Chapter 22: Times Have Changed, My Friend!

Chapter 22: Times Have Changed, My Friend!

"Mr. Morgan Blackhand, it's truly not easy to bring you to Little Chinatown."

Li Ang smiled kindly at the man in front of him. He could see faint bruises on Morgan Blackhand's face, suggesting he'd recently been in a fight.

Li Ang didn't need an explanation to know what had happened.

There were very few in Night City who could leave the legendary mercenary Morgan Blackhand with injuries, and among them was Mann, who had recently been equipped with a Sianvistan cybernetic cybernetic implant.

"Mr. Li Ang, is this how your subordinates invite guests over?"

Morgan Blackhand's expression was a mix of forced politeness and barely concealed disdain as he glared at Li Ang. If it weren't for the monstrous Mann behind him, someone he couldn't beat, Morgan would have already lunged at Li Ang with a blade.

Just two days ago, Morgan had completed a mission for Militech. He had planned to enjoy some well-earned leisure time in the northern district, indulging in the pleasures befitting a successful man. But out of nowhere, a mercenary team ambushed him, insisting that he meet their boss.

Initially, Morgan had intended to teach the overly ambitious Mann a painful lesson. After all, he thought Mann had picked the wrong opponent. Instead, he found himself thoroughly beaten. The human-shaped monstrosity—whatever modifications Mann had undergone—moved with terrifying speed.

Faced with Morgan's complaints, Li Ang merely smiled calmly.

"Mr. Blackhand, you are a legendary figure in Night City's mercenary world. Inviting someone of your caliber isn't a simple task."

"So I had to take some necessary measures. But I promise you, what I'm offering is far more valuable than any job you've taken before."

Morgan sneered at these all-too-familiar words. He'd heard this same spiel from countless middlemen. The bigger the promised reward, the higher the chances of dying.

Having just risked his life for the New United States, Morgan had no interest in working for another corporation anytime soon.

"That's enough, Mr. Li Ang. I've heard of you in Heywood—the kingpin of Little Chinatown's arms trade, the cold-blooded executioner who took down Yamamoto Oka with one strike. You're a ruthless player."

Morgan locked eyes with Li Ang, radiating the lone-wolf aura he was known for.

"If you want me to work for you, cut to the chase. What's the pay, and what's the job? I'll consider it as overtime."

"Good. Straight to the point."

Li Ang chuckled and nodded toward Pila. Moments later, Pila placed a brand-new M-179 Achilles tech rifle in front of Morgan.

"This gun is a welcome gift from me. Consider it a token of your induction. Later, I'll—"

Before Li Ang could finish, Morgan interrupted.

"Hold up! I never said I'd join your LA company!"

As Night City's most renowned lone-wolf mercenary, Morgan Blackhand never worked in a team. His resourcefulness and caution meant he needed no partners. Collaborators only slowed him down.

To make matters worse, asking him to become a corporate lapdog on call was akin to killing him.

"Sorry, but you don't have a choice."

Li Ang's smile faded as he grew serious.

"I'm about to establish a mercenary division to recruit Night City's finest professionals to work under me. And you are the flagship name I've chosen."

Li Ang laid his cards on the table. He believed someone as smart as Morgan would weigh the pros and cons wisely.

"Oh, and what if I refuse?"

Morgan's rebellious gaze met Li Ang's, his demeanor that of a martyr ready to die for a cause. But such antics didn't faze Li Ang in the slightest.

"The moment Mann brought you here, you lost the right to refuse. You're a defeated man."

Li Ang gestured to the towering Mann behind Morgan.

"As you might've guessed, Mann's body is augmented with exceptional cyberware. Defeating you might be unfair, but who cares?"

"If you refuse, I'll send you back unscathed. But from then on, you'll only watch as Mann takes the jobs that once belonged to you."

"The man who could've been the face of LA's mercenary division will be reduced to a second-rate merc, stuck cleaning up small-time gangs on the streets."

Li Ang's words struck deep into Morgan Blackhand's pride. As a mercenary who valued honor and reputation above all else, Morgan could never allow himself to fall to mediocrity.

Seeing Morgan's resolve waver, Li Ang pressed his advantage.

"If you join my company, you'll wield cutting-edge weaponry and receive the finest cyberware implants at no cost."

"Morgan, look at that rusting piece of junk you call a 'black hand.' A single monomolecular wire from Lucy could slice it clean in half."

"Are you some ascetic monk living off scraps? Do you enjoy parading outdated garbage on your body like an antique robot?"

"Times have changed, my friend."

Those final words shattered Morgan's resistance. He realized he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Refuse, and his reputation would crumble. The legendary Morgan Blackhand would fade into obscurity, overshadowed by Mann's team.

Agree, and he'd lose his autonomy, becoming a corporate tool sent wherever they needed him.

No food or no dignity—those were his options.

"Working for LA should be an honor, Mr. Blackhand," Li Ang said, standing tall like a god on high.

"If you don't believe me, ask Mann. I'm only offering you a three-month contract. Whether you stay beyond that will depend on your performance."

Morgan glanced at Mann, who replied with a smirk that seemed to taunt, Loser. Meanwhile, Pila couldn't help but chime in.

"Mr. Blackhand, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Miss it, and there's no second shop."

"I've never heard of a company offering easy jobs, high pay, and health insurance. Take it or leave it."

At this point, Morgan knew refusing would make him look ungrateful. He'd risked his life for America for years; surely, he could endure being a corporate tool for three months.

"I accept your offer, Mr. Li Ang," Morgan finally said, lowering his guard and pride.

"But I have one condition: I want the same cyberware that guy has!"

Morgan pointed at Mann, his tone seething with resentment.

"I'll forgo the salary and insurance. I'll work myself to the bone for you. But I need to settle the score with him!"