The famous Wayne Manor was situated in the northern suburbs of Gotham.
It occupied a vast area with architecture featuring a distinct Gotham style.
However, only two people lived in such a magnificent manor in total: Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth.
Consequently, a bizarre phenomenon emerged.
In this city where crime ran rampant and robbery and theft were everyday occurrences, Wayne Manor, occupied by only one old man and one young boy without any security measures, remained completely safe and sound.
…
Rex arrived at the gates of Wayne Manor and gave Bruce a call.
Not long after, he saw Bruce running over excitedly.
After the Wayne couple’s funeral and the transfer of Wayne Enterprises’ shares to Bruce’s name, public attention on Bruce quickly declined.
Having finished his initial grooming of Penguin, Rex finally had the opportunity to meet the future protagonist of Gotham.
Saving Bruce had been an unexpected bonus; naturally, he wanted to build a good relationship with the young Batman.
Now, the current overlord of Gotham’s underworld was his ally, the future King of Gotham, the Penguin, was his underling, and on top of that, he was Batman’s savior.
He could do whatever he wanted in Gotham!
“Rex, you’re finally here.”
Bruce was thrilled by Rex’s visit, jogging all the way to open the gate for him.
Even Alfred was left trailing behind.
“I was a bit busy lately,” Rex explained.
“Is your trouble resolved?
If not, I can help.”
Bruce was still deeply concerned about Rex being hunted.
“It’s resolved.”
Although Falcone hadn’t communicated with Maroni, as long as Rex stayed in the Falcone crime family’s territory, nothing would happen to him.
“Alfred, this is Rex, the man I told you about who saved me,” Bruce introduced him to Alfred.
Alfred had initially been quite puzzled as to why the usually reserved young master was so excited today.
Upon hearing Bruce’s introduction, he quickly stepped forward, taking the initiative to shake Rex’s hand, and said gratefully, “So it is Mr.
Rex.
I am the young master’s guardian, Alfred Pennyworth.”
“On behalf of the Wayne family, I thank you immensely for your help, Mr.
Rex.”
After the Waynes passed away, Alfred became Bruce’s legal guardian.
This was also the Waynes’ decision, so Alfred could naturally represent the Wayne family.
Alfred didn’t care about Rex’s background.
The sheer fact that Rex had saved Bruce was enough to multiply Alfred’s goodwill towards him.
“I only did what I had to do.”
Rex did not claim credit, which improved Alfred’s impression of him even further.
The three of them made their way to the manor’s study.
After asking for Rex’s preference, Alfred quickly brought in some tea.
Rex took a sip.
It was clearly a very high-end black tea. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
In the massive Wayne Manor, everything from small tasks like laundry and cooking to major responsibilities like guarding the house and planning expenses fell entirely on Alfred’s shoulders.
Only a few minor tasks, such as gardening, were handled by hired workers who did not live on the estate.
Oh, right, Wayne Manor didn’t need to plan expenses.
“I came this time mainly to see how Bruce is doing,” Rex stated his purpose.
“I’m doing great.”
“Not very well.”
Bruce and Alfred answered simultaneously, yet provided completely opposite answers.
“I’m fine,” Bruce retorted, glaring at Alfred with dissatisfaction.
“If the young master is referring to standing alone on the edge of the roof, walking blindfolded into the dense forest, and so on,” Alfred calmly corrected him, “if these dangerous behaviors are nothing, then he is indeed fine.”
“Bruce?”
Hearing the question in Rex’s voice, Bruce actually panicked a little and hurriedly explained, “I am doing this to overcome my fear.”
Perhaps it was because Bruce believed he owed his life to Rex, combined with the profound impression Rex’s words had left on him that night.
More importantly, the tragic past Rex shared was very similar to his own, making him subconsciously view Rex as a important person.
“Are you still having nightmares?” Rex asked.
Bruce remained silent for a moment before answering, “Occasionally.”
“In fact, the young master suffers from frequent insomnia.
Even when he manages to sleep, he has nightmares,” Alfred ruthlessly exposed.
Rex knew the root of Bruce’s fear was that alleyway from that night.
“Fear is not a weakness; being controlled by fear is the real weakness.”
After pondering carefully, Rex said earnestly, “Bruce, you are a very assertive boy.
I have no intention of interfering with your choices.”
“But the prerequisite for overcoming fear is to avoid putting yourself in danger.”
“As long as you are safe, I believe Pennyworth won’t interfere with your decisions either.”
Alfred nodded vigorously on the side.
Rex’s words had struck a chord with him.
He only cared whether the young master was safe.
Everything else could be ignored; even the true cause of the Waynes’ death could be put aside.
It wasn’t that Alfred was paranoid; this was actually the Waynes’ intention as well.
Before his death, Bruce’s father, Thomas Wayne, had made comprehensive plans for a situation like this.
If he and his wife were to die, how would Bruce grow up?
The most important principle in this was to let Bruce choose his own path in the future.
Rex didn’t plan to interfere with Bruce’s growth trajectory.
He knew that no matter what, Bruce would walk the path of becoming Batman.
“I was…
testing myself,” Bruce replied softly.
Perhaps you can shift your attention,” Rex suggested after a moment’s thought.
“A challenge is also a kind of test.
You could try that, Bruce.”
“I’m sure Pennyworth would be more than happy to find all sorts of challenges for you.”
“Mr.
Rex, you may call me Alfred.”
Alfred felt increasingly closer to Rex.
“That’s just running away,” Bruce said, somewhat unwillingly.
“Not at all.
A proper shift in attention can actually allow us to face our nightmares more calmly.”
Rex stared into Bruce’s eyes.
“Take me for example.
I used to relive the night my parents were murdered countless times, but now I have the courage to face it.”
“I managed to walk out of that night in peace, and I truly hope you can too, Bruce.”
To be honest, just like Alfred, Rex had no experience raising a child.
But he was still pretty good at smooth-talking.
Whether smooth-talking worked or not depended not on what was said, but on who said it.
If the listener wasn’t willing to listen, saying more would be useless.
But if the listener highly accepted the person speaking, a few simple words could serve as proper guidance.
As it happened, in Bruce’s mind, Rex—who shared a similar tragedy but had managed to overcome it himself—was an excellent role model.
Therefore, he took all of Rex’s words to heart.
“Alright, I’ll try,” Bruce finally agreed.
“What kind of test should I start with?”
Unable to conceal his pleasant surprise, Alfred rubbed his hands together and suggested, “Horseback riding?
Hunting?
Gardening?”
Bruce thought about it but wasn’t very interested in any of them.
He turned to Rex and asked, “Rex, what challenge did you choose back then?”
Rex made a punching motion.
“Boxing.”
“I almost forgot, you’re a boxer,” Bruce realized suddenly.
“Then I choose boxing!”
Bruce made the final decision.
Seeing his suggestions rejected, Alfred felt a bit conflicted.
However, realizing the young master had finally cheered up, he hastily agreed.
“Rex, you should teach me how to box!”