Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 472 A Perfect Life
Three hours after the Night Clan was attacked, dawn had just broken.

For the first time, Arasaka Bank, under the Arasaka Group, revealed its true nature as a "financial weapon" hidden behind a veil of mystery.

It's unclear how they managed to win over Kanto in such a short time, but in any case, Arasaka Bank and the capital controlled by Kanto acquired full control of the Yoru Corporation for nearly 3600 billion euros.

Even though European trade organizations deemed it an unreasonable and predatory asset theft, the die was cast, and what puzzled the regulatory system was that the actual controllers of the Ye family accepted the purchase agreement.

At the same time, Night Group announced its name change to Imprint Capital, and having lost its main office building, it once again became a construction company for Night City…

The Night City Hall's attitude was extremely ambiguous. Not only did it not question the entire process of the Night Clan's disappearance, but the city hall also signed reconstruction contracts with them, including for the Company Square and Westbrook.

Everything seemed to be the same as before.

The Night City still has a "Night Clan".

The biggest capital behind this city has now become Arasaka. Even though those companies are still trying to maintain a respectable image and preserve their former status in the company square, everyone knows that things have changed...

How long can this dignity last? Just look at the performance of those free states.

At the juncture of the corporate wars raging in the online world and the crash of the new US president in Night City, these ambitious free states believed they could leverage their geographical advantages to dominate both Arasaka and the new United States—

But their strong move has left these people dumbfounded.

Whether Lai Xuan was too preoccupied to deal with it or was planning to slowly manipulate these free states, in any case, Arasaka's warships were patrolling these free states, keeping those greedy individuals who wanted to win everything awake at night.

……

Who is the hottest guy in Night City right now?
That's K, the rock star whose stage name is always being discussed at the Next Life Bar, and everyone's talking about whether to add it to the drinks menu.

The events that happened decades ago are undoubtedly becoming more and more deeply ingrained in the minds of a few, while the younger generation is unaware of what happened in Arasaka Tower, not to mention the Samurai band, whose physical records are now almost impossible to buy in Night City.

A radical anti-corporate pioneer who sings for the poor who are silenced by the company, he now deserves another title: a true big shot in Night City, the legendary Lone Wolf.

People on every street corner were frantically trying to find K's whereabouts.

Some say that K ultimately perished, causing the Yoru Corporation to collapse, but Arasaka inadvertently benefited from the spoils. Some even fabricate the image of K as a tragic hero, who had to rely on the company's power to destroy a certain unscrupulous company, only to end up with nothing...

Some say that K completed his revenge, using the collapse of the Night City building to witness his retirement. This job must have brought K both fame and fortune, so he would never have to worry about money again. Even so, K is still a hero in people's hearts. At least in Night City's history, another pioneer who stood against the Corporation has emerged.

With increased fame comes more attention and interest.

Roger had received countless requests to find the best mercenaries to find K's whereabouts, including the group of guys in front of him who looked like rock kids.

No experience was needed; Roger was already prepared to kick people out, and he didn't know how the security guards next to him had let them in.

"We need to find K."

It is concise and to the point, without any unnecessary words.

To be honest, Roger quite appreciates clients who can accurately articulate their needs.

Roger spread his hands. "Sorry, kid, this isn't the NCPD's emergency hotline. I don't have time to find people for you or do things like finding celebrities for obsessive fans."

Li's eyebrows furrowed.

"We just want to know if he's still alive!"

"It's such a simple matter, we can give him money, we just need to know he's still alive..."

Just a day before, they had no idea that their band's lead rock singer could single-handedly fight against Night City's most ruthless gang and hordes of mercenaries in Santo Domingo, with the Night Corporation's lone wolf openly targeting and assassinating K...

For these ordinary teammates, the most terrifying thing was the fact that the rock star had climbed to the top of the Ye Shi Building and smashed up a company...

Honestly, this is a million times more absurd than your mom staring at you with sleepy eyes the next morning and telling you that you are the new US President Miles!
But there's been too much media coverage of Night City...

The members of KIA had no choice but to accept the news, but after the Night House building collapsed, no one could contact K, which was a devastating blow to them who had been singing together on the streets and spreading the ideals of rock and roll for the past few years.

What are the chances of surviving if you go against the company, even with Arasaka backing you up?

