I'm doing bidirectional science popularization in American comics

Lex asked incredulously, "But...won't this cause the employees to slack off and stop working seriously every day? I know all too well how lazy humans can be!"

Depp nodded noncommittally and said, "Indeed, laziness can be terrible when there is a lack of discipline. So our most important criterion for hiring is that applicants must truly love their work."

“Passion?” Lex asked, puzzled.

"That's right, only passion can motivate a person to work proactively."

"For example, almost all the people who join the main company are loyal fans of the Batman, Iron Man, and Spider-Man series. Those who join the Institute of Plant Research are all ardent enthusiasts of the field of plants. Those who join the Institute of Life and Cryogenics are almost all people who are obsessed with these two fields."

"And when the whole company develops an atmosphere of working hard during working hours and enjoying life after get off work, new employees will naturally be influenced by the atmosphere."

Upon hearing this, Lex said incredulously, "It's that simple?"

Depp nodded and added, "Of course... I paid them twice the market rate."

Lex covered his head in exasperation: "I see!"

After visiting the Depp Building, Depp and Lex had lunch in the company cafeteria, and then the three of them left again.

Before leaving, Wellen added Lex's social media account.

Going forward, the cooperation between the Depp Group and the Luther Group will continue to be handled entirely by Wellen.

Outside the Depp Building, Lex looked back.

Besides the Depp Building, there was also the majestic silhouette of Wellen gradually receding into the distance.

Lex couldn't help but exclaim, "Depp, I must say, you have a fantastic agent. This crocodile is definitely one of the most business-minded people I've ever met. I truly envy you for having such a loyal and capable subordinate."

“Indeed, Wellen is the best person I’ve ever met. He’s not just my subordinate, he’s my friend, my brother. And... how did you know he was a crocodile?”

Lex rolled his eyes at Depp and said, "I'm not an idiot. I've already been quite restrained by not calling him 'Crocodile Kid'."

Upon hearing this, Depp laughed and said, "Haha, Laukers, you really are the smartest person on this planet. If you had stayed in Gotham for a few more days, I probably wouldn't have any secrets from you."

“I think I may never be able to figure out your secret. You give me a somewhat… unpredictable feeling,” Lex said.

"I really hope so."

Even Depp was uncertain about the future when faced with Lex Luthor, who possessed a level nine intelligence.

After that, Depp took Lex to the Gotham City Hall.

On the top floor of the government building, Depp knocked on the door of the mayor's office.

Because he was going to be facing the mayor of Gotham City, Lex carefully tidied his clothes so that Mayor Oswald Cobert would see him in his best form.

After all, this renowned mayor of Gotham City is a topic of considerable discussion both within Gotham City and across the United States.

The man who once reduced Gotham City's crime rate from its notorious crime capital to the lowest in the United States can be considered a legendary figure.

In fact, many people consider Oswald a strong contender for the next presidential election.

Furthermore, Lex believes that even if Oswald loses the presidential election, he will still become a political figure who leaves a significant mark on American history.

Not to mention, based on Lex's previous investigation, he discovered that the true rise of the Depp Group was almost inextricably linked to the mayor's rise to power.

He suspected that the bigwig behind the Depp Group was none other than the mayor of Gotham City.

But when Lex glanced at Depp out of the corner of his eye, he was surprised to find that Depp showed no signs of nervousness whatsoever.

He even seemed somewhat relaxed and casual, and his expression was no different from before.

Lex's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he was ranting and raving:

"Strange, shouldn't this guy be more respectful when meeting the big boss behind him?"

"When you meet someone important above you, you should try to keep a relaxed attitude? Maybe this is a custom unique to Gotham people. I have to say, it's really quite strange."

With that thought in mind, Lex relaxed his expression somewhat.

After all, he was about to meet Gotham City's legendary mayor, a strong contender for the next U.S. ZT election, and... the king of the underworld in Gotham City and Mexico.

A few seconds later, the door to the mayor's office creaked open, and Oswald, dressed neatly, stood respectfully to the side of the door.

Depp led Lex into the mayor's office, and Oswald immediately closed the door.

Just as Lex was about to greet the young, legendary mayor of Gotham, Oswald spoke first: "Mr. Depp, it's been a while since you last visited me. Are you satisfied with the acquisition of those guys' businesses recently?"

Depp nodded and said, "You did a great job, Oswald. To be honest, I didn't even think of that."

“It is my honor to get things done for you before you even think of it.” Oswald walked up to Depp, bent his arms in front of his chest, and bowed respectfully: “After all, without you, there would be no Oswald as we know him today.”

This scene made Lex's mind go blank for a moment.

The famous Gotham Mayor, Oswald Cobert... why does he look like a sycophant now?

Damn it, I got the primary and secondary relationships wrong before!

It seems that Depp is actually the real boss behind Oswald!

But... the Depp Group is a relatively new company that has only emerged in the last year or two, and Depp himself is not from an old family with any ancient heritage.

Depp's family is just an ordinary antique dealer family that has been in business for generations, and they specialize in selling fakes!

But now... Lex feels he has to reassess Depp as a person.

