If she were discovered looking like this, things would truly be bad.
The office door opened, and the Hive Boss, who should have been working in the basement, slid through the crack in the door, bending low.
Only after carefully confirming the corridor was empty did Berry cautiously close the door.
Only then did she let out a huge sigh of relief and sit down comfortably on the large faux-leather sofa.
Phew, she didn't expect to have to be so sneaky even on her own turf.
Although she spoke words of self-contempt, a small sense of happiness welled up in Berry's heart.
Just like the forbidden pleasure a middle school student feels when exploring their own body for the first time hidden in their room, Berry cautiously pulled out a hidden compartment from under her desk cabinet.
Cold air immediately wafted out.
This was a hidden mini-fridge, a creation of Berry, the Great Leader of the Hive.
And inside was the special necessity the Great Leader Berry used to eliminate a day's work fatigue.
little coca-cola.
She took out a classic blue-canned little coca-cola, covered in white frost and still emitting cold air.
Berry's eyes were filled with desire, and her throat moved.
Like a dry riverbed waiting for the nourishment of heavy rain.
Sorry, she still couldn't change this habit.
Although the All Foods Factory was roughly considered Biotechnica's enemy property, Berry could never break this addiction.
This was the secret of the Hive's Great Leader that must never be discovered.
If she were discovered drinking the enemy's product, her career as the Hive's Great Leader would probably be over.
That's why Berry was so cautious.
Acting like a thief on her own turf.
Soon, Berry was ready to pull the tab, eager to hear the hiss of the carbon dioxide popping the lid open.
But the sound of the door knocking was faster than Berry's action.
Being interrupted while fully focused on secretly indulging, Berry was so startled she nearly threw the little coca-cola in her hand.
"Who is it?"
Fearing the person might just open the door, Berry answered while frantically shoving the cola back into the hidden compartment.
But in her haste, Berry fumbled and dropped the can, a mistake even a kindergarten child wouldn't make.
The cola can clanged as it hit the floor, and Berry didn't have a chance to retrieve it, because the door opened.
"It's me, Judy. I thought you weren't here."
The door was opened, and Judy walked in, carrying a stack of documents.
Inside, Berry was already sitting upright and serious, her back perfectly straight.
"Ahem, it's Judy. Welcome, welcome. Is there something you need?"
With her hands clasped on the desk, Berry tried her best to appear imposing.
This way, Judy wouldn't come closer.
And discover why a can of little coca-cola was hidden behind the crossed ankles of the Boss who had solemnly sworn never to drink enemy products.
"Berry, this is the Hive's cyberware transaction income and expenditure report for the week. We're running low on metal plating and medical ceramic components, and there are a few other issues, all listed in the report."
Judy, like a competent secretary, placed the stack of reports on Berry's desk, not noticing her Boss's concealed actions.
"Mhm, I see. Leave it here, I'll look at it later."
She pretended to pick up the document and quickly scanned it.
Berry nodded solemnly, her expression extremely serious.
The two had finished speaking, but Berry noticed Judy standing in front of her with a troubled expression, as if there was something else she hadn't said.
She didn't look like she was planning to leave.
"Judy?"
"Uh, Berry, a few Girls in the Westbrook District don't want to work at the nightclub anymore, and I was thinking..."
Looking at Judy's expression and combining it with her hesitant words, Berry understood most of it.
Good heavens.
So, she was recruiting people for her again.
Judy had a warm heart; she was always stuffing people into the Moxes, and she still had this habit now that she was at the Hive.
But it didn't really matter.
Berry had plenty of odd jobs available.
And besides the low salary, there were no other drawbacks.
But Berry doubted how long the people Judy introduced this time would stay.
Yes, there were many unfortunate people who worked as low-level sex dolls.
Misery is reflected not only in the destruction of the body but also in the alienation of the spirit.
Some people have already gotten used to making quick money by lying in bed.
Some of the girls who came seemed unable to get used to the low-end jobs at the Hive and the pay that couldn't compare to the quick money made at Nightclubs.
Many people came and then left.
Berry didn't know what to say.
All she could say was that the flashy world of Night City was blindingly attractive, and countless people had become slaves to desire.
And they were willing slaves.
"Alright, let these people come. You arrange work for them."
But Berry still agreed to Judy's request.
What could she do? Judy was such a big baby, and she still hadn't had enough after suffering so much hardship.
Since she wanted to be a good person, Berry would grant her wish.
"Thank you, Berry, I really appreciate it."
Clutching her hair, Judy felt a little guilty for causing trouble, but mostly she felt joy and gratitude.
Berry watched Judy leave with a look of gratification.
Until the door closed.
"Hehe, happy time is here!"
Berry immediately bent down, grabbed the little coca-cola, and swiftly pulled the tab.
Screw it.
Forget Night City or whatever, let her have a sip of Happy Water first.
She tilted her head back and gulped down a large mouthful; the feeling of carbonation exploding in her mouth made Berry unable to stop.
That's the spot!
Feeling this familiar cool taste and carbonated impact, Berry felt that life was truly wonderful.
Monopolistic giants aren't completely useless, after all.
At least they gave the common people such cheap and durable "Pacifier Entertainment."
Syrup and carbonation.
Truly a genius combination.
Just consume it!
Berry squinted, enjoying her life.
After abstaining for so many days, the pleasure of unbanning little coca-cola was so intoxicating. If only this moment could freeze, it would be wonderful.
But nine times out of ten, life is disappointing.
A clear, cold female voice suddenly sounded outside the door.
Hearing the voice that was too familiar, Berry instantly felt like she had fallen into an ice cave; her back was as cold as the cola in her mouth.
"Berry, Judy said you were inside. I'm coming in now."
No, don't come in.
Berry roared frantically inside, but she didn't have Za Warudo; time wouldn't stop for her, not even for half a second.
So, while she was holding a large mouthful of cola and hadn't yet put down the can, a blue-haired head peered through the crack in the door.
"Pfft!!!"
When she saw those large blue eyes, Berry covered her mouth with both hands, trying to suppress the urge to spray.
But her efforts only delayed the inevitable by two seconds.
With a splutter, Berry sprayed.
Liquid shot out from between her fingers, spraying everywhere and soaking all the documents on the desk.
The atmosphere fell into an awkward silence.
In this tense staring match, Berry clearly noticed.
V's eyes, which were initially surprised, gradually turned into that familiar look of mischief.
"Hehe, look what I found. What a surprise, Berry."
Speaking strangely, V entered with a wicked smile and made sure to close the door firmly.
I'm doomed.
Watching V's actions, Berry felt a bad premonition.
That V was going to mess with her again.
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