Chapter 128: Chapter 89: Qiao’s Relocation (Part 2)
John suddenly remembered: he hadn’t yet connected to the room system.
The workspace was set up under the steel structure stairs, with ICE firmware and electromagnetic isolation layers inside.
Whether in terms of protection, sturdiness, or space, it was much better than the previous one.
The countertop was made of high-hardness alloy.
The three walls had universal fitting plates, allowing any shape of weapon or equipment to be placed on them.
The lighting system was also well-equipped.
The room’s design initially took into account the user’s hacking needs, so the deepest part of the workspace had a [Network Zone]—a micro server room based on two rows of storage units, with equipment that hadn’t been updated, and a chair in the middle for deep web diving.
The monitor displayed the words ’user bound.’
John pulled out a data cable and plugged it in.
Black Light stirred a bit but failed to hack in.
The sealing effect of Black Ice was unbreakable, restricting its inherent aggression tightly.
John finally managed to connect to the device properly.
Jingke Heavy Industry’s LOGO unfolded in his vision, with a virtual data panel appearing directly on his retina.
The room number changed to John’s name.
He could control with his mind, or swipe down with a gesture, to see functions including rent inquiry, value-added services, and access information query.
"Damn, this rent, it’s robbery."
John saw the price of this apartment, which was a bit too luxurious for an ordinary mercenary.
Currently, the expenses were linked to the Black Gold Gang.
If counted this way, picking someone up from Sakura Cross Street was actually a huge profit.
[User Delivery [including voice attachment]]
Just a few minutes after John confirmed the receipt, he heard the elevator stopping right at his doorstep.
The grid-like fence opened.
A huge package was automatically pushed out from the elevator car.
The room was filled with hidden speakers everywhere.
John stood at the doorway of the workspace, a mechanical voice without emotion came from the nearest speaker.
[Automatically playing attachment information for you / Speaker Mode [switch]]
It was as if an invisible smart butler was reporting to him.
Jilead’s voice came out.
[Hey John, how’s the new place? I should bring some good stuff to celebrate with you, but there’s too much going on, and you must be exhausted too.]
[The little brother you rescued, Detan, he works at the biggest chop shop on Dan Street, your amazing sports car was towed back for repair. Don’t worry, it’ll be made as good as new, just needs a bit of time, I’ll contact you when it’s ready.]
[The incredible John moved into a luxury apartment, all the girls in the group rental area are going to cry.]
[The box contains things from your apartment, scattered among Bone Shards’ guys and the black market; it was quite a bit of effort, so make sure to take care of the tools you use for a living.]
John was taken aback.
[Weapon: Plato-Zebra GUB]
[Weapon: Samurai Sword - Gambler]
[Weapon: Plato’s Banquet BI-06]
Even the incredibly powerful EMP Emitter was included.
The Plato ICE firmware was also there, just missing a few pieces; the workbench accessories and full-auto mechanical arm were not found, and not a single bullet was left for himself.
After John refurbished the weapons, he placed them back on the wall.
Getting them back this time was an unexpected joy.
His worst plan was to find a weapon dealer to repurchase them, but several of the gun models were quite rare, and the mods and modules were also hard to find on the market, losing them all would really hurt.
John contacted the cabinet to reorder the workspace accessories.
[Cabinet: Wow~ Wow~ Oh~ Whoa, is it really John calling me? The mercenary that Internet Surveillance can’t kill off, chopped down the Owl Town gang, playing the cops like a fiddle, your TV appearances are almost as frequent as a radio guest.]
"Almost died, think it’s fun?"
[Isn’t this a comeback? All the big shots in Eden City have something to brag about, otherwise, you wouldn’t know what to chat about when dating, but I have to remind you of two things...]
In the video.
The Cabinet removed a pair of laser dazzling goggles, revealing eyes tattooed with letters, staring at John as he spoke.
[Owl Town gang wants to discuss business with you.]
"Isn’t that a bounty?"
