Chapter 29: So... What's the Cost?

Chapter 29: So... What's the Cost?

"Business is business; law enforcement is law enforcement."

Li Ang stared at Lucius and said calmly, "Our LA company's weapons and equipment are not exclusively sold to the Triad. Your NCPD officers can also place orders if needed."

"… Our NCPD… um!" Lucius hesitated. The higher-ups were planning to cut their budget; how could they afford new weapons to suppress gang forces?

Seeing Lucius's troubled expression and the sweat beading on his forehead, Li Ang knew his psychological tactics had worked.

In this world, there are two types of people you should never trust: destitute streetwalkers and polished politicians.

To corner them, one must use assertive language and forceful attitudes, leaving them no room to maneuver. Only then can their lies be rendered powerless.

When dealing with someone like Lucius—an elite with formal education—mere words are insufficient. What works is an overwhelming show of absolute strength.

Only by pushing Lucius to admit his inability to resist could Li Ang make him agree unconditionally to LA Company's demands.

"District Chief… oh no, Mr. Mayor Candidate, you're about to assume the position of Night City's mayor, aren't you?"

Li Ang's words made Lucius jump up from the couch, startled like a cat suddenly provoked.

"Mr. Li Ang, I don't understand what you mean by that."

The mayoral position was Lucius's Achilles' heel. He couldn't allow anyone to obstruct his progress or use it as leverage against him.

"Relax, Mr. Mayor. What I mean is, I can help you ascend to the mayor's seat. The gangs in Watson District will be eradicated, and the unfinished construction projects will be completed. And all of this…"

"Will be credited as your achievements, Mayor Lucius!"

Li Ang's words were like demonic tentacles, grabbing hold of Lucius's innermost desires. Such tempting terms were nearly impossible to refuse.

Unprecedented accomplishments for a Watson District Chief, along with widespread acclaim and prestige, were now within Lucius's reach.

"So… what's the cost?"

As a shrewd politician, Lucius understood that nothing comes for free. Any benefit that seems easy to obtain usually has a hefty hidden price.

Although Lucius considered himself aligned with Arasaka Corporation, he didn't mind collaborating with other companies for mutual growth, provided it was a win-win deal.

"The cost is Watson's waterfront and northern industrial zone. For LA Company to thrive in Night City, we need our own foundation."

Li Ang was straightforward about his demands. With clever individuals, there's no need to beat around the bush. Being direct ensures the most efficient exchange of interests.

Lucius pondered deeply, weighing the pros and cons of this deal.

Before long, he gave his answer:

"Mr. Li Ang, I can agree to your terms. But you must answer one question honestly. I need the absolute truth, with no deception whatsoever!"

Lucius took a deep breath. This question was crucial to him—it concerned his political survival.

"Sure, ask away," Li Ang nodded. He didn't need Lucius to say it; he already knew what the other man wanted to ask.

As expected, Lucius's question aligned perfectly with Li Ang's prediction:

"Do you have any connection to Militech?"

Currently, Militech is the largest corporation backed by the New American Congress. Meanwhile, the relationship between Night City and New America is highly strained.

The two are essentially at loggerheads.

Lucius hoped to assume the role of Night City's mayor, but he couldn't afford to become a puppet of Militech.

"No."

Li Ang replied nonchalantly, his answer succinct and composed. Whether Lucius believed him or not didn't matter to him in the slightest.

The two men locked eyes for a moment. Lucius tried to decipher Li Ang's true thoughts, but to his frustration, the enigmatic man before him was unreadable.

"Alright, Mr. Li Ang, I believe you."

Lucius finally capitulated. If Li Ang wasn't affiliated with Militech, then he must belong to the Far East Hua Xia faction.

It made sense that Li Ang would establish his company's headquarters in Little China, given the strong Chinese community and cultural atmosphere there.

"The Watson waterfront and industrial zone will belong to LA Company. However, I expect to see a fully functional medical center within two years. Otherwise, I will retract my promise."

"Deal."

The two struck an agreement with a handshake, finalizing their exchange of interests. With Lucius—a figure of power and influence—secured, Li Ang prepared to leave.

Before departing, Li Ang handed Lucius a small chip. It was an emergency chip integrating biological, communication, and medical technology.

This device, exchanged for 1,000 corporate points from Li Ang's system, functioned similarly to Trauma Team's membership chip but was more advanced and versatile.

Not only could it enable location tracking, but it could also automatically release biological repair agents to stop bleeding and provide emergency aid when the user was injured.

Lucius accepted the chip and smiled, saying, "Mr. Li Ang, it seems your LA Company should collaborate with Trauma Team. You're guaranteed to make a fortune!"

Li Ang remained silent. If the opportunity arose, he would certainly consider working with Trauma Team, but it wouldn't be him seeking collaboration. It would have to be the executives of Trauma Team coming to him in person!

Trauma Team had a formidable background, supported by multiple conglomerates and European nations.

Because of this, the company avoided entangling itself in power struggles and focused solely on profit. To call Trauma Team a profit-generating machine would not be an exaggeration.

After escorting Li Ang out of the Red Queen's Race Club, Lucius casually inserted the chip into his neural interface slot. After all, it was a free emergency membership service—no reason not to use it.

In this cybernetic world, neural interface slots are basic implants with low surgical risk and minimal postoperative complications.

Almost everyone in Night City has a few "slots" installed for various types of chips.

Lucius was no exception.

"District Chief, how many street punks are you planning to bet on in today's Deadman Lottery? I'll place the wager for you."

River glanced at the time and noticed the betting deadline was approaching, prompting him to ask.

"Hmm… thirty should do. Things seem a bit chaotic lately, so let's add one more officer to the pool."

Lucius didn't believe an officer in Watson would die; if anyone were to fall, it would likely be an NCPD cop from Heywood.

"Got it. I'll handle the bet for you now!"

...