Chapter 38

Jonathan: "The Three-Corpse Brain Spirit Pill... Will it work on them?"

Gordon: "Of course it will. Although Bid and Jordan have superpowers, their basic bodies are still human. The toxins will work on them just as they do on humans. This has been proven through experiments. As for Wayne, it goes without saying; he's just an ordinary human."

Jonathan: "What about the young master?"

Gordon: "First, we'll use the liquid kryptonite to threaten him and buy time. At the same time, we'll have the black tech department accelerate their research on the [Venom Suit], to crack the secret of how it can replicate the host's superpowers, and strive to mass-produce warriors with Kent's power as soon as possible. By then, we won't need him anymore, and he can finally have the freedom he has longed for."

Jonathan: "Before giving him freedom, shouldn't we use the liquid kryptonite to strip him of his superpowers and turn him into an ordinary human?"

Gordon: "Of course. The organization won't allow him to retain such powerful abilities after leaving. This is the price he must pay for his freedom."

Jonathan: "..."

Gordon: "Are you feeling sorry for him? There's no need. As the saying goes, 'The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.' Giving up his superpowers and living a normal life is a kind of blessing. Some people would lose their lives if they took a step back, and they can't even do that."

Jonathan: "I advise the director not to use such methods; the side effects are too great. It's better to win their hearts and show them kindness..."

Gordon: "Do you want me to win them over with virtue? What a joke. I can't handle such righteous methods; I only know how to use force."

Jonathan: "This is what I mean by adaptation. Not only do Kent and the others need to change, but you also need to change. Both sides must make concessions."

Gordon: "I'm an old man; do you expect me to change? Are you kidding?"

Jonathan: "I'm not kidding. Didn't you say that the 'Office of Super-Natural Disaster Countermeasures' needs to reform? If the reform doesn't start with you, it will just be a new bottle for old wine, a self-deception."

Gordon: "...I understand. I'll give it a try."

I (narrator): "The old man actually listened? The sun must be rising in the west. But it's hard to change one's nature. I don't think you can change him."

---

Meanwhile, at the "accident" site of the chemical plant

Dent: "...That's how it happened. When I saw the suspect threatening the chairman's life, I used a non-lethal weapon to knock them both out." — Explaining to the police and giving a statement

Police Officer A: "Is this the stun gun you used?" — Showing evidence

Dent: "Yes."

At this moment, a police officer ran over

Police Officer B: "Sir, there's been an incident. The chairman, the victim, went into shock and couldn't be saved; he died."

Dent: "What? He died?" — Shocked

Police Officer A: "How did he die? Was it from the stab wound to the thigh that severed the artery, or from something else, like a heart attack caused by the electric shock?"

Dent: "I didn't do it, I didn't do it. I'm being framed. The stun gun isn't mine..." — Scared and babbling

Police Officer B: "According to the initial assessment by the on-site doctor and the eyewitness testimony, the victim was poisoned by the suspect, Zhou Ke. The exact cause of death will be determined after the autopsy."

Dent: "Poisoned? Good, good." — Relieved

Police Officer A: "Poisoned... What did you mean by 'the stun gun isn't mine'?"

Dent: "Well..." — Sweating profusely, trying to come up with a lie

Zhou Ke regained consciousness in the ambulance, and the doctor checked his vital signs

Doctor: "...His heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and pupil response are all within normal range. He's fine. Hand him over to you." — Handing him over to the police on the scene

Before Zhou Ke was escorted to the police car, reporters swarmed to ask questions and take photos

Reporter A: "Hello, I'm a reporter from Gotham City's 'Fast News.' Why did you kill the chairman of Seaside Pharmaceuticals? Is there any personal grudge?"

Zhou Ke: "Personal grudge? That bastard is dead? Hahaha... Killing him will help me level up! Hahaha..." — Laughing maniacally as he was escorted to the police car

Reporter A: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is another tragedy caused by online games. Internet addiction is truly harmful. I urge everyone to cherish life and stay away from the internet, and watch more TV..." — Facing the camera, looking sad

Reporter B: "Damn, 'Fast News' got the exclusive again. Is there anything else we can report?"

Reporter C: "According to the old security guard at the chemical plant, the suspect was wearing a red mask and called himself [Red Hood]. Two other masked men, known as [Batman] and [Robin], were also involved in the arrest..."

Reporter B: "Masked men? Great, this is perfect material for an urban legend. Now we have exclusive news for our newspaper and TV programs. Quickly gather related materials and interview eyewitnesses." — Excited

Reporter C: "Yes."

I (narrator): "You two are from some tabloid, treating this as an exclusive story? Is what you publish in your newspaper fiction or news?"

---

Two days later, in a private room at the Gotham City Grand Hotel, Gordon hosted a dinner for the six members of the location team

Gordon: "There are two reasons for this dinner. First, to celebrate the successful completion of our first location shoot, which will air on January 1st next year. Second, to help Dent relax, as the autopsy report cleared him of any wrongdoing. The production team is paying, so everyone can eat to their heart's content." — Smiling warmly

Dent: "Yes, I'm finally not living in fear. I haven't slept well these past two days." — Still shaken

Kent: "Successful? You're lying through your teeth."

