Chapter 173

Future chapters at patreon.com/FFAddict.

Additionally, I have many new works readers may be interested in. Go look, if you wish! 

V, dressed in a black evening gown, tightly clung to Tang Yu's arm, not daring to relax for a moment. To avoid arousing suspicion, she tiptoed in her black crystal high heels and walked slowly. The red carpet was neatly laid out on the lawn, leading straight to the steps of the new villa. 

Due to their slow pace, the pathway behind them began to get congested. The manor's ceremonial attendants maintained order, ensuring only one pair of guests walked the red carpet at a time, requiring those behind to wait.

V wore a half-face black butterfly mask, greatly concealing her true expression. When Tang Yu suggested taking her to the ball, she insisted on wearing a mask, or else she wouldn't attend. She felt immensely grateful for the decision; if she made a fool of herself, at least no one would recognize her. After all, she knew nobody at the event.

Such high-class soirées were utterly foreign to her—a mercenary from the streets. If not for Tang Yu, she would never set foot in such a place. 

At that moment, her old boss, Arthur Jenkins, stood on the nearby lawn, raising a toast with a beaming smile toward Tang Yu. Tang Yu noticed Jenkins' gesture, surrounded by numerous elegantly dressed people, all in high spirits. It seemed they were part of Jenkins' social circle.

Leading V towards Jenkins, Tang Yu stepped onto the lawn and felt V's unease; the soft soil was making her unstable. V leaned heavily on Tang Yu's arm to lighten her steps in the high heels while trying to keep her balance. 

Seeing Tang Yu's slow pace, Jenkins took a few steps forward and warmly greeted them. V nodded in response, focusing all her energy on controlling her high heels.

Jenkins noticed the unusual demeanor of Tang Yu's companion but only chuckled and continued to introduce the mayor of Night City standing nearby. 

Lucius Rhyne, with his protruding belly, laughed heartily, seemingly pleased by the surrounding flattery. Jenkins summoned a server and handed a cocktail to Tang Yu, then attempted to offer one to V, but Tang Yu declined, stating she didn't drink. Jenkins, shaking his head with a meaningful smile, returned the glass to the tray and said:

"Tang, you might not attend these parties often, so you may not know their stories. To me, a party is like a romance film for men."

"A romance film?" Tang Yu chuckled, realizing Jenkins had his unique perspective on the event. 

"How so?" Tang Yu asked while walking slowly to accommodate V, causing Jenkins to stroll leisurely as well.

Jenkins, excited to talk about his domain, took the opportunity. "Tang, think about it. A party is like a battlefield. Before it starts, men prepare meticulously—luxury suits, cars, watches, and even expensive accessories they rarely wear."

V, curious about Jenkins' words, looked around to find many attendees adorned in various luxurious items, with watches being most common. As for cars, the road outside the manor was lined with high-end vehicles, including some outrageously expensive hover cars.

"But luxurious attire depends on the occasion," Jenkins explained confidently. "At a casual gathering, they might stand out. But at an event like tonight, even the most luxurious watch or car won't make you the center of attention."

"These external luxuries won't make you the focus or attract more social glances."

V found Jenkins' thoughts somewhat accurate. In a setting filled with upper-class elites, even the most extravagant outfit could only blend into the background. She was curious about Jenkins' next point. 

"We use these gaudy luxuries for nothing but face," Jenkins made a pinching gesture with his fingers. "In this invisible battlefield of a party, only power and status matter."

"Power and status? There's nothing like it," Jenkins pointed towards Lucius Rhyne. "Surrounded by people, laughing and chatting. That's the way it is."

He pointed to another group, smaller and less lively. "That's a high-ranking city councilman, who once opposed Rhyne. Taking the wrong side in the Corporate Wars seven years ago cost him a shot at the mayoral seat."

The contrast was evident. V saw how power dictated the battlefield's tide. For the top-tier social circles, her street-level perspective couldn't resonate. She expected Jenkins to say something profound but found his insights were fundamental in Night City, where power ruled supreme.

Jenkins sighed, "Almost everyone here made the mistake of trading power for money. Money is an unstable mansion, while power is an ancient stone structure that stands the test of time."

"Few stay sober in a city like this."

Tang Yu knew Jenkins implied he was a climber towards power, having moved from counter-intelligence to working for Michiko Arasaka and now Saburo Arasaka. He didn't dispute Jenkins' correctness and merely smiled.

Jenkins, invigorated, continued, "But a party isn't just a battlefield. Power isn't the only weapon. Another decides your success..."

Both V and Tang Yu grew curious. Besides power, what else could determine success at such events?

