Chapter 77: Promotion, Progress, Pink Lips

At 3 PM, Lin Feng met with Han Yuxin. This maturely dressed young woman was busy handling matters in the hotel, needing to send intelligence from the Wu City front line back to the rear in Jincheng.

Seeing Lin Feng approach, Han Yuxin set down her pen, smiling slightly:

"Was the mission successful?"

"I noticed Qin Hu went to you directly, so I didn't want to interrupt."

Lin Feng shook his head, briefly explaining Cheng Zhan's situation. The mission was no longer as simple as initially thought.

"Keep this quiet; the mission was conducted in secret."

Han Yuxin nodded:

"I understand. So, the insects have expanded to just 20 kilometers outside Wu City. According to your estimates, within ten days—if not sooner—day eight might see both sides clashing outside the defenses."

"It's already the third day, less than five days left to prepare?"

Lin Feng nodded slightly. This was a cautious estimate. In reality, the Red Beetles within the insect ranks were expanding even faster.

Though low-level insects posed little threat and even ordinary people could dispatch them with rifles, Red Beetles weren't combat insects.

Their powerful pincers made them excellent diggers, rapidly excavating tunnels beneath the Jiangnan plains to extend the soldier bugs' range.

This allowed the Black Spinal Bugs to surface in front of defenses, catching humans off guard.

Thus, the Red Beetles needed to be curtailed.

For Jiangnan Province, quickly dismantling Jincheng's heavy industry and safely transporting it to the rear was paramount.

The shortened safe period was bad news. Any battle along the defense line would necessitate diverting resources and manpower to the front.

After confirming this with Lin Feng, Han Yuxin quickly compiled a report to send back.

Completing her duties, she closed her laptop and leaned on her desk, gazing at the man seated opposite her.

Her long legs crossed beneath the table, one foot slipping out of her high heel as she stretched her nylons-covered leg against Lin Feng's thigh.

"The young people completed their tasks well. I've had them drive to the southern outskirts to hunt Red Beetles for their upgrades."

"There's no shortage of ordinary weapons and ammunition here."

"The leader, Shen Jie, already underwent three enhancements. With weapons, he's diligent and has set up camp on the outskirts."

"He just informed me he's completed his ninth enhancement, and the other seven have reached at least seven."

"They can now capture live Red Beetles."

Lin Feng hadn't expected Han Yuxin to take the initiative in arranging these matters. She was a woman with a strong career drive, signaling a significant ambition.

But as long as it aligned with his interests, Lin Feng had no objections to continuing their collaboration.

Satisfied, he nodded:

"Well done. We need more manpower for capturing Black Spinal Bugs."

"Have them complete their ninth enhancement by tomorrow, then join me on a mission. Those who kill Black Spinal Bugs can stay with me; the rest are yours to continue training newcomers on capturing Red Beetles."

Han Yuxin smiled. Lin Feng didn't reject her advances, whether overt or covert.

This was crucial.

As a woman, she had a natural edge over Hu Fei in attracting men, especially since she was attractive. Her capabilities might currently lack, but she could offer more sincerity.

She was also willing to think proactively for Lin Feng:

"Hu Fei's been urging several times today. High profits leave him impatient and sometimes confused about priorities..."

"With more newcomers joining, our business will grow, and we can't rely on a single distributor."

"It's insecure and destabilizing."

"We need our own channels."

Seeing her smile, Lin Feng pondered. He knew relying solely on Hu Fei was insufficient. Maintaining a competitive balance was key to sustaining his position.

Even for stability, the live insect trade needed new players.

Clearly, Han Yuxin wanted to break from Hu Fei and operate independently, a plan likely seeded when she actively networked with high society at the celebration banquet.

After a brief thought, Lin Feng replied:

"Discuss this with Chen Yanyan. She understands business better than I do. If she approves your plan and strength, we can start trying new shipments."

While Lin Feng didn't fully trust the woman before him, he trusted Chen Yanyan. With her experience as an assistant, she was undoubtedly better suited for business matters.

Han Yuxin's face lit up with joy.

She had feared Lin Feng would refuse, given Hu Fei's current strength and the substantial material support he provided Lin Feng, something she couldn't match.

But what wasn't possible now might be in the future.

Han Yuxin sincerely thanked him:

"Thank you. Your foresight will surely bring great returns."

Her voice was soft, expression alluring:

"Would you like to stay and rest? I've prepared a lavish dinner to celebrate our progress."

Lin Feng shook his head, standing:

"This isn't set yet. Discuss it with Chen Yanyan first."

With that, he turned and left the hotel.

Watching Lin Feng's decisive departure, Han Yuxin slipped her warm foot back into her heel, leaning back with a satisfied smile.

This man's growing resistance only fueled her desire to conquer him.

...

Leaving the hotel, Lin Feng returned to the camper, informing Chen Yanyan before getting to work.

He summoned Li Ran from the construction site to drive him to find Qin Hu.

