Friends Are Potential Enemies

Alfred was pushing a food cart out of the elevator.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw Bruce and Clark embracing.

His eyes widened, and he couldn't help but exclaim,

"Wow!"

Then, with a warm uncle-like smile, he pushed the cart toward the dining table—Bruce's usual Batcave dining area.

Midway, he turned to Bruce and Clark, who had just separated from their hug, and said with a smile,

"As the old man who's watched Bruce grow up, I'm delighted to see your relationship progressing so quickly. But we should have dinner first.

Bruce hasn't eaten anything tonight because of his fight with you, and I don't know if you're in the same situation.

But considering your abilities, I assume you don't need to fight on an empty stomach. Enjoy some snacks and soup, Mr. Clark."

As he teased, Alfred placed the dishes on the table.

Hearing Alfred's words, Clark shook his head solemnly.

"No, Bruce is strong. He almost killed me. You can see the wounds on my face!"

As he spoke, he turned and walked toward the Batmobile, carrying his girlfriend Lois out of the car.

Suddenly finding herself in such a place, Lois excitedly looked at Heisenberg and Diana.

Though she didn't know who they were, anyone sitting with Superman and Batman had to be a superhero too!

Alfred, setting the table, nodded at Lois.

"We haven't had the chance to welcome Miss Lois yet. With a lover like Clark, your life must be as thrilling as today's events.

So relax, dear. Everyone here is a good person."

"Of course, it's lovely to meet you all. I'm Lois Lane, a journalist from the Daily Planet!"

Lois, her cheeks flushed, introduced herself to everyone, then stood obediently beside Clark, waiting for him to introduce the others.

Heisenberg took the opportunity to help Alfred arrange the dishes. The French cuisine prepared by the Wayne family's chef truly whetted his appetite.

Diana smiled at Heisenberg. Every move of this Sun God was captivating, truly worthy of admiration.

It seemed that no matter what astonishing things he did, they appeared natural and charming!

Meanwhile, Clark glanced at Bruce.

"This is Bruce Wayne, the famous Batman."

"Oh, I've always heard legends about Batman, but this is my first time meeting him in person!

Who would've thought the Dark Knight of Gotham City was the famous Bruce Wayne?!"

Lois's eyes widened. She had just recognized Bruce's face—the frequent newspaper and news celebrity, the notorious playboy?!

She worriedly glanced at her boyfriend. Clark couldn't be corrupted by this man!

Then, Clark pointed to Wonder Woman.

"This is Diana Prince, a remarkable female demigod, an exceptionally powerful warrior. Her sword severed the monster's arm earlier!"

"I truly envy you, Diana. Every woman probably wishes to be like you!"

Looking at the dashing Diana, Lois's eyes sparkled with admiration. She wished she could fight alongside her man like Diana!

Hearing Lois's words, Diana shifted her gaze from Heisenberg and politely nodded at Lois.

Noticing Diana's glance at Heisenberg, Lois smiled lightly. This woman had someone on her mind, not a rival. Good.

Next, Clark solemnly led Diana to Heisenberg's side.

After Heisenberg helped Alfred serve the last dish, Clark moistened his lips.

Noticing her boyfriend's gesture, Lois anxiously looked at Heisenberg.

Clark's expression was truly conflicted!

In the mind of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who had seen countless situations, a bizarre thought flashed.

Could this immensely powerful man be her true enemy?!

Don't blame Lois for overthinking; she and Clark were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship!

Three months ago, after the Zod incident, they officially became a couple.

Three months of passionate love, and they were deeply devoted to each other.

Fortunately, Clark didn't say anything like those Frenchmen often do.

Clark glanced at Heisenberg and said softly,

"Lois, this is Heisenberg, my… ancestor, a highly respected elder!"

"Ancestor?!?!"

Lois was stunned.

"What?!?!"

Her confusion startled Alfred.

Seeing his girlfriend's shocked expression, Clark smiled helplessly and nodded firmly.

"Yes, I share the same DNA as my ancestor. He's definitely my forebear!"

"Haha, let's keep this between us. Sit down and eat, Clark, and Lois!"

Heisenberg laughed and invited everyone to sit. His demeanor surprised Bruce, who furrowed his brow.

Wasn't this his home?

But he sat down anyway.

Looking at the dishes, it was indeed a traditional French meal:

Foie gras, fish fillet, truffle lamb chops, caviar, onion soup, beef stew, and apple tart.

Accompanied by escargot gratin, toasted bread, steamed mussels, and sole meunière.

A classic French feast!