Robin: "Exactly. The chairman couldn't be saved, and Zhou Ke is now a murderer. He was originally a victim." — Sad

Gordon: "But it was you who caught Zhou Ke, and I used the evidence from Zhou Ke to bring Seaside Pharmaceuticals to justice. Most of our original goals were achieved." — Maintaining a smile

Jordan: "Justice? Just a fine? It's nothing to Seaside Pharmaceuticals. They didn't even bother to appeal after the first trial. What good is it?"

Gordon: "But the real culprits have been punished, those black security guards..." — Remaining patient

Bid: "They're dead. What good does punishment do? You can't exterminate their entire family. At least Zhou Ke is considered mentally ill, so he won't be sentenced to death, but he'll be locked up in a mental hospital for life. It's pitiful." — Reading news on his phone

Wayne: "He's truly mentally ill now. The shock of his wife's death and the chemical plant's waste... It's completely messed up his mind."

Gordon: "..." — Struggling to maintain composure

Jonathan: "Director?" — Mental link

Gordon: "I told you, I can't handle the righteous way. They don't appreciate my efforts. Follow the original plan, serve the Three-Corpse Brain Spirit Pill!" — Mental link

Jonathan: "...Understood." — Mental link

Jonathan: "Everyone, stop saying such discouraging things. Let's eat, let's eat. (Turning to the waiter) Waiter, bring the wine!"

The "waiter" brought the medicated wine to the table and poured it for everyone

Bid: "Huh? Director, what did you do?" — Noticing something

Gordon: "What? What did I do? Nothing. The wine contains snake gallbladder, which is good for health." — Thinking the Three-Corpse Brain Spirit Pill was detected by Bid's sixth sense

Bid: "This news says Seaside Pharmaceuticals was defrauded of a large sum of money, suffering heavy losses and almost going bankrupt..." — Reading news on his phone

Kent: "A large sum of money? What did you do?" — Glaring at Gordon

Wayne: "The money was split into two parts. Half went to the victims of the pollution, and the other half was donated to various environmental groups to restore the local ecosystem. Now, the parties are bickering over the recovery of the stolen funds, but after this incident, the true face of Seaside Pharmaceuticals has been exposed to the public. Under the pressure of public opinion, it's unlikely they'll get the money back..." — Reading news on his phone

Jordan: "No way? Who did this?"

Bid, Kent, Wayne — Shaking their heads, looking surprised

Robin: "Director, thank you!" — Rushing over to kiss Gordon

Gordon: "What are you doing? I didn't do it! Stay away from me!" — Pushing Robin away

Dent: "Really not you? Who else here has that kind of ability? Come on, admit it." — Smirking

Gordon: "I said I didn't do it! I hate robbing the rich to help the poor!" — Speaking the truth

I (narrator): "The old man has a tsundere side. Who would have thought?"

---

Jonathan: "Director is being tsundere. Everyone, give him some face. Besides, this is illegal. Please don't ask any more questions, there are outsiders here (pointing to the waiter)."

Bid: "As expected."

Jordan: "I see."

Kent: "...Are you really Gordon? Haven't you been possessed by some evil spirit?" — Using his X-ray vision to examine Gordon

Wayne: "You say you sympathize with Zhou Ke, but you feel the same way deep down." — Smiling

Everyone assumed Jonathan was involved in Gordon's actions of robbing the rich to help the poor

Gordon: "..." — Speechless

Bid: "So the director still has a conscience. I haven't followed the wrong person." — Moved

Jordan: "I'm sorry for not doing my best this time. I'll accept any mission next time." — Sincerely

Kent: "Hmph! Just a momentary lapse of conscience." — Still sulking

Wayne: "I propose we all raise our glasses to the director. I'll have tea instead of wine."

Everyone: "Agreed." — In unison

Gordon: "A toast to me? This is the first time anyone has done this voluntarily..." — Muttering, observing everyone, and realizing they are sincere

Gordon: "Hmph, can you use this cheap stuff for a toast? (Stopping everyone from drinking) Take this garbage away. Bring the best wine. I'll cover the extra cost."

Jonathan: "True to form, Director. You're so generous! (To the waiter) What are you waiting for? Take this garbage away and bring the best wine!"

Waiter: "Ah, yes." — Replacing the medicated wine

I (narrator): "Gordon changed his mind? I didn't think the old man could be moved by them. Both sides are changing."

---

Meanwhile, in Arkham Asylum, Zhou Ke's private room

I (narrator): "Why is he in Arkham Asylum in Gotham City? Isn't Zhou Ke from Seaside City?"

Zhou Ke: "I have a history of escape attempts and am a murderer. Regular mental hospitals won't take me, so I was sent to Arkham Asylum, which is known for its strict security and prevention measures." — Bound to a bed in a straitjacket

I (narrator): "I see... What?"

Zhou Ke: "What what?"

I (narrator): "No, no, no, can you hear me talking?"

Zhou Ke: