79: Chapter 78 A Frenzy of Wine and Revelry! The Music Continues, the Dance Continues

Once the decision was made and the path ahead remained uncertain, unrestrained revelry and indulgence became the best pressure relief valve.

Lin Yi, V, and Jackie, three young people who had just staked their futures on a monumental gamble, plunged headlong into the ceaseless vortex of hedonism in Night City.

Their first stop was "Seven Hells."

The deafening industrial rock hit everyone's chest like a physical hammer of sound waves.

Dazzling lasers cut through the swirling smoke and sweat, and the dance floor was packed with a writhing crowd, as if they were engaged in a collective, unconscious ritual of madness.

Upon entering, Jackie was like a fish in water; his sturdy frame blended into the mix with a strange sense of rhythm, and he was quickly swallowed by the frenzied crowd.

V pulled Lin Yi to the edge of the crowd, swaying gently to the beat. She closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and let the colorful light spots dance across her exquisite face, temporarily casting aside heavy words like Arasaka, Yorinobu, and corporate modifications.

However, the clamor here soon failed to satisfy their desire to let loose.

After downing who knew how many rounds of cheap synthetic liquor, Jackie waved his hand and shouted that they needed to move on. "This place isn't intense enough! I know a good spot, buddy!"

Thus, the second stop was "El Coyote Cojo."

Unlike the pure madness of "Seven Hells," El Coyote Cojo carried a bit more of the ruggedness and nostalgia of Heywood.

The air was filled with the scent of cheap tobacco, real beer, and leather.

An old jukebox played classic rock hits from the era of Johnny Silverhand, and Jackie immediately found resonance, roaring along with the songs, not forgetting to fist-bump a few familiar Valentinos members.

Here, V seemed more relaxed; she even challenged Jackie to a drinking contest, her golden eyes flashing with a long-lost, unburdened wildness.

Lin Yi leaned against the bar, watching his two companions with a faint smile on his lips. The tightness in his heart, born from immense responsibility, eased slightly.

Alcohol and music acted as a catalyst, pushing their emotions to a climax.

When Jackie started shouting about wanting the "ultimate experience," a name that held a hint of ambiguity and temptation for both V and Lin Yi was mentioned— "Dark Matter."

It was a high-end, members-only club located in Japantown, Westbrook, famous for its unconventional sensory experiences and staggering prices.

Lin Yi looked at Jackie's eager appearance, then at V beside him, her face flushed and eyes shimmering, and felt a stir in his heart. He decided to take his good brother to "see the world."

The interior of "Dark Matter" was completely different from the clamor outside. The lighting was dim and ambiguous, and the air was filled with an expensive, synthetic pheromone that could stir the desires deep within one's heart.

Streamlined decor and private booths created a futuristic, luxurious atmosphere.

When Lin Yi nonchalantly paid over eight thousand for a top-tier "Double-Feeling Overnight" package, even Jackie, who had seen it all, widened his eyes.

"Damn, mano... you..." Jackie looked at the digits in his account that had instantly shrunk, then at the various joytoys swaying in the hazy light in the distance. He slapped Lin Yi's back hard, his tone filled with emotion and admiration. "You're a real brother, I didn't misjudge you! You're too generous!"

Under the guidance of professionals and further catalyzed by alcohol, Jackie quickly let go of his restraint. With a girl on each arm, he walked toward a private experience pod with two charming ladies, his sturdy back exuding an aura of complete leisure.

Lin Yi watched Jackie disappear at the end of the corridor. The guy even turned back to wink at Lin Yi, a slightly teasing smile on his face.

J: [Don't tell Misty, alright?]

L: [Understood, pity I can't go.]

J: [Serves you right, who brings their own 'drinks' to a bar?]

L: [Enjoy yourself, take my share too.]

In just a few glances, the two men had synced up—magical, right?

It was a tacit understanding between men, a fleeting longing for pure sensory stimulation.

However, just at the moment this fleeting feeling emerged—

"You," V's voice sounded in his ear, carrying a hint of dangerous sweetness, like a blade wrapped in honey, "also want to experience having a girl on each arm, right?"