Jenkins, taking a serious tone, said, "A perfect companion."

"A companion?" V hadn't expected this. Jenkins pointed out a well-dressed couple, "That's Jefferson Peralez, a city councilman running for mayor. His wife is elegant and socially adept, winning him the spotlight and opportunities."

"Their relationship is legendary among the elite."

Tang Yu and V looked towards the couple. Mrs. Peralez, in an elegant silver dress, mirrored her husband's suit and navigated through social circles with grace, gathering attention for Jefferson—a stark contrast to Tang Yu's comfort zone. Tang Yu acknowledged her behind-the-scenes anchor role in strengthening Jefferson's influence.

Remembering Mrs. Peralez's past interactions and intentions towards Jefferson, Tang Yu remained reflective. V, seeing Mrs. Peralez's finesse, felt out of her depth. She felt her presence was a mistake, offering no real support to Tang Yu, who was well-respected in this sphere.

Jenkins, without a filter, suggested, "If you don't find a better one, I can introduce you to a couple. They could highlight your sense of style and accompany you to the next battlefield after the party, thus making it a man's romance film."

When he finished speaking, Jenkins gave Tang Yu a meaningful look. He had made himself very clear; there was no way Tang Yu wouldn't understand. The implication was obvious: the female companion Tang Yu had brought tonight was completely inexperienced and of no help to him.

In Jenkins' eyes, V's performance was abysmal. She didn't know anyone, couldn't walk properly in her crystal high heels, and hadn't spoken a single coherent sentence from the beginning until now. Because of the thick night and the mask V wore, no one could see what she looked like. Though V had an excellent figure, she huddled beside Tang Yu with her head down, exuding no charisma whatsoever.

Jenkins could basically determine that Tang Yu's companion was not from a high-class background, making him less polite in his speech. V was almost ready to throw a couple of punches at Jenkins upon hearing his words. She couldn't stand his nonsensical talk, and now it was infuriating her even more that he was indirectly belittling her, suggesting that Tang Yu should find another companion. 

From the start, V had felt completely out of place there. She wasn't comfortable in the black dress, couldn't walk properly in the black crystal high heels, and despised the hypocritical upper-class conversations full of sarcasm and mockery. If not for Tang Yu, she would rather starve on the streets than seek pity from these people. She had never suffered such indignation, feeling her efforts were entirely wasted.

The Wood Manor, as a gathering place for the Night City's elite, had incredibly tight security, making it unnecessary for her to worry about Tang Yu's safety. Tang Yu, though he liked to tease her a bit, was generally good to her. V trusted her instincts. The reason she was willing to stick with Tang Yu, aside from owing him a heap of debts and favors, was that she believed Tang Yu was different from the other suit-wearing people.

Feeling increasingly out of place, V's mood became gloomy, and even the initial novelty now disappeared. Jenkins' laughter and the laughter of the surrounding high-ranking people felt grating to her ears. Suddenly, she heard Tang Yu's familiar voice, calm and steady. 

"No need. She is the most perfect companion in my heart."

Saying this, V felt Tang Yu's right hand interlocked tightly with her fingers, not letting go. "Damn," V thought, "What perfect companion? How could he say such nonsense?" She felt an urge to punch Tang Yu right there, but her face blushed slightly. It was the first time she had heard such heart-melting words, and she felt so embarrassed that she could almost curl her toes in discomfort. How could Tang Yu say such things so seriously and firmly, making it sound like there was really something going on between them?

Heck! Wasn't it indeed a solid relationship, given they were bound by debts? No matter where she fled, Tang Yu would always find her to collect his debts. V vowed never to come to such a dreadful place with Tang Yu ever again. But before she could continue to wallow in her embarrassment, more noise reached her ears. 

She heard Jenkins warmly introduce, "Mayor Lucius Rhyne, allow me to formally introduce Tang Yu, whom you've long wanted to meet. Today you finally have the chance."

Mayor Lucius Rhyne, with his big belly, slowly turned around, leaving his conversation circle to look at Jenkins and Tang Yu. His chubby face beamed with wrinkles as he praised, "Truly, never judge a book by its cover. I didn't expect Mr. Tang of Arasaka Corporation, the first dual Deputy Director, to be so young. Your future is bound to be limitless."

Lucius Rhyne had done his research on Tang Yu. He knew Tang was the first and only dual Deputy Director in Arasaka Tower in Night City. Besides, with the backing of Michiko Arasaka and connections to Saburo Arasaka, Tang Yu had made significant marks in the recent operation against the Voodoo Boys in Pacifica.

