Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 229 Family and Backers

“It’s so good to hear you say that, Mrs. Wells… The Vortex Gang has been quite active lately; they’ve all been struggling financially—Cambo has been good to you and your son, and it’s all about the well-being of the brothers, so I hope you understand.”

Mrs. Wells reached out to interrupt Hector.

"Of course... it's not surprising that Night City makes money in any way. I just want to know, what are your plans regarding the municipal government?"

Compared to other gangs, the Valentino gang's ability to remain entrenched in Heywood, constantly battling the Sixth Street and Vortex gangs, stems from their unity. This family-like core makes them difficult to dismantle by external forces; of course, their resistance to other forces and external assistance is also quite strong.

In short, Valentino trusts no one except for those who are ruthless enough to swear blood oaths or have clearly defined their beliefs!
Many people in the city hall are very hostile towards the Mexican boys, and companies are unwilling to deal with them. It seems that the Valentino gang's business has a strong resemblance to the old Mafia or the Razorfen Downs.

Hector shook his head. “As I said, times have changed too much… Going it alone, doing what others have left over, won’t get you far; my brothers follow me because I have a way of getting things done in the city… Let’s just say, the Night City prosecutor won’t bother me.”

This guy is even more arrogant than Jack imagined.

"And then there's the NCPD. Heywood isn't a place where they can run wild. We'll deal with as many as they come. We're only here."

"Lord, forgive me."

After saying this, Hector leaned back in his chair.

Mrs. Wells looked surprised. "Jack, what has Valentino relied on to get to where he is today?"

Jack opened his hand, which was holding a cigarette, and glanced at his mother with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

Mrs. Wells patted Jack's broad shoulder and said, "Say it, son; Valentine helped us a lot, and even though you're gone, you're still a part of it. There are things we can't forget."

The old Jack would have answered this question without hesitation.

But right now...

Jack muttered, "I don't trust the company, I don't trust anyone else, only our family and brothers."

Hector had initially appeared quite relaxed, believing that bringing out his connections would subdue this respected "mascot" of the Valentino gang—yes, that's how he always viewed Mrs. Wells; of course, he probably didn't know that Mrs. Wells had helped many of the Valentino kids at the Wild Wolf Bar, whether with money or a taco…

“I told you, that’s outdated. Valentino doesn’t need that kind of thing—money, guns, prosthetics!”

Hector then looked at Jack, "Heywood, many people know that you've done a few things for the company...is that right?"

It must be said that Hector's scheme was very successful, and he was a ruthless character.

In fact, he brought none of his trusted confidants today, but rather some wavering cadres, such as those who had received favors from the Jack family, or those left behind by Campbell.

Now that these words are spoken openly, even those gang members who didn't want to make things so ugly have changed their expressions...

屮?
Is what Hector said true?

Only then did Mrs. Wells sigh with relief. In all things that happen between people, there is only the principle of reason. Hector had targeted the cultural foundation of Valentino's hatred of the company and was trying to undermine Mrs. Wells's authority in the gang.

In fact, this woman, who was domestically abused by members of the Valentino gang when she was young, and her children have become part of the group who have come to see life for what it is like.

Jack was a big shot in Valentino's inner circle. At least if something happened to Jack, Valentino would have plenty of people to help Wells. At the same time, because of the wolf, Mrs. Wells had a lot of control over Haywood's affairs, and Campbell also intentionally or unintentionally handed over some shady business to her. As a result, although Jack was not one of Valentino's people, his family actually had a close relationship with Valentino.

Mrs. Wells may not be a prominent figure, but the Haywood boys all wanted her to be their godmother when they got married or had children; and there's another saying: she knows everything that has happened to Haywood, even if it's related to the company.

"You made a mistake, Jack."

Mrs. Wells' tone was never gentle when she was angry; it was even a bit fierce, making her the epitome of a strict mother.

“I saw that young man last time… he and that girl named V. We’re unlikely to be on the same path, Jack, you should know that.”

Now the young men of Valentino could finally put aside their last bit of hesitation; Mrs. Wells' son had an unclear relationship with the company…

Why can't they start a new business with Hector? There are more jerks in City Hall, the prosecutor's office, and the NCPD than in the corporation.
"Jack, is what Hector said true?"

The Haywood member who had just advised Jack against acting rashly looked conflicted. "You've done things for the company? Damn... it wasn't a job given to you by a middleman, right?"

"Oh shit…"

"Jack?!"

Mrs. Wells allowed Jack to endure these questions.

