Chapter 9: Even Tarzan Can't Survive This!
The greatest difference between kinetic weapons and tech weapons lies in the former's ability to make bullets ricochet off surfaces upon impact, potentially causing multiple injuries to the enemy.
Most importantly, kinetic firearms are cheaper, making them perfect for equipping gang members on a large scale—both cost-effective and powerful.
"Listen up. This isn't some piece of junk you can cobble together from scraps. No matter how strong Tarzan thinks he is, one shot from this will turn him into minced meat."
"If you don't believe me, feel free to step up and test it yourself. Let's see if your sturdy bodies can withstand a single shot."
Li Ang's cold-blooded joke sent shivers down the spines of the two lackeys standing beside Chen Tao. They couldn't shake the feeling that this mad arms dealer might actually use them as live targets.
Click.
Li Ang casually loaded a blank round into the Crusher shotgun, all while explaining the features of kinetic firearms to Chen Tao in detail.
"Every kinetic weapon here is designed to inflict multiple hits on the enemy. As for Johnny Silverhand's tech pistol, its charged rounds can penetrate walls."
"These two weapon types, kinetic and tech, are built exclusively using our company's proprietary firearm technology—one-of-a-kind in the world."
"Those counterfeiters trying to mimic my products can only fool you with antiques from the last century. It would take them at least a year or two to even come close."
Chen Tao couldn't help but let out an astonished "Wow!" He found it hard to believe that weapons, like those seen only in sci-fi movies, had actually been mass-produced by a weapons company.
Lucy, standing to the side, was equally stunned. Her wide-eyed gaze at Li Ang seemed to say: Still claim you're not involved in military tech? What other company could produce weapons of this caliber?
"So, does this mean people hiding behind cover can still be hit with a tech pistol?" Chen Tao asked.
"Yes. After charging the tech pistol and taking aim at that bastard behind cover, you can fire. By the time they're dead, they still won't know how that hole appeared in the back of their skull," Li Ang replied truthfully.
Chen Tao burst into delighted laughter. This was precisely the kind of weapon he needed—one capable of annihilating the Tiger Claw gang!
With these weapons, why bother spending money on hiring expensive mercenaries? It would be far better to use that money to arm his own men.
Once his subordinates were equipped with these firearms, the Tiger Claw gang would be no match. Heck, even the anti-terror squads would have to think twice before challenging the Triads!
"Guys, come in and try out the guns! The deal's done!" Chen Tao shouted to his lackeys outside the door.
Soon, over a dozen Triad members entered the store. They began handling the kinetic and tech weapons, taking a few shots at the firing range inside.
Meanwhile, Li Ang and Chen Tao finalized the arms deal at the counter amidst casual banter.
"Each Crusher shotgun is €550. Buy five, and I'll throw in 300 kinetic rounds. The M-221 Saratoga submachine gun is €580. Buy four, and you get 300 rounds of ammo as well…"
Li Ang then thoughtfully assembled a kinetic-tech weapon package tailored for Chen Tao, highlighting his impeccable service.
"If your gang buys 50 economical kinetic pistols, I guarantee that the Tiger Claw gang's dogs won't even dare lift their heads under your firepower."
While calculating the invoice, Li Ang painted a grand vision for Chen Tao: "Once the Tiger Claw gang is driven out of Little Chinatown, you could even seize their Kabuki territory."
"By then, Watson District will belong entirely to the Triads. Every bar, nightclub, brothel, and braindance club will be under your name, Mr. Chen."
Li Ang's tempting blueprint for the future was music to Chen Tao's ears. He couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
"Mr. Li Ang, you're a straight shooter. I enjoy working with someone like you!"
At this moment, Chen Tao and his fellow Triad members were already daydreaming about exterminating the Tiger Claw gang and taking over all of Watson District.
"All right, Mr. Chen. Your total comes to €400,000. After applying our store discount, the final price is €397,000," Li Ang said with a smile. After all, these weapons were simply exchanged for company credits. Selling them off at any price was just a bonus.
If he wanted, Li Ang could even sell legendary-grade weapons at soda-pop prices. But doing so wouldn't make him an arms dealer—it'd make him a charity worker in Night City.
"No problem!"
Using his payment chip, Chen Tao generously paid the bill in one go. Lucy, watching this, couldn't help but feel envious.
Her yearly commissions barely reached €100,000, yet Li Ang had made €400,000 in just a few moments. Comparing herself to him was downright infuriating!
Half an hour later, the Triad members finished testing the guns and loaded crates of firearms into their vehicles. Chen Tao left the gun shop, fully satisfied with his new arsenal.
Watching the entire transaction, Johnny Silverhand shook his head and clicked his tongue. He turned to Li Ang and said, "Boss Li, you're starting to remind me of those scumbags in military tech—you're all just so good at doing business."
"Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll set up your weapons factory in the White House itself, and even the President of the United States will have to buy from you."
Li Ang chuckled at Johnny's sarcasm and replied calmly, "That's exactly what I hope for. But my ambitions extend far beyond simple arms trading."
"Yeah, yeah. You big shots and your lofty goals. Let me guess: building a megacorp to squeeze every last penny from people's pockets?"
"No. My megacorp will include sending people to the moon and exploring the stars. But for now, I need to establish my footing here—and I could use more hands."
To Johnny, Li Ang's words sounded like childlike fantasies. But to Lucy, they painted a hopeful vision of the future.
Going to the moon—what a wonderful dream.
"Look at your little girlfriend staring at you like that. Her gaze could practically cut glass. Is this how you sweet-talked her into your arms?" Johnny teased.
"Mind your own business!"
Lucy shot Johnny a fierce glare, finding this rakish man insufferable.
Johnny Silverhand smirked. "Wow, someone's touchy."
"Johnny, I understand if you're not ready to join me yet, but I do genuinely want to be friends with you," Li Ang said.
He slid a business card and a brand-new handgun toward Johnny. "Here's my number. If you ever run into trouble, don't hesitate to call me."
"And this gun? It's custom-made just for you. I'm confident you'll find it interesting."