American homeless people, surviving in the city

Lynch reasonably suspected that Vesalio must have played Cyberpunk 2077, otherwise he wouldn't have used such rhetoric to recruit him.

But putting aside the classic lines that slightly pulled him out of the story, Vesalio's words did indeed linger in Lynch's ears like the whispers of a demon.

Fine clothes and spirited horses, wealth and glory...

These words are like a fairy tale to Lynch now.

Every day after transmigrating into the body of a homeless man, Lynch struggled to find food and shelter. He finally managed to earn some money, but he still had to worry about his own safety.

Every night, when Lynch crawled into his tent and could only huddle in his sleeping bag, relying on his own body heat for warmth, he would always have wild thoughts in his mind, wondering if he could get through the night safely.

Therefore, when Vesalio, the head of one of Seattle's biggest gangs, extended an invitation to him,

Lin Qi's heart began to beat faster, almost uncontrollably.

But as the burning passion in his brain gradually cooled down, what resurfaced in his mind was the scene of Sanjar and his gang chasing Chen Yumo while spewing profanities.

Lin Qi didn't even dare to imagine what Chen Yumo would have gone through if she hadn't met him.

Lynch felt a deep-seated disgust for such organizations and such gang culture.

The education he received at Dongda University from a young age, along with Lynch's conscience, told him that he shouldn't associate with forces like the Razor Gang. In his value system, people involved in organized crime, no matter how glamorous they may appear, are essentially a scourge on society.

Vesalio spoke eloquently, but Lynch knew that once he joined the gang and took their benefits, he would never be able to escape.

At that point, boxing might just be the beginning. From then on, will the Razor Gang really not assign him any more "small tasks"? From collecting protection money, guarding brothels, or even... murder.

Having accepted the benefits from the Razor Gang, did he really have the right to refuse?

If the Razor Gang falls one day, is it really possible for me to escape unscathed?

Lynch knew he absolutely could not fall into that situation.

but...

Lin Qi stared intently at his hands.

He was reminded of his current predicament:

He had no identity, no memories, no background, and not even a home waiting for him to return to.

He could only find solace in huddling together with a group of equally destitute people on the street; apart from this system, he had practically nothing.

The system can only give him personal abilities and some small tools to help him survive in the wilderness, but it can't give him an identity, resources to survive, or a safe environment.

The streets are rife with undercurrents, and all sorts of shady characters roam freely. If Lin Qi continues to struggle for survival on the streets as an ordinary homeless man, he might be stabbed to death by another homeless man in his sleep one night, or be abducted by human traffickers dressed in strange ethnic costumes.

Perhaps I shouldn't have refused the invitation?

but...

Should I really betray my own conscience?

Lynch's mind raced, and an idea gradually became clear in his mind:

If I could become an "unofficial employee" without a formal title, but with whom I could collaborate on certain matters, like my collaboration with Officer Kayla...

He put the thought aside for the time being, then looked up at the man sitting opposite him.

Vesalio was leaning back in his chair, legs crossed, sipping his tea with an air of confidence as he looked at Lynch.

In his heart, he probably never considered the possibility that Lynch would refuse the invitation.

Lin Qi took a deep breath and slowly considered the words.

The other party is in a high position, so you must not make them feel offended, nor should you let them get angry because of your refusal. Only when the other party realizes your value and that your proposal is beneficial to both parties can you negotiate terms on an equal footing.

After a brief hesitation, Lin Qi slowly spoke, his voice steady and calm:

"Mr. Vesalio, I must admit, what you say is indeed very tempting. To be honest, for any homeless person on the streets, your promise would be hard to refuse."

Vesalio's lips curled up slightly, clearly pleased with Lynch's attitude.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qi changed the subject:

"But before I agree, please allow me to ask some detailed questions."

"Please speak," Vesalio gestured.

"First, regarding the underground boxing matches you mentioned, what exactly are the rules? Are they like regular boxing matches, or... like the deathmatches in the ancient Roman Colosseum?"

A hint of appreciation flashed in Vesalio's eyes: "Very good. You're cautious, unlike most people on the street who are short-sighted. That's a good thing."

"Since you've asked, I'll tell you the truth."

"In each competition, we will send out three boxers to fight one-on-one against boxers from other gangs. Which opponent a boxer will fight is decided by us gang leaders."

"As for the rules... our boxing matches, while not like gladiatorial arenas where you have to fight until someone dies, will certainly not be as gentle as WWE, like playing house."

"There are no rules in the ring. Although they are called boxers, they can use any melee weapon and any underhanded tricks, except that they are not allowed to use any firearms."

"The fight will not end until one of the boxers surrenders or loses consciousness completely."

Upon hearing these rather cruel rules, Lin Qi made no comment, only silently nodding.

Then, he continued to ask:

"Secondly, before I work for you, I need to understand your gang's 'business'."

"After all, if I really joined you, I doubt I'd be asked to do more than just boxing, right?"

Upon hearing this question, Vesalio's eyes narrowed slightly.

He put down his teacup and leaned forward slightly:

"The specifics of our business... are not something an outsider should be asking. Besides, judging from your tone, you seem to have some prejudice against the Razor Gang's business?"

"This isn't prejudice, it's caution." Lynch met Vesalio's gaze without backing down. "Since you value my talent, then please forgive my bluntness. On the streets, I've witnessed your gang members commit far too many despicable acts."

"...For example, coercing women."

As soon as Lynch finished speaking, before Vesalio could react, Sanjar's expression immediately changed, and he glared angrily at Lynch.

The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense. Lin Qi held his breath and focused his mind, constantly sensing with his intuition. If he sensed even the slightest danger, he had to be ready to escape immediately.

Fortunately, the blond man only stared at Lin Qi for a few seconds before bursting into laughter:

"Okay, okay...it sounds like you saw something. Tell me about it?"

Lin Qi nodded, concealing the fact that he had saved Chen Yumo. He only said that he had seen a female student who looked drunk running away, with Sanjar and the others chasing after her. So, he lied to Sanjar and the others, hiding the female student's whereabouts.

Vesalio's smile grew even wider:

"...Interesting. It sounds like you're speaking up for that girl?"

"Of course," Lynch replied neither humbly nor arrogantly. "Especially since I clearly saw that the drunk female student was a student from the University of Tokyo. I couldn't stand by and watch my compatriots be in danger."

"Alright." Vesalio shrugged, a hint of helplessness in his expression. Then, he looked at Sanjar:

"Who were the people who were with you on the street that day harassing our dear Lynch's fellow countrywoman?"

"Okuvit Salma..." Sanjar recited several names without hesitation, the first of which was clearly the name of the Indian man at the time.

"very good."

Vesalio nodded and turned to Lynch:

"Listen, Lynch kid, I don't want to talk to you about how to manage a street gang... or any of that nonsense right now. I know we're on different wavelengths."

"Now, I can give you two choices."

"First, I can cut off two fingers from all the people Sanjar just mentioned, as an apology to that girl from East University." Vesalio's tone was very sincere. "Of course, I can't cut off Sanjar's fingers. He's the only pillar left in our Razor Clan, so please understand... just as I understand your desire to protect your fellow countrymen."

"...Then, let's just let this matter drop, shall we?"

Lin Qi was startled by this bloody choice and quickly asked, "What's the second option?"

"The second option is for you to leave here for now."

Vesalio's smile faded:

"If you still adhere to the bullshit moral standards of ordinary people, then I must say, you are not suited for the streets... nor for our Razor Gang."

Lynch remained silent.

Vesalio stood up, walked over to Lynch, and patted him on the shoulder:

"Let me give you a few last pieces of advice."

"I don't know your past, I don't know where you used to live. You are very courageous and bold, but your personality is frighteningly naive and simple. I don't feel like you are an American."

"You might be looking forward to an ideal society where everyone is equal and everyone can live happily. You might see that at the University of Tokyo, but it's impossible here. This is America."

"Do you know why street crime is so prevalent? Why did Sanjar dare to lead a group of men to chase after a drunk female student in the street?"

"Because the police don't care about them at all, everyone has to rely on themselves and find every opportunity to devour the flesh and blood of others in order to continue to survive."

"The strong prey on the weak, and only the fittest survive. Those who cannot accept this will only be eliminated."

"This is America, and this is the streets of America."

Vesalio's voice was earnest, as if he genuinely felt sorry for Lynch:

"Accept it all, child. We are just ordinary people. We have no power to change it all; we can only adapt to our environment. Otherwise, we will be swallowed up by it."

So, make your choice.

"This is the last chance I can give you."

As Vesalio finished speaking his final words of advice, the room fell into complete silence.

In the silence, Lin Qi gathered his emotions and thoughts, and when everything reached its climax, he spoke softly:

"No matter what, I will not allow myself to become a gangster with blood on my hands who makes a living by devouring others."

"It seems you've made your choice." Vesalio's voice turned cold.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qi spoke again:

"However, perhaps I can offer you a new suggestion."