The Creators: From Night City

Page 372

However, the high overtime pay and long string of numbers in the salary card of "Reverse Entropy" can still have a purifying effect on the soul.

Valerie tapped a few keys and replied from the Gemstone Blue Building in Pacific State: "What can I do, Jack? With great power comes great responsibility!"

"Alright, that's enough. I have to go upstairs for a meeting later to discuss the integration of the intelligence system with 'domain' intelligence with that architect named Raphael Marx. Have fun with Misty in advance."

"And one more thing," Valerie turned her head to face the camera and said, "Give it your all, Jack. I believe in you. You've been through so many tough battles, one more won't make a difference."

Meanwhile, the man on the other end of the phone, Haywood, looked completely confident and replied without any worry, "Don't worry, girl, I'll definitely get you."

But as soon as the call ended, Jack immediately let out a deep sigh.

As the car drove to the end of the alley, Jack got out and carefully straightened his sharp, high-end suit. He smoothed his slicked-back hair, gave a couple of half-smiles, and then walked into Misty's psychic hut with satisfaction.

Even from a distance, Misty's calm voice carried through the door, causing Jack to involuntarily break into a smile.

“Antaya, I have performed a purification ritual for you. If you are still restless after you go back, just listen to the prayers recorded on this chip.”

"If it doesn't get better, I'll come see you again tomorrow?"

Misty reassured her, "Don't worry, Antaya, it'll definitely be fine. But if you really want to come, wait until the day after tomorrow. I have some things to do tomorrow."

"Ladies, good afternoon. It seems you're having a good chat." Jack lifted the curtain and entered the psychic hut. His serious demeanor as a city councilor vanished, replaced by a glib and slick manner.

"Jack, have a seat."

After seeing the guests off, Misty stretched lazily, revealing her beautiful abdominal curves.

Jack grinned mischievously and pulled her into a hug, intending to kiss her face to face, but Misty stopped him.

“Mr. Sabur has just arrived and is now in Old Vie’s clinic.”

Jack, this fearless Haywood man, was actually a bit timid when facing his boss. After all, he was now being paid by [Anti-Entropy], and it would be bad if his boss saw him using company funds to pick up girls during the day.

"Then let's hurry up and get out the door." Jack chuckled awkwardly and timidly rushed out the door first.

By the time Misty locked the front and back doors of the psychic house, Jack's Alvarado V4FC 580 Playboy had already pulled up in front of her.

"Where are we going?" Misty, contrary to her usual composure and calmness when entertaining clients, seemed somewhat uneasy.

"City Square, I'll take you to an interesting place." The convertible sports car drove out of Little Chinatown and merged into the traffic.

The Municipal Square is the most bustling and upscale consumer area in the city at night, belonging to the golden CBD area, the western Lujiazui.

In the circular company square, luxury shops occupy the largest advertising positions, showcasing their high-end and stylish brands to everyone.

Surrounded by numerous luxury stores, a newly opened luxury store located directly opposite Arasaka Tower was bustling with a large number of customers gathered at its entrance, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere.

Among these people are wealthy socialites, less wealthy aspiring socialites, top luxury goods scalpers and company executives who line up to follow the trend, mistresses, their sugar daddies, top sex dolls, relatively unknown entertainment stars, internet idols, and well-known media professionals who want to do exclusive interviews.

They were all dressed smartly, with elegant manners and sophisticated speech, and some even had bodyguards with them.

Misty was wearing a dirty blue synthetic cotton coat, and a large twelve-pointed star pendant looked drab and unsightly. She wore fishnet stockings and a black leather skirt. Her messy white hair didn't match the high-tech environment and the richly dressed customers around her at all.

Led by Jack, Misty approached the newly opened luxury store with some unease, casually reciting the store's name.

Chapter 766 A Unique Shop

"Jack, this shop's name is weird?"

"Right?" Jack stood at the door, impeccably dressed in a suit, casually straightening his tie. He looked at the semi-permanent creative plaque made of wood and moss and said, "This was personally named by Mr. Sabur. He said that high-end luxury brands like to use these mysterious and impressive names."

"This is your [Anti-Entropy] store?" Misty was extremely surprised.

“Of course, otherwise why would I bring you here?” Jack smiled confidently, striking a pose of a successful man as he took his girlfriend’s arm and walked toward the bustling crowd at the store entrance.

As a newly opened luxury store, 'Yandouhe' was very low-key and ordinary in the luxury circle in the early stage of its opening. There was no overwhelming advertising or endorsement from any big companies.

Most luxury brands operate on the principle of limited production and exorbitant prices.

This is mainly because rich people like this kind of thing. If the items aren't expensive, how can they show off my status? If the quantity isn't scarce, how can they demonstrate my power?

