Harley Quinzel felt that "Quinn" must have some special significance for Su Sheng, but when she asked, he simply said it sounded smooth. Although she was skeptical of his answer, she had no choice but to keep her curiosity in check and talk about the current state of Gotham as Su Sheng inquired.
Gotham was in complete chaos.
Bane had taken control of Wayne Enterprises and seized the building. Not only did he acquire a significant cache of high-tech weaponry, but he also repurposed the environmental protection equipment into a nuclear fusion reactor. This reactor had the potential to destroy Gotham entirely. After causing an explosion in the sewers and decimating most of the Gotham police force, Bane blew up the stadium where a live football game was being broadcast and killed Dr. Lanny Pwell, the only person capable of defusing the nuclear reactor.
As if that wasn't enough, Bane also destroyed most of Gotham's bridges, leaving only one remaining. The Ministry of Defense sent troops to the city, but they were thwarted by Bane's schemes and became his unwitting accomplices. They were forced to remain in the city, as anyone attempting to leave would trigger the nuclear reactor's detonation.
Gotham had effectively become a no-man's land.
Without order to contain the darkness within people's hearts, chaos reigned. Freed from confinement, criminals from Arkham Asylum rampaged through the city, engaging in violence and destruction. Initially, only the police who were not trapped in the sewers were targeted, but soon the wealthy and influential also fell victim. Many of the once-powerful were brought to City Hall to face trials by terrorists.
The trial's overseer was known as the Scarecrow.
Originally a university professor with expertise in psychology and chemistry, the Scarecrow dedicated his life to studying human fears. Using his remarkable intellect, he created a fear-inducing gas that made people confront their deepest terrors. The Scarecrow, who delighted in spreading fear, enjoyed psychologically tormenting his victims and was a formidable enemy of Batman.
"It's indeed the plot from The Dark Knight Rises," Su Sheng remarked with a stretch and a smile. "I'm feeling a bit hungry."
"I'll handle it," Harley Quinn said, standing up and heading to the kitchen.
Since Su Sheng had kicked in the apartment door, it couldn't be locked anymore. Whether due to the apartment's unremarkable nature or the dead body by the door, no one had come by. Su Sheng moved the sofa to block the door, observed the chaotic scene outside from the window, and then, noticing that the commotion might persist, lowered the curtains. The living room grew dim, and Su Sheng walked over to the kitchen where Harley Quinn was.
Having encountered both the provocatively dressed Catwoman and the obedient Harley Quinn, Su Sheng found Gotham increasingly fascinating with each new experience. He hoped this fascination would last, as he had a tendency to lose interest in the new over time. With so many intriguing people and events, it would be a waste not to enjoy them fully.
Approaching Harley Quinn, Su Sheng rested his chin on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and holding her gently. Harley Quinn stiffened, feeling a rush of warmth. "I really envy you," Su Sheng said with a playful tone. "You've got your own airport at such a young age."
Airport…
Owning an airport at a young age?
Harley Quinn looked down, momentarily forgetting her shyness as she absorbed the word.
Small, small, small, small…
"You—do you prefer larger ones?" Harley Quinn asked softly.
"I like a variety of shapes. Discs, cones, teardrops—anything's fine. Papayas, peaches, and so on work too," Su Sheng replied casually.
"Which is your favorite?" Harley Quinn asked, pressing for an answer.
"None in particular," Su Sheng said, releasing her.
"How could that be?" Harley Quinn turned to face him.
Su Sheng smiled. "If you insist on a favorite, then the next one will be it!"
"Love the new and hate the old?" Harley Quinn thought to herself.
"Don't get too caught up analyzing me. At least I haven't lost interest in you yet, so hurry up," Su Sheng said with a grin.
Harley Quinn, caught off guard by Su Sheng's perceptiveness, asked nervously, "Hurry up with what?"
"Cooking!" Su Sheng said, smiling as he walked away.
Having grown up in a challenging environment, Harley Quinn was skilled in managing on her own, including cooking. As they ate and chatted, Harley Quinn felt an unexpected warmth and relaxation. It was hard to believe that just moments ago, they had been at odds.