Capítulo 200: Chapter 199
Future chapters at patreon.com/FFAddict. Additionally, I have many new works readers may be interested in. Go look! Thanks!
In the Valley District, Peace Park.
A business skyscraper towered over the bustling street, its silver-gray glass facade reflecting a golden shimmer, shining brightly.
In front of the large revolving glass entrance, two red security lights lit up, separating the crowd on both sides, leaving a clear carpeted path in the center.
Dozens of security personnel in suits were busy maintaining order, exchanging information to prevent any unexpected situations.
Multiple renowned media reporters, wearing electronic ID badges and holding miniature microphones, stood at the entrance, warming up for the pre-event broadcast.
"Good evening, viewers. This is Channel 54. I am at the Highland Business Tower."
"Today, spearheaded by the city council, Militech and Arasaka Corporation will conduct the first round of bilateral talks here, discussing the specifics of handling the attack incident."
"This round of talks will not only determine the future relationship between the two companies but will also have a profound impact on global affairs."
"Currently, Arasaka Corporation has not made any public apologies, and some citizens are pessimistic about the outcomes of these talks."
"Militech's spokesperson, Meredith, stated that Militech is committed to stabilizing both Night City and the global situation and does not wish to escalate the conflict. However, their firm stance and positions remain unchanged. Arasaka Corporation should be held accountable for their actions instead of evading responsibility…"
A female reporter in a blue uniform skirt continued her commentary. Her electronic ID badge indicated she was from the World News Corporation.
"The ongoing conflict between Arasaka Corporation and Militech has already caused global stock market turbulence and economic contraction."
"According to our intelligence sources, the losses caused by the attack incident to both parties are within controllable limits. Militech's repeated public statements aim to escalate the situation to gain more benefits in their struggle with Arasaka."
"An insider from Arasaka revealed that the conflicts between their small forces in the outskirts are not uncommon, and labeling this as an attack is extremely irresponsible. Arasaka still seeks a more prudent negotiation approach."
Reporters on-site continued to express their views and opinions on the bilateral talks between the two companies.
Soon after, a black business convoy approached Highland Tower, catching the attention of the numerous cameras.
Jefferson Peralez, dressed in a silver suit, stepped out of the car with his bodyguards immediately surrounding him.
Mrs. Peralez followed, walking gracefully to her husband's side and gently linking arms with him. She faced the cameras confidently, exuding charm and authority.
The presence of the city council delegation caused an immediate sensation. Flashbulbs went off as reporters crowded around, stretching out microphones in hopes of an interview.
"Councilman Jefferson, what are your views on the upcoming bilateral talks? Will the conflict between these two giants escalate?"
"It's rumored that you were invited by Arasaka to host these talks. Will you be biased towards Arasaka during the negotiations?"
"Is Night City prepared for large-scale conflict? Could a hot war between these companies escalate into the Fifth Corporate War?"
Facing the barrage of questions, the Peralez couple did not hurry to leave. They listened intently, showing earnestness and grace.
Mrs. Peralez smiled slightly, maintaining her poised demeanor. Jefferson, mustering a faint smile, patiently responded.
"I am hosting these talks on behalf of the city council at the invitation of both companies."
"However, during the actual negotiations, I will uphold principles of fairness and reason, striving for the successful conclusion of bilateral peace talks."
"I must stress that we need a prosperous Night City, not a ruin."
"Thank you!"
After finishing his statement, Jefferson led Mrs. Peralez towards the hotel's entrance under the protection of their bodyguards, leaving the scene.
Jefferson arrived slightly ahead at the meeting center, waiting in the lounge. Despite having a moment to relax, his mind was occupied with the upcoming meeting's process and outcome.
His role as the city council mediator for the bilateral talks was primarily due to Arasaka's invitation. Surprisingly, Militech also agreed to this arrangement.
Acting Mayor Holt, who had been actively trying to secure this role, seemed particularly keen on this opportunity, considering the critical election period. Every candidate needed a major event to rally public support and votes.
Mediating talks between these corporate giants was the perfect opportunity. If successful, preventing conflict in Night City would provide substantial achievements during the election campaign.
