Early the Next Morning
Peter walked out of his room, stretching his back while supporting his waist.
"Damn it... Lucy and the others were ruthless," he muttered to himself. Though he didn't feel any physical discomfort, he was exhausted on the inside.
"It's not easy to satisfy everyone equally..." He shook his head, sighing.
Without wasting time, he picked up his phone and made a call.
Ding—
[Caller ID: Peter]
Ling Xiaohan, who was in the middle of a company meeting, glanced at her phone. The moment she saw Peter's name on the screen, she stopped the meeting without hesitation.
Ever since Xu Xinyue offended Peter last time, Kang Tao had been careful not to contact him rashly.
"I have an urgent matter. The meeting is temporarily suspended. Secretary Xu will inform you of the rescheduled time."
After speaking, Ling Xiaohan walked out of the conference room and headed straight to her office. Once inside, she composed herself, adjusted her appearance, and quickly answered the call.
"Mr. Peter, it's been a while. What can I do for you?"
"Ms. Ling, I'd like to know if you have a suitable laboratory in Night City. I need to rent one to work on something."
Peter went straight to the point.
Ling Xiaohan chuckled. "Mr. Peter, you must be joking. Kang Tao owns exclusive laboratories in Night City. But I need to know—what kind of lab are you looking for?"
"I need a research lab capable of manufacturing robots, chips, and prosthetics. As compensation, I can offer biotechnology planting and breeding technology, model 067. That should be more than enough to cover the cost of the lab, don't you think?"
Peter wasn't concerned about leaking biotechnology secrets. Sol and the others were already growing enough crops to sustain themselves and continue developing.
"What? Biotechnology planting and breeding technology?"
Ling Xiaohan shot up from her seat, eyes widening in shock.
This was one of the core secrets of biotechnology. How had it ended up in Peter's hands?
However, based on the intelligence reports they had gathered about him, Peter wasn't the type to bluff. If he claimed he had it, then it was likely true.
"That's right. Ms. Ling, you must have received reports about a group of homeless families outside Night City. They've recently started farming crops. I gave them the technology."
Ling Xiaohan frowned slightly and gestured to Xu Xinyue, who was standing nearby. "Confirm this with the intelligence department immediately."
Xu Xinyue nodded and left the office.
Ling Xiaohan turned back to the call. "I'm not fully aware of this situation yet, but I must say, we'd be more than happy to provide you with a research lab that meets your specifications, Mr. Peter."
For her, this deal was a no-brainer.
A single lab was nothing compared to the immense value of biotechnology cultivation and planting technology.
"Great. I'll send you the data now, Ms. Ling. I hope you won't disappoint me."
Peter transferred the biotechnology technology files over to Ling Xiaohan.
As for whether she would go back on her word?
He wasn't worried. If that happened, there would just be another Cyan Bi Mansion incident.
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Peter. I will personally ensure that a suitable research lab is made available to you as soon as possible."
Ling Xiaohan received the document and replied immediately.
"Good. I look forward to your good news, Ms. Ling. Oh, and one more thing—be sure to open the file on your computer."
Peter hung up the call after that.
At the same time, Xu Xinyue returned from the intelligence department.
"Aunt Ling, the intelligence department has confirmed that there is indeed a group of homeless people farming outside the city. Also, based on our sources within the biotechnology sector, Peter's claim is very likely true."
Hearing this, Ling Xiaohan took out a chip from her desk and stored the document Peter had sent her.
Strangely, the entire process was incredibly fast, as if the file size was small.
She frowned.
Why did Peter specifically ask me to open this file on my computer?
Curious, she followed his instructions.
The moment she executed the file, her entire system was nearly overloaded. In an instant, her storage was filled to capacity.
Now she understood why Peter had warned her.
Had she opened this file on a connected network, it could have triggered a widespread leak—possibly leading to a scandal, or worse, an "accidental" death.
She quickly deleted the document from her computer and handed the chip over to Xu Xinyue.
"Take this to the research department. The contents are to be classified as S-level secrets."
"Understood." Xu Xinyue took the chip carefully.
"Also, find a research lab near the North Oak area that meets Peter's requirements. Make it available for him immediately."
"Yes, Aunt Ling."
"In the company, you should address me as President. But forget it, just don't mess up this job, understood?"
Xu Xinyue nodded. Since her previous blunder with Peter, she had been assisting Ling Xiaohan closely. Over time, Ling Xiaohan had tacitly shared some intelligence on Peter with her.
That was when she realized just how foolish her past decisions had been.
---
Back to Peter
"Peter, do you really want to cooperate with these corporations?"
Johnny appeared beside him, arms crossed.
"I know exactly what these companies are like. You can't trust them."
Peter smirked. "Certain things require a different approach. And honestly, I'm not worried about Kang Tao. If they try anything, they'll end up collapsing under their own weight."
Johnny sighed. "Yeah, yeah. You never listen anyway."
"By the way, Johnny, have you thought about what you'll do once you're resurrected?"
Johnny scoffed. "Resurrection? Don't joke, Peter. If you hadn't released me, I wouldn't have even known I was dead."
"What if I told you I could make it happen?"
Johnny fell silent.
He hadn't considered it before. In his mind, there wasn't much difference between his current existence and being alive.
But based on what he knew about Peter...
If Peter said he could do it, then it was possible.
"Maybe I'd go back and find some people..." Johnny said after a long pause.
Peter chuckled. "And what would you do after that?"
Johnny smirked. "Raise some hell."
Peter nodded. "Fair enough."
Then Johnny narrowed his eyes. "What's your price?"
Peter met his gaze. "You know there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Johnny laughed. "Yeah... I figured as much."
Peter remained silent, letting the moment sink in.
Whatever his conditions were, Johnny knew he was about to make a deal that would change everything.
And this time, there was no turning back.
---