Rogge gave the woman who spoke a close look, and only then did he find the memory about the members of the Rin band among a whole host of related memories…

I don't know what Rin plans to do.

Regardless of their current identity, they are all famous in Night City.

No matter what, he can no longer sing like a rock star. The small bar can't accommodate this giant, not even in his next life.

Money, fame, a luxury suite with a pool on the top floor of Westbrook, and the Dellaman Floating Taxi for transportation.

This is how everyone who makes a name for themselves in the city behaves; that penthouse apartment became a testament to the glory of each generation of legends and "Kings of the City."

Therefore, Rin's time in Night City can only end with retirement.

Roger never imagined that his momentary lapse in judgment would almost ruin these rock 'n' roll kids who just wanted to know if their friend was safe.

"Uh, okay. You and I both know that money and fame are the two things people come to Night City most want to earn."

"He lacks nothing... yeah, it's that simple."

It didn't describe the person's character, it just stated the facts.

The somewhat robust man gave the woman a wink, "It's alright, let's go, Li. It's only right; everyone wants to make a name for themselves in Night City, and now he's done it, we should be happy for him."

Is it?

Li felt he couldn't laugh at all.

Poor brothers naturally have their own way of living, and Li ultimately couldn't resist asking that question.

"Did K really cooperate with Arasaka?"

Roger sipped his drink intermittently.

How should I put this...?

Logically speaking, people who live in Night City shouldn't have eyes like Lee's; they're too naive and only see things in black and white.

Roger wanted to mention that he had even teamed up with Adam Hammer before…

But none of these are important issues. It's all about siding with family, not reason. Roger has already said what he needed to say... How the other party interprets it is their business.

Clearly, what Rin came into contact with was something they couldn't access.

Li's eyes dimmed for a moment. As her teammates pulled her out, she kept glancing at Roger, hoping that the woman would tell her some other news.

Roger watched the person walk away and sighed.

Clearly, the extraordinary lives of some people have become guiding lights for others, but it's unknown how many people are heartbroken because of this facade.

Without giving the issue much thought, Roger turned back to continue negotiating business with the person on the phone. Everything remained the same; as long as the company was in this place, it would continue to be a state of alternating order and chaos.

Once outside, Li was disoriented, clearly still unable to accept the event that had such a profound impact on his worldview.

Right now, what she wants most is to ask K in person which one is the real him.

Mendrone then stepped forward, "Hey, are you alright...?"

Li forced a hurried and strained smile, "It's nothing, I just..."

Mendrone placed his large hand on the girl's shoulder. "I just didn't expect this guy to be so capable. I'd heard he was swift and decisive in his actions in Santo Domingo—"

"The worst kind of rock star is the one who doesn't drink. He was very disciplined and didn't hang out with girls in bars... Now that I think about it, it's no wonder that Santo Domingo was able to get away with shooting him in the head."

Li Xiang wasn't listening to any of that.

Mendro sniffed. "So you really want an answer?"

Li nodded.

The ideals that were shattered by Night City shine brightly in KIA, but her dedication to her ideals is beyond her imagination. She is very worried about K's safety, but she is also worried that the company is too deeply involved with K.

“You know, the companies… they’re all bastards.” Mendro nodded.

"But that's not how the world works. After the uncompromising rock star Johnny died at the hands of the company, didn't Kerry become a big star promoted by capital?"

Some rules can only be broken when one is comfortable with them.

"Regardless, I believe in K. He needs the company to bring it down. Do you really think we can fight back by storming the company building with guitars? Three years ago, we were powerless..."

Li stared blankly at Mendelsohn.

"But with K's appearance, our band will definitely flourish and have a bigger platform to let more people who are oppressed by the company hear our voices. This is a good thing!"

After hearing so much from Mendro, Li's lingering obsession dissipated considerably.

"Let's go, don't think about anything. The underground queen of the next life, the genuine gold medal, if she says K is fine, then she's fine. If we're destined to meet again, we will definitely meet again."

Lee thanked her old friend, hugged Mendelsohn, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Thank you."

Mendelsohn smiled knowingly; he was always an optimist and absolutely believed that it was all a setup.

be oneself.

Mendelsohn always reminded himself of this.

Li's worries eased a bit, and when she looked up, she saw an Asian man with a bun hairstyle and a weathered face leaning against a dilapidated car not far from the entrance of the Laisheng Bar.

