Chapter Five

After leaving Wok and Roll, Jayden began to make his way back to the barbershop. However, on his journey, he encountered a group of kids throwing rocks at a poor black cat.

"Hey, cut that out!" Jayden shouted, causing the kids to panic and flee. He sighed, feeling a sense of familiarity with their behaviour, reminiscent of the troublesome kids he encountered back in his school days.

'Those year seven kids were like vultures or maybe like the seagulls from Finding Nemo.'

As Jayden prepared to continue on his way, he suddenly noticed a black limousine speeding down the road.

The same cat that was being harassed earlier was now in the middle of the street, frozen in fear.

Without hesitation, Jayden sprinted towards the road. Just in the nick of time, he leapt and scooped up the cat, narrowly avoiding a tragic accident. Rolling skillfully onto the sidewalk, Jayden held the grateful feline in his arms.

"That was a close one. Why didn't you run away, little guy? You could have gotten killed. And that jerk didn't even try to stop, he just sped up." Jayden said, his voice filled with a mix of concern and frustration.

*Meoww!*

The cat meowed in response, as if to communicate that it had been unable to escape. It was then that Jayden noticed a gash on the cat's arm, likely caused by the earlier encounter with the kids.

"It must have been those kids that gave you this injury. The wound doesn't seem too serious, but I don't know any vets around here, and even if I did, they would probably be closed by now."

Jayden pondered aloud. He decided that the cat would accompany him home for the night.

"I guess you're coming home with me tonight, little guy." Jayden said with a smile.

*Meow*

" I'll take that as a yes then, just gotta stop at a local store to get you some bandages and food. Not unless you like Chinese."

*Meooow*

" I dident think so." Jayden said before making his way to a nearby convenience store.

The pair made their way to a local store, where Jayden purchased bandages and food for the cat. With the necessary supplies in hand, they headed back to Jayden's temporary residence.

...

(Uptown, 777 Grant Wood Road)

Up on the roof, Jayden sat on an old rocking chair, Jayden had wasted no time in unpacking the bags filled with containers of aromatic Chinese cuisine.

He couldn't resist the aroma of the Chinese cuisine he had brought from Wok and Roll, and he wasted no time in indulging in the delectable dishes.

Jayden marvelled at the flavours of the duck fried rice, wonton soup, sweet and sour pork, orange chicken, and mapo tofu with chilli sauce.

Each bite filled him with a sense of appreciation for Mr Aiguo's culinary skills and dedication to his craft.

While enjoying his meal, Jayden found himself chuckling at the memory of Mrs Xue playfully teasing Mr Aiguo about his hairstyle.

He imagined encountering them again on his opening day at the barbershop and contemplated the best haircut for Mr Aiguo.

Since Mrs Xue looked to be the one wearing the pants in the relationship he would most likely be seeing them on his opening day in 6 weeks.

" I wonder what kind of cut I should give him, a low-key subtle fade, no that wouldn't fit his age or his head shape...

Maybe a neat side part that wouldn't look too bad, No I got it!!" Jayden immediately thought of a haircut that would suit Mr Aigou the most.

*Meow!*

Interrupting his thoughts, the black cat with golden eyes meowed, drawing Jayden's attention.

On his right, the cat was happily licking water from its bowl. Jayden had already tended to its wound with the medical kit he had purchased earlier.

"Now, this is authentic Chinese food. It might become a habit to visit Mrs Xue's shop at least once a week," Jayden remarked. He then turned his attention to the cat and asked, "How about yours, Raven? Is it any good?"

Acknowledging the humorous choice of the cat's name, Jayden joked.")' I know what you're thinking, but it's better than names like Blacky or Little Black.'

( Hopefully, I'm not courting death with that sentence.)

The cat meowed in response, seeming to express its approval of the meal.

Jayden then gazed up at the smog-filled Gotham sky, contemplating the impact of the persistent smog on Gotham City.

Jayden wondered if Batman, with all his resources and technology, could develop a solution to improve the city's air quality.

"But then again," Jayden mused, "with all the chemical plants and industries here, it would be a monumental task even for a billionaire like Batman to tackle. Besides, the smog is essential for the functioning of the Bat-Signal."

Jayden acknowledged that Gotham's problems extended beyond just villains.

Corruption within the police force and individuals bringing down the city's potential were significant issues as well.

Nonetheless, he believed that perhaps Batman in this universe would be the one to make a lasting difference.

Finishing his meal, Jayden descended from the rooftop with Raven, his feline companion, by his side.

....

( Time Skip: 2 weeks Later)

Time flew by, and two weeks had passed since Jayden arrived in Gotham. In that time, he had become somewhat accustomed to living there, despite encountering petty criminals on occasion.

Mrs Xue had even gifted him a taser and pepper spray, although he politely declined, appreciating her concern.

Back at his temporary residence, progress was being made with the building's renovation.

The rubbish, dust, and grime on all four floors had been cleaned, and the construction crew had started refurbishing and installing new electrical and plumbing systems.

Jayden estimated that they would be finished in two more weeks, leaving time for the painters and interior designers to complete their work.

"Just a month to go." Jayden thought aloud, peering out into the city. He wondered how many people would turn up for the grand opening.

Raven, ever attentive, meowed in response, providing encouragement to Jayden. He reached down to gently stroke her, realizing how quickly she was recovering from her injury.

"Thanks for the encouragement, Raven. I'll do my best, and you'll be up and about without that bandage in no time," Jayden said with a smile.

Looking out at Gotham City, Jayden contemplated the recent lack of news about major villains wreaking havoc. He hadn't heard anything about the likes of the Joker or other notorious criminals.

"Though there have been reports of some low-scale crimes being stopped by heroes. It must be either Robin or Batman." Jayden speculated.

Despite having lived in this new world for 18 years, he had yet to encounter anyone he recognized from the comics.

"Oh, right, Raven. I'll be heading out today to buy a few things. You be good while I'm gone." Jayden said, addressing his feline companion.

Raven rolled her eyes, expressing her unwavering good behaviour through her body language.

"I know, I know, you're always good," Jayden chuckled. "When I come back, I'll even get you your favourite treats."

At the mention of treats, Raven perked up, licking Jayden's face affectionately.

With a final stroke of her fur, Jayden prepared to venture out into the bustling streets of Gotham once again.