[The black market has already released the news, dropping your name for work, those Eastern People’s brains are twisted, maybe some higher-up sees more potential in you than the mess you caused...]
The Cabinet’s smile was blocked by the metal mask.
[There have been similar situations before, John, those who worked with Owl Town gang or even Raqi Industry, always made a lot, but the price paid was not small either, just advising you to keep your eyes open, don’t let an Eastern Person screw you over.]
"Alright, I’ll keep it in mind, what’s the second thing?"
[Remember I said I’d introduce you to a regular customer? Instead, you ended up causing a big jam for him.]
"The one who could reliably supply Armor Repair Liquid last time?"
John remembered something the Cabinet had mentioned in passing.
He didn’t know what he did.
[Lieutenant Colonel of the Eden City Police Station, in charge of south of Sakura Cross Street, you were racing and chasing on his turf, giving both sides of the law extra work, made quite the first impression, brother.]
"F*ck... ha, should I apologize?"
John lifted his cup to hide his smirk.
The Cabinet chuckled.
[Nope~ I believe he’ll understand. Try connecting when you have time. The cops can be quite helpful.]
The Cabinet hung up the phone.
After finishing his tasks, John went back to bed; having applied the medication was indeed much more comfortable.
Who knows how much time had passed.
He heard noises downstairs and opened his eyes to see his prosthetic limb resting on the bed.
The gray sky outside was already lit.
John turned over, grabbing the revolver by the bed, and leaned against the cover, carefully distinguishing the sounds in the house.
The coffee machine was gurgling away.
Footsteps were leisurely echoing.
John moved to the iron staircase and looked down:
Oulos, wearing a white-trimmed corset, exposing a clear mermaid line navel, was moving around with a coffee cup in hand. Her synthetic eye flickered endlessly, as if conversing with someone.
She strolled to the sofa, crossed her legs, the end of her suit pants revealing perfectly manicured bare feet.
John descended the stairs in just his underwear.
He frowned, displaying the revolver, gesturing to the nearby elevator door.
Oulos gazed at him calmly, ended her conversation quickly, and then said.
"Didn’t you install the security system in your new apartment? Like the firewall from the old place. This time it took me some effort to get in."
"Call me, okay? If that doesn’t work, knock on the door. Anything’s better than you just sitting on the sofa!"
John was shadowed by internet surveillance.
Oulos rolled her eyes, retorting, "Seriously? Yet, you owe me a ton of favors, and you want me to wait downstairs? Should I sign an appointment sheet too?"
She sipped her coffee, squinting her eyes.
"If you even dare ask why I’m here today, I’ll place a bomb in your car."
"I know, you’re meeting a client, right?"
John waved his hand dismissively.
Oulos had already prepped clothes, draped in a dry-cleaning cover over the sofa edge.
[Gear: Concealed Bulletproof Suit]
John braced himself.
Her clients were always elite, needing a costume change each time, so he said no more and tidied up to head downstairs with her.
The black bulletproof business sedan was parked steadily.
The apartment manager specifically came out to help open the door.
"You have me dolled up like a porcelain doll, now tell me, why do I have to meet this client?"
"Don’t mess with your tie, mind your manners. The gentleman we’re meeting is detail-oriented."
"I’m good at killing, not so much at charming."
"You have to pass the client’s interview before any killing... listen carefully, John, this is what you owe me, better remember that. No matter what happens next, you have to endure it."
Oulos was serious, yet she wore a mischievous smile.
She seemed secretly hopeful for something.
John saw this wicked expression when she handled the tie clip.
[Sub-task: Carnivore]
[Reward: Unknown]
John received a task notification.
The vehicle drove into the city center, stopping in front of a pristine, orderly high-rise, seemingly the lobby of a top-notch hotel.
Escorted by a waiter, Oulos and John entered the elevator.
John accidentally glimpsed the sign.
This was where he mailed the package.
Recalling the task prompt name, a bizarre suspicion struck John.
"Where is this?"
He asked anxiously.
"A private dining restaurant."
Oulos replied with a smile.