It is often the bigwigs, opinion leaders, and prominent political figures in various industries who take the initiative to promote these luxury goods. They do not need to actively cater to these luxury goods; on the contrary, these luxury goods need to take the initiative to curry favor with them, providing them with goods and people as they wish.

Those who are wealthy but lack power and influence can only follow suit.

Below that is the 'middle class,' the class that looks up to others. People can't reach the class they dream of, so they can only achieve 'spiritual' alignment by buying luxury goods that are the same as those of the 'big shots.'

This was called "the wealthy and powerful donate first, then the common people donate later." After the matter was completed, the wealthy and powerful would return their money in full, while the common people's money would be divided 30/70.

Many luxury goods upstarts have risen to prominence in this way, since they sell not only products, but also the added value of dreams, style, taste, class, and vanity.

And recognition is the greatest added value of a product.

Simply put, luxury goods don't target the extremely poor or the extremely wealthy; they only target those in the middle, those who are neither rich nor poor.

'Yandouhe' is different. It doesn't care about anyone. It doesn't advertise, doesn't hire spokespeople, doesn't do promotions, doesn't give gifts, doesn't hold exhibitions, doesn't participate in so-called fashion events, and doesn't even have a decent advertising sign. Since it opened, it has silently occupied the most prime location in the company square, facing Aragaka Tower across the street. It pays high rent every day, has the most complete and professional service team, and pays huge rents, completely ignoring the dismal business and the fact that it can't make ends meet. It just stubbornly stays open every day.

They don't look like they want to do business.

However, the mentality of the wealthy is different from that of ordinary people. This kind of marketing tactic of playing hard to get actually attracted the attention of a group of wealthy and leisurely "upper class" people. After all, the "Pipe Ridge" store is located in the most prosperous area of ​​Night City, so there is no shortage of foot traffic.

When these "gentlemen" went inside out of curiosity, they found that although the shop was deserted and there were no customers, it had also set up an exorbitant threshold, ruthlessly refusing out any "gentlemen" who did not meet the requirements, as if it had no interest in making money at all.

This move prompted many "upper-class" people to call the shop owner an idiot, saying that he was selling things and deserved to go out of business.

And unsurprisingly, 'Pipe Valley' became an instant hit.

After all, the most sophisticated 'gentlemen' in Night City love this kind of class-based, high-class style; otherwise, how could they show that they are big shots and 'superior people'?

In no time, wealthy and powerful people flocked to the area upon hearing of its fame.

Then 'Yanpipe Valley' started up some weird tricks again. First, they verified the customers' credentials. Following the usual practice of these 'upper-class' people, they divided the customers into different classes. Except for the top group, the others did not accept reservations and only accepted queuing.

In addition, there is a limit to the number of people that can be served in the store at the same time. If the number exceeds this limit, other people can only wait outside. This shows no regard for the principle that "the customer is always right".

However, this still couldn't stop the shop from becoming a sensation throughout Night City. Countless gentlemen, ladies, wives, politicians, tycoons, underworld bosses, high-level middlemen, and entertainment stars considered it an honor to shop at this store and to own its products.

This is not because they are foolish or blind, but because the quality of 'Yandouhe' products is exceptionally high.

It can be said that it became popular throughout Night City by relying on its excellent product variety, quality and unique design style.

A large number of luxury brands that emphasize "natural" and "organic" products have directly and overwhelmingly dominated other luxury brands.

These garments and jewelry, made from pure natural furs, leathers, and organic animal products, were immediately welcomed by the upper class of Night City upon their release.

No one knows what kind of powerful influence the company behind this luxury store called 'Pipe Valley' possesses. Many animal materials that have been declared extinct in the natural world can be found here and are displayed openly on the shelves, making it seem as if the International Wildlife Conservation Act 2066 (amended) never existed.

These expensive organic luxury goods are unique in Night City, the United States, and even the world.

In a world where clothing made from virgin fox fur is touted as a prized possession by 'Shinguji' and exhibited worldwide, 'Yandouhe' sells only products made from the same material, and not only that, but also of better quality, more variety, and greater quality. How can its competitors possibly compete with or resist this?

It's impossible to play.

In reality, this is a bullying, monopolistic dictatorship of the high-end luxury goods market.

But the now-popular "Yandouhe" still maintains its policy of not opening branches, not increasing the number of goods, and not expanding its capacity, showing a completely indifferent attitude towards everyone.

Then they became even more popular, highlighting the inherently base nature of humanity.

As Jack was quietly recounting the legendary story of this [Anti-Entropy] self-operated store to Misty, a customer who was queuing at the door suddenly approached.

"Jack Wells?"

The man was around 40 years old, slightly overweight, and dressed in a minimalist digital style that looked simple yet luxurious. His female companion was equally elegant and was carefully holding a parasol for him.

Jack didn't react for a moment. He instinctively pulled Misty behind him with his left hand and reached into his arms with his right.

His two golden daggers were tucked into the holsters on his left and right sides, ready to be drawn and fired at any moment.

