Chapter 52: Celebration Banquet, Lv15 Auto-Cannon

The idea of upgrading the camper's offensive capabilities had been in Lin Feng's mind for some time.

Beyond making up for the lack of firepower while moving, another key reason was to provide the camper with alternative ways to gain upgrade points.

Ramming with the front bumper was both risky and wasteful.

Though the sight of the camper smashing into Black Spinal Bugs was impressive, it was a makeshift tactic, causing significant wear with each impact and risking total destruction.

For a few upgrade points, wasting the hard-earned mandible materials wasn't worth it.

Relying on mileage during wartime for points involved risky guerrilla tactics, and peacetime would make progress difficult.

For instance, Lin Feng's recent 80-kilometer round trip to the bug territory netted him just one upgrade point, and that was from a minor skirmish.

Had fewer bugs been attracted, the armored camper would have gained nothing.

Thus, Lin Feng sought more efficient upgrade methods, arming the camper for offense.

Without timely armament, upgrade progression would fall behind, ill-prepared for the high-intensity battles expected in ten days.

Chen Yanyan's newfound ability provided a timely solution, easing Lin Feng's burden.

As the armored camper cruised the empty highway, they spent two hours practicing, testing the superpower's range, which capped at 50 meters.

Beyond 50 meters, Chen Yanyan's control waned, and at 100 meters, she lost connection entirely.

Currently, she could sustain control for two hours before exhaustion set in, her energy depleted.

Returning at dusk, Lin Feng reassured the slightly weary Chen Yanyan:

"It's okay, you just leveled up, still in the early stage. Keep killing bugs, and your power will grow stronger."

"If you manually steer while using your power, you can extend your control time."

"Rest well tonight. You did great today. Tomorrow we'll train at the toll station."

Encouraged by Lin Feng, Chen Yanyan smiled through her fatigue:

"Okay, but I need a good night's sleep."

"Sorry, I'm really exhausted."

"Let's finish what we started tomorrow..."

Yawning, she leaned on Lin Feng's shoulder, drifting to sleep.

Lin Feng kissed her forehead silently as they reached the service area.

Parking the camper in the repair shop, he gently carried the sleeping woman to bed, removing her coat and shoes, covering her with a blanket.

Watching Chen Yanyan sleep, Lin Feng kissed her pink lips before leaving.

Not wanting to disturb her rest, he opted to find dinner in the nearby store and rest area.

Unexpectedly, he ran into Qin Hu and his group exiting the mall.

Seeing Lin Feng, Qin Hu called out:

"Just about to contact you."

"Come, tonight there's a celebration banquet in Wu City. It wouldn't feel right without the real hero there."

Lin Feng hesitated, noting the mall's food court was gone, and snacks and instant noodles were cleared out.

Back in the camper, he'd be stuck with pre-packaged meals. Better to join Qin Hu for a proper dinner and network at the banquet.

As Lin Feng pondered, Qin Hu continued:

"Where's your companion? The teammate you escaped with—invite her too."

Lin Feng shook his head:

"She just awakened her power, overused it, and is resting early."

Qin Hu paused, then whispered:

"Bringing a familiar companion helps avoid unnecessary trouble, especially now that you're a rising star."

Thanks to the publicity, Qin Hu was the apparent hero of the defense, but many knew of a formidable awakener with super bullets in the Bureau.

Qin Hu noted Lin Feng's puzzlement and explained:

"Tomorrow's a day off; tonight, people will unwind. Of course, if you don't mind, you can relax too."

He gave Lin Feng a knowing look.

Lin Feng frowned, guessing the implication.

He wasn't a young man overwhelmed by hormones; socializing was his main reason for attending.

He glanced at the illuminated inn, formerly the Bureau's office, and nodded:

"Okay, give me a moment to change."

Qin Hu smiled, reminding him:

"No rush, I'll be here. We'll head out together."

Lin Feng nodded, quickly entering the inn, finding Han Yuxin on the phone. He explained his intent, and she eagerly agreed:

"Perfect timing! The banquet's VIP area has influential people and potential business clients. I was just plotting a way in..."

"Let's go; it's a rare opportunity!"

Han Yuxin wrapped an arm around Lin Feng's, pressing against him intimately:

"I've prepared an outfit, come try it!"

Leading him to a back room, she casually shed her knitted cloak and long skirt, revealing her lace lingerie, showcasing her full figure.

She quickly donned an elegant yellow gown, accentuating her curves.

Lin Feng, stunned, didn't expect her openness.

Not treating him as an outsider.

Han Yuxin smiled, adjusting her dress, presenting a sky-blue suit to Lin Feng:

"First time wearing one? Let me help. Not sure about your size; this might be tight—it was a spare from Hu Fei."

Lin Feng, unsure, let her assist, eventually fitting into the slightly tight suit. The larger overcoat helped mask the snug fit.

Han Yuxin's body brushed against his as she adjusted his attire.

Savoring her scent, Lin Feng pulled her close, inhaling her fragrant neck, speaking softly:

"Is seducing me part of the job too?"

Han Yuxin, eyes dreamy, teasingly replied:

"Whatever pleases you, Mr. Lin. It's part of my duties."

Lin Feng, frowning, cooled his tone:

"Focus on your real job. I need you to deflect unnecessary trouble."

"Your dual act is unsettling; be yourself."

Feigning innocence, Han Yuxin laughed, leaning on his chest, tracing his angular face with her hand:

"Be myself? Which self do you prefer?"

"Handsome, young, and strong like you—what woman wouldn't like that?"

"It's about appearances. If we seem close, others won't try their luck."

"You don't want unnecessary attention, right?"

Clearing his throat, Lin Feng, feeling toyed with, changed the subject:

"Prepping for the banquet was your reason for returning to Wu City?"

Han Yuxin nodded, admitting:

"Anyone can enter the main hall, but VIP access requires connections. I was worried until you came along."

Lin Feng shrugged, stepping back:

"Wait outside, I'll say goodbye to Chen Yanyan."

He left the inn, jogging back to the camper, retrieving the now-upgraded auto-cannon:

"Auto-Cannon Lv15/19, Red Quality"

"Upgrade Points: 13/7, Damage: 110, Effective Range: 4 km, Remaining Ammo: 2500/2500"

"Additional Attributes: Bullet Recovery 1/s, Space Magazine with 2500 Ammo, Eye of the Reaper 0/20"

The performance boost was modest, but the headshot lock targets doubled.

Locking the Lv15 auto-cannon under the bed, Lin Feng secured the Red Armored Shield in the suit's back.

Weapons were banned at the banquet, but the shield ensured safety.

Leaving a note for Chen Yanyan, explaining his absence, Lin Feng departed, locking the camper.

Joining Han Yuxin, who clung to him as they boarded Qin Hu's military jeep, they left the service area for Wu City's center.

Wu City was ablaze with lights and activity.