Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Is This the Life of the Rich?
"So what? I only take big jobs, and I'm not interested in small ones!"
Peter found it amusing that Jack, clearly nervous, was trying to lighten the mood for everyone in the car. The attempt was clumsy but endearing.
Their ride soon brought them to the gates of the Cyan Bi Building. Jack trailed behind Peter, lugging a suitcase with a flat top. All their weapons had been stashed in the trunk of the Dellaman taxi.
Peter and V looked the part of corporate elites in their tailored suits. Even David, despite his youth, managed to pass for a company employee. Jack, however, resembled a bodyguard, which was precisely the impression they wanted to create.
As they stepped through the grand entrance, Peter's eyes swept over the lavish interior of the Cyan Bi Building. The sheer opulence was breathtaking. It was easy to see why it was one of the most prestigious hotels in Night City.
They moved toward the security scanners. Peter, carrying no contraband, walked through without a hitch. V and David, both sporting prosthetic augmentations, also passed through without issue. But as Jack carried the suitcase through, the scanner emitted a sharp alarm.
"Alert! Someone is carrying a weapon," a mechanical voice announced.
The security guard, hand resting cautiously on his belt, stepped forward. However, his tone remained polite. "Sir, can you explain why you're carrying a small combat robot?"
Peter stepped forward, exuding the air of an executive accustomed to authority. "We're here to discuss business with Mr. Takikawa. This combat robot is a sample for him. Do you need me to open it for inspection?"
His tone was sharp, almost dismissive, like someone who wasn't used to being questioned. The security guard hesitated, then reached for his walkie-talkie. After a brief exchange, the hotel manager arrived, bowing apologetically.
"My deepest apologies," the manager said. "We were unaware you were guests of Mr. Takikawa. This was an oversight on our part."
Peter narrowed his eyes. "Hmph. We're here for business, not delays. Perhaps Mr. Takikawa should notify his staff in advance next time. Or we might consider other partnerships."
The manager's expression didn't waver, though his posture grew even more deferential. "You are absolutely correct, sir. We'll ensure this does not happen again."
Satisfied, Peter strode toward the hotel counter, the others following close behind.
The lobby was a striking blend of modern neon design and classic antiques. At the reception desk, a golden robotic concierge greeted them with a flawless bow.
"Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Cyan Bi Hotel," the robot intoned in a soothing voice.
"We're here to discuss business with Mr. Takikawa," Peter said curtly. "But first, we'd like to check in."
The robot nodded. "Of course. May I have the name on the reservation?"
"Victorino," Peter replied.
The robot's sensors glowed as it processed the information. "You have a reservation for the Lapis Lazuli suite, a room for four. Please place your hand on the scanner to confirm."
Peter and the others complied, scanning their hands one by one. Afterward, the robot looked up.
"Shall I notify Mr. Takikawa of your arrival?"
Peter shook his head. "No. We've just endured a ten-hour flight from Barcelona. We need rest before any meetings. Also, upgrade our suite to the best available quadruple room."
He slid a bank chip across the counter, which the robot accepted without hesitation.
"Your suite has been upgraded. However, Mr. Takikawa has been waiting in the conference room for several hours. Shall I inform him of the delay?"
"No. We'll contact him when we're ready," Peter said firmly, waving the robot off.
As the group entered the elevator, Jack's tense demeanor melted away. He let out a low whistle, grinning. "Peter, I don't know how you do it, but you really looked like a corporate big shot back there. For a moment, I thought we were actually here for business."
"Seriously," David added. "You were more convincing than the dean of my college."
V smirked. "Peter, are you sure you've never worked for a corporation?"
Peter laughed. "It's all about acting. You just have to commit to the role. I guess I'm a natural."
"This whole thing is exhilarating," Jack said, his excitement evident. "We're like a team of adventurers about to pull off a heist. It's like something out of a vid."
Peter nodded. "Keep that energy. It's the attitude you need to accomplish great things. But remember—real legends work in silence. Let the results speak for themselves."
Jack and David exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. "You've got a point," Jack said. "Wise words, Peter."
The elevator chimed, signaling their arrival at the upgraded suite. When the doors opened, they stepped into a room that redefined luxury. Every piece of furniture and decor screamed wealth and status, from the high-end Araba Group designs to the intricate bonsai plants scattered throughout.
Jack and David were in awe. "Tsk tsk," Jack said, running his hand over the polished coffee table. "Rich people really know how to live."
David nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor-to-ceiling windows. "I've seen greenery at the academy, but nothing like this."
The view from the windows was spectacular. From this height, the chaotic streets of Night City looked like a sea of twinkling lights, with the towering corporate buildings dominating the skyline. For once, the city's oppressive nature felt distant.
Jack leaned against the glass, a grin spreading across his face. "Haha! Look at this! We're living the high life, boys."
Peter chuckled. "Don't get too comfortable. We've got work to do."
He activated a device on his wrist, disabling the room's communication shield. "Tbug, Lucy, we've checked in. You're clear to move forward."
"Copy that," Tbug and Lucy responded in unison.
Meanwhile, Jack and David continued marveling at the room. "Look at this projector!" Jack exclaimed, pointing to the high-end device in the center of the coffee table. "This thing alone must cost a fortune."
David was more interested in the bonsai plants. "These are incredible. You don't see this kind of thing on the lower levels."
Peter allowed them a few moments to admire their surroundings before pulling them back to the task at hand. "All right, focus up. This is just a stepping stone. We're here for a reason, and we need to stay sharp."
Jack smirked. "Got it, boss. But still, it feels good to experience the life of the rich, even if it's just for a moment."
David nodded, his expression more serious. "Yeah. Let's make it count."
Peter smiled. Despite the challenges ahead, he was glad to have this team by his side. Together, they were ready to take on whatever Night City threw at them.
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