Chapter 6: Company Benefits: To the Moon!
"Mr. Li Ang, I'd still prefer you call me Lucy. People who frequent Night City don't usually go around flaunting their real names."
Lucy flicked the delicate short white hair beside her ear and stared intently at Li Ang with her mesmerizing eyes. She opened her left hand and tossed a few chips onto the counter.
"These are the Arasaka dog chips you wanted—five in total, not one less. Now it's time for you to fulfill your end of the deal."
Just two days ago, Li Ang had used his connections in the underground black market to contact a middleman in Heywood, commissioning Lucy to steal chips from Arasaka's security dogs. The only requirement was for Lucy to meet the employer in person in Watson to complete the transaction offline.
For Lucy, the task wasn't particularly difficult, and with a lucrative reward of 5,000 Eurodollars, she gladly accepted the job. It took her less than half an hour to complete it; the most time-consuming part was the journey from Heywood to Watson.
"Miss Lucy, I greatly admire your professionalism. The reason I specifically asked for you is that I hope you'll join my team."
Facing someone as sharp as Lucy, Li Ang decided to be straightforward and stated his intentions directly.
Lucy, however, seemed to have anticipated this. She let out a few light laughs and countered with a question of her own.
"I've heard the buzz about Dogtown's new weapon being traced back to you. Is that true?"
On her way over, Lucy had been speculating about Li Ang true identity. She suspected he was associated with Militech, deliberately stirring up chaos to establish Militech's foothold in Night City. Alternatively, he could be from Dogtown's factions.
"It's true. And I have many more powerful weapons and equipment you wouldn't imagine—one of a kind."
Li Ang confessed openly. After all, he would eventually step into the limelight and deal with major players. His identity as an arms dealer served as a layer of protection, deterring small-time crooks from attempting to target him.
"So... are you with Militech?" Lucy's voice carried a subtle tension, which Li Ang easily picked up on. He understood her unease. Most corporate operatives didn't have happy endings—either they were eliminated in corporate restructuring or assassinated by gangs who coveted their wealth. Even their corpses would often fall victim to scavengers.
In comparison, being a mercenary or a freelancer seemed like a far more carefree lifestyle.
"Miss Lucy, since I commissioned you under the name of LA Corporation Arms, it should be clear that I'm not with Militech."
"My only connection to Militech is either as a business competitor or a partner," Li Ang said with a smile.
Despite his clarification, Lucy grew more convinced of his ties to Militech. Aside from Militech and Arasaka, no other arms company had the capability to develop advanced new firearms. Although companies like Darra Polytechnic or Constitutional Arms were notable, their strength wasn't on par with the two giants.
"Sorry, but I'm not interested in being a corporate dog. I prefer taking freelance gigs through middlemen. Whether I earn more or less depends on my mood."
As Lucy prepared to reject Li Ang offer, he raised his hand, interrupting her.
"Lucy, don't rush to say no. Take a look at the terms I'm offering—I think you'll find them intriguing."
With that, Li Ang pulled out a tailored contract from a drawer. Alongside a base salary of 50,000 Eurodollars plus bonuses and year-end rewards, it included Trauma Team medical insurance, a month of paid leave, weekends off, and a maximum six-hour workday.
The most tempting perk? The company's team-building trips were to the moon, with all expenses covered.
Lucy couldn't deny the allure of the offer. She found herself torn. Accepting the invitation might mean better prospects for her and her team, but what about her companions—Maine, Rebecca, Pilar, and Falco?
"Wait a minute! How does he know I want to go to the moon?" Startled, Lucy's gaze snapped to Li Ang, her eyes filled with suspicion.
Seeing her alarmed expression, Li Ang calmly said, "Lucy, I know your background. I also know you hold an irreconcilable grudge against Arasaka."
"More importantly, I know your dream."
"Right now, we share a common enemy and a mutual goal. I need capable people on my side. If you trust your teammates, you're welcome to bring them along."
"My sincerity toward you and your team is genuine. You don't need to decide right away, but you should act quickly. Time waits for no one."
With those words, Li Ang pushed the contract and a newly issued salary chip toward Lucy. Whether she stayed or left, he wouldn't force her.
Lucy didn't immediately look at the contract; instead, she locked her piercing gaze on Li Ang eyes, trying to discern his true intentions. To her surprise, she found no malice—only a rare, comforting warmth.
As she studied Li Ang cold yet familiar Asian features, Lucy couldn't help but admit to herself that she was tempted. Perhaps joining him would open up a brighter future for her and her team. Change might not be a bad thing.
"Alright, but I have one condition."
After a moment of careful consideration, Lucy spoke with solemn determination.
"Go ahead," Li Ang nodded, fully understanding the cautious nature of someone who had endured so much.
"I will not take on any missions involving the Blackwall. That's my bottom line!" Lucy's pink eyes gleamed with resolve. If Li Ang hesitated even slightly, she would walk away.
To her surprise, Li Ang agreed without hesitation. "Deal. I can promise you that."
Li Ang understood Lucy's fear of the Blackwall, rooted in her traumatic past. As a hacker trained by Arasaka, she had been forced as a child to battle lethal viruses and rogue AIs in the old net, living under the constant shadow of death. That profound fear had become a nightmare that haunted her to this day.
"LA Corporation has a core principle: we never force employees to do what they're unwilling to do. Even if you decide to leave, you're free to go—we won't interfere."