I'm doing bidirectional science popularization in American comics

Depp crouched down next to Corbert and said, "You don't look too happy, Corbert."

Upon hearing this, Colbert turned to look at the somewhat familiar handsome man, and after a moment's recollection, said, "Indeed, I remember we've met before, haven't we?"

Depp nodded and said, "Yes, at Miss Selena's charity gala, the day you represented the Falcone family."

Upon hearing this, Colbert said, "I remember now, you're Mr. Depp, the one who owns the antique shop!"

"Oh, by the way, you now also own a toy factory. You're a well-known entrepreneur and tycoon in Gotham. It's truly enviable."

Hearing Cobert's sour remark, Depp said, "It's nothing. Compared to this money, the descendants of the four ancient families that built Gotham deserve more respect, don't they?"

Colbert sneered upon hearing this, saying, "Heh, what a load of bull! Falcone doesn't even let me participate in official operations. His purpose in recruiting me is merely to use the reputation of these four bullshit families to attend various high-society gatherings on his behalf and increase the influence of the Falcone family!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Corbert heard Depp laugh beside him.

Depp laughed loudly, as if he were mocking a penguin!

Chapter 91 Showman Penguin

"why are you laughing?"

Oswald said, frowning.

To be honest, Depp's laughter hurt his fragile ego.

Oswald was a little angry, but Depp didn't care.

Depp raised an eyebrow and said:

"Is this why you reported the Falcone gang's operations?"

"James Gordon's secret informant, Oswald Corbett?"

When Depp saw Oswald, who had been released early, outside the Gotham City Police Department, he guessed that Oswald must be the one who provided Gordon with the clues.

When Oswald said those words, Depp became even more certain that he reported the gang's actions to retaliate against Falcone, and that it had nothing to do with kindness or morality.

It wasn't a change of heart; it was simply revenge.

How did he know that it was me who reported the Falcone gang's deal?

I only did it once, how did I get caught?

Upon hearing Depp reveal his identity as an informant, Oswald looked around in alarm.

After confirming that no one else was around, Oswald gripped his umbrella tightly and said, "Although I have a good impression of you, Mr. Depp, I still have to warn you, you can't just say things carelessly, or someone will get killed!"

"My life? Or your life?" Depp retorted. "Oswald, is your ambition to be a gangster boss despised by everyone, like a rat in the street?"

Before Oswald could retort, Depp continued, "Could it be that the Cobblepot family, one of the four great families that founded Gotham, has fallen to such a state?"

Oswald had already stood up, trembling with emotion: "No...no..."

He was panting heavily, and the black umbrella in his hand creaked as he gripped it tightly.

Depp pointed to the towering Wayne Tower in the distance and said, "Look at the Wayne family, one of the four great families, they control the lifeline of Gotham! And the Kane family, they have countless connections with the military!"

Depp turned his head and poked Oswald's chest repeatedly with his finger, saying, "Look at you, Oswald! You're still worrying about not becoming a lowly Falcone family mob boss?"

Finally, Depp, exasperated by his own incompetence, exclaimed, "What a piece of trash!"

Oswald desperately wanted to say something, but couldn't utter a single word, because this was indeed his long-standing pain.

As a member of a fallen noble family, he had always wanted to restore his family's glory, but no one was willing to help him.

Even during his student days, he was always the kind of person who was bullied and isolated because of his limp and his strangely large hooked nose.

For various reasons, Oswald, ultimately isolated and helpless, chose the path of the mafia.

Now that Depp has reopened his wounds with each word, Oswald is on the verge of a breakdown. He waves his umbrella and screams, "What can I do? Nobody has ever told me what to do or what I should do since I was a kid!"

"They never treated me as a friend, no one ever helped me, they just endlessly ridiculed and bullied me!"

"So I want to become a prominent mob boss in Gotham, and I want to make those who looked down on me and laughed at me feel regret and fear!"

"I only want to restore the glory of the Corbert family in my own way!"

"What's wrong with that?!"

Seeing Oswald's frenzied screams, Depp felt that his words had worked.

Oswald is releasing his pent-up negative emotions and stress, word by word, which is very important for the mental health of children.

Depp pulled Oswald into an alley behind the police station and said, "You're right, Oswald. You didn't do anything wrong. The only ones at fault are Gotham and this world."

"But are you just going to accept your fate like this? Have you never thought that you can change Gotham on your own? Make this city a better place, and prevent children who have had similar experiences and difficulties to yours from being bullied?"

