American comics farmer: start by adopting the villain savior.

Chapter 282 Mr. Lex and Mr. Bruce will, of course, spend their New Year's Day on the banks of the Seine.

Happy New Year, Bruce!

Happy New Year, Lex!

Inside the brightly lit banquet hall.

A handsome bald man and a handsome man with a buzz cut are smiling and clinking glasses.

The condensation on the champagne glasses reflected the dazzling crystal chandeliers in the banquet hall.

In the distance, a small jazz band was playing languid and decadent tunes, which complemented the guests' deliberately hushed conversations and the crisp echoes of clinking glasses.

Lex Luthor, the undisputed star of tonight.

After all, this was a celebration banquet held to commemorate Lex Group's successful acquisition of Sunrise Oil Company.

He was standing in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window, with the dazzling Parisian night view unfolding behind him, and the Eiffel Tower's glittering lights in the distance like a crown belonging to him.

"Thanks to you this time."

Looking at Bruce, who was no less imposing than himself, Lex spoke warmly, as if he were a longtime friend.

"Me too."

Bruce shrugged.

As the true protagonist hidden behind the curtain tonight, he naturally wouldn't lose in terms of presence to Lex in the slightest.

After all, he was the one who personally captured and imprisoned the serial killer CEO of Sunrise Petroleum.

"No, no, no, your contribution is still greater."

"Right? Bruce from Gotham?"

As he spoke, Lex leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to a whisper that only the two of them could hear.

“...Mr. Wayne”.

I really want to punch him.
Bruce tightened his grip on the wine glass.

His lips twitched, then curved into an even more helpless smile.

"Does it have to be this time, Lex?"

He swirled the golden liquid in his glass, watching the dense bubbles rise and burst. "Or is it that, for you, the shelf life of 'friends' is limited to until the common enemy falls?"

Lex let out a low chuckle.

He glanced at Bruce's clothes, or rather...
It was that familiar watch on his wrist.

"Shelf life? No, Bruce, you've got it wrong. I'm just admiring my... results."

He took a sip of champagne, his gaze fixed on the boundless night outside the window. "Sunrise Oil Company is now history, and that maggot who likes to call himself an 'abandoned child,' Hubert Gloner, will rot in the dark. And it all started with a little... 'insignificant' favor I provided. Of course."

He changed the subject, his gaze returning to Bruce's face.

"It all comes down to you, Bruce."

"Your 'graduation project' from studying under Mr. Ducard is absolutely brilliant."

Gee.
Bruce clicked his tongue inwardly.

Lex the guy
Every word in his speech seemed to have been carefully crafted.

On the surface, it's praise, but underneath lies a hidden probing edge.

He was reminding himself that every aspect of this victory was inseparable from the shadow of Lex Luthor.

“Your ‘convenience’ was timely, and I will remember it.”

Bruce met his gaze without flinching.

He readily admitted, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, "But my most important teacher taught me something."

"Whether it's farming or hunting."

"What we should learn is always to see the ecosystem behind the goal."

"It turns out that Gloner was just one link in the chain."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering, "For example, why do his security systems bear such a striking resemblance to a prototype that leaked from one of LexCorp's undisclosed laboratories?"

The light from the Eiffel Tower outside the window overwhelmed Lex's thoughts.

"The world of business is vast and complex, Bruce. You know better than anyone that there are always unexpected technology leaks."

"Farming is the same. Didn't you learn a lot of skills from the little 'legacy' I left behind?"

“The important thing now is that we’ve solved the problem, and…” Lex casually changed the subject, raising his glass again and saying enthusiastically, “We’ve built trust.”

“That’s the most valuable thing, isn’t it? After all, there aren’t many people in this world that I, Lex Luthor, can call ‘friends’ and that I’m willing to invest in.”

"invest……"

Bruce repeated the word with amusement, then chuckled, “I never doubt your and my ‘investment’ judgment, Lex.”

Upon hearing this, Lex finally burst into laughter, drawing the attention of several nearby guests.

He patted Bruce on the shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry, my friend. My 'expectations' for you go far beyond what money can buy."

"After all, we all come from the same place and have seen... what true power is."

Bruce raised an eyebrow, finally becoming interested.

The superficial luster that had remained there seemed to be quietly peeled away by this sentence, revealing something more real beneath.

He leaned forward slightly, his body barely perceptible, and lowered his voice.

