American Comics: The Strongest Villain

Su Sheng gripped Harley Quinn's shoulders as he looked over at Barbara, her eyes burning with anger. She couldn't help but smirk in response.

"What are you laughing at?" Barbara snapped.

"You, of course," Su Sheng replied calmly. "You're throwing insults after everything, calling me a bastard, scum, all of that... but what does any of this have to do with you?"

Barbara's face reddened with fury. "After using her, you claim she means nothing to you. You are scum, the worst kind of trash!"

Su Sheng only laughed. "Sure, call me what you want, but why does that make you so mad? You're acting more like a woman who's bitter after being tossed aside than someone genuinely concerned for Harley. But as much as I rack my brain, I can't recall ever abandoning you. Although... I wouldn't rule it out."

"I would never get involved with someone like you!" Barbara yelled.

Su Sheng shrugged nonchalantly. "Then, are you here to save Gotham or just to yell at me?"

For a moment, Barbara was rendered speechless. "Don't get too smug. I don't need you. Gotham can be saved without your help," she muttered defensively.

"No, it can't," Su Sheng replied firmly, pointing a finger at her. "You came to me last time because you couldn't handle Bane or find Batman, who's crippled. Remember that. And by the way, stop wasting smoke bombs when you leave. It's not as cool as you think."

Barbara's face shifted under the bat mask, a mix of humiliation and shock. Batman's crippled? How did Su Sheng know?

"Instead of just showing up and asking for help, you tried that whole mysterious rooftop routine last time. That's a Batman move, and you're copying it. But now, you've come back again, revealing your identity, which tells me only one thing."

Su Sheng's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You're desperate. Batman's not back yet, Gotham's in worse shape, and you can't save it on your own. You have no choice but to come to me."

Barbara clenched her fists, but Su Sheng continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "So here's a thought: maybe instead of hurling insults, you should beg me—properly. Three knees, nine bows. Who gave you the guts to come here cursing me out? Was it Liang Jingru?"

"Who's Liang Jingru?" Harley asked curiously.

"A singer. Apparently, she can give people courage with her music," Su Sheng replied casually.

Harley nodded, surprised, and let it go.

Barbara, on the other hand, was stunned. Su Sheng's assessment had been painfully accurate. After their last encounter, she hadn't told her father, Commissioner Gordon, about him out of embarrassment. But as Gotham's situation worsened, she'd been forced to confess. Gordon, who had heard of Su Sheng's brutal efficiency, encouraged her to seek his help again.

Barbara had psyched herself up for this meeting, telling herself to stay calm and composed. But Su Sheng's flippant attitude had pushed her over the edge the moment she saw him.

Taking a deep breath, Barbara tried to calm herself. "Alright. As long as you agree to help us save Gotham, I'll apologize."

Su Sheng clapped mockingly. "Wow, how noble of you! Sacrificing your pride for the city. But if I don't agree, does that mean I get a free pass on the insults?"

Before Barbara could respond, Su Sheng waved her off. "Don't bother explaining. I don't care about your apology. Want me to help? Fine, answer one question."

Barbara straightened up, trying to regain her composure. "Ask."

With a wicked grin, Su Sheng leaned forward. "So, my brother suddenly had a high fever, and his body went stiff. I shook him, thinking, 'Come on, hold on!' Then he started twitching and vomiting. Afterward, he became lethargic, curled into a ball. What kind of illness do you think that is?"

Barbara blinked, caught off guard. A medical question?

She considered it carefully. Fever, stiffness, vomiting... Could it be heatstroke? A cold? Or was this some kind of trick question?

"Okay," Barbara said cautiously. "If I get it right, you'll help us save Gotham?"

"Yep."

"And if I get it wrong?"

"Another question," Su Sheng said with a smile.

Barbara thought for a moment longer. "It sounds like a cold?"

Su Sheng's smile widened. "Congratulations..."

Barbara started to breathe a sigh of relief, but Su Sheng cut her off with a laugh. "...but no, that's wrong."

Her eyes widened. Wrong? She had been so sure. If it wasn't a cold, what could it be?

"What's the right answer?" Barbara asked, unable to resist the curiosity.

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