Clark, like a nimble bird, circled in mid-air and flew out the window to the top of the Half-Mountain Manor. He took a breath and the entire manor was transformed anew.
Lex, his hair slightly disheveled, straightened the loose strands by his temples and sighed internally. He remembered what Shiller once said, you can never humiliate a true friend. Because they are willing to do anything for you, regardless of whether it's a big deal or it makes them look bad.
Clark flew back and landed in front of Lex. Lex could tell he was visibly excited, but having grown up in the luxury of Luthor Manor, he couldn't see anything different about this mansion.
"I'm considering renovating," Lex walked over to the window and sat down, "I bought this place. The location is decent, overlooking all of Gotham. I can even hear the church bells. The only problem is that it's a bit old."
"What? You're going to demolish and rebuild it?" Clark also walked over and said, "No, don't do that Lex. It's a heritage."
"It's not, actually," Lex sniffed after saying, "It's a poor imitation of Wayne Manor, a true heritage building, by a rich businessman about 20 years ago."
"Not at all," Clark sat down opposite Lex, pulling his chair closer and propping his arms on the table, "He did a very good job restoring these vintage forms; it's almost deceptive."
"Still a fake."
"But they're beautiful," Clark lifted his head, taking in the grand hall, "And it's not like Wayne Manor, not at all. It doesn't have that... I don't know how to say it... that sense of sadness and melancholy."
Lex looked where he was looking, it was dawn. The air was cool, dew hanging low. All the light coming through the windows into the manor looked like intricately carved ice sculptures.
"Don't pay attention to all that," Clark shook his head, "Don't focus on a past that has nothing to do with you. Think about what attracted you when you chose it with conviction. What were they?"
"The location is great," Lex replied without hesitating, "Like I said, the altitude is high, the view is splendid, and I can look down upon Wayne Manor."
"Is Wayne important to you?" Clark furrowed his brows, "I didn't see that you two were close."
"Not as close as you two."
"Don't say that."
"I'm just perplexed," Lex looked at Clark, "You should have chosen to stay at Wayne Manor, shouldn't you?"
"Why must I do that?"
Clark's question took Lex aback, but he replied, "Like I said, you two are closer, or at least more familiar. I heard that you invited him to your home. Therefore, it's only natural that he invites you."
"In fact, he didn't."
This surprised Lex. He thought Bruce wasn't such a careless person.
With the upcoming Gotham Music Festival, or rather, it had been promoted half a year earlier, it wasn't a spur of the moment decision for Clark to plan on coming here. He probably decided to join when he heard the news.
Then, it would be necessary to greet Bruce Wayne, the Gothamite he was most familiar with. Upon hearing the news, Bruce should have invited Clark at the first opportunity, as Lex had said because Clark had invited him.
This social etiquette was understood by children - friends should invite each other. Today I visit you, tomorrow you visit me. Even if they weren't good friends, Wayne Manor wasn't lacking in space, offering hospitality would be no trouble.
So when Clark said that Wayne didn't invite him, Lex's first thought was that they had had a falling out. Someone was mad at someone else, they were in a cold war, so they didn't want to see each other.
"Did you tell him you were coming to the festival?"
"Of course, I saw the news about three months ago. I saw a few performers on the list that I often listen to. Besides, I have barely been to any concerts, I wanted to try."
"So what did he say?"
"'Good idea.'"
Lex frowned deeply, that sounded terribly perfunctory. It was completely contrary to the social etiquette he learned in the first 20 years of his life, even incongruent with basic interaction methods.
"Aren't you angry?" Lex asked, for he could not see any signs of anger on Clark's face.
"No, I think it's fine," Clark shrugged, "If he invited me, I might feel awkward."
"But he's already been to your place."
"Yes, it's not that I can't be with him. The problem is if I went, I wouldn't be able to turn down his butler's ride."
"But I'm not here just for the festival. I heard there would be a night market on the streets during the festival, as well as surfing and fishing contests. In short, I haven't touristed in Gotham yet."
"If it's like this, I might have to come and go several times a day. According to your norms, I don't know how to put it, but he must send a car, otherwise it would be considered rude."
"Even though I think there's nothing disgraceful about strolling among the stalls, but if they found out I'm taking a vacation, oh God, luxury cruises, golf, diving, parachuting..."