Lex Luke is somewhat incredulous that Depp has risen from almost nothing to a position where even Oswald looks up to him.

Most importantly, Depp doesn't look much older than me, maybe only twenty-five or twenty-six at most!

This is completely against normal rules!

If we say that Depp rose from humble beginnings to become a world-renowned scientist, a city mayor, the head of a corporation, or... a ruthless mob boss.

None of this would have surprised Lex so much, but now, Depp seems to have achieved almost all of the above at the age of twenty-five!

And it's very likely that there's much more to it than that!

This left Lex speechless, but at the same time, it also ignited Lex's strong competitive spirit.

Lex Luke, a prodigy who has never lost since childhood, has developed a strong interest in Johnny Depp and is looking forward to beating him in some way in the future.

Depp didn't notice Lex's preoccupied state and his apparent brainstorming, but instead patted him on the shoulder and said, "Lex, this is the mayor of Gotham City, and the sole heir of the Cobbard family, one of the four ancient Gotham families."

Then, Depp introduced Oswald: "This is Lex Luthor, the eldest son of the Luthor Group and its future heir."

Upon hearing this, Lex immediately recovered and extended his hand, saying, "Mr. Corbert, it is a great honor to meet you. I have heard of your deeds before, and seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary."

Oswald shook Lex's hand and said with a smile, "Haha, my affairs are nothing to mention. On the contrary, the Luther Group is one of the pillars of our country, and you seem to have a very good relationship with Mr. Depp. I look forward to our future cooperation."

Upon hearing this, Lex immediately understood.

Oswald kept mentioning Depp in his conversation, implying that Oswald was telling him he was on Depp's side and that he was only being polite to him because of Depp.

If the Luther Group wants to expand its business in Gotham in the future, it will most likely have no choice but to cooperate with the Depp Group.

Lex, sensing the underlying meaning, immediately said, "Rest assured, Mr. Depp and I are indeed very good friends. If I take over the Luther Group in the future, then the Depp Group and Gotham will definitely be my most important partners."

Oswald's smile widened upon hearing Lex's words. He immediately went to his desk and poured three glasses of red wine.

Oswald first handed the first glass of red wine to Depp, then took a glass in each hand and handed them to Lex.

"I wish us a pleasant cooperation in the future, and I hope that Luther Group will thrive under your leadership."

"cheers!"

"cheers!"

"cheers!"

After chatting for a while, Depp led Lex away from the Gotham City Hall.

This trip to the city hall allowed Lex to rediscover Depp's talent and also made him realize that there were humans in the world who were even more talented than himself.

This shocked and excited Lex, but also left him with a slight sense of disappointment.

However, this handsome bald man will not give up so easily; he will only use his unparalleled intellect to catch up with everyone ahead of him.

Next, Depp plans to take Lex to visit the Depp Group's Botanical Research Institute and the Depp Group's Life and Cryogenics Research Institute.

Depp reasoned that if he wanted to cooperate with Lex Luthor, he had to show him his capabilities.

Therefore, these two places that represent the advanced technology of the Depp Group are a must-visit, while the toy and comic book factories are optional.

At the entrance of the Institute of Botany, Ivy, dressed in a white research coat, personally came out to greet them.

When Lex saw the green-skinned creature surrounded by writhing vines, he looked at Depp with shock once again.

Depp could only explain, "You know, there are a lot of strange people in this world. Some of them are not very smart, while others have undergone mutations. Ivy is one of them."

“Hold on, I don’t know!” Lex said. “I’ve never seen a single… weirdo before I came to Gotham!”

“Okay, other places are indeed less tolerant of these things. However, you need to be careful with your words. Whether it’s Grandi, Wellen, or Ivy in front of you, they are not monsters or weirdos. They are just different.”

Depp spoke seriously, then looked at the gray sky in the distance and said, "Gotham's inclusivity is something other cities don't have, which is why you've never met truly extraordinary people in your life before."

Upon hearing this, Lex pondered and said, "Yes, until... I came to Gotham. It was my mistake just now; I shouldn't have been prejudiced against those who are different."

Depp nodded and led Lex toward Ivy, but his thoughts were on someone far away in Smallville.

Lex, I hope that when you learn Clark's secret in the future, you won't forget what you just said.

Chapter 205 The Research Maniacs of the Depp Group

Good afternoon, boss.

Ivy walked over with elegant steps, looking with great interest at the shiny bald head next to Depp.

Depp waved and said, "Good afternoon, Ivy. This is Lex Luthor, the future heir of the Luthor Corporation, whom I told you about before."

“Hello Mr. Luther, I am Ivy, the director of the Plant Research Institute of the Depp Group.”

"Hello Ivy, it's an honor to meet you."

As he spoke, Lex took Ivy's hand and gave it a light kiss.

Upon seeing this, Depp kindly reminded her, "Wayne is her boyfriend."

Ok?

Lex immediately released Ivy's hand and looked around warily.

Thankfully, the crocodile man wasn't here.

This scene made Ivy cover her mouth and giggle. She said, "Boss, you and Mr. Luther can come with me to the lab to take a look. I believe that the latest research results will definitely broaden your horizons."