Isn't the problem Mercer needs to solve quite clear?
He might not yet have the means to ensure that war will not come, but he does have some ideas for the former.
"So, I plan to launch a long-term project called the 'Dog Town Three-Year Plan' within the next three years."
Mercer spoke, and the AR device behind him projected a 3D virtual hologram.
Everyone present began to scrutinize it with interest—the 3D hologram was evidently modeled after Dog Town.
"The Gem Cyan Hotel will remain the same, but beyond that, we will further repair the nuclear-powered engine of the cargo airship at the EBM Peizhuo Petrochemical Stadium, optimize energy supply, and use the nuclear engines to build a real nuclear power plant.
While ensuring the power supply for the entire Dog Town, we might even export electricity to the Taiping Prefecture.
Secondly, we will further optimize the existing services. I plan to utilize Dog Town's servers to build a professional online sales platform, helping buyers worldwide conduct freer and more convenient transactions on a secure network..."
Mercer enthusiastically shared his ideas while gesturing toward the projection map. Some considered his words youthful fantasies, but others sensed business opportunities.
However, at that moment, no one was foolish enough to voice their thoughts in public; they simply applauded and praised after Mercer finished his speech—who said Night City lacked social niceties?
Standing on the stage, Mercer scanned the crowd and distinguished the people roughly.
People listening to his vision and development plan for Dog Town could be categorized into four types.
One type represented the interests of Night City, such as the mayor. For them, the development of Dog Town wasn't crucial, but if Dog Town could reintegrate into the Night City system, that would be significant for them.
The second group consisted of typical pleasure seekers, represented by European elites and some socialites from Night City.
They loved coming to Gem Cyan and frivolous Dog Town because they didn't have to worry about Night City's laws and regulations here; they could indulge without restraint. They just wanted to know if Dog Town would remain fun and safe in the future.
And as of now, Mercer not only planned to maintain Dog Town's independence but also significantly enhance security, even providing them with safer exclusive networks and continuing to refurbish the accompanying entertainment facilities.
What else is there to say? Applaud!
The third type was composed of relevant company personnel—included among them was Ms. Stout, a longtime acquaintance of Mercer's from the Military Science unit and now a formal task force leader.
The Military Science unit was quite interested in meddling with Dog Town's reconstruction. You see, in the original Taiping Prefecture construction plan, Military Science intended to build a company headquarters!
This company headquarters was pitched against the Arasaka Building.
If Mercer intended to relax commercial regulations and allow company entry, other companies might hesitate, but Military Science would undoubtedly support it unwaveringly, even if it meant losing money.
When the time came, leveraging Dog Town's unique conditions to challenge Arasaka would be more confident.
The fourth group was represented by those interested in smuggling trade routes, epitomized by the Cubans.
Mercer could see the dark-skinned Cuban assassin, Aguilar, standing expressionlessly behind a booth. In front of him sat a middle-aged Cuban man in a suit and hat at the center of the booth.
At that moment, the middle-aged man scrutinized Mercer with a critical eye. When Mercer glanced his way, he returned the gaze without flinching, his eyes somewhat playful.
This Cuban man was a high-ranking official sent by Cuba, someone of considerable repute in New America, and the second-in-command of the Cuba Crime Group in New America, a powerful figure among powerful figures.
Besides Aguilar behind him, a group of tough-looking Cubans in black suits, with cold, hard expressions, who seemed quite battle-hardened, flocked around his booth.
Their positioning seemed casual but effectively blocked all assassination routes, showcasing very professional security skills.
Mr. Hans also appeared at the banquet and sat beside this Cuban gentleman, smiling at Mercer—it was undoubtedly good news for him to see Mercer taking the stage.
For Mercer, this fourth group was the one he most watched and valued at the banquet.
It was primarily this group of Cubans that sustained the entire commercial activities of the Netherworld Dog and Dog Town. Without them, Dog Town wouldn't have existed at all.
After the speech ended, Mercer descended from the stage with a smile, briefly chatting with some acquaintances, explaining that he had some important guests waiting, and promising to speak more afterward, then headed straight for the Cubans' booth.
Standing at the edge of the stage, the heavily armed V followed right behind him, showcasing force while ensuring his safety.
When the two sides neared each other, Aguilar, who once fought V, couldn't help but stare at V, narrowing his eyes and unconsciously reaching for the revolver at his waist.