His gaze was like the reflective eyes of a white wolf, fixed intently on them.

Mendro didn't see him; Lee just glanced at him with some curiosity. Then, the KIA band members walked through the bustling little square at the entrance of the city and disappeared into the awakening morning light of Night City.

Japanese men with their hands in their pockets.

"The day has come, I have finally found you."

"I've been taking this medicine for far too long..."

……

Charter Hill.

The aftermath of the battle wasn't as troublesome as Lin Yue had imagined; in fact, V didn't even go to Arasaka to report for duty.

The two seemed to have completed their most difficult objective, and slowly drove towards Charter Hill.

The Arasaka Mansion is located on Mount Xianzhang. According to my memory, that should be the place where Yorihiro imprisoned Hanako. After dealing with his affairs, Arasaka Yorihiro was going to meet Lin Yue there.

These few hours belonged exclusively to Lin Yue and V.

The car crawled along the winding mountain road. Lin Yue rarely came to the vicinity of Charter Mountain. It was a stark contrast to the towering buildings and brightly colored neon lights of Night City. The vegetation was lush, and if the sun wasn't out, you couldn't feel the burning sensation of the ozone hole. It was the closest place to the natural ecosystem.

Lin Yue felt the morning breeze flowing in through the car window, and even though there were still many small things to take care of, he still felt a long-lost sense of relaxation.

"Sleepy?"

V wanted to roll up the car window, but Lin Yue shook his head and refused.

"I hope you're not too tired."

"Nothing went wrong tonight, that's the best outcome."

V nodded in deep agreement.

"Are you really going to believe what those programmers from the Ye family say?"

Lin Yue shook his head. "Rather than giving me information, it's more like declaring war on me—knowing that I can't do anything about what they have outside the Black Wall for the time being, they came up with this method to delay me and let them transfer important data."

"I'm just not interested in pursuing those things anymore."

In his hands was the evidence that the Ye Clan had breached the Black Wall; the Ye Clan now existed in name only, and was practically extinct...

"So, Minister V, are you still asking your subordinates about your vacation?"

Lin Yue then changed the subject.

Such a scene is so rare; he and V are like two materials that have been roasted and fused together in the flames, with almost no smooth road ahead.

Thinking about working together in the European network in the future, Lin Yue, who had always been tired of this, felt a complex mix of anticipation and worry.

V smiled and said, "Then you should feel honored. I am very considerate of my subordinates."

Lin Yue nodded in deep agreement, agreeing wholeheartedly; of course, he was very considerate of himself.

V knew what the guy was smirking about, but didn't want to spoil the mood at this crucial moment. Instead, he drove in silence, as if every breath was precious...

She also likes her current situation very much.

After a brief pause, Lin Yue spoke.

"V, has anyone ever told you that you're a perfect person, like... someone without any flaws?"

V will think carefully about any problem.

She frowned slightly. "Hmm... I've almost never heard 'perfect' used as a compliment. I've only ever heard Jack say, 'Girl, you're a precision machine, you have no weaknesses.' Of course—"

“My bosses are very satisfied with me, but they have never used the word ‘perfect’.”

"So you think I'm perfect, unique, the best girlfriend?"

V glanced indifferently at Lin Yue, his expression blank, but his fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel…

Lin Yue muttered to himself, "That's right, how could the protagonist not be perfect?"

V didn't quite hear, it was all because of the big truck coming from the opposite direction...

"Yes, I think your life, resume, appearance, etc., are the kind that many people envy."

V clearly didn't want to hear this.

"It's strange... You rarely give people a nice look, but I still find you very attractive."

Lin Yue was probably exhausted, talking nonstop without thinking, completely oblivious to the impact his words would have on the girl…

The morning clouds dyed the thin clouds of the night city red, and also dyed the girl's face red.

"actually…"

"Everyone says that: elite education, good family, except for the parents dying too early...maybe it's the same as what you said."

Can I show you something?

V asked earnestly, extending an invitation like a child.

Lin Yue stared blankly at the girl beside him, whose appearance was familiar yet whose temperament was completely different…

"May I?"

V was getting anxious, as if she was afraid of being rejected.

Lin Yue wanted to tease her, and after a while, he made a stubborn and tense expression on his face and said with satisfaction, "As long as it's with you, anywhere is fine."

……

……

(End of this chapter)