Chapter 109

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Days later, Tang Yu lazily sat on the living room sofa, watching Michiko busy herself and felt her maid-like demeanor maturing.

Rubbing his forehead, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Feeling a bit guilty, what's that about?" "The ancients did not deceive me, born in sorrow, die in peace..."

For many days, Tang Yu had been working from home, resulting in his special assistant Sasha not going to the office at all, staying at home playing the role of a maid.

Honestly, Tang Yu was initially very resistant to this. He didn't want to emulate ancient young masters; as a grown man, he was fully capable of taking care of himself.

But now, with Michiko at home, looking after him in every possible way, Tang Yu had truly become lazy.

He didn't want to make excuses; he just felt it was a waste of Sasha's talents. Her full hacking module capabilities, combined with advanced combat implants and powerful AI learning assistance.

Finally, under Tang Yu's successful guidance, Sasha's maid mode developed more and more maturely.

On the other hand, her more practical hacking and combat modes were still sealed and unused.

Saburo Arasaka probably didn't expect that Sasha, assigned to assist with work, ended up becoming Tang Yu's personal maid.

However, Tang Yu was comforted by the fact that Sasha was learning faster and faster, gradually behaving no differently from an ordinary person.

Even if Sasha went out to live and work independently, outsiders would hardly notice anything unusual.

After all, whether it was her delicate appearance or biological signs scanned, Sasha was a living, beautiful girl.

Additionally, the 350,000 euro reimbursement for the mission had been transferred to Tang Yu's electronic account, providing him with some disposable income.

Remembering how the 'trio' started from the streets of Heywood, they were incredibly poor.

Tang Yu had just fried up some Arasaka fish, V had just returned from Atlantis, and Jackie was still a small-time car thief.

The three paupers roamed the streets, living a life where meals were uncertain.

Jackie was somewhat better off, with Mrs. Wells covering him and ensuring he wasn't starving.

Tang Yu was worse off; after frying the fish, all his benefits were revoked. Thankfully, V helped him out, and then he started surviving Night City with V.

It was impressive, V's street survival skills. Turning every corner, discovering treasures, living off scraps, still they managed to save bit by bit.

Later, both became successful and wealthy, living luxuriously.

Thousands were spent without a second thought, earning massive amounts of money, spending nights in clubs and bars.

Or splurging at Lizzie's Bar, dazzling the Moxes with their wealth.

Sometimes, they'd hit up the Afterlife Club to see Dum Dum for some new gear.

Occasionally, they'd drive luxury cars down the streets, tired of the Aerondight, they'd switch to the Quadra Type-66 or Rayfield.

Tired of the city, they'd race in the Badlands, teaming up with Panam, engaging in horseback and melee combat with the Aldecaldos. If they were outnumbered, Tang Yu would glare, and V would go berserk, slicing through enemies like a madman.

Reflecting on past events, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic.

Sasha, busy with her tasks, suddenly turned around, noticing Tang Yu's gaze and daydreaming look.

She smiled and asked, "Mr. Tang, what's wrong? Do you need Sasha's services?"

It seemed like her integration with Sasha's visual system had made her more sensitive to Tang Yu's gaze.

Tang Yu smiled, explaining it was nothing, and averted his gaze.

Suddenly, he received a new communication request.

Gloria?

He hadn't been busy these past few days, so he hadn't reached out to her.

However, Tang Yu pondered an important question: how to nurture Gloria to become a true right-hand, not just an obedient agent.

He wanted her to stand on her own one day, utilizing her best skills.

The mission exposing Militech, with Gloria coordinating, was handled well, but it was still Tang Yu providing support.

He believed that Gloria had more potential.

So, Tang Yu was waiting, for Gloria to initiate contact, eager for work, rather than passively accepting it.

This call was a step forward.

After answering the call, Gloria greeted Tang Yu and moved directly to the point.

"Mr. Tang, Regina Jones contacted me, mentioning an important commission possibly related to the company." "She introduced me to a client from a tribe in the Badlands, and after careful consideration, I decided to report to you."

A client from the Badlands?

Tang Yu was naturally familiar with the Badlands, even intimately so.

The outskirts of Night City were vast plains, desolate, with most animals extinct.

The scenery was bleak: burning oil wells, abandoned windmills, deteriorated electricity towers—the everyday of the Badlands.

Asphalt roads crisscrossed above the Badlands, weathered and cracked by sandstorms.

This land, filled with the aura of death, was known as the Badlands.

Nomadic tribes, big and small, roamed the Badlands, each staking claim to different territories.

Panam's nomadic family, the Aldecaldos, lived in the Badlands.