"So you've also... witnessed the power that thing brings?"

The horror he had witnessed in Smallwell flashed before his eyes.
That tractor, billowing black smoke, mercilessly crushed all his hopes and dreams.

But more importantly...
The excruciating pain of muscles being torn apart by the flying dirt.
And the unwavering will that was forged afterward!

Lex nodded solemnly, a rare, almost pious reminiscence flashing in his eyes.

"That's something that... can reshape a person."

His tone was slow and deliberate, as if he were savoring something extraordinary.

"I only had one encounter with it, but it was enough to leave an indelible mark on my soul, and to this day I still find it unforgettable."

Lex couldn't help but recall that seemingly ordinary chocolate moon pie.

That taste surpassed any delicacy he had ever tasted in the world.

A knowing glint flashed in Bruce's eyes, even carrying a hint of a sense of having met his match.

He understood the deeper meaning behind Lex's words perfectly.

Isn't that exactly what each impact of the tractor does? Reshaping him time and time again!

"Lex, you have great taste."

Bruce's voice carried a hint of resonance, "It gives more than just power; it gives... a belief."

"I've gotten to where I am today through repeated 'appreciation' of it."

Their eyes met in the air.

They briefly displayed a harmonious and sympathetic relationship.

only.
Lex thought to himself: Time and time again? Damn it, how many of those magical moon pies has he eaten in Smallville? Uncle Locke is so biased.

But his smile remained unchanged as he scrutinized the smooth lines of Bruce's muscles beneath his suit.

Ha ha
They don't even look as good as themselves.

Bruce inwardly scoffed: "One encounter? And he can't forget it? This guy probably hasn't even tasted mud much. How can someone like that truly understand the essence of faith!"
"It seems we have all benefited greatly."

The two of them laughed in unison, their laughter filled with a sense of superiority that only they could understand.

“To Smallwell.” Bruce raised his glass. “Cheers.”

"To Smallwell." Lex raised his glass again.

"boom!"

The cups touched lightly again, producing a hollow yet melodious sound.

Who would have thought?

In Paris, a city thousands of miles away from Kansas, people would actually celebrate a small rural village?
The wine in his glass rippled slightly as Lex leaned against the window frame, overlooking the dazzling lights of Paris.

"What are your plans for the new year? Mr. Ducard seems quite pleased with your 'graduation'."

He spoke casually, his gaze drifting towards a corner of the banquet hall.

There, Henry Ducard, though among the crowd, created his own world, keeping watch for their surroundings.

Bruce followed his gaze to his dutiful former mentor, brought the rim of his cup to his lips, but did not drink.

“The training has indeed come to an end.” He paused, a hint of complaint in his voice, “but without the positive intervention of certain… external factors.”

“I think I had the opportunity to learn more from Mr. Ducard.”

Who would have thought that Lex would do that?
He secretly used an exorbitant price that was hard to refuse to turn this master hunter into his temporary bodyguard.

Lex let out a knowing chuckle, his bald head gleaming under the light.

"Opportunities to acquire knowledge are always scarce, Bruce. Especially the knowledge that is truly valuable."

He makes no secret of his undermining of the enemy's resources, and even regards this control as a rightful spoil of war.

"."

"a new Year."

"What's next?"

Bruce turned his gaze away and looked out the window at Paris, shrouded in night, his eyes distant.

"I plan to go to the depths of the eastern grasslands, or to the snow-capped mountains where few people go. I've heard that some masters live in seclusion there, who have mastered a martial arts system that is completely different from modern combat."

“The East? Good choice.” Lex took a sip of his drink and said casually, “How about I give you a ride in my helicopter later?”

“I have some collaborative projects over there, so arranging a private inbound/outbound flight permit is a piece of cake.”

However, Bruce refused almost without hesitation.

“Thank you for your kindness, Lex. But I intend to complete this journey on my own.” His tone was calm, with a confidence that had been tempered by hardship. “Besides, I made a promise to someone that I would measure this world on foot.”

The moment the words left his mouth.
The melodious string quartet music in the banquet hall had just ended, followed by a brief silence.
A piano solo with a stronger rhythm, carrying a sense of loneliness and adventure, suddenly began.

Lex's smile froze for a moment.

Who arranged this damn setlist?

Relying on one's own strength?
How naive, how... primitive the belief.

"..."