Chapter 767 Night City Doesn't Allow Sweetness

Unaware that a gun was already pointed at his head, the guest jogged up to Jack and eagerly extended his hand, saying, "Congressman Jack, I didn't expect it to really be you. It's me, Carland from Hanton Cleaning Company. The last time we met was at the Night City Urban Planning Conference this year. I never expected to meet you today."

It wasn't until the other person enthusiastically grasped Jack's rough prosthetic hand and shook it up and down that Jack belatedly remembered his current identity.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Karland. You've got time to go shopping today?"

“Of course, of course, I mainly came to buy a bag. After all, sometimes a woman’s bag is like a man’s waist. Buying something to motivate my girlfriend will give her more energy tonight.” Karland patted Representative Jack’s hand and winked.

His female companion maintained a flawless smile, and her sophisticated profile clearly indicated she was a professional "gambler".

"But seriously, this store is super popular lately, the queues are incredibly long." Karandra grabbed Jack's hand more enthusiastically than she was with her female companion, pulling her into the queue.

"Why don't you use my license plate? I'll be there soon too. Let's be friends."

Jack calmly shook off the other party's entanglement, and put on the official air he had only recently learned, saying, "There's no need to trouble Mr. Carland for now, I've already made an appointment."

"A reservation!" Cadran was genuinely surprised. He knew that even Kerry Orodien was not allowed to make a reservation at this shop, and he hadn't expected that a mere district councilor could get one.

This surprised him greatly, and his enthusiasm immediately soared even higher.

Even after watching Councilor Jack lead Misty into the store, the other person still lingered behind, giving a longing look.

"He needs something from you?" Misty wasn't some ignorant young lady.

“He runs a sanitation and cleaning company. The municipal street cleaning contract in Haywood is being re-elected this year, and I have the final say on one part. This is a tacit benefit given to the city councilors,” Jack responded.

“Power!” Misty finally exclaimed.

But soon, she was drawn to the interior decor of 'Pipe Valley'.

Upon entering the store, one wall is replaced by a huge, long aquarium, which is filled with all kinds of aquatic plants and animals, forming a miniature marine ecosystem.

The floor is made of solid wood, which may not feel very luxurious, but it looks extremely expensive.

The reception desk was surrounded by flowers, with colorful and vibrant blooms vying for attention, so fresh that the flowers still had dew on them.

Unlike industrial fragrances that have a lingering, harsh feel, this store is filled with the natural fragrance of fresh flowers.

The two were greeted immediately by staff members dressed in simple white uniforms.

Jack Wells

"Sir, this is an internal appointment for the 21st. Welcome to 'Pipe Valley'."

Please sign in and complete the check-in process first.

As Jack's prosthetic eye lit up, he immediately received a message from the platform administrator named "Domain" on the newly built [Anti-Entropy] information platform.

[The reservation has been completed and verified at 'Yanpigou', and 500 internal credit points have been deducted.]

"This way, both of you."

The interior of 'Pipe Valley' is very spacious, and dozens of customers can be distributed throughout the room in a very open manner.

The goods were arranged very loosely and in a refined manner.

Often, a piece of clothing or a handbag will be paired with a bunch of flashy but impractical decorations to make it look more upscale.

It's also more expensive.

As "Jack" Misty passed by a walnut wood mechanical watch, she was almost dazzled by the string of zeros on the label and nervously tugged at her boyfriend's sleeve.

"Why are things here so expensive!"

Expensive, but that's to be expected.

"That's for outsiders; employees get discounts." Jack reassured his girlfriend.

Do internal employees actually receive discounts?

It really does.

What others may not know is that Jack's current employee level has been drastically reduced.

A white sharkskin jacket that costs 58 euros has a system price of 4 euros in Jack's system. If you pay with credits, you can use 4000 credits to offset 50% of the price.

A North American raccoon fur hat costs 35 euros, but he was offered 2.6 euros, with 5600 credits offsetting 100%.

Discounts vary in size and the discount criteria are not fixed, but without exception, they are all heavily discounted.

But Jack certainly didn't bring Misty here to buy this thing; he knew his beautiful companion wouldn't care about such flashy but impractical things either.

“Everything here is too expensive, Jack. I don’t need it.”

While the staff was opening the door, Misty offered some very understanding words of comfort.

“You’ll be coming with me to see Mrs. Wells tonight, Misty, and you’d better dress up nicely.”

With a clear purpose in mind, the two followed the staff through the clothing and accessories sections, then through the separately decorated Zen-inspired and space-futuristic sections, before arriving at the digital minimalist area.

The clothing style here is less flashy than before, with fewer dazzling colors and intricate patterns. It mainly consists of fitted garments made from natural cotton materials, simple yet sophisticated.

Wilson urged Misty to pick out two items and go into the fitting room, while he quickly whispered a few words to the sales assistant.