My Cyber Psychosis is Task Prompt-Chapter 298 - 170: In the Corners of the City

They wear shirts and suits, veins like plant rhizomes winding under their skin, with eyes flickering with light, always maintaining a cold and intimidating expression.

John looked on, feeling quite moved:

The store he built himself, crowded customers, employees each playing their role, and a steady stream of cash...

"Hey, look who it is?"

The beautiful bartender with rough short blonde hair, like a tomboy, pairing a small blazer with a vest and suspenders.

She is Wenna.

The one complimenting the customer's lip piercing next to her is Comlan.

Both are Angelica's regular bartenders, and apart from her, they are the most popular behind the bar.

Wenna picked up a paper towel to wipe the black enamel prosthesis, flipping the washed glass onto a rusted steel rack.

"You came quite early tonight, mercenary. Why are you staring at me? The special of the day is called 'Waves', want to try it?"

John pulled up the high stool to sit down.

"Where can I find amazing employees like you guys, you're basically a live advertisement."

"Sorry, what did you say?"

Wenna clearly didn't understand his words.

John smiled, hands spread.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not here to poach Angelica's best, it's just... uh, has she talked to you guys? I'm opening a shop too, the storefront and equipment are just set up, if I can make money, I also want to hire two reliable employees like you."

"Wow~"

Wenna's eyes sparkled as she leaned on the bar, her handsome face showing rare surprise.

"Look, I told you mercenaries have a future, so quickly you have your own stable business, a wise choice, brother!"

She felt sincerely envious.

John, a street newcomer, made a name for himself on Dan Street by punching a Nova boxer for the street girls. It wasn't long before he could open his own shop.

During his chat with John, Wenna's prosthetic eye flickered once, indicating she received an order from a bar customer.

"I'm still working hard, of course, Angelica is a million times better than my previous boss, he was a complete jerk."

She skillfully finished her move, pushing a shot of spirits into the hand of the customer next to the bar.

"I know a few agents who introduce jobs to stowaways. Many skilled, hardworking guys are willing to register with them. Whenever you need employees, contact me anytime."

[Street reputation increased, new interpersonal relationship unlocked.]

John was presented with a new option.

This had appeared last time after meeting Barry, indicating he has made a name for himself in the underground, gaining new avenues for problem-solving.

Wenna, like Genius, believed running a stable business was a better choice than being a mercenary.

John didn't mention he would give up the latter, nor did he argue.

"Thanks, Wenna, I'll have a glass, uh, Waves, right?"

"I suggest going for something gentler, like Virginia, you haven't modified too many organs, drinking Waves could leave you drunk until the morning."

"So?"

John always felt she was hinting at something.

Wenna licked her inner teeth — a gesture Angelica often made when revealing a wicked smile.

"Angelica isn't in the shop, if you want to find her, you'll have to knock on her apartment door, do you know the door number? Uh-huh, John, Waves will definitely affect your performance tonight."

The metal shaker rapidly shook in Wenna's hand.

She filtered out the springs and ice cubes, forming a beautiful water stream, pushing a glass even darker than the warm light in front of him, water mist rapidly gathered around the glass walls, with small bubbles continuously emerging.

A slightly sour and spicy taste.

John sipped it while scanning the surroundings.

Tipsy Bikini always reverberated with music, even with the midnight lights fully on, it was less crazy than Steel Hot Forest, disputes and laughter came in waves around the booths and billiard tables.

Occasionally someone slapped a gun on the table, and waiters would loudly curse at misbehaving guests...

For those wandering the streets, it's warmer and more peaceful than a single apartment.

The TV above the bar was replaying footage of John hijacking the armored vehicle, including Barry and ECPD spokespersons being questioned by reporters.

They emphasized it was part of gang wars, the truly bloody conflict is yet unfinished or even begun.

Wenna and other regulars were more or less following the news.

Each looked worried, ordinary people never want to die from stray bullets or sudden explosions.

[Eden City - Dan Street Apartment]

John walked through the familiar elevated floor, all gym equipment and old audio systems had been moved.

Bone Shards have managed the rental business without arranging any patrols.

Ding—

The graffiti-covered elevator door opened.

Black Gold Gang thugs walked out carrying a tenant behind on the rent, the henchmen each holding a zipperless bag of clothes.

They didn't recognize John, brushing past each other, wearing clothes from the Habitable Rental Company, new rules were already established in the connected areas on Dan Street.

Metal doors closed.

The hoisting machine roared upward, ads for a better life emerged continuously from all directions.

The cab passed through the group rental district, reaching what used to be the single apartments.

John passed by his former living quarters, finding the metal sliding doors completely repaired, barring a slight color difference in the side paint, it didn't look at all like it was ever blasted by Internet Surveillance.

He walked through the skywalk between buildings.

Angelica lived in a building closer to the Bolago Club.

John had been curious:

With business so good at Tipsy Bikini, is living in Dan Street Apartment a bit restrained?