2077: V really knows how awesome he is

"This isn't flattery, it's the truth!"

"I know, let's go, don't keep everyone waiting too long."

“Hmm.” David followed V’s steps.

Today was the day the two were discharged from the hospital. V specially arranged a news interview, after all, Night City couldn't have only her as a hero. But unexpectedly, ordinary people also came spontaneously, crowding the hospital entrance.

Citizens came to congratulate their benefactor on his recovery, and tourists also wanted to catch a glimpse of the heroes. When V and David came out, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar of screams.

V waved generously, and David shyly followed suit.

Seeing that David was deliberately lagging behind him and intentionally letting him steal the spotlight, V grabbed his arm and pulled him to her side.

“Don’t underestimate yourself, David Martinez. You’re worthy to stand shoulder to shoulder with me!”

David was moved to tears by those words.

He was originally an unknown commoner, a nobody at the bottom of Night City. He didn't know how he got to where he is today, but if he had to find a reason, it would be all thanks to Sister V's selfless help.

Without V, his mother would have died long ago; without V, he would have died long ago too.

But he is still alive, living in this better Night City, living in Night City where he has a mother, a lover, and friends!

An unparalleled sense of happiness filled David's heart, and he couldn't help but say in a trembling voice, "Sister V, with your words, I would die happy!"

"Don't say such discouraging things. I'm here, I won't let you die." V glanced behind David and joked, "Besides, what will happen to Lucy if you die? I heard Lucy changed her last name?"

"Hmm." David said shyly, "My mom said it's not good for Lucy to live with me without a proper status, so she told us to get our marriage certificate first."

"What about the wedding?"

"It hasn't been done yet. Lucy is debating whether to go for a Western or Japanese style, since she's of Polish and Japanese descent."

"What's there to agonize over? Just do a Western-style wedding first, then a Japanese one. If you like, you can add Chinese and Russian styles too. Hmm, this seems quite interesting. Why don't we just go through all the wedding ceremonies from around the world?"

V rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought, while David was covered in sweat.

"Our budget isn't very large..."

“It’s alright, I’ll take care of the wedding for you,” V said with a smile. “You and Lucy just need to show up.”

These conversations were not concealed and were faithfully transmitted through the microphone. Nothing is more heartwarming than a wedding after a major disaster, and the crowd immediately erupted in deafening congratulations.

The old captain squeezed into the crowd, as proud as David's father, and pulled the person next to him, shouting: "See that? That kid on stage is from Santo Domingo. He's standing next to V. David Martinez is the best lad in Santo Domingo!"

The crowd cheered and cheered, while news aerial vehicles shuttled back and forth in the sky, meticulously capturing images and delivering them to every household.

Amidst great anticipation, V began his speech.

"Everyone thought Night City was doomed this time, but we were proven wrong! We defeated the enemy and the disaster once again, and Night City had the last laugh!"

"Several municipal officials were assassinated not long ago, and some people say I did it to control the government. Let me clarify here: I did not do it to control the government, because the Night City government has long been in my hands. I killed them because they embezzled and accepted bribes during the dam construction, which led to this crisis and the disaster that plagued the entire Night City! The reason I chose to use assassins instead of the law is not to abuse vigilante justice, but to tell certain people that I will handle what the law cannot handle, and I will deal with those who the law cannot deal with. When the law fails, I am the last resort. I am not some gentleman who deceives others; I am the infamous V!"

The crowd erupted in cheers once again. The people were not afraid of V's ruthless methods; they were only afraid that they would be imprisoned for their own evil deeds, while some others could get away with it.

V raised his hand to stop the cheers: "Let's leave the unhappy things behind and talk about something happy."

"Do you know what makes me most gratified in this incident? It's not that we won, but that we didn't lose. Why didn't we lose? Because this time, it wasn't just me fighting, but the entire Night City!"

"The military is no longer cold-blooded, opening its aircraft carriers to shelter children and the elderly; the NCPD is no longer cowardly, actively assisting citizens in evacuation; and ordinary people are no longer selfish, but help each other and spontaneously maintain order."

“It would have been absolutely impossible for Night City before, but now it’s been done. This makes me realize that my efforts have not been in vain and that my contributions have been meaningful.”

“Since my efforts are meaningful, then your efforts must also be meaningful. Military, give out bonuses! NCPD, raise salaries! Ordinary people, I'll personally fund your shopping subsidies! I want to tell the world that soldiers can survive without oppressing civilians! Police can survive without taking bribes! Ordinary people will be rewarded for doing good deeds. As long as you are willing to lend a helping hand, what awaits you is a real reward!”

V points to the camera: "Night City is such a simple and honest city, so what are you waiting for? Come to Night City for tourism and experience its unique and colorful culture! Don't worry about being robbed or getting lost, because the people of Night City will help you. They really can get rich by helping others! Tourists don't need to be envious either. As long as you treat people kindly and give Night City a five-star review, you can also get a tax rebate. If you come to Night City with 1000 euros, you'll leave with 1500 euros!"

"Choosing Night City is choosing a wonderful life! That concludes my remarks."

There was a few seconds of silence, then a terrifying cheer erupted.

At first, it was soldiers and police who were shouting, but ordinary people quickly joined in. After hearing that tourists could also enjoy the "benefits" of Night City, the out-of-towners who came to join in the fun started shouting like crazy monkeys.

There was no other way; this flood dealt a heavy blow to Night City's hard-won tourism development, so V naturally had to put in a lot of effort to promote it.

The company representatives were left speechless, as what was supposed to be a dignified speech turned into a money-giving party and a tourism advertisement.

The representative from Rail Aviation looked regretful: "It's not easy to have such a grand occasion. If it were me, I would have used it to promote my great achievements and enhance my prestige and status."

The Zeta Technology representative, who is also Abernathy's husband, said with a forced smile: "Prestige? Status? The churches in Night City have already replaced the statues of the Virgin Mary with V's face, do they need that stuff? The common people don't have money, so they keep shouting about money, money, money. Some people don't have any great achievements, so they take every opportunity to publicize their achievements!"

The representative from the rail aviation company blushed and retreated to the back of the crowd in embarrassment.

He was the business manager of the Night City Lunar Spaceport, while everyone present was the company's top executive or second-in-command. The difference in their status made him dare not cause any trouble.

Orbital Aviation rarely participates in such activities, always maintaining an absolutely neutral stance. V once thought it was a company focused on making money and not engaging in shady dealings, but after hearing the intelligence Delaman obtained from CN-07, he realized how much of a shady business this seemingly respectable guy was behind the scenes.

With the intention of testing the waters, V specifically sent a message to Rail Aviation. Rail Aviation maintained its aloof image and only sent a business manager.

Frankly speaking, most companies would have politely declined the offer from rail aerospace companies long ago; it was only because of V that they were allowed to make an exception. After all, with the renowned V personally speaking up, who would dare disobey?

Oh, there really are some who wouldn't dare. None other than these troublemakers from Night City!

V clearly stated that the image of the Virgin Mary should not use her own face, but the church in Heywood still did so.

Upon hearing this news, V was stunned. Watching the video, he was so embarrassed he almost dug a skyscraper out of his toes. But it's said that the incense offerings at those churches have suddenly become incredibly good. What can V do? He can only ask the tax department to keep a close eye on those churches.

After V finished speaking, it was David's turn to speak.

Watching him read his speech with a hint of nervousness, thanking this person and that person, Gloria was moved to tears.

V saw this scene and understood it.

This is probably how most parents would react when they see their child succeed.

At this moment, David finished reading his speech. He should have bowed and left, but he hesitated for a moment, crumpled the speech into a ball, and said in plain language that was completely different from his elegant speech: "As much as I hated Night City in the past, I love it now. I will continue to protect this city, protect our Night City!"

The crowd erupted in another burst of cheers, even more enthusiastic than when V had spoken.

why?

Because V was too far away, while David was very close to them.

From an unknown young man to standing shoulder to shoulder with V, David has become an idol for almost the entire younger generation.

Some worried that this would diminish V's prestige, but V didn't care at all. She was eager for someone to help her share the burden, and the more Night City legends like David, the better.

After the speech, V and David returned to Arasaka Tower by car.

People spontaneously gathered on both sides of the road to see them off. The NCPD officers maintaining order saluted in unison as the vehicles departed. The heavy artillery operators, mantis operators, sniper operators, and assault operators of the Terrorist Mobile Squad acted as escorts, standing in four corners as the vehicles slowly sped away.

The hacker agent also wanted to join in, but unfortunately, he couldn't defeat the other four. Black and bruised, he couldn't understand why V, with his superb hacking skills, was also such a formidable fighter, while he was utterly useless.

Is the difference between people really that big?

That's right, the difference between people is that big. For example, V can drink a lot without getting drunk, while Xu Ling is allergic to alcohol.

10:14 PM, Laisheng Bar.

V and her henchmen gathered together.

"Damn it, why do I have to drink a mini Coke?!"

"Because you are allergic to alcohol."

Although Xu Ling repeatedly emphasized that her poor alcohol tolerance could not be considered an alcohol allergy, she was still forced to sit at the same table as David.

Seeing David holding a small Coke with a bitter expression, Xu Ling asked curiously, "Are you allergic to alcohol too?"

"No, I just don't like drinking carbonated beverages."

"Why drink it if you don't like it?"

David smiled happily: "Because this is from Lucy. She punished me because she felt sorry for me not taking care of myself."

Xu Ling felt as if she had been struck a heavy blow and took a step back.

Not being able to drink is bad enough, but now I've been forced to witness a public display of affection.

My dear brother in the cryogenic chamber, why don't you come out and let me go in and lie down for a bit?

On the other side, V and the others raised the small bullet cup together.

"Homage to David Martinez, a man of great life and glorious death!"

"Honor David!"

Everyone tilted their heads back and drank the pale blue liquor in one gulp.

David at the next table was both amused and exasperated: "Hey, I'm not dead yet!"

"You've become a legend even though you didn't die, and you can leave your own wine in the next life. You should be secretly happy," Johnny sarcastically remarked.

Indeed, ever since David single-handedly parted the flood, he has become a recognized legend in Night City.

Even though he is still alive, even though he has not killed any enemies, he is a legend, and no one questions it.

The reason why is that he saved many, many people.

Saving lives is the most difficult thing in the world than killing.

David did it, so he is a legend!

Vodka on the rocks in a bullet glass, mixed with a small Coke – that’s the David Martinez cocktail, meaning “great in life, glorious in death”!

V and his group drank themselves into a stupor. David and Xu Ling were sipping their glowing little Cokes through straws, their expressions one of utter agony.

But the more they suffer, the happier others are; this is the meaning of the saying that human joys and sorrows are not shared.

While they were enjoying their drinks, a burly Black man came over to toast V.

"President V, I'd like to propose a toast to you, and wish you good health."

V welcomed everyone, clinked glasses with the other person, and asked, "Thank you, what's your name?"

"Aaron Wiens, boxer."

"Alright, Aaron, best of luck in the match!"

The two downed their drinks in one gulp. Aaron was somewhat excited: "President V, thank you. Your encouragement is very important to me. I've passed the preliminaries and am going to participate in the Olympics. I will definitely win the first Olympic gold medal for Night City!"

Upon hearing this, V and the others immediately perked up and began asking for details.

Aaron Wiens spilled the beans, telling everyone everything.

He used to fight in underground boxing matches. The Animal Gang trained him, hired coaches for him, and helped him find training venues. However, he was also controlled by the Animal Gang and would occasionally throw a fixed fight for gambling money.

As the security situation in Night City improved, the Animal Gang fell apart. The most ruthless members were either dead or imprisoned, and the remaining members, in order to survive, had no choice but to unite under a new boss named "Angie."

This Angie didn't use that many steroids. She was smart and saw that the business of fixing boxing matches and gambling was getting harder and harder to do, so she simply went clean and started a boxing club. Instead of training boxers, she started training boxing athletes and embarked on a coaching career.

Aaron Wiens is indeed a promising talent. He easily qualified for the Olympics by passing the qualifiers. He came to toast V this time because he really admires V, and also because it was Angie's idea to ask V for some sponsorship.

Participating in the Olympics is a good thing. If Night City weren't not qualified, V would have wanted to bid for the Olympics. Now that she heard that Aaron Wiens is short of funds, she generously transferred 100 million euros and said that she would make a special trip to visit him later to see how Aaron Wiens is training.

Seeing how much V valued him, Aaron Wiens was deeply moved and repeatedly said that he must bring glory to Night City before walking away, his steps faltering.

"Is he drunk?" Johnny asked, leaning closer.

“No.” V poured himself another glass. “He didn’t drink alcohol, and the glass he toasted me with was just water.”

"Damn, offering water as a gesture of respect? Who are they trying to fool?!"

“He’s an athlete, and he’s about to participate in the Olympics, so it’s right that he doesn’t drink. It’s precisely because of his seriousness and dedication that I paid without hesitation.”

"I'm just standing up for you," Johnny said with a forced smile.

V rolled his eyes: "Unsolicited kindness is always suspicious. What is it?"

"It's nothing major, I just want you to invest some money in me, I'm thinking of releasing a new album."

V said disdainfully, "I heard that Roger invested money in you, and you used it to live a life of debauchery."

"How can that be called indulging in debauchery? That's a great subject for art!"

Johnny, has anyone told you something?

"what's up?"

You're a piece of scum!

"Damn it, this is slander! I never lie, I am selfless, brave, and loyal to the end..."

Xu Ling pointed at Johnny and said to David, "Look at Old Deng, he's only had a few drinks and he's already talking nonsense. His alcohol tolerance is even worse than mine!"

Johnny: ...

V was amused and said, "20, that's the most I can do."