Fox

Bruce approached Fox's place early the next morning, the imposing Wayne Group's Applied Sciences Division.

"Morning, Mr. Wayne!" greeted Fox with a smile. "How was your cave diving operation?"

Bruce chuckled, remembering how he used this excuse to discreetly acquire uniforms and equipment in the past. Fox had always seen through his adventurous alibi but played along. This time, Bruce was after more than just gadgets; he sought guidance.

"The effect is pretty good," Bruce admitted, a bit embarrassed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Fox replied, glancing around. "I've got plenty of free time now, if it weren't for the paycheck, I might just stop coming."

Bruce chuckled at the honesty. What I want to discuss is changing the current situation in Gotham City thoroughly."

"Completely change?" Fox's eyes narrowed for a moment. "Is that why you took away those weapons and uniforms?"

Bruce hesitated, caught off guard. "No, no, of course not..."

Fox interrupted with a knowing smile, "If you don't want to say it, you don't have to. But don't take me for a fool, Mr. Wayne. I'm not that easy to fool."

Bruce sighed, realizing he couldn't easily deceive Fox. "Okay," he conceded, remembering Alfred's advice about Fox's sharp instincts. "I want to change the status quo of Gotham City."

"Taking away those weapons and equipment... you want to fight crime?" Fox speculated, recalling the tragedy of Bruce's parents.

"Yes," Bruce affirmed. "I want to be a symbol that strikes fear into the hearts of criminals, so they hesitate to act when they see it."

Fox frowned, contemplating the daunting task ahead. "Sounds very difficult. Are you planning to do this alone?"

"Almost," Bruce nodded, deliberately avoiding any mention of the alternative method he had recently acquired. He intended to hear Fox's evaluation of his initial plan first.

"Are you certain you've thought it through?" Fox inquired. "While I may not be privy to the specifics of your plan, I'm familiar with the gangs and gangsters in Gotham, their style, and their power. If you're contemplating handling this alone, be prepared to pay a steep price – be it in time, energy, or the inherent danger. Considering you're the wealthiest man in Gotham and still quite young, living discreetly becomes a challenge. Unusual behavior won't go unnoticed."

Fox continued, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of Bruce's envisioned solitary path. "If you plan on becoming a 'symbol,' conflicts are inevitable, subjecting you to a lifetime of repeated torment and considerable trouble. The odds mean nothing."

Bruce muttered to himself, "You think so too?"

Jack's words had acted as a wake-up call for Bruce. Returning to Wayne Manor the previous night, he sensed disapproval in Alfred's subtle remarks. While a butler should refrain from interfering with the master's decisions, Alfred, who had witnessed Bruce's upbringing, didn't want to see him tread this perilous path. He'd prefer Bruce to settle down, even if it meant indulging in a playboy lifestyle and squandering the family fortune.

The implicit disapproval from Alfred intensified Bruce's doubts. Seeking answers, he turned to Fox again.

Now, with strangers, his closest confidant, and senior company members opposing his plan, Bruce questioned its validity.

"Also?" Fox's eyes glinted. "It sounds like someone else warned you about the difficulties of pursuing this endeavor. Was it Alfred?"

Bruce was taken aback. "You know Alfred?"

"Of course, he and I are old friends. We worked together during your father's time," Fox replied, seizing the opportunity to establish his credentials.

From the beginning, Fox aimed to leverage Bruce Wayne's power to reclaim his standing in the applied science department. To do so effectively, he needed to assess Bruce's capabilities. If Bruce proved to be an uninformed playboy easily misled, Fox would remain silent.

Upon completing his investigation, Fox discovered that Bruce not only met the IQ standard but exceeded it significantly. Seizing the moment, Fox chose to reveal his past collaboration with Bruce's father.

"Worked with my father?" Bruce was astonished once again.

"Absolutely, those sleek rail trains crisscrossing the city owe their existence to the collaborative efforts of your father and me," Fox remarked, a grin playing on his lips. "It was a brilliant idea. Despite the hefty initial investment, it posed a risk to the Wayne Group. However, it transformed the address into Gotham's heartbeat, reaping benefits that far outweighed the costs."

"But let's steer back to the present," Fox smoothly redirected the conversation. "Tell me, Mr. Wayne, what brings you here? I doubt you sought me out, an old man with nothing on his agenda, just to share your grand plans for no reason, did you?"

Bruce shook his head. "No, Fox. I have something specific to discuss with you."

"I'm all ears," Fox replied.

"Someone got wind of my plans and dismissed them as mere child's play," Bruce expressed with a furrowed brow.

"Sharp words indeed, Mr. Wayne. In essence, there's little difference between his critique and my own analysis. Both aimed at dissuading you from your course of action. I provide a strategic evaluation, while he opts for direct mockery, but the objective remains the same."

"I understand that," Bruce nodded. "I asked him for a solution, and he pointed out that despite having immense capital, I haven't utilized it effectively."

Bruce paused, locking eyes with Fox.

"Testing me, are you?" Fox caught on to Bruce's intention.

"I simply want your insights to compare with his," Bruce clarified.

"Concerned about me stealing his advice, I see. Only you, Mr. Wayne, know what he said. I'm in the dark, but spill it, and I'll catch on," Fox assured, a smile playing on his lips. "In my view, he's onto something."

"Huh?" Bruce prompted Fox to elaborate.

 .....

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