Mr. Lin is the first to sell out his people so decisively.
Even middlemen backed by big corporations, like Faraday, wouldn’t dare sell mercenaries . If too many are sold, who would still fight for you?
Even if the mercenaries don’t cause trouble, your career as a middleman would likely be over.
But Wagako felt that Lin Miao truly didn’t care about their lives and didn’t have any intention to back down.
"Is that so... that’s quite unfortunate. Perhaps Chengtailang might have provoked someone."
Wagako sighed, just about to say something, when she heard Lin Miao abruptly speak.
"Rather than worrying about how Zhengfa Chengtailang died, I’d like to ask first how my losses should be compensated, Wagako-san."
"Bringing over a hundred people to my shop to cause trouble out of the blue, smashing my factory, killing my security, terrifying my employees, disrupting my deal with Mr. Gustav — if there’s no compensation at all, Wagako-san, our future business might be a bit difficult."
What a damn flexible double standard.
Just a moment ago you said those people are mercenaries drinking in your factory, and now the next second they’ve turned into your security, right?
What is it? Eight people living in one room at the mere mention of demolition?
This shameless audacity would retreat three paces even before heavy subdermal armor.
"Mr. Lin, do you plan to seek compensation from Zhengfa Chengtailang?"
The person responsible should be the one to pay compensation. The Tiger Claw gang wouldn’t have other groups compensate for the East Mountain Group. Not causing trouble for Lin Miao is the biggest concession.
"So can I take your words to mean you agree that I should receive all of Chengtailang’s properties?"
"Mr. Lin, in this world, people who are too greedy don’t live long."
"Greed is a subjective proposition. Some see others picking up chopsticks and think they’re eating too much, not realizing this is an expression of greed itself. Inviting someone to the table but not letting them eat is impolite."
The tip-off about Chengtailang coming was given by Wagako, and now that I’ve dealt with Chengtailang, you try to ditch me to dine alone — aren’t you afraid of busting yourself from overeating?
If it’s difficult, then drop it! (flipping over)
Indeed, this was because Lin Miao, in a self-defense counterattack last time, killed Huang Ban’s hacker, causing Chengtailang to offend Huang Ban. Not only did he fail to catch the person, but he also lost things. The fact he hasn’t been directly killed is already due to behind-the-scenes operations.
God knows how many people within the Tiger Claw gang are eyeing the East Mountain Group’s territory.
Plus, Chengtailang’s actions offended many people.
This time, it was merely everyone borrowing Lin Miao’s knife to kill.
"Then Mr. Lin, what are your thoughts? Feel free to share."
"I can forgo the territory and assets of the East Mountain Group, don’t care about the people, 500K, and this matter will be settled."
"500K... Zhengfa Chengtailang probably didn’t even know his head is worth that much, Mr. Lin, you’re asking for a lot."
"Does this mean I should go to the Phoenix Club to take the money myself?"
"Or do you think I’m the kind of street mercenary who can be commanded with just a bit of cash?"
"Not a penny less, or I’ll go to the Phoenix Club for money. I believe you wouldn’t want to see that happen, would you?"
Wagako’s breath caught; she hadn’t expected the other party to be so determined, with no intention of bargaining, ready to lock in the price, with the implication of raiding the Phoenix Club if unpaid.
Wagako didn’t want to fall out with Lin Miao. Initially, she thought he was just a somewhat resourceful corporate drone, never realizing he had a loyal group of mercenaries, numbering over a hundred, with some technological reserves.
These elements combined are already enough for her to value this semi-partner.
Indeed, the Tiger Claw gang, in terms of size and strength, ranks top tier in Night City, but internal factions are rife, with mutual conflicts aplenty.
Wagako’s eyes flickered, reflecting for a moment before she slowly said in a steady tone.
"Alright, Mr. Lin, I can try my best to secure your request, but..."
"We’re also very interested in the new equipment Valentino and the Sixth Street Gang purchased from you. If we can deepen our connection, perhaps this money is not impossible."
For the Tiger Claw gang, reputation is paramount, but business always takes precedence over face.
The moment the exoskeleton from the Valentino gang appeared at the office, Wagako got the video immediately.
If this thing could be held in her own hands, it would definitely help in future profit contests.
Of course, it must not bear the styles of those two groups; it has to be uniquely Tiger Claw gang’s.
Lin Miao blinked, took out a tablet from his pocket, and placed it on the table, prepared.
"Forget about investment, I prefer things clean, but it sounds like you’re seeking this item, right?"
Wagako was initially displeased at the outright rejection of the Tiger Claw gang’s olive branch, but held her temper and looked more closely; on the screen was a short poem.
"Life at seventy, powerful cries of rage."
"Holding my treasured sword, slaughtering both Buddha and demon."
"Tiger Claw Tachi, slashing and scattering the rainbow."
"This era, created by me."
"This era, created by me..."
Wagako kept murmuring the poem, even her long-stilled heart started pounding.
Most importantly, this poem fits Tiger Claw from every aspect.
"Life at seventy, powerful cries of rage."
The Tiger Claw gang existed before the fourth Corporate War in the 20s, but at that time was not as powerful as it is today.