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Adavance chapter in PATREON

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"Ms. Han, as the saying goes, 'there's no such thing as a free lunch.' I assume this gift isn't completely free, right? Why don't you tell us what you really want first?"

Alex Carter stepped forward and opened several large boxes.

Although the Aldecaldos could be tempted by wealth, they also had principles.

If it was just a small favor, they wouldn't sell out their clan for it—absolutely not.

Lisa Han smiled slightly. "Don't worry, everyone. As I said, these are just greetings, nothing more."

"Really? Nothing else?"

Faced with Alex's knowing smile, Lisa Han finally gave in with a sigh.

"Alright, there is indeed a mutually beneficial cooperation I'd like to propose."

"What? So Kang Tao wants the Aldecaldos as their lapdogs now?" Panam scoffed.

The rest of the nomads also looked displeased.

After all, they had already rejected Saul's deal with Biotechnica, which had almost turned them into corporate watchdogs.

So at the mention of cooperation with a major corporation, their minds immediately jumped to the kind of unfair conditions Biotechnica had offered.

That was nearly enough to turn them into slaves for the company!

Lisa Han, however, remained composed, seemingly unfazed by the Aldecaldos' hostility.

Or rather, she simply didn't care.

She continued speaking calmly: "I suggest you listen to Kang Tao's offer first before jumping to conclusions."

At her cue, Leo Forrest, a young assistant standing beside her, stepped forward, swiped a few times on his tablet, and handed it to Alex.

Panam leaned in, glancing at the screen.

The display showed a section of a trade route outside Night City, with several key points clearly marked.

Leo Forrest began explaining: "This is one of the main highways for land transport in Night City, specifically Route 083, which Kang Tao frequently uses."

"However, as you know, the state of the Badlands makes it highly unsafe."

"So, we want to support a local nomad clan to maintain order in this area."

"This would not only bolster Kang Tao's reputation but also protect our business interests."

Hearing this, the Aldecaldos exchanged glances.

Compared to Biotechnica's one-sided deal—which only provided shelter but demanded complete submission—Kang Tao's offer sounded much more appealing.

After a moment, Panam voiced the question on everyone's mind.

"Why the Aldecaldos?"

Leo Forrest's expression remained neutral as he replied, "That was my mother's decision—because of Mr. Carter."

"Because of Alex?"

Hearing this, Scorpion, Mitch, and the others instinctively turned to look at Alex.

Lisa Han then elaborated: "To be honest, there are many other clans in the Badlands stronger than the Aldecaldos."

"So, strictly speaking, the Aldecaldos were not the best choice for Kang Tao."

"However, Mr. Carter is a friend of Kang Tao, and we value that connection more than just raw strength. That's why we chose the Aldecaldos—because we see them as a more reliable partner."

Alex chuckled inwardly.

What a smooth talker…

Lisa Han was clearly a woman who had climbed to the upper ranks of Kang Tao for a reason.

Her ability to navigate negotiations was beyond that of an ordinary corporate executive.

With just a few words, she had cleverly made it seem like Alex owed her a favor.

And by calling the Aldecaldos "more trustworthy", she subtly implied that any nomad clan could have been chosen.

Which, in turn, made the Aldecaldos feel lucky to be selected.

As expected.

The moment Lisa Han finished speaking, the Aldecaldos' attitude towards Kang Tao visibly softened.

It was as if they had completely forgotten how skeptical they had been just moments ago.

Panam's expression eased as well. "I think you should speak with Saul, our leader, about this. He'd probably agree with you right away."

"Panam!"

A familiar voice rang out from behind them.

Turning, they saw Saul approaching with a group of Aldecaldos, all armed, accompanied by several corporate personnel.

There was no need to guess.

These must be the Biotechnica representatives he had been negotiating with.

Originally, the two parties had been deep in discussion—until they spotted the two hovercrafts landing at the back of the camp.

Considering that Panam and the others had just intercepted a Militech Basilisk, Saul had rushed over immediately.

"Are they... Kang Tao's people?"

Saul frowned, tightening his grip on his weapon as he recalled the last time they had encountered Kang Tao's floating vehicles.