Chapter 28: A Billion-Dollar Investment to Rebuild Watson District!
Chapter 28: A Billion-Dollar Investment to Rebuild Watson District!
In truth, it's not just Watson District in Night City that suffers from a slew of abandoned projects. Other areas like Pacifica, Santo Domingo, and Heywood are also plagued by similar issues.
The causes are manifold, ranging from external military pressures posed by New United America to the internal struggles among corporations and rampant gang activities within Night City.
Dealing with these derelict zones has always been a headache for council members in law enforcement departments across Night City.
Take Westbrook, for instance—a district bolstered by the immense investments of LA Corporation s like Arasaka and Night Corp. The result is nothing short of opulent prosperity, with nightlife thriving every day.
Fortunately, Lucius has finally been presented with a chance to reverse the fate of Watson District—a transformative opportunity brought by a billion-dollar investment from LA Corporation to restart Watson's development!
"River, I need to head over to the Red Queen's Race Club to discuss Watson's reconstruction plans with Mr. Li Ang, Come with me and keep an eye on the surroundings," Lucius instructed River.
The Red Queen's Race Club, located in Westbrook, is an upscale Braindance club where Lucius often meets Night City's elite for business talks.
"Understood," River Ward nodded. He promptly used his holo-phone to book a private room at the club.
As Lucius and River stepped out of the NCPD precinct and into a private Quadra V-Tech luxury car, a street thug on a motorcycle discreetly tailed them from a distance.
These bikers, sent by the Tiger Claws gang, had one mission: to monitor Lucius's whereabouts.
Half an hour later, Li Ang met Lucius at the Red Queen's Race Club.
Standing guard outside were Li Ang's bodyguard, Mann, and Detective River, both tasked with ensuring their respective principals' safety.
"Mr. Li Ang, the King of Arms in Little China—what an honor to finally meet you!"
Lucius's chubby face squeezed into a friendly smile. The thought of being ever closer to the mayor's seat filled him with irrepressible glee.
"You flatter me, District Chief. I'm just a small-time businessman," Li Ang replied modestly before cutting straight to the point. "I came all this way to discuss how LA Corporation and the NCPD can collaborate for mutual benefit."
"Of course! Night City is a corporate-driven city. We sincerely welcome every company committed to its development, no matter their background," Lucius replied.
Previously, Lucius had tried to investigate the true backers of LA Corporation but found no evidence linking them to any other LA Corporation s.
Since their strength and background were a mystery, Lucius decided not to waste energy guessing. As long as they were willing to cooperate, why not reap the benefits?
"Mr. Li Ang, you have my word. If you're willing to invest in Watson District's major construction projects, the privileges LA Corporation will enjoy here will far exceed your expectations!"
Lucius wasn't exaggerating.
After the nuclear explosion, Arasaka took charge of Westbrook's reconstruction, transforming it into its empire. Over the years, Arasaka's expanding influence gradually overshadowed Night Corp.
At this rate, Arasaka seemed poised to establish its own corporate schools, food factories, and banks in Night City—completely dominating the city.
Night Corp, once known for its construction expertise, was now fading into obsolescence, unable to compete with Arasaka's financial might.
"I'm not investing in Watson's abandoned projects to do charity work. I aim to make money," Li Ang said bluntly, making Lucius sweat.
Lucius hastily corrected him. "Mr. Li Ang, they're 'undeveloped zones,' not abandoned projects…"
Li Ang chuckled but didn't bother to expose Lucius's fragile attempt at rebranding.
"I'll start by rebuilding the medical center in Little China. The first round of funding will be around 50 million euros, focusing on prosthetic implant facilities."
Prosthetic implants? Could LA Corporation also be involved in manufacturing and selling implant devices?
While marveling at LA Corporation's advanced weaponry expertise, Lucius became increasingly certain of Li Ang's military tech background.
But what did that matter? As long as Li Ang was willing to invest and boost his political performance, Lucius couldn't care less.
"Fantastic! Mr. Li Ang, that's the right decision! The Little China Medical Center is just one step away from completion. You've scored a major bargain this time!"
"Is that so?" Li Ang responded with a faint smile. "To my knowledge, restarting that medical center would require at least a billion euros, excluding maintenance costs."
In reality, the medical center in Little China was designed to match the largest in the western U.S., occupying nearly 20% of Watson District.
From planning to construction, it had already swallowed up 3 billion euros. Few companies, aside from LA Corporation s, dared to touch such a money pit.
"Ahem! But isn't the basic framework already done? Anyway, if LA Corporation takes over this hospital, I thank you on behalf of all Watson residents!"
As Lucius theatrically prepared to toast Li Ang with a bottle of brandy, Li Ang raised his hand to interrupt.
"District Chief, let's not waste time with pretense. I want control over the Seaside Port and Industrial Zone. Can LA Corporation have them?"
Li Ang used the term "control," but what he meant was absolute ownership of these prime assets.
"Well… let me think about it," Lucius stammered, realizing he had no leverage over this domineering corporate executive.
"Lucius, you don't have a choice. Collaborating with LA Corporation is your only viable path forward," Li Ang stated coldly, locking eyes with the visibly nervous Lucius.
"Tell me—what other company in Night City would even glance at this godforsaken district?"
"The heavily armed Triad, as deadly as the Dogtown rebels, the murderous Maelstrom gang, and the troublemaking Tiger Claws. Even Arasaka would hesitate to deal with them."
Li Ang's sharp words struck a nerve, leaving Lucius flushed with frustration yet unable to retort.
"Mr. Li Ang, as I recall, the Triad happens to be one of LA Corporation's biggest clients. Are you saying you fear them?" Lucius blurted out.
The Triad was practically a product of LA Corporation's own firearm investments. How could they now pin the blame for the chaos on him?