"..."

This person must have a loose screw, right?

Because of the fear that military technology covets one's skills, he chose to develop in Night City, sought insurance from Kangtao for balance, and used offending Huang Ban as an offer to military technology and New America. This kind of thing, Miles can completely understand, but talking about saving the emperor, cleaning the palace? You're treating me like a Japanese person?

And it's fine to say this in front of others, but in front of me, the President of the United States?

I believe you like I believe this ╭∩╮.

If military technology were to fall apart one day, I'm afraid your next move would be to take over the White House, kicking me off the chair.

Although I've long heard Horizon Corporation is full of remarkable people, I initially thought it was slander by peers against successful figures. But today, seeing it myself, names live up to reputations — none of these rumors are baseless.

Looking at Lin Miao who talks nonsense, Miles silently lowers her assessment of him by a few notches.

But while she complains inside, Miles always handles surface matters better than anyone.

She nodded slightly, showing approval in her eyes.

"I never expected to meet a true American citizen in Night City. It's truly rare."

"This century, the American people have suffered so many painful tragedies — wars, famines, natural disasters, and worst of all, the disintegration of the leader nation of the free world. Our country has been repeatedly battered by war amid internal chaos. Now, it's the darkest moment for our nation...."

Lin Miao chimed in with Miles' words.

"In this darkest moment, we should use force to protect this beloved, guarded land. This is and forever will be the duty and moral obligation of every American citizen."

Lin Miao extended a hand towards Miles.

"'United under the Star-Spangled Banner,' your speech before the Unified War, I can recite it backwards. I even listen to it sometimes before sleeping."

Now it was Miles' turn to be surprised.

Know this, Lin Miao couldn't have known about Miles coming to Night City ahead of time, besides this basement has signal jamming, not even the best hacker could break through, meaning Lin Miao couldn't access the internet on-site for checks, even if he could, there's no reason for such a quick response, so only one explanation remains.

That before coming here, upon learning he would meet Miles, Lin Miao had tirelessly memorized her speech from seven years ago.

This guy....

Either he truly is Miles' brainless fan and ultimate sycophant, or he anticipated this moment long ago and made preparations in advance.

She leans towards the latter, becoming increasingly wary of Lin Miao.

Thus, Miles extended her hand to Lin Miao's, smiling and saying.

"Even I barely remember my speech, and you still recall it — truly admirable."

After Lin Miao released Miles' hand, he punched his fist onto his chest.

"There can only be one sun in the sky, and in my heart, it's only President Miles!"

He was increasingly getting into character, immersing himself entirely into his artistic creation.

Even though Lin Miao knew Miles wouldn't believe him, and Miles knew that Lin Miao knew Miles wouldn't believe him.

Anyone who has gotten this far today can't be a fool. For someone like Miles, even if her idol were revived, she would personally send him back, because only the dead can be perfect idols.

But that's not important. What's important is that both parties are at least aligned on the same interest front now.

Against military technology, Huang Ban, Cuba, and the European Community, Lin Miao could say he's offended them all. For Miles, now is the best time to enter.

After realizing her usual methods might not work on this person, Miles cut directly to the point.

"Let's skip the excessive flattering, Boss Lin, I'm here to discuss business."

Lin Miao also dropped his previous loyal demeanor, shifting to indifference.

"I wonder what urgent matter the president has made a special trip to Night City for?"

"You're far from being just a little figure."

Miles said with a smile.

"According to my sources, Cuba is preparing for a second assassination attempt against you, and Soviet Petrochemical is under internal investigation by the European Community due to exposure of their cyber-prosthetic smuggling channels. Though not physically damaging, it is financially costly. These people see you as a thorn in their eye, eager to eliminate you. For you now, finding a reliable big tree to lean on is imperative."

Miles knew that people from Cuba and Soviet Petrochemical wanted to kill him, and Lin Miao was not surprised at all. If he could send people to gather information in Cuba, let alone the President of New American Federation, whose resources only exceed Lin Miao's. She might even know the exact day they will act, far clearer than his plan to fake the Cuba Drug Trafficking Group assassinating the US President.

Lin Miao has irked too many people, infringing on too many interests for Horizon Corporation's rapid rise, which, for an emerging company just starting, is undoubtedly a devastating blow.

This is also why Lin Miao hopes to find a thick enough thigh to shelter him from the storm because in this world where interests have been completely divided by the upper echelon, striving upward on one's own is impossible. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Sharing benefits only ensures that one won't be hindered while doing things, but those people won't necessarily protect you, because you're not irreplaceable. Even if you die, they might eat more.