Former Mayor Lucius Rhyne had used this strategy to maintain both city peace and his mayoral position.
The media extensively covered the situation, often exaggerating the severity to attract attention, nearly suggesting that a global conflict might spark tomorrow, initiating the Fifth Corporate War.
Standing before Jefferson, Mrs. Peralez carefully adjusted his collar, expressing her concern.
"The meeting is about to start. Be cautious. The two giants do not have enough reasons to escalate into a larger conflict. You don't have to be their buffer, lest it affects the election."
To her, the decision to hold bilateral talks indicated that the fundamental conflicts between the two companies hadn't reached a war-threatening level. Thus, negotiations were bound to succeed, though the manner and outcome varied.
If the talks ended unsatisfactorily for either side, they might blame Jefferson, claiming his bias.
Although Jefferson wasn't dependent on the two companies, unfounded animosity could adversely affect his election campaign.
Jefferson tenderly touched his wife's face, reassuring, "Don't worry. I'm aware of these things. They have no hold on me and can't disrupt my foundation."
"What puzzles me is why Tang Yu would invite me to host these talks."
"Last time at the estate banquet, he seemed close to Lucius Rhyne. Arasaka had a deep connection with the former mayor."
"The sudden involvement of me is quite perplexing."
Releasing his touch, Jefferson adjusted his collar in front of the electronic mirror, contemplating, "Neither company has mobilized large-scale armed forces, never intending to truly escalate the conflict. With this fanfare, I suspect the talks have an ulterior motive."
"Anyone would achieve the same results hosting these talks. If it were Deputy Mayor Holt here, the title of 'Protector of Night City's Peace' would naturally fall to him."
"It's a probing gift. No need to be overly anxious. I won't be swayed by the companies. I have my own stance."
Peralez looked composed, her hands folded in front of her stomach, "Good to have a stance."
"By the way, how do you plan to handle the other matter? If you intend to continue the investigation, I can arrange for mercenaries, though it's unlikely to yield results. Too many people wanted him dead."
Without turning, Jefferson responded gravely, "Investigate the reasons behind the former mayor's sudden death? I initially suspected Holt."
"But he lacks the capability to control the situation and the courage to eliminate his predecessor. There are other forces at play, so we must continue to investigate."
Mrs. Peralez gently reminded, "The company delegations seem to have arrived."
At Highland Tower's entrance, two business convoys approached from opposite sides, converging in front of the path.
Arasaka's convoy arrived from the left, Militech's from the right. The leading luxury business cars stopped side by side, presenting a standoff.
With the arrival of the delegations, the scene became even more dramatic. Countless cameras zoomed in, flashbulbs popping incessantly.
Next, the company bodyguards stepped forward, slowly opening the backseat doors and escorting the principal figures out.
Meredith, donned in a light gray uniform dress that tightly hugged her curves, stepped out. Her gloved hands crossed in front, she faced the throng of reporters with composure.
The noisy scene was barely contained by security personnel forming a human barricade, striving to hold back the eager reporters and onlookers.
Ignoring the barrage of questions, Meredith glanced over to the other side.
Following her gaze, a young man in a well-fitted suit stepped out, buttoning his jacket. Tang Yu, indifferent to the microphones and cameras before him, also ignored the reporters' questions and looked across.
Their eyes met, and both shared a meaningful smile.
Tang Yu walked to the front of the car and, with a gentlemanly gesture, motioned for Meredith to go first.
This moment was quickly captured by the media, turned into headlines with accompanying images and videos.
#Arasaka's negotiating representative signals willingness for peace talks!
#Bilateral talks: Is Militech already holding the winning hand?
Meredith glanced at Tang Yu, said nothing, and confidently walked towards Highland Tower.
Tang Yu watched Meredith's graceful steps disappear into the building, thinking that power truly makes one youthful.
With her recent promotion to Director, Meredith had firmly entered the power circle's center, evidently enjoying her current success. Her confidence and presence in front of the cameras were palpable.
Especially in the recent conflict with Arasaka, the media painted her as Militech's staunch representative.
Her firm attitude left many with the impression of her as a single, powerful corporate woman.
