American comics: Only I know the plot

Chapter 80 Something's Wrong

Copeport's televised announcement of his candidacy for mayor was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing a huge uproar.

In Gotham, anyone with even a little bit of inside information knows exactly what kind of guy Cobbert is.

It was for this reason that Li Wei couldn't understand why this guy would have the audacity to run for mayor.

It's important to understand that running for mayor isn't just about the citizens' votes.

Over the years, Gotham's ruling class has become a monolithic entity, with everyone occupying their own niche.

Cope's desire to run for mayor undoubtedly poses a threat to many people.

Li Wei couldn't understand where his confidence came from.

...

At midnight, a secret meeting was taking place in a hotel in downtown Gotham City.

Cobbler, dressed in a black suit, sat on the sofa with two glasses of red wine on the coffee table in front of him.

Heavy footsteps came from the doorway, the "thump-thump" of the footsteps making the corridor tremble slightly.

He Mang walked into the room, wearing a suit, his muscles bulging like a small mountain.

He Mang walked over and sat down opposite Cobert, picking up a glass of red wine from the table.

He tapped the cup lightly with his fingertips, showing no intention of drinking it.

"Mr. Cobblestone, what brings you here today?"

His voice was deep and nasal, "You know, we're both representing our respective families now, so it's not really appropriate for us to meet like this."

Cobo smiled, picked up his wine glass, and took a small sip.

"Mr. He Mang, I knew you would soon experience the wonder of power, but I didn't expect it to happen so quickly."

The penguin looked at He Mang, his eyes full of laughter.

Since he started cooperating with He Mang, he hadn't actually thought he could keep the guy in front of him under control forever.

However, He Mang's rapid change of heart was somewhat beyond his expectations.

Kobot's words startled He Mang slightly, but he immediately put down his wine glass and laughed.

He had indeed lost himself in power. He could only describe the feeling of having such power in his hands with one word: exhilarating!

No wonder many people say that power is the best drug; that's absolutely true.

"Speak plainly, Mr. Cobblestone."

He Mang said, "Considering our previous pleasant cooperation, you can speak your mind directly."

Cobert put down his glass and looked directly at He Mang.

"Maroney's death and the upheaval in the Falcone family have thrown Gotham's underworld into chaos, and both sides have suffered heavy losses."

"What are you trying to say?"

He Mang raised his eyes, his gaze wary.

"What I mean is, let's shake hands and make peace."

Cobbhold extended his right hand, palm up, "We'll stop fighting, redivide the territory, and not interfere with each other."

My candidacy for mayor requires a decrease in Gotham's crime rate, and this cannot be achieved without the support of your Maroney family.

"Once I come to power, the Maronny family will receive their due benefits."

He Mang stared at Copport's hand and remained silent for a long time.

Although he is currently the spokesperson for the Maroney family, there have been many internal conflicts within the family since Maroney's death.

Continuing to fight with the Falcone family will only result in mutual destruction.

Copeport's proposal may be the best option at present.

He Mang slowly reached out and clasped Copport's hand tightly.

Both of their fingertips were calloused, and their strength was considerable, as if they were competing or reaching some kind of tacit understanding.

"I hope you keep your word." He Mang released his grip, his tone icy.

Cobb smiled but didn't answer; he simply raised his wine glass in a gesture.

...

The next morning, the traces of the gang shootout gradually disappeared on the streets of Gotham.

The heavily armed gangsters had vanished, the burning car was towed away, and the bullet holes were hastily repaired.

Citizens stepped out of their homes, looked at the peaceful streets, their faces filled with confusion, which was then replaced by elation.

People took to the streets holding signs that read "Support Cop".

These ringleaders were, of course, "temporary actors" hired by Copport.

More and more people joined in, and the group gradually grew, spreading from a small alley to the entire neighborhood.

They chanted Copport's name, their faces filled with fervor.

"Mr. Cobblestone keeps his word!"

"He is Gotham's hope!"

"We want to elect Cobblestone as mayor!"

In the crowd, someone pointed at the patrolling police officers, speaking in a mocking tone.

"Look at these cops, they couldn't do anything before, but Mr. Copperpott has a way!"

"The police are all useless; only Mr. Cobblestone can truly save Gotham!"

The patrolling police officers stopped and looked at the frenzied crowd with grim expressions.

They gripped their batons tightly, but dared not step forward to stop them.

Li Wei stood on the street corner, looking at everything before him.

Even when the cigarette between their fingers burned to the very end and burned their fingertips, they were completely unaware.

He knew that Copeport's plan was already halfway to success.

But he still had some doubts. This guy had won over the hearts of the people, so what did he plan to do with the government officials?

Is it just another money-giving trick? The problem is, at this critical juncture, who would dare accept his dirty money?

Li Wei knew that no matter what, he absolutely could not let this guy succeed.

In that case, it's necessary to monitor this guy's movements.

The surveillanceman, Levi, wasn't good at it, but he knew someone who was—Batman.

Bruce Wayne woke up in the big bed, moved the two long legs that were draped over him, and gently rubbed his forehead.

He was also quite exhausted from the gang warfare during this period.

Last night, the two families finally quieted down. In order to maintain his playboy persona, he naturally had to do some things that playboys do.

Looking at the two women lying on the bed, he was just about to add some prestige to his reputation when his communicator rang.

Bruce paused for a moment, then took the communicator and headed straight for the second floor.

As for the two women in the bed, Afu will handle everything.

...

"Hey, Officer Li Wei, what brings you to contact me?"

Bruce connected the communicator in the study, his voice now switched to Batman's deep voice.

"To make a long story short, it's very strange that Copeport is running for office. There are some things that you have to do."

Levi shared his analysis with Bruce and then commissioned him to monitor Cobblestone.

As he listened to Li Wei's account, Batman gradually frowned.

Of course he knew what Cobblestone—the famous Penguin—was.

But he wasn't worried about any of this. After all, this guy had a long criminal record; it would be a miracle if he were elected mayor.

But after listening to Li Wei's analysis, he suddenly realized that this guy might actually be able to win the election.

It's outrageous that a member of Gotham's largest mafia family has successfully run for mayor.

Bruce didn't even dare to think about the consequences of letting him succeed.

After all, Cobblestone is no saint; he's a real shrew with brains!

"I'm going to take care of this, don't worry, buddy."

Bruce nodded slightly, indicating that he was willing to take on the task.

Hearing Batman's affirmative answer through the communicator, Li Wei breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter when, once this guy agrees, he's usually someone you can trust.

"Then I'll leave it to you, buddy."