The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 12: "I've Said My Piece. Who's In Favor, Who's Against?"

Everyone present was a major player in Watson District's arms trade, representing a tangled web of connections across both legal and illegal factions. Yet their motives were simple: money.

Seated on the left side of the long table were the Liberal faction, led by Amanda Nelson. They sold any kind of weaponry, as long as it turned a profit.

On the right sat the Conservative faction, headed by Yamamoto Okao. They had exclusive access to firearms from Arasaka Corporation at prices 10% below market value.

This discount allowed the Conservatives to dominate the local market for Arasaka products, earning just as much as the Liberals, if not more.

These two factions controlled the entire arms trade in Watson District. Through Chen Tao's connections and Lucy's mix of persuasion and intimidation, Li Ang had managed to gather this group for a meeting.

"Mr. Li Ang, your product demo tonight was impressive, but you didn't summon us here just to show off your merchandise, did you?" Amanda said with a smile.

The world is driven by profit, and everyone in the room knew Li Ang wasn't going through all this trouble just to flex. The conversation would inevitably circle back to business.

"Of course not," Li Ang replied, smiling. "I brought you all here for one purpose: to make big money together."

At his signal, several armed bodyguards began distributing samples of LA Company's firearms to the attendees.

"You can see for yourselves—the times are changing. The future belongs to companies that dominate weapons technology, and LA Company is a blue-chip stock worth your investment!"

Li Ang's speech was abruptly interrupted by a disdainful scoff from the crowd.

"Mr. Li Ang, why don't you cut to the chase?" Yamamoto Okao said with a cold gaze. "We've been profiting handsomely in Watson. Why should we listen to you?"

Li Ang wasn't offended; instead, he smiled even wider. He had planned to make an example out of someone, and Yamamoto had conveniently volunteered.

"It's simple. Starting today, Watson District will only trade in weapons from LA Company. All other firearms and equipment are strictly prohibited!"

The room erupted in an uproar as angry protests and doubts filled the air.

Li Ang remained calm, waiting for the commotion to die down. He then spoke, his voice firm:

"Settle down, everyone. Don't you want to hear the terms I'm offering?"

His words immediately silenced the crowd. Amanda, still skeptical, asked, "Mr. Li Ang, unless you're offering us a truly irresistible discount, there's no way we'd make any money with this deal."

Amanda was clearly intrigued by the advanced weaponry, but it was obvious to him that these products were high-end and costly to produce. They might appeal to elite paramilitary units, but street-level thugs wouldn't be able to afford them.

Amanda's caution resonated with many in the room. High-quality goods could be hard to sell if they didn't meet market demand. Watson's gangs preferred affordable weapons; only lunatics like the Triads would arm themselves with elite-grade equipment for everyday brawls.

In response, Li Ang handed out pricing sheets and Chen Tao's purchase orders to the attendees. Moments later, the once-skeptical arms dealers broke into sMyers , nodding approvingly.

Amanda was visibly shocked. The prices were several times lower than he had anticipated.

"All LA Company firearms are priced to match your current inventory. I'm offering a 10% discount on your purchase price, but profits will be split 50/50," Li Ang explained.

"Right now, you only need to focus on Watson District. In the near future, I'll give you exclusive rights to territories like Westbrook, Heywood, and Santo Domingo."

"When the company scales up, I won't cut your profits. In fact, I'll add performance bonuses for you."

"Of course, I'm reasonable. You have one week to clear out your old stock. After that, all your inventory will come from me."

"Let's make money together and prosper as partners!"

Li Ang's confident tone struck a chord with most of the arms dealers. His proposal awakened a deep greed in them, as if an invisible hand was pulling at their desires.

"I've said my piece. Who's in favor, who's against?"

As Li Ang raised his glass, Lucy began pouring drinks for the attendees. Those who agreed with Li Ang were expected to toast with him.

But just as Amanda and others were about to pick up their glasses, Yamamoto Okao, who had been quietly stewing, slammed the table and roared, "I object!"

All eyes turned to him in shock as Yamamoto sneered.

"I've always said Arasaka is the company I respect most. They handle the hard part of arms dealing for us."

"With a 10% discount off factory prices, we keep 70% of the profit. And you, a rookie nobody, think you deserve a 50/50 split?!"

His words earned the unanimous approval of the Conservatives. They were already thriving in Watson and saw no need to partner with LA Company.

Besides, Arasaka was their nation's pride; helping a foreigner was out of the question.

"Exactly! Unless you offer us an 80/20 profit split, this deal is off!"

"Who do you think you are, trying to take on Arasaka with your little startup?"

"This is a joke. Why would we join you when we're already making plenty of money?"

Amanda and the Liberals stayed silent, calculating their own gains. They enjoyed watching Li Ang and Yamamoto clash, hoping for a better deal.

Smirking, Yamamoto stared at Li Ang with an expression of pure provocation.

Before entering, everyone had been required to surrender their weapons, and one of Li Ang bodyguards was secretly working for Yamamoto. If Li Ang lost his temper and attacked, Yamamoto could call in reinforcements at any moment.

If it came to a fight, so be it. Everyone in the room was used to living on the edge—who would flinch first?