Chapter 154

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January 1, 2077.

In the suburbs of Kyoto.

The Arasaka estate's garden boasted a Chinese-style aesthetic, with green tiles, red pillars, and white walls standing proudly. The expansive garden was covered with clean grey and white gravel. Nearby, a pond with weeping willows and falling cherry blossoms revealed a sense of classical aesthetics and garden charm.

Tang Yu was holding a cup of steaming tea, sitting under the eaves of a wooden house, enjoying the evening glow and setting sun all by himself.

He had arrived at the Kyoto Arasaka estate a few days earlier, traveling in Michiko's limousine.

During these days, Tang Yu stayed alone in this courtyard, passing time by drinking tea and preserving his health.

Michiko had disappeared after arriving at the Arasaka residence, possibly to report to Saburo Arasaka in advance or perhaps to return to her own private mansion.

She occasionally visited Tang Yu but never stayed long or provided much explanation, merely suggesting Tang Yu rest well in the courtyard and offering to arrange for some entertaining companions if he felt bored.

Tang Yu appreciated Michiko's kindness.

Though the old Arasaka estate was impressive, he took care not to wander around too much. Catching a glimpse of something he shouldn't could cause unnecessary trouble.

His goal for this trip was clear: to survive until the end of Saburo Arasaka's birthday celebrations and safely return to Night City.

He intended to keep a distance from all matters concerning the Arasaka Family and stay out of their affairs.

The Arasaka estate now not only housed the renowned Saburo Arasaka but also Michiko Arasaka, Reizo Arasaka, and other Arasaka Family members.

Spies and ninjas were everywhere, ensuring that even the slightest disturbance was reported to Saburo Arasaka.

When living under another's roof, one must bow their head.

Especially at such a critical time, it was never wrong to be cautious.

Now Tang Yu could somewhat understand his old boss Arthur Jenkins's feelings. Far from home, yet his heart was preoccupied with domestic affairs.

He wondered how the Counterintelligence division at the Arasaka Tower was doing; Jenkins had been away on a business trip for over two months with no sign of returning, and Tang Yu had no idea what kept him so busy.

Deputy Chief Kate was temporarily managing the division's work, probably still scheming to find some leverage on him.

Only a few people knew about Tang Yu's trip to celebrate Saburo's birthday at the estate, as it involved highly confidential information that could not be leaked casually.

The fact that Gloria was aware of it posed an inherent risk.

Suddenly, he received an instant message and opened the contact interface to check.

"David Martinez: Mr. Tang, Happy New Year!"

Tang Yu was surprised that David was the first to send New Year's greetings.

Considering the time in Night City had just reached midnight, this kid was thoughtful.

David had been an intern in the Counterintelligence Division for nearly three months. Once he returned and finished his internship and graduation ceremony, he would officially graduate.

Before then, it would be interesting to see which company would offer him a job, but Tang Yu guessed it would probably be Arasaka Corporation.

Tang Yu replied: "Happy New Year to you too. Remember to write a good report on your internship."

"David Martinez: Mr. Tang, got it..."

Soon after, he received a message from Sasha.

"Sasha Yakovleva: Mr. Tang, Happy New Year, Sasha is going to seize the year! (photo attached)"

The attached photo showed Sasha in a fluffy cat-eared skirt uniform, kneeling on a sofa, accentuating her seductive figure with her hands poised like cat claws.

Ah...

Who taught her to dress and pose like that? Looking at the surroundings, it seemed familiar; wasn't that sofa Gloria's?

Tang Yu, feeling somewhat helpless, replied: "Happy New Year to you too. The outfit looks nice, Sasha, but it might not suit you very well."

"Sasha: ..."

Panam also sent a message.

"Panam Palmer: Hey, Happy New Year! Wanted to blow off steam in the city, but family business keeps me tied up: running transport, delivering clients, hitting Corporations, blah blah blah... Anyway, wishing you all the best in the new year. You're always welcome at the Aldecaldos."

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year. Come to the company plaza for tea sometime."

Just past midnight, a flurry of messages came in.

"Rebecca: Hey Corpo, where you off to now, without me? That casino has reopened, think of me, will ya? But still, Happy New Year! (photo attached)"

The photo showed TURGO Plaza, with Maine's team and Cyberpunks having a merry gathering, while Rebecca sat alone on a sofa, holding a can of Kibble, with her legs propped on the table, grimacing and sticking out her tongue, seemingly fed up with the sugary juice.

Tang Yu replied: "Happy New Year. Try to save some money this year."

"Meredith Stout: Heard your Counterintelligence is without a head these days. What's up? I remember the Arasaka Family usually holds a banquet around this time of year. If you come back with a promotion, I'll celebrate with you. Also, Happy New Year. (photo attached)"

The photo showed Meredith's thighs, clad in black leather boots, and a few lash marks.

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year, looking forward to climbing the ladder together."

"Maine: Mr. Tang, Happy New Year. I'm grateful for your help and won't forget it. Here's to better cooperation this year."

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year. Take care of yourself and maybe get a checkup at V's."

"Jackie Wells: Brother, Happy New Year! Wanted to have a drink with you, but can't leave Misty alone; she needs me. Nonetheless, cheers to the New Year!"

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year. Wishing you a prosperous family."

"Victor Vector: Tang, Happy New Year. How have you been? Can't really help with the corporate stuff, but how about we catch a boxing match with Jackie sometime?"

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year. I'm away on business, but everything's smooth. Watching a fight is good, and if there's a chance, I might enter the ring myself."

Finally, Gloria sent her message.

