Hearing Rebecca's answer, Mann thought for a moment, feeling that something must be wrong with Rebecca.
He naturally knew who Luoqi was and had bought stimulants from him several times, but they weren't particularly close; it was just a few business transactions.
Listening to Rebecca's tone, she seemed a bit anxious, which Mann didn't quite understand. To go against Arasaka for a Ripperdoc?
"Rebecca, are you sure you're not joking? He's just a Ripperdoc. Arasaka taking him has nothing to do with us.
You're actually thinking of rescuing someone from Arasaka. You should know what kind of entity Arasaka is."
Mann voiced his thoughts. In his opinion, as long as they didn't take anyone from his team, it didn't matter who Arasaka took.
"He's not just a Ripperdoc, he's someone I like. I'm not joking, I have to get him out.
I know how powerful Arasaka is, that's why I need your help. I know this has nothing to do with you, but I can pay you, like you're taking a job. Please help me, Mann."
Rebecca spoke calmly and firmly, hoping Mann could help her.
And Mann, hearing Rebecca's words, understood why she was so anxious to save him.
But he still refused.
"Rebecca, this isn't about payment. It's Arasaka who took him, and going against them is definitely a dead end. I have to be responsible for the people in my team, I can't let them go to their deaths.
I understand how you feel, but that's Arasaka, the emperor of Night City. This is simply impossible. I advise you to give up. You're also part of the team, and I don't want you to die at Arasaka's hands because of this.
Look on the bright side, maybe Arasaka won't do anything to him. Perhaps they'll release him in a few days, you know what I mean."
Mann tried to persuade Rebecca, hoping she would be rational. If Arasaka really wanted to do something to Luoqi, there was nothing they could do about it. Balom's tragic state in front of Afterlife tonight was still fresh in their minds.
Luoqi was just a Ripperdoc, not worth risking their lives for, not even for payment.
This wasn't as simple as stealing some Arasaka data or killing a few Arasaka people. If Arasaka took Luoqi back to Arasaka Tower, were they going to storm Arasaka Tower to save him? It would be faster to just kill themselves.
"Okay... I understand, it's nothing."
Refused by Mann, Rebecca was silent for a moment before hanging up the phone.
Although Mann wouldn't help her, she didn't blame him.
Arasaka's rule was undeniable, and not many people dared to oppose them. For Mann, Luoqi was just a Ripperdoc he had met a few times; it was normal for him not to want to risk it.
And she had no right to ask others to jump into this pit with her. It would be best if Mann agreed, but she could understand if he didn't.
She tried calling Falco and Kiwi, and they also explicitly refused Rebecca.
However, Rebecca had already guessed this. Mann had refused her, so the other members of the team likely felt the same way.
Without making any more futile attempts, Rebecca was now lost. No one could help her, and she was in a helpless predicament.
'Rational? How could I possibly be rational.'
Recalling Mann's words, Rebecca felt that being rational was impossible. Every second Luoqi was in danger felt like torture.
Since no one was willing to help her, she would do it herself.
"I will definitely get you out. Even if no one is willing to save you with me, you still have me, your... friend."
Rebecca was firm in her resolve, but the word 'friend' gave her a flash of inspiration in that moment.
Maybe she didn't have to ask Mann and the others for help. Luoqi had friends too. If she told them that Luoqi had been taken, they would definitely choose to help her, right?
With a change in perspective, Rebecca's hope was rekindled.
Luoqi had once told her about two of his friends, one was a merc named Jack, and the other was Victor, a Ripperdoc in the Watson District.
She didn't have Jack's contact information and didn't know where to find him, but she knew how to find Victor. Luoqi had once told her the address of Victor's clinic.
Having decided on her plan, Rebecca immediately set off for Victor's clinic.
...
Inside Misty's spiritual medium shop, Rebecca found the place according to Luoqi's previous description.
"Welcome, how can I help you?"
Misty watched Rebecca enter the shop and asked gently.
"I need to see Doctor Victor."
Rebecca stated her purpose directly.
"Okay, please wait a moment, I'll contact him for you."
Not underestimating her because of her small stature, Misty warmly helped her contact Lao Wei.
Soon, Lao Wei responded, indicating that he was free and Rebecca could come in.
"Alright, Doctor Victor can see you now. Go in, the clinic is in the basement down the alley. Go out the back door and you'll see the stairs leading down."
Misty saw that Rebecca was a new face and was likely introduced by someone else. Afraid she wouldn't find the place on her first visit, she thoughtfully explained how to get there.
"Thank you."
Rebecca nodded her thanks and quickly walked towards the back.
In the clinic, Lao Wei saw Rebecca enter, turned his chair to face her, and prepared to greet her.
However, Rebecca spoke first.
"You must be Victor. I'm L's friend. L was taken by Arasaka. I need your help."
Rebecca didn't intend to waste time and went straight to the point.
And Lao Wei, hearing Rebecca's words, instantly became alert.
"L was taken by Arasaka? Don't worry, child, tell me exactly what happened."
Lao Wei was also a little nervous upon learning that Luoqi was taken, but his personality was quite steady, and he quickly calmed down.
Rebecca quickly told Lao Wei everything that had happened.
"This isn't easy. L is in trouble."
Listening to Rebecca's description, Lao Wei also roughly understood Luoqi's situation. It was highly likely that he was targeted by Arasaka because of selling the serum.
After thinking for a moment, Lao Wei decided to contact Jack first and discuss a plan with him.
Jack seemed to have been close to Luoqi recently and should be more aware of his situation.
"I'll contact L's friend Jack first and see how to handle this. Don't worry for now, we'll figure something out."
Lao Wei took in Rebecca's expression and demeanor, seeing her slightly worried and anxious look, and understood that Rebecca and Luoqi's relationship was likely not ordinary, so he spoke to comfort her.
"Thank you."
Receiving Lao Wei's response, Rebecca couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
It seemed coming to Victor was the right choice. At least now someone was willing to help her.
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