DC: I am Bruce Wayne

Chapter 139: A Bat on Fire

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"Sometimes life is like jazz and goes in an unexpected direction.

- Nishimi Kaoru, (Sakamichi No Apollon)"

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<{Auditorium Parco Della Musica Ennio Morricone, Rome, Italy}>

<(Bruce POV)>

"What Wayne Enterprises is striving for through its products is not just a cure but a future where no one has to choose between their health and their hope, where no one has to die or suffer because their condition is untreatable. Together, we are turning the tide against the concept of diseases itself, making miracles accessible for every person on the planet. Thank you." I concluded with a small bow before turning to leave the stage.

As soon as I turned after finishing my speech, the entire auditorium burst into fiery applause as the press, the dignitaries, and the public alike took part in the standing ovation to show their approval.

Now, a lot of people might ask what I was doing here in an auditorium giving a speech while I should be relaxing somewhere on a beach or a casino as I was supposed to be on vacation for the entire month.

Honestly, that's what I wanted too. But after a news reporter spotted me entering my hotel in Italy, news of my Euro tour spread like wildfire in all the local newspapers and news channels. And then, the rest was history. Italian and European politicians knew that being seen with me or having me do a public meeting in the country would bolster their popularity immensely. So, they sent multiple requests for me to participate in some public events.

Originally, I was going to ignore those requests and just focus on enjoying my vacation here but Alfred being the wise advisor he was, advised me to at least attend one public gathering and meet with some of the important ministers to speak about some of the latest groundbreaking products from the company. According to him, that way we could at least secure some political backing for ourselves in Europe which would be quite useful in the long run. Of course, there was also the fact that they had also promised some tax cuts for Wayne Enterprises if I were to praise the direction the country was developing in under their rule.

Also, for some reason, it felt like Alfred was lately frustrated about something and was trying his best to avoid even looking me in the eye. So, when he told me to do this for him, I couldn't really say no.

"That was amazing, Mr. Wayne. Your talk about the essential welfare of humans and our responsibility to protect fellow human life almost made me shed tears. Thank you for agreeing to our request today. It was an honor to bear witness to such advanced medical technology that is inevitably going to change our world for the better." A middle-aged man who had previously introduced himself as the Italian minister of finance said while shaking my hand before posing for a photo with me.

"It was my pleasure to be here." I smiled back. "Now, you must forgive me for I need to return before my friends decide to continue the rest of the tour without me." I chuckled as I made my way to the exit after shaking a couple more hands.

"Mr. Wayne, what do you think about moving your operations to a more tax-friendly location to save taxes."

"Mr. Wayne, are the rumors of you having an affair with the news prodigy Vicky Vale true?"

"Mr. Wayne, is it true that you are trying to create a harem for yourself?"

"Mr. Wayne, do you think Luthor Industries will be a threat to Wayne Enterprises in any way?"

"Mr. Wayne, what do you think about the rumors of superhumans that have slowly begun to sprout out from different corners of the world? Do you think they will be bad for the global economy?"