Lin Miao knew this was just a courtesy, only a fool would take it seriously. Without a word, he transferred 10,000 from the 100,000 he’d just received and said, "No way, I can’t let my big brother take a loss. This is the money for the car, make sure you take it, and I want to buy another one too, not a penny less."
Truth be told, 4,000 for a second-hand black car was a bit pricey, but the old captain’s people would handle the paperwork. Even with after-sales service, it was worth the price.
"Hey, that’s too much."
"Consider it for drinks with the guys."
Lin Miao gave an extra 2,000, and while the old captain said so, he didn’t return the change.
Normally, renting a car was something managed by the lower ranks, and you wouldn’t find Reyes involved. It was only by chance while collecting cars at the dealership that Lin Miao met him and mistakenly thought he was the boss. A casual chat revealed his identity, but it was only limited to knowing the name, no reason to be that warm otherwise.
Reyes’s business and reputation weren’t as big as other middlemen’s, but he had a good eye, and the person in front of him spoke in a way that suited his taste, making him comfortable.
Of course, the most important thing was that during the chat, Lin Miao ’accidentally’ revealed to him that his people would settle outside the city in a few months, anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand, making money inevitable, at least dozens or even hundreds of vehicles in a big deal. Who wouldn’t want to make money?
And the business dealings with Ogata and Wagako were naturally something the old captain couldn’t ignore. Although they were in Santo Domingo, middlemen had their eyes everywhere, and the people Wagako sent out from Pachinko were worth his attention.
"Guys, a bonus for you all today, don’t forget to thank the boss."
"The boss is generous!"
"Wishing the boss good health!"
With the top boss speaking, the group of body and paint workers at the dealership naturally grinned widely and greeted Lin Miao.
"If there’s anything else you want, just tell me, it’s all covered."
"I need someone to come with me tomorrow morning to deliver a car to Stone Ridge Mountain Town." Saying this, Lin Miao leaned and whispered a few words into Reyes’s ear, transferring another 10,000 euros to him.
In less than half a day, 100,000 euros hadn’t even warmed up before it dwindled by 20,000. Luckily, Wagako gave him 10,000 herself, otherwise, Lin Miao wouldn’t have been so generous, giving money away to Reyes for nothing.
Reyes slapped Lin Miao on the chest and said directly, "Don’t worry, we’re all family here, leave it to me. What’s a few firearms, just say the word, new stock, and buy four grenades, get one free. As many as you need, tomorrow they’ll be delivered with the car, fresher than what those NCPD bastards have."
With constant wars, coupled with military giants like Huang Ban and Militech, firearms and ammunition flooded Night City like water — bullets were practically worthless, picked up off the ground.
"Leave it to you, my good brother. I’ll come to you first for business in the future."
They had only known each other for three days, and Lin Miao had spoken more in the last few minutes than in the previous days combined, treating the old captain like his long-lost sibling, with such a cloying demeanor it made one’s scalp tingle.
He didn’t even mention what guns he wanted or how many after transferring the money, letting the other party handle it, giving them full trust and face.
The old captain called over a subordinate, "Koqi, take my brother to pick a car, make sure it’s the best."
The subordinate nodded repeatedly and finally pulled Lin Miao away from Reyes’s side.
After the two left, the big guy responsible for checking cars immediately walked up to the old captain and whispered.
"Everything else is fine, but the trunk has water stains and a meat smell."
The old captain’s previously brotherly smile disappeared. "Human?"
The big guy shook his head. "System detected chicken meat, and it’s real meat. Judging by the water stains, a considerable amount... at least a few hundred kilos."
"Real meat... interesting... this guy’s background is even deeper than I imagined. How come I’d never heard of such a person before... this is a dragon from across the river." The old captain pursed his lips and saw a subordinate making a throat-cutting gesture to him.
"Hell no..." Reyes kicked the subordinate and said, frustrated, "Seth, can you grow some insight? If you can’t find out his background and even Wagako sent him out herself, could he be an ordinary person? If you had half his skills, you’d be making it big by now. Later, you’re driving him back, this guy’s not simple, pay attention and remember stuff."
As a middleman, they had to be well-informed, knowing everything happening in town. It’s likely Lin Miao’s name and photo had been sent to all the middlemen already — they clearly knew what should and shouldn’t be done. How could he flip just for a deal worth a few tens of thousands without investigating? Besides, Lin Miao had dropped hints about big business in the future, showing he wasn’t just any ordinary person, definitely with a background.
And he took the money and didn’t go for cybernetic implants, but instead came to buy cars and guns, probably planning a big move.
The scolded subordinate could only shrink his head, grumbling inwardly,
"Who knows if this guy’s planning a job and then buying a car to get out of town..."