"No problem, we don't have any big projects recently, and there's a new batch of Adcardans looking to develop around Night City, so we've been wondering what work they could do to sustain themselves..."
Seeing Sol say this, Mercer slightly curled his lips into a smile.
Come on, once you enjoy the benefits of my company, how many Adcardans will still want to return to the wilderness, living from hand to mouth?
The number of Adcardans wandering the North American continent far exceeds the entire population of Night City, and Mercer's goal is not just to recruit some Adcardan workers.
His long-term goal is to encourage mass migration of Adcardans to Night City; these people are inherently opposed to large corporations and are currently his most steadfast allies.
Once a large number of Adcardans take root around Night City, Mercer will further push for them to formally join Night City, gaining voter status, and thus further control Night City's electoral power.
Mercer's goal is simple: within ten years, to first implement deep reform in Taiping Prefecture and establish his own 'Utopia.'
The first step is to push for Jefferson to serve as mayor, first securing Taiping Prefecture's 'special zone' status.
Then push for special zone legislation, gradually reforming from security to labor laws and other facets, starting with Taiping Prefecture, to gradually change this city.
Adcardans and the residents of Taiping Prefecture will become his source of manpower and political support, and once they are accustomed to true freedom and democracy, Mercer believes no one would want to live in an oppressive world anymore.
Even though this idea may seem naive now, with more Adcardans, it might bring new troubles, but in any case, this will be the first step toward a beautiful new world.
As for whether Mercer's company's generous benefits will cause other capitalists to conspire to destroy him...
Mercer is not concerned about this—in fact, a new corporate war is on the horizon, and he is determined to carve out his own place in this impending conflict.
If anyone has grievances, they can voice them on the battlefield. With Arasaka as an ally, Mercer is confident that he will use this new corporate war to make his company famous.
When he has loyal employees and a broad mass foundation, advanced weaponry, a complete production chain, and overwhelming network technology advantages, he will no longer be a participant in this world, but a decision-maker.
Mercer stopped at this, not delving deeper with Sol, but instead inviting everyone to drink and chat with a smile.
The Adcardans and the Spark Team occupied two adjacent booths, raising their glasses and chatting happily, while Rogue chatted with Silver Hand for quite some time before approaching Mercer.
She said nothing but nonsense, picked up a glass of whiskey, and looked at Mercer: "Thanks, Mercer. I know you went through a lot to bring this bastard back."
"If I said it was no trouble at all, would Johnny short-circuit from anger?" Mercer laughed as he clinked glasses with her, downing his drink in one go.
The party at Rebirth Bar lasted until late at night, and even Mercer didn't escape the alcohol; he drank wholeheartedly and ended up slightly tipsy.
On the way home, everyone was driven by Polaris, so there was no worry of anyone drinking and driving.
Sitting in the seat, Mercer opened the car window, letting the unique, slightly foul air of Night City clear his slightly dizzy head.
"Phew... It's been a long time since I drank so heartily, come on, let me lean on you for a while!" With only four people in the car, V dropped the pretense and casually let Mercer sit more appropriately so she could comfortably lean against him.
At the moment, Rebecca was snuggled up to Mercer, sound asleep, V was next to Mercer, and Lucy was on the other side by the window, watching the moon with the wind in her hair.
Mercer turned his head, and seeing this scene, couldn't help but smile. He gently turned his head, kissed V on the head, and with his other hand, quietly held Lucy's hand.
How to say it, there's a strange sense of thrill.
Lucy subtly turned her head, shaking it at Mercer with some helplessness, but her fingers quietly intertwined with his.
V felt like it was all so clear but chose not to bother, pretending not to see as she leaned on his shoulder, yawning.
The car quietly cruised through the night of Night City, Mercer closed the window, leaving only the fragrance of the girls in the car.
He couldn't help but laugh.
"What are you laughing at?" V squinted, dozing.
"Just feeling a bit happy... or content," Mercer said truthfully.
V chided lightly, "Of course? Being surrounded on all sides, you've got it good, haven't you?"
Mercer, chuckling, turned his head to press his cheek against hers, soon nibbling at her lips, as Lucy rolled her eyes in amusement, trying to shake off his hand, but Mercer shamelessly held on.
Hugging one, kissing another, holding hands with a third... Mercer vowed he never thought he'd have such a joyful day in his life.
Upon returning to the Gem Cyan Hotel, Lucy threw him a resentful glance before heading into her room.
Mercer deposited the softly snoring Rebecca into a room and without hesitation slipped into V's.
The girl had been waiting for a long time—though her cheeks were flushed, she was still clad in a cool black combat suit, pretending like she knew nothing: "Which day of the week is it today anyway?"