He narrowed his eyes slightly and tentatively uttered the name: "Clark?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Bruce's eyes: "You knew?"

He never expected that Clark would share such a romantic and adventurous plan as traveling around the world with the shrewd and worldly-wise Lex.
Noticing the surprise on Bruce's face, Lex regained his composure and chuckled, "Looks like I've accidentally discovered your little secret with Clark."

"Don't look at me like that. I can't possibly guess it's Dior, can I?"

He shrugged and spread his hands, saying, "As for the other two little ones on the farm..."

"One spends all his time looking at animals, while the other spends all his time thinking about jewelry."

"The possibility is even more extremely slim."

“That’s true…” Bruce chuckled, shook his head, and imagined the scene. “Especially that guy from Shen Du, if you said his dream was to travel the world lying on a mountain of gold coins, I would believe you.”

"But it's just something as poetic as 'traveling around the world'."

"Sarafil and Dio are even less likely to be together."

He unusually went along with Lex's words.

Upon hearing this, Lex nodded in deep agreement.
"By the way, here's a little tidbit," Lex chuckled, "I heard Gotham has recently been..."

"what--!!"

The conversation was abruptly cut off by a short scream that came from not far away.

The jazz music playing in the banquet hall seemed to pause for a beat, the buzzing of conversations among the guests abruptly stopped, and countless eyes turned to the source of the sound.

Lex frowned slightly and looked into the distance.

As if parted by an invisible hand, Henry Ducard walked steadily towards them.

He casually gripped a blonde woman's arm, yet it was enough to prevent her from breaking free.

The woman was still struggling, trying to escape using her trained skills.

But before she could even exert her strength, her struggle was abruptly extinguished when her gaze passed over Ducard's solid shoulders and suddenly collided with Bruce's blue eyes, which were filled with astonishment and complexity.

Her body stiffened, then softened, and she stared fixedly at Bruce, her lips slightly parted as if she wanted to say something, but in the end it turned into an almost inaudible sigh, and she lowered her head resignedly.

Bruce didn't know what to say.
The surreal scene before him almost made him wonder if he was in a bizarre dream. His former mentor as a master thief, now his former mentor as a master assassin, was being brought before him...

This intricate web of relationships left him momentarily bewildered.
Ignoring the probing gazes around him, Ducard walked straight to Lex's side and whispered a few words in his ear.

Lex raised a sharp eyebrow and looked at the disheveled but still alluring female thief with renewed interest.

His lips curled into a habitual smile, clearly finding the information provided by Ducard amusing.

Just as he was about to announce the solution, he caught a glimpse of the complex emotion in Bruce's eyes out of the corner of his eye.

That's not how you look at an ordinary thief.

In an instant, Lex's expression turned playful.

His gaze swept over the guests who had gathered, their faces filled with curiosity and suspicion. Suddenly, he laughed loudly and clapped his hands gracefully.

The crisp applause echoed in the quiet banquet hall, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Please allow me to interrupt you for a moment." His voice was loud and clear, with just the right amount of dramatic joy, as if he were about to announce some great news, "It seems that Lady Luck is particularly kind to us tonight!"

He extended his right hand, making an exaggerated gesture towards Bruce Wayne, whose face was still somewhat stiff beside him.

"Just now, our distinguished guest, Mr. Bruce, has been fortunate enough to become tonight's 'Charity Star' in an anonymous raffle sponsored by the Lex Group!" Lex said with a beaming smile, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And this beautiful lady—"

His gaze shifted to Lucy, who was being restrained by Ducard and looked utterly bewildered.

"She is a special envoy who has come to reveal this lucky news to Mr. Bruce! Perhaps because she was too excited, her way of entering was... a little unique."

He shrugged humorously, eliciting a knowing chuckle.

Everyone present was shrewd; although they might not believe it entirely, who would dare to expose the host's respectable and reasonable explanation?

"And Mr. Bruce's act of kindness is even more touching! After winning the lottery!"

Lex continued in a resounding voice, "He has decided to donate one million dollars to the Lex Group Charitable Foundation in the name of the lady who brought this fortunate news! To support children's education worldwide! Let us give Mr. Wayne a round of applause for his generosity and kindness!"

"Wow——!"

After a brief silence, a tidal wave of applause instantly engulfed the banquet hall.

All doubts and suspicions seemed to be washed away by this glittering title.

