Then, she pointed to the stage and winked at Lucy with a smile: "But we better chat later, look, your boyfriend is about to speak now."
Lucy didn't object to the boyfriend claim, she just smiled and agreed: "Alright."
They turned their heads towards the center stage, where Mercer had already been adorned with a medal featuring the Netherworld Dog logo by Hansen, pinned on his chest.
"Thank you very much to Colonel Hansen for awarding me this medal symbolizing honor and contribution..."
Mercer stood on the stage with a smile, casually saying polite words of gratitude, sharing a knowing smile with Hansen, seemingly very close.
Hansen praised his brilliance, Mercer praised Hansen's management capabilities, complimenting each other. After the award ceremony, the banquet hall seemed to have returned to tranquility but instantly became a marketplace for business negotiations.
Hansen went off for business talks, while Mercer took the opportunity to introduce Lucy to Congressman Jefferson for their first meeting.
"It's rare for a researcher like you to be interested in a politician like me." Congressman Jefferson expressed his curiosity with a smile as soon as he sat down.
Mercer spoke with a sigh: "If it were ordinary politicians, I indeed wouldn't be interested, merely a pack of dogs driven by interest, running after their own gains."
Upon hearing this, Jefferson couldn't help but smile, while Elizabeth seemed a bit indifferent—she initially thought Hansen had sent someone to talk, but after this, she knew it had nothing to do with Hansen at all.
Since it wasn't Hansen engaging in the conversation, what could a researcher and a street mercenary leader talk about?
But Jefferson wasn't like that; he looked at Mercer with interest: "You say this... does it imply you think I'm not like that?"
"Of course." Mercer replied without hesitation, smiling while partly complimenting and partly speaking the truth: "Not everyone dares to oppose the corporations, and not everyone truly wants to change Night City."
In this city, the majority don't even bother shouting slogans, let alone doing what you are willing to do with sincerity.
Especially considering you've managed to achieve certain results and gain a reputation, in my view, you even have a good chance of becoming the next mayor—it's astonishing."
After he finished speaking, Jefferson burst into laughter: "You're the first to think I have the chance to become mayor. Honestly, most people think someone as stubborn as me would struggle even to hold onto a congressional seat."
Mercer said lightheartedly: "At least I admire your philosophy. If it's election time, you'd have my vote."
"Then I thank you in advance for your vote." Jefferson smiled: "Finding a like-minded supporter means today's banquet was worthwhile."
"Is Congressman Jefferson here looking for supporters?" Mercer suddenly turned the conversation to reality.
Jefferson didn't hide and spoke truthfully: "Yes, elections aren't won by just shouting slogans."
"Currently, if I'm not mistaken, your biggest supporter would be Ye Corporation?"
After Mercer finished, Jefferson shrugged: "Correct."
Mercer then showed a somewhat hesitant expression. Noticing something amiss, Jefferson glanced around: "Seems like you have something to say?"
"Um... I'm not sure if saying this would be seen as alarmism or sowing discord by Mr. Jefferson."
Mercer paused, then cautiously said: "If one day you suddenly find something wrong with your memory or notice slight personality changes..."
Jefferson's brow began to furrow: "Feel free to speak your mind. As long as you're well-intentioned, I'm not one to shoot the messenger."
Mercer sighed, adopting a frank demeanor: "You know I'm a hacker, right?"
"Yes." Jefferson nodded: "I've heard even the notorious Voodoo Gang can't defeat you, and you managed to subdue them with just a small team."
"I know some secrets about Ye Corporation, particularly about a certain classified project called 'Life is Short.'
I saw your names, Mr. Jefferson and Mrs. Elizabeth, listed in the project documents."
After Mercer finished speaking, Jefferson and his wife exchanged a glance with slightly altered expressions.
Elizabeth calmly asked: "Life is Short project? What is that?"
"Ye Corporation is researching a special project capable of hypnotic brainwashing—replacing a person's memory and altering their personality without them realizing it." Mercer's words made Jefferson furrow his brows, then he laughed.
Jefferson nonchalantly remarked: "It's that same old theory—remote brainwashing through various signal waves?"
"I've already seen examples and have had encounters with people from Ye Corporation."
Mercer displayed a profound expression, warning: "Out of appreciation and support for the Congressman, I came here with good intentions to warn you. You can choose not to believe me, but thereafter, be vigilant."
He lowered his voice mysteriously: "As it stands, their brainwashing equipment requires extended, close proximity operations to be effective."