Tang Yu politely responded with a few courteous words, knowing that it was unnecessary to converse much with someone as good as dead. However, many things had changed recently, and Lucius Rhyne might not die from the Blackwall Virus incident anymore. His fate now depended on whether the puppet master behind the scenes continued their secret machinations.

Due to Lucius Rhyne's attention, the focus of the surrounding circle soon fell on Tang Yu and himself. Jenkins then proactively steered the conversation, providing Tang Yu with better networking opportunities. Everyone present held high positions in the city's government or major corporations, making it beneficial for Tang Yu's development in Night City—another reason Jenkins fervently invited him to the party.

"I've been away for months, and the Counterintelligence Department has thrived thanks to Tang." 

"It's almost ridiculous. During my absence, the Counterintelligence Department achieved more than when I was there."

"I think it's high time I stepped down in favor of Tang. Haha."

Jenkins' self-deprecation quickly resonated with those around, elevating Tang Yu further in their eyes. If Tang Yu indeed succeeded Jenkins as the head of the Counterintelligence Department, his power and status would spike, making him a key connection to establish early.

Lucius Rhyne chimed in, "Jenkins, I feel exactly the same way. Pacifica has always been a thorn in my side, sucking in resources yet worsening in security day by day."

"Thanks to Mr. Tang's decisive action against the Voodoo Boys, he has alleviated a significant burden on our municipal administration."

"His efforts have even boosted our approval rating by two percentage points."

"And let's not forget, Mr. Tang has not undergone any cybernetic modifications yet."

"If Arasaka Corporation is willing to let him go, our municipality would welcome him wholeheartedly. If he's interested, even the Deputy Mayor's office could be opened for him."

As soon as Lucius finished, the group erupted in enthusiastic applause for Tang Yu. The Deputy Mayor was an appointment rather than an elected position. Lucius Rhyne, as Mayor of Night City, had the authority to nominate a Deputy Mayor, which would be ratified by council votes.

Tang Yu remained calm and composed despite their flattering remarks. He knew that what truly captured these people's admiration was not his ability or charm but the position he held and the Arasaka Family backing him.

Without Arasaka, Tang Yu's talents would go unnoticed by these dignitaries. Understanding this clearly, Tang Yu only cared about the people around him. Jenkins, upon hearing the approval rating, thought of the new mayoral race and glanced at Jefferson, who wasn't far away, then asked Lucius.

"How are things recently? Judging by the approval rating, you still have the upper hand."

Lucius was relaxed, seemingly unbothered by his competitor, replying, "The foundation is stable. Though that guy is gaining momentum, many opportunists hope to profit from him. They think they can break into the municipal circle with a few slogans but don't realize how deeply entrenched it is."

"Tonight is crucial. The Night Corporation intends to unveil a new infrastructure plan, which Jefferson has been eyeing for a long time."

"If we can municipalize this project and bring it under my control, it will essentially mean his withdrawal from the race."

Jenkins knew a bit about Night Corporation's new infrastructure plan, aiming to create an independent network data pool and citywide network nodes for Night City, strengthening its public smart transportation network. This initiative was aimed at transforming Night City into an independent kingdom, both geographically and in cyber space.

Since the Net-collapse, most networks and servers had been contaminated by viruses, with public and sub-networks being monitored. Establishing a separate network and servers in Night City could potentially make it a global hub for new network development.

Jenkins was curious, "How's the progress on this plan? It's been proposed for years without any tangible results."

Lucius, with a dismissive shrug, replied, "Who knows what progress they've made. They're always digging under Night City, but the new comprehensive underground transport network is taking shape. In terms of public infrastructure, Night Corporation is indeed doing a fine job."

Jenkins nodded, understanding that more details would be revealed after the party commenced. Suddenly, Tang Yu felt a tight grip on his elbow. He glanced sideways to see V trembling with her head down. Guessing the cause, he immediately bade farewell to Jenkins and the others before leading V away.

Lucius frowned as he watched Tang Yu leave and asked Jenkins, "Is Mr. Tang always this arrogant at Arasaka?"

Jenkins sighed, "Yes, that's just how he is. I wanted to help him integrate into the circle, but he's just as stubborn as ever."

Both men sipped their drinks in silence.

Tang Yu led V to a quiet spot and asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

V brushed aside her hair, suddenly grabbed Tang Yu's hand, and bit down hard, leaving teeth marks. 

Feeling a bit better, she sighed, "That's much better. Oh, add this bite to my tab. I'll repay you by taking on extra work later."

Tang Yu: "???"