The usual scene: Zig-Q on TV and all major dia outlets and so-called experts are either covering for the corporation or diverting attention.
Simplified, their ssage is—maybe sothing is happening, but we shouldn't take action.
Even at this point, financial channels are using the battle between Horizon Corporation and the Netherworld Dog to hype up Night City's rebirth from the ashes, claiming the economy is entering its next high-growth period, and investing now could lead to a class leap.
Their acting and line delivery are Oscar-worthy performances; one might think these guys are going all in for a showdown at the Forbidden City.
Even though Handz knows all this is a corporate maneuver to reclaim funds as much as possible, even he's considering running away.
But...
Handz can't forget the call Lin Miao made to him the day before yesterday.
The tone was calm, undisturbed, with not a hint of emotion.
Even though Lin Miao had just dealt with a joint assassination attempt by two Aguirres and Soviet Petrochemical, and Hansen had gangsters at the gates of a perilous place.
Handz couldn't detect a trace of hesitation in his voice; it seed everything was under control, and he even wanted to pull him into the fold.
And now, Handz heard that Horizon Corporation and Night City were being the fools, madly acquiring assets in Dog Town and Night City at low prices, seemingly oblivious to the impending radiation storm.
After all, Horizon Corporation is just a small company, without satellites, nor any setup for radiation value warnings, it's understandable that they don't know.
But this seemingly normal logic sends chills down Handz's spine.
What if...?
He ans, what if...?
Lin Miao knew about the radiation?
So many people from Horizon Corporation charging into Dog Town, even clashing with robots controlled by rogue AI and the Netherworld Dog in Little Beidou Laboratory, and that rogue AI later mysteriously vanished...
It's entirely possible Lin Miao knew of this... In fact, Handz suspects the nuclear radiation incident might even be tied to Lin Miao.
And the strange actions from the other side, wouldn't that an...?
This was his setup?
Upon thinking of this, Handz was taken aback but soon more questions arose.
How did Lin Miao do it?
Nuclear radiation can't be faked; the nuclear leak really did happen.
It's a wasteland, what use is acquiring it?
Everyone is dumping assets now, only Horizon Corporation and the Ye family are madly borrowing from banks to acquire assets.
Unless...
He can solve the radiation problem, or rather, the radiation was his doing.
Who has such capability?
It's a nuclear power plant, after all...
Then think again about the missing rogue AI...
Handz suddenly found a problem.
The project at the Military Technology's Little Beidou Laboratory… did it really fail?
What if Military Technology succeeded?
They truly succeeded in controlling the AI, then deliberately leaked so word that their experint failed.
After all, with the mouth on their side, who can verify it?
The more Handz thought about it, the more plausible it seed.
Military Technology successfully controlled the rogue AI, then faked an experint failure, used Lin Miao's hand to make an entry into Dog Town, and then employed the controlled AI to infiltrate Hansen's manufactured robotic army, disguising it as rogue AI invasion; Military Technology would have a perfect alibi to thoroughly suppress Hansen.
Plus, the reactor at Little Beidou Laboratory was originally Military Technology's asset, they entirely have the capability to disguise a nuclear leak incident.
Who would execute it?
Still that AI.
Only it, by controlling the robots, would have the capability to control the reactor without employing a massive human presence...
Don't be fooled by how it seems like Horizon Corporation is benefiting now, but in the end, doesn't Military Technology hold shares in Horizon Corporation too?
If this setup succeeds, Military Technology wouldn't earn a penny less.
A conspiracy
A massive conspiracy
Reflecting on the new technologies Horizon Corporation showcased, Handz feels there might even be involvent from the Ye family and the rogue AI.
The water runs deep here, deep enough to drown even him.
Perhaps...
He ought to talk to Lin Miao again.
————
Yunding, still under renovation, hasn't reopened yet, and even those 'Sex Dolls' are still being made, making the forrly opulent top club of Night City now appear sowhat desolate.
Thankfully, there are always two Japanese-style living rooms that haven't been trashed, which are more suitable for receiving guests than the office.
Knowing the customs of the Neon People, Handz took off his shoes and socks before entering and walked into the room barefoot.
"Mr. Handz, truly an unexpected guest."
Lin Miao arrived later but walked directly, wearing shoes into the room, without caring about the shoes muddied the luxurious bamboo floor.
"I'm curious why you left Heavy Heart Bar to co here? I recall the events of the day before didn't affect that place, did they?"
He sat opposite Handz with a faint, mocking smile, his words tinged with a sense of aloofness.
"Mr. Lin, as an interdiary, I wanted to discuss Dog Town's future with you…"
"Ehh."
Lin Miao raised a hand, cutting off Handz.
"Dog Town's future is in peaceful developnt of tourism; leave the interdiary matters aside, past matters should stay in the past, I don't intend to pursue them."
"Moreover, Mr. Handz, being a regular at Heavy Heart Bar, you're always welco to visit Taiping Continent for leisure, but let's skip the business discussions."
Handz only heard four words—eradicate completely.
But he won't give up.
"Why?"
"This is the future policy of Taiping Continent, I welco every lawful businessman to invest in Taiping Continent, but… no gangsters, interdiaries… such gray-area drifters, are inappropriate."
"But I recall Wagako and Reyes are also interdiaries, why are they exceptions?"
Lin Miao had long anticipated Handz would ask this.
"I've already negotiated with them, besides, they're patriotic."
Patriotic...
As expected!
Handz felt he had guessed right.
In North Arica, there's only one place where the term 'patriotic' applies.
New Arica!
This guy is with Military Technology!
Everything that happened these days was a setup by Military Technology!
But what's he supposed to do?
He can't just abandon the network and assets he's spent years cultivating.
Handz's legs shook with anxiety as he clenched his hands, gritting his teeth as he made up his mind and spoke
"I can negotiate too, I can be patriotic."
But Lin Miao didn't react to Handz's capitulation, just laughed slightly, showing a hint of disdain.
"What role do you play in Dog Town? Wagako is the mistress of Westbrook, and Reyes is well-known in Santo Domingo, many owe him favors."
Handz has always manipulated affairs from the shadows, rarely stepping forward to take charge.
There are advantages to this approach, in the event of any wind or grass movent, he can prepare in advance to abandon pawns to save the king, ensuring his safety while shaking off Peizhuo Petrochemical's watchful eyes.
But the downside is that once his ties are severed, he will instantly beco an isolated figure, unrecognizable even in a crowd on the street.
No public appeal, no reputation.
Compared to him, Gago, backed by Military Technology, seems the more suitable candidate.
"If I step forward, will anything change?"
In saying this, Handz wagered considerable stakes, summoning half a lifeti's worth of courage.
For stepping into the light ans his previously accumulated aura of mystery will quickly diminish, while due to Peizhuo Petrochemical, he must firmly tie himself to Lin Miao's chariot, seeking protection, or else risk being targeted by Peizhuo Petrochemical.
However, the expected promise didn't co; Lin Miao rely said with an indifferent air
"Succeed first, then we'll talk."
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