Chapter 53
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Chapter 53
Maine underwent a full physical examination at the old Ripperdoc clinic, where he also took the opportunity to upgrade his internal systems for improved compatibility with different models of cyberware. After installing various patches and cleaning up the cluttered cache data produced by his entire cybernetic body, Maine felt remarkably clearer in his vision. The checkup was complete.
Maine unplugged the neural data cables and twisted his thick neck, remarking, "My head doesn't feel as dizzy anymore."
The Ripperdoc explained hoarsely, "That's because your operating system has been running at high capacity for a long time, which kept your brain in an overheated state, causing you to feel dizzy and nauseous. Now that we've optimized your internal systems, remember to use cold compresses at night to cool down; that will relieve a lot of your nausea, vomiting, and thirst symptoms. After a full system scan and virus removal, your body is now clean as a whistle."
Maine nodded earnestly, impressed by the Ripperdoc's skillful work in alleviating many of his symptoms without having to remove any cyberware. Although he could tolerate chronic pain, being disease-free felt undoubtedly better. Sincerely, he praised, "Dr. Viktor, I've been to many clinics, and you are by far the best I've come across."
Then he turned to Tang Yu and said, "Mr. Tang, thank you."
Viktor retrieved two inhalant canisters from a drawer and placed them on the operating chair's armrest, "Take these with you. Use them twice daily as prescribed, and reduce the use of the high-strength suppressant you've been using."
Maine picked up the inhalant canisters and inquired, "What are these?"
Viktor explained, "They are flexible suppressants produced by Moore Technology. They can strengthen your neural conduction and suppress the side effects of cybernetic implants. It has a similar effect to your current suppressants but is much gentler, making it suitable for long-term use."
Maine accepted the canisters gratefully and said, "Thanks again, Dr. Viktor. I owe you and Mr. Tang a favor. But, I still want to know, how did the compatibility test turn out?"
Viktor earnestly advised, "Your current physical condition is not very promising. If you install the military-grade Sandevistan, I'm afraid your body won't be able to take it. Even if you do manage to install it, you won't be able to use it multiple times a day; otherwise, the cyberware will fry your brain."
Maine countered, "Does that mean I can still install it? Dr. Viktor, cost is no issue. My body can take it!"
Seeing Maine's determination, Viktor said with a hint of reluctance, "You can install it, but you should prepare yourself mentally in advance."
Maine replied firmly, "I understand. A week from now for the installation, right?!"
Viktor nodded, "Yes, once I've properly prepared the cyberware, we can proceed with the implant surgery."
Relieved by Viktor's consent to the surgery, Maine finally felt at ease, "I can't thank you enough, Dr. Viktor. How much do I owe you?"
Viktor stood up and returned to his desk, where he continued to fiddle with the military-grade cyberware, "We can discuss the cost after the surgery is a success. I suggest you go home and think it over some more."
Aware that Viktor wouldn't let anything slip by carelessly, Tang Yu said to Maine, "Trust Viktor, but like I always say, give it some more thought."
Maine, no longer as resistant to Tang Yu as before, laughed heartily and responded, "Thanks, I've thought it all through!"
Following Tang Yu, Maine met Jackieie and the old Ripperdoc. He discovered that Tang Yu, a high-ranking corporate executive, possessed such good friends.Birds of a feather flock together, and people are known by the company they keep.
This suggests that Tang Yu might not be the schemer who bullies others by relying on his company's power, as previously thought.
However, Tang Yu's murderous schemes and cruel methods are still fresh in memory, leaving Maine somewhat uncertain, and he can only conclude one thing.
If you can't trust Tang Yu, who comes from a corporate background, to be a friend, at least don't make him an enemy.
Viktor quickly extracted the human operational data from the military-grade Sandevistan and stored it in a small chip before handing it to Tang Yu.
"Everything's in there."
Tang Yu took the chip: "Thanks, Viktor, I won't bother you anymore. I'll take you out for a drink at a boxing match some other day."
Viktor waved his hand: "All right, I've heard you. I'll wait for the good news."
After saying goodbye to Viktor, the two left the ripperdoc clinic.
By the roadside, Maine took the initiative to thank Tang Yu again, as he disliked being in someone's debt.
"Mr. Tang, you helped our Maine squad this time, I'll remember this favor."
Tang Yu wasn't concerned about such trivialities, as their cooperation had been agreed upon in advance, and he was not one to break his word.
It might be because he comes from a corporate background that makes even a slight show of keeping promises seem like a pleasant surprise.
It's like the anecdote about the good person and the bad person.
A good person who does good deeds every day, but is reviled and forever branded a hypocrite for one bad deed.
A bad person who does evil deeds every day, but is praised and considered irreplaceable for one good act.
Tang Yu glanced at the burly Maine beside him and said indifferently, "No need for thanks. I was just following through with our agreed cooperation, and besides, it was merely a mutual benefit."
Maine was a bit surprised to hear this but quickly understood the message, responding: "Regardless, you saved us. I don't like owing others. If necessary, I can agree to work with you once more, free of charge."
Tang Yu looked at the heavily adorned street dancers in front of a nearby shop, vying for customers with their allure.
"Do you know why there are always people willing to do business with street dancers?"
Maine remained silent, waiting for Tang Yu's explanation.
Tang Yu spoke gravely: "Because it's a one-off deal, no one owes anything to anyone, free of moral and emotional burdens."
"I don't want to hear any rumors about tonight's events, or next time what awaits us might not be cooperation."
"Don't be naive to think that the Militech guys will let this slide. It's a long game, and only at the end will we see who plays it best."
Tang Yu patted Maine's broad shoulder.
"Come to Viktor's next week for the cyberware implant surgery, and don't be late."
With that, he turned and walked towards the fortune-telling shop behind him.
Maine stood alone on the street corner, reflecting on the warning, before heading towards the other end of the street.
Tang Yu returned to the fortune-telling shop and saw Jackieie lying in a chair, relaxing in deep meditation under Misty's guidance.
Not wanting to disturb the private world of Jackieie and Misty, Tang Yu turned and walked towards his upscale apartment on his own.
Although it was not early and deep into the night,
Tang Yu still decided to head back sooner, then go for a run by the seawall to clear his mind.
As for the luxurious private AV, it had already flown back automatically to his lavish residence in North Oak as instructed.