The guests looked on with sudden realization and began whispering among themselves, shifting the focus of their discussion:

"So that's how it is! I knew it! No wonder there was a security problem at Mr. Lex's banquet."

"Whose young master is this? He's really generous, donating a million just like that..."

"Is that lady a staff member from the prize draw? She seems too excited and almost caused a misunderstanding."

Almost no one bothered to investigate why the overly agitated woman had been brought over in that manner by the bodyguards.

In this moment, under the halo of money and charity, all illogical details are automatically rationalized.

Lex stood amidst the applause, smiling as he accepted the attention of the crowd.

He even turned his head and whispered to Bruce, speaking quickly in a volume only the two of them could hear: "The bill will be sent to Wayne Manor, thanks, Bruce."

"So I'm leaving the decision of how to handle this lady to you."

His words carried a hint of mockery, seemingly generously handing the choice back to Bruce.

Bruce could only force a smile that fit his hometown persona, as he faced the gazes coming from all directions.

Lucy stood there, with Ducard behind her, cutting off any possibility of her making any rash moves.

She looked at Bruce.
This was the young man she had trained, teased, and even impulsively kissed in that damp Irish cave.

She was now being forced to pay the price for the foolish actions of this uninvited guest, enduring the gazes of everyone around her, yet she uttered not a single word in her defense.
A mixture of guilt, embarrassment, and bitterness spread through her heart.

This guy…

They could have exposed her, or thrown her in the police station and gotten away with it...

Now she has to pay a million dollars for her mistake?

The episode ends.

The guests gradually dispersed amidst whispers and envious glances, rejoining the banquet, but many still glanced at this corner out of the corner.

Lex, with a confident smile that said everything was under control, led Bruce toward Lucy and Ducard.

Lucy felt like an exhibit pushed to the center of a stage, with nowhere to hide.

The bald man's gaze, in particular, made her extremely uncomfortable.
Even just his gaze was enough to make her feel suffocated.
Fortunately, a figure naturally shifted to the side, perfectly blocking her from the unsettling gaze.

It's Bruce.

He still wore that slightly aloof politeness on his face.

“Madam,” he began, his tone calm, “it seems the misunderstanding tonight has caused you considerable trouble. The raffle is over, and the donations have been pledged. I think you may leave now.”

"The nights in Paris are beautiful, but next time, perhaps I can choose a more... conventional way to participate in social activities."

He acted like a generous gentleman, dismissing an insignificant character.

Lucy was stunned.

She looked into Bruce's blue eyes, which were calm and still, devoid of any trace of the fiery passion that had once flickered in the cave firelight, or the tacit understanding they had shared during their escape.

A strong sense of loss welled up inside me.

She nodded, preparing to turn around and escape this embarrassing situation as instructed.

However, she couldn't resist taking the first step.
He tilted his head back, his voice extremely low and trembling as he said:

"All those past events...do you really...remember nothing at all?"

Bruce frowned slightly, then relaxed.

A look of confusion crossed his face, as if he were trying to recall a vague image.

He tilted his head slightly, even responding with a tone of annoyance at being disturbed:

“In the past? Madam, what do you mean by ‘in the past’? I’m quite certain that you have no place in my memory.”

He shook his head and said, "Don't do this again next time."

“It’s not always possible to meet someone as ‘easy to talk to’ as me and Mr. Luther.”

These words extinguished the last spark of hope in Lucy's eyes.

Yes
She broke this boy's heart in Ireland.
She gave Bruce a deep look, then disappeared quickly into the shadows of the side door of the banquet hall.

Lex stood still, the playful smile on his lips never fading.

He clearly didn't believe Bruce's performance at all.

The acting was passable, but the emotional buildup was insufficient, and the performance felt a bit forced.

He thought to himself, a hint of pleasure in discovering an interesting secret.

Who knew our young master Wayne had such...unique taste?
Do you like men who are a little older than him?

Tsk tsk, you can't judge a book by its cover.

He was already starting to think about how to share this interesting story with his Uncle Locke in Smallwell in the most casual way possible.

Feeling the cool night breeze carrying the damp scent of the Seine as it rushed in through the window, Lex hummed softly in a good mood, preparing to turn around and tease the tragic hero beside him in a friendly way.

"Bruce..."

He drew out his words, speaking with a mocking tone, but there was no one beside him.

"?"

A question mark almost materialized above Lex's head.

