Chapter 23: Lizzie's Bar

Chapter 23: Lizzie's Bar

"Ugh! You're such a petty lunatic! You were the one who attacked me first!"

Mann couldn't help but retort.

"Petty? You're eating steak, singing songs, and suddenly you get jumped by some random mercenary—would you just sit there and do nothing?" Morgan Blackhand snapped back.

"I knocked before coming in!"

"Knocked? You call smashing my living room window from the 18th floor knocking? What kind of sane person breaks into a room from outside like that?"

"Well, the hotel's security was so tight even a fly couldn't get through. Where else was I supposed to go but in through the outside?"

"Yeah, flies that are two centimeters can't get through, but a two-meter hulk can just fly right in. This hotel's security sure is something."

Mann: "..."

As Mann and Morgan Blackhand continued bickering, Li Ang suddenly received a call from Chen Tao.

When Li Ang gestured for silence, Mann and Morgan begrudgingly quieted down, ceasing their squabble.

Beep!

The connection established, and Chen Tao's familiar voice came through: "Hey! Boss Li Ang, how's it going lately? Everything running smoothly at the company?"

"Mr. Chen, if you're planning to buy more products from our company, you can just visit one of the retail stores. There's no need to call me specifically about it."

In recent days, LA Company's business had skyrocketed as if on a rocket. Within the Watson District alone, Li Ang's firearm stores had expanded to eight locations.

The branches regularly restocked from the headquarters, and the goods in the headquarters all came directly from Li Ang's system. Expenses like logistics were practically negligible.

"No, no, Boss Li Ang. This time, I called to discuss a deeper collaboration with you. It's absolutely a win-win for both sides."

Chen Tao chuckled over the phone. "As for the specifics, why don't we talk about it in person?"

Li Ang pondered for a moment before agreeing, "Fine. You name the place."

"Let's meet at Lizzie's Bar. I've already reserved a spot there. Once we're done with business, we can relax and let off some steam. What do you think?"

Lizzie's Bar was the most famous adult entertainment venue in the Kabuki District. Managed by the Moxes, it was considered a neutral force within Watson.

"Business only. Nothing else."

"Heh! Alright then. I'll be waiting for your esteemed presence!"

After hanging up, Li Ang explained the situation to the Mann Squad. Upon hearing that it was an invitation from Chen Tao, Mann couldn't help but say:

"Boss, what makes that guy think he has the right to ask you out for a business discussion? You didn't have to agree to it."

"Exactly! Lizzie's Bar is just some shady sex doll and braindance club. The freaks there can't hold a candle to Lucy!" Rebecca said, crossing her arms with a huff.

"Leave me out of this," Lucy muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation.

"The Triads are a force we can't completely avoid. If collaboration is possible, we'll negotiate. If not, we can always establish our own dominance later," Li Ang replied calmly.

He wasn't worried about Chen Tao overstepping. If the guy had any sense, he'd understand the benefits of maintaining good relations with the company.

"Alright, I'll go with you," Lucy said, sensing Li Ang had made up his mind.

The Mann Squad stared at Lucy in surprise, and then shifted their amused gazes toward Li Ang, as if everything was self-evident.

"Fine. Lucy will come with me to Lizzie's Bar. Mann, you'll drive us there and keep watch outside. The rest of you stay back at the company."

"If anything urgent happens, notify me immediately."

Li Ang finalized the arrangements and gave everyone their instructions.

Heading to see Chen Tao with a fully armed group would seem cowardly. Bringing just Lucy was the ideal balance.

Lucy's combat skills weren't lacking, and with the addition of her thermal monomolecular wire, she was more than capable of handling most enemies.

After confirming the plan, Mann personally drove Li Ang and Lucy to the vicinity of Lizzie's Bar.

Getting out of the car, Lucy glanced at Li Ang with a playful smile. "Boss Li Ang, after the meeting, don't you want to sample Lizzie's Bar's... special services?"

Special services? How special could they be?

Li Ang met Lucy's teasing gaze and replied, "Stay focused. Chen Tao isn't your average gang prince. This isn't the time to be thinking about food, drinks, and fun. Be cautious."

"If it weren't for the fact that he spent tens of millions of eurodollars on our products, I wouldn't bother making this trip to discuss cooperation."

As the two talked, they reached the entrance of Lizzie's Bar.

Standing at the door was a petite purple-haired girl with twin buns and a baseball bat in hand.

Her name was Rita Wheeler, the bouncer for Lizzie's Bar. She bore a striking resemblance to K/DA's Kai'Sa and was one of the better-looking women in the establishment.

"Hey! Hold it right there. You look unfamiliar. Are you new here?" Rita said with a smug look.

"Rita, why does this guy seem familiar? I feel like I've seen him somewhere before," a blue-haired, dark-skinned woman next to her said, puffing on a cigarette while eyeing Li Ang.

"Of course! Every guy in Watson with something between his legs dreams of coming to Lizzie's Bar. This rookie's probably been gawking from outside until now."

"Famous? What makes this place so special?" Lucy asked with a soft chuckle, her eyes narrowing at Rita's rude tone.

"Special? It has your dream lover!"

"Top-tier neural braindance experiences. None of that streetwalker or salon trash—everything here is premium quality!"

"With movie-grade braindance techniques, we guarantee an experience so intense, you'll be left breathless. That's why our venue is always packed!"

Rita gave Lucy a once-over and added, "Girl, you've got the looks. A total knockout. Are you here to apply for a job? We offer the industry's top pay."

At these words, Lucy's expression darkened. Just as she was about to slap Rita, Li Ang grabbed her hand and interjected:

"Enough nonsense. We're guests of Mr. Chen Tao. Take us inside."

Rita blinked in surprise. "Oh! My bad. I didn't realize you were Mr. Chen Tao's guests. Please, come in."

As a regular patron and a big spender, Chen Tao was also the new boss of Kabuki District.

Anyone invited by him was bound to be someone important. Rita, naturally, didn't want to offend.

Seeing Rita respectfully open the bar doors, Lucy's mood improved. She playfully wrapped her arm around Li Ang's and swayed her hips as they walked inside.

As the doors closed behind them, the blue-haired woman suddenly snapped her fingers.

"Wait! I just remembered who he is!"