Chapter 293 - 272: The World’s Top Scammer

Jefferson was quite talkative, and did not hide his admiration for the three people from Lille.

After a barrage of blatant flattery, Jack and V felt extremely pleased and comfortable.

This was a political bigwig sitting on the Leifield Holy Sword praising them!

It was comforting to hear and unconsciously made the audience feel like they were on the same team, also exposing the superficial understanding of the two, which Jefferson noted.

Such subtle changes were the main content of analysis in political conversations in the past when everyone had their own way of judging people.

But by 2076, technology had evolved to an exaggerated extent in these details, especially in the field of intelligence analysis.

Advanced prosthetics could analyze eye movements, body language, and even hormone secretion details, combined with a whole team of information and advisors, and the known intelligence, the acquired information could even surpass what the person was thinking.

Reading minds was just a superpower people fantasized about, but with the latest technology, what humans could do had already far surpassed mind reading.

If not specifically implanted with prosthetics for this purpose, many people would unconsciously reveal a lot of information in their speech.

Lille was almost the same, but he was better than naive lads like Jack and V: he did not really believe what a politician said.

Deception was the least costly activity, it was important to watch their actions.

On the other hand, so far, Lille had not felt that anyone had a much higher status than him.

But on the surface, without any sign, Lille was internally berating the other two fools: Just like this, no wonder you guys get easily sold out.

"Cheers."

Lille picked up the True Water from the table and lightly touched glasses with Jefferson, who clearly understood the taste preferences of Lille and his team.

Lille didn’t like alcohol, V liked tequila, Jack liked vodka.

The glasses clinked softly.

After putting down his glass, Jefferson continued, "Actually, we have already collaborated once, last time you were at the H8 Skyscraper..."

"The Channel 54 affair, right? Honestly, the media pressure wasn’t that big a favor."

"No, no, no, the NCPD were also where I helped, thanks to some friends made because of your new acquaintances."

Lille raised an eyebrow, finding it a bit strange.

The night in question, it was the deputy commissioner Fort from NCPD who coordinated with the Tiger Claw Gang, so if someone could stop the whole event, it would definitely be Commissioner Colridge.

It was certain that Colridge and Fort had a rivalry, and getting such a scandal, some NCPD officers would go on strike, he would definitely intervene at the right time, that was for sure.

But the appointment of the NCPD Commissioner was mainly decided by the shareholders of Night City municipality, that is, Mayor Ryan.

Even if Ryan did not want to handle it, it would be normal for Colridge to manage on his own.

But for Jefferson, a strong contender for the mayor’s position, to bridge this was a bit odd since he was Ryan’s rival.

If you had to say... there was one possibility.

At this point in the conversation, Jack and V had already started to drift off, their gazes wandering over the food on the table.

Jefferson smiled and poured another glass of water for Lille: "Thanks to the risk you took in exposing the truth, NCPD Commissioner Colridge was finally able to address some corruption inside the department—

Makes him seem like a good guy, but regardless, standalone media pressure might seem insignificant, but the struggles among people of power sometimes hinge just on such an opportunity, don’t they?"

After thinking it over, Lille said, "I’m not very good at beat-around-the-bush, since you asked me here, I might as well share my understanding, see if it resonates with you.

I’ve seen on the news: NCPD intends to purchase highly dangerous Centaur Exoskeletons from the Military Technology, but angry mobs attacked NCPD, causing the acquisition to be delayed.

I guess the sponsor behind these angry mobs is the Arasaka Company, that’s media pressure, but the purchase was indeed stopped, so another person of power must have acted.

According to what you’ve just said, that person of power in this case was Fort, he belongs to the Arasaka Faction, and controlled the procurement process.

That means your sponsor is the Military Technology...

It’s odd, your campaign image has always been the cleanest politician in Night City, never taken corporate dirty money, nor dealt with gangs."

The smile didn’t disappear from Jefferson’s face, but the amusement in his eyes diminished.

"This isn’t dirty money... you’re really smart, ever considered getting a college degree and entering politics?

