Cyberpunk: Ultimate Cyborg System-Chapter 554: Fishing For a Job.

"So it's true after all," Glenn said. "You really did start a gang…"

Having arrived a little late, Dante was the only one still eating while the others talked. That gave them a good excuse to ignore the elephant in the room, but eventually it was his turn to catch them up on what he has been up to. That's just how things had always been for their little group.

"Yeah, it just felt like the right thing," Dante said. "Someone has to run things around here, or scum will keep making trouble."

"That's valid, I guess." Ross lowered his third can. "Still, can't believe you had it in you. I always had my guesses, but… to think you're strong enough to start a gang…"

What sets gangs apart from a group of street thugs is their boss. Nowadays, having a boss who's at least Level 3 was a requirement for an organization to he called a proper gang. That point was even more important than having resources and assets.

"Actually, I went and checked your club the other day," Ross said. "It's pretty good, not gonna lie. Wish you invited us to the opening."

"Sorry, but… a lot of dangerous people were there that night," Dante said. "Didn't want to get you caught up in case anything happened."

"Nah, it's no problem." Glenn granted to his left. "Though I'm wondering what an old man like you is doing at a night club."

"Hey! I'm not that old!" Ross shot back. "Just so you would know, I was checking out the place for a future date.

"A future date, you say?" Glenn scoffed.

Before it could flare the argument, Dante leaned on the counter, looking at the maintenance worker.

"By the way, you still with that pregnant woman you mentioned a while back?"

Blinking a couple of times then flashed him a grin.

"We're still together." He said. "I plan to propose once she recovers from the delivery."

"Whoa! Slow down, Romeo." Jonah said. "This is the first time we're hearing about this. Aren't you rushing a bit too much?"

"What's there to think about? She's a great woman, and I'm sure she'll be a great mother." Taking a swig, Ross put his can down. "Most importantly, Ellie really likes her. Maybe having a little brother will help with her loneliness."

"I see…"

Taking his glass, Jonah sipped from the honey colored liquid it contained. Though he was discharged, alcohol was still off-limits, so all he could drink was some iced tea.

"Ellie, huh?" As he muttered the name, Dante's smile turned into a smirk. "By the way, how's my little princess doing?"

Ross's eyes snapped wide open, and he quickly brought down his can, his cheeks bulging as he struggled to not spit up his drink. He whipped his head in Dante's direction, his eyes glowing with a demonic glare.

"Why you… I told you to never call her that! She's MY little princess!"

"Hey now, no need to get angry," Dante said. "I'm just a little worried, you know? If her father is too busy dating, who would take care of poor little Ellie?"

"I'm definitely not neglecting her!" Ross shot back. "And she's fine, just so you know! Her condition has improved quite a bit, too!"

"Well, I'm glad to hear," Dante said. Picking up his glass, he remained silent, staring at the light reflected on the surface of his drink. "I'm not sure how you feel about what I do, Ross, but… if she ever needs anything, just give me a call."

Ross opened his mouth to retort, but then he slowly closed it, the anger in his eyes fading away.

"Thanks, man. I… might take you up on that offer at some point."

The mood in the noodle shop turned solemn, and the silence lingered for a while. Remembering something, Dante turned to Nobara.

"By the way, where is Marie?"

"Sleeping," The old cook motioned behind her. "Kizuna took her to the Owl's Lantern today."

"Ooh, that's great to hear," Dante said.

He had been a little worried after what happened earlier that day, but thankfully, the little one seemed to be doing just fine.

"By the way, kid," Jonah said, not looking in his direction. "I have heard that you have been to Red Hill today."

"... Yeah. I did go there." Dante replied.

Sipping from his tea, the old officer spared him a glance.

"Already causing trouble?"

Dante chuckled.

"I wouldn't call it that. We just went to collect some info, that's all."

"I'm hoping you know what you're doing."

"Not gonna lie to you, I'm not entirely sure." Pausing, Dante flicked the glass with his alloy finger. "Well, you don't have to worry. I will make sure to keep the fighting there."

"Would be better to if there is no fighting at all."

"We can only dream."

As the mood took another dip, rescue came from an unlikely hero. Leaning a little toward Dante, Glenn whispered.

"Say, Dante, you've been gathering some assets lately, haven't you?"

It wasn't that difficult to guess, but the question still caused Dante to raise an eyebrow. With a serious face, the salaryman asked another question.

"Do you have someone to manage all that stuff for you?"

"You're fishing for a job!?" Ross suddenly snapped.

"Of course I am!" Glenn was quick to shoot back. "Some of us want to rise in this world, you know!"

"Rise where exactly!? Don't you have a corporate job already!?"

With a devious smile, the salaryman adjusted his glasses. The light reflecting on their lenses hid his eyes.

"You don't understand, my dear maintenance worker," he said. "The world of business is all about potential."

"Why are you saying that as if it's something profound?"

Ignoring the question, Glenn went on.

"I have a feeling that Dante here has great potential. Things might be small right now, but I'm sure he will continue to grow until he reaches the upper levels!"

"And you intend to stick to him on the way?" Jonah said.

"I'm offering my skills in both law and accounting," Glenn said, turning to Dante. "I'll work my way up alongside you. That's far better than waiting for a promotion that might never come."

Dante returned to his drink, thinking for a moment. He didn't linger with the reply for long.

"I've been thinking about stocks lately."

He also had ideas for other businesses he wanted to create. He had thought that money would no longer be a problem once he got all the bionics he needed, but with all the things he's trying to do as of late, it was starting to look like he would never have enough. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Great!" Glenn beamed. "I will compile a report on the current state of the market and send it to you by tomorrow."