"...I have long said, that weirdo is not a good man." A fat man leaning on the back of his chair, picking his teeth with a toothpick, said: "Helping people unconditionally in Gotham, don't you think that sounds absurd?"
Another gentleman sitting opposite him, much thinner, but details such as his cufflinks and wristwatch indicate greater wealth. He cleared his throat and said: "That's exactly what I'm worried about. I'm not prejudiced against the mob. I've seen many gang factions in the shipping business. As long as they're well-fed, my ships are safe."
"But what I fear most are these idle youths who gather in twos and threes. They don't read good books or do honest work. They're always thinking about petty theft, and occasionally, they cause major chaos. Ever since a mast on my ship was bombed by them, I have absolutely forbidden any person under twenty to approach my ship."
At his side, a magnificent lady dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief: "Yes, these ruffians are the most terrifying. In my view, Batman is the same."
"I know, among college clubs, this idea is popular. Those naïve boys think that going out to right wrongs makes them heroes, and therefore they can do as they please. I strongly disagree with this behavior. Miss Goth from the Goth family would never idolize such people."
The fat man sitting across him chimed in: "Yes, madam. Everyone knows that your young lady is the best cultured. But I don't think Batman is so kind-hearted. They all say he's saving people, but whom has he saved?"
The fat man picked up a piece of matsutake mushroom with his fork, put it in his mouth, and said, "Has anyone ever heard of a friend around them being helped by him? At least, none of my car dealership staff have ever benefitted from him."
At this point, Miss Goth began to speak: "I have never heard any of the girls at the women's college mention that their friends or family have been rescued by Batman. It seems he is just trying to make a name for himself, and this incident is probably too much for him to bear."
"Oh, miss, you're attending a women's college?" The thinner gentleman asked.
"Yes." Miss Goth nodded with restraint: "It's a women's college run by the church. I've always been studying at a church school, Mr. Whit."
Mr. Whit showed a smile and looked at Lady Goth: "In fact, the reason I came to Gotham this time was exactly for the play performed by the Angelica Theatre Troupe. Ever since I watched their performance of La Traviata in Metropolis, I can't get it out of my mind. The performance was fantastic."
"For such a tasteful drama, we should definitely invite ladies to enjoy it together. May I have the honor of inviting you and Miss Goth to join my son and me in watching a play by the Angelica Troupe?"
Lady Goth revealed a smile, nodded gracefully, and the others at the table gave satisfied smiles.
Just then, the door was knocked. Lady Goth nodded to the waiter, who went forward and opened the door to let in Cobblepot.
More than a year had passed, and he had grown considerably. As his appearance was originally mature, and he was dressed just like an adult, it was almost impossible to tell that he was still quite young.
Cobblepot came forward and shook hands with Mr. Whit, asking, "How was the dining experience, ladies and gentle?"
"Very good, Mr. Cobblepot. The ingredients are very fresh. But I must say, it's really too noisy downstairs. Why are these longshoremen allowed to dine in the same restaurant as us?" The fat man was the first to speak.
Lady Goth joined in: "Yes, when I came in, I was nearly deafened by their bickering. I've never seen so many uncivilized people in one place. My God, if my daughter wasn't insistent on trying this place, I never would have come!"
Cobblepot bowed his head and chuckled, saying, "Don't say that, madam. I allow them in here because of your great charity. You can consider this place as a Charity House. Every single one of your expenditures here is equivalent to doing a good deed."
Lady Goth's eyebrows relaxed a bit, she pursed her lips and nodded: "If it's like that, then consider it my act of kindness. Before I arrived, I saw the waitstaff on the first floor were all children. Have them bring down some tips for me later as a way of showing them sympathy."
At this, Miss Goth made the sign of a cross on her chest and said: "I'm truly saddened for the unfortunate little girl mentioned on the front page of today's newspaper, who ended up in the hands of bad people and died on a cold night. I'd like to hold a hymn meeting for her, this weekend. I hope more people can come to mourn for her..."
Saying this, Miss Goth winked at her mother. Lady Goth covered her mouth and said, "My poor Belle, always so sentimental. Mr. Whit, why don't we go to her school to listen to hymns after watching the play, how about it?"
"Of course, madam, my son is also willing to do a good deed."
The two exchanged a look and showed satisfied expressions. They then resumed their conversation with Cobblepot. This time, they were talking about the upcoming comedy show.