manynovel Chapter 131 Penguin Partnership
Chapter 131 Penguin Partnership
In a private suite on the top floor of the Iceberg Restaurant in Gotham City's East Side, Cobblestone the Penguin paced anxiously. Behind his signature monocle, his small eyes occasionally glanced at the clock on the wall. Since being rescued by Chen Haotian, this underworld boss's attitude towards them had subtly changed.
"Mr. Cobblestone, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Chen Haotian pushed open the door and entered, followed by Tony and Nick Fury. All three were dressed in well-tailored suits, but upon closer inspection, one could see that the cuffs of Tony's suit subtly shimmered with the glow of technological equipment.
"Mr. Chen, you've finally arrived." The Penguin hurriedly stepped forward, his smile somewhat forced. "The situation in the East District hasn't been good lately. The Falcone family has started interfering in our business, and last week they even burned down two of my warehouses."
Chen Haotian gracefully took his seat, accepting the whiskey offered by the waiter and gently swirling it. "That's why we're here today to discuss deeper cooperation. But before that..." He glanced at the two bodyguards behind the Penguin, "I suggest we talk privately."
The Penguin hesitated for a moment, then waved for his bodyguards to leave. Tony casually installed a small device on the door, instantly isolating the entire room.
"Now we can be frank." Chen Haotian put down his wine glass. "What you want is control of the East District, while what we need are some...special resources."
The penguin wiped the sweat from his brow: "Just tell me, what can you offer?"
Nick Fury activated the holographic projection, displaying a map of the East Side's underground power structure: "We've learned about the Falcone family's recent movements. Tomorrow night, they have an important shipment passing through the dock area."
"Is this news reliable?" Penguin squinted.
Tony chuckled. "Ten times more reliable than your intelligence network. Not only that, we also know that Falcone has recently been trying to win over Officer Murray of the Gotham Police Department."
The penguin's expression changed: "Murray is one of my men!"
"It used to be," Chen Haotian said slowly. "Now, let's talk about terms. We'll help you eliminate Falcone's influence in the East, and in return, you'll become our sole agent in Gotham's underworld."
The penguin nervously licked his lips: "What kind of reward do you want?"
"Three things," Chen Haotian said, holding up a finger. "First, the right to know about all underground transactions in the East District; second, the ability to mobilize your manpower when we need it; and third, to help us collect some special items—alien technology, magical artifacts, and the like."
"It sounds like I've become your puppet," the Penguin said in a somber tone.
Tony chimed in, "No, partners. We'll make you the most powerful person in Gotham, far surpassing Falcone and even Maroney. Think about it, the entire East Side, and even more..."
Nick Fury added, "And we won't interfere with your day-to-day operations; we'll just cooperate when needed."
The Penguin remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Prove it to me. If you can really handle Falcone..."
Chen Haotian smiled slightly and dialed a number: "Let's begin."
A few minutes later, Penguin's phone rang. After answering the call, his expression turned to shock: "Three warehouses in Falcone on fire simultaneously? How did you manage that?"
"This is our capability." Chen Haotian stood up, walked to the window, and said, "Now, let's talk about the specific plan."
Over the next hour, they meticulously devised a plan to seize control of the East District. Utilizing Chen Haotian's understanding of DC storylines, they were able to accurately predict the actions of major gangs; with the help of Tony's technology and Nick's magic, they could exert influence at crucial moments.
"One last thing," Chen Haotian said, turning back before leaving, "keep an eye out for a madman dressed as a clown. If you see him, notify us immediately. Don't act on your own."
The penguin nodded and noted it down. Although there was still some doubt in his eyes, he was now more convinced.
Leaving the Iceberg Restaurant, the three got into a luxury car. Tony spoke first: "Do you think he'll cooperate willingly?"
"Cobbler is a smart man," Chen Haotian said, gazing at the Gotham City skyline outside the window. "He knows the benefits of partnering with us far outweigh the risks. And..."
Nick Fury added, "And I left a magical mark on him, so his every move is under our surveillance."
As the car drove past the Wayne Building, Chen Haotian said thoughtfully, "Next, we need to start integrating the resources of the East District. Once we have complete control here, it will be time to formally cooperate with Wayne Enterprises."
"Bruce's situation..." Tony asked, sounding a little worried.
"Don't worry, I have my plans." Chen Haotian's lips curled into a sly smile. "Sometimes, the enemy of my enemy is my best friend. And in this world, we have... quite a few enemies, including Batman."
Under the cover of night, the car drove towards the newly built safe house in the East Side. There, a complete Gotham underground control plan awaited implementation. And Cobblestone, the Penguin, would become the most important piece in this plan.