The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 36: A Feast, a Beheading, and Submission as Dogs

"Alright, I gave you the knife to cut the ropes, not to hack people apart."

Li Ang's sharp command stopped Brick, who was about to deliver a killing blow to Dum.

"Don't dirty my company's floors. Take him back yourself and decide how to deal with him—your call, I won't interfere."

Li Ang's words gave Brick a way out, finally easing his tension. While Brick never liked the impulsive second-in-command Royce, he had a soft spot for Dum, the third.

Although their brotherly bond was not unshakable, it was still present. Even after being betrayed, Brick was reluctant to kill Dum outright. Now, with Dum surviving this catastrophe with half his life intact, Brick could only consider it the best outcome.

"Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Li Ang!"

Brick dropped the katana and almost knelt to express his gratitude.

Li Ang waved him off. This entire act was just the opening scene; the real show was yet to come.

After the Red Queen's Race Club incident involving violent gangs, Lucius would undoubtedly crack down hard on Watson's gang activities.

As the ruler of Little Chinatown, LA Corp not only possessed the most advanced weaponry but had also recently established Night City's largest mercenary division, hiring retired soldiers and professional operatives.

It was inevitable that Lucius would collaborate deeply with LA Corp to suppress Watson's gangs—Triads, Tiger Claws, Maelstrom, and Scavengers alike. Everyone would face the hammer.

But Li Ang's goal wasn't to annihilate these groups entirely. Instead, he aimed to subdue and absorb them into his company.

The reason was simple: completely eradicating Night City's gang presence was impossible.

These gangs were like wild grass rooted deep in the city's soil. Burn one crop down, and another would inevitably sprout.

Since that was the case, Li Ang decided to take control himself. Cooperate with the obedient, replace the rebellious.

Brick's "righteous" purge of Maelstrom not only served as his offering to Li Ang but also sent a warning to Chen Tao and Susan Q.

"From now on, LA Corp runs Watson. Maelstrom will oversee businesses in the northern industrial area and northern Kabuki."

"The Triads will handle Little Chinatown and the coastal district."

"The southern Kabuki and Lizzie's Bar will be under the Moxes."

"You can continue your operations, but you must not harm LA Corp employees or Watson's residents. For now, I won't interfere with anything else."

Li Ang glanced at the three. "I've spoken. Who agrees? Who opposes?"

Chen Tao was the first to raise his hand, loudly proclaiming, "I agree!"

Being LA Corp's dog was a blessing others could only dream of. Why resist?

"I have no objections," Susan Q replied indifferently.

The Moxes, representing sex workers, pimps, and other marginalized groups, had long been overlooked among the gangs. No one cared about their survival.

With LA Corp backing them, the situation might remain unchanged, but at least they could flaunt some corporate association and possibly deter some troublesome thugs.

"I agree too!!"

Brick, thoroughly subdued by Li Ang's methods, saw no choice. Against LA Corp's overwhelming power, no gang in Night City stood a chance.

If you can't beat them, join them.

If Watson was off-limits for bloodshed and robbery, they'd just move operations elsewhere—Heywood or Santo Domingo, perhaps. Just steer clear of LA Corp, stay compliant.

Li Ang smiled in satisfaction at their unanimous agreement. No fools had stepped forward to challenge him, and he was pleased.

Although Li Ang could easily crush the Triads, Maelstrom, and the like, as the company's leader, he needed to respect the ecosystem of this city.

Too much purity leaves no room for life.

Li Ang's ultimate goal was to dominate the cyber world, end its chaos, and establish a new order.

"Good."

Li Ang nodded. At his signal, Lucy summoned the security team to clean up the floors and instructed the staff to serve the meal.

It was customary in Far Eastern cultures to discuss business over a meal. However, to avoid flipping tables if negotiations broke down, Li Ang preferred settling matters first, then eating.

Seeing Royce's half-beheaded body dragged out like a dead dog, Brick's fear of Li Ang and LA Corp seeped into his very bones and soul.

This corporation was terrifying.

---

Charter Hill, Westbrook District

In a luxurious private apartment at Ellison Square, Tiger Claws leaders Sato Hiromi, Mukuto, and Jotaro were watching the news on TV.

#N54 News: Councilman Lucius narrowly survives; currently in stable condition. He strongly vows zero tolerance for gang violence!

#WNS News: Lucius Ryan's polling support surges, now leading his competitor Weldon Holt by 3 points! A strong contender for Night City's next mayor!

#Big Mike: LA Corp pledges support for Lucius' anti-crime initiatives and announces its participation in Watson's redevelopment plan!

We'll soon see LA Corp's headquarters at City Center's Corporate Plaza! Cheers to Night City's bright future!

#…#

"This has blown up big time!"

On the sofa, Jotaro folded his arms and sneered disdainfully.

"I told you from the start, those cyber-madmen in Maelstrom were doomed to fail! But none of you listened."

"Once that fat Lucius takes office, he'll hand Watson over to LA Corp entirely. Forget Kabuki; we won't even be able to defend our own turf!"

Jotaro's concerns weren't unfounded.

Lucius's public declarations about cracking down on crime boiled down to letting corporate forces handle the gangs.

In exchange, corporations would claim the region's greatest benefits.

Even NCPD officers had to obediently serve as corporate watchdogs, prioritizing corporate interests.

After all, that's how Arasaka Corp rose to power.

Knowing his masters' history of shady dealings, Jotaro could easily predict LA Corp's next steps.

Feast, behead, and subdue the rest as dogs.