It is important to note that Jennifer does not know about Kara's superpowers, nor that she used to be the previous Oracle. Kara has always respected her adoptive father Jonathan, and since he forbade her from revealing her identity, she has ensured no one discovers that she is a Kryptonian.
So, Jennifer's thoughts were not influenced by Kara, but came from her own true beliefs.
Even Kara was a little surprised.
Jennifer looked at Kara with amusement. Did she really think Jennifer was just a hopeless romantic? Did she think she came to Gotham City just because of Bruce?
"As someone from Metropolis, I used to think Gotham City was beyond saving.
It was filled with darkness, corruption, and depravity.
It was like an abyss, where the light could never break through.
I believed it would eventually destroy itself."
Jennifer shrugged, and though she was surrounded by Gothamites, she didn't shy away from sharing her most genuine thoughts.
It was like the classic Queens vs. Brooklyn rivalry.
Gotham City and Metropolis are so close, you could call them sister cities. But the people from these two cities aren't exactly friendly with each other. It's not that those from Metropolis look down on Gotham, but the city's environment is often criticized.
The former crime lord Carmine Falcone had openly entertained various city officials, nearly buying the heads of several government departments.
This was Gotham City in the eyes of outsiders: a city without hope.
Taking another sip of her wine, as red as blood, Jennifer continued, "It was only when Batman and Oracle emerged that I saw the first glimmer of light.
You might think they're vigilantes operating outside the law. But no, it's the inaction of the people and the law's limitations in dealing with real criminals that make them necessary.
To me, they are the real heroes."
"If Gotham was once lost in darkness, then Batman and Oracle are the dawn breaking through. They made me believe that there is still justice in this city. I'm not blaming ordinary people for not taking action, but it is because of their silence that Gotham needs these heroes even more."
With that, Jennifer pulled out a necklace from under her shirt. Kara realized it wasn't just an ordinary piece of jewelry—two little bat symbols hung from it.
One was jet black, the other was a gleaming silver.
The black symbol represented Bruce's Batman, and the silver one symbolized Kara's Oracle.
"Because of them, I felt confident enough to come to this city. I believe that with their help, along with the efforts of people like Mr. Harvey and myself, and the collective determination of Gotham's citizens, justice will eventually triumph over all evil."
As Jennifer spoke, she brought the two small bat symbols to her lips and gently kissed them.
Kara raised an eyebrow, wondering how Jennifer would react if she knew one of the idols she admired so deeply was standing right in front of her.
Bruce, too, gazed at Jennifer with newfound admiration, as though he was seeing her for the first time.
Even Kara hadn't expected Jennifer to speak with such passion. There had been a time when Kara didn't know much about Jennifer's journey, and in the years since they had reconnected, Jennifer had become a seasoned prosecutor, far from the naive young woman Kara once knew.
On the other side of the table, Harvey nodded in agreement: "I feel the same way. Either you die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
Jennifer grinned playfully. "I'm not in a rush to become a villain," she joked, raising her glass. "To the heroes. To Batman and Oracle. Cheers."
Harvey readily clinked his glass with Jennifer's.
They then exchanged toasts with the others at the table, but when Harvey raised his glass to Bruce, Kara swiftly intervened, placing a hand on Bruce's arm. "Hey, buddy, don't forget—you're driving us home. Are you sure you want to drink?"
Bruce had to put his glass down and gave Harvey an apologetic smile.
In truth, Kara knew Bruce didn't drink—ever since he took on the mantle of Batman, he had given up alcohol to ensure he could always be ready for any challenge. When necessary, he even substituted ginger ale for wine at public events.
As for Kara, she had no reason to worry about intoxication. She was immune to almost all Earthly toxins, and alcohol was no exception.
But, rather than ruin the moment, she raised her own glass to join the toast.
The four of them—minus Bruce—drank to the heroes.
"I've got to say, it was smart of me to choose the most expensive wine without worrying about the brand," Kara remarked. Even someone like her, who wasn't particularly interested in wine, nodded in appreciation. "This one's definitely good."
She called over the waiter and asked if she could take a box home.
Bruce frowned, his face darkening. That bottle alone cost around a hundred thousand dollars—U.S. dollars. "Are you seriously this comfortable?"
"There's better wine at my manor," Bruce interjected. "If you want, you and Jennifer can come back with me tonight. You're welcome to stay."
Jennifer's eyes lit up.
Kara narrowed her gaze. He was doing it on purpose. She glanced at Rachel and smiled.
Was this a competition of who could handle the hurt more? Fine. Bring it on.
"Miss Rachel," Kara began, turning toward Rachel, "you and Mr. Harvey didn't come here together by accident, did you? Are you two dating?"
Rachel froze, biting her lip, unsure of how to respond.
But Harvey wasn't shy. He gently took Rachel's hand and declared, "Yes, we're dating. Rachel is the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman I've ever met, and I am completely in love with her. I love you."
The last part was directed at Rachel herself.
Kara smiled and gave a light applause, casting a glance at Bruce, whose mood had significantly dropped.
Bruce raised his hand and drained his glass.
Kara didn't stop him this time. Instead, she stood up, nudged Jennifer, and said, "Come on, let's go."
Bruce, trying to mask his disappointment, turned to Rachel. "Congratulations, Rachel. And...we should leave you two alone."
Without another word, Bruce left, looking rather defeated.
Kara quickly called out after him. "Hey! Don't forget to pay the bill. That bottle of wine I ordered might cost Harvey several months' salary."