72: Chapter 71 Alone at the Meeting, Lin Yi Ventures into the Azure Mansion Again
After the fierce battle, Lin Yi's consciousness slowly surfaced from the deep sea of sleep, and the first sense to recover was touch.
The heavy weight in the crook of his arm, the warm breath evenly brushing against his neck, and the soft body pressed against him beneath the silk sheets all silently spoke of last night's madness.
He turned his head slightly. The lazy afternoon sunlight filtered through the room's smart-tinting glass, casting warm, gentle spots of light into the room that landed just right upon V's peaceful sleeping face.
She was fast asleep, her thick eyelashes casting shallow shadows beneath her eyelids, completely concealing those eyes that were usually as sharp as a hawk's, as if they could see through every conspiracy and scheme.
A few strands of silver-gray hair were stuck by sweat to her smooth forehead and cheeks, making her look as if she had shed all the edge of a street legend, like a defenseless treasure in need of careful protection.
The "intimacy" that lasted all night had clearly exhausted her energy; her breathing was now deep and long.
Lin Yi's lips curled up unconsciously, forming an extremely gentle arc.
He moved his body cautiously.
First, he very slowly withdrew his arm, which had gone numb from being slept on; his muscles protested slightly from the prolonged fixed position.
Every subtle movement was kept to a minimum, for fear of disturbing the "beauty" sleeping beside him.
He quickly pulled his arm out and replaced it with his own pillow, finally freeing his limb. V merely smacked her lips unconsciously in her sleep and curled up a bit, without waking.
He got out of bed barefoot, stepping onto the soft, expensive carpet, making not a sound, like a thief.
He turned back and carefully tucked the quilt she had kicked aside back over her, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a fragile, rare treasure.
After doing all this, he turned and walked silently into the spacious master bathroom connected to the bedroom.
Warm water poured down from the showerhead above, washing away the lingering fatigue and soreness in his muscles.
Mist filled the air, blurring his tall, sturdy figure in the mirror.
He closed his eyes, letting the water massage his scalp and neck, while his brain raced, quickly gathering and sealing away the romantic, indulgent emotions of last night.
At three o'clock this afternoon, at Konpeki Plaza, there was a crucial meeting. He needed an absolutely clear, calm mind and his best physical state.
After washing up, towel-drying his wet hair, he walked into the open-concept kitchen.
The massive smart refrigerator slid open silently, revealing the ingredients stored inside in categorized sections.
He took out a few boxes of organic vegetables from a Colorado farm—in this era where synthetic food was rampant, these natural ingredients that truly grew from the soil and carried the taste of sunshine, although the seeds were products of genetic technology, were luxuries that only top-tier wealthy people or those with special channels like them could enjoy in this world.
He preheated a frying pan on the induction stove, poured in a little cold-pressed olive oil, and a pleasant, slight "sizzling" sound immediately followed.
He skillfully sliced bell peppers into uniform strips, julienned the onion, and fried two eggs.
His movements were smooth and fluid, carrying a strange sense of stability.
Soon, the aroma of fried eggs, the toasted scent of whole wheat bread, and the fresh fragrance of a vegetable salad filled the spacious living room.
This late "brunch" was him storing energy for his upcoming "battle."
Sitting alone at the dining table, he finished his portion unhurriedly, then carefully plated the portion left for V, placed it in an insulated container, and set it in the most conspicuous spot on the kitchen island.
He also left a simple note nearby using an electronic sticky note.
After handling all this, he glanced at the holographic clock on the wall; the time pointed to 2:15 PM.
There was still plenty of time before the appointed three o'clock for his commute and to deal with potential surprises.
He returned to the bedroom to change his clothes.
V was still in the same sleeping position, only she had buried half her face deeper into the pillow, emitting faint and steady breathing sounds.
He stood by the bed, gazed at her for a few seconds, then leaned down and planted a kiss as light as a feather on her bare shoulder.
"I'm heading out," his voice was kept very low to ensure he wouldn't wake her, yet it remained clear. "I left lunch for you in the kitchen; remember to eat later."
"...Okay..." V responded vaguely in her sleep, her tail end drawn out long, carrying a heavy nasal tone and an animal-like dependency. "Bye-bye..."
Looking at this confused, sleepy appearance that contrasted so sharply with her usual image, a hint of helpless yet doting laughter flashed in Lin Yi's eyes.
He did not disturb her further and simply closed the bedroom door gently.
Walking into the underground garage, that deeply modified Delamain "galena"—which had been temporarily parked in the garage after that chase incident—had been specially repainted in a matte black finish today, looking just like a cheetah quietly crouching in wait.
Its smooth and powerful lines shimmered with a cold and dangerous luster under the soft lighting.
This was the paint job he had specifically chosen for today's occasion—the galena's model displayed strength and taste that couldn't be underestimated, while the matte black paint wasn't overly flashy like some ostentatious supercars, fitting perfectly with the identity he needed to project right now: a partner worth taking seriously, one with style, yet difficult to easily fathom.
The engine let out a low, powerful roar, and the car smoothly drove out of the Charter Hill villa district, merging into the slightly sparse afternoon traffic.
Night City under the sunlight presented a strange sense of fragmentation: the towering glass-curtain skyscrapers of Corpo Plaza shone brilliantly, reflecting dazzling light, as if representing endless wealth and order; yet beneath their shadows, in the intricate streets and alleys, the city's never-extinguished chaos, desire, and vitality still surged.
When the highly recognizable, magnificent silhouette of Konpeki Plaza, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with futuristic style, appeared in his field of vision again, Lin Yi took a slow, deep breath.
The last time he came here, he was an uninvited "thief," driving with V and Jackie, taking the relic chip and playing a game of speed and passion with Arasaka.
But today, he would enter this dragon's den and tiger's lair again, standing tall and upright, as the real "Lin Yi," an invited guest.
The car approached the building entrance, and an invisible scanning beam silently swept over the vehicle, conducting a strict security check.
Security personnel in crisp uniforms cast sharp gazes, filled with scrutiny and vigilance.
Lin Yi calmly rolled down the window.
"Lin Yi," he stated his name clearly, his tone steady. "I have an appointment with Mr. Yorinobu Arasaka at three o'clock."
Upon hearing Yorinobu's name, the expression on the security personnel's faces instantly became incomparably respectful, even carrying a hint of imperceptible awe.
He immediately stood at attention and made a gesture toward the guard booth, and the heavy alloy barrier at the entrance rose quickly and silently.
At this moment, Lin Yi clearly realized that from the moment he drove through this gate, his life, and the future of their team, would perhaps head in a completely different, brand-new direction filled with unknowns and challenges.