Count Zero.

Summary

In a beer hall beneath the Louvre, Alan and Marie meet in a neutral emotional space, devoid of significant memories. Marie dresses meticulously, while Alan arrives early with a cluttered table. Their conversation reveals Alan's deceitful nature as he downplays past events, masking his lies with charm. As Marie grapples with her feelings, she feels disgust for Alan's manipulative behavior and yearns to escape. Alan presents a holographic device linked to an artist, hinting at connections for Marie's career, but she senses his ulterior motives. The tension escalates when a waiter, recognizing Alan's true nature, warns Marie, leading to an ambiguous moment as they prepare to discuss business.

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