V, dressed in a black dress, held Tang Yu's arm tightly with both hands, not daring to relax in the slightest.

In order to avoid being seen by others, he could only stand on tiptoe and walk slowly on black crystal high heels.

The red carpet is neatly laid out on the lawn and leads straight to the steps of the new villa in the estate.

Due to the extremely slow pace of the two, the runway not far behind them began to congest one after another.

The manor concierge is responsible for maintaining order on the spot, and according to the requirements of etiquette reception, only one pair of VIPs can walk on the red carpet at a time, so the people in the back need to wait in line.

V-ko wears a black butterfly half-face mask, which greatly conceals his true expression.

When Tang Yu offered to take her to the ball, she offered that she had to wear a mask or never participate.

She was extremely glad that this decision was made, and if it did, at least no one would recognize her, even though she didn't know anyone at the scene.

Like this kind of high-end high-class party, she is a mercenary who wanders the streets, naturally it is impossible for her to have any intersection with the people here, if it weren't for Tang Yu, she would never come to this kind of place in her life.

At this time.

The old boss, Arthur Jenkins, stood on the lawn not far away, raised his wine glass to Tang Yu, and smiled.

Tang Yu saw Jenkins's movements, and there were still many people standing around him, all wearing expensive dresses, talking and laughing together, they should be in a circle of friends with Jenkins.

He led V in the direction where Jenkins was.

Striding from the red carpet to the lawn, V obviously felt extremely uncomfortable, the grass was soft, and the center of gravity was unstable when stepping on it.

V had to lean half of his body on Tang Yu's arm to reduce the pressure of the high heels and stabilize his body at the same time.

Jenkins seemed to feel that Tang Yu's pace was a little slow, so he took the initiative to take a few steps forward and greeted him warmly.

Seeing that Tang Yu beside him replied, V had no choice but to nod his head with his chin, and did not say anything, focusing all his energy on subduing the two high heels.

Jenkins saw the abnormality of Tang Yu's female companion beside him, just smiled heartily, ignored it, and continued to introduce Tang Yu to the Mayor of Night City who was standing not far away.

Lucius Lane.

He had a big belly, and he seemed to hear the flattery of the people around him, and his face was full of smiles, and he was very happy.

Jenkins summoned the bartender, picked up a cocktail and handed it to Tang Yu, and then picked up another glass to hand to V.

Tang Yu declined for V, saying that she didn't drink.

Jenkins shook his head meaningfully, put the glass back on the plate, and said with a smile.

"Don, it may be that you rarely attend such a party and don't know much about some of the stories of the party."

"In my opinion, a gala is a romantic movie that belongs exclusively to men."

Romantic movies?

Tang Yu smiled, it seems that Jenkins, the fifth king of diamonds, has a unique and distinct personal understanding of the party.

"What do you mean by that?" Tang Yu asked as he walked.

Because of taking care of V, Tang Yu walked very slowly, and even took Jenkins for a casual stroll.

When it comes to what he is best at, Jenkins came to the wine and immediately used the topic to play.

"Don, think about it, is a party like a battle?"

"Before the opening, the men will prepare solemnly, famous clothes, famous cars, watches, etc. will be armed, and expensive accessories that are not usually worn will be displayed."

When V heard Jenkins's words, he looked around with some curiosity, and found that as he said, almost everyone wore all kinds of luxuries, and watches were the most common.

As for luxury cars, not to mention, on the road outside the manor, there are rows of high-end cars, and there is no shortage of high-end floating cars with prices higher than the sky.

Jenkins continues to explain confidently: "But whether the decoration is expensive or not depends on the occasion. ”

"If you wear it at a casual gathering, it can make a difference."

"But on an occasion like tonight, no matter how expensive a watch is, it seems too ordinary, even a top-of-the-line luxury car can't cause any waves."

"These external luxuries simply can't make you the center of attention and attract more social attention."

After listening to it, V felt that what Jenkins said actually made some sense.

On the occasion of many upper-class elites, no matter how luxurious and expensive the dress is, it can only be reduced to the background board of the party.

She was a little curious, this party was like a follow-up to the battlefield theory.

"The reason why I am keen to decorate myself with those vulgar luxuries is nothing more than the face that is thinner than paper." Jenkins raised his hand and stretched out two fingers, placed them in front of him and pinched them.

"Therefore, in this party where there is no sword and sword, there are only two things that determine a man's face."

"One is the position of power, which is the main weapon of men on the battlefield. Power is no different from real estate, the closer you get to the center, the higher the cost. ”

"Look at it." Jenkins pointed to Lucius Lane again, and the crowd gathered around him, chatting and laughing.

Then.

He pointed to another place, where there was also a group of people gathered in twos and threes, and the excitement was not at all comparable to that of Lucius Lane.

