2077: V really knows how awesome he is

Page 5

"Don't talk nonsense," Jenkins said sternly. "We and the Special Operations Department are both subordinate departments of the company. Even if there are some minor disputes, we are still one family. Director Abernathy is a person who values the big picture. She won't do anything reckless. You can rest assured."

Don't worry? I'll bleed your mother dry!

Abernathy is ambitious, and with Michiko Arasaka backing her up, how many departments has she already taken over?

Now she's targeting the Counterintelligence Department. Even a fool could see how blatant it was. At such a critical juncture, your boss actually ran away. Isn't that a clear sign of cowardice? Is she trying to curry favor with Abernathy and settle things by ceding territory and paying reparations?

Seeing the grim expressions on everyone's faces, Jenkins kindly comforted them, saying, "Don't worry, this business trip won't last long. We'll be back in eight days."

Upon hearing this, V almost lost his composure, because the originally planned 8-day trip had ended up lasting 9 months.

When she and Jenkins returned, Abernathy had already taken over many of the counterintelligence department's tasks and powers. A small portion of the remaining personnel were absorbed into the Special Operations Department, while the majority were charged with various crimes and dismissed, becoming cannon fodder in the power struggle.

This approach did indeed stop Abernathy's "attack" on the Counterintelligence Department, and the two sides even entered a short "honeymoon period." However, this was not due to Abernathy's kindness and friendliness, but rather because she needed time to digest and integrate the newly acquired forces.

A few months later, just after the New Year in 2077, Abernathy reignited the "war" with the Counterintelligence Department. Due to Jenkins' previous misjudgments, the Counterintelligence Department, having lost a large number of personnel and power, was completely at a disadvantage. As a result, Jenkins had no choice but to take a risk and make the foolish move of sending V to assassinate Abernathy.

At the time, everyone in the counterintelligence department was on edge, as Abernathy had practically infiltrated them to the point of being a sieve. V had just received her orders when someone reported her to Abernathy, who then preemptively eliminated Jenkins. With Jenkins gone, V had no one to rely on and was fired from the company in no time.

Last time, V was caught up in the situation and couldn't see everything clearly. But this time is different; she's not only stepped outside the game, but her experience and wisdom have also greatly increased. In her eyes, Jenkins' decision was as naive as a college student trying to feed a hungry wolf—pure stupidity!

What, you're asking why V was eliminated this time?

Nonsense, she has a net worth of 20 million euros, more than Jenkins and Abernathy combined. There's no situation she can't escape.

Everyone was dissatisfied with the decision and dared not speak up. But while they dared not, V dared.

“I oppose this decision. Going to Europe for a meeting is just too stupid. Jenkins, give up your illusions. It’s a fight to the death between you and Abernathy. It’s either you or her.”

Everyone was stunned; they hadn't expected V to be so direct.

Jenkins was even more furious at being humiliated and snapped, "V, you better think before you speak!"

“Of course I’ve thought it through.” V remained unmoved by Jenkins’ reprimand.

She doesn't even respect the new US president, let alone a small company executive.

V even arrogantly went to the liquor cabinet to pour himself a glass of Hundred Gods tequila before drinking it and saying:

“Abnersey’s background is incredibly complex. Her husband is the director of Zeta Technologies’ Special Operations Department, and her lover is the head of the US regional department at Comtour, a powerful alliance indeed. Moreover, she’s a native of Night City, has excellent relations with the Night Corporation, and even the city council supports her. Do you think she’s a hungry wolf, easily satisfied with a bone? No, she’s not a wolf, she’s a lion. An ordinary person is content with three meals a day, but Abnersey isn’t; she wants much more. Your concessions will only allow her to easily use us as stepping stones, climbing step by step until she becomes second only to the leader. Don’t you understand?”

Jenkins was somewhat surprised: "You actually got your hands on Abernathy's complete file?"

"Yes."

"These documents are highly confidential. How did you get your hands on them?"

Of course, it was given to me by you.

V's lips twitched slightly, and he answered evasively, "I have my own channels."

"Is it reliable?"

"Absolutely reliable."

“As expected of you.” Jenkins fell silent for a few seconds, then gave a wry smile: “We’re in trouble, V, big trouble!”

V nodded: "I know."

“We can’t win. Abernathy is not only what you said, but she is also highly regarded by Michiko. We have no chance at all, not even a single chance!”

