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Chapter 26: Life Isn’t Easy, Female V Sighs
🕑 Added 2025-04-01 03:16:32 +0000 UTC"You're even a VIP customer for taxis?"
V's stereotype about her employer being loaded just deepened.
Seriously, how obscenely rich do you have to be to throw money around like this…
Leo was smug internally, but he kept up appearances on the surface: "The Delamain cab is an AI-driven, driverless taxi. Personally, I think it's way safer than human-operated cars."
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Leonardo."
Delamain expressed its gratitude.
V opened her mouth to say something but ended up nodding instead—Well, he's not wrong. A regular cabbie might see a 'big fat sheep' like him and floor it straight into gang territory to sell him out.
After the two completed identity verification, Leo casually set the destination to "Megabuilding H4."
But V stopped him—
"Hold up. I'd suggest going home first and changing into something more… 'civilian.' Wearing that flashy suit to Watson is basically screaming 'Come rob me!' And I'm just one person—no way I can handle a whole crowd."
"You're being too modest…"
Leo paused mid-sentence, suddenly remembering she wasn't the unstoppable V the Almighty yet.
"...But you've got a point. I'll go change."
He obediently updated the destination.
Eight minutes later, the Delamain pulled up in front of his apartment—even the parking spot was the same.
Leo didn't rush to pay: "We're heading somewhere else later. Can you wait here for a bit?"
"That would violate the principle of maximum efficiency," Delamain refused at first, then pivoted, "However, as our most esteemed VVVIP, your request shall be accommodated. You may retain the vehicle for up to 30 minutes—no additional fee."
Leo blinked. V's jaw nearly dropped.
And it even delivered that line deadpan! This AI's evolved enough to read human nature and suck up!
"Thanks, then. We'll make it quick."
Leo nodded in appreciation and led V into the upscale apartment.
Lobby.
Two security guards subtly stepped forward, separating Leo from V, who was momentarily distracted.
"Mr. Leonardo, are you under any duress?"
The lobby manager eyed V with suspicion, ready to take her down at Leo's word.
Leo glanced back at V—now visibly flushed with irritation—and grinned. "Nope. She's my bodyguard. You'll be seeing her around."
"Understood. Then we'll need the bodyguard to register her details. Resident safety is our top priority."
V realized she was being treated like a "robber" or "kidnapper," but there was nothing she could do.
Her outfit did stick out like a sore thumb in a place like this.
After another round of verification, the guards stepped aside.
Leo led V into the elevator and pressed the button for the 12th floor.
V turned to him, grumbling, "Security's tight here. Made me look like some two-bit thug here to rob the place…"
"Get yourself some decent gear once you've saved up. They won't dare look down on you then."
Leo reassured her, only to see her walk deeper into the elevator and eye the Valentinos emblem on the wall.
"Twelve roses… This place is high-tier."
"There's meaning to that?" Leo raised an eyebrow.
"Obviously. Heywood's biggest gang is the Valentinos—Jack used to run with 'em. They're big on God, the Virgin Mary, and honor.
Me? I'm from Heywood too, so I know a thing or two. For example—the number of roses shows how seriously the gang takes the place.
Twelve roses means anyone dumb enough to cause trouble here becomes a Valentinos enemy for life. They'll hunt you down till you're dead."
Leo got it: "So this place is legit."
"Damn right. All the high-rises around here are their cash cows. About 30% of your rent? Straight to the Valentinos as 'protection.'"
Ding—
The 12th floor arrived, and Leo's apartment unfolded before V's eyes.
She wandered in, glancing around, then teased, "Twelve roses, 12th floor. You've got a thing for the number twelve, huh? It's special in the Bible—good symbolism."
Leo took the compliment in stride—not a shred of guilt over snagging what might've been V's future home.
After all, she wasn't the legend yet. If things went sideways, she might never become the cyber-god from the game.
"Nice spot. Great view, plenty of space."
V circled the room before plopping onto the couch, crossing her legs.
"I'll wait here. Go change—and remember, keep it plain. Don't dress like some peacock."
Now it was Leo's turn to clench his fists. So what if he wanted to dress sharp after getting his youth back?
That silver-gray suit was fire—300% boost in turning heads.
Damn Night City, ruining his chance to be a dashing pretty boy…
Upstairs, he swapped into a casual, youthful streetwear set. (Why not the thrift-store rags? Tossed 'em in a boutique's trash, obviously.)
Back in the living room, V took one look and facepalmed. "Low-key. LOW. KEY. Do you not get what that means? You really wanna waltz into Watson in brand-name gear and get yourself killed?"
"I just got to Night City—this is all I've got…" Leo whined.
Life isn't easy. Female V sighs.
In the end, she ran to a nearby discount store and grabbed a few "local-friendly" outfits in Leo's size.
(With his money, of course.)
Leo changed into one—brown leather jacket, hoodie, plain jeans, sneakers—and checked himself in the mirror.
Instant charisma drop.
"Much better. Hood up, shades on—cover that 'rich kid' face of yours."
"What's wrong with my face?"
"The dolls at Clouds don't even have skin this soft. That pampered, carefree look? Anyone can tell you're loaded."
Leo accepted the explanation, then casually asked, "You've mentioned Clouds twice now. You a regular?"
"What, want me to show you around?" V deflected.
Leo almost nodded—Wait, no! He was a respectable, upstanding citizen. Places like Clouds? Zero interest!
V side-eyed his denial but didn't press. "Clouds is Night City's most famous 'entertainment' spot. Popular with mercs. But… not my scene. Don't expect me to take you."
Leo wisely dropped the subject, and they set off again.
Back in the Delamain, they cruised smoothly to their destination—the towering "Megabuilding H4."
