Judy

Although they had successfully stolen Director Tanaka's itinerary data, the kidnapping operation didn't proceed smoothly because of it.

This guy acted very cautiously, leaving almost no opportunity for Maine's crew to strike.

Left with no choice, Maine had to arrange for Sasha and the others to dig deeper into information related to Director Tanaka to see if any other weaknesses could be found.

Kiwi spent some effort and successfully breached the protection of Director Tanaka's private hard drive, but most of it was just junk; the only valuable thing was a large collection of XBD records stored inside.

"They're all bloody and violent tapes, some even featuring cyberpsychosis content."

Kiwi curled her lip. She was long used to the perverted tastes of corpo-rats, but Director Tanaka's heavy preferences were still staggering. After browsing through the records, she continued.

"A lot of these XBDs come from a guy named Jk."

In the cyberpunk world, a complete Braindance experience requires professional editing before it can be released to the market.

Because a Braindance isn't just a visual recording; it also fully transmits all the sensory experiences of the recorder at the time. Those parts that are too intense or uncomfortable must be weakened or removed through editing.

This is a real test of an editor's skill.

How to ensure as much sensory impact as possible without making it so overwhelming that it leaves the user with irreparable trauma.

The reason XBDs are called "black" Braindances isn't just because of their illicit origins; more importantly, it's because of their unpredictable danger.

There are always some people who are keen on pursuing unedited, extreme stimulation.

"Lucy, don't you quite like using Braindances?"

Kiwi suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Lucy.

"What I like aren't XBDs."

Lucy didn't pursue such extreme sensory shocks; she just enjoyed the immersive experience of lunar scenery.

"I actually know someone from the Lizzy Bar; she should know something about XBDs."

Chen Nuo thought of Rita and spoke up casually.

Although he knew some information about Jk, it wasn't enough to find him on his own; he still needed to ask an industry insider.

"Lizzy Bar? The Braindances there are indeed famous, but that's Moxes territory. I heard the best Sex Dolls from the surrounding streets make a living there. I didn't expect your network to be so wide, Nuo."

Maine said, wearing a smile that only men understand.

However, the looks in Lucy's and Sasha's eyes carried a hint of coldness.

"Don't talk nonsense. I've never touched a Sex Doll."

Chen Nuo said without changing his expression, showing no sign of guilt. After all, it was the truth.

"We'll head to the Lizzy Bar tonight. My treat."

Maine said, revealing a row of shiny teeth, while Pilar next to him couldn't help but start howling... Night fell in the blink of an eye, and neon lights illuminated the sky.

"XBDs?"

Hearing Chen Nuo's purpose, Rita's eyes flickered slightly. She glanced at Jackie and the others immersed in the dance floor and asked a few more questions.

"Why are you looking into this stuff?"

"I'm looking for someone. You know Jk, right?"

"Jimmy Kurosaki. I know him, a famous guy."

"So, what information can you give me?"

"Huh? I'm just a bouncer. What do I know about technical stuff? But I can introduce you to someone; she's also a top-tier Braindance editor."

Rita said quite proudly, as if being able to help Chen Nuo was a point of pride for her.

"Then what are we waiting for? Take me to her."

Chen Nuo urged. Rita didn't dawdle either; she called someone to take her post and led Chen Nuo alone to a Braindance studio hidden within the Lizzy Bar.

"Hey! Judy, I've got someone for you to meet."

Rita knocked on the studio door, and after a moment, an attractive woman walked out.

She had short hair dyed in shades of purple and green, wore a white tank top and black industrial overalls, and had rose patterns decorating her shoulders and arms—she was full of punk vibes.

Upon seeing the unfamiliar Chen Nuo, Judy's eyes immediately became alert. She held the door half-closed, waiting for Rita to provide an explanation.

"Don't be nervous. This is BT."

"BT?"

Judy's expression softened slightly. She had indeed heard many rumors about Chen Nuo lately, all circulating among the sisters in the Moxes.

