Technology in the DC Universe is highly developed, featuring many mechanical and energy technologies that the previous world had not yet touched upon. However, its internet infrastructure is surprisingly lagging.
Luke targeted this gap when he founded ShowMe. From the platform's inception, he knew that as social media became popular, superheroes would certainly become regular users.
He just hadn't expected that day to arrive so soon.
Batman!
Looking at the information in the database, Luke couldn't help but curl his lip, a mix of surprise and slight pride.
Old man, old man! I never thought you'd be the first to walk into the trap!
Charlie pushed open the office door and rushed in.
"Boss, you finally woke up. It's almost chaos outside!"
"Chaos about what?"
"It's Batman again!"
Charlie snorted, sounding slightly annoyed. "Ever since he posted that message, ShowMe's traffic has skyrocketed, nearly crashing the server!"
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"How is it good? In just two hours, his account gained over 400,000 followers! ShowMe's total user base is only five million. He accounts for nearly a tenth of it by himself."
"Didn't you say recently that ShowMe needs to maintain diversified development and shouldn't rely solely on superheroes and online hot topics?"
Charlie's point was valid. Luke stroked his chin, thinking for a moment, and said,
"I'll handle this. How's the IP address situation coming along?"
A peculiar expression immediately crossed Charlie's face. "The technical department tracked Batman's IP address. It shows the user is in the Arctic."
"The Arctic?"
Luke froze. "He didn't fake the IP address?"
"Zack and the others repeatedly verified the IP address's authenticity and found no signs of forging. The address is real." Charlie scratched his head, clearly frustrated. "I just don't understand why he'd be in the Arctic!"
Luke burst into laughter.
"Alright, alright. Tell Zack to stop tracking it. There's no need."
Given Bruce Wayne's financial power, building a base in the Arctic would be the simplest thing in the world. What idiot would go looking for him in the Arctic?
Charlie, however, had a different idea and spoke with seriousness.
"I think we should continue the investigation!"
Luke raised an eyebrow slightly and said gravely, "What are you trying to say?"
"While you were napping, the Gotham City Police Department and the FBI both called, demanding that we provide Batman's IP address. Following your instructions, I didn't give it to them."
"That's right. And then?"
"Then the threat calls started."
Luke was stunned. "Threat calls?"
"Yes, they came from Gotham City, over a dozen times in quick succession. They weren't anonymous calls, and they weren't all from the same person."
Luke's expression instantly changed. His eyes narrowed slightly, showing a hint of coldness.
"Who were those people?"
"Tommy Church, Alexander Rhodes, Justin Cook, Harrison Khord, and Victor Zsasz's older brother, Frank Zsasz—all notorious heavy hitters in Gotham City, all with a grudge against Batman."
Luke picked up his coffee, remained silent for a while, and then set it back down.
"Don't spread the word about this."
"I've already instructed the phone operators to keep this confidential. Aside from the three of us, no outsider knows."
After saying this, Charlie let out a long breath. The threat calls had been like a rock pressing down on his chest, and moving it aside instantly made him feel much better.
"There's one more thing I need to tell you. For some reason, many news outlets are pointing their finger at us. They're saying that ShowMe is not only an accomplice in spreading terrorism but also a cradle for murderers."
Luke frowned. "Didn't Batman post evidence?"
"Those media outlets simply don't believe what's online. They claim the ShowMe account is fabricated and that person isn't Batman at all unless he steps forward and admits it. Other reports claim ShowMe is Batman's puppet, and the account was opened only to cover up his crime."
"Are there many articles like that?"
"The Gotham Weekly, Daily, Commercial Press, as well as city television and radio stations—all the traditional media—are running those stories!"
Luke tapped the desk repeatedly with his index and middle fingers, his expression becoming increasingly serious. The old man truly brought a massive headache down on me.
Charlie said worriedly, "I think we should hold a press conference and clarify our relationship with Batman."
"If we do what you suggest, we'll lose more than half of our five million users."
"But we can't be the scapegoat! He plays the hero, and we take the blame? That's not right."
"Enough. Don't waste time on that. Notify all department heads: we have a meeting at three o'clock. Oh, and invite Robert."
A Shift in Strategy
Bruce Wayne's statement affected not only traditional media and online media but also ShowMe's internal operations.
In the conference room, looking at the faces flushed with excitement, Luke could only sigh internally.
Slap!
He slammed a document onto the table, interrupting everyone's speculation.
"This is the third managers' meeting in four days. Honestly, it's too frequent, but I have to do it. As for the reason, you all know it, so I won't elaborate."
"I called you here today for two reasons: First, recruitment. The company is severely understaffed, and expansion is imperative. Calculate the manpower shortage in your respective departments and report back to me shortly. Second, the new version. I plan to move up the new version release, originally scheduled for next Wednesday, to tomorrow noon. Also, the [Black Men Carrying Coffin] marketing plan must synchronize with the new version's rhythm. Rowan, you are in charge of this."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zack Burge immediately stood up.
"What about Batman?"
"Batman is not within the scope of this meeting's discussion."
"Why?"
Zack said excitedly. The others also looked puzzled. Analyzing the situation from both an emotional and business standpoint, this incident was a golden opportunity for ShowMe to soar. By standing behind the vast user base and rallying support for Batman, they could tear off a huge piece of the cake from the traditional media's mouth.
ShowMe could then become famous throughout the U.S., becoming a lighthouse in the hearts of young people.
Philip Arthur also expressed his confusion.
"Luke, are you going to give up this opportunity?"
"Yes."
Luke didn't hesitate, giving a direct answer. Then, he scanned the crowd, pausing on Robert Downs on his right. "Do you all believe the company should seize this opportunity to further expand its influence?"
No one spoke, but their expressions gave the answer away.
"That is incorrect. I reiterate one point: ShowMe is a social networking platform, not an arbitration body for good and evil. We face the entirety of human society, regardless of skin color, race, or gender. Every ShowMe user will receive equal treatment."
"But..."
"No 'buts.' Go back and tell your subordinates that the matter of Batman ends here. It is forbidden to discuss it in the company from now on."
The managers left disappointed, having arrived excited. No one expected the boss, known for his bold fearlessness, to back down on the Batman issue.
Soon, only Cindy and Robert remained in the conference room.
Luke looked Robert Downs up and down, a wide smile on his face.
"How are your injuries? Does it hurt?"
"I'm fine now. It doesn't affect my work."
"That's good. The company has heavy workloads these days and desperately needs people. With you here, it will alleviate a lot of the burden." Turning to Cindy, he added, "Cindy, please hand over the company's financing matters to Robert."
Cindy froze, completely shocked that her boss would say this. Was my work poor? Where did I go wrong?
"Alright, Cindy, go get busy!"
She nodded sadly, glanced at Robert, and turned to leave the conference room.
As Cindy left, the smile faded from Luke's face, replaced by a look of seriousness.
"Some things I can hide from them, but not from you. I won't waste words: the financing must be finalized before next Friday. $35 million is my bottom line. Can you do it?"
Robert quickly stood up. "I will not disappoint you."
Luke added, "If you succeed, your share will be paid in full. Not a penny less."
Robert awkwardly waved his hands.
"Don't mention that matter again. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision; it doesn't count."
"No!"
Luke said sternly, "I always honor my promises. This is what you deserve."
Note:
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
Explore up to 20 chapters in advance!