Chapter 16: This Li Ang is No Ordinary Person!

Chapter 16: This Li Ang is No Ordinary Person!

"By the way, what's the deal with that new LA company popping up in Little Chinatown? Do you know its background?"

Lucius suddenly asked.

As the head of Watson District's municipal government, he naturally had heard of the LA company, which had recently been the talk of the town.

However, Lucius only knew that the owner of LA was a Chinese man and that the company primarily dealt in weaponry. As for its origins and backing, he had no clue.

It was puzzling. Lucius was familiar with the details of most companies operating in Watson District, as well as the underground arms trade. He even had vested interests with several high-ranking executives and smugglers.

Yet, this Li Ang and his LA company were complete unknowns to him. That was intriguing.

A force capable of wielding advanced weaponry technology and manipulating public opinion in Night City—such a force could hardly be found anywhere in the world.

The LA company might well be a massive military-industrial complex led by the New American Congress and formed by multiple arms manufacturers. Otherwise, how could they have so much power to control the game?

"Who's the owner of the LA company? Are all their documents and permits in order?" Lucius inquired.

"All the information about LA company is with me. I'll send it to you through the chip now."

Detective River had begun investigating Li Ang's background half a month ago and had managed to piece together some clues. At the very least, they weren't entirely in the dark about LA company anymore.

In an instant, the detailed data was transmitted to Lucius's mind via the chip, and he quickly absorbed Li Ang's personal information.

Li Ang was born in a wealthy, small Western European country. His parents were Chinese immigrants, and he graduated from a world-class business school there. After working for several companies, he founded LA company.

Moreover, LA's registration information and related documentation were flawless and in order.

Li Ang's information had all been systematically modified. In this world, it was impossible to find any loopholes.

After reviewing the data, Lucius could only conclude that Li Ang was someone with strong corporate backing.

"This Li Ang is no ordinary person…"

Lucius nodded thoughtfully.

From River's information, he learned that LA was not just a weapons manufacturer but also a military tech enterprise. Its subsidiaries even included hovercars and other vehicles.

"There's also the possibility that this is just a shell company," Detective River cautiously added, unwilling to accept the surface-level information at face value. After all, a company capable of handling firearms and military products should be a major player in the industry.

Yet, LA company's fame was confined to Little Chinatown, as though it had appeared out of thin air. If that were true, there was only one explanation—

LA is a subsidiary of a military tech giant!

When River shared his theory with Lucius, the latter immediately agreed. It was the most plausible explanation.

"Perhaps we can leverage the power of military tech to pit them against Arasaka Corporation, letting them tear each other apart while we reap the benefits."

Having weathered years in politics, Lucius understood the stabilizing effect of a triangular power structure. He would rather do nothing than risk making a mistake during his re-election campaign.

Even if he couldn't achieve significant progress in Watson District, Lucius could not afford to let this volatile situation blow up in his face.

Right now, Li Ang of LA company was the key figure who could break the deadlock!

"Brilliant idea! This way, we can resolve the Triad and Arasaka issues—two problems solving themselves!" River's eyes lit up.

Lucius's face glowed with excitement as he grabbed the brandy on his desk and downed a few gulps.

Military tech was backed by the New American government. If he could establish some connections with Congress, his position would remain secure even if Night City eventually returned to New American control.

Betting on both sides was the hallmark of a political elite. As long as his seat remained stable, he cared little about the companies involved.

"Should I personally invite Mr. Li Ang over for a chat?" River asked.

No matter how powerful a military tech group was, they would have to greet the NCPD when operating in Night City. Otherwise, they'd be just another rogue operation.

"No."

Lucius shook his head, raising his hand to signal restraint. "Don't rush into action. Wait a while. Perhaps Li Ang will come to us first."

In negotiations, the party that moved first often lost the upper hand. As long as Lucius controlled the valuable beachfront and industrial zones, he would hold an unassailable position in discussions with LA.

Based on the recent Triad gunfights, Lucius surmised that Li Ang was secretly aiding the Triads. Otherwise, the Tyger Claws would have had no reason to fail in acquiring LA's weapons.

If that were the case, sitting back and watching the tigers fight wasn't a bad idea. It also helped stabilize Watson's volatile situation.

For Lucius, the priority was maintaining peace in Watson District and preparing for the Night City mayoral election. Everything else was secondary.

"Just keep an eye on the activities of those two companies and the gangs. As long as they don't cause trouble, don't disturb them."

"Understood!"

---

One week later

Watson District, Little Chinatown.

Li Ang, accompanied by Lucy and the members of Maine's team, arrived at Misty's Esoterica.

"Wow! Look who's here! The famous Mr. Li Ang himself. What's this? Taking a break from your arms deals to come have your fortune told?"

Misty, with her smoky makeup and wild hair, leaned against the counter, smiling as she looked at Li Ang. "And you brought so many people along. What a generous soul, coming all this way to support my business."

Since Li Ang's gun shop had taken Night City by storm, his network in Little Chinatown had rapidly expanded.

Misty of the esoterica and Viktor Vektor of the ripperdoc clinic were among his familiar neighbors.

Li Ang, hands in pockets, smiled and shook his head. "Sorry, Misty. I'm here for Viktor today. Is he around?"

"He's always in his clinic. Either performing cyberware surgeries or quietly watching boxing matches. What's up? Thinking of getting some cyberware yourself?"

Misty glanced at Li Ang's lean and elegant physique. She couldn't help but feel that adding cold cyberware to his body would ruin it.

"No, not for me. It's for him."

Li Ang stepped aside, and Misty shifted her gaze to the towering, rugged man beside him—the leader of this mercenary squad, Maine.