"That's because his virus isn't capable of getting into your head when you're online... alright."
Mercer gave her a quick fix and then transferred all the information about tonight's city hall visit to her laptop.
"Come over, let's go over the action details for tonight one last time, then you can mull it over yourself. I need to go back and get the camera, access control, and elevator permissions for you in advance."
After Mercer finished speaking, V came over with somewhat low enthusiasm—she was still pondering the idea of formally joining Mercer's team.
Mercer explained the security positions, the observation points to watch out for, and even how to insert a chip into the server, until V confirmed she had memorized everything and had a concept of the building structure.
Mercer returned the computer to V and looked at Qiwei, saying, "Shall we have a chat too?"
Qiwei nodded and walked out of V's room with him, leaning against the railing in the hallway on the second floor, lighting a lady's cigarette.
"Since you want to formally join my team, Qiwei, there are some things I have to say upfront."
Mercer paused and turned to look directly into Qiwei's eyes, "First of all, following me will allow you to make money and live a good life, that's for sure.
But, with the benefits comes a lot of trouble that I'll definitely attract.
Especially big trouble from the company... Qiwei, I don't want to lie to you or let you end up in a predicament.
So, I'm giving you an opportunity to sincerely reconsider and make a new choice. If you truly want to follow me, you have to be determined to see it through to the end."
Qiwei looked into his eyes but spoke with an unexpectedly calm tone, "I know... A.
The company's troubles, gang troubles, and perhaps even troubles I don't know about...
I don't care, A."
Qiwei looked at Mercer and expressed her genuine feelings in a calm tone, "In this city, I once thought I would never trust anyone again.
I also believed that this city was just like that... don't trust anyone, don't have any expectations of anyone.
Only this way can you survive, or rather, live better."
She exhaled a puff of smoke, then sighed, but she smiled at Mercer, "But you made me see this city, or should I say people, in a somewhat different light.
Or, you could say, it gave me a bit of hope.
I want to see... if someone like you can live until the end? Can you reach the conclusion."
Qiwei expressed her truest thoughts, "As long as you're alive, I'll be a part of the team, no matter what happens, I'll stay by your side.
But if you die... that would mean my previous understanding was correct.
By then, I won't trust anyone anymore.
And if I'm unlucky and die before you, then just consider it as me repaying a life to you, after all, you saved me."
"Don't think that way, we agreed on 50,000 Euros, and that's 50,000 Euros to save you, don't feel like it has to be a life for a life."
Mercer rejected her reasoning.
Qiwei was silent for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh even more joyfully, "Yes, exactly, as long as you don't change... I've seen too many people turn into someone else because of this city.
As long as you remain who you are now, I won't regret today's decision.
A, you truly have a unique charm... I mean, sometimes I think you're very innocent, and other times I think you're too mature."
You're a good person, and now I believe that more than anyone else... so, working with a rare good person, what is there for me to worry about or hesitate over?
Even if danger really comes, I won't be the one standing at the forefront, right?"
Mercer looked at her for a moment, shook his head, and also started to smile, "That's true, if the sky falls, there's always a tall guy to hold it up."
"Hmm... you want V to join us? Want me to help persuade her?" Qiwei just smiled and said, "She's actually a rare type whose nature isn't bad.
I have to say... your judgment of people is surprisingly good.
Although every time it seems like you make decisions impulsively."
"Hahaha, you people like you to keep me in check, right? If the people we bring in aren't trustworthy, you'd tell me too."
With this, Mercer already considered Qiwei as a member of his team.
Even though her character wasn't very reliable in the anime, Mercer decided to give her a chance. Time will reveal the depth, and experience will test the heart.
He never pre-judges someone because of things that haven't happened yet, although he might have initial goodwill towards some due to games and anime.
But in reality, he relies on his own subjective feelings to judge whether a person is trustworthy.
Besides...
He has a premonition.
He's on the right path now.
And Mercer decided to trust his intuition.
"Don't worry about V." But Mercer still refused Qiwei's suggestion, simply saying, "Following me is a path of danger and opportunity. If she's hesitant, she won't get far.
I have high hopes for her, but I need her to come to the decision on her own."
After Mercer finished speaking, Qiwei nodded, "Alright, street scout, I'll keep an eye on that little girl downstairs for you too."
"Mm-hmm, once I'm done here, I'll introduce you to my other friends."
After saying this, Mercer paused for a moment and continued,
"During this time, I'll send you some tutorials and exercises. Your hacking skills are all self-taught online and are still somewhat lacking."