Lin Yi's internal alarm bells rang loudly; he thought to himself, bad news.

V had moved close to him at some point, her arms naturally wrapping around his waist as she tilted her head up to look at him.

Her face was still flushed with the redness of intoxication, her eyes hazy like water, but deep within them flashed a clear, unmistakable, and sharp light of possessiveness. Her powerful "emotional radar" had already captured the envy he felt just a moment ago and instantly refined it.

"Uh..." Lin Yi reacted extremely quickly, immediately putting on an innocent yet slightly mischievous expression. "Look at you saying that, am I that kind of person? With our Night City's most dazzling legend, Miss V, by my side, do I need to look at anyone else?" As he spoke, he tightened his arm, pulling her closer into his embrace. He lowered his head, leaned close to her ear, and lowered his voice, carrying a hint of provocation and ambiguity. "It seems last night's 'instruction' wasn't deep enough. Tonight, I'll have to properly review with you what it means to be 'the husband is the wife's guiding principle'..."

V's ears turned red from the implications and hot breath in his words, but the slight sharpness in her eyes instantly melted into an even thicker temptation.

She gave a soft hum, not refuting him, just drawing circles on his chest with her fingertips.

This place was not suitable for staying long, so he sent a message to Jackie to explain.

Lin Yi immediately called a Delamain private car.

Delamain arrived at the club entrance efficiently and on time as always.

Inside the car, the luxurious interior and soft lighting created a private space.

However, the alcohol, the lingering aftertaste of the ambiguous atmosphere in the club, and the warmth and softness of her in his arms made the temperature inside the car seem to rise sharply.

As soon as they got into the car, the two were drawn together like magnets, eyes hazy, breaths intertwined, and desire spreading like a wildfire.

In the narrow backseat space, their clothes became disheveled, and the sound of soft kisses and rapid breathing began to break the silence inside the car.

Just as Lin Yi's hand was exploring somewhat mischievously under V's hem, and V was responding passionately—

"Sir, Madam." The Delamain AI's iconic, emotionless synthetic voice sounded in the car, as clear as a bucket of cold water poured over their heads. "Friendly reminder: The 'Excellence' package you ordered does not include in-car entertainment activities. Please control and regulate your behavior. If such behavior continues, the system will, in accordance with the user agreement, deduct corresponding passenger civility points, and may temporarily revoke your authorization to order the 'Excellence' level package, or you may upgrade your subscription to a customized service package to continue enjoying your private time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."

"..."

In an instant, all movement froze.

Lin Yi and V were like they had been pressed on a pause button, their movements frozen, and the hazy desire on their faces was instantly replaced by immense embarrassment.

Only then did they suddenly realize that this was not their apartment where they could do as they pleased, nor was it a private experience pod; it was a taxi with strict behavioral regulations, and one that absolutely had an "outsider" present!

The two separated as if electrocuted, scrambling to tidy their disheveled clothes.

V buried her face in Lin Yi's shoulder, her ears so red they were almost bleeding, her shoulders heaving slightly, unsure if she was laughing or frustrated.

Lin Yi cleared his throat, trying hard to sit up straight like a gentleman, and awkwardly replied toward the empty driver's seat: "...Understood, thanks for the reminder."

The rest of the ride was spent in a silence mixed with lingering desire and extreme embarrassment.

Until the car pulled up smoothly at their apartment building, the two rushed out of the car as if escaping.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, waking the scene inside the bedroom.

On the large bed, Lin Yi and V were sleeping soundly, embracing each other.

V curled up in Lin Yi's arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, breathing evenly, a faint, satisfied smile still lingering on the corner of her mouth.

Lin Yi's arm was wrapped around her, his posture full of possessiveness, protection, and a hint of fatigue.

However, along the path from the entryway to the bed, scattered, disheveled clothing—his jacket, her crop top, and some fragments of light silk fabric that were clearly torn apart by force—silently told the story of the "battle" that erupted after they returned to a truly private space last night. It was a battle that hadn't been interrupted by Delamain, one that exploded intensely until they were exhausted, the intensity of which was far beyond the little episode in the car.

In the air, there seemed to be a faint, lingering, scorching scent of passion and love intertwined.