The scene of Lucy brimming with confidence in front of him earlier formed an interesting contrast.
Faced with Lin Miao’s teasing and questions, Lucy did not respond. With an expressionless face, she hung her head as if lost in thought.
Immediately following, without saying a word, she turned around and walked in another direction, her hands behind her back, strolling leisurely, with the expression "hurry up and follow me" almost etched on her face.
Lin Miao complied with her intent, following behind her silently.
The two seemed like people from another world, with pedestrians and traffic passing by them, accompanied only by their shadows lengthening and shortening under the dim streetlights.
Occupation: Office Administrator
Reputation: Slightly Famous
Skills: [Firearms Mastery LV1]
Tsk, after all that effort, I only leveled up once, the skill upgrading from basic to mastery. Lin Miao felt that considering the two or three dozen people he injured today, it’s quite impolite of the system not to grant him at least two level-ups.
But at least he’s no longer a nameless nobody. Apparently, the incident with the Tiger Claw gang today had quite an impact, likely leading to an upgrade in his rating at the middleman’s.
Just as Lin Miao was thinking carefully about what effects this might have, he felt as though he’d bumped into someone, and upon closer inspection...
It turned out Lucy had suddenly stopped walking. Unbeknownst to him, they had arrived at the coastal area of Santo Domingo, by the sea.
Opposite them lay the gorge district of Haywood.
Leaning against the seaside railing, Lucy took out a packet of cigarettes, but after hesitating for a moment, she put them back, and could only lean on the railing, looking sullen.
"You...why did you save me that time? Were you not afraid of dying?"
"Are you talking about today?" Though there were twice in total, during their first encounter, Lin Miao felt even without him, Lucy could have fled alone.
"You can talk about both times."
Feeling uncomfortable without something to hold, Lucy finally pulled out the chocolate from her pocket.
Despite it having broken into pieces during the earlier battle, she carefully unwrapped it and popped a piece into her mouth.
That bittersweet taste was fitting for her mood at the moment.
Because of a slip today, she had nearly gotten both Lin Miao and herself killed in Kabuki District, not expecting a master hacker hiding in the club.
After buying two cans of water from a small store, Lin Miao leaned beside Lucy and said,
"The first time was because I felt I’d been set up as a scapegoat, blocking for you, felt the need to get an explanation from you. Then hearing from them that you were a hacker and might be useful to me, I decided to help you."
"What about today then?"
He handed the drink in his hand to Lucy "Do you want the truth or a lie?"
"Is there a difference?"
"Of course there is, but it depends on how you want it."
Lucy allowed a barely noticeable smile to slip from her lips, "Then I’ll hear the lie first."
"Cough... The lie is that I’ve fallen for you. I like you, fell madly in love with you at first sight. You’re like a moon occupying all my thoughts, even willing to give my life for you, no matter what, I’ll have to save you."
His words were cheesy and vulgar, employing a tone of pretentiousness that was just nauseating to listen.
Lucy imagined the scene, goosebumps rising on her skin, feeling both amused and annoyed.
The knot in her heart eased considerably.
"What’s the truth then?"
Deep down, Lucy was a bit hopeful he’d actually say something like that, though the final response would definitely be no.
"The truth? The truth is even if Mann didn’t come, I could have gotten you out, just the commotion wasn’t worth it for me. Besides, finding such a beautiful hacker girl, if I abandoned her just for some small business, I’d lose my pants..."
"Sure not hiding it at all, huh?"
"I’ve always been straightforward, please bear with me."
Just as Lin Miao said this was the truth, Lucy also believed what he said was true.
He really might have a method to lead her out, or dial a number for some big shot to have the Tiger Claw gang withdraw and cease the chase.
Lying against his back, she truly felt this man had some unfathomable madness.
Lucy couldn’t figure out Lin Miao’s true identity; everything about him hinted at a mystery entirely different from Night City.
As for Lin Miao, he’d long forgotten what sweet romance was, leaving such pursuits for young lovers, he only knew if he liked the girl, he’d chase.
Whether he succeeds in catching her would’ve been another story.
Lucy turned back to gaze at the shimmering water. At this time, the moon lay quietly at the water’s bottom, radiating a faint silvery glow.
As for stars, visibility in Night City with severe light pollution was nearly nonexistent.
She squeezed the empty can in her hand, discarding it forcefully, which sketched an arc in mid-air and gently landed upon the moon in the water.
Originally formed, the moon shattered instantly, turning into countless fragments, wavering with rising and falling tides.
Until the small can was swallowed by the waves, the moon eventually emerged once again on the water’s surface.
After a brief silence, Lucy suddenly asked,
"Were the words you said that night to me true or false?"
"Of course it was true." Lin Miao glanced at the can in his hand, opting not to mimic Lucy’s littering behavior, deciding to toss it properly in a trash bin.
Turning back, a silver silhouette had already crashed into his arms, gripping onto his collar while standing on tiptoe.
Lin Miao saw a flicker of silver before him, as soft lips touched his, with a faint chocolate flavor. Just as he delighted in savoring this and was about to embrace her, she slipped away.
The person before him had already retreated several steps, with a mischievous grin of success.
"Consider this my thanks for saving me today, keep it up!"
"Come on, you’re gonna play this game?"
Watching Lin Miao standing there dumbfounded, all his plans foiled, Lucy grew increasingly pleased.
Her grin looked like a sly fox achieving a successful hunt, bouncing away amidst the crowd.
Lin Miao had a peculiar feeling. He foresaw a sleepless night ahead.
Lucy’s actions were no less than a cooked duck placed on the table, ready to feast, when suddenly it sprouted wings and flew away.
Even Mann knew to park the car downstairs to lend support.
Yet there’s no point getting angry.
He gently touched his lips, still warm with lingering chocolate taste, chuckling as he headed to his place.
PS: Official setting, Lucy underage in emotional aspects.