Chapter 75: Chapter 75
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As Gloria stood under the spotlight, the center of everyone's attention on stage, Tang Yu was sitting in a black Arasaka luxury car, leaning against the armrest, supporting his chin, and quietly observing the situation outside the square through the electronic car window.
This was a new business car provided by the Arasaka Corporation, with interiors wrapped in brown leather, soft sofas, and a double-layered wine cooler filled with fine red wine—everything one could need.
In view of the last attack by the Animals gang, the security department specially reinforced the car's security system with a golden-plated shell capable of withstanding missile strikes.
As for the other vehicles in the motorcade, they were public cars from the counter-intelligence department, which could be summoned with a simple phone call. The cars were equipped with an automatic navigation system, so in effect, only he and Gloria were in the entire motorcade.
This was Tang Yu's first time using the new car for travel, and the sole purpose of assembling this fleet was to give Gloria a show of support, to bolster her position as a newly emerged fixer, ensuring she has enough clout and confidence to negotiate deals.
The reason for building up Gloria's image was not only to support her ascent to the stage but also because Tang Yu considered it essential to begin cultivating his own power base as fast as possible. He planned to use his 'honeymoon period' as a high-ranking Arasaka official to lay the groundwork for future developments.
Tang Yu felt that many things were inconvenient for him to handle directly while wearing the cloak of a corporate executive. After all, in Night City, the vast majority have a disdain for corporate stooges.
Take Maine's team, for example; even after successful collaborations, Tang Yu could sense their rejection and apprehensions.
There was Rebecca, who harbored animosity towards corporations, Lucy, who always dodged Arasaka, and Kiwi, who was forever skeptical about corporations. Even Maine, who had some dealings with him, remained vigilant at heart.
Not to mention the reigning queen of the afterlife, Rogue, or even V, whom he hadn't met yet, was unlikely to be welcoming.
In the Cyberpunk world of Night City, there wasn't anyone who didn't despise corporations. In his previous life, Tang Yu, along with V and Panam, thrived because he had severed ties with Arasaka.
Transforming from a high-level corporate player to a street kid, he gradually earned the trust of Jackie, V, and Johnny.
As dual deputy director of Arasaka, while being Tang Yu's current shelter, also acted as a barrier preventing him from opening his heart fully. After all, he couldn't bear the repetition of a tragic past.
Therefore, Tang Yu chose Gloria as an intermediary, making her the first move in this game. He had carefully considered whether selecting Gloria was appropriate. However, after consecutive periods of interaction and understanding, he felt it was worth giving Gloria a chance.
Not solely because David Martinez might turn on a life simulator and potentially become a legendary figure in Night City, but also because Gloria's background, performance, and personality all fit his needs perfectly.
More importantly, it was impossible for Gloria to escape his grasp. David Martinez was studying at the Arasaka Academy, which was akin to being under his close watch.
For Gloria to achieve her dream and get David employed at Arasaka, she couldn't do it without his nod of approval. As the dual deputy director of a department with actual power, accepting or refusing a new person's employment at Arasaka was a mere flick of his fingers. Even firing Arasaka employees was exceedingly easy. And if need be, forcing them to resign wasn't out of the question either. Status dictated the means.
Since he had promised Gloria an opportunity, he would accordingly provide the best possible stage for her. Whether her performance was good or bad, Gloria would have to demonstrate herself. Whether she succeeded or not, the margins of life and death, the control of power, lay in Tang Yu's hands.
Upon arriving at the small square, Tang Yu noticed a situation. Maine was in conversation with a man in a maroon suit, and their exchange seemed somewhat unpleasant.After scanning with smart glasses, I found his personal information, Faraday, in the intermediary archives of the Counterintelligence Department.
Faraday, a freelance fixer who relies primarily on Militech prowess, has successful commissions under his belt.
In Night City, there are indeed many fixers, but few dare to take corporate jobs; he's an ambitious figure.
Unexpectedly, at Gloria's first appearance, she encountered a tough character.
"This is getting interesting."
Then, his gaze fell on the damaged Arasaka company sedan in the corner of the square.
"Tanaka's car?"
Tang Yu quickly realized what the unpleasant business between Maine and Faraday was.
Tanaka's car was smashed to bits and then dragged here, coincidentally encountered by Tang Yu.
The theft of the car was inextricably linked to Faraday and Maine.
"Militech aimed at Tanaka, it seems they've discovered Arasaka's R&D intentions, looking to track Tanaka's movements to obtain Arasaka's R&D intelligence."
"Aunt Mei was quick to act, but it seems she missed her mark."
Though Tang Yu had made no plans to find Tanaka a new car, he wondered if he could dig something out of this situation, or even stir the pot a bit.
With the situation unclear, he would remain observant.
However, Gloria could use this to her advantage, and give Faraday, with his triple cyberoptic eyes, a good shake-up.
Tang Yu sent a message to Gloria, informing her of the origins of the damaged Arasaka sedan, as well as Faraday's identity.
At this moment.
A three-way standoff.
The mercenaries represented by Maine, the Militech backed by fixer Faraday, and Arasaka's strength displayed by Gloria.
After receiving the message, Gloria quickly grasped the situation.
Faraday, as a fixer, had been the Maine team's patron for a long time, and they had maintained a long-term partnership.
If she wanted to take on a commission from Maine, she'd have to contend with Faraday.
As Faraday dealt with Militech activities, specifically targeting Arasaka, she found herself naturally opposed to Faraday as a debut fixer backed by Arasaka's higher-up Tang Yu.
Maine, leading a group of mercenaries, couldn't possibly accept jobs from both Militech and Arasaka.
"Is this the debut Mr. Tang has prepared for himself..."
If she failed to secure this job, she would lose the trust and support of Mr. Tang; this was a test prepared specifically for her.
For David, for herself, for Tang Yu, she had to succeed, failure was not an option!
Confronted with the formidable Faraday, who as a veteran fixer had substantial financial and networking power, Gloria knew she was outmatched as a rookie in every aspect.
Would Maine agree to take the commission?
Many thoughts crossed Gloria's mind, making her breathing slightly hurried.
Suddenly.
She sensed that gaze behind her.
The image of Tang Yu, seated casually in the car as if holding all the aces even amidst such fierce corporate infighting, came to mind once more.
Gloria suddenly felt a surge of confidence, like a toddler taking uncertain steps only to be steadied by a pair of firm and reassuring hands.
She had been running around Night City with David, enduring hardships with no one to care for them.
For the first time, she felt what it was like to have someone's support.
No need for humble pleas, no need for begging forgiveness, no need for exhausting work with measly pay.
Gloria's eyes regained their sparkle, her gaze unflinchingly met Faraday's as she resolved to determine the victor right then and there.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone