Dragon Clan: Lu Mingfei Doesn’t Want to Become a Night City Legend

Chapter 34 Seizing food from the tiger’s mouth
Rescue missions - the most unwelcome type in the mercenary circle.

Think about it, you are killing everyone in the front, but when you look back, the person you are protecting is blown to pieces by a stray bullet. Even if you kill a hundred people on the opposite side, it is useless and the mission fails.

No one likes to have a burden around when fighting, and most operating systems support 'combat' rather than 'defense'. Sorry, all of them are prosthetics, and I don't know why, prosthetics can 'slow down time', 'amplify the body', and even 'protect themselves', but they don't have the ability of the body to heal and protect others.

If you insist, only [Sian Westin] can be considered to have the ability to rescue the target of the mission under special circumstances.

But being able to use a prosthesis like Sian Westin well is also a harsh condition for mercenaries.

And coincidentally—

"My Sian Westin is military grade, well-known in the underworld. This is also the condition given by the client. The target must be brought back alive, and she is willing to pay a considerable sum for this."

"A strike team from the Valentino gang. A simple gathering turned into a street fight. Originally, Valentino was supposed to lead the team, but their demands and attitude crossed the line. They had no choice but to initiate Plan B—call in the mercenaries to attack them."

"There's a minor celebrity there, his name is Jack Wilson—not exactly a newcomer, he's made some achievements before, and just started working on his own. He's got a lot of momentum and strength, but unfortunately, three punches can't stand up to four hands."

As expected of Arasaka's former senior, he speaks with culture.

"The Dance of Death Club in Watson District, Pershing Street, the home of the Vortex Gang? Damn, it's these idiots again."

When Mr. Lu saw the words "Whirlpool Gang", his face immediately drooped.

He had been following David and Victor as a Night City native for almost a month. During this period, he got to know many gangs——

The Mox Gang is composed of anarchists and older sisters who help people relieve their physical stress at night.

The Six Street Gang in neighboring Santo Domingo was originally composed of retired soldiers who had experienced the Fourth Corporate War, but now they are no different from gangsters.

As well as the [Valentino Gang] mentioned in the mission, one of the largest criminal groups in Night City, they usually operate in Latin American settlements such as Glenn and Li Tourist Area in Haywood. They are full of Mexican culture and look like the backward underworld in Lu Mingfei's impression.

Even after getting to know so many more people, Lu Mingfei still believed that—

[The Whirlpool Gang is the stupidest]

Those cybernetic crazy guys are just not likable. They do things in a messy way and their business is dishonest. Compared to them, prostitutes and gold chain gangsters are much more lovable.

But even so, Lu Mingfei did not rashly shout something like "Fuck him".

because
"This business does not involve the company level, but it seems to involve gang conflicts." Lu Mingfei muttered.

David also confirmed, "That's right. Once we accept this mission, we will have completely forged a mortal enemy with the Whirlpool Gang."

Because the target of the mission is an important member of the Valentino Gang, and the Vortex Gang is excluded from the mission, it would be best if they could negotiate a peace, but if the negotiations fail, it would mean snatching people from other gangs from the Vortex Gang.

This is different from the previous "simply killing the Vortex Gang".

On the street, this means supporting the Valentino Gang. From now on, the Vortex Gang will unconditionally attack David, Lu Mingfei and others when they see them.

What's worse is that if David and others have not rescued that "Jack Wilson", they will also be treated coldly or even hated by the Valentino Gang.

If you offend two gangs at the same time, you basically have no chance of survival.

"It's not that exaggerated, but you know I want you to participate in this mission, so I will explain everything to you."

David leaned against the bar and looked at Lu Mingfei seriously.

The boy was a little hesitant.

Just like he said.

He is a temporary worker.

He had agreed to work here for a month, and when he earned enough money, he would go back and work honestly for Victor. During this process, he didn't want to get into any trouble and add interest to his future life.

but now.
Why is he hesitating?
"Please Mingfei~~~~~"

Rebecca plopped down in the seat next to Lu Mingfei, pulling at Lu Mingfei's clothes around his waist and shaking them. She was completely heartless and had no sense of boundaries. This loli has always been like this. After joining the team, she became disrespectful and even invited Lu Mingfei to drink a cup of wine together. She looked like a little lunatic.

She had never thought about Lu Mingfei's predicament, but Lu Mingfei couldn't hate her - hey, what's the matter, do I have to say something like "It's pitiful, this is one of the opposite sexes who talks the most in my life" to highlight Lu Mingfei's bad luck and rottenness?
That’s right, the biggest problem that stumped Lu Mingfei was a simple emotional issue.

The only benefit of this mission for Lu Mingfei is that the reward is generous enough. If he accepts it, he can write off the debt he owes to David and Victor - but the money can be earned slowly, there is no need to risk his life.

In contrast, mission failure means starting over in life, while mission success will inevitably lead to enmity.

Even in the best case scenario, it would not be a profit for Lu Mingfei.

No matter how you think about it, the price/performance ratio is low.

but.
Thinking from another perspective, what if Lu Mingfei didn’t go?

If Lu Mingfei doesn't go, it would be fine if the mission succeeds, but if the mission fails, it would be even more difficult to say. Just because Lu Mingfei doesn't go, the probability of the mission failing will be quite high. As a user of Sian Westin, David cannot take care of a prisoner while participating in high-intensity battles on the front line.

"Is this mission a must?" Lu Mingfei frowned.

David was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm the most popular mercenary in [Sian Westin] right now. If we refuse, it would be like sentencing that prisoner to death, or it might indirectly lead to a large-scale exchange of fire between the Valentino Gang and the Vortex Gang."

"So, even if I don't accept it, I'll still be met with hostility from the Valentino gang. That's really unreasonable."

"That's the rule of the underworld. Sometimes you don't need to think about 'what you did wrong,' but rather, you have to bear the 'unfairness' of your position." David seemed very calm. "Strike a deal. If you succeed, you become a big shot, the envy of others, a legend. If you fail, you die on the side of the road like a stray dog. That's mercenary work. That's Night City."

[Leave a name in history, or remain unknown]

There was a fire burning in David's eyes, as if confirming his conversation with Lu Mingfei that day.

He has made his choice.

What about Lu Mingfei?
The boy was confused, but he knew that he had already figured out the answer.

He is a coward, but he is unambiguous when it comes to "repaying a favor".

Whether it was those training chips or the fact that the Vortex Gang had saved Lu Mingfei, he still owed David a favor.

".I see."

"Wuhu!!!!" Rebecca cheered loudly and slapped Lu Mingfei on the butt again, "I knew you were the most loyal boy!"

".Is that really okay? To be honest, this is very unfair to you." David himself was not so happy, but asked again seriously.

Maybe it was an illusion, but Lu Mingfei vaguely felt that David actually hoped that he would reject the invitation.

Or maybe it's an illusion,

But no way.

Lu Mingfei laughed dryly, "After all, I still owe you a favor."

".You will get the biggest dividend from this mission."

David said no more, stood up and patted Lu Mingfei on the shoulder.

"Also, when this mission is over, I have something to tell you."

"Boss, this is a death flag!" Lu Mingfei said quickly, "Well, after this battle, I'll go home and spend the rest of my life with Old Wei in peace."

"That's what you're talking about, right?"

"To ward off disaster~"

So, will things go so smoothly?
Well, after all, reality is reality, and it’s often not that dramatic! It will definitely be fine!

Please see the next episode.

Something Dirtier Than a Frog's Piss

　[Information that can be made public now]: I really want to add more chapters (speaking frankly)
　　
　
(End of this chapter)