Chapter 27: Taking You to the Moon

Chapter 27: Taking You to the Moon

The noisy news broadcast from the television gradually roused a groggy Li Ang. Rubbing his throbbing temples, he looked around, disoriented.

Thankfully, he hadn't been kidnapped. This was his private room in the business tower he owned—a space uniquely tailored for him, unparalleled in all of Night City.

"My bad. I didn't expect your alcohol tolerance to be so poor. Just one sip, and you were out for the whole afternoon."

Lucy's charming eyes carried a trace of guilt as she approached, gently touching Li Ang's forehead. "How are you feeling now? Better?"

Lucy's palm, modified by cybernetic implants, had a curious mix of sensations—alternating between warm and cool, a blend of flesh and alloy.

"Much better. You don't need to feel guilty. It's mainly that I'm not used to the alcohol here," Li Ang said with a smile, holding Lucy's hand and lightly stroking her slender, pale fingers.

"Li Ang, you're unique. You clearly have access to the most advanced cybernetic implants but refuse to use them on yourself. Are you afraid of cyberpsychosis?"

Lucy leaned in close, so near that they could almost hear each other's heartbeats. She gazed into Li Ang's amber-brown eyes, trying to discern the depths of his thoughts.

"Everyone's scrambling to cram implants into themselves, terrified of being weaker and crushed by others. But I'd rather put an end to this tedious arms race."

"Let the body relax. Save some space for the soul."

Li Ang's words made Lucy chuckle. Here he was—the biggest arms dealer in Chinatown—talking about ending an arms race.

What would he sell then? Toys?

Yet when Li Ang spoke, his gaze was sincere enough that Lucy believed him—well, 80% of it, at least.

"Li Ang, have you ever been to the moon?"

"No," Li Ang shook his head.

Lucy leaned closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her soft breath brushed against his ear as she whispered, "I can take you to the moon. Want to go?"

Li Ang paused and then replied, "…Sure."

Lucy smiled and pulled out a well-kept Braindance tape.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, clouds churned, pregnant with rain. Thick columns of mist twisted upward, and rolling thunder began to roar.

An hour later, rain poured down in torrents, accompanied by bursts of thunder and a dense haze of water vapor. The city grew more humid, vibrant, and intoxicatingly alive.

Inside the room, the two had fallen into a deep sleep.

…

When Li Ang opened his eyes again, he found his previously chaotic room neat and spotless.

Everything that had happened the night before felt like a fleeting dream.

Yet Li Ang felt refreshed, his body invigorated and clear, as if a weight had been lifted.

"White Queen."

[I'm here.]

Li Ang summoned the AI White Queen, integrated into the business tower of Chinatown.

Currently, all of LA Company's transactions were conducted here. The immense flow of data made the AI the perfect repository.

Beyond managing commerce, the White Queen also monitored activities within the tower, ensuring Li Ang's privacy and security.

As for the AI Red Queen, Li Ang planned to have her transferred into the network of the Delamain Company.

Night City's largest taxi service now relied entirely on Delamain AI to manage its operations.

While the Red Queen couldn't yet overtake Delamain, she could infiltrate its network, lying in wait and growing stronger by siphoning information.

If any company in Night City held the most secrets, it was undoubtedly the discreet but powerful Delamain.

After all, influential figures habitually conspired in the privacy of their cars.

Though Delamain maintained its neutrality, recording everything without revealing it to any faction, the data itself was a treasure trove.

"White Queen, process a 1-billion-euro weapons order and provide the fastest operation plan."

Li Ang issued the command, testing the AI's capabilities.

A faint crackle of static preceded the AI's response, delivered in a synthesized voice:

[To fulfill a 1-billion-euro weapons order, LA Company would require three months. The fastest approach would involve overseas trade via the Watson waterfront, completing the transaction in just two weeks.]

Li Ang nodded thoughtfully. The solution aligned with his expectations.

Opening trade routes overseas would far surpass the limited business opportunities in Chinatown's confined space.

Securing access to the Watson waterfront was his next goal.

"White Queen, connect me to District Administrator Lucius. Tell him I have a business proposal."

[Understood. Connecting to Councilman Lucius Rhyne… Please wait.]

…

…

Watson District, NCPD Branch

Last night's downpour had cleansed Night City, leaving it renewed. Lucius Rhyne, buoyed by good news, hummed a cheerful tune as he prepared to leave for the Braindance club to unwind.

Just moments ago, Lucius had learned through internal channels that his rival, Weldon Holt, was struggling with a certain Johnny Silverhand.

Silverhand's rebellious rock anthems condemned corporate greed and lambasted law enforcement incompetence. Worse still, his charisma was stirring chaos in the Heywood district.

This instability played right into Lucius's hands as he eyed the mayoral seat.

Even better, just ten minutes ago, he'd received a call from Li Ang, who expressed interest in a 10-billion-euro investment into Watson's development.

Originally envisioned by Night City's founder, Richard Night, as the West Coast's premier medical hub, Watson had the potential for grand hospitals, towering skyscrapers, a majestic marina, and expansive industrial zones.

But those dreams remained on blueprints.

Reality told a different story:

Kabuki was a mess of grimy brothels and crowded night markets, stinking with filth.

Chinatown brimmed with tacky stalls selling greasy noodles, cheap trinkets, and subpar cosmetics.

Even the industrial zones and waterfront had barely been developed, much of the land left barren.