"That's a high-ranking councilor in Night City, who has been at odds with Lucius Laine."

"Back then, he was a strong competitor of Lucius Lane, because he had received lobbying bribes for military technology, and he was on the wrong side in the all-metal war seven years ago, and finally lost the opportunity to run for mayor."

The contrast between the two groups of people is obvious, and V immediately understands what Jenkins means, power determines the general trend of men on the battlefield.

For these twists and turns of the so-called top of society, V can only be said to be indifferent, and thought that Jenkins could tell any new tricks, but I didn't expect that these toes can also understand the truth, in Night City, is not the power higher than the sky.

Jenkins said with some sighs: "Almost everyone in this city has made this mistake and sacrificed power for money. ”

"Money is nothing more than a beautiful mansion made of inferior materials, which simply cannot withstand the wind and rain."

"And power is an ancient stone building that can stand for thousands of years in the long river of history without falling."

"The view of Night City is so intoxicating that not many people can stay awake."

Tang Yu knew that Jenkins was hinting that in the eyes of this old boss, he was an out-and-out climber who kept climbing to the top of power.

From the Counterintelligence Department to Michiko Arasaka, and now to Saburo Arasaka, he has verified Jenkins' theory with practical actions.

on this.

Tang Yu did not refute its correctness, but just smiled and said nothing.

Jenkins continued to explain his unique opinion, and said with some excitement: "But the evening is different from the battlefield, and power is not the only weapon. The other thing that can determine a man's success or failure on the battlefield is that."

Although V is not interested in the twists and turns of power, he can't help but start to wonder again, what else can determine a man's success or failure at the party besides power.

Tang Yu was also a little curious, wanting to hear what the old boss had to say.

The theory of power, of course, was correct, but it was not new to him, but a second weapon, and even he could not guess what it was.

Jenkins took a sip of his cocktail, emphasizing it very seriously.

"A perfect female companion."

Date?

This was something V didn't expect.

Jenkins again used another crowd on the lawn as an example, explaining, "Look at the man in the silver suit, his name is Jefferson Perares, a member of the Night City Council, who announced his candidacy for the position of Mayor of Night City this year. ”

"At present, Jefferson's support rate is not high, and he can't catch up with the current Lucius Lane at all, and he is also a member of parliament, but the dignitaries and dignitaries who surround him are not inferior to Lucius Lane."

"In addition to Jefferson's knack for getting to the center of power, more important is Mrs. Perares, whose grace and strong social skills have won Jefferson more attention and opportunities."

"It is said that Mrs. Perares has a lot of credit for Jefferson getting to where he is today."

"The marriage relationship between the two has also become a good story in high-level circles."

Tang Yu and V both looked at where Mr. and Mrs. Perarez were, and saw that Mrs. Perarez was wearing a high-end and elegant silver uniform skirt, which completely matched Jefferson's silver suit.

Meantime.

Mrs. Perarez was also active in group chats, threading needles for her husband Jefferson, and from time to time opening up some fascinating topics, so that everyone present talked and laughed, and gradually gathered popularity.

Mrs. Perares was more in control than the crowd focus Jefferson, and quietly set up a stage for her husband Jefferson's speech.

Tang Yu has a certain impression of the Pellarez couple, especially Mrs. Pellares.

His wife was more resolute and decisive than Jefferson, and contacted him to investigate the cause of Lucius Lane's death.

It's just that this Mrs. Perarez has unclean hands and feet, and her attitude towards Jefferson may not be what the public thinks.

V also noticed the wonderful performance of Mrs. Perarez, and could only express his admiration.

It's okay to let her chop melons and vegetables, but she's a mess in the social circle.

She suddenly felt that it was a big mistake to come to such a place with Tang Yu.

It's good now, not only did he not help anything, but he also embarrassed Tang Yu.

She wears a mask and no one knows her anyway, but Tang Yu is different, he is a figure with a head and a face in this circle.

V can clearly feel that Jenkins has a good position of strength, can understand so many secrets in high-level circles, and his words are full of appreciation and attention to Tang Yu.

But after thinking about it, her coming here was completely Tang Yu's insistent request, and if she really lost someone, she could only blame himself.

Thinking about it like this, V's heart was a little calmer.

However, her impression of Jenkins was completely ruined, and she was full of crooked and evil rhetoric, if Tang Yu had been with this kind of person for a long time, she might not know what would become of her.

Jenkins didn't have the slightest scruple about Tang Yu's female companion, and finally added: "If you can't find a more suitable one, I can introduce you to the two." ”

"Not only can they make you look great at the evening, but they also show off your unique vision."

"After the party is over, I rushed to another battlefield by the way, so I said that this is a romantic movie that belongs only to men."

After speaking.

Jenkins looked at Tang Yu meaningfully, saying that it was impossible for the other party not to understand it for the sake of being so clear.

