Chapter 41: Chapter 41: If I Form a Team, Will You Join?
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"If you don't eat, how will you have the energy to do your tasks?"
David's response was direct—it confirmed what Lucy suspected. He had accepted the task.
Lucy nodded, understanding, and picked up the chopsticks in front of her. "Hey, how do you use these chopsticks?"
"???"
David raised an eyebrow. "You don't know how to use chopsticks?"
Lucy replied with confidence, "Didn't I just tell you this is my first time in a Chinese restaurant?"
"..."
David sighed, feeling a bit awkward. He reached out and gently took Lucy's slender hand. "Here, hold the chopsticks like this. Put your index finger here, thumb here, and apply a little pressure with your middle finger."
"You've never learned this before?"
"Well, now I have," Lucy said, obediently following his instructions.
David smiled and thought to himself, She really is brilliant. No wonder she's a top hacker. She picks things up so quickly.
However, as his gaze lingered, he caught the playful smile tugging at Lucy's lips.
David narrowed his eyes. Is this little girl teasing me?
Lucy noticed his expression and smirked, her mischievous streak evident. David shook his head with a helpless smile. She was brilliant at everything but had a knack for making fun of people.
"By the way," David began as he started helping himself to some food. "I ran into Mann and his friends last night. He said you refused to join their team."
The playful expression on Lucy's face froze. She looked at David, her eyes sharp with suspicion. "How do you know Mann and his crew?"
"We met at the Afterlife Bar last night. I work there," David replied casually while chewing. He glanced at her. "They told me you refused because you already had a new partner. Were they talking about me?"
Hearing this, Lucy's face turned a bit unnatural. She avoided his gaze and fumbled for an excuse. "No way… I just prefer my freedom. Joining a team might feel too restrictive."
She quickly stuffed her mouth with food, looking like a kitten caught doing something wrong. It was rare for someone to throw Lucy off her game, and this moment left her flustered.
Lucy had always been the one to manipulate others, but now, David seemed to have turned the tables.
Why is this guy so annoying? she thought to herself, a mix of amusement and frustration bubbling up inside her.
David, however, remained calm and turned the conversation back to the main topic.
"Then tell me this," he said, looking her directly in the eyes. "If I form a team, will you join me?"
"Huh?!"
Lucy was stunned. Her face showed disbelief. "Are you joking?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
Lucy's expression changed as she hesitated. Finally, she smiled slyly. "Let's talk about it after we finish this mission."
"You—!"
David groaned inwardly, feeling like he had just lost to her again.
After lunch, the two began planning their mission.
Jotaro, the target, had unpredictable movements during the day, but at night, he would always show up at his private lounge in the Mewtwo Experience Bar located in the Kabuki District.
This presented the perfect opportunity for David and Lucy to act.
The plan was straightforward: David would discreetly steal the private chip keycard from Jotaro without alerting him. With the keycard in hand, they could infiltrate the bar's secure office.
Once inside, Lucy's hacking skills would take care of the rest. She would retrieve the required data effortlessly.
The task promised a reward of 100,000 euros—if they were careful.
Of course, there was another concern: competitors. They had to be on guard against other teams trying to intercept the job.
After finalizing the plan, the two visited the Mewtwo Experience Bar in advance to scout the area. They mapped out all possible escape routes and ensured they were prepared for any scenario.
The mission was scheduled for 10 PM, and David had even taken the night off from his job at the Afterlife Bar.
Meanwhile, at the Mann team's base camp, they were also preparing for a mission. Their objective: steal sensitive information from a biotech company.
"I've done the research," Mann explained to his team. "After 9 PM, the building has no staff on-site, only patrol robots."
He continued, "As long as we act quickly, Sasha can sneak in, copy the data, and get out before anyone notices."
Mann looked at his crew. "I'll wait in the car outside to provide backup if needed. Does anyone have suggestions or concerns?"
Pyrrha raised her hand. "Boss Mann, wouldn't it be safer if Sasha went in alone? Fewer people mean a lower chance of being spotted, right?"
Mann nodded. "True. The building's security system is advanced but manageable."
Sasha chimed in, "How about I go in alone, then? Boss, you can wait outside to prevent any interference."
Mann considered her suggestion, but before he could respond, Rebecca cut in sharply. "No way!"
Her voice drew everyone's attention.
Rebecca crossed her arms, her expression serious. "It's too risky for Sasha to go alone. Have you forgotten what David said last night?"
The room fell silent.
Pyrrha scoffed. "Seriously, Rebecca? Do you believe what that guy from the Dragon Kingdom said? He's just acting mysterious. I bet he's all talk."
Rebecca shot him a sharp look. "Brother, shut up."
Mann, watching the exchange, eventually nodded in agreement. "Rebecca's right. It's better to be cautious. Rebecca, you'll go with Sasha. The two of you are agile and less likely to be noticed. Work together."
"Got it!"
With their plan set, Mann's team prepared for the operation.
As night fell over Night City, two teams readied themselves for action—unaware their paths might cross.
Tonight was destined to be anything but peaceful.
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