Chapter 250: War and Peace

Words : 1267 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

The chirping of birds still awakened Leo to the sounds of New York City. An interesting fact about New York City is that due to historical development issues, the air quality fluctuates and varies significantly depending on the district. However, regardless of the location, this air is above the "fresh air" standard in the cyberpunk world, and it's not cheap. On the table, fresh apples and bananas. The concepts of poverty and wealth differ slightly between two worlds. In Night City, people use high technology, but natural goods are exorbitantly priced. In New York, the poor can eat grass, while the rich enjoy high technology. The world remains turbulent. "Global Watch report: Ongoing Middle Eastern war, new developments on the front." "The nearly dormant Middle Eastern battlefield has seen new movements due to Stark Industries' massive production ramp-up, with military weapons being continuously supplied." "However, previously, the resistance forces proved that high-tech weapons alone couldn't entirely break their defenses. Let's hear the local commander's response." "'The Ministry of Defense has procured a batch of secret weapons from companies like CyberTech and Apex Technologies. We believe these weapons will help crush the resistance's will.'" "'They should pay for their acts of terror.'" On the TV, Jericho missiles soared into the sky, attack planes hovered above. Some people hide behind the government, as this giant gears up for war again. Sifting through the mixed, purpose-driven news on the internet, Leo felt uneasy. As they say, in war, politicians provide ammunition, the rich provide food, and the poor provide children— But once the atmosphere sets in, it starts, and as it begins, most people will cheer until the bullets hit them. Some eagerly anticipate this war. For a moment, an image of a nuclear explosion flashed in Leo's mind, the shockwave raging, flames rising, the suffocating heat and blast rushing towards him. Tap tap Footsteps softly echoed on the wooden floor as Maya walked in, carrying a bowl of fruit. She sat on the sofa nearby, wiping her hands on her apron. She gently placed the fruit bowl down, her eyes showing concern as she glanced at the news, then turned to Leo: "Still watching international news? These reports are really worrying. Will your work be affected by these things?" Leo didn't respond immediately, poking at an apple slice instead. "Don't worry, Mom, these things will get sorted out." A fleeting trace of anxiety flickered in Maya's eyes as she lightly grasped Leo's hand. "I know you're smart and capable; you'll solve the problems. But I'm your mother. If you ever feel tired, you can always come home and rest. No matter what happens, I'll always support you. Just remember, you always have a home to return to, and I'll always be here. Also, this—may it bring you luck and remind you that you have me." Leo opened his hand to reveal a small handcrafted charm, wrapped in colorful threads around a wooden carving, comfortable to the touch. He looked up, meeting Maya's eyes, his mind slightly dazed. He forced a faint smile, so stiff even a child could tell he was pretending. "Mom, I know." Perhaps sensing Leo's reluctance, Maya gently hugged him. "I'll go prepare dinner now. I've got time to try some new recipes. You're going to love it." Watching Maya return to the kitchen, the sunlight filtered through the steam rising from the kettle, casting warm light onto the handmade wall tapestry. The unsettling news on the TV now seemed like mere background noise filling the silence. Leo stood up. "Mom, I'm heading out." At the Lee Financial Tower in New York, Leo and Martin briskly walked into the building, ignoring the media stationed outside daily. "Congress is planning to go to war. This time, the intensity is much higher, though not fully decided yet. The Defense Department mentioned some special equipment they've procured to handle local guerrilla forces." As they walked, Leo asked, "Do we know what it is?" "No clue. Our insiders are just managing to hold their ground." "Fair enough. What about the opposition party?" "Of course, they oppose it. But there's some bad news: last month, the governor of California publicly opposed the war and had a car accident this week." Leo paused just before entering the office—things were escalating faster than he anticipated. The opposition was either reckless or extremely powerful. "Did he die?" "Still alive, but no one knows for how long. I've arranged for him to be transferred to our hospital." The two quickly stepped into the office. The rather straightforward political maneuvering demonstrates just how rampant the opposition has become. Sitting down, Martin immediately projected the current state onto the wall. The President and Congress were essentially aligned. However, since Congress members are elected based on state votes, the situation within each state significantly impacts their political careers. Among the 50 states, 23 have governors and representatives from the current ruling party, openly supporting the continuation of the war, while 14 states are completely opposed. The remaining 13 states are in a state of disunity, with governors and senators from different parties and deeply divided internal institutions. The swing states can be influenced further by improving the living standards of their voters, which is a long-term strategy. The immediate priority, however, is to curb the opposition's arrogance. For instance, the assassination attempt on the California governor is a troubling signal. Regardless of public outcry, until this matter is resolved, anyone in that position will have to fear for their life. That is the immediate concern. "How serious is it?" Leo tapped the table. "Very serious. He's barely hanging on. If we can't save him, no one can." "Bring him over, and we'll assess the situation. What else?" "Defense stocks are still rising. Many cities are benefiting from this boom, with media constantly broadcasting the smiling faces of voters. It seems like you could pick any random person off the street, and they'd be a hardcore American soldier—'Make America Great Again!' I'd love to see their expressions when they're sent to the front lines." This is the second issue. External wars can certainly satisfy some companies' thirst for resources, but to deceive the public, they need to concoct credible reasons or create favorable illusions. For example, the continuous stream of military orders. Massive investments are being funneled into the military-industrial complex, and through a complex process of social transactions, the funds trickle into various parts of society. The flow of money gives the appearance of prosperity. Prosperity can be achieved through financial circulation, but the manner in which it flows determines the nature of societal development. Leo needed to find a way to stimulate the economy through peaceful production sectors, garnering more support for his vision— Otherwise, if people can't even fill their bellies, peace would be a joke. Leo placed a briefcase on the table. "No worries, our time will come soon. The new chip design and complete production methods are here. Contact the manufacturing plants." "About that," Martin paused, "the previous partner plant was acquired—hostile takeover, the process was complicated, but forget about collaborating with them. The acquirer is CyberTech, also the special procurement vendor for the Defense Department this time. I've looked for other suitable manufacturers, but none are willing to cooperate." Leo's hand paused as he opened the briefcase— The opposition's greed and fervor were beyond imagination.

Chapter 250: War and Peace

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