American Comics: Something's Wrong with This Superhero World

Chapter 270 The True Hero

Harley brought Xiao Xian, whose appearance had been magically altered, to Wayne Manor and entered Bruce's study.

Bruce's eyes lit up when he saw Xiao Xian, who looked remarkably like him. He walked closer and examined Xiao Xian closely. Not only did they look quite similar, but their temperaments were also very alike.

"No problem," Bruce said with satisfaction, "He's the one. What's his name?"

Harry smiled and replied, "His name is Bin."

Bruce frowned and repeated, "Abin? That name sounds a bit strange. Was he born in the East?"

Harley nodded and said, "Yes, they came here illegally. They have no official identity, so no one will investigate if they are killed."

Bruce nodded in satisfaction and praised, "Very good, Harley, well done. Although there's a bit of a jarring feeling about Easterners, that annoying Xiao Xian is also an Easterner, so it's a fair portrayal."

"You can leave now. You don't need to worry about what happens next." Bruce waved his hand, signaling Harley to leave.

Harley bowed slightly, then withdrew and left the study.

Bruce scrutinized Xiao Xian and asked, "Bin, how's your card skill?"

Xiao Xian smiled faintly and said, "My card skills are pretty good. Everyone who has played with me says they are good."

Bruce raised an eyebrow and asked skeptically, "Are you bragging?"

Xiao Xian shook his head and replied, "No, I am indeed quite good at cards."

Bruce smiled with satisfaction and said, "Very good. So, do you have any dreams?"

Xiao Xian answered without hesitation, "I want to make money, lots and lots of money."

Bruce nodded and continued, "As long as you work well for me, you'll be well paid. But if you don't obey, nobody will care if someone like you dies in America."

Xiao Xian trembled slightly, then quickly declared, "I will definitely do my best."

Bruce nodded in satisfaction, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Very good. I do have an important task for you. It's a special task, but if you complete it, the reward will be incredibly generous. You'll be a millionaire for life."

A glint of determination flashed in Xiao Xian's eyes, and he said firmly, "I will do my best, Mr. Bruce."

Bruce stared at Xiao Xian. Although he had prepared himself mentally, he was still somewhat embarrassed and didn't know how to start the conversation.

But Bruce couldn't help but blush and whisper, "Bin, I want you and my wife, Catwoman Selena, to play cards."

As soon as he uttered those words, Bruce felt his breathing become heavy, his heart race, and he felt even more exhausted than if he were to act out a fight scene with a supervillain.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xian was taken aback. He pretended not to have heard clearly and asked:

"Dear Mr. Bruce, could you please repeat that? I must be hallucinating. I actually heard you say that you want me, an Asian, to play cards with you, Gotham's richest man, the chairman of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne's wife, Catwoman? Hahaha~ I must have misheard."

Bruce took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He hadn't expected saying those words to be so difficult, even though he had rehearsed them countless times in his mind.

"Bin," Bruce spoke again, his voice even trembling slightly. The more Xiao Xian emphasized it, the more excited he felt. "You heard me right. I really am inviting you and Selena to play cards."

Xiao Xian blinked, his expression shifting from confusion to shock, finally settling on an incredulous look. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, as if trying to process the information.

"Mr. Bruce," Xiao Xian said cautiously, "I'm not questioning your decision, but... isn't this a bit... inappropriate? I mean, I'm just an ordinary Asian, while Ms. Selena is your wife."

Bruce felt incredibly ashamed; he was well aware of how outrageous this was, but he tried hard to control his emotions. He knew Xiao Xian's reaction was normal, after all, the request was indeed somewhat unexpected.

But explaining it would be too difficult, and Bruce couldn't bring himself to say it. He just wanted to see Xiao Xian put a hat on him.

"Bin," Bruce said, trying to keep his tone calm.

"I understand your concerns. But I have my reasons, you know? This involves superheroes, supervillains, and world peace. It's a complex issue, and I can't say much, but I think you understand my predicament. I'm not asking for your help as Bruce Wayne, but as Batman."

Xiao Xian seemed to be convinced by Bruce's words. He slowly nodded, the tension on his face easing slightly.

"I...I understand, Mr. Bruce. If that's truly your wish, I'm honored to be a part of it. You've made such a great sacrifice for world peace; for a moment I even mistook it for some unusual hobby. I apologize, Mr. Bruce, you are a true hero."

Xiao Xian nodded and said, "We can't go too far with the teasing. It wouldn't be good if Bruce got so ashamed that he backed down."

Bruce was caught off guard by Xiao Xian's words, unsure whether to retort or agree. He could only pretend not to hear Xiao Xian's flattery and lower his voice, saying, "There's one more thing, Ah Bin. It might sound strange, but it's very important."

Xiao Xian looked at Bruce curiously, waiting for him to continue.

"For certain reasons—complex reasons involving world peace—you can't reveal that you're playing cards with Selena. You need to pretend it's me playing with her," Bruce said in one breath, his expression serious and earnest. "Once she finds out, the whole world could be affected."

Batman's words almost made Xiao Xian burst out laughing, but fortunately, his powerful soul control prevented him from laughing out loud. Instead, he stared at Bruce with wide eyes and an incredulous expression.

"How is this possible? Mr. Bruce, this is simply impossible!"

Bruce shook his head and said:

"Nothing is impossible, Bin. Listen to me, here's the plan: Tonight you'll secretly hide in the closet. Then, I'll find a reason to make Selena wear a blindfold for a card game. When the time is right, you'll come out of the closet and play cards with Selena in my place."

Xiao Xian frowned, clearly skeptical of the plan: "Will this work? What if Ms. Selena speaks to me? Wouldn't we be immediately exposed?"

Bruce patted Xiao Xian on the shoulder, reassuring him, "Don't worry, I've thought of that. I'll stay here the whole time. As long as you don't say anything, I'll speak for you. That way, Selena won't know you're actually playing cards with her."

“Mr. Bruce,” Xiao Xian began, “I must say, this plan sounds a bit crazy. But if you believe it’s truly so important for world peace, I’m willing to try. But are you really not worried about that?”

"It's alright. I'm willing to sacrifice myself for world peace," Bruce said with a righteous air. "After all, I'm Batman."

"Your sacrifice is truly immense! You truly deserve to be called a superhero!" Xiao Xian suppressed the urge to laugh and praised.

(End of this chapter)