I read a story at some point where Clark and Lex know each other before the White Orchid ball, and chat there with friendly ease. I think Clark was rich and not a reporter, so he knew Lex from his social circles. Anyway, this sounds vaguely familiar. Does it to anyone else?
If my imagination is getting away with me (as it often does) and this hasn't been written, it might be fun if Lois is the one who discovers that Lex is a criminal and has to be the one to convince Clark. But, as Perry does with Bill Church, Clark doesn't believe his friend to be a bad bean without proof. So, Lois accepts a date with Luthor to try to investigate him.
