Rebecca was momentarily stunned and then looked puzzled, "Is there something different?"
"When you work for money, we're just friends. If a friend needs help, lending a hand is loyalty, but if not, there's nothing wrong with that either.
When taking a job, I pay based on your status, to put it bluntly, whether it's you or V, even giving three to five thousand Euros at a time is already considered a premium."
Mercer's words made Rebecca's eyes light up, "You give V three to five thousand Euros per job?"
"I know you guys pick up small jobs on the street, where you might earn a thousand at most, but working for me definitely involves more risk than the gigs you find on the street, so I pay accordingly higher.
However, compared to just hanging around aimlessly on the street, I'll make sure to identify risks for you beforehand, provide technical support behind the scenes, and try to arrange the action plan as well as possible...
In essence, I'm just like a middleman."
After Mercer finished, he paused for a moment and then continued, "But if you want to hang out with me, it's not calculated that way; it means formally joining my team."
"Whenever there's a big job, we all discuss it together. Besides distributing the earnings based on contribution, I'll also provide loans to upgrade your cyberware equipment and find a place for you to stay.
From then on, we'll be together, sharing glory and setbacks.
But once you're in the gang, it means sticking with the crew all the way.
I'll treat you as family, as my brothers and sisters, and exchanging sincerity with sincerity, in that regard, I don't think there's anyone better than me in Night City.
But because I think I've given it my all at this point,
if any of you betray me after joining, I will definitely seek revenge.
If anyone chickens out and bails, we won't even be friends."
Mercer looked meaningfully at the group in front of him, and said, "I'm not in a hurry for your answer, you can do some odd jobs for me first, and decide whether to join after you get to know me better.
But let me be clear—once you make a choice, don't regret it."
With those words, both Rebecca and Pira were at a loss, while V scratched her head, looking troubled; she was indeed tempted, but still felt she needed some decisive moment.
But Qiwei...
She suddenly raised her head, "I... can I also work with you? I mean, officially join..."
Mercer tilted his head, looking at her, and laughed, "Then will you... betray me?"
"...Mercer, you're the first person in my life who's ever willing to help me."
Qiwei gave a self-mocking smile, "I don't know...
But I feel, if I must find someone to try one last time...
Besides you, I can't think of anyone else."
"If you backstab me, I'll drag you to hell with me, but if you consider me a true brother..." Mercer laughed and extended his hand; Qiwei hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake it.
"Before I die, I'll make sure you're not lost in confusion," he assured, laughing heartily, "Qiwei, welcome to the Spark Team."
Spark Team?
Qiwei savored the unfamiliar emotion in her heart and finally made up her mind, "I once decided never to trust anyone again...
But Mercer, because you're the only one in this life who's ever been willing to give me a hand.
So, I... trust you!"
As Qiwei said this, she suddenly felt a sense of relief in her heart.
She released Mercer's hand, turned and sat in V's car, lit a lady's cigarette, and showed a smile that seemed both relieved and liberated:
"Aren't we leaving? I hear the sirens."
"Let's go."
Mercer waved his hand, "Since we're here, let's just go see Wagako, Pira, you go in V's car and guide her."
Rebecca got into the passenger seat beside Mercer in a daze.
It wasn't until the car started that Rebecca realized she hadn't actually given Mercer a definite answer.
Mercer looked at her sitting in the passenger seat, squirming as if her seat was on fire, and asked with a laugh, "What's up with you?"
"I..."
Rebecca thought for a moment, then suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.
"What made you just now help me deal with the Animal Gang?"
"Because I'm kind,"
Mercer laughed heartily, "What, only you can do good deeds? Or do you think that idiot V meant it, that I'm just into you because you're cute?"
Rebecca was silent for a while, then whispered, "But if I still can't help it in the future and do things that might cause trouble... like today, attacking the Animal Gang just because I don't like them...
What would you think?"
Mercer turned his head, his eyes smiling under the mask, "I'd probably think... you're a good kid, Rebecca."
Rebecca clenched her fist, but then slowly relaxed, "I'll do some odd jobs for you first to see if you're really reliable.
As long as you're not lying and truly want to give me a hand, then I'll officially join. After that, you'll be my big brother!"
"Alright, as a gesture of goodwill, I'll first go ask Wagako about your old man's situation... but you have to promise me, stay calm."
After Mercer finished speaking, Rebecca immediately nodded vigorously, "I promise!"
The sirens were late in coming.
By then, Mercer's car was already heading toward Wagako's office on Twist Street.