His subtext is obvious, alluding to the fact that the female companion he brought tonight was a complete rookie at the party and didn't help him at all.

In Jenkins's eyes, V's performance can be described as extremely poor, not to mention that she doesn't know anyone at all, even basic crystal heels can't step on steadily, and she can't even say a decent word from the beginning to now.

Because the night is thick and V is wearing a mask, I can't tell what he looks like at all.

Although V's body is extremely beautiful, he shrank beside Tang Yu and lowered his head, and he couldn't see any temperament at all.

Jenkins can basically conclude that the female companion brought by Tang Yu is not born in an upper-class family, so he is a little less polite when he speaks.

When V heard Jenkins' words, he almost rushed up in anger and punched him twice in the face.

I couldn't get used to listening to him talking nonsense, but now he is belittleing himself in a roundabout way and instigating Tang Yu to change his female partner, which is really a bad thing.

V felt out of place here from the beginning, she couldn't get used to wearing this black dress, stepping on these black crystal high heels, and even more so she couldn't get used to a group of sanctimonious high-class magnates chatting about the world, and her words were full of sarcasm and mockery.

If it weren't for Tang Yu, according to her temper, even if she starved to death on the streets, she wouldn't ask these people for mercy.

When did she suffer such a grievance, she only felt that it was superfluous for her to worry about it.

As a gathering place for celebrities in Night City, Wood Manor is extremely secure, and there is no need for her to worry about Tang Yu's safety at all.

Although Tang Yu, who wears a suit, likes to bully people, he is still good to her after all.

V trusts his instincts.

The reason why she is willing to mess around with Tang Yu is not only because she owes him a bunch of debts and favors, but also because she believes that Tang Yu is not the same kind of person as everyone else in a suit.

V, who is not used to being here, gradually became depressed, and even the first bit of novelty disappeared.

Jenkins's laughter, the laughter of those high-ranking people around her, made her feel extremely harsh.

Suddenly.

Tang Yu's familiar voice came into his ears, and his tone was flat and firm.

"No, this is the perfect companion in my heart."

After speaking.

V felt that Tang Yu's right hand deliberately clasped his five fingers, tightly preventing her from letting go.

""

"What a perfect companion."

"Can this be nonsense?"

V couldn't wait to give Tang Yu two more iron fists on the spot, but the beautiful goose egg face couldn't help but turn a little red.

The first time I heard such heart-wrenching words, V was so embarrassed that he had to pick out his toes out of a living room.

How did Tang Yu say it, and he didn't feel ashamed of it?

What's even more infuriating is that he said it so seriously and firmly, making them seem as if they really have something.

Hehe.

Isn't it firm, the debt relationship is stronger than any relationship, even if she escapes to the ends of the earth, I'm afraid that the person in the suit will not forget to ask her to repay the money.

She made up her mind and vowed never to come to such a place with someone in a suit again.

But before V could continue to bury her head in shame, more noisy voices came from her ears.

I only heard Jenkins smile enthusiastically and said: "Mayor Lane, let me solemnly introduce you, this is Don, you have never forgotten before, and today I finally have the opportunity to introduce you." ”

Lucius Lane held his big belly up, slowly turned around, got out of the circle of topics, and looked at Jenkins and Tang Yu.

On his fat face, there were more folds of laughter, and he praised again and again: "Sure enough, it is a person who cannot be seen, but I didn't expect Mr. Tang, the first double deputy minister of Arasaka Company, to be so young, and his future will definitely be immeasurable." ”

Lucius Lane had done a special investigation on Tang Yu and knew that he was the first and only double deputy minister of the Arasaka Tower in Night City.

And backed by the relationship of Michiko Arasaka, he took the line of Saburo Arasaka, and made great contributions to the recent operation against the Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture.

Tang Yu politely said two perfunctory sentences, and he didn't have to say much about the dying person.

It's just that a lot of things have changed this time, and Lucius Lane may not die from the Black Mewtwo virus.

His death depends on whether the people behind it are still operating in secret.

Due to Lucius Lane's attention, the focus of the surrounding circle quickly fell on Tang Yu and him.

Jenkins took the initiative to bring up the topic and build a better communication opportunity for Tang Yu, and everyone present was all working in the municipal government and the company's senior management, and making friends with them was of great benefit to Tang Yu's development in Night City, which was why he strongly invited Tang Yu to participate in the party.

"I've been out for a few months, thanks to Don."

"It's ridiculous to say that during the time I was not in the ministry, the counterintelligence department had more and better results."

"In my opinion, sooner or later, I will have to abdicate and make way for Xian, haha."

Jenkins's self-deprecation immediately aroused the echo of a group of people around him, and he couldn't help but think a little higher about Tang Yu.

If Tang Yu really succeeds Jenkins as the head of the counterintelligence department, his power and status will be even higher, and it is definitely a network worth making in advance.