“I think you can do it, Oswald.”

"Change...change Gotham?" Oswald asked, bewildered. "You mean...like Batman?"

Depp nodded and said, "That's just one way. You, Oswald, the only descendant of the Corbert family, I believe you can also find your own path, a path that will earn people's respect and love."

"You wouldn't want the ancestors of the Colbert family to know, even in the afterlife, that their son has become a low-level criminal that everyone hates, would you?"

Depp handed his business card to Oswald and said, "This is my business card. If you have any new ideas or questions, feel free to come to me anytime. I'd be happy to offer you any help I can."

Depp's words stirred up a lot of emotions in Oswald, who was relieved of the pressure.

Perhaps... I too can become someone who changes the history of Gotham!

And this guy named Depp actually said he was willing to help me...

Oswald accepted the business card with both hands and asked, "Excuse me for asking, Mr. Depp, why are you willing to help someone like me?"

“Someone like you?” Depp said. “Don’t underestimate Oswald. As a member of the Corbert family, you should be more confident. I’m helping you because I believe in you and I think you can do it.”

After saying that, he patted Oswald on the shoulder and left.

Oswald stood there dumbfounded for a long time before finally stuffing Depp's business card into his pocket as if he had found a treasure.

"That guy actually said he thinks I'm a good candidate!"

Oswald happily said that this was the first time someone other than his mother had praised him and said that he had high hopes for him.

Furthermore, he began to reflect on what Depp had said and felt that he should also make some changes.

Oswald limped back to his cheap apartment, pondering his future.

Oswald's rented apartment is similar to Joseph's.

They are all very old houses.

However, although the house was dilapidated and small, it was a world of its own inside.

Inside this small room, there were many tools and materials.

Because of his dark childhood, Oswald always felt insecure.

Therefore, he taught himself a lot of knowledge, which is what enabled him to make that black combat umbrella.

In addition, he is proficient in a certain fighting style that suits him.

It must be said, he is actually a genius.

Of course, almost every criminal in Gotham is a genius...

Colbert spent a long time thinking at home and felt somewhat agitated.

He sat down at the workbench and started modifying his umbrella again.

The next morning, he scribbled a cute little penguin with a pencil, and finally made up his mind to call Depp.

Chapter 92 Depp's Advice

“Hello, is this Mr. Depp?” Oswald asked cautiously.

Depp, who was exercising in the morning, said, "It's me. Is there something you need calling me so early?"

The little penguin called sooner than Depp had anticipated.

Depp thought to himself that it seemed his words from yesterday had worked.

Oswald took a deep breath and said nervously, "To be honest, I think what you said yesterday was absolutely right, but I can't think of how to change the current situation. No one has ever taught me before."

I have absolutely no idea where to begin.

But now... I think I can consult you, Mr. Depp.

Listening to Oswald's cautious tone, Depp inexplicably pictured an adorable emperor penguin in his mind.

He said, "This needs to be done step by step. I think your first step could be to unify the Gotham underworld and take over Falcone's position."

On the phone, Oswald said, "Oh right, you're right, I should start by unifying the Gotham underworld... What?!"

"Don't get excited, Oswald, you heard me right."

"Coco...but didn't you say yesterday that it's shameful for one of the four great families to aspire to be a gang leader?"

Oswald said excitedly, even stammering a little.

“You’re not going to be a lowly Falcone family mob boss, Oswald. You’re going to be the king of Gotham’s entire underworld! And this is just the first step. It’s the first step in changing Gotham.”

"Your previous goals were all too insignificant."

"Now, here's your next question: After you become the King of Gotham's underworld, what will you do next?"

Depp's remarks left Oswald speechless on the other end of the phone; he hadn't expected Depp to give him such a seemingly outlandish goal.

And this is only the first step?

Oswald thought for a moment and said, "Next... we should continue to grow stronger and expand our sphere of influence to the neighboring metropolis?"

Depp: ?_?...

It must be said that Oswald has been ambitious since he was a child, but...

Who the hell told you to go to the Metropolis to continue your gangster activities, huh?!

“Listen, Oswald, when your men commit crimes, they are gangsters, thugs, bastards. But if they have normal jobs and stop committing crimes, then they are legitimate citizens who create value for the city.”

Oswald asked, "But do those guys really want to go back to normal life?"

Depp said, "While I can't guarantee it for everyone, most people actually just want a normal, peaceful life. As for those guys who are addicted to crime... just like you did yesterday, hand them over to Gordon."