After becoming close with Panam, Tang Yu spent time with the Aldecaldos, understanding that nomadic tribes disliked dealing with corporations.

So, when Gloria mentioned the commission came from the Badlands, he found it curious.

He inquired, "Hmm, what did the tribe say?"

Gloria replied directly, "They want to meet in person, stating some matters are best discussed face-to-face, at the Lizzie's Bar."

Tang Yu thought for a moment, feeling it was worth a discussion. After all, this was Gloria's first commission.

He believed as Gloria met more people, her network and skills would grow, essential for making a name in Night City as an intermediary.

For dealings with nomadic tribes, Lizzie's Bar was naturally the preferred venue.

Tang Yu saw no issue and said, "Your first business, let's start at Lizzie's Bar."

On the other end, Gloria paused, then responded, "Understood, I'll communicate with the client now."

Call ended.

Seeing Tang Yu hang up, Sasha stood from the sofa, seemingly ready to change clothes and head out.

She quickly fetched a new coat and suit for Tang Yu.

While tying his tie, Sasha cleverly asked, "Mr. Tang, are you going on an external task now? Sasha can assist you well."

After saying this, she blinked expectantly.

Having stayed with Tang Yu for a few days, although she found it joyful, her primary duty was to assist in his work, so she longed to accompany him.

Tang Yu had considered whether to bring Sasha along.

Gloria's matter was still undecided, and Sasha's assistance might not be needed yet.

Seeing Sasha's eager look, he agreed reluctantly.

After all, she was "young", and it was good for her to see the world.

Tang Yu casually patted Sasha's head, "Alright, go get ready."

Seeing Tang Yu's approval, Sasha smiled happily, quickly getting ready in her newly bought clothes.

Sasha, tall and slender, wore a black, tight, elastic leather suit with a tactical shoulder piece for carrying ammunition and enhancing combat performance.

Once ready, ensuring nothing was missed, they headed out.

On the way, Sasha quietly followed beside Tang Yu, looking forward to the upcoming experiences.

This was her first time on an external task with Tang Yu, so she imagined various combat scenarios and how she would protect him.

Her mind unwittingly projected a movie, a fierce battle unfolding in her thoughts.

She envisioned Tang Yu surrounded by gang members, amidst gunfire and flames, and she, fighting desperately to protect him, saving Tang Yu, and their eyes meeting just as...

Tang Yu headed straight for Lizzie's Bar, noticing Sasha daydreaming and knowing she liked to let her imagination run wild, casually asked."You should know about the Afterlife bar."

"Huh?!"

Sasha's daydream was abruptly interrupted, leaving her confused as she hastily explained.

"Going to the bar? Sasha can hold her liquor very well!"

Seeing her dazed expression, Tang Yu couldn't help but feel a bit helpless and reiterated, "We're going to the Afterlife bar for business, not for drinking."

The Afterlife bar?

Sasha suddenly froze, feeling a sense of abnormality, and quickly took out a white pill from her pocket, swallowing it.

Tang Yu stopped in his tracks, observing Sasha's complexion, and asked carefully, "What's wrong, feeling a bit uncomfortable?"

After taking the pill, Sasha immediately returned to normal, apologizing hastily, "Sasha is fine."

The Afterlife bar.

Tang Yu noticed that Sasha seemed to react unusually upon hearing those four words – could her original consciousness have reacted to the Afterlife bar?

He couldn't be sure for the time being, but seeing Sasha back to normal, they continued on their way.

Walking alongside, Sasha responded to Tang Yu's earlier question, "Sasha knows the Afterlife bar, it's located in little Tangtown, not too far from our apartment."

"The Afterlife bar is converted from a morgue, equipped with various facilities, including public booths and private VIP rooms, making it ideal for confidential meetings."

"Moreover, the Afterlife bar is renowned, practically a landmark of Night City, known by everyone."

"It holds a pivotal position in the industry, sought after by mercenaries and fixers alike, with nearly every transaction, commission, and job in Night City being negotiated there."

"And the owner of the Afterlife, Rogue, is revered as the 'Queen of the Afterlife.'"

Tang Yu nodded slightly, affirming what Sasha had said, as it accurately described the current situation of the Afterlife bar.

Especially Rogue, a legendary figure well-known for both her reputation and strength, and recognized as a living legend.

Tang Yu had not seen his old friend 'Rogue' for some days; her sunset romance with Johnny was something he had facilitated back in the day.

Times change.

Yet, Tang Yu understood Rogue's mindset well. Initially, Johnny accused her of betraying everyone.

But in reality.

Rogue simply didn't want to see anyone else die, caught up in corporate messes, losing their lives in vain.

In the end, the 'Queen of the Afterlife' proved herself with actions, willing to sacrifice everything for Johnny, even her own life.

Tang Yu complimented Sasha, saying, "You're absolutely right, let's head to the Afterlife to negotiate a deal."

Sasha nodded earnestly, expressing, "Sasha will do her best to assist you!"

Soon, they arrived at the entrance, walking down the stairs and around the corner to see the grand doorway of the Afterlife bar.

Sasha curiously observed the dimly lit entrance, the green neon lights, and the small groups of people chatting together.

She felt an inexplicable excitement, as if she had been here before, though her understanding of the Afterlife was solely through research.

While walking, Sasha took in the strange smell of the basement, a unique mix of humidity, decay, cigarette smoke, and alcohol.

Above the main entrance hung the sign, its green light dazzling.

"AFTERLIFE"

The Afterlife.

Sasha walked under the green light of the sign, passing by vending machines to a stainless steel gate guarded by a burly man with an unfriendly expression.

Without scanning, Sasha could tell from his tattoos and attire that he was from the Animals gang.

The Animals took on various commissions, including security services.

The bar's security stood firm, showing no intention to step aside.

"Who are you? We're not too welcoming of new faces here."

The Afterlife bar was particular about familiarity; without some reputation in the streets, getting into the Afterlife could be challenging.

Clearly, the man hadn't seen Tang Yu and Sasha before, thus his inquiry.

Tang Yu was familiar with the security guard, named Emmerick, who had been watching the door at the Afterlife for a while, known within the Animals for his diligence and likeability.

Tang Yu stated plainly, "We're here on business. Tell Rogue, if she ever wants another romantic date, the kind with a silver screen under the stars, she should look me up."

Emmerick tilted his head, his cybernetic eye flashing blue as if confirming with Rogue.

Shortly after.

Emmerick stepped aside, opening the gate while saying, "The boss told me she doesn't have time to see you now, but you're welcome to enter. Drinks are on her today, but she asks for your contact details."

Tang Yu gestured to Sasha, who then passed their contact information and details to Emmerick.

Stepping past the metal gate, they entered the Afterlife bar.

Emmerick looked somewhat surprised after receiving the information, seemingly unaware Tang Yu was a corporate employee, let alone a high-ranking one.

As they stepped into the lounge, Tang Yu saw Gloria at the bar and walked over, knocking on the counter.

"Claire, two 'Johnny Silverhands'. Rogue's treating today, thank you."

Gloria quickly turned, recognizing Tang Yu and was about to greet him but was stopped.

Tang Yu sat at the bar, advising, "We're at the Afterlife, the stage for fixers. Relax a bit."

Sasha stood beside Tang Yu, curiously observing the redhead.

A fixer?

What's her relationship with Mr. Tang?

Gloria noticed Sasha's gaze but refrained from asking due to Tang Yu's status, silently admiring.

"She's really beautiful..."

Tang Yu took in the familiar green lights and lively atmosphere. Various conversations filled the air, and strange jobs and expensive deals began here.

"Back when our trio celebrated with 'Johnny Silverhands', dreaming of fame overnight."

Soon.

Claire approached with two 'Johnny Silverhands', joking, "So, you're close with Rogue? There aren't many handsome guys like you here."

Tang Yu, reminiscing about his racing days with Claire, smiled and responded.

"Well, there's one today, isn't there?"

Caught by his friendly demeanor, Claire pushed the drinks towards them before returning to serve other customers.

"Johnny Silverhand, good taste."

With that, Claire went back to mixing drinks.

Gloria explained, "Mr. Tang, the private room is ready, but the client hasn't arrived. We might have to wait a bit longer, or we can wait in the room."

Tang Yu, enjoying the ambiance of the Afterlife, responded, "No hurry, let's sit here for a while."

Gloria nodded, seeing Tang Yu seemed quite at ease.

She was aware that the Afterlife's patrons were usually mercenaries and fixers, with few corporate folks. Customers here weren't fond of corporates, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Yet, Tang Yu, even dressed in a high-end suit, didn't seem out of place.

Even more surprising was his acquaintance with Rogue, the notorious Afterlife bar owner and one of Night City's most formidable fixers.

Raising his glass, Tang Yu turned to Gloria, "The Afterlife's drinks are named after regulars, but 'Johnny Silverhand' is a must. Know why?"

Gloria shook her head, eager for the story.

Tang Yu, holding his glass, mused, "Because without Johnny Silverhand, there would be no Afterlife."

Raising his glass to her, "To Night City."

"Yes, to Night City."

Clink!

Their glasses touched.