Lucius Lane also smiled and sighed, "Jenkins, I feel exactly the same way you mention this." ”

"That area of Taiping Prefecture has always been my heart disease in the past few years, and I have invested a lot of money and manpower, but the law and order are still getting worse day by day."

"This is thanks to Mr. Tang, who resolutely cut off the group of tumors of the Voodoo Gang, which has reduced a lot of burden for our municipal government."

"Because of this, the approval rating has increased by two percentage points."

"You must know that our Mr. Tang is still the original body so far, and he has not accepted the transformation of the cyber prosthesis."

"If your Arasaka company is willing to release people, the municipal side will definitely welcome it, and if you don't dislike it, the seat in the deputy mayor's office will be vacated for you."

As soon as the words fell.

Everyone laughed enthusiastically again, and they were full of praise for Tang Yu.

The deputy mayor is appointed rather than elected, and Lucius Lane, as the mayor of Night City, has every right to renominate the deputy mayor and take office immediately after the vote of the councillors.

Tang Yu's expression was indifferent, and he didn't show any gaffes because of their rainbow fart.

Knowing the art of power, he understands that what really attracts these people is not his ability or charisma at all.

It's all because of where he sits and the Arasaka family that he represents.

After leaving the Arasaka Company, even if Tang Yu is able to defy the sky, he will not be able to enter the sight of these people at all.

Tang Yu saw it very openly, and he also saw it very clearly.

The only thing he wants and cares about is the people around him.

When Jenkins heard the approval rating, he immediately thought of a new round of mayoral 'competition' and 'election', so he glanced at Jefferson not far away and asked Lucius Lane.

"What's the situation going on lately? If you look at the support rate, the chances of winning are still very large. ”

Lucius Lane could see it, and didn't seem to take the competitors in his eyes at all, and said bluntly: "The basic plan is stable, but that guy's momentum is not weak, and there are many speculators who want to find opportunities from him, so they want to get into the municipal circle with a few slogans, and I am afraid that they don't know how to be played to death." ”

"Tonight is very critical, the Yeshi company is going to make public the new infrastructure plan, and Jefferson has been eyeing this plan for a long time."

"If this project can be municipalized and in my hands, he can basically announce his withdrawal in advance."

Jenkins has heard about the new infrastructure of the Night City, which intends to build a unique "independent" and "standing" network data pool belonging to Night City, as well as network nodes throughout the city, and at the same time comprehensively strengthen the construction of the public intelligent transportation network of Night City.

It is equivalent to building Night City into an independent kingdom that is not affected by the outside world, not only to obtain 'independence' and 'independence' in terms of geography, but also to obtain 'independence' and 'independence' in cyberspace.

After the collapse of the network, most of the networks and servers were contaminated with electronic viruses, and the public network and subnets are now under the jurisdiction of network supervision.

If Night City is built with a single server and network, it will have the potential to become a new pole for global network development.

"So how is this plan going, how many years have it been proposed, and I haven't seen any results." Jenkins asked, confused, thinking it was just a high-sounding gimmick by the Night Clan.

Lucius Lane said disdainfully: "The hell knows how they are going, they dig all over the ground under Night City all day long, and I don't know what they dig up, but the new underground integrated transportation network has basically taken shape, and in the area of public infrastructure, the Night Clan Company has indeed done a good job." ”

Jenkins nodded, as for the new infrastructure of the Night Company, we will not know until the party opens.

Suddenly.

Tang Yu felt that his elbows were clenched very tightly, and he looked slightly sideways at V beside him, and found that she seemed to tremble a little with her head buried.

He probably guessed what the reason was, so he said goodbye directly to Jenkins and the others, and then turned around and left with V.

Lucius Lane originally wanted to say something, but the other party didn't mean to stay at all, so he put away his smile, looked at Tang Yu's back and asked in a deep voice, "Is Mr. Tang so proud in Arasaka?" ”

Jenkins also looked at Tang Yu's back, and said a little helplessly: "It's indeed this temperament, I wanted to take him out to integrate into the circle, but I didn't expect him to be the same." ”

The two of them took a sip of wine and kept silent.

At this time.

Tang Yu led V to a secluded place and asked with concern, "What's the matter, isn't it uncomfortable?" ”

V brushed his hair, suddenly grabbed Tang Yu's palm, and bit it down fiercely until he left a tooth mark.

It seemed to be much more comfortable, and she sighed lightly: "It's much better now." ”

"Oh, by the way, this one is counted on my debt, and it's a big deal to do two more jobs in the future and make up for you."

Tang Yu: "???"

Not tonight.

Tomorrow, depending on the situation, change it to three thousand words and two more, it's so tiring to write together.

PS: Thanks to the following big guys for the tip.

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(End of chapter)