Besides urging the promised returns, he also needed to notify him to quickly organize forces to counter the insect expansion twenty kilometers outside Wu City.

During his conversation with Han Yuxin, Lin Feng realized he could prompt the Thirteenth Army to act, sending recruits to the front for live-fire training against Red Beetles.

This would train new soldiers and slow the insect advance—a win-win.

Lin Feng's real goal was to use the Thirteenth Army to disrupt the Empress's plans against him, enabling his live insect capture.

Multiple distractions were needed to reduce capture risks.

Meeting Qin Hu in a Wu City command building, Lin Feng shared his plan. They quickly agreed, with Qin Hu saying:

"I had a similar plan, though fuel costs are a concern. But it will rapidly train recruits, pairing them with veterans to quickly develop a group of enhanced soldiers, which will greatly aid the battle."

"The initial attrition will be high, especially with Black Spinal Bugs attacking."

"But the main defense is nearly complete, with heavy weapons being installed. By the day after tomorrow, a thousand-strong blocking team will be ready to deploy."

"As for the materials you requested, the awakened camp's storehouse has thirty pairs of Black Spinal Bug mandibles. I'll send them to you soon."

"I'll find a way to get you more."

Lin Feng nodded. Without his push, those supplies might not arrive until tomorrow. He could wait, but the armored camper couldn't.

With business concluded, Lin Feng planned to leave, but Qin Hu warmly invited him to stay:

"It's rare for you to visit, stay for dinner. The materials will take time to load."

Lin Feng agreed, reasoning it was no loss to have a meal.

During the lavish dinner, Qin Hu broached his true request:

"These Black Spinal Bugs are getting harder to kill, appearing in groups. Unless we field three squads of twenty or more, it's tough to handle quickly."

"You're so effective outside the city, capturing live bugs. Next time, could you lend a hand?"

"While Cheng Zhan's team is still absent, I want to reach late first-tier before the Wu City battle, to fully control the awakened camp."

"The support I can offer would only increase."

Lin Feng ate silently.

He understood Qin Hu's intent. They were all awakeners, so why listen to a lv14 guy?

To command respect, one needed strength.

Upgrading from lv14 to lv19 required at least forty Black Spinal Bug kills.

Easy for Lin Feng.

But the Empress's attention meant even non-live captures carried risks.

After pondering, Lin Feng agreed.

Qin Hu was his connection to the military, aiding his advancement was self-beneficial.

"Bring your trusted men, follow us. I'll create opportunities for you to collect Black Spinal Bugs."

"But you'll need to place some elite recruits in the service area's forward base."

"I'll independently command the outpost during the battle."

Qin Hu frowned slightly at Lin Feng's request.

Lin Feng's demands went beyond heavy weapons...

He wanted to poach from the Thirteenth Army.

Boldly recruiting.

This crossed Qin Hu's line. If exposed, it risked more than suspension—arrest.

But Lin Feng was the only one who could meet his current needs.

Missing this rare chance meant facing more lv19 awakeners like Cheng Zhan after the battle.

Even upgraded, he'd struggle against groups of peak first-tier awakeners.

Total control of the awakened camp would be exponentially harder.

A single misstep could lead to long-term setbacks.

Qin Hu sensed Lin Feng's aura, a strength he yearned for.

After much internal struggle, as Lin Feng finished eating and prepared to leave...

Qin Hu took a deep breath, nodding agreement.

Lin Feng smiled:

"It's just two hundred recruits. If we win, I'll let them choose their own path."

"Congratulations in advance, Major Qin, on becoming a powerful late first-tier awakener."

"When the recruits deploy, your promotion plan will follow."

...

At 8 PM, Lin Feng, arranged by Qin Hu, rode a jeep back to the service area's repair shop, followed by a truck.

The truck unloaded thirty pairs of Black Spinal Bug mandibles at the repair shop, filling it to the brim.

After bidding Li Ran farewell, Lin Feng belched, noticing Jiang Yuner's luxurious camper parked nearby.

It was dark inside, no signs of movement.

Unconcerned, Lin Feng drew the tarp closed, preparing to upgrade the lv13 armored camper.

Following past patterns, an additional attribute should appear this time.

As he initiated the upgrade, thirty-plus Black Spinal Bug mandibles, enveloped in red light, melded into the camper, undergoing a lengthy transformation.

With everything set, full and tired from the day's exertions, Lin Feng yawned and entered the camper.

He'd texted Chen Yanyan with no reply, likely asleep early.

Quietly entering the bedroom, he didn't turn on the light. In the dimness, he saw a woman lying on the bed.

Undressing, he joined her.

Moments later, Lin Feng paused.

Glancing at his hand, something felt off about the size.

When did Yanyan get this... big?

Maybe she developed recently?!

Before Lin Feng could fully process, the woman in his arms kissed him.

Soft pink lips, intoxicating warmth.

Lin Feng stopped thinking, focusing on the woman.

A powerful psychic energy emanated from the camper's bedroom.

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