Chapter 41 Smart Woman (Rewritten)

The bullet pierced Frank's shoulder, and he lay on the ground, clutching his wound, his face pale. However, his expression soon changed, as if he was not currently concerned about his life.

"It's fine. Don't try to get up, or you might get shot in the face," Stephen said callously. He didn't care about Frank's injuries or whether he lived or died. He was the intended target of the shot. If it weren't for my Copy Ability, which is always passively activated, his Ability not only provides him with infinite replication and stacking but also comes with an early warning function. There's no need to worry about being taken by surprise.

At that moment, three people appeared from the direction of the gate.

The first person was striking, dressed in red with dazzling white hair cascading down to her face, which belonged to an Asian woman peeking from beneath her bangs. Two people followed her, one holding a gun and the other carrying a black box resembling a piano case.

"China White!" Frank, lying on the ground, recognized the woman and spoke resentfully, urgently turning to Stephen. "She's a member of the Chinese Triad Association and specializes in drug trafficking. We had just killed one of her associates. She's here to kill me."

"You made a promise, right? You agreed to protect me from harm in exchange for my daughter," Frank reminded Stephen, filled with worry.

Helena, lying on the ground like a lifeless dog, displayed no emotion on her face.

Chien Na Wei sneered disdainfully and addressed Stephen with a veneer of respect. "Hello, Mr. Stephen. My name is Chien Na Wei, and I've been sent here to deliver something to you."

"Hand it over to him," Chien Na Wei ordered.

The person carrying the box beside her approached Stephen and gently opened it. Inside were the uniform and equipment he had requested, brought from Talia Al Ghul.

Stephen nodded slightly, and the individual closed the box, placing it near his feet before slowly backing away.

"Mr. Stephen, if you don't mind, may I have a few words with you?" Chien Na Wei asked with a smile.

"Okay," Stephen replied, smiling brightly, as he glanced at the gunman beside her. "But are you sure our conversation will prevent me from killing your gunman?"

Chien Na Wei gave a faint smile and said, "I believe so."

"I'll speak with her for a few moments. Will you be able to handle the rest on your own?" Stephen looked at Frank.

Frank nodded absentmindedly, but deep inside, he pondered Stephen's identity. He had assumed Stephen possessed a peculiar super Ability, but now, seeing someone like China White, who he finds threatening, conversing so politely with him, Frank wondered: Who is he? How powerful must the person be to command Chien Na Wei to deliver something?

Not far from the villa, a black Hummer stood motionless.

Two men stood guard outside the car while Stephen and Chien Na Wei got inside.

"Alright, let's talk," Stephen said, smiling lightly.

As soon as Stephen finished speaking, Chien Na Wei began speaking in Chinese, although her tone was slightly peculiar, but still reminiscent of the Hong Kong accent. "In addition to delivering the items, I had another task: to kill you in exchange for a payment of 30 million yuan."

Stephen nodded indifferently. If Talia Al Ghul didn't take the opportunity to act, it wouldn't be her.

Chien Na Wei turned around and retrieved a box, sliding it toward Stephen, who opened it to find stacks of dollar bills inside. "The money is here, earned through my killings."

"I believe it should be enough to pardon my subordinates for their previous actions, right?" Stephen looked at China White with interest. "Why did you do this?"

"Because I know who you are and what you've done in Gotham. I don't wish to provoke you. I simply want to gain your friendship, if possible," Chien Na Wei explained earnestly to Stephen.

No one is a fool.

With the power of triads worldwide, it's not difficult to gather information. Although Stephen's actions in Gotham were officially concealed, street-level thugs were aware of them. Who is Bane? Chien Na Wei knew his strength. Even if she were fearless and unafraid of Bane, she wouldn't provoke a formidable enemy who could swiftly eliminate Bane for a mere thirty million. Moreover, this formidable enemy was present in Starling City, her own working territory.

Stephen patted the box containing 30 million dollars and suddenly smiled, pushing it toward her. "This money is your own earnings. Keep it for yourself. I won't inquire whether you fear retaliation or not. What just happened was purely an 'accident.' So, refrain from killing Frank for the time being."

"Good, it's settled," Chien Na Wei smiled. "If you ever require assistance, the triad is always ready to help."

Stephen smiled and exited the car, returning to the villa's yard.

Helena remained lying on the ground, while Frank had sat up and hastily bandaged his wound, making a phone call. Upon seeing Stephen's arrival, Frank put down the phone and inquired about the situation. However, he saw Stephen carrying the box in one hand and dragging Helena by her hair with the other, heading towards the villa.

Frank opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

Inside Helena's room, Stephen closed the door and released Helena, taking a seat by the bed and opening the box.

Inside were two sets of black uniforms similar to Batman's, made of the same material. There were trousers, gloves, eye masks, multifunctional belts, a retractable and foldable stick, and various rope equipment. Stephen carefully examined them, ensuring there were no surveillance devices, then got up and walked to the closet, finding a bag and casually placing everything inside.

"My dear is back," Stephen chuckled at Helena. "Oh, you're not dead. Don't worry, your secret hasn't been exposed, and there might even be more opportunities to gather evidence against your father's crimes more easily. You should be happy."

"What's the point? You won't give me a chance to succeed," Helena lifted her head and gazed at Stephen. "You want me to feel like I'm getting closer and closer to success, but you're standing in front of the doorway to success, just one step away. I dare not die or give up for that step, so all I can do is endure despair in hope."

"You're cruel!"

"I don't mind being deceived, but I don't want anyone to deceive me willingly. If you want to face me--?"

Real Author: Marvel King

Translator: Zatch[King]Rex