Jordan began announcing the names of the deceased one by one. Many familiar faces made Mercer and the others pause, and Qiwei couldn't help but smirk after seeing the person confirmed brain-dead in the dormitory building.
The female host said with a sorrowful expression, "This is an extremely heinous case of arson and murder. The NCPD will focus on it, striving to capture these deranged perpetrators as soon as possible.
Next, let's interview some employees who survived the factory fire and ask them how they view this arson incident."
The camera switched, and a man in a work uniform broke down in front of the camera, shouting, "How could they do this?
If the factory burns down, where will we find work? My mom is still waiting for me to pay for her medication! Who's going to pay me now?"
This man cried out in despair, while beside him, someone was patting his back, sadly saying, "We need help, we need to find new jobs now..."
Rebecca turned off the TV immediately.
Qiwei and Mercer simultaneously turned to her, while Rebecca just shrugged, "Don't watch these annoying things, those people are no different from corporate slaves now."
"I don't think what they said is wrong, we did indeed ruin their livelihoods."
Mercer appeared very calm, simply sighing, "In this hopeless city, most people consider themselves as fuel, feeding the capitalists' money-making machines.
It's not that they don't want to resist, but after the resistance, they might even lose the right to serve as fuel.
Even the most basic food and clothing issues depend on others, where can they discuss fairness and justice?
To change all this, we need not only to smash these money-making machines that devour lives but also to provide opportunities for those unfortunate souls, where they can feed their families through their own hands."
Mercer's words made Mann and the others exchange surprised glances, already absorbing a significant amount of information from just these few phrases.
Rebecca retorted with annoyance, "Still, I disagree. Just because they like living like slaves doesn't mean others do.
In such a big Night City, Pira and I could barely get by as kids; how come they can't manage without this blood-and-tears factory?"
Mercer chuckled, "Well, you're right about that too."
"Alright, you're always right, right, right..." V mumbled, "Why talk about that? They can live however they want, as long as I'm satisfied, it's none of my business."
"You're right too." Mercer said, making Qiwei chuckle quietly.
Mercer shrugged, "That's just how it is. The world isn't just black and white; live as you like, just don't regret it."
Everyone found a moment of reflection in his words.
Through laughter and banter, the girls got thoroughly drunk at the bar, even the usually calm Qiwei found herself swaying drunk today.
Thankfully, with the help of Dolio, a sturdily built girl, Mercer managed to get the women into the car.
On the ride back, they clamored to have another round at the base and drink to their hearts' content. But when they arrived, the girls all fell asleep soundly in their seats.
Mercer could only call Pira and Lucy up for help with resignation.
Pira grabbed the still-sleeping Rebecca and grudgingly hauled her back, while Kyoko and Lucy helped V, who woke up just at the doorstep, stubbornly wobbling, eventually needing help to get inside.
Qiwei, however, was quiet, and Mercer carried her alone.
He carried her into her room, laid her on the bed, and sighed in relief, preparing to leave, but just as he was about to get up, Qiwei unexpectedly grabbed his hand.
Mercer was taken aback, turning around to see her bright eyes quietly gazing at him beneath her short hair.
"Uh..."
Mercer realized what this strange atmosphere was about—he wasn't exactly an innocent young man before he crossed over.
Qiwei said nothing, merely grasping his hand, gently tracing his wrist with her fingers, then to the back of his hand, finally holding his wrist, pulling him closer.
"Do you despise me?" she gently asked.
"No," Mercer could at least clearly answer this question, hesitating only a moment before saying softly, "It's just that you know the situation now..."
"I know, that's why I drank a lot today... Once I wake up tomorrow, I'll forget everything."
Qiwei smiled slightly, raised herself slightly, wrapped her arms around his neck, gently nibbling his ear, "It won't affect your relationship with the other girls, it's just purely... a good friend relationship?
Even if you're cautious about feelings, but... I'm not trying to be romantic with you.
So... I want to take a shower now, want to join me?"
Mercer fell into thought.
Direct baiting, the bait's already in his mouth...
Qiwei just laughed softly, like a beautiful snake, slowly crawling close to him, her breath mingling with the faint scent of alcohol and her minty lady's cigarette, "Or... shower after we've finished?"