He glanced at Ducard instinctively, his eyes asking a question.

Ducard maintained his ever-present calm expression, gracefully raising his hand to gesture behind Lex.

That huge floor-to-ceiling window, slightly ajar, facing the night sky.

Lex's smile froze.

He suddenly turned his head to look behind him.

There, only the curtains fluttered gently in the night breeze, the windows were wide open, and outside were the dazzling and distant lights of Paris, as well as the 18th floor, a height that would make ordinary people dizzy.

no……

What is that guy thinking?!

Isn't this the 18th floor?!

Lex quickly walked to the window, leaned down and looked down, only to see a continuous stream of cars and flashing neon lights, but there was no sign of Bruce Wayne.

He abruptly turned his head, glaring at Ducard, silently conveying his question:

You just stood by and watched him jump?!

Ducard responded with an almost imperceptible shrug, his eyes conveying a signal:
I didn't see how he disappeared; he just turned around and was gone.

Lex's face darkened.

What a liar!
He cursed inwardly, but knew he couldn't get any more information out of this master hunter.

He could only snort resentfully and forcefully slam the open window shut.

"Dudu——!"

But just then, his cell phone on his chest vibrated at an inopportune moment.

Lex pulled out his phone in annoyance, praying that it wasn't his junior apprentice who had gotten stuck in the middle of the building trying to imitate this difficult entrance and exit.

The screen lights up, sender
[America's Strongest Boy Scout]: Lex, what's your New Year's present this year? (*`)
【Strong American Scouts】: Salafir and I are really looking forward to it.

[Lex]: Clark, let me test you.

[Lex]: There are ten people on the farm now. But I've prepared nine gifts. Guess who won't get one?
[America's Strongest Boy Scouts]: ? ? ? !
Satisfied, Lex put away his phone and finished the rest of his drink.

At least in some respects, he still holds a firm advantage.

Lex pulled a small package from his pocket and tore it open with satisfaction.

Um.
Let's have a moon pie first.

Lucy walked out of the hotel's revolving golden doors, looking somewhat lost and dejected.

The cool Parisian night air gently soothed her flushed cheeks, which were burning from tension and embarrassment.

She took a deep breath, trying to expel the suffocating feeling in her chest, but only felt a sense of emptiness.

She didn't even know where to go; she just unconsciously walked forward along the dimly lit street.
until
Under the dim glow of the streetlights, a tall, slender figure leaned against a lamppost, seemingly blending into the Parisian night.

A black tuxedo jacket was casually draped over her arm, her bow tie loosened, revealing her well-defined neck.

If it's not Bruce Wayne, then who else could it be?

He appeared calm and composed, with a subtle hint of ease on his face.

It seems they've been waiting here for a while.

Lucy's heart felt as if it had been gently squeezed by something, and then slowly released.

She stood still, neither approaching nor turning to run away, but simply watching him quietly.

Bruce straightened up and walked towards her with steady steps.

Until they were only one step apart.

A night breeze swept by, carrying with it a faint, cool scent.

There were no questions, no explanations, no mention of the million dollars, and no revisiting of that hasty kiss in the Irish cave.

Bruce simply pulled an envelope from the inside pocket of his tuxedo.

He didn't say much, but simply handed the envelope to Lucy.

Lucy's gaze fell on the envelope, then she looked up and met Bruce's eyes.

This time, she didn't see any deliberate indifference or pretense in it, but rather a rare gentleness.
She didn't ask what was inside.

He remained silent for a few seconds before a smile appeared on his lips.

"Take care," Bruce said with a smile.

"You too, kid."

Lucy smiled, a smile that finally revealed a weight lifted from her shoulders, a hint of the carefree spirit she had when they first met, the spirit she possessed as their mentor. "Be careful, don't let that bald guy swindle you out of everything."

Upon hearing this teasing remark, Bruce gave a genuine smile.

Without another word, Lucy carefully put the envelope away, turned around, waved to him with her back turned, and gracefully disappeared into the Parisian night crowd without looking back.

Bruce stood there, watching her figure disappear completely until she was no longer visible.

Then he turned around and walked in the opposite direction from her, letting his figure be swallowed up by the shadows of the city.

The night breeze still caressed the banks of the Seine.
It also blew away this unknown story.
An episode that took place under the cover of night in Paris.
-
P.S.: There's one more chapter coming, I'm still working on it.

(End of this chapter)