She's a loving mother. Are there any good people in Night City Corporation? Maybe there were at first, but the people Jack has been in contact with seem too dangerous—especially that calm-looking young man from last time, whose demeanor was flawless. She's seen countless people, and the only information he exudes is probably "dangerous."

Yes, her name is Rin.

Valentino was seen having two men from Arasaka block the two young men from Night City, the same two who caused trouble at the Wild Wolf Bar.

And then there's that girl named V, whom Mrs. Wells admires—efficient, beautiful, and energetic—but she works for the company, and the reason Mrs. Wells hasn't interfered is simply because the girl's character is somewhat reliable.

Jack stared intently at the troublemaker.

Hector retaliated.

“Denial won’t work, Jack. I have plenty of evidence of your illicit affair with Arasaka, Mrs. Wells. You should know something about your son, shouldn’t you? Perhaps—”

As he spoke, he kept watching Mrs. Wells' expression with a sly look.

At this critical juncture, Jack decided to stop hiding it. "I have to tell your buddy... I've left the Valentino gang, though I'm sticking to the family motto of 'all family are brothers and sisters'... As for who I work for or who I know, what does it have to do with you? Do you expect Wild Wolves to be your drug den? —"

"You're fucking dreaming!"

I don't know why Mrs. Wells didn't stop Jack.

But Hector clearly achieved his goal: to tear this relationship apart…

"Did you hear everything?"

“Everyone in Heywood knows you want to be a big shot, famous all over the world—” Hector stood up, “Then we’ll see, and see if Heywood’s brothers and sisters listen to me or you! Let’s go!”

Everyone wore expressions of disappointment, except for Mrs. Wells and Peppy.

Jack didn't choose to use force. He knew that killing this bastard today would reduce a lot of trouble, but his mother would have nowhere to stay in Heywood, and after Campbell was released from prison, he would only be able to face a Valentino gang that had long since changed its appearance.

Instead of cursing or swearing in front of his mother, Jack simply waited impatiently for Mrs. Wells's scolding...

The imagined storm never came.

Mrs. Wells sat down next to Jack. “It seems he is well prepared, Jack. Whether the Wild Wolf can be saved or not has little to do with you—I believe that after all these years, everyone will give me, an old lady, some face.”

“It’s you, Jack… I remember you lying in the hospital, and Campbell told me you were dying. I knelt down before the Lord and prayed, repeatedly telling Him I couldn’t lose you.”

Jack touched his nose guiltily.

A mother's love can be stern or gentle, but it's always for her child's safety.

"Look at you, all covered in dust and dirt again."

“I’ve heard you’ve been doing this lone wolf job for years, telling me it’s just running errands and picking up goods for people, but Victor told me everything… Jack, you love life, you love me, and you love Misty… but why don’t you cherish your own life?”

"What I'm most proud of about you is... that day you fought off that bastard (Jack's father) because you learned to protect, and I have to protect you too... right?"

"—Peppy, close the door, sit here and have a drink or go home from get off work, it's fine." As she spoke, Mrs. Wells put her arm around Jack's neck and shook him, as if she still regarded him as a little boy who was hungry and would complain incessantly.

A good parent-child relationship always makes it easy to confide in someone. Jack stubbed out the cigarette butt he had thrown on the ground.

“You know Mom, I have things I’m passionate about—and I’ll be honest, ever since I left the Valentino’s Club I had no idea what to do, compete, work out, box, or try to do some decent work.”

Jack's eyes were filled with helplessness. "But that's how Night City is. If you don't hold your gun tight, someone else will. Look, the Wild Wolf Bar property will be ours soon."

Mrs. Wells understood Jack's argument very well.

“I watch the shows that you young people watch too. Those street fighters, they’re all reckless—all vying to become big shots in Night City. That’s your dream, and I won’t stop you. But I selfishly think you’ll be safer if you leave the gang.”

"Think about it, you can't refuse whatever Valentino asks of you, but personal will has to be sacrificed... Take some middleman jobs, you can use your own judgment to figure out if you can survive with the money..."

The more his mother talked, the brighter Jack's eyes became.

"But there's one thing you can't touch, and that's the company."

Jack's face instantly turned dejected. "Ah... Mom, this is completely different. I trust my judgment of people. You genuinely like V, your colleague from the company, right? And it turns out she's never cheated me. Oh, and about that money she brought back last time..."

"It's the one you met at the bar."

Mrs. Wells listened quietly to Jack until he repeated the virtues of his friends several times.

"Alright, alright, Jack," Mrs. Wells patted the boy's shoulder. "At least we need to solve the current problem, don't we? Do you know why I agreed to his offer in the first place?"

Jack shook his head.

