For the next half-month, Li Ang spent his days diligently working at the Red Armadillo Mexican Restaurant and his evenings in Gotham City's public library, voraciously absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
Through breathing exercises and physical training, he gradually shed his frail, malnourished appearance, gaining enough strength to defend himself if necessary.
It was a scorching summer afternoon, and the sweltering heat had driven most customers away from the spicy offerings of the restaurant. Taking advantage of the lull, Li Ang sat by the counter with Cristina, idly watching a mindless TV program.
Over the past few weeks, Li Ang had learned more about Cristina's life. She had two younger twin sisters in elementary school. Their mother had passed away from cancer a few years ago, leaving their father, Domingo, to care for the family and run the restaurant they had operated for over a decade.
On the TV, a news anchor droned on:
"... It is reported that the Wayne Enterprises harbor reconstruction project will create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs for Gotham City. These positions will be allocated through relief programs, targeting eligible unemployed citizens via the City Hall recruitment process."
The screen cut to footage of Bruce Wayne himself, impeccably dressed, wearing a dazzling smile as he stepped into a sleek luxury car, flanked by two model-like women. Behind him, a swarm of reporters snapped photos, their camera flashes almost outshining the midday sun.
"Wow, Bruce Wayne," Cristina murmured, sipping her hot tea. Swinging her slender legs beneath her seat, she said, "The head of Wayne Enterprises, Gotham's builder, and the most famous playboy in town."
She continued with growing enthusiasm, "Hey, did you know? Wayne Enterprises practically monopolizes every aspect of life in Gotham. Shampoo, fast food, subways, housing—you name it, and they're involved. Almost 70% of Gotham's residents depend on Wayne Enterprises for their livelihoods."
Li Ang responded with mild disinterest, "Sounds like one of those Japanese zaibatsu—massive corporate conglomerates like Mitsubishi or Mitsui. Even by American standards, Wayne Enterprises must be a top-tier monopoly."
Cristina tilted her head thoughtfully, as if about to respond, but then hesitated and fell silent.
Li Ang chuckled and explained, "The term zaibatsu comes from the German word konzern, which refers to large corporate groups. Financial oligarchs control vast capital through stock ownership, uniting multiple businesses under their influence to dominate the market and consolidate economic power. Such massive entities are what we call conglomerates."
With a playful jab of her elbow, Cristina lightly shoved Li Ang and retorted, "I know what a conglomerate is. I just forgot the term for a second."
On the TV, reporters clamored for Bruce Wayne's attention, shouting over one another with questions.
"Mr. Wayne, what motivated you to undertake the harbor reconstruction project?"
Smiling, Bruce Wayne replied, "Well, Gotham is an inclusive, open metropolis, and its harbor—our gateway to the world—is the city's lifeblood. As a proud citizen of Gotham, it's my duty to contribute to its growth and development."
The reporters scribbled furiously, firing off more questions:
"Mr. Wayne, we've heard you recently acquired a shipping company specializing in Southeast Asian trade and created nearly a hundred jobs for immigrants. Does this signify a strategic pivot toward maritime commerce for Wayne Enterprises?"
"Mr. Wayne, are your recent initiatives tied to the upcoming mayoral election? Which candidate do you support?"
Security guards in black suits stepped in to block the crowd as Bruce Wayne waved at them, sliding into his luxury car alongside his glamorous companions. Moments later, the car sped away, leaving the reporters behind.
Cristina watched the screen with envy, muttering, "Why is this world so unfair? Some people barely have to try and get to live in luxury, while others can only scrape by, struggling to survive..."
Li Ang glanced at her with indifference. "What fairness? You're already one of the lucky ones. You have a healthy body, a loving family, and a beauty that others can only dream of."
As a cultivator, Li Ang had little patience for self-pity. Complaining about adversity without taking action to improve one's situation was, in his eyes, the antithesis of cultivating strength and resilience.
He had been about to lecture her when Cristina unexpectedly interpreted his words as flattery. Grinning, she gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "You're good with words."
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Cristina hesitated before tugging on Li Ang's sleeve and asking softly, "Hey, can I ask you for a favor?"
Li Ang rolled his eyes. Unsolicited kindness always hides ulterior motives. "What is it?"
Cristina rubbed her hands together sheepishly, glancing toward the curtain leading to the kitchen. "You know I have two sisters, right?"
"Yeah, Isabella and Elizabeth. You brought them here once, remember?"
Nodding, Cristina explained, "They're at a school summer camp today. But I managed to score two tickets to Justin Bieber's concert, and the show starts right when their camp ends. So, can you pick them up for me?"
Before Li Ang could refuse, Cristina grabbed his arm and pleaded earnestly, "The tickets were super expensive, and if my dad finds out I'm going to a concert, he'll lecture me for hours. Just this once, please?"
Sighing, Li Ang pulled his arm free and said, "Fine. Give me the camp's time, location, and their teacher's contact info."
Beaming, Cristina hugged him in gratitude and quickly scribbled the details on a piece of paper. As she handed it to him, she added, "Oh, and Isabella and Elizabeth will definitely beg you for vanilla ice cream. I'll give you money later—bribe them so they don't tell my dad about the concert."
"Is 'bribe' really the word you want to use here..." Li Ang muttered, scanning the information. Something caught his eye. "Gotham National Bank? Why is an elementary school camp going there?"
Cristina shrugged. "No idea. Maybe it's some kind of educational field trip."