Thanks to Chen Nuo completing many commissions for the Moxes, his reputation here had reached at least a "respected" level.

Coupled with his looks, while the girls here might not be throwing themselves at him for free, at least fifty percent were willing to provide services at no charge.

It was precisely because of this that Rita brought Chen Nuo to meet Judy, a very important technical member of the Moxes, as a way to deepen their relationship.

"It really is a bit unexpected..."

Judy sized Chen Nuo up several times, muttering to herself. It wasn't clear what part of him surprised her. She took a step back and pulled the studio door open, allowing Chen Nuo to enter.

"You two have a good chat. Remember, don't bully our Judy."

Rita gave Chen Nuo a warning look and then left.

Chen Nuo looked around. Judy's studio was very dim, with various equipment arranged in an orderly fashion, but it certainly couldn't be described as clean or tidy.

"So, are you here for a custom Braindance or something else? Just so we're clear, those are the only things I can help with."

Judy's attitude was somewhat cold. That was just her personality, not to mention Chen Nuo was a man.

Judy Alvarez. Gender: female. Preference: also female.

"Custom Braindance?"

"The highest-end Braindances are all custom-made. I don't usually take on that kind of business, but since you've helped so many of the sisters, I'll make an exception for you."

Judy said flatly, yet the hidden confidence was still audible.

Custom Braindances were high-end work.

It was a service usually only enjoyed by corporate executives, socialites, gang bosses, and other wealthy and powerful people. Only a top Braindance editor like Judy could pull it off.

"So that's how it is. But I'm not here for that. I'm looking for someone. You must know Jk, right? Is there any information you can give me? I'll owe you a favor."

Chen Nuo couldn't remember all these trivial details. Judy's reminder made him realize why Director Tanaka had gone to see Jk personally—it turned out he was getting a custom Braindance.

"Jimmy Kurosaki? Now that's a real pervert."

Judy's words carried a sense of disgust. Unlike the erotic Braindances she usually produced, Jk specialized in making Braindances with cyberpsychosis content.

In Night City, erotic Braindances were considered "light and fresh."

Judy didn't ask further and continued.

"That guy only takes business through referrals. No one knows where his studio is except for him and his clients. However, I do have some of his identity information; it should be of some help."

The circle of top Braindance editors was very narrow. Judy had dealt with him before, and the Moxes were one of the largest Braindance suppliers in Night City.

"Then thank you."

Chen Nuo smiled. At least it wasn't a wasted trip.

"You're welcome. Just remember you owe me a favor."

Judy spoke very bluntly. She only helped because she valued Chen Nuo's potential.

In Night City, knowing a powerful Edgerunner was certainly never a bad thing.

"Of course."

Chen Nuo was also happy to make friends with Judy. It wasn't that he was lusting after her—though her body was indeed attractive—but her superb networking skills and hardware operation abilities were what he truly valued.

Don't think Judy was just a top Braindance editor; she was also an expert in technology and information.

"By the way, do you have any lunar-related Braindances here?"

Chen Nuo asked, looking at the Braindance chips displayed on the shelf.

"What do you want that for?"

"My girl likes those kinds of Braindances."

"...I don't have any right now. I'll edit some for you later."

Judy's voice softened a bit. In Night City, men who cared about their girlfriend's preferences were nearly extinct.

Chen Nuo's casual remark gave Judy a new perspective on him.

"Then I'll look forward to it."

Chen Nuo smiled broadly, making Judy daze for a moment. In the dim environment, her changing expression couldn't be seen clearly.

"Why does an Edgerunner have to be so good-looking..."

Judy muttered under her breath. She finally realized why so many of the sisters' legs went weak at the mention of Chen Nuo; her own had just weakened for a moment too.

Damn guy, I like women!

Judy quickly chanted Evelyn's name in her heart a few times to calm the ripples in her soul.

Evelyn was Judy's current girlfriend, working at the Clouds club. There was no need to elaborate on the job description. Her looks were top-tier, but her beauty was a product of industry and technology, completely different from Chen Nuo's natural, almost transcendent physique.