V nodded again: "I know."

Jenkins ripped off his tie, shouting in a fit of despair, "No, you know absolutely nothing. Michiko is a dove of the Arasaka family. Growing up in Night City, she's the least Arasaka member. She's dedicated to changing the Arasaka's public image, cooperating with various forces in Night City from a very early age, even setting aside her hatred for military technology. Abernathy is just a pawn she threw out, a puppet carrying her will. So, the one we're fighting against isn't that bitch Abernathy, but Michiko, Arasaka Michiko! My God, that's the Arasaka family, the family of God. We have no chance of winning, absolutely no chance!"

Huh, is that so?

I don't know about this V.

She had never met Michiko Arasaka before, so she naturally didn't know what this girl was thinking.

However, as the old saying goes, V has seen all kinds of storms. She even dared to stand up Michiko Arasaka's aunt, Hanako Arasaka. As a mere member of the Arasaka family, her value is no more than two new US presidents.

Jenkins was gripped by fear, his entire body turning deathly pale, like a fish pulled from the water.

Without a doubt, he was used as cannon fodder by Michiko Arasaka.

He used his hand to feed Abernathy, and Michiko Arakasaka used his hand to feed Abernathy.

He felt at ease with the former, but couldn't accept it when it came to himself. Human nature seems to be inherently linked to selfishness, and in Night City, this hook is even more deeply ingrained.

Jenkins is a jerk, that's true, but who in this world can say they aren't? Even V, she wouldn't hesitate to shoot a stranger just to complete an $800 job.

In any case, Jenkins cannot be finished.

He may be incompetent, but his connections are undeniable. For V, who has no background, to continue climbing the ladder, his support is indispensable.

"Jenkins, calm down!" V pressed down on his old boss's shoulder.

"How can I stay calm!" Jenkins shouted excitedly. "My fate has already been decided by those above. I have no right to resist! V, you're smart. You couldn't possibly not see that! Maybe you've already sided with Abernathy, otherwise why are you acting like a completely different person today!"

Because I've truly become a different person, transforming from my younger self into someone covered in wounds.

V sighed inwardly, his tone softening unconsciously: "Jenkins, LeBron, don't worry, I won't side with Abernathy."

"Why? Don't tell me it's because you're grateful to me for promoting you."

"Actually, quite the opposite. Precisely because I was promoted by you, I've already been labeled by you. Even if I sided with Abernathy, I wouldn't be given important responsibilities." V said sincerely, "LeBron, you and I are already bound together, so don't worry, I will help you win this war."

Seemingly sensing V's determination, Jenkins calmed down considerably.

"I don't understand, what do you get out of helping me?"

V chuckled: "You know, I've been eyeing the position of Director of Counterintelligence for a long time."

Jenkins couldn't help but laugh: "This position is a hot potato. How about I submit a report right now and give it to you?"

"No, without your connections and relationships, I wouldn't be able to hold this position."

"Is it just about connections and relationships? I think you've overlooked ability and talent."

"Stop joking, LeBron. Don't you know your own limitations? If you were capable and talented, would you have promoted me to second-in-command? I've handled every major event over the years. What can you do besides kill? Every time you make a move, the entire counterintelligence department has to clean up your mess. You should just give up!"

Jenkins glared at V, and V glared back at Jenkins.

Everyone listened with trepidation, fearing the two would start fighting, but the next second, V and Jenkins burst into laughter.

"Haha, V, promoting you is the wisest decision I've ever made in my life!"

"Hahaha, LeBron, I'm so damn regretful to accept your promotion!"

The two burst into laughter again, then the laughter stopped.

Jenkins asked seriously, "Tell me your plan, V."

V didn't try to sabotage us: "The timing, location, and people are all on Abernathy's side. We have no chance of winning. If we want to win, we have to overturn the table."

"What about it?"

“Take a path that no one has ever taken before.” V shrugged. “Simply put, it’s about killing Abernathy and taking her place.”

Jenkins frowned: "I understand getting rid of Abernathy, but what do you mean by replacing her?"

“It’s very simple,” V explained. “The reason why Abernathy can act with impunity is largely due to the support of Michiko Arasaka, and the reason for this support is Abernathy’s complex interpersonal relationships. Michiko Arasaka wants to rewrite Arasaka’s image, so she needs someone who can navigate between various companies and forces. Abernathy can be that person, and we can be that person too.”