I can tell, you’re a good person. Among so many unethical mercenaries, you truly stand out."

Finished speaking, Jefferson’s Prosthetic Eye surreptitiously caught Jack and V starting to eat—

It was a bit strange to see them eating as the two first self-assuredly glanced at the cutlery on the table before grabbing napkins, seizing the beef, and ravishing it...

It must be said, it was quite elegant—in the realm of finger foods.

The mayoral candidate’s eyelid twitched, but Lille quickly drew his attention back.

"I’m not interested in that stuff, the democratic election, where the ten most powerful companies send people to vote... what a joke."

Perares stopped smiling, "Yes, the companies are too greedy. If I become mayor, I will definitely change the status quo."

"Increase taxes on top companies and invest the revenue in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other public sectors?"

"Yes," Jefferson nodded seriously, "These are actually what I plan to do, not just some nonsense for the sake of votes.

This incident dealt a significant blow to the Ryan Faction and might also lead to some improvements in the NCPD. As for military technology...

I promise that once elected, I will urge the NCPD to increase their procurement of military technology equipment."

So, this is about using more orders to reduce the resistance of the military technology to the progressive tax policy.

The increased taxes will still partly be spent on purchasing military technology items, but not for Arasaka, who, overall, still profits less than its biggest rivals.

But there’s still a problem," Lille continued to inquire, "isn’t Colridge one of Ryan’s people? How would he listen to you?"

Jefferson smiled, "Public safety is also very important. Since Colridge agreed to continue cleaning up the corrupt elements within the department, it shows he’s not too bad.

The promise to fund the procurement of military technology, of course, comes from the budget I’ve promised to increase for the NCPD.

In this regard, Ryan and Colridge actually disagree: Ryan plans to cut the NCPD’s budget and hire military contractors to clear the homeless from the northern industrial areas of Watson.

But to entrust security completely to those companies? I don’t approve."

The argument is coherent, and the reason for Colridge’s sudden betrayal... sufficient.

As for the policy of employing military contractors to clear the northern industrial areas of Watson, it’s part of Ryan’s "eliminate the homeless" campaign.

While it’s reported that Ryan has intended to use military technology to implement this policy, his bias towards Arasaka is also a common perception.

After all, during the recent Unification War, military technology nearly swallowed Night City; it was solely due to Ryan’s maneuvers that Arasaka was brought back into Night City, preventing the loss of its independent status.

No one can say for sure whether Ryan might switch sides again; pre-investing in an alternative option for military technology is not incomprehensible.

Thus, for military technology to step back and cooperate with a reliable mayoral candidate is also expected.

Lille nodded slightly, a very standard political maneuver, virtually free from the issue of bribery...

Or maybe not, but the reasons for Jefferson’s actions were quite sufficient, not the kind that takes money for services.

"Then... the remaining five companies among the voters of course agree with your implementation of the ’progressive tax’ on corporations, because this would mean the top five companies would bear a higher tax rate.

"You, then, garner support from military technology, a six to four, a slight advantage, but a commendable progress," Lille commented.

Jefferson smiled slightly, "Actually, it’s seven to three. Ye’s Company also supports my policy, which actually gives us a slight advantage.

Thus, those opposing Jefferson are just Kantao, Arasaka, and Biotechnology.

As for the latter five companies, regardless of which they are, they will surely support Jefferson’s election.

"But have you thought about what they are after?"

"Of course, I’ve thought about it, and spent a lot of time confirming it," Jefferson said sincerely, "because Ye’s Company truly embodies the vision of Night City’s founder, Mr. Richard Knight—

to create, to establish a true city of ideals.

This is also why I want to hire you: I know that you are also a person with ideals. Join me."

Jefferson extended his hand sincerely, looking at Lille.

If he were a con man, he would surely be one of the world’s top-tier con men—

the kind that even deceives himself.

Lille chose not to shake hands but instead looked openly first at Jack and V.

These two had long been engrossed in their delicious feast, moving from beef to vegetables, then fruit salad...

Ah, when would they ever become more mindful.

"...First, tell us what you want us to do."