Financing ShowMe
A social networking platform with a daily increase of 300,000 users and an active ratio no lower than 85%—an internet newcomer that has collected the data of tens of millions of users. Any non-idiot could see the potential of such a company.
A delicious, fresh piece of cheese was sitting there; who wouldn't want a bite?
Luke knew himself that as ShowMe expanded, financing was inevitable. This wasn't a decision based on personal will but on the overall trend of the market.
Of course, Luke welcomed investors. Why turn away money that was delivered to his doorstep?
But not all money was created equal. Some people's money was too troublesome to take, while others' was too little. If they wanted to eat this ShowMe cheese, they'd have to bleed a bit for it.
"Hold off on the financing for now. I'll make the final decision. As for the data center..."
Luke looked at him. "You're in charge of it!"
I got it!
Charlie was overjoyed, instinctively clenching his fists.
"Don't worry, Young Master. I guarantee there won't be any mistakes. I will follow your plan and develop ShowMe into a world-class social networking platform."
"Don't celebrate yet. How's the AI project coming along?"
"I've been in contact with Barbara. She told me the external framework is complete and only needs testing. It should be just about ready."
Luke frowned slightly. "The device is in Barbara's hands?"
"I couldn't help it."
The topic clearly agitated Charlie. "The high-salaried hackers and engineers we hired were all arrogant, practically wearing their egos on their sleeves. They wouldn't listen to me and kept demanding to challenge you to a match. You weren't around at the time, and if Barbara hadn't stepped in to subdue them, I don't know how I would have ended it."
"So you entrusted the task I gave you to the daughter of the Gotham Police Commissioner."
Charlie: "..."
Luke shook his head, speechless. "Where is Barbara now?"
"Commissioner Gordon's wife gave birth to a baby boy four days ago. She should be home helping out."
Linda couldn't help but ask curiously, "Who is Barbara?"
"The daughter of the Gotham Police Commissioner, a computer genius, about your age."
Linda's eyes rolled. She feigned indifference as she asked,
"Is she pretty?"
"She's alright."
Luke casually brushed it off. As soon as the words left his mouth, a faint chill washed over him. He quickly corrected himself,
"Not as pretty as you!"
Linda gave a slight hmph and continued, "You're going to see her this afternoon."
"Want to come along?"
"No interest."
Luke shrugged. It's better if she doesn't go. With such a massive third wheel around, he wouldn't be able to get anything done.
Their conversation was casual, like normal chatter, but to Charlie, it carried an unusual intimacy. Did the Young Master actually sleep with the alien woman?
The thought made him shiver.
He had personally witnessed the alien woman's rebellious nature and immense power—she was the only woman in the world who could shatter an iceberg with a few punches. If she ever found out about the Young Master's extensive and headache-inducing romantic history, she'd likely detonate the entire Earth.
No, I must find a chance to warn the Young Master. It's best to stay far away from this kind of human nuclear bomb.
The Bright Knight of Gotham
After lunch, Luke drove towards Gotham City.
After some time away, Gotham had undergone significant changes.
The most noticeable difference was the clean, tidy streets and the brand-new streetlights bearing the Wayne Group logo on both sides of the road.
Luke stopped at a gift shop and bought a few small gifts suitable for a newborn. He also casually asked the owner about the recent state of public security.
The response was positive. Since the last major police sweep, most of Gotham's drug lords and gang members had been arrested—either sent to prison or committed to Arkham Asylum for psychiatric evaluation. With the bad guys gone, urban security had noticeably improved.
While paying the bill, he inadvertently noticed an election poster on the wall. The content announced that Harvey Dent, Gotham's famous prosecutor, mayoral candidate, and the city hero who swore to fight the gangs to the end, would be running for the new Mayor of Gotham. Below were his personal manifesto and his promised reform measures.
Luke looked at it for a few moments, then turned back to the owner.
"What do you think of Harvey Dent? Does he have a chance to become the new mayor?"
"He will absolutely be the mayor. He is the future of Gotham City."
The owner patted his beer gut, full of confidence, and even urged Luke to vote for him. It was clear he was looking forward to the day Harvey Dent became the new mayor.
Luke smiled and said no more, paying for his purchases and leaving.
Gotham was a very interesting city. Perhaps it was cursed, but everyone here seemed to have a hidden side. People who looked righteous and kind housed demons in their hearts, while those who were ugly and fierce constantly dreamt of saving the world.
In short, one couldn't view the world of Gotham with normal eyes. One had to learn to keep a distance from it.
As he drove past the City Hall Square, Harvey Dent was standing on the stage giving a speech. His powerful voice carried through the crowd from afar, sounding full of inspiring fighting spirit.
He had to admit, the guy was a brilliant orator. After a passionate and eloquent speech, a wave of thunderous cheering followed. Some people were even calling him the "Bright Knight" and "Light of Hope" of Gotham City.
"I hope you still feel that way in the future," Luke muttered.
Luke shook his head helplessly and drove away.
The black Lamborghini steered past the crowd, drove through two blocks, and stopped in front of a small two-story house.
Luke got out and knocked on the door.
Quickly, the door opened, revealing a young face with messy hair and a slight look of fatigue. Upon seeing Luke, she gasped and quickly slammed the door shut.
Luke: "..."
What was that? Did she not want to see me?
Five minutes later, the door opened again. Barbara Gordon, now wearing a gray dress, with light makeup on, and her hair neatly styled, looking bright and refreshed, reappeared.
Luke: "..."
"What are you doing here, and with so many gifts?"
"I heard you have a new little brother. How could I show up without a gift?"
Luke handed the gifts to her, and they walked into the living room together. Luke's eyes swept over the mountain of clothes piled in the bathroom, and he immediately understood why Barbara looked so exhausted. Commissioner Gordon was a workaholic, and her stepmother had just given birth to a son, leaving the daily laundry and chores to her.
"Want me to hire a nanny for you?"
"I wish I could. My dad wouldn't allow it. He doesn't like having strangers in the house."
Barbara poured a glass of orange juice and placed it on the table. She sat next to Luke and said with a smile,
"What do you need me for?"
"What do you think?"
"You want that thing!"
"That's a secondary objective. The main objective is..."
Luke reached out and pulled her into his arms. Just as he was about to make a move, footsteps sounded from the staircase. The two quickly separated, looking as if they'd been caught in the middle of a secret affair.
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