Jenkins shook his head: "I don't have the connections that Abernathy has."

“If you don’t have one, build one. The moon was originally a barren wasteland, but now a crystal palace floats on it.”

"It's not as simple as you say. Abernathy is because..."

"Because of her husband, because of her lover, because of her background?" V chuckled. "In short, it's nepotism, which is quite nice, but LeBron, the strongest bond is always self-interest. As long as there's enough self-interest, we can easily break Abernathy's network and build our own connections!"

"Interests?" Jenkins was somewhat tempted, but still completely confused: "What interests do we have?"

V was almost laughing: "Are you kidding me, James? What benefits do we have? We're the counterintelligence department. We have countless pieces of information. One piece of intelligence can get you promoted and make you rich, or it can destroy you. You're saying you don't know about such valuable resources? Are you pretending to be ignorant?"

Jenkins was dumbfounded: "You mean... sell the company? That won't do!"

"Why not?" V retorted, "You're thinking of the company, but has the company ever thought of you?"

"but……"

"I read a book about things that happened around 100 years ago, around 1970. At that time, the Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in a confrontation known as the 'Cold War,' and their intelligence agencies were also fiercely competing. One was called the KGB, and the other was called the CIA. The lower-level soldiers on both sides were mortal enemies, but their bosses were close friends in private. Later, the United States collapsed, the Cold War ended, and the head of the CIA was purged. He still managed to escape to Russia through KGB connections. After retiring, the two bosses became neighbors, played cards and fished together, and lived happily ever after."

V asked with a half-smile, "Old James, these two intelligence chiefs, one a Soviet and the other an American, didn't even know what the other looked like for decades. How do you think they became such close friends?"

“They…they…” Jenkins broke out in a cold sweat again.

“That’s right. They betrayed each other’s intelligence to get through the tasks assigned by their superiors. That’s why they were repeatedly commended during their tenure and became the most patriotic people.” V said with a smile, “James, we are also the people who love the company the most, right?”

Jenkins had been trembling slightly, but after hearing V's words, he gradually stopped trembling.

“Of course.” Jenkins looked at everyone like a hawk: “We are definitely the people who love the company the most, everyone in the Counterintelligence Department does!”

Everyone quickly agreed.

This is because of fear, and also because of seeing the future.

What can the meager salary the company gives out be enough for? Even if they work their whole lives, they still can't afford a single wheel for "Redfield's Sword in the Stone".

So, let's do it, let's fight it out, even if we die!

V laughed; she knew her words had worked.

After all, both calmness and reaction time are 20.

Of course, the most crucial point is—there aren't any normal people in Night City anymore!

“It’s decided, we’ll do as you say.” Jenkins also made up his mind: “The business trip to Europe is canceled.”

“No need for that.” V shook his head: “Abernathy can’t be taken down in a day. We also need time to develop. Showing weakness to the enemy at this stage is a good choice.”

Jenkins asked, puzzled: "What if Abernathy takes the opportunity to erode our power?"

“So I’ll stay,” V said with a smile. “LeBron, you go to Europe to show weakness to the enemy, and I’ll take charge here.”

Jenkins was taken aback. Even though his heart had long since grown cold amidst the dazzling lights of Night City, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion: "You'll be in danger."

“I know. But if you're finished, I won't be able to escape either, so it's worth the gamble.”

Jenkins' throat felt a little itchy, so he quickly coughed and tried to cover it up by speaking loudly.

"Great job, V. Alright, this is yours now. Starting tomorrow, you will have all my authority!" Jenkins patted V on the shoulder: "Do a good job, V! I guarantee that once you take down Abernathy, the position of Director of Counterintelligence will be yours!"

V smiled slightly: "Well then, thank you."

Chapter 5 A Day in the Life of a Corporate Dog

V stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the City of Night below. The masses of people looked like wriggling worms, humble, weak, yet full of vitality.

This scene is incredible.

It's worth having a drink.

V took a sip of the tequila in his glass, and the view below became even more beautiful.

It is precisely to witness such a view that people keep climbing and climbing.

The phone rings.

Jenkins' holographic image appeared on his retina.

"V, the plane has taken off."

"Have a safe trip, LeBron."

"Don't call me LeBron!"

"Okay, LeBron, no problem, LeBron."

"..."

After a brief silence, Jenkins said seriously, "V, be careful, don't die."