Chapter 34

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After his conversation with Jenkins, Tang Yu returned to his office and summoned Carter Smith.

In no time, Carter arrived at the office in a hurry. Tang Yu was tidying up as he instructed Carter: "Mr. Jenkins has decided to take action on the Maelstrom gang's deal tonight. I believe they won't have too many people on hand for the private trade, given that they don't know the true origin of the Sandevistan artifact."

"Deploy the Counterintelligence Special Ops Squad to handle it. If necessary, purchase it at a higher price on the spot. In any case, we must secure the cyberware."

"I have other matters to attend to today. Report to me as soon as there's any progress tonight." Carter acknowledged Tang Yu's instructions and left the office.

Tang Yu finished packing up and left the office, ready to meet with Jackie to discuss the evening's plans. He stepped out of Arasaka Tower and called Jackie; they agreed to meet at Misty's Esoterica, with Viktor's Ripperdoc clinic located in the basement behind.

Misty was a girl who grew up with Jackie on a street in Heywood, where they'd played together since childhood.

Misty ventured out for a while after growing up but eventually chose to return to Night City's Heywood and opened a shop specializing in spiritual guidance for those troubled in mind.

The two had held a soft spot for each other early on. However, when Jackie was younger and still emotionally naive, he had pursued other relationships, leaving good girls like Misty in the friend zone. Now, back to being single, Jackie finally appreciated Misty's tenderness and kindness, starting to awkwardly court her with his still-naive approaches. 

He would seek destiny readings with Misty, or psychological counseling, chat with her casually even when he didn't need to, avoiding broaching more substantive matters.

Tang Yu inserted his aerocar's chip into his portable communicator to summon his vehicle, first confirming the aerocar's parking location, then activating its autopilot.

A luxurious high-end aerocar smoothly started from a residence in North Oak and flew towards the company plaza.

Flying the aerocar above Night City helped avoid traffic congestion, but there were certain speed restrictions. Given the distance from North Oak to downtown, while waiting for his vehicle, Tang Yu decided to grab some good beer.

He entered a nearby megamall, picked up two packs of dark beer, specifically choosing a brand that was brewed from natural grains, not the biotech-produced genetically modified ones.

This particular dark beer had a rich taste and wasn't too heady, just the way Viktor liked it while watching boxing matches or performing cyberware modifications and implants.

Carrying the beer, Tang Yu exited the megamall and saw his aerocar waiting at the platform nearby. He approached, and the sensor doors automatically lifted, revealing the lavish leather and gilded interior.

He got into the aerocar with the beer and started the flight program.

The aerocar's doors slowly closed, the engine ignited, and the four exhaust ports emitted blue flames as the vehicle steadily ascended, the landscape outside the window rising, reaching the height of towering skyscrapers.

After entering the address into the car's smart assistant, the aerocar set off in Jackie's direction.

The in-car smart assistant routinely asked, "Hello, would you like me to provide any services such as beverages, music, or news?"

Tang Yu turned off the smart assistant service, which was mainly set up according to Jenkins's personal preferences. He suspected that aside from the news, none of the tastes in drinks or styles of music would align with his own.

He didn't think he had much in common with a nearly fifty-year-old wealthy bachelor like Jenkins, except for the fact that they both worked for Arasaka.

But he admitted that Arthur Jenkins was indeed one of the most eligible bachelors in Night City, and he could certainly marry if he wanted to.

As for why his diamond bachelor boss remained single until now, Tang Yu was unclear whether the reason was a matter of orientation or capability.

Moreover, orientation wasn't an issue in Night City, which had embraced the freedom of love.

Tang Yu sat in the supple leather seats of the aerocar, the heavy mix of perfume scents making him slightly uncomfortable.

"It seems this is indeed a private aerocar."

In just a short while...The aerodyne arrived at the Little China district of Watson, slowly descending onto the rooftop terrace of a building known as the Afterlife. 

Jackie was already waiting on the balcony, spotting a luxurious aerodyne shimmering with metallic black. He guessed that it must be Tang Yu coming.

Taking advantage of the opening car door, Jackie greeted with a hearty laugh.

"Oh, hermano (brother), is this new toy yours? With this beast, how many of Night City's chicas (girls) are going to fall for you?"

Tang Yu stood up, jokingly replying, "Do I need an aerodyne to show off? I think it's you who's fascinated by this big guy. Hurry up, grab the beers."

Jackie didn't mind the banter, entered the aerodyne to pick up the beer, and began talking while walking with Tang Yu.

"I'm sorry, I've tried to find out, but V hasn't come back. My mom and the padre said that she went to Atlanta over a year ago."

Tang Yu nodded: "Alright, we'll work together again in the future. She's no small fry."

Jackie indicated that he was eagerly watching out for that opportunity.

"Viktor has mentioned you a few times. He said he's got something good prepared for you."

Tang Yu assumed Vik had some full cyberware conversion in store for him. After getting out of the aerodyne and closing the door, he followed Jackie, replying, 

"Viktor always has that caring big brother vibe, but I'm not planning on getting the base cyberware conversion just yet. I'll wait, it's not time yet."

Jackie stopped halfway down the narrow staircase, turning back to ask, "Why the sudden change? Before, you were too busy with work and running around without the time. Now that you finally have a moment…"

Tang Yu pushed Jackie's broad shoulder to continue down the stairs without elaborating further. 

"It's nothing, all those are minor issues. The company has been wanting to get it done for me, but I'm worried they'll implant something dirty in me."

"Let Viktor keep the goods for me. If I need them later, it's not too late."

Jackie didn't pry further, sensing that Tang Yu always held fast when it came to corporate matters. Even if Arasaka wasn't suitable for him, he still advised, 

"You've given too much to that company! It's not worth it. You should soar like a free eagle, not be trapped in a cage, fighting with those toxins every day!"

Jackie paused, perhaps feeling like he had hurt Tang Yu. After all, Tang Yu valued his job dearly and had almost paid with his life for it several times.

"Tang Yu, I know where your heart is. Those corporate dogs aren't worthy of being your friends. If you can't stand it anymore, don't force yourself. Any street in Heywood would welcome you. That will be our chance to make a name for ourselves."

Hearing Jackie's words, Tang Yu realized that this Heywood guy truly had a noble heart, just like when they were naive, putting loyalty above all else and venturing into the world—a mix of foolishness and endearment.

"Alright, Jackie, stop with the gloom. I've barely been in this position for a few days and you're already hoping I get out? At least let me enjoy being a corporate dog for a bit, haha."

Jackie laughed along with him.

Passing by Misty's shop on the ground floor, Tang Yu made a point to greet her and book a tarot reading session.

Misty, wearing a blue dress as calm and serene as ever, smiled and agreed.

Tang Yu and Jackie continued towards the backyard, passing by the staircase. Tang Yu crouched down to pet a cat named "Birrus" curled up in the corner.

"Birrus" squinted at Tang Yu, purring contentedly.

Eventually, they followed Jackie down to the basement, entering Viktor's ripperdoc clinic, the same as Tang Yu remembered.

Viktor remained at his workbench, holding a large tablet and watching the same boxing match as though it held his youth and his dreams.

The familiar faces and the familiar setting made Tang Yu think to himself.

"It's good to be back!"

"Viktor!"