Chapter 21 of 100
Chapter 21
5 min read1,192 words
Dante and Robin were scanned by a red light as they entered the dedicated elevator.
Robin: "Wow, that red light just now was..." ——startled
Ah Fu: "It's just a routine security check, there's no need to be afraid." ——entering the elevator
Robin: "A routine security check?"
Dante: "It's to check if we have any hidden lethal weapons. It's probably a full-body X-ray scan or a metal detector, just like at airports and courthouses." ——explaining to Robin
Ah Fu: "Yes."
Robin: "Is that so? I remember the security machines at the courthouse being quite large. Why don't I see those machines here?"
Ah Fu: "That's because Wayne Tower uses the most advanced security equipment, which is currently only available for military use and not yet for civilian use."
Robin: "So it seems the rumors outside are true. Wayne really is a coward..."
I (narrator): "Kid, you're getting too cocky just because he's being nice to you."
@
Dante: "What are you babbling about, you fool!!" (quickly covering Robin's mouth) "I'm sorry, please don't mind him." ——apologizing hurriedly
Ah Fu: "...The rumors about Master Wayne outside are not accurate, and some are malicious speculations. Please don't believe them."
Dante: "Yes, yes, yes."
Robin: "Why are you so nervous? He's just Wayne's butler, not Wayne himself. Joking about his boss can help build a closer relationship. After all, making fun of the boss is a way for employees to entertain and relieve stress." ——whispering
Dante: "What do you know, fool? If I'm not mistaken, Ah Fu has been serving the Wayne family since the time of Mr. Wayne's grandfather. He raised Wayne after his parents died, and Wayne regards him as a godfather, not just an ordinary employee." ——whispering
Robin: "So he's a senior figure... I shouldn't speak recklessly." ——whispering
I (narrator): "Right, don't forget you're here to beg for help."
@
At the same time, in the top-level reception room of Wayne Tower, Rayleigh was conveying new intelligence from Rex to Wayne.
Rayleigh: "...That's how it is. Bide is increasingly winning Gorden's favor. If this continues, he will definitely become the closed-door disciple. Father hopes you can find a way to attract Gorden's attention and make him interested in you, no matter what means you use."
Wayne: "Hmph, no matter what means I use? My teacher is still as cold and psychologically twisted as ever, showing no sign of repentance..." ——disgusted
Rayleigh: "Don't say such things. No matter what, he is still my father, and he considers you his most accomplished disciple."
Wayne: "Most accomplished disciple? He only says that to you (seeing Rayleigh's sadness)... Tell him I know, for your sake."
I (narrator): "Since ancient times, even heroes have a hard time resisting the charm of a beautiful woman, and cowards are no different."
@
The Wayne Tower management computer notified Wayne that Dante and Robin had entered the building.
Wayne: "The people Gorden sent are already downstairs. Don't stay here; it's not good for you to meet them too early."
Rayleigh: "I understand. Before I go, let me remind you: Dante is one of the [Nine Elders] and your competitor. Be cautious and watch out for him to trip you up. Robin, on the other hand, is currently nobody but has the potential to become a valuable ally in the future. Take good care of him, and it will pay off."
Wayne: "Is this what the teacher told you to say?"
Rayleigh: "Yes."
Wayne: "So the teacher values this Robin quite a bit, which is rare."
Rayleigh: "Father believes in the old saying, 'The righteous are often butchers, and the ungrateful are often scholars.' His observations and interactions with Robin have confirmed that although he is poor, he is a man of honor. If you treat him well, he will remember it and repay you when the opportunity arises." ——leaving through another elevator
I (narrator): "Will he? I remember another old saying, 'Poverty breeds cunning, and wealth fosters integrity.' I wonder which philosopher said that..."
@
Ah Fu led Dante and Robin into the top-level reception room.
Ah Fu: "Young Master Wayne, the people from Director Gorden are here."
Wayne: "Mm-hm. (to Dante and Robin) How should I address you two?"
Dante: "I am Dante, the legal advisor of the production team. This is my colleague, Robin." ——answering quickly to prevent Robin from being rude
Robin: "..." ——looking at Dante
Wayne: "Is Director Gorden unavailable? We had an appointment earlier..."
Dante: "You know, our production team is just starting, and he can't leave. If he could come, he would definitely visit in person. Please don't blame him." ——thinking Wayne was nitpicking, quickly covering for Gorden
Dante: "Hey, you, say something too." ——whispering, giving Robin a nudge
Robin: "You only think of me now?" ——whispering
Robin: "Ah, yes, yes." ——reluctantly agreeing
I (narrator): "This acting is terrible..."
@
Wayne: "You misunderstand. I have no intention of blaming anyone. On the contrary, not being able to meet Director Gorden is my regret. He is always elusive, like a dragon whose head is seen but not its tail." ——sighing
Dante: "You are too modest, Mr. Wayne. With your status, people are always trying to meet you, so how could there be someone you can't meet?"
Robin: "...Bullshit." ——whispering
Wayne: "Don't be so stiff... (looking at his watch) Have you two had dinner yet? It's better to come at the right time. Let's continue our conversation over dinner?"
Dante: "How can we impose..." ——trying to decline
Robin: "Sure, sure." ——eagerly accepting
I (narrator): "This foodie."
@
Wayne: "Ha ha ha, Mr. Robin is truly a generous person. Ah Fu, take the two of them to the main guest room downstairs. I'll change and join you shortly."
Ah Fu: "Yes, Young Master Wayne. This way, please."
Robin: "Thank you for showing us the way."
Thirty minutes later, Dante and Robin had dinner with Wayne (a family-style meal).
Robin: "What kind of wine is this? The bottle is full of foreign text... how do you pronounce it?" ——studying the wine bottle
Dante: "Do you, barbarian, know anything about dining etiquette? You're driving me crazy." ——whispering, glaring at Robin
Robin: "Why does he insist on serving fancy French cuisine instead of a proper Chinese meal? I hate using knives and forks. Since I can't enjoy the food, I might as well drink more." ——whispering
Wayne: "You're drinking 2006 Lafite."
Robin: "Lafite? Never heard of it."
Dante: "Ignoramus..." ——thinking, strictly following the rules while eating
Robin: "What are you drinking? Champagne?"
Dante: "You only know champagne..." ——thinking, continuing to eat
Wayne: "Not champagne. I'm drinking ginger ale. I never drink alcohol."
Robin: "Never drink alcohol? What a pity. You're missing out on one of life's pleasures."
Wayne: "Missing out on one of life's pleasures? What pleasure does drinking bring?"
Robin: "Well~... (thinking of words) It gives you confidence and makes you feel like a [tall, rich, and handsome] man."
Wayne: "But I am already a [tall, rich, and handsome] man."
Dante, Robin: "Rival!" ——thinking, the scene fell into an awkward silence
I (narrator): "Young Master Wayne, you really stepped on that landmine..."
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