Chapter 8: Ever Heard of Gun Kata? You Can Master It Too!
Though the deal this time wasn't smooth, Chen Tao keenly caught onto one critical point— Li Ang firearms needed to be restocked.
If they required time for replenishment, it indicated that Li Ang's company didn't have a factory locally. This was a strong sign that the company was likely an outsider.
Advanced weapons like the M-76E Omaha tactical pistol could only be produced by one or two top-tier companies.
A top-tier arms manufacturer without a factory in Night City? That could only mean Militech.
Militech didn't have a great reputation in Night City. It was the prime suspect behind the city's infamous nuclear attack.
The New United States had long sought to control Night City, aiming to transform this bastion of freedom into a critical stepping stone for national revival. Militech was their most significant ally. Meanwhile, Arasaka Corporation stood as Militech's arch-nemesis. Their conflict, entangled with various other factions, eventually led to the nuclear catastrophe.
As a result, most people harbored a mix of anger and fear toward Militech.
In this era, power defines justice and truth. If you're dissatisfied, go argue with God first, then come back to me.
Hearing that Li Ang might be backed by Militech, even the carefree Chen Tao forced himself to sober up.
"Mr. Li Ang, however many weapons you can provide now, I'll take them all. My demand for your company's products is enormous. Perhaps we can explore deeper cooperation."
Chen Tao restrained his earlier arrogance, his face now showing flattery as he addressed Li Ang. "Come on, we're both from the same homeland. You have to help me out!"
The city already knew of the Triads' feud with the Tiger Claws. The Triads lacked corporate backing, forcing them to bolster their firepower.
"Mr. Chen, do you know who our company's biggest client is?" Li Ang responded with a smile rather than addressing Chen Tao's plea.
Chen Tao, puzzled, shook his head.
"It's Arasaka Corporation. Only they can afford to purchase our military products in bulk."
As Li Ang finished, Chen Tao's face turned pale with fright. Even Lucy, standing nearby, couldn't help but glance at Li Ang in astonishment.
But she quickly realized Li Ang was probably bluffing Chen Tao. Otherwise, he wouldn't even bother meeting him.
"Mr. Li Ang… You must be joking, right?" Chen Tao's lips quivered in panic.
What was initially a gang rivalry had suddenly escalated to the corporate level!
Arasaka Corporation was one of the first investors in Night City and enjoyed unparalleled prestige. It was even hailed as the city's top corporation.
In the heart of Night City's corporate plaza stood Arasaka Tower, a landmark honoring the company. This was the city's highest praise for a corporation.
If Arasaka Corporation directly supplied weapons to the Tiger Claws, it would be a fatal blow to the Triads.
Chen Tao felt as though countless needles were piercing him, and a chilling shadow of death enveloped him.
The Triads were just a traditional gang in Little China, with income streams like smuggling, gambling, brothels, and protection fees. How could they stand against Arasaka's century-old empire? It would be as futile as an ant trying to stop a chariot—utterly doomed.
Facing Arasaka's overwhelming presence, Chen Tao suddenly felt a sense of despair. Perhaps it was time to pack up and leave for Los Santos—that didn't seem like a bad idea.
Li Ang could see every flicker of emotion on Chen Tao's face. Satisfied that his scare tactics were working, he decided it was time to give Chen Tao a glimmer of hope.
After all, as a fan of Paradox Interactive games, Li Ang excelled at manipulating people—hitting them hard before offering a sweet reprieve.
"Relax, Mr. Chen," Li Ang said with a smile. "I never said I wouldn't do business with you. Both you and Arasaka are my customers. Why would I treat you differently?"
"As long as you're willing to cooperate, I can guarantee that your men's weapons will outmatch anything the Tiger Claws have."
"Cooperate?" Chen Tao, snapping back to reality, realized that Li Ang's long-winded speech still led to him asking for something.
But he had no room to refuse.
"Mr. Li Ang, what do you need from me?" Chen Tao asked bluntly.
"Gather all the arms dealers and weapon vendors you know. Bring them here for a meeting. If anyone refuses to come, give me their names."
"That's… it?"
Chen Tao had expected a much tougher request but was surprised it was just about calling people together.
While he couldn't speak for other areas, he could definitely "invite" every arms dealer and weapons vendor in Little China and parts of Kabuki.
"That's all. If you agree, all the weapons in my warehouse today will be yours," Li Ang confirmed.
"Alright, it's a deal!"
Chen Tao grinned, delighted. If he secured these weapons, the trip wouldn't have been in vain.
"Mr. Li Ang, how much of your stock can you deliver today?" Chen Tao's voice was filled with flattery again.
Though Chen Tao, as the heir of his family, hadn't experienced the hardships of starting from scratch, he understood the value of flexibility.
If he could establish a good relationship with Li Ang, perhaps even Militech could become an ally. With backing, it would soon be the Tiger Claws' turn to suffer!
Li Ang was pleased with Chen Tao's reaction. Taking a kinetic shotgun named Crusher from the rack, he casually pulled back the safety.
The sound made Chen Tao instinctively jerk backward, nearly performing a basketball-style fadeaway. His two bodyguards, equally startled, reached for their weapons in defensive stances.
"Hey, guys, relax! It's not even loaded," Li Ang said with a helpless shrug, though he understood their tension.
After all, betrayal and backstabbing were everyday occurrences in Night City.
"Throw away those useless pea-shooters of yours. What I'm about to show you are real weapons!"
In Chen Tao's eager gaze, Li Ang began describing the firearm in his hand.
"As you can see, this is a shotgun. It boasts exceptional penetration and destructive power."
"Its kinetic rounds can even ricochet off surfaces. Ever heard of gun kata? With this weapon, you can master it too!"