Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

Chapter 103 Wayne Enterprises

The morning sunlight filtered through the thick clouds, casting a pale golden hue over the Gotham City skyscrapers. Chen Haotian stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting his suit and tie. This expensive, custom-made suit, brought from the Marvel universe, was impeccably tailored and made of high-quality fabric, making him look every bit the part of a true tech company executive.

"You really think this will work?" Tony emerged from another bedroom, also dressed in a sharp suit, though his tie was slightly askew. "Are we just going to walk right into Wayne Enterprises and tell them we're from another universe?"

Chen Haotian turned around and helped Tony adjust his tie: "Of course not. We went as representatives of 'Apocalypse Technology,' remember? A mysterious company focused on new energy research and development."

Fury walked in from the living room, having already prepared all the documents: "The background checks are all arranged. Our company, registered in the Cayman Islands, has a shareholding structure so complex that it would give anyone a headache to investigate. However..." He paused, "Wayne Enterprises' background check team is the best in the country; they might find some loopholes."

"Let them find out," Chen Haotian smiled slightly. "A few suspicious points will actually pique Bruce Wayne's interest more. After all, a mysterious opponent is always more fascinating than one that's obvious."

The three traveled by private car to Wayne Tower. This Gotham City landmark soared into the clouds, its glass curtain walls gleaming in the sunlight. Upon entering the lobby, a stark modernity washed over them, a stark contrast to the chaos and grime of Gotham's streets.

"Gentlemen of Apocalypse Technology, welcome to Wayne Enterprises." The receptionist smiled professionally. "Mr. Lucius Fox is waiting for you."

They were led to a conference room on the upper levels. Lucius Fox—the technical director of Wayne Enterprises—was already waiting there. The debonair Black man stood up and shook hands with each of the three men.

"Mr. Fox, I've heard so much about you." When Chen Haotian shook hands with him, he could feel the scrutinizing gaze on the other man.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Tony, Mr. Fury," Lucius smiled and gestured for them to sit down. "I must admit, after receiving your request for a meeting, I did some research. But information about Apocalypse Technology seems... rather limited."

Chen Haotian calmly opened his briefcase and took out a document: "We are a newly established company focused on the research and development of cutting-edge energy technologies. The reason we contacted Wayne Enterprises is because we believe that your company is our ideal partner in the field of clean energy."

Lucius took the document and quickly scanned it: "Arch reactor technology... a very interesting concept. However, to my knowledge, no institution in the world has yet achieved stable small-scale nuclear fusion."

Tony couldn't help but interject, "That's because they lacked the right approach and materials. We not only miniaturized it, but also increased its efficiency by at least three times."

Lucius's gaze lingered on Tony's face for a moment before turning to Chen Haotian: "Can you tell me about your R&D team's background? Such a technological breakthrough couldn't have appeared out of thin air."

Chen Haotian was prepared: "Our chief scientist, Mr. Tony Stark, is a genius who graduated from MIT and has worked at several top research institutions. As for the specific details..." He paused at just the right moment, "Given the sensitivity of the technology, we would prefer to discuss it in detail after establishing a formal cooperative relationship."

Lucius nodded and didn't press further, but Chen Haotian could see that the doubt in his eyes hadn't dissipated.

The meeting lasted an hour, during which both sides conducted preliminary discussions on potential technological cooperation. Chen Haotian deliberately revealed some technical details, demonstrating their professionalism while retaining core secrets. Lucius, on the other hand, showcased several of Wayne Enterprises' achievements in the field of renewable energy, including a high-efficiency solar energy collection system and a new battery technology.

"Thank you for your presentation; it was truly impressive." At the end of the meeting, Lucius shook hands with the three men again. "I will report today's discussions to Mr. Wayne; I believe he will be very interested."

Leaving the conference room, they headed for the elevator, accompanied by Lucius's assistant. As they walked down a corridor, Chen Haotian noticed a series of historical photographs of Wayne Enterprises hanging on the wall. One in particular caught his attention—a young Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha standing in front of a newly laid-off building; it was the groundbreaking ceremony for Wayne Tower.