Given her successful rise and apparent delight, Tang Yu didn't mind introducing a little storm into her day.
Peaceful resolution was inevitable, even if Arasaka's top negotiator himself couldn't push for war. Saburo Arasaka, observing from Kyoto, wouldn't allow his son Yorinobu to act recklessly.
The key point of the negotiations is who bears the greater loss.
Neither of the two corporate giants truly care about the amount of compensation; it's all about the company's reputation and face.
For departments engaged in public relations, the company's reputation is the most important thing.
Tang Yu and Michiko Arasaka had just been promoted to this position, both needing a successful diplomatic battle to prove their capabilities.
However, for Tang Yu, these achievements were not so significant.
But for Michiko Arasaka, these accomplishments were the most crucial proof of her ability.
Tang Yu didn't mind giving Michiko some face; considering the increasingly troublesome internal conflicts within Arasaka, he needed to arrange several backup plans.
As long as Michiko couldn't remove Tang Yu, even if he were to lose power in the future, she would be forced to cooperate with him.
Tang Yu collected his thoughts and walked calmly towards the hotel.
...
In front of the projection TV.
David was lying on the hospital bed, eyes filled with astonishment.
The last time he participated in an assault mission, he mysteriously passed out on the front line. When he woke up, he found himself in a public medical center.
According to the intelligence feedback from the department's front desk, he had made a contribution during the assault mission by successfully obtaining the target equipment, and he was approved to take leave to recuperate.
David felt that apart from dizziness and some minor injuries, he hadn't suffered any serious harm. He originally wanted to be discharged, but Gloria stopped him.
Now.
He saw on the TV news that the two corporate giants were negotiating about the assault, and he immediately realized that the mission had been exposed.
During that operation, except for him, all the field team members had died on the battlefield.
David was bewildered; he never expected that his colleagues, whose names he hadn't even memorized, would all die in one operation.
How exactly did he survive? And how did he make a contribution? David had no clue.
He seriously doubted that something had gone wrong somewhere, and surviving was not a matter of luck.
David turned his head to look at Gloria, who was peeling fruit, and wondered if she had something to do with it.
He increasingly couldn't understand his mother, who seemed to be constantly involved in mysterious dealings, always bringing him unexpected news out of the blue.
When did all this start?
David pondered, trying to figure out the origin.
It seemed to have started after that car accident. Gloria became secretive.
Before, he never asked much about his mother's affairs; back then, he just saw a tired Gloria coming home every day.
Later, Gloria seemed to embark on a new life, gaining wealth, managing Lizzie's Bar, and standing in a position she couldn't have dreamt of before.
Gloria looked up, realizing David was observing her, and smiled, asking, "What's the matter, David? Feeling better?"
She had specially taken the time to keep David company today. Recently, David had been staying outside and almost got into an accident during the mission, which made her feel guilty.
David just shook his head and said helplessly, "I'm fine..."
After a while, he continued, "Mom, are you hiding something from me?"
Thump!
Gloria's heart skipped a beat. Faced with her son's earnest questioning gaze, she realized that some things might have shown traces, letting David suspect something.
If David really found out about her relationship with Tang Yu, she didn't know how to face herself or the two people she valued most.
She caught a glimpse of Tang Yu on the TV, meeting with Militech executives, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
Gloria quickly turned off the TV, desperately trying to calm her racing heart to avoid raising David's suspicions.
David glanced at the turned-off TV, then at Gloria, feeling a bit puzzled.
Seeing David's questioning eyes, Gloria explained, "I was worried the TV would be too noisy and disturb your rest."
David: "But just now on TV, it seemed like Mr. Tang was representing Arasaka in a meeting..."
"That's enough, Mr. Tang will be fine." Gloria urgently interrupted David, changing the subject: "What I mean is, Mr. Tang's participation in the negotiations has nothing to do with your mission; you don't need to worry too much."
David was a bit confused. He just thought Tang Yu's sudden promotion to the Public Relations Department was a good thing, not understanding why Gloria was so nervous.
But it might also be that Gloria had secretly requested something from Tang Yu, which is why she seemed nervous when talking about him.
