Chapter 24: Want to Be LA Company's Dog?

Chapter 24: Want to Be LA Company's Dog?

"He's the president of LA Company, Li Ang!"

The black woman was so shocked that the cigarette in her mouth fell out. She had seen reports about Li Ang on the news, but the photos were blurry, so it took her a while to recognize him.

"What? He's the big-time arms dealer selling those badass weapons?" Rita gasped, visibly startled—this was her first time talking face-to-face with such a prominent figure.

"What badass weapons? They're kinetic weapons, advanced tech weapons. Get your facts straight."

"Same thing! Badass is badass, end of story!"

...

As Li Ang entered the bar, the rhythmic music echoed through the room. Members of the Triad quickly acknowledged his presence and respectfully guided him and Lucy to a private booth.

Inside, Chen Tao was playing a risqué drinking game with a geisha-dressed sex doll, a sight that made Lucy frown deeply. She clung to Li Ang's arm more tightly, as if to express her strong aversion to the filthy environment.

The moment Chen Tao saw Li Ang, he was overjoyed. Pushing the doll aside, he eagerly greeted them and asked what they would like to drink.

"Just regular soda."

Li Ang gestured to the bartender, ordering two non-alcoholic beverages for himself and Lucy.

"Bring out three bottles of Champagne Paradise. Alright, the rest of you, scram. Wait outside and stay alert—don't let anyone unauthorized come in. Got it?"

After dismissing the sex doll, underlings, and bartender, Chen Tao turned to Li Ang with enthusiasm:

"Haha! Mr. Li Ang, did you hear? Just a couple of days ago, the Tiger Claws came to negotiate with me, asking for the Kabuki District back."

"Oh? And did you return it?"

This news surprised Li Ang. He hadn't expected the Tiger Claws—a gang notorious for their arrogance—to swallow their pride in front of the Triad.

It was uncharacteristic of the Tiger Claws, a gang that relied on their ties to Arasaka Corporation and dared to provoke even the NCPD, acting as Night City's bullies.

Chen Tao had not only slapped them in the face multiple times but also seized the Kabuki District. Instead of retaliating, the Tiger Claws came to make peace. It was fascinating.

"Heh, no way in hell!"

Chen Tao sneered and said, "I'd love to send those bastards straight to hell. But since they brought me ten million eurodollars as a peace offering, I decided to let them off for now."

"I took the money and sent them back where they came from."

Taking the money without fulfilling his end of the deal, Chen Tao had officially made an enemy of the Tiger Claws.

But it didn't matter—Triad money would eventually flow into LA Company's coffers.

"I fully support your decision, Mr. Chen. The Watson District shouldn't have so many chaotic gangs. Who doesn't want to do business peacefully?"

Li Ang smiled as he spoke.

"Exactly! That's the spirit!"

Chen Tao grinned widely. It was just what he had been thinking. Tiger Claws, Maelstrom—every single one of them had to go. From now on, Watson would only have one major gang: the Triad!

"Mr. Li Ang, I've been expanding my gang's manpower recently and placing significant orders for weapons from LA Company. But I still feel uneasy. Do you know why?"

Chen Tao looked at Li Ang with "profound emotion." Just one glance, and Li Ang could already guess the reason for the invitation. This guy wanted to pledge loyalty!

Technology was advancing, and times were changing.

Traditional gangs in Night City could no longer stand on their own. Without a strong corporation to back them up, they were destined to fail sooner or later.

The Tiger Claws ran rampant in Night City thanks to Arasaka's support. Even Maelstrom relied on connections with nomad clans and scavenger groups.

As the only Chinese gang in Night City, the Triad lacked alliances like Valentinos' Mexican families or any prominent Chinese corporations to support them.

Now, with LA Company's meteoric rise, Chen Tao saw a glimmer of hope for establishing dominance in Watson.

"Mr. Chen, I understand your concerns. But our company is only interested in conducting business peacefully in Watson. We have no interest in getting involved in gang affairs."

"However..."

Just as Chen Tao's face began to fall, Li Ang's sudden pause reignited his hope.

"Our company is committed to building a new Watson—a haven where there's no gang violence and everyone can live and work in peace."

"Mr. Chen, do you share this noble vision?"

Li Ang's words were simple and direct, but to Chen Tao, they sounded like a test of his capabilities.

Want to be LA Company's dog? Sure!

But first, eliminate all the other stray dogs in Watson—the Tiger Claws, Maelstrom, and every other gang. Leave no one behind!

"Mr. Li Ang, I understand your message! I will not let you down."

Chen Tao raised his glass to toast Li Ang, leaving Li Ang momentarily stunned.

"What the hell? I think he misunderstood me—I never said I'd get involved with the Triad!"

Just as Li Ang considered explaining further, a Triad member suddenly called from outside the room:

"Boss, urgent news!"

"Come in."

The underling whispered something into Chen Tao's ear, causing him to frown deeply.

"My apologies, Mr. Li Ang. My old man just called me back. Looks like I won't be able to stay until nightfall."

"Let's meet again next time."

"If you fancy any of the girls here, feel free to enjoy yourself. Put it on my tab. Just have fun."

"Oh, right! This is the Tiger Claws' currency chip—there's ten million eurodollars in it. Consider this a down payment for LA Company's weapons. We'll cover the rest later."

With that, Chen Tao left Lizzie's Bar in a hurry, taking his men with him. Li Ang and Lucy exchanged glances, unsure of what to do next.

The bartender had just delivered the Champagne Paradise, and there was still plenty of time left in the luxurious private room. Leaving now felt like a waste.

" Li Ang, would you like to have a drink with me?"

Lucy popped open the bottle, pouring the golden liquid into a glass. Her every movement exuded allure, enhanced by the sweet aroma of the alcohol.

"Alright, just one drink."

Li Ang drank straightforwardly, his gaze locked with Lucy's captivating eyes. As the champagne went down, a light buzz hit him almost instantly.

It wasn't that Li Ang couldn't handle his liquor—it was just that Night City's strong drinks were notoriously crude. This bottle of Champagne Paradise might as well have been disinfectant.

"Damn it... This is fake liquor!"

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