarming speed. Within just half a minute, Wayne Enterprises' market value evaporated by tens of billions of dollars.

Just as Bruce was staring intently at the screen, a notification suddenly appeared:

"Wayne Group's stock price triggered the circuit breaker mechanism, and trading has been temporarily suspended."

Bruce's hand fell limply to his side, and his phone clattered onto the thick carpet. He staggered back a few steps and slumped heavily into the leather chair behind him.

"My money! My money!"

Bruce, whose net worth had plummeted along with Wayne Enterprises' stock price, was bloodshot. At this moment, he even had the urge to kill Xiao Xian and the Grand Commander.

(End of this chapter)