Cyberpunk:Gained a body of steel

"You don't need to be nervous, Evelyn. I saw a photo of you and her in Judy's studio, and Judy mentioned you to me."

Peter smiled and said. This wasn't a lie; he and Judy had a good relationship, and she often talked to Peter about her personal matters.

"That's right. I'm sorry. My situation is so critical that I don't want to make any mistakes."

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Peter's explanation. If he could handle Judy well, then he must be reliable.

"It's alright. It's normal for employers to have concerns. No need to apologize."

Peter shook his head, his tone gentle and reassuring.

Evelyn paused for a moment, then quickly regained her composure.

"Ahem. Let's talk in Judy's studio. It's not very convenient here."

With that, she stood up and walked toward the underground studio.

Peter didn't even need Evelyn to lead the way. He knew exactly how to get to Judy's studio with his eyes closed.

---

"Wow, the Vortex Gang added another sixty-seven people to the Dead Man's Lottery today. It's almost breaking a hundred."

It was already past midnight, and the Dead Man's Lottery, a major program in Night City, had just drawn a new lottery.

Judy sat at her desk, watching the broadcast on the screen. It was clear she knew that Peter was behind the latest wave of chaos.

"Really? I thought there should have been one or two more people," Peter remarked casually.

"None of you got hurt, did you?" Judy asked, still looking at the screen.

"Fortunately, the reformers from the Vortex Gang couldn't touch us."

Peter shook his head.

Then, he dragged a chair from the side and sat down. "Actually, it wasn't that bad. Lucy and I hacked a dozen people from the Vortex Gang first, and then I took care of the rest with a smart weapon after we got in. The scene was pretty cool."

"It sounds like great material for a super dream," Judy said, imagining the scene. "Too bad we don't have time for that today."

Peter chuckled, but then Evelyn spoke up, her face serious.

"Peter, let's get straight to the point. Our target is the Cyan Bi Building."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Really? Sounds a bit challenging. But you should go into more detail."

While Evelyn looked tense and serious, Peter remained unfazed, even appearing a little sleepy.

"Peter, you really need to think this through. This is too dangerous. And you—Xiao Ai—why did you get involved with Huangban Laixuan?"

Seeing Peter's nonchalant attitude, Judy began to feel a bit anxious.

Judy had already edited the Chaomeng video for Evelyn in advance, so she knew exactly what Evelyn's plan was. But at the same time, Peter was a friend she didn't want to lose. She got along well with him and didn't want to see him walk into what seemed like certain death.

"That's right, Judy. You don't understand. This mission is my only chance to break free from the status quo and rise to the top. Just think of it as me begging you," Evelyn said, her voice filled with desperation.

She had finally found a reliable mercenary, and she didn't want Judy to talk her out of it now.

"Judy, I've already accepted the commission. Once I take on a job, I have to complete it. That's the deal, right?" Peter said gently, but his words left no room for argument.

Judy fell silent for a moment, then looked at Peter and said, "I hope you'll come to my place and record the scene when you make a big fuss at the Cyan Bi Building."

"Of course. You're the best Mewtwo technician in the city," Peter said with a smile.

Even in a somewhat tense situation, Peter's smile managed to ease the atmosphere a little.

As for Evelyn, she was just one of Peter's employers. He didn't care too much about what she thought. Peter had already considered the possible consequences if he went to talk to Evelyn himself.

Could Evelyn stop now? No, this was a big gamble for her future.

No matter how it ended, Peter would accept it without pity. After all, that would be the greatest disrespect to someone chasing their dreams.

"Judy, do you know why I, a former wanderer, came to Night City?"

Judy paused and looked at Peter. "I don't know, but I'm sure you have your reasons."

Peter sighed, his eyes distant. "I've seen it all—money, power, fame, and every kind of human desire. Mercenaries, sex dolls, street gang punks—they all want to be Night City legends."

He leaned back in his chair. "The sad part is that our legends will eventually be buried in the soil."

Judy shrugged. "Maybe. But I'll be a living legend in Night City someday."

"Wow, don't I know a living legend?" Peter laughed. "It's a pity I'm not in the mood for a drink tonight, or I'd definitely celebrate with you."

Judy imagined the scene and felt a sense of longing. Maybe one day, they could share a drink together, but for now, there were more important things to focus on.

---

After watching the Chaomeng video of the Cyan Bi Building and confirming the location of the relic chip, Peter walked out of the Ritz Bar.

He still held Judy's very precious pistol in his hand. The weight of it reminded him of the time when Judy had given it to him.

"This is my pistol. It's called Liz. It's a good technical pistol, but it's out of production now. This is the only one in Night City. I'm lending it to you. Remember to return it to me, okay?"

Judy had carefully placed the pistol in Peter's hands, a gesture that meant a lot to her.

"Thank you, Judy. I'll bring it back in one piece," Peter said, his voice sincere.

Judy didn't respond verbally but simply nodded and walked back to her studio, closing the door behind her.

Peter didn't know why, but he wondered if Judy was starting to feel something for him. After all, he had a good relationship with her. But after a moment's thought, he dismissed the idea. He wasn't the type to entertain such notions, especially since he hadn't made any advances.

There was no way he could straighten out Judy—he had never even tried. Even in the game, male V had helped Judy resolve the Genting situation, but that didn't mean he had ever been interested in her romantically.

Peter shrugged it off and decided not to overthink it. He had a lot on his mind, and there was no point dwelling on it.

He headed home, as he had made plans with Jack and the others beforehand.

Back at his apartment, Peter didn't do much. He simply lay down on the sofa, watching the bustling scene of Night City outside the window, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming mission.

---

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