Arthur had never seen Thomas Wayne so approachable. The kindness in his eyes, gentle tone, and soft demeanor made Arthur almost tear up. Was this a dream he had longed for, repaying himself in a dreamlike way?
"These are rightfully mine..."
Arthur's lips moved, finally revealing a broad smile. "Of course, Father. It's my honor."
He began to live the affluent and happy life of the Wayne family's eldest son. Compared to before, it felt like transitioning from hell to paradise. Arthur, who used to be angry at everyone in the city, now realized he was wrong. People around him, whether service staff, friends, politicians, or police officers, were considerate and caring. Gotham, it seemed, had another side he never understood.
As he interacted with people as Thomas Wayne's eldest son, everyone was polite and cheerful. Criminals, homeless, drug addicts, and rats never appeared in his sight.
Life became rich and colorful. Besides work, he had plenty of time with family, fishing at sea, traveling, or hosting grand parties where beautiful women surrounded him like bees chasing honey.
Initially, Arthur felt quite uncomfortable, but human adaptability was strong, and his mental state had returned to normal – no longer the paranoid, delusional, and uncontrollably laughing lunatic he once was.
Naturally, he quickly became immersed in this glamorous world. Sometimes he'd think it's just a false dream, not his real life. Yet, considering that everyone's life is essentially a dream, why not enjoy this beautiful dream?
Arthur thought, "I've endured misery for decades; this beautiful dream should be a form of compensation. Just enjoy it without overthinking."
As time passed, Arthur had completely transformed into a refined and courteous elite, as described by Thomas Wayne. His circle now included celebrities, wealthy tycoons, and those in positions of power, discussing topics like city development and construction.
Once aspiring to be a successful comedian, Arthur had achieved that dream but found the identity of a comedian somewhat bothersome now. He developed an interest in business, relishing the feeling of signing documents and having control over sections of a city – demolishing or constructing new buildings.
Thomas Wayne was pleased with Arthur's path, seeing him following the correct trajectory.
Father and son had numerous heartfelt conversations, both believing that as the Wayne family, it was their duty to build and develop Gotham. They agreed that to transform Gotham into what they envisioned, both politics and the economy needed attention – a dual commitment.
Thomas Wayne aimed to run for mayor, and Arthur had to shoulder the responsibilities of the family company. During this time, influenced by his father, Arthur underwent significant changes. His speech and behavior gradually morphed into that of the second-generation rich man. Proud and pleased, Arthur embraced the praise for inheriting the Wayne family's glory.
Yet, some things remained unchanged. In the unfamiliar side of Gotham, chaos erupted again. Murders became more frequent, strikes were organized in many places, and the city experienced chaos in traffic, declining sanitation, and deteriorating security.
Of course, these issues were no longer connected to the current Arthur Wayne. All he saw were statistics on paper – rising unemployment rates, economic decline, and indicators like happiness and GDP growth or decline – from these data, one can naturally analyze the challenges facing Gotham. However, data remains cold and impersonal, making it difficult to realize that behind each series of numbers are real people and struggling families.
Arthur can no longer see these details. All he knows is that he, representing the Wayne family, must step forward to change the city's decline. So, when Thomas Wayne launches his election campaign, Arthur actively campaigns for his father, deeply moved by Thomas Wayne's slogans.
He sees his father as a gentle and kind person, believing that having such a good person in charge of Gotham is the only way forward!
When Arthur comes across people protesting against his father with signs and slogans, he feels confused and angry. Don't these burdensome, lazy parasites of the city know who their savior is?
Ignorant and lazy, unwilling to learn knowledge or skills, and lacking the ability to improve themselves and their surroundings. Now, capable and just individuals are here to help and guide them. Instead of gratitude, they stand up in opposition.
Arthur thinks these people are the root cause of Gotham's troubles.
Then, something happens that completely ignites his anger. He learns that several employees of his company were brutally shot by criminals on their way home!
Arthur's initial reaction is disbelief. As someone who frequently visits the company, he has seen every employee working diligently and energetically, striving for success. These individuals are the driving force behind Wayne Enterprises and the development of Gotham.
They have dedicated their youth and sweat to Wayne Enterprises and the improvement of the living conditions of those parasites. Yet, in return, they face cruel harm from those very parasites!