Chapter 32: Live Bug Trade, Security Bureau

"Mr. Lin, your intelligence is admirable. Only someone as smart as you could awaken such a rare ability as the superpower bullet," Hu Fei said with genuine admiration.

Even in the formidable military, where awakeners were numerous, about 10% of soldiers had awakened, but among them, less than 10% had shooting talents, and only a tiny fraction of those awakened the rare superpower bullet.

Those who could fire superpower bullets were one in a million, requiring both luck and innate talent.

They could utilize dark energy to imbue bullets with incredible properties and powers.

Lin Feng frowned slightly, familiar with these details from internal documents, more so than Hu Fei.

Sensing Lin's displeasure, Hu Fei quickly adopted a steadier tone.

Flattery failing, he got straight to the point.

Hu Fei produced an ID card, identical to Lin Feng's, indicating his employment with the security bureau.

"See, we're colleagues. I'm in the logistics department."

"Materials from bugs are valuable."

"Not only does the government collect them, but many companies and groups in the rear are also interested."

"For example, the Red Armored Beetle's carapace, the Black Spinal Bug's mandibles. These can be exchanged for precious resources like food, medicine, gasoline, and even rare weapons and ammunition."

Lin Feng shook his head, interrupting Hu Fei's spiel:

"I don't need those for now."

Hu Fei raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly:

"Of course, I'm not here to buy those mandibles symbolizing your strength..."

"I'm here specifically for you."

He lowered his voice:

"Mr. Lin, your awakened ability is stronger than many deeply awakened individuals."

"I have a big job you might be interested in. Completing it could get you anything you want."

Lin Feng pushed the business card aside, speaking plainly:

"I don't take rescue jobs. Haicheng is beyond saving now; even the military going in would be suicide. Tell those bigwigs to forget it."

Hu Fei shook his head:

"No, leave rescue to the experts; we're more cautious."

"The business I bring is more valuable and can better satisfy you."

Taking a deep breath, Hu Fei spoke lowly:

"Mr. Lin, I urgently need a batch of low-level bugs, either Red Armored Beetles or Black Spinal Bugs."

Lin Feng's eyes widened, realizing instantly:

"You mean live bugs?"

Hu Fei nodded subtly, smiling:

"You can shoot off their limbs or half their bodies; they've tested it. The bugs are incredibly resilient. As long as they're alive when delivered, we can negotiate any price."

"Whatever you need, within my ability, I can provide."

"I believe you alone on Jianghai Highway have the strength and courage to take this on."

Lin Feng's mind raced, knowing the clients behind such deals were numerous and influential.

Hu Fei was a true businessman.

Quick-witted and daring.

With only two days since the alien swarm attack, he'd found a path more lucrative than any recorded in criminal law.

While the government hadn't yet tightened control, this gray market was a vast blue ocean, attracting countless elites and wealthy individuals.

The ultimate result of individual enhancement would inevitably shatter the current wealth-based hierarchy.

Wealth wouldn't bring power, and votes wouldn't shift public authority. Only individual strength would soon define social status.

As the masses struggled with basic needs, and the former middle class grappled with identity loss...

The elite sensed the coming tide, a new era.

They'd spare no cost, trading current resources for new identities, strengthening to maintain control.

Lin Feng could only adapt; he couldn't change the fate of countless lives being crushed by the wheels of change.

Yuruo had mentioned this in bed; Lin Feng's task was to leverage the benefits of such business to rapidly rise.

"I need this."

Lin Feng gestured for Chen Yanyan to bring her long knife, an Lv2 upgraded blade, now lighter and harder.

"I need a ton of high-grade steel like this, made into plates at least 10mm thick."

"Other than that, food and gasoline to sustain my people, and for weapons, I need powerful explosives."

Hu Fei examined the knife intently:

"Agreed. I can meet your demands with enough low-level bugs."

"Especially if you deliver a live Black Spinal Bug, I can have these supplies ready for you tomorrow."

"We can even send technicians to further modify your camper into an armored vehicle."

Lin Feng shook his head, declining Hu Fei's offer:

"Just prepare the supplies; I need to refuel first."

Hu Fei rose slowly:

"No problem, consider the hundred-plus liters of gasoline a gift for our first collaboration."

"The teams for this mission are nearly ready to move. I think you should head out now."

Lin Feng nodded, securing the business card, and stood to shake hands, sealing their partnership.

"I'll lead the way."

With that, Hu Fei returned to his vehicle, a large off-road car with a full steel frame, its only flaw being its fuel consumption.

Lin Feng packed up the table and chairs, calling to the two women:

"Let's go, time to report for duty."

Chen Yanyan took the offered gun, eagerly entering the driver's seat.

Liu Yueqi glanced back at her apologetic aunt in the car.

During Lin Feng's business talk, Zhang Xuan had sweet-talked his fiancée, persuading Liu Ruojiao to let Liu Yueqi temporarily join the bureau, provided she stayed with Lin Feng.

Lin Feng's prowess was unquestionable, evident from the recruitment staff's respect and the high-ranking visitors...

It was clear Lin Feng held the highest status here.

After a moment's hesitation, Liu Yueqi asked Lin Feng if she could bring her aunt.

Lin Feng lowered the window:

"What, you want to abandon her to Zhang Xuan? She's your family, just sheltered and traditional, struggling to accept the world's changes."

"She's worried about you. If you were my sister, I'd never let you take a flimsy knife against giant bugs."

"Go back. Your efforts aren't just for yourself; they're to protect those around you."

"Once you have food and gas, no one can criticize you."

Nodding, Liu Yueqi resolved her issues, returning to accept her aunt's apology before sitting in the back seat.

Of course, she wouldn't apologize.

Because Lin Feng was right; she was right.

Right is right.

...

The camper and following car started, joining Hu Fei on the emergency lane.

They drove over 20 kilometers to a service area.

Every five kilometers, checkpoints blocked line-cutters.

Reaching the well-lit service area, Lin Feng saw hundreds of parked cars, with fences removed to connect to similarly congested provincial and county roads.

The exit gas station was tightly controlled by armed soldiers.

Likely the same in the city.

Controlling fuel controlled the refugee flow, clearing paths for vital supply transfers.

Parking in the small car lot, they followed Hu Fei to the service area's mall, where the supermarket operated, and restrooms functioned with hot water.

But these were for staff and family; civilians had a 3-4 liter daily limit.

The temporary security bureau office was in an adjacent motel, with 40-50 enhancers and awakeners gathered outside.

They were participants in the urgent mission.

Mostly men, strong and experienced in killing bugs.

Seeing Hu Fei bring Lin Feng, Han Yuxin, maintaining order, sighed in relief, announcing:

"Alright, everyone, we're all here."

With that, dozens of eyes turned to Lin Feng's group, especially the young man leading.

Questions filled their minds: who was this shorts-and-T-shirt guy they'd been waiting for?