Of course, Heisenberg was happiest that they were eating French cuisine, not British. At least there were no dead-eyed fish on his plate.

Lois ate dinner in a daze, glancing at Heisenberg. She simply couldn't accept that this man was her ancestor!

But Clark's ancestor was her ancestor too, and she was determined to embrace it!

With Alfred, the gentleman, present, everyone enjoyed a hearty meal.

After the dishes were cleared, the conversation returned to the superhero world.

What world?

Just as they were about to discuss Darkseid further, Clark suddenly stood up.

"There's a large fire in Metropolis, with sixteen people trapped, including children!

I must go immediately!"

As he spoke, he rushed to the changing room, donned his Superman suit, and flew out of the Batcave.

Watching her boyfriend rush off, Lois opened her mouth futilely…

Moments later, she smiled softly and teased everyone.

"Being a superhero's girlfriend means always watching your loved one face danger.

You, who truly face danger, are far braver than I am."

As she spoke, she took Diana's hand and sighed.

"Can't be helped. He's Clark, after all, Superman, forever humanity's hope!"

Diana sighed and stood up gently.

"Mr. Heisenberg, and Bruce, I must leave too.

I have a meeting in Milan and need to fly there tonight.

After the meeting, I'll return to my homeland, Themyscira. You're welcome to join me; there's ample information about Darkseid there!"

She tugged at Lois's hand.

"I'll take Miss Lois home too. The chaos caused by Doomsday hasn't subsided, and Gotham isn't safe tonight!"

"Hmm, Gotham's never been safe, regardless of tonight."

Heisenberg sighed and bid Diana farewell.

After Diana and Lois left, only Heisenberg and Bruce remained, staring at each other in awkward silence…

After a moment, Heisenberg smiled mysteriously.

"Do you have a suitable…"

"No, my cover identity is Bruce Wayne, the playboy. Only women visit Wayne Manor!"

"What about the Batcave…"

"I need to repair the Batwing tonight, so…"

Bruce pulled out two keys.

"I don't know if Mr. Heisenberg drives, but here's an Aston Martin for you.

Also, a villa in Midtown Metropolis, near the Eco Park. It's yours.

These are the basement access cards; there's plenty of fine wine and gold inside. Yours too.

I'll handle your identity tonight. You resemble Hollywood actor Keanu, so your alias will be Heisenberg Reeves.

I'll also arrange inheritance proof, transferring everything I mentioned to you through a forged will.

Don't overthink it. It's my gratitude for your role in defeating Doomsday and saving Earth.

If possible, rest early tonight.

Tomorrow, I'll visit you to discuss Darkseid and the Mother Boxes.

Regarding Justice League recruitment, I'll share the files tomorrow. Perhaps we can recruit metahumans together after visiting Themyscira!

Lastly, it's an honor to meet you, Mr. Heisenberg!"

Bruce extended his hand, and Heisenberg smiled, shaking it.

This was Batman—unconcerned about being outdone, yet resolute in his decisions.

Heisenberg likely wouldn't be the second person, after Robin, to stay in the Batcave.

Thinking of the late Robin, Heisenberg embraced Bruce.

The gesture surprised Bruce, as Heisenberg's warmth continually amazed him.

After the embrace, Heisenberg placed the car and house keys on the nearby table.

"I'm not at the point of accepting gifts from friends, Bruce!

But if you prepare another top-tier feast, don't let me miss it!"

With that, Heisenberg vanished, leaving Bruce alone in the silent Batcave.

In that moment, Bruce sighed deeply, relieved.

Finally, order was restored!

Soon after, Bruce, in his pajamas, left the Batcave and took the elevator to Wayne Manor's study.

Walking through the study, he found Alfred silently admiring the night sky at the manor's entrance.

Bruce quietly approached and sat beside him.

Only then did Alfred notice his presence.

"Oh, heavens!"

Alfred clutched his chest.

"When will you stop sneaking up on people?"

"Perhaps when I'm Bruce Wayne again!"

Bruce sighed, gazing at the sky like Alfred.

In the moonlight, Bruce's temples were already tinged with gray.

He was aging too.

Beside him, Alfred looked deeply at Bruce.

"You've always been Wayne. No matter how accustomed you are to this life, don't forever divide yourself into two people.

But seeing you make new friends brings me comfort, Bruce."

"Me too. Maintaining Gotham's order alone is already a struggle.

They'll help me do more!"

"But friends aren't tools!

I've watched you grow into who you are today, and I know your thoughts.

Don't see friends as potential enemies, and don't disappoint me and Thomas, Bruce!"

"Of course!" Bruce replied.

But the truth? Who knows?