"I've given you the intel. If there's nothing else, please leave. I have work to do."

Judy said.

"Let's add each other as contacts first."

Chen Nuo didn't mind and sent a contact request. Judy didn't hesitate and accepted.

Although they hadn't spent much time together, Judy's impression of Chen Nuo was quite good. She didn't feel the physiological discomfort she usually felt around other men, which surprised her.

Chen Nuo returned to the dance floor with the intel. Jackie and the others were still swaying there, not even noticing he had left.

They had agreed to gather intel, but now it was uncertain if they even remembered. It seemed they really just came to the bar to play.

Chen Nuo silently recorded Jackie's restless dance moves. If Jackie didn't treat him to a few good meals, he'd see if he wouldn't send it to Misty.

With enough information, tracking Jimmy was naturally much easier. That night, Sasha pinpointed his whereabouts; the guy usually liked to go to Embers.

This was the only members-only club in Night City.

Money was just the entry threshold.

As a high-end venue, it only catered to the true upper class.

However, Chen Nuo and the others didn't need to worry about getting in; they just had to wait underground for Jimmy to come out himself.

Kidnapping a Braindance editor was much easier than kidnapping a corporate executive. This guy had some connections and a lot of money, but he wasn't equipped with any security.

Who knows what Jimmy was thinking.

A Braindance editor obsessed with cyberpsychosis content, immersed in the sensory impact of cyberpsychosis all day, was probably not far from becoming a psycho himself.

After the plan was set, time flew, and the next day arrived.

"Are top-tier Braindance editors this rich?"

Chen Nuo looked at the "Caliburn" luxury car belonging to Jimmy and couldn't help but click his tongue. Both were top Braindance editors, so why was Judy's life like that?

As expected, in the service industry, you have to serve the rich to make money.

"Nuo! That guy is here."

Lucy's voice rang in Chen Nuo's mind.

Chen Nuo looked up. A tall, somewhat thin man wearing an expensive coat with costly gold cybernetics implanted in his face appeared before him.

"Jimmy Kurosaki?"

"That's me. And you are?"

Jimmy, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, sized up Chen Nuo with suspicion. Unable to determine the other's intent for the moment, he had already become quietly alert.

"Come with me. I need your help with something."

As Chen Nuo spoke, he tugged at the door of the Caliburn. Seeing Jimmy still standing there dazed without a reaction, he reminded him again.

"Open the door."

"Who exactly are you? Why should I go with you?"

The Cybernetic Eye implanted in the back of Jimmy's head quietly scanned the situation. Finding no one else around, his face remained like a cold, hard mask.

"My name is BT. I don't know if you've heard of me."

"...It's you?!"

Jimmy's expression finally changed.

He finally realized why the person before him felt familiar.

Jimmy had seen Chen Nuo. To be more precise, he had seen him in a Braindance.

And the person Jimmy had "played" was exactly Mark, who had been executed by Chen Nuo.

After Mark died, the Braindance recording equipment in his body ended up in Jimmy's hands.

Jimmy was one of the few people who had personally experienced Chen Nuo's power and lived to tell the tale.

He had been treasuring this Braindance recording.

"Can you open the door and get in the car now?"

Chen Nuo gestured again. This time, Jimmy obediently opened the door and submissively sat in the passenger seat. The reason he didn't choose to resist was, of course, because he knew it was pointless.

While starting the vehicle, Chen Nuo also conveniently took the miniature electromagnetic pulse device from Jimmy's person.

"EMP. This is a good thing."

Chen Nuo toyed with it in his hand. If one's cyberware weren't equipped with anti-EMP shielding, this one blast could leave your whole body paralyzed.

Of course, this applied to Edgerunners with a high cybernetic implantation ratio like Maine. For someone like Chen Nuo, he basically wouldn't feel a thing.

"..."

Only then did Jimmy notice that his only means of resistance had been silently taken by Chen Nuo. He couldn't help but gulp. Was this the famous BT? He seemed even more terrifying than the rumors.