"Mr. Tang can definitely handle this, Mom. You don't need to be so anxious."
"Uh... not anxious, you're right. Mr. Tang is very capable; there shouldn't be any problems." Gloria said, somewhat guilty.
David got to the point and asked his question: "Mom, I fainted suddenly on the battlefield, and my colleagues told me I made a contribution. When I woke up, I was here. Tell me the truth, was this all arranged by you?"
Gloria was visibly stunned. She quickly calculated that this matter might have little to do with Tang Yu, so there was no need to hide it from David. Revealing some truth might also dispel his doubts.
She nodded reluctantly, admitting, "I arranged for Maine's team to take care of you. You've met them before."
David recalled Maine's team, those Cyberpunks who abruptly barged into his apartment that night. He never expected that Gloria was still cooperating with them.
"Then Mr. Tang gave you information about the operation, right? Did you go to him?" David knew that Arasaka operations were strictly confidential. For Gloria to arrange protection, she must have gotten pre-emptive information.
Gloria nodded slightly, explaining, "I knew it was your first mission, realized it could be too dangerous, and secretly made such arrangements."
"It was Mr. Tang who I begged for help; if you want to blame someone, blame me."
"I know all the special agents died in the mission. I don't want…"
David understood the implications Gloria's efforts carried and appreciated her heartfelt concern, though he felt constrained by them.
Though he now worked for Arasaka, Gloria still tried to influence and control him, making him feel confined and unsure how to respond.
David knew he wasn't in a position to blame anyone. Without the covert protection, his survival might've been uncertain.
He said seriously, "Mom, Mr. Tang is now the head of the Public Relations Department and no longer oversees my department. Don't trouble him with my matters again."
"Revealing company secrets is serious. Never tell anyone about this. If the leak is detected, Mr. Tang will face severe consequences."
"You know? Within the company, everyone knows the Counterintelligence Department and Special Operations Department don't get along. Mr. Tang and the head of Special Operations have a serious conflict."
Gloria's eyes trembled slightly, realizing for the first time the implications of the intelligence she had taken for granted.
She learned that Tang Yu, almost at the risk of severe punishment or even being fired, had provided her with information about David before his crucial promotion.
If any link in the chain had broken, everything could have fallen apart.
Gloria felt deeply conflicted and gradually saddened.
She solemnly agreed to David's request, assuring that she would no longer trouble Tang Yu for such matters.
Previously.
In her eyes, Tang Yu was almost omnipotent, mastering every situation.
All difficulties were solvable by Tang Yu, overcoming trials time and again.
But she never understood the pressures and burdens Tang Yu bore.
Tang Yu's strength seemed so innate that everyone felt compelled to look up to him.
David sighed, rubbing his temples, "Mom, we owe Mr. Tang a debt that we might never repay."
Gloria felt choked up hearing this, putting down the fruit in her hands.
Watching David advancing step by step successfully, she realized deeply that it wasn't her aiding David.
"David, I'll find a way to thank Mr. Tang, but you must remember: our lives are truly owed to Mr. Tang."
David sincerely nodded and agreed, "Mom, I know."
As mother and son were talking, the room's entry monitor indicated a visitor.
They exchanged puzzled looks, wondering who else knew where David was staying. Could it be someone from the company?
David signaled to remain silent and then unlocked the door with his cybernetic eye.
Standing outside was Arasaka's Special Operations Director, Susan Abernathy.
Seeing a high-ranking company official, David greeted her actively: "Director Susan Abernathy, what brings you here?"
He quickly tried to get up, but Susan Abernathy stopped him.
"David, no need to be formal. I'm here on behalf of the company to check on your condition. Is everything alright here?" She said, her gaze falling on Gloria, a poised red-haired beauty who met her eyes unwaveringly.
David quickly introduced them.
Susan Abernathy smiled and said, "Nice to meet you. David has been performing exceptionally well at the company. You've done well raising such an outstanding son."
Gloria then realized she was speaking to the very person responsible for Tang Yu's troubles and who almost got David killed. Her gaze turned cold.
"Thank you, but next time, please think twice before involving new employees in such dangerous operations."
"Every life matters, doesn't it?"
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder