2077: V really knows how awesome he is

V's proposal has now solved this problem.

Night City's weakness ensured that the benefits of technology sharing wouldn't be monopolized, the middle class secured their interests, and the bigwigs rediscovered hope for reaching the stars.

Everyone was very satisfied, including V.

Because of the technology provided by major companies, Night City, despite its hard work and effort, inevitably gained benefits from the technology, as its hands, having handled the meat, were inevitably stained with oil.

In order to achieve technological integration and a true breakthrough in the ecosystem's technology, Night City also needs a large number of people to devote themselves to scientific research. This is the second future that V has chosen for Night City—a city of scientific research.

AI will replace researchers, but it's still a long way off at present.

V aims to capitalize on technological advancements as much as possible before that situation arises.

In her plan, ordinary people in Night City would work in the service industry, while highly educated individuals would devote themselves to scientific research. By taking a two-pronged approach, the employment problem would be solved, and society would be completely stabilized.

Of course, you have to eat one meal at a time; this can't be rushed.

The most pressing issue now is another important one.

After signing the confidentiality agreement and the research and development agreement, V spoke again:

"Thank you for your trust. Now let's talk about the research and development expenses."

Representatives from major companies: ...Damn it!

Meredith Stock and Joanne Koch were shaking with suppressed laughter.

Sure enough, V is still the same V, the one who's best at using other people's resources to his own advantage.

The company representative argued that since they had already provided the technology, they shouldn't have to pay any more money.

V's reasons are also quite valid. Our Night City just fought a fierce battle, suffering countless casualties and property losses. The entire city is torn open, and even the Aragaka Tower is on the verge of collapse. It's truly extremely difficult. Of course, it's fine if you don't give us money, but then we can only repair the city before starting work. The time for seeing results may be delayed a little, so please don't be impatient.

The company itself isn't in a hurry, but the higher-ups are; otherwise, they wouldn't have agreed to technology sharing in Night City.

A beggar's fear of death is merely a fear of pain; it is the all-powerful, high-ranking deity who truly fears death.

After much negotiation, the major companies came together and agreed to raise 2000 billion euros for Night City's research and development.

Yes, you heard right, it's 2000 billion.

Back then, V brought 2000 million with him when he traveled here, and he still hasn't spent it all, while major companies can easily spend 2000 billion.

Of course, this payment will not be made in one lump sum, but in installments.

Night City will receive 20% initially, another 20% after achieving results within a year, and the remaining 60% will be paid based on actual performance. Simply put, Night City pays only if there are results, and receives nothing if there are no results.

So by the end of the meeting, V had secured 400 billion in investment for Night City.

Then came the usual small talk.

Despite arguing heatedly with V during the meeting, the company representatives became amiable and approachable afterward, praising V for his youthful talent and expressing their desire to expand cooperation with Night City.

V seized the opportunity and hoped that major companies would support the reconstruction of Night City. The representatives readily agreed and made many promises on the spot, without causing any obstacles.

After the company representatives left, Meredith Stock and Joanne Koch approached.

The blonde, slicked-back-haired woman said strangely, "They were just on the verge of a fight, and now they're all arm in arm with you. Are they schizophrenic?"

“Heh.” Joanne Koch chuckled.

"What are you laughing at? What's going on?"

“It’s simple,” V explained. “You think that $2000 billion will all end up in Night City’s hands? Don’t be naive, they’re just like us.”

Meredith was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Damn, you mean they also use the 30/70 split?"

"The methods aren't that low-level. Isn't the remaining 60% supposed to be paid based on the actual situation? As long as they don't approve of Night City's achievements, they can naturally keep that money in their hands. My suggestion helped them swindle such a large sum of money; they're probably overjoyed. Their red faces in the meeting were all an act."

"Damn it, these bastards are really ruthless when it comes to making money!" Meredith Stock said angrily. "They're a bunch of parasites, harming the company's interests!"

V glanced at her and said, "I reckon you'll end up with a hundred or two hundred million."

“One or two hundred million?!” Meredith Stock exclaimed in shock. “Are you serious?”

"Of course, after all, you were an observer at the meeting. Those who have embezzled together are the best allies. It's just that your status isn't very high, so you benefited from my connections. Otherwise, you could have gotten even more."

"Holy crap, I've never seen so much money in my life." Meredith Stock excitedly spun around on the spot: "V, you're fucking awesome! I'm sticking with you from now on, I'll never leave you!"

V chuckled: "Not going to scold the parasites anymore?"

Meredith Stock rolled his eyes: "What do I care about the company's interests!"

All three laughed.

"Come on, come on, let's go for a drink after we finish the work, it's on me!" Meredith Stock called out, "Little wildcat, I'm coming!"

Happy times fly by faster than isomers, and as night fell again, V returned to his hotel room.

Michiko Arasaka is still playing video games.

V felt a little awkward.

She took off her alcohol-smelling coat and went into the bathroom, where she heard Michiko Arasaka's question again.

"Need a back rub?"

"Need not!"

Feeling that her tone was a bit stiff, V added, "Thank you."

Michiko Arasaka did not answer, but judging from the shadow reflected on the bathroom door, she was still standing at the doorway.

V felt it was necessary to make things clear.

"Well... yesterday was a mistake. We were all a bit impulsive, you understand?"

"Of course, we are both adults. Yesterday, we just did what any adult would do. Neither of us needs to take any responsibility."

V breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

The conversation ended there.

But when she came out of the bathroom, she saw Michiko Arasaka curled up in bed with her head covered by the blanket.

Fuck!

V cursed inwardly, but finally walked to the bedside and asked, "Michiko, are you alright?"

"I am fine."

V frowned: "You cried?"

"I do not have."

"Then let me see your face." V reached for the blanket, and although Michiko Arasaka tried to hold on tightly, V still succeeded, revealing a tear-streaked face.