"Those are Mr. Wayne's parents," the assistant explained, noticing his gaze. "This building is one of the legacies they left to Gotham."

Chen Haotian nodded without saying anything. But in that instant, he felt a gaze from behind. He subtly adjusted his pace and, using the reflection in the corridor glass, caught a glimpse of a figure quickly disappearing around the corner.

The man was tall and wore a bespoke suit, but his gait exuded an indescribable sense of power and alertness. Bruce Wayne, Chen Haotian knew immediately; he was indeed observing them.

In the elevator, Tony finally couldn't help but speak up: "That Fox is no ordinary person; the questions he asks are all very tricky."

"He's one of Bruce Wayne's most trusted men, so he's definitely not simple." Chen Haotian pressed the button for the underground parking lot. "However, today's meeting was very successful; he's already piqued."

Fury frowned: "But I sense he doesn't entirely believe our story."

"He doesn't have to believe it," Chen Haotian smiled slightly. "Just being interested is enough. Next, Bruce Wayne will personally take charge. That billionaire in the bat costume can't stand mysteries the most."

They stepped out of the elevator and into the underground parking lot. Just as they were walking toward their car, Chen Haotian suddenly stopped and turned to a pillar on his right.

"Mr. Wayne, since you're here, why don't you come out and meet me?" he said to the empty parking lot.

After a brief silence, Bruce Wayne emerged from behind the pillar. He was wearing an expensive suit, and his face displayed a perfectly measured expression of surprise: "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just happened to be passing by and heard that representatives from Apocalypse Technology were visiting, so I wanted to see who they were."

Tony and Fury exchanged a glance, clearly surprised that Chen Haotian had discovered Bruce.

"I am Chen Haotian, and these two are my colleagues Tony Stark and Nick Fury." Chen Haotian stepped forward and shook hands with Bruce. "It's an honor to meet the prince of Gotham."

Bruce smiled, a charming smile that didn't reach his eyes: "I heard from Lucius that you brought some... amazing technology."

"It's just a small breakthrough," Chen Haotian said modestly. "We believe that working with Wayne Enterprises can accelerate the commercialization of these technologies."

Bruce's gaze swept over the three men, finally settling on Chen Haotian's face: "I'm very interested in the technology, but I'm even more interested in the people behind the technology. Mr. Chen, your company seems to have appeared suddenly about three months ago; before that, there was absolutely no trace of you in the energy sector."

Chen Haotian remained unfazed: "Innovation often stems from patience, Mr. Wayne. We chose to enter the public eye only after the technology had matured."

"A wise move." Bruce nodded. "Does anyone have time tonight? Wayne Manor is hosting a small dinner party. If you can join us, we can continue our discussion today."

Tony's eyes lit up: "Wayne Manor? I've heard it has a lot of valuable works of art."

"That's true," Bruce smiled. "Then I'll send a car to pick you up at eight o'clock tonight."

Back in the car, Fury immediately asked, "How did you know he was there?"

Chen Haotian gazed at the rapidly receding street scene outside the window: "Intuition. Besides, how could Batman possibly pass up the opportunity to personally investigate suspicious individuals?"

Tony whistled, "So we're going to visit the Batcave?"

"No, we're going to Wayne Manor as guests," Chen Haotian corrected. "As for the Batcave... that depends on whether Bruce Wayne is willing to show us another side of himself."

As night fell, a luxury car arrived at their hotel on time. Driving towards the suburbs, the lights of Gotham gradually faded into the distance, replaced by dense forests and the silhouette of Wayne Manor on the distant hills.

The ancient mansion stood under the moonlight, its Gothic spires and weathered walls telling tales of time. Chen Haotian knew that beneath this manor lay the world's most advanced bat cave and the entirety of a man's sacrifice to save a city.

"The game has begun, Bruce," he murmured to himself, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.