American comics: Only I know the plot

Chapter 79 The Penguin's Conspiracy

Fresh blood dripped down the glass shards onto the carpet, mixing with the previous wine stains and emitting a sweet, fishy smell.

Coppert pulled out the shard of glass and wiped the blood off Alberto's pristine white shirt.

He took out the documents and ledgers and checked them again. After confirming that there was no damage, he nodded with satisfaction.

He put on his coat, covering the bulge in the inner pocket, and walked steadily out of the office without glancing at the corpse on the ground.

The butler remained standing in the entryway, listening to the sounds inside, but never daring to look up.

...

Two days later, the Gotham Police Department office was filled with the bitter smell of coffee in the early morning.

Li Wei sat at his desk, an unlit cigarette between his fingers.

In front of him lay Carmine's autopsy report, which showed that Carmine died from poisoning.

Poison was added to the whiskey he drank before bed; the person who did it was very familiar with his habits.

Li Wei tapped his fingertips on the table, his gaze fixed on the signature at the end of the report, his brow furrowed.

The office door was pushed open, and Gordon walked in hurriedly, his face not looking good.

"Buddy, something's happened at Falcone Manor again."

"Is there anything more important to the Falcone family than the death of Carmine?"

Li Wei looked up and asked a question. Having experienced the worst situation, he didn't think the situation could get any worse.

"Alberto Falcone is dead, in Carmine's study. The cause of death was a severed carotid artery, leading to excessive blood loss."

Gordon handed over a photo of the scene, in which Alberto was slumped in front of a bookshelf.

The wound on the back of his neck was gruesome, with shards of glass and empty bottles scattered around it.

"The Falcone family called the police? That's the funniest joke I've heard since I came to Gotham."

Li Wei took the photo, and with a slight squeeze of his fingertips, the edges of the photo were wrinkled.

He recalled that three days earlier, Maronny had been assassinated, leaving no clues at the scene.

In just one week, key figures from Gotham's two major gangs died one after another.

With the fall of two generations of Falcone family leaders and the Maroney family leaderless, Gotham's underworld is in complete chaos.

He got up, walked to the window, and opened it. A cold breeze blew into the office, dispelling the bitterness of the coffee.

The street downstairs was bustling with traffic, and pedestrians hurried along, their faces showing exhaustion and vigilance.

Looking at the hazy sky in the distance, Li Wei felt a sense of foreboding rising in his heart—the sky over Gotham seemed to be about to change.

Li Wei took out a lighter and lit the cigarette in his hand.

Amidst the swirling smoke, his gaze gradually darkened.

By the time I got back to the apartment, it was already getting dark.

Li Wei threw his coat on the sofa and went straight to the refrigerator.

He took out a can of beer, pulled the tab, and took a big gulp.

I turned on the TV, and the Gotham Evening News was playing on the screen.

The presenter, dressed in a black suit, looked serious. Judging from the background, he was currently broadcasting news about a gang shootout in Gotham City.

In the footage, the streets are riddled with bullet holes, burning cars are billowing black smoke, and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire are huddled in street corners with terrified expressions.

After the news broadcast ended, Li Wei was about to turn off the television.

After all, he had seen countless such things broadcast every day, and he was already somewhat numb to them.

However, before he could take any action, the camera switched to an interview program.

The female host, dressed in a white women's suit, had a sweet smile, and her long legs in gray stockings exuded an intellectual aura.

After a long day, Li Wei thought that looking at beautiful women would be a great way to relax and unwind.

The female host had a big smile and a sweet voice.

"Welcome to Gotham Face to Face. I'm your host, Vivian."

Next, please welcome our guest today, Mr. Oswald Copport!

The host's words made Li Wei pause abruptly, his hand gripping the beer can. He looked up at the screen.

I saw Copeport wearing a sharp suit, his hair neatly combed, and a gentle smile on his face.

He held a cane in his right hand, his posture elegant.

This gentle and refined demeanor was completely different from the penguin man Levi had imagined. Apart from looking like a penguin, this guy looked like a gentleman.

"Mr. Cobblestone, as a concerned member of society, what are your thoughts on the current chaos in Gotham's gangs?"

The female host looked at Cobblestone and brought up her own topic.

Copeport straightened up, leaned forward slightly, and spoke sincerely.

"I am deeply saddened by the current chaos. Gotham should be a city full of hope, but it has been hijacked by gang forces."

The citizens are living in fear, which is something no one wants to see.

He looked directly at the camera, as if looking directly at every Gotham citizen, and said, "I believe that we must completely eradicate gang forces and restore a clean social environment to Gotham."

The female host pressed further, "So, do you have a specific plan?"

"Of course, I already have a plan," Copport said firmly.

"I will completely quell the gang warfare in Gotham within a week, dismantle all criminal organizations, allow citizens to walk the streets with peace of mind, and allow children to go to school safely."

His powerful voice came from the television, carrying an undeniable authority.

"I will prove with my actions that Gotham can get better."

Li Wei chuckled and placed the beer can on the coffee table.

The bottom of the can collided with the table, making a dull thud.

He raised his hand to rub his temples, feeling as if the world had gone so mad that he no longer recognized it.

Copperfield, the guy who made his fortune with the Falcone family, is a veteran gangster.

Now he's standing in front of the camera, talking at length about eliminating gangs—it's utterly ridiculous.

Li Wei picked up the beer can, took another sip, and looked at the television with a mocking gaze.

Despite the mockery, a hint of doubt arose in Li Wei's heart.

Although it was his first time meeting Cope, he knew a little about the legendary Penguin.

This guy is shrewd and cunning; he never does anything pointless.

His appearance on television at this time, and the remarks he made, were by no means merely for attention-grabbing purposes.

Li Wei put down his beer can, leaned forward, and stared intently at the screen, trying to find a clue in Copeport's expression.

On the screen, the host is praising Cobblestone's courage.

Copeland smiled, raised his hand to interrupt the host, and turned his gaze back to the camera, his tone firm.

"In order to achieve this goal and to give the citizens of Gotham a better future, I have decided to run for mayor of Gotham City."

These words struck Li Wei like a thunderclap.

He sat up abruptly, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp.

All the clues instantly connected in his mind—the mayor, Maronny, the deaths of the Carmines, and Cobblepot's declaration on television at that moment.

It turns out that all of this was his plan; he wanted to use the pretext of eliminating gangs to win over the people.

Then, he was elected mayor of Gotham City, completely clearing his name, and then took control of Gotham City as mayor.

Li Wei clenched his fist so tightly that his knuckles turned slightly white.

He got up and walked to the window, pushed it open, and the Gotham night rushed in, making him feel a little breathless.

The brightly lit skyscrapers in the distance cannot illuminate the darkness deep within this city.

Copeport's ambitions were far greater than he had imagined.