"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi
...
Gotham City Public Library, dining area.
In the middle of a casual conversation with Barbara, Dean finished his cheese-beef roll combo.
A news broadcast suddenly interrupted The Big Bang Theory that was currently playing on an old hanging television in the cafeteria.
"This is Gotham Channel 7, I'm your host, Recie White, and we have a breaking news report."
"At this moment, we are interviewing in front of one of Gotham's oldest families, the current matriarch of the Chandler family, Mrs. Evelyn Chandler. Just an hour ago, Mrs. Chandler announced some exciting news!"
"She has decided to publicly exhibit the Chandler family's heirloom, the 'Dragon's Egg Ruby Necklace,' which has been passed down through the Chandler family for centuries. This is the first time the Chandler family has agreed to exhibit this necklace to the outside world!"
"It is rumored that a total of one hundred and thirty diamonds are placed around this necklace to set off the huge ruby hanging on it. This treasure is said to have the power to keep one forever young. Many people believe that Mrs. Chandler, who is in her sixties, looks at least twenty years younger than she looks because of wearing this necklace. It is not known whether it is true or not."
Upon hearing this breaking news, Dean's heart moved, and he seemed to look at the TV by accident as he lifted his head.
Barbara also turned her head to watch the TV, and the two of them made the same movements at the same time, although Barbara's movements were perhaps a bit faster.
'So this is what they mean by 'girls can't resist the attraction of jewelry'?'
Dean looked at the back of Barbara's head and thought to himself.
"In other news, the Phantom Thief, who has been very active in Gotham recently has committed crimes twice in a row. Why did Mrs. Chandler decide to exhibit the 'Dragon's Egg Ruby Necklace' at this time? Now let's switch to the live scene of the press conference."
As soon as the news anchor, Recie White, finished speaking, the TV screen switched to a bustling square.
There were numerous reporters surrounding Mrs. Chandler, and cameras were flashing nonstop.
"Mrs. Chandler, you've always been against publicly exhibiting the 'Dragon's Egg Ruby Necklace.' What made you change your mind?"
A familiar blonde female reporter squeezed her way to the front row and raised her microphone to ask Mrs. Chandler.
This reporter was none other than Vicki Vale.
She was indeed Gotham's most famous star reporter, and she was always seen on almost every hot topic in Gotham.
"There's no particular reason. It's just that after growing older, I've come to realize many things that I was obsessed with in my youth."
Mrs. Chandler spoke calmly. Her expression was comfortable as if these words were truly from her heart.
"The 'Dragon's Egg Ruby Necklace' is not only a family heirloom but also a treasure of Gotham. While I can't go against my ancestors' wishes and donate it to a museum, I believe that all the people of Gotham have the right to see this treasure with their own eyes."
"So—"
Mrs. Chandler's eyes flashed with a hidden strangeness, but she quickly covered it up.
"I decided to invest with the Cobblepot family to hold a grand exhibition at the Natural History Museum. The exhibition will run from March 1st to the 15th, and all tickets will be sold at a 30% discount during the exhibition."
As soon as her announcement came out, the audience was in an uproar.
There is nothing wrong with the exhibition, which runs for half a month, and there is nothing wrong with paying 30% off the tickets.
It is not also a big problem to choose the exhibit at the Natural History Museum.
However, co-sponsoring the event with the Cobblepot family was a different issue.
The Cobblepot family was considered an old wealthy in Gotham and used to have a higher status than the Chandler family.
Unfortunately, their former glory had long faded, and the Cobblepot family now only had Oswald Cobblepot.
Everyone knew he had another identity—a chilling one.
Penguin.
Why would Penguin co-sponsor an exhibition with the Chandler family?
"Mrs. Chandler, Oswald Cobblepot is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering by authorities. Aren't you afraid of any consequences for cooperating with him?"
Vicki continued her questioning.
Mrs. Chandler glanced at her calmly and replied, "Please mind your words, Ms. Reporter. As far as I know, there's no evidence to prove Oswald's involvement in money laundering. If you continue making such careless comments, I'll have security escort you out."
"Well, if you insist, I apologize for my words. If I may, I have one final question for you."
Seeing Mrs. Chandler's attitude, Vicky's eyes flickered, and she finally asked.
"Mrs. Chandler, have you heard of the The Phantom Thief? He is a notorious jewel thief who has been active in Gotham recently. Aren't you worried that he might target your necklace?"
"I am aware of this thief, but I am not afraid. I have full confidence in the future security measures for the exhibition."
Mrs. Chandler spoke with a confident expression.
"That's all for the news for now. Thank you for watching. I'm your host, Recie White. Stay tuned for our next program, where I will report the latest news.
With that, the news broadcast ended, and the TV resumed playing The Big Bang Theory in a loop.
After watching the news, Dean was lost in thought.
'Co-sponsoring an exhibition with the Penguin?'
'Was that some kind of century-old joke?'
Unless Mrs. Chandler had lost her mind, there was no way she would willingly cooperate with the Penguin.
The only possibility is that Penguin is forcing her to publicly exhibit the necklace.
But the question is, why would the Penguin do this?
If he wants the necklace, he could just steal it or buy it directly.
It's too simple for him.
What good does it do Penguin to simply put a priceless ruby necklace on public display?
'It seems there's more to it than meets the eye,'
Dean silently thought to himself.
"Hey, Dean, can I call you Dean? I suddenly remembered that I have some important work to do, so I have to go now."
At this time, Barbara suddenly told Dean that she had an urgent matter and quickly disappeared.
Dean noticed the anxiousness in her expression, but he didn't think much of it, especially since he also had something "urgent" to do himself.
Meanwhile, at the Iceberg Lounge...
Penguin finished watching the news on TV, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"You're so sure that Phantom Thief will fall for it?"
A shadowy figure in the corner spoke, almost invisible.
"Hmph, in Gotham, no one would fall for such a thing... But I'm sure he will come!"
Penguin smirked coldly and spoke with determination about his plan.
"It doesn't matter, as long as I take down the Phantom Thief, I'll get five hundred thousand dollars, right? That's all I need to know."
The shadowy figure slowly disappeared.
"A burning Phantom Thief... This might turn out to be an interesting piece of work."
...
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