Chapter 41: Business Partners

"Is this your irresistible offer?"

"Women aren't worth much nowadays."

In these chaotic times where strength reigns supreme, the once unattainable goddesses of peace have been reduced to selling themselves for survival.

Lin Feng wasn't desperate enough to be tempted, especially since the women Hu Fei brought were likely involved in such work before. For his own health, it was best to avoid them.

Seeing the young man unmoved, Hu Fei was surprised. He had investigated Lin Feng's background before coming—a recent graduate, single, and incredibly lucky.

He had seen many who became rich or powerful overnight, knowing what they liked: women, money, and so on.

It was easier to sway young men than older ones.

But Hu Fei hadn't expected the twenty-five-year-old before him to remain indifferent to a line of beautiful women, showing no hint of desire in his calm eyes.

Soon, Hu Fei realized why Lin Feng was uninterested in what he considered top-tier offerings.

The woman driving for Lin Feng turned out to be a hidden beauty, previously concealed by loose sportswear.

Chen Yanyan, with Liu Yueqi in tow, approached and pulled the younger girl aside from speaking.

"They're talking business. Let's go to your aunt."

Liu Yueqi, noticing the tense atmosphere in the repair shop and the alluring women in the business car, frowned:

"That man in the suit doesn't seem like a good person."

Chen Yanyan, accustomed to such scenes, nodded:

"Yes, but they're all doing the right thing."

…

Those with no desires are the hardest to sway.

Hu Fei needed to win over Lin Feng quickly or risk losing a life-changing deal.

"No, no, of course not. This is just an appetizer prepared for you, Mr. Lin. If you don't like it, I'll have them leave."

Lin Feng slowly sat up, looking at the man before him:

"Let's talk here. The bugs' hissing is more reassuring to me than women."

Hu Fei took a deep breath and signaled his men to move the car aside, leaving the two to discuss alone.

"I brought five tons of stainless steel from Jin City's steel mill, forged into ten-millimeter iron plates, sixty square meters in total."

"As for food and gasoline, I acquired military-grade rations from the air force, which taste great with a bit of heating and are highly nutritious. This card holds 1,000 liters of fuel for any station, with 100 liters emergency supply on board."

Hu Fei paused:

"The explosives you wanted are tightly controlled."

"Due to prolonged peace, the army's armaments are lax, and the federal arsenal's ammo can last only a month. Though production is ramping up, supply remains limited."

"I can provide 100 kilograms, with 20 kilograms of C4 and the rest TNT."

"As for heavy weaponry, like rocket launchers, your superpower bullets are more effective."

"And... there are medical supplies, ten emergency kits with military-grade adrenaline."

"Everything needed for the frontline, I can supply."

Lin Feng observed Hu Fei throughout, silent until he finished listing the goods, then spoke:

"There are more than one bug under the tarp."

Hu Fei inhaled sharply:

"All Black Spinal Bugs?"

Lin Feng nodded, gesturing for him to check.

Hu Fei wanted to verify the goods but recalled the bugs' fearsome nature, breaking into a cold sweat.

"Are safety measures in place? Black Spinal Bugs can pierce humans with their mandibles."

Lin Feng chuckled:

"Relax, I've eliminated all threats."

Reassured, Hu Fei cautiously lifted the tarp amid the hissing.

A pair of black and yellow striped mandibles appeared.

Hu Fei finally saw his coveted treasure. Even with its limbs removed, the Black Spinal Bug's menacing jaws and massive body made him anxious.

In the lonely, windy early hours, encountering a complete Black Spinal Bug, over three meters tall and fierce, would have left Hu Fei weak-kneed.

Fortunately, the bugs before him posed no threat, their solitary mandibles bound tightly.

As the tarp fully revealed three similar-sized Black Spinal Bugs, Hu Fei's mind raced with countless thoughts, faces of potential clients, both familiar and high-ranking, swirling.

But one thing was certain: Hu Fei was about to strike it rich!

"Seen enough? I never said you could take them all."

Lin Feng's words broke Hu Fei's reverie, realizing it was a trap to raise the price.

But this time, no matter the outrageous price, he had to agree.

Lin Feng had banked on this, never consenting easily.

Wiping his brow, Hu Fei sat down, offering his final terms:

"Once these live bugs hit the upper circles, demand will soar, and you'll have anything you desire."

"I, Hu Fei, your loyal partner, can make it happen through my network."

"You'll be the most sought-after in the Federation! Even the highest council will be swayed by you."

"This power will be in your hands."

Hu Fei felt parched, loosening his tie. It was his most sincere offer, making Lin Feng a partner in this climb to power.

Lin Feng finally smiled:

"Thank you for your honesty. Openness is the first step in our partnership."

"But, my friend, your understanding of live bugs' value is too shallow. How many times have you enhanced? Three, four? You've barely killed Red Armored Beetles."

"Too few! I know better the value these alien bugs bring. A small effort yields substantial enhancement, even awakening superpowers."

"The strong positive feedback is more addictive than anything."

Lin Feng drew his handgun, placing it on the table, continuing:

"Of course, if superpowers are the outward change of awakening, the physical enhancement is the invisible benefit."

"This is a new evolution, making individuals immensely powerful, granting long life, even immortality!"

"Throughout history, rulers desired not just immense power but how to hold it longer, an irresistible temptation."

"They dreamt of becoming immortal, trusted alchemists, even transfused and drank blood to extend life."

"Now, this elixir is before us."

"Just kill a few invading bugs."

"Effortless and righteous."

Lin Feng shifted the conversation:

"No stable live bug supply exists, especially Black Spinal Bugs. I need you to establish this upper-tier trade network."

"I'll supply you steadily, and beyond your profits, I need all buyer identities."

"This is one of my conditions. Don't think of cutting me out. Only I can provide what the military can't."

"I have connections at the top, and I understand these bugs better. If you've investigated, you know my ties with the Federal Research Institute."

"Information is the greatest advantage."

Hu Fei's expression deepened with Lin Feng's words.

After pondering, Hu Fei loosened his tie, laughing heartily:

"Who'd have thought I'd be convinced by a young man like you."

"Lin Feng, you're the most interesting person I've met in years. You want more than just selling goods..."

"But also face its challenges."

He extended his hand:

"Perhaps this is a good start!"

Lin Feng shrugged, shaking hands again, forming a deeper partnership:

"Oh, one last thing."

"I know your resources exchanged for my support are just a fraction of your profit."

"But I won't interfere with your earnings or power."

"However, when I need your help, you must use all resources and connections, even deplete your wealth... at all costs!"

Hu Fei's eyes flickered, probing:

"What are you planning that requires such expense? With steady supply for months, I could be the new Federal tycoon..."

Lin Feng's expression remained calm, his smile confident and resolute:

"War!"

"A true victory against the bugs."

"Led by me!"