"You still say you didn't cry!"

"So what if you cried? It's none of your business!"

"Miss Michiko, please don't be unreasonable. We just agreed that our relationship was just a fleeting affair."

"V, you're a bastard!"

Michiko Arasaka threw a pillow, which V easily dodged, but the next second a crystal glass smashed into V's forehead, making her cry out in pain.

An unnamed anger rose in V's heart.

"Damn it, just because I'm not showing my teeth doesn't mean I'm a pushover!"

V reached under the covers and grabbed Michiko Arasaka's ankle, trying to pull her out. The latter struggled desperately, screaming and kicking. The two engaged in a fierce battle, and once again... they fought until dawn!

in the bathroom.

V let the water pour over him from head to toe, his face filled with self-reproach and guilt.

Humans can derive pleasure from oppressing their fellow human beings, and this pleasure is doubled if that fellow human being is also a superior.

"I'm such a fucking animal!"

V turned off the water, quietly put on her clothes, and left the room like a thief.

Meredith Stock and Joanne Koch: "Is Miss Michiko feeling unwell again?"

V covered her face in anguish: "Please, stop asking."

At the meeting, V single-handedly debated with the assembled experts, winning over everyone and securing substantial benefits for Night City. The company representatives were all impressed by V's professionalism and competence.

“This kind of work state… the post-work euphoria is simply divine!” Meredith Stock once again uttered a golden quote.

After the meeting, there was the usual small talk and some sightseeing. V returned to his room again under the cover of night.

This time, she was determined to end this abnormal relationship with Michiko Arasaka. As soon as she entered the door, she said seriously, "Ms. Michiko, we absolutely cannot sleep together again!"

Michiko Arasaka nodded and asked, "Would you like a back scrub?"

V did not refuse, because she had already conquered herself!

Then, the two of them really didn't go to bed again, but instead... fought until dawn in the bathroom!

The next morning, V looked completely pale.

She poured herself a glass of tequila, thought for a long time, and finally gave up struggling.

"Forget it, that's it!"

The European Space Agency’s annual meeting concluded successfully seven days later, and V, Michiko Arakasaka, Meredith Stock, and Joanne Koch returned to Night City together on a private jet.

At the NCX Night City International Lunar Airport, representatives from all three companies came to greet them.

Leaving aside the fact that the military technology and biotechnology departments are busy currying favor with the two new presidents, Sasha and Jenkins have come from Arasaka's side.

Sasha is definitely coming as the personal secretary, while Jenkins was specifically chosen by V as the head of the publicity department so that the next publicity work can be arranged immediately.

V's eyes lit up with blue light as he sent the results of his trip to Europe to LeBron James, who was immediately astonished: "400 billion?! Is this for real?"

“It’s more real than pearls.” V chuckled and patted Jenkins on the shoulder. “With this money, rebuilding Night City will no longer be a problem. Share this good news with everyone as soon as possible. They’ve given everything for this city; we can’t let them down!”

"Yes!" Even the usually ruthless Jenkins became emotional in the face of 400 billion. His eyes glistened with tears as he exclaimed, "People will be overjoyed when they find out, and even my family will benefit. President V, although it might be a bit undignified, I still have to say—V, you're absolutely amazing!"

V accepted the praise; after all, she was a person too, and she needed the approval of others, just as she could derive pleasure from enslaving and oppressing her fellow human beings.

Thinking of this, V couldn't help but look at Michiko Arasaka.

Sasha was talking to her when V walked over.

"What are you talking about?" V asked.

“Let’s talk about your performance in Europe.” Sasha took Michiko Arasaka’s arm; the two were already good friends. “Before you left, I asked Michiko to keep an eye on you. Tell me, did you cheat on me?”

A bead of sweat trickled down V's forehead; he hadn't been as nervous as when he fought Kenichi Saburo.

She was trying to figure out how to say it without arousing suspicion when Michiko Arakasaka spoke up.

“V behaved very well. Although she had social engagements every day, she absolutely did not have any extramarital affairs.”

Looking at the completely calm Michiko Arasaka, V secretly sighed, "No wonder she negotiated with the US president at the age of 15. Her ability to lie through her teeth is truly amazing."

Sasha was easily fooled; upon hearing Michiko Arasaka's words, she immediately beamed with joy.

V felt a pang of guilt.

She decided to make it up to Sasha that night, at least until dawn, to treat her equally.

However, V still needs to work before nightfall.

The conference room in Night City's Arasaka was once again filled with people, as the talents from various departments reported on the current situation after the great battle.

Chapter 54 What mercenaries can't do, let me, who isn't a mercenary, do it!

"The Arasaka Corporation has officially declared bankruptcy and dissolution. The Arasaka Tower in Tokyo has been bought by Conto, and its branches in other countries and regions have been divided up by various forces."

“We’ve severed ties with Arasaka, which isn’t in accordance with legal procedures, but thanks to President V, the law is nothing more than a fairy tale. All the major companies have recognized our existence, and the various businesses that were originally with Arasaka have been amicably transferred to us.”

"Overall, the fall of Arasaka did not affect us. In fact, we received many talented people from Arasaka as a result. The Taihou Carrier Battle Group has surrendered and has been incorporated into our battle order, becoming a vital force in protecting Night City alongside the White Whale."

"This result has significantly increased our overall strength, which is preliminarily estimated to be 3.75 times the original level, and is not much different from the Tokyo headquarters. If we also include President V's combat power in the calculation, our overall strength has already surpassed that of the head office."

V nodded, but did not become complacent.

Because they have only surpassed the head office, and are still far behind the global industries that Arasaka has established.

However, she believed that she had to take things one step at a time and that with everyone's efforts, Night City would surely have a bright future.