"Deeper cooperation? What exactly does he want?"
An elderly man with a dignified expression furrowed his brows. To him, the fact that Kang Tao had the opportunity to cooperate with Peter was already something to be proud of.
Although Peter was personally brave, there weren't many things he could change on a societal level.
"To put it simply," Ling Xiaohan began, "Peter wants to unite all the mercenaries in Night City and establish a new order."
She spoke directly, relaying the message Peter had just sent her.
"Impossible!" the old man snapped. "How can an independent city like Night City be entrusted to someone who operates entirely on his own whims?"
"Besides," he continued, "even if Kang Tao agrees to cooperate with him, it could lead to retaliation from Militech and the Arasaka Group."
His concerns weren't unfounded. As much as he wanted to see Kang Tao and Peter reach an agreement, the idea of uniting Night City's mercenaries into a new organized force? That wasn't some minor ambition—it was a direct challenge to the military-industrial powers that had dominated the city for decades.
Anyone thinking clearly could tell it was nearly impossible.
"Old Wang, Twelve," Xu Shiming interjected, "you seem to have forgotten what Peter accomplished today."
"He led a team of fewer than ten people and slaughtered four thousand trained soldiers inside a Militech skyscraper. And he walked away completely unscathed."
"You're suggesting that Peter's actions today weren't just about avenging his own people, but also a demonstration of power?" the old man asked thoughtfully.
"It's as clear as day," Xu Shiming confirmed. "Peter is showing us he's not afraid of crossing Militech."
Old Wang nodded slowly, then turned to Ling Xiaohan. "Xiaoling, what do you think of this man?"
"I've observed Peter for some time," Ling Xiaohan replied. "He may be moody, but he shows genuine care for his people. Once he trusts you, he's loyal. I personally believe cooperating with him wouldn't be unacceptable—if we can earn his trust."
Wang Lao let out a long sigh.
"That's exactly why we must be cautious. Preparation is key."
Everyone present had already reviewed Peter's background earlier that afternoon.
He came from a homeless family, supporting his younger sister as they struggled to survive in Night City. He befriended Jack Wells, rescued Lucy—a suspected fugitive hacker—and helped David Martinez, who had crashed during an escape.
Jack was a gang member from Heywood, Lucy a hacker targeted by Arasaka, and David a dropout from Arasaka Academy. None of them had particularly exceptional abilities on their own. But under Peter's influence and leadership, they'd become some of the city's most elite mercenaries.
Yet none of them were capable of forming a team on their own.
Peter never cared much for money—he once paid medical expenses for a student who didn't seem to have much of a future. He wasn't someone driven by personal gain. In a city filled with cutthroat mercenaries, Peter stood out as a man of principle.
He didn't just fight—he built something.
He even took in veteran mercenaries with deep roots in Night City and gave them purpose again.
If Peter had one flaw, it might be his romantic entanglements. He lived with three women, maintained a relationship with Judy outside his home, and even Rebecca—one of his newest recruits—had shown interest in him.
But compared to the debauchery of Night City's elites, Peter's relationships were practically modest.
"Let's wrap up today's meeting here," Wang Lao said. "Xu, Ling, stay behind—I need to speak with you privately."
As the other regional leaders exited, the room grew quiet.
Wang Lao's face shifted into a mischievous smile.
"Xiao Xu, isn't that girl Xinyue heading back to China soon?"
"Ahem… thank you for your concern, Mr. Wang," Xu Shiming said, coughing lightly. "Xinyue plans to stay in the U.S. branch for a few more years."
Ling Xiaohan, catching Xu Shiming's glance, chimed in, "Yes, that's right. Xinyue mentioned she wants to work with me for a while—I've already arranged for her to be my secretary."
Wang Lao chuckled knowingly.
"I see. You two clearly don't want me meddling. I was only curious about her progress."
"Well…" Ling Xiaohan hesitated. "It's hard to say. Xinyue's personality is a bit… challenging."
She sounded frustrated. Her original plan was to have Xinyue get close to Peter, since he was surrounded by young and beautiful women. But unfortunately, Xinyue offended Peter during their first meeting, prompting Xu Shiming to scold her.
"Let's just leave it to fate," Wang Lao said finally. "If Xinyue does manage to form that kind of relationship with Peter, it would benefit us greatly."
There was no forcing such things, and they all knew it.
It wasn't like ancient times, where political marriages cemented alliances.
Everyone in the room understood that Peter's most valuable asset wasn't just his power or technology—it was his genetic makeup. Peter was likely the first truly evolved human. If his genes could be studied and understood, it might unlock a new stage in human evolution.
"I hope that's the case," both Ling Xiaohan and Xu Shiming said with matching sighs.
---
North Oak – Peter's Villa
"You three drank a lot today," Peter muttered as he carried V, Lucy, and Sasha one by one from the car to the living room sofa.
"Hey, Peter," V slurred, clearly intoxicated, "we did something epic today! Claire said that to become legends, we must die…"
"But we're still alive!" Lucy chimed in. "We took down Militech!"
"Yes, yes," Sasha added, barely coherent, "we're legends now. No more drinks next time…"
With a helpless smile, Peter helped the three drunken girls take baths and made sure they were comfortable.
Then, retreating to his room, he reflected on his earlier conversation with Rogue.
He had made his decision.
Now, he had to follow through.
Tonight, he would begin drafting a detailed plan for what came next.