Mrs. Wells: "I know you too well, Jack. If I were to object, I would take even more drastic measures. Bloodshed between brothers... It would be really hard for Heywood to stay here. Besides, I've already gotten a lot out of you, so I hope you can stay put for a while."

"Also, I approve of your relationship with Misty. Try to focus on your lover—we're all worried about you."

As Mrs. Wells stepped onto the iron steps leading to the second floor of the Wolf's House, Jack grew increasingly frustrated.

My mom has always been tolerant of my choices, but now it seems that my choices have caused her trouble.

Peppy waited until Mrs. Wells had gone far away before sitting down next to his good friend.

"are you OK?"

Pepi asked the question while pulling down his sleeve, looking like he was getting ready to leave work.

Jack shrugged. "What can I do if my mom doesn't trust my two friends?"

Peppy pondered for a long time, "I think that Hector is a real jerk... He's a drug dealer by trade, and the Valentino gang changes people the most frequently in charge of this business! His backing is pretty strong too, and he's a tough nut to crack. It's not something just any middleman can smooth things over; Mrs. Wells is in for a lot of work."

Jack said irritably, "Of course! Anyone can see that guy is up to no good. Even though Night City gangs do all sorts of shady business, there's no need for them to pretend to be virtuous—but I just can't figure out where this guy came from. It's really weird."

Pepi gave a muffled reply.

"What about your connections? If Mrs. Wells and you both want to help Campbell... why not try contacting your two friends?"

"Of course, that's assuming your relationship is truly the kind of mutual support you're talking about..."

After saying this, Peggy silently got up and left the tavern under Jack's gaze.

Without much hesitation, and not wanting his mother to worry too much, Jack simply called V directly.

The profile picture kept flashing, but there was no response from the other end.

Jack tried calling several times, and even sent text messages, but there was no reply...

I kept scrolling through the contact list, and finally got stuck on [Rin].

……

Lin Yue lay on the bed, absentmindedly checking the various notifications in the communication system.

But those weren't the things on my mind.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that my mind is wandering; in short, my head is still spinning... V is too beautiful, and the aftereffects are too strong, that's all.

V's speed in making amends is beyond my imagination. Perhaps it is precisely because of her personality of daring to love and hate that she can portray the survival story in her mind so wonderfully.

What worried him was V's last words before he left.

She seemed to have a lot of opinions about Emma and clearly expressed her stance.

In fact, Lin Yue was completely unaware that he was now thinking about how to handle his relationship with Emma. Valerie's words seemed to have a natural suppressive force... In truth, he was also unsure how to properly deal with these people and his feelings.

The more he tried to sort it out, the more confused he became, and he lost all sense of direction, so he simply gave up and stopped thinking about it altogether.

At this moment, he was going to read all the unread messages, then close his eyes and get a good night's sleep before keeping an eye on the team to finish the last task. After clearing the text messages, Lin Yue noticed that there was still a notification on the call button. Being a bit of a perfectionist, he simply clicked on the holographic message.

"Gloria?"

Lin Yue had always thought that David and his mother's life was back on track, and that he, as a "great philanthropist," had done everything he could, so he didn't pay much attention to the two of them anymore.

But the sudden stream of comments still piqued Lin Yue's curiosity.

The phone call was very brief. Gloria's voice was soft as she intermittently recounted what she knew about David's recent troubles at work, her tone filled with worry. As Lin Yue watched, his furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and he even felt a warmth in his heart.

Especially when Gloria said that David found her whereabouts through the black market Mewtwo, I felt a sense of being cared for; of course, looking for company information in this way would undoubtedly bring me trouble.

"If you see this message, Mr. Rin, please call back... okay?"

Lin Yue felt a pang of guilt when he saw Gloria on the verge of tears.

He had no idea that anyone in Night City would actually remember a favor so readily, especially since this woman knew the company was in serious trouble and still dared to send him to her place to lay low...

How can this not be considered bravery?

However, just as Lin Yue was about to dial back, the instruction suddenly stopped.

Their lives had already gotten back on track, and my appearance had disrupted many established outcomes. It wouldn't be so bad to let this family continue living peacefully like this; perhaps it would be a bad thing for me to disturb them too much.

Along the way, Lin Yue knew that trouble had always accompanied him and would also deeply affect those around him. For those who had no ability to protect themselves, these things were extremely dangerous.

Lin Yue quickly put aside his emotional thoughts and silently pondered, preparing to reply via text message.

Lin Yue never expected that one thing after another would happen in the early hours of the morning.

And there it is, the phone keeps beeping...

[Caller: Jack Wells]

……

……

(End of this chapter)