Chapter 42: The Business of War and Farewell

Hu Fei slowly lowered his hand, regretting his impulsive decision. After all, what Lin Feng had just proposed was the most outrageous thing he had ever heard.

But seeing Lin Feng's serious expression, it didn't seem like a joke.

He needed to carefully consider the risks and benefits.

If someone had told him a day ago that they were going to single-handedly wage a war against the insect race and win, Hu Fei would have thought they were insane.

But now, under the hissing of the Black Spinal Bugs, Hu Fei found himself believing it might just be possible!

As a businessman, Hu Fei always focused on risk and profit. Right and wrong, probability, were merely tools to measure returns.

War, after all, was also a business, the most costly one ever.

Losing meant losing everything.

Winning meant eternal glory!

Lin Feng's goals and ambitions were certainly extraordinary, but if there was even a ten percent chance of success, Hu Fei wanted to take the gamble.

Only those who survive get to stay at the table and share the spoils.

Hu Fei might not understand military tactics, but he could see the situation clearly: the alien insect race was mighty, and the Federation's chances of winning seemed slim.

He knew that a true victory in such dire straits would mean everything.

Facing Lin Feng's gaze, Hu Fei decided to take the plunge with him:

"Alright!"

"I trust that Mr. Lin is not reckless. If such an opportunity arises, as your loyal partner, I, Hu Fei, will do everything I can to help."

He then looked at the deserted toll station, sharing more information due to their deepening relationship:

"The distraction mission was unexpectedly successful, but the higher-ups gave credit to Lieutenant Qin Hu of the Thirteenth Army for the greater good..."

"Before I came, I wondered who caused that explosion in the suburbs, but seeing these three Black Spinal Bugs, I understood Mr. Lin's strength."

"Lieutenant Qin isn't someone who forgets his friends. You've survived life-threatening situations with him; perhaps he can help you gain a military officer's rank."

"This would be crucial for expanding your bug-hunting team and legally entering war zones."

"The Thirteenth Army will fully take over Wu City's military defenses, turning it into an empty city, a meat grinder in urban warfare."

"Of course, the State Armed Guard where the Bureau is located will always stand behind you."

Lin Feng's expression shifted as he realized the importance of Hu Fei's words, which offered critical insight beyond their live bug transaction.

"Thank you."

Seeing Lin Feng's serious demeanor, acknowledging his intentions, Hu Fei felt relieved, growing more appreciative of the young man:

"That's all then. Who knows what I've done tonight..."

"I'll leave the goods here. Are you sure you don't need mechanics? Your vehicle..."

Lin Feng shook his head, reclining on his folding chair:

"Are you recycling the mandibles and carapaces?"

Hu Fei glanced at the materials atop the camper, barely making out the sharp mandibles in the dim light.

"No, the profit margin is too low. Currently, only the government and big corporations are using samples for research, so demand and prices are low."

"After all, the military has seized a lot of spoils."

Lin Feng frowned slightly, offering a reminder:

"If you have spare funds, consider stockpiling them. Once they develop utilization methods, these biological materials will become valuable, and it might be too late to enter the market."

Hu Fei nodded, instructing his men to unload the cargo. Several strong men jumped from the truck, carrying the heavy iron plates into the repair shop.

They also unloaded food, gasoline, medical supplies, and the most important and dangerous explosives.

"Careful! Handle with care! Just one packet could collapse a five-story building. If it all explodes, the entire service area will be leveled!"

Hu Fei stood up, cautioning them. Once the cargo was unloaded, and the three Black Spinal Bugs were caged in the container truck, the transaction was complete.

He glanced at the business car, then turned back:

"The women came here, they're my gift to you. They haven't been touched yet. Are you sure you don't want to try?"

Lin Feng thought for a moment, shaking his head:

"The frontline doesn't need vases, and I don't have time to deal with these porcelain dolls. Use them to pave the sales network; that's their best place."

"Oh, and leave the clothes."

Hu Fei paused, seeing the long-legged woman approaching, instantly understanding Lin Feng's meaning, smiling knowingly:

"Alright."

Minutes later, under the wistful gazes of the women in the car, Hu Fei left the service area with what he wanted and more, satisfied and ambitious.

Chen Yanyan watched the vehicles leave, eyeing the clothes and stockings on the table, especially the JK outfit similar to Liu Yueqi's, but more daring, the shirt stopping just below the chest.

She set down two large bags of supplies, giving Lin Feng a slightly odd look, clearly implying something.

Lin Feng, reclining in his chair, shook his head:

"They looked good wearing them, thought it might add some fun later."

"Constant bug hunting sounds dull."

"By the way, did you get everything?"

Chen Yanyan nodded, quickly gathering the clothes and scurrying into the camper, stowing them in a drawer under the bed.

Once finished, she said:

"Liu Yueqi needs to go back to Jin City to fetch her mother and grandparents."

Lin Feng recalled the conversation between Liu Yueqi and her aunt, noting that Liu Yueqi seemed to come from a single-parent family, raised by her mom.

"Alright, we don't have much going on here anyway. She can go back while the roads are clear; family comes first."

As he spoke, a knife-wielding girl entered the repair shop.

Liu Yueqi stood before Lin Feng, looking down at the man on the folding chair.

From Lin Feng's angle, he could see under her skirt, but unfortunately, she wore safety shorts, dampening his interest:

"Aren't you heading to Jin City? What's up?"

Liu Yueqi nodded:

"Just wanted to let you know before I leave."

"I'll sort things out with my family and be back soon. Remember to contact me then."

She crouched, her large eyes filled with pleading.

Lin Feng turned away, seeing her youthful face, and swallowed his initial refusal, sighing:

"Alright, remember to report to the Bureau first, then find that man, Hu Fei. He'll bring you to us."

Hearing Lin Feng's agreement, Liu Yueqi's worried expression turned to joy.

Her eyes twinkled as she whispered in Lin Feng's ear:

"The team needs a doctor."

"When I return, I'll deal with Zhang Xuan and bring my aunt along."

She pecked Lin Feng's cheek before darting out of the repair shop.

Watching her quick departure, Lin Feng withheld the words he intended to speak.

He had planned to upgrade her Thousand Slash Blade once she returned, but she fled faster than a rabbit after her sneak attack.

Wait...

If Liu Yueqi liked him, why bring her aunt Liu Ruojiao along!?

Watching Zhang Xuan's car leave the parking lot...

Lin Feng chuckled, shaking his head at the situation.

For now, he focused on upgrading the Explosive Gun on the table.