"Gloria Martinez: Wishing for your safety in the New Year, looking forward to your return."

Tang Yu: "Happy New Year."

After responding to everyone, Tang Yu realized that all his friends were still waiting on the other side of the ocean.

Opening the contacts interface, he noticed Lucy's avatar remained silent, which struck him as odd.

He clearly remembered those nights when the two got along reasonably well; their relationship hadn't always been this cold, to the point where even New Year's greetings were forgotten.

However, Lucy always seemed preoccupied, and she hadn't come out for her nightly runs in quite some time. This made Tang Yu increasingly vigilant.

Among the people he knew, few had the option to simulate life choices, and so far, he'd only activated it twice. Tang Yu keenly sensed that Lucy might have encountered some major situation that even concerned her future choices.

Was she avoiding something—could it be Arasaka?

Tang Yu decided to send her a message to probe further.

"New Year's here, haven't had a good rest yet?"

Soon after, Lucy replied.

[Lucy: Huh? As a corporate executive, don't you already have a bodyguard and assistant? Besides, I'm thinking of leaving Night City.]

Leaving Night City? Why suddenly make such a decision?

Tang Yu promptly replied, "Let's talk when I get back."

[Lucy: I'll wait.]

Just as he finished replying, he spotted a slender figure approaching.

A young maiden clad in a maid's kimono, with hands clasped in front of her, was quickly stepping through the courtyard corridor toward him.

After arriving beside Tang Yu, the maid bowed gently and politely spoke, "Mr. Tang, good day. Miss Michiko invites you to bathe in the White Tiger hot spring pool. We have prepared a change of clothes for you; if it's convenient, please follow me."

A hot spring bath. Or more casually known as taking a dip in the hot springs. Why on earth would little Michiko invite him to a hot spring?

Tang Yu didn't make it difficult for the young girl; he set down his teacup, stood up decisively, and followed her to the White Tiger Pool. He had no real choice—when in a place owned by the Arasakas, guests must follow the host's wishes.

They walked through layers of hedges and stone paths, bypassing a group of rockeries to a corner where the White Tiger hot spring pool lay hidden; its misty surface looked much like a creamy bone soup.

The young maiden promptly brought a wooden tray with a bathrobe and other bathing items. She placed the tray on the ground and approached Tang Yu, extending her hand to help undo the buttons of his suit.

Tang Yu stopped her, noticing her youth and innocence.

"I can do it myself. Please step aside."

The young maid seemed flustered and withdrew her hand swiftly, apologizing repeatedly, "Mr. Tang, my apologies for being presumptuous..."

Considering her young age working in the Arasaka estate, Tang Yu instructed her to leave and wait outside the rockery.

Once alone, Tang Yu looked at the pool but decided to wait for Miss Michiko to arrive before immersing himself.

Not long after, he heard the clattering of wooden clogs from the path—Michiko must have arrived. Indeed, she approached the White Tiger Pool in her traditional kimono, accompanied by the maid, looking curiously at Tang Yu, who hadn't changed, and playfully asked, "Are you worried about contaminants in the water?"

Tang Yu replied directly, "Director Michiko exaggerates. It's just personal preference; I like to shower."

Michiko didn't mind and proceeded to undress with the help of her maid, saying, "Tonight, Mr. Saburo is attending a banquet. As is custom, one must bathe and change before. The depth of the White Tiger Pool is enough if you prefer standing."

Tonight? He knew Saburo Arasaka's birthday wasn't on January 1st, so why was the banquet today?

Michiko casually continued, "Mr. Saburo is a traditionalist; he prefers to honor the new year, so the annual banquet is always held on January 1st."

Tang Yu watched as Michiko unabashedly shed her clothes, revealing a sculpted and perfect figure, a true testament to the aesthetic of cybernetic technology.

She stepped into the pool and leaned against the rocks, looking over at Tang Yu, "You don't have to be so reserved here at the Arasaka estate."

"Every year at this time, Mr. Saburo likes to meet representatives of Arasaka's global divisions, especially those who've excelled. You could say Mr. Saburo is choosing the core for Arasaka's future."

"Usually, I return alone, since Mr. Saburo isn't fond of Night City, but this time..."

She smiled faintly, her dark eyes glistening with the waves, and added, "Mr. Saburo personally requested your attendance."

Tang Yu felt a hint of a scheme when she mentioned Mr. Saburo's personal interest. Though he held dual deputy department head positions in Night City's Arasaka Tower, making him high-level in Night City, he was almost insignificant in Kyoto in the eyes of Mr. Saburo.

The personal invitation implied Mr. Saburo's awareness of him and piqued interest.

While considering possibilities, Tang Yu maintained a calm demeanor and admitted he hadn't seen this coming.

Michiko's cheeks were slightly flushed as she said with closed eyes, "If the timing is right, I'll try to arrange a private meeting with Mr. Saburo for you—it could greatly benefit your future prospects."

"Whether you can seize the opportunity is up to you," she continued. "Though Mr. Saburo has requested your presence, it doesn't mean much. Even I can tell, you, the lone wolf, have little loyalty to Arasaka Corporation."

Tang Yu, uncertain of the exact reason for Mr. Saburo's interest but armed with his last ace, wasn't worried about being exposed.

"I'm not loyal to Arasaka, but I am loyal to power."

Michiko laughed, "True, without power, who would be loyal to Arasaka?"

After a few minutes, Michiko rose from the bath, donned a bathrobe with the help of her maid, and before leaving, she reminded Tang Yu to be punctual for the banquet.