"There are a few reasons."
Mercer spoke earnestly:
"First, you're beautiful, it makes me feel good just looking at you... Hey, Pan'an, why are you rolling your eyes? Why do you think I asked you to drive, and not Mitch or Scorpion?"
Mercer said with conviction to Pan'an, who was speechlessly staring at him: "Look at Sister V's face, her figure, even those cloud-top sex dolls can't give this feeling without spending 100,000 Euros, not to mention V is natural."
After all, he spent half an hour comparing lots of data to mold her, to be honest, he really likes her.
"Damn... What's the second reason?" Pan'an looked at him with some disdain—this guy seemed precocious, barely grown and already like this, what would happen when he grows up?
Mercer chuckled, turning to look at V, who didn't feel embarrassed at all, continuing:
"Secondly, it's your potential.
Though you might not see it, who am I?
At a glance, I could tell your body's various attributes absolutely aren't low, your reaction's at least above seventeen points, and your physical potential is certainly terrifyingly high.
The only things missing now are experience and implants—once you get some Sianwistan, you could definitely take out ninety percent of the mercenaries in this bar."
"Third... I can't say, I've got a special little secret I can't reveal now."
Mercer finished, and V was quite pleased to be praised, but thinking carefully, this guy still didn't say why he came directly to find her.
She pondered thoughtfully, but could only think that she was spotted by this lustful shorty for her looks and was dug out from the internet?
Well, no wonder, since she was thirteen, there were lots of people in the Haywood District wanting to date her, but not everyone could win her over.
Besides this, V really couldn't figure out what special qualities she had to be noticed.
Could she really be some kind of genius?
Mercer didn't push her to accept immediately, just said: "Go back and think it over. But I must say upfront, in case you feel I've wronged you.
V, to this city, I'm still just a newcomer, though I think I'm capable, skilled enough, but honestly, here, living geniuses are true geniuses.
I'm not like those guys doing sneaky little jobs, satisfied with a luxury house and a nice car.
I have big ambitions, lots to accomplish; I aim to become a true legend of this city!
So joining me means leaving all ordinary life behind; your future will only encounter countless enemies stronger and more terrifying than Fenrir.
Even I can't guarantee those who join me can all live to retirement with all their parts... even my own future is uncertain.
But no matter what, even if I die, I must die like Bartmos, turning this world upside down.
V, think it over carefully and give me an answer. Whether you agree to join or not, we can still be friends.
Nameless nobody... or world-renowned?
V, what do you think?"
Mercer's sincere tone and words filled with grandeur left V in silence. After a while, she said hesitantly: "A, I need to go back and think it over."
"No problem."
Mercer replied, then transferred 2,000 Euros to her upfront.
"What's this for?" V was a bit caught off guard—using money to corrupt Sister V? That's too straightforward!
"Go pay your rent first, I'll deduct it from your payment when the job is done." Mercer made no secret that he had already investigated her thoroughly.
V fidgeted a bit, but finally nodded: "Alright, thanks, A."
"You can call me Mercer too, whichever you prefer."
Mercer said, then stood up and said: "That's all for today, I'll contact you when the mission intel arrives."
"No problem, I promise I won't disappoint you."
V said seriously: "A, thanks, I... I really need this money right now."
Without this 2,000 Euros, she was concerned she'd be evicted by the landlord before Mercer gave her a job.
But Mercer just smiled: "As I said, even if we can't collaborate, we get along well. As friends, just call if you need help."
V nodded heavily: "Alright, dude, I'll remember that."
She, full of street flair, stood up, extended a hand, shook Mercer's hand and did a shoulder bump, then downed her drink: "I'll wait for your news."
"Okay." Mercer said: "Want to try Johnny Silverhand?"
V froze, Pan'an looked at Mercer with a face full of disdain—this guy hadn't given up, failed to trick her, now he wanted to trick V into tasting defeat.
"What's Johnny Silverhand?" V looked at Mercer in confusion.
"A drink, named after a legendary mercenary Johnny Silverhand, his favorite drink at Rebirth."
Mercer finished, but V noticed Pan'an's expression.
"Uh, I've heard of him, but what's in the drink?"
She asked cautiously.
"Old-fashioned tequila, beer, and chili." Claire explained simply.
V decisively shook her head: "Forget it, I don't think I'd like it."
Mercer showed a regretful expression, shaking his head: "Alright, want me to drive you?"
"No need, I drove myself, it's a bit beat-up but still runs." V laughed, then left first, a bit preoccupied.
Seems Mercer's collaboration proposal really tempted her.