In Perry White's office, Kara and Lois Lane sat across from each other, with Perry seated behind his desk.
"You're finally back," Perry said, casting a glance at Kara, concern evident in his eyes, though he avoided asking too many questions.
Perry was smart. Kara had previously hinted at some significant secrets, but he had wisely claimed ignorance.
If Perry had been more reckless, Kara's identity might have been exposed to the entire world by now. However, Perry's strength lay in his discretion. He had likely pieced together that Batman could be Bruce Wayne, but Bruce's power and influence would make him difficult to take down.
Moreover, if Kara really was the Oracle, she would be formidable. She had shown her ruthlessness in dealing with Lars and the League of Shadows, demonstrating how dangerous it would be for anyone to cross her.
Unlike the Joker, Perry wasn't reckless or fearless. He preferred to keep Kara's secret, glancing over at her with a headache brewing. "So, what's the plan? Should Lois keep assisting you?"
Lois kept her head down, refraining from making any comments. As a newcomer, she didn't feel it was her place to argue or challenge Kara. Besides, Kara's previous column had higher ratings and generated more revenue than hers.
"No need," Kara said coolly.
Since she had previously promised Lois a chance to shine, she wasn't about to retract that now. "Lois did a good job on that column. Let her continue with it."
"I see," Perry said, surprised. "So you have a new idea, then?"
"Yes," Kara said, her eyes brightening. "I'm thinking of starting a food column."
Perry paused momentarily, then maintained a neutral expression. "A food column? Interesting. What's the angle?"
Kara continued, "I'll combine local flavors with cultural insights, include my own thoughts on the food, and maybe even a general recipe or two."
Essentially, she was planning to do a newspaper version of a food blog, though she didn't say it out loud.
Perry looked skeptical. "Are you sure there's an audience for that? Food shows are all over TV."
Kara shrugged. "We won't know unless we try. Worst-case scenario, I can write about other things, like fashion or even a gossip column."
Lois glanced over, looking like she wanted to say something.
Kara noticed and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'm happy to try something new. I've been covering the same topics for so long that a change of pace sounds refreshing."
"Screenwriting would be fun too," she mused with a grin. "Maybe I could work on something for the Marvel Comics line if they decide to launch a live-action movie series."
Perry raised an eyebrow. "You're not thinking of leaving us, are you?"
"Oh, don't worry, Perry. I know I'm under contract." Kara winked, but Perry's concern seemed to have intensified.
Realizing she wasn't joking, he sighed. "Fine, but if your food column doesn't perform well for three issues, I'm putting you back on gossip."
"Deal," Kara agreed without hesitation.
She had recently gained new skills, like an enhanced sense of smell and sight, which actually made her a perfect fit for the food beat or, failing that, the gossip beat.
"Good, good." Perry then extended his hand toward Kara. "So, where are the photos?"
Lois looked confused until Kara pulled out a folder and handed it to Perry. Inside were casual photos of Batman, some that Bruce had posed for, along with a few of Kara herself.
"Oh, by the way," Kara said casually. "Tomorrow's headline can be 'Oracle Retires.'"
Perry's hand froze mid-reach, his eyes meeting Kara's.
Kara nodded, and he broke into a huge grin. "Kara, this is going to be huge news. Our issue will fly off the shelves tomorrow!"
Lois raised her brows in concern. "Chief, you should be worried about Oracle. We don't know if Oracle retired because of injuries or something worse. Readers could be upset if we don't handle this right."
Surprised by Lois's defense of Oracle, Kara gave her a faint smile.
Perry shot Kara a quick, questioning glance, and Kara merely rolled her eyes and nudged Lois gently out of the office.
Once outside, Kara stretched and sighed contentedly. "Looks like I have a few days off before the new column kicks off. Perfect time for a little rest."
Lois looked incredulous. "The deadline's almost here, and you're already thinking of a break?"
But Kara was already calling up her friend Barbara on her phone, making plans for a drink later.
A few minutes later, Perry stepped out of his office, his expression bewildered. "Where's Kara?"
Lois blinked. "She left."
"Left? What do you mean 'left'?"
"She said she had plans to grab a drink," Lois answered with a slight smirk.
Perry nearly choked in disbelief. "A drink? She left the column outline on her desk, right? You… you ridiculous girl!"