John didn't throw it away.

Maybe when he desperately needs some money, gathers some materials, or builds street connections, he'll step into the ring and leave an impression on Eden City's underground legends with his fists.

During the two or three days of indulgent rest, he increasingly felt how high the cost of a stable and comfortable life in Eden City was. Recently out of work, most of his savings had been invested into the shop.

John spent the past couple of days eating, drinking, playing, and subscribing to programs on the commercial street near Bolago Club, with most menu items at a mid-to-high price range, so there wasn't much burden for now.

But enjoying this lifestyle long-term would definitely be unsustainable.

Theoretically, with John's current balance, he could also roam the Red Light District, but considering the reputation he had built in the West District, hitting the bars would offer a better cost-effectiveness.

If he wanted to experience a high-end place like "Steel Hot Forest," it would likely only take a few visits before his resources were stretched thin.

John readjusted his physical condition once more and went to the clinic for a full-body bullet wound repair. His account balance was critically low, he could still afford to eat, but couldn't even buy a decent gun.

Inside Dan Street Apartment.

John checked his emails in the living room after a shower, shirtless.

The store situation sent by Maya and Gerry—from site selection to early preparations—was going smoothly, and the most crucial equipment was acquired from the second-hand market today, ready for the soft opening to begin making money.

[The efficiency is already very high. I'll go check it out tomorrow. This shop is important for all of us.]

John briefly replied to the email and dumped all the takeout boxes on the glass table into the trash bag.

Paid housekeeping services may be convenient, but it's unnecessary for a mercenary to live too luxuriously when broke.

The projected program on the TV was showing "Cyber Night Language."

John subscribed impulsively to their variety show, where the guests were divided into two factions arguing with each other. This episode's theme was whether AI companions paired with rendering could replace human sex dolls.

[Selling the body is humanity's oldest profession, X a piece of metal and living flesh have absolutely different experiences!]

[This is fucking nonsense, you stupid fool who goes to clubs, spends money, finishes, and walks away, doesn't understand the intricacies. The prosthetic modification rate of sex dolls is the highest among all industries. They must upgrade their bodies to survive in the market, otherwise, they would be relegated to small dark alleys taking on freelance work due to insufficient quality!]

[I don't think there's any fundamental difference between current sex dolls and robots.]

[Very well, then go X a water dispenser tonight, anyway, I'd prefer my sexual partner to be alive.]

[Oh, really? Even if he/she wears a behavior chip and walks into your dark, wounded heart with statements derived from algorithms?]

...

"Cyber Night Language" truly lives up to its status as the hottest talk show at the moment, with sharp words and tricky angles, tearing each other apart from start to finish, perfect for numbing a weary life.

John slumped on the couch until he woke up naturally, feeling like his head was filled with mush, his whole body uncomfortable. Even after doing a set of exercises with the equipment in the room, it still wasn't enough.

Staying a mercenary for too long truly makes one sick.

John headed to the garage and specifically chose the Alloy RCH. As the motorcycle roared out of the slope and straightened on the street, his muscles and bones only awakened through vibration and wind pressure.

The glaring sun was obscured by smoke and towering buildings.

Air with a slight graininess and an inexplicable heat mixed together blew past overpasses and traffic lights.

The motorcycle left the central street and arrived at the West District junction.

Here was already the edge of Black Gold Gang's territory, with graffiti and the style of golden worship sharply decreasing, and no workout equipment was visible in street corners.

The gang members of various regions reached a delicate balance here, engaging in occasional intertwined illegal business within the blurred boundaries.

Areas like this in Eden City are considered prized locations because the municipal government and ECPD wouldn't allow frequent and large-scale gang conflicts in areas with intercity tracks and subways.

Because it would affect the normal operation of the city.

Many businesspeople set their sights on this narrow Harbor.

Numerous shops lie in the shadows of buildings, forming stretches of street-facing shops and small Charming Streets between the brutalist-style spiral parking garages and skyscrapers.

The space John rented was at least 200 square meters.

It was initially a luxury store. Later, due to the shift of the commercial center and several gang wars leading to the reallocation of industrial zones and territories, this area fell from a bustling street to the shadow of glass curtain walls.

"Half a year ago, this was still a chain convenience store, also selling some synthetic packaged foods and bedroom items, but it was later bombed. The load-bearing parts were damaged, endangering the apartment buildings behind. The real estate company paid for repairs and took over the place."

Gerry reported the situation to John with folded arms.

In theory, this shop didn't belong to Black Gold Gang. It was a resolved conflict under Mr. Vito's term, and as compensation, the real estate company transferred it indefinitely to the gang, eventually falling under Bone Shards' territory.

"The back door connects to a small alley, allowing trucks to stop and unload goods. Further inside, there's a small market, you know, the type where the basement and low-rent apartments are rented separately…"

Inside the shop were red industrial leather stools and a few rows of old tables.

The kitchen was at the very back, and a drive-thru window was made in the area facing the road. Once the food is ready, it is handed out directly without needing to go through the ordering counter in front.

John whistled.

"Man, this place is practically a high-end restaurant."

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