26: Do you think this insect can understand human speech?

Li Ming lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, squinting his eyes through the smoke as he spoke.

Second Wu pondered Li Ming's words, and his expression changed abruptly.

"Are you saying..."

"Exactly, it's just as you thought. So, Old Wu, we've been neighbors for a while after all. Seeing you at a dead end, I feel bad for you."

Without waiting for him to finish, Li Ming cut in with a look of profound grief.

"So? You came all this way just to tell me this, what are you trying to do?"

Second Wu furrowed his brows and snorted coldly.

"I'm here to help you, of course. Think about it, your restaurant is the same size as mine, the rent must be around two hundred thousand a year, right? Plus the wages for the chefs and waiters. Every day you hesitate is another day's worth of money lost. Why bother?"

"Heh, I see now. You're setting a trap for me, hoping I'll jump in? Let me tell you, you're dreaming. Even if I, Second Wu, lose everything, I will never transfer this shop to you."

Second Wu sneered, finally understanding Li Ming's intention. He spoke with a face full of sarcasm.

Li Ming wasn't angry at all and gave a slight smile.

"Old Wu, that's not very kind of you. I'm looking out for you, so why are you being so stubborn? Do you really have too much money and nowhere to burn it, or what? Besides, do I look like I'm here to pick a fight with you?"

"I don't need your kindness. I don't believe that even if that Inspection Team has connections to the heavens, they can just devour me in front of the cameras as long as I solve the hygiene issues. If you, Li Ming, can get your hygiene to that level, why can't I?"

Second Wu waved his hand with a cold expression.

"Heh, Old Wu, you've actually hit the nail on the head. When it comes to cleaning, you're really not as good as me. Even if you could reach my level, it wouldn't matter. Do you know why? Because I can promptly find dead rats and dead Cockroaches under my freezer. Can you?"

As he spoke, the smile on Li Ming's face gradually faded, and he stared coldly into Second Wu's eyes.

A trace of panic flashed in the latter's eyes, and he guiltily avoided Li Ming's gaze.

After a long while, he stammered.

"For... for a restaurant, having a few Cockroaches or dead rats in the shop... isn't that normal?"

"Right, it's very normal. With those words from you, Old Wu, I'm relieved!"

Li Ming gave a cold laugh and said no more. He just kept scanning the counters, tables, and chairs of Second Wu's restaurant, making Second Wu feel uneasy.

"Li, let me tell you, don't try anything funny. My shop has surveillance. If you dare to screw me over, I'll definitely make your life miserable. At worst, we'll both go down together."

"What a coincidence, my shop has surveillance too. So, Old Wu, your tricks are outdated. Come, let me show you a new trick, I guarantee you've never seen it before."

Saying this, Li Ming secretly shot an 'action' look at Ye Tian.

Then, he leaned closer to Second Wu and reached out to put an arm around his shoulder like a good buddy.

"Old Wu, do you think these bugs understand human speech?"

"Get off me! Who are you talking to in that weird tone?"

Second Wu irritably shrugged his shoulder, trying to shake off Li Ming, but failed.

Li Ming wasn't angry and continued to chuckle, "Don't misunderstand, you're not as obedient as a bug—pah, pah, pah, a slip of the tongue. I mean, you're not as good as a bug. No, that's not right either... bugs are more obedient than you..."

Li Ming seemed to get more confused as he spoke, while Second Wu's face turned red and blue, veins bulging. "Li, what the hell do you—"

The roar hadn't even finished before it came to a screeching halt.

At some point, a line of Cockroaches appeared directly in front of him and Li Ming.

Yes, a single line.

This line of Cockroaches was connected head-to-tail, crawling over like a long snake.

They stopped just a step away from the two men.

Second Wu could swear he had never seen such a bizarre scene in his entire life.

"How about it, Old Wu? See how obedient these wild bugs are? They even know how to line up!"

Seeing Li Ming's calm and unsurprised expression, the shock on Second Wu's face intensified.

"These Cockroaches..."

"I don't know these Cockroaches, but I can understand what they're saying. They say, Boss Wu, your place is very beautiful and perfect for them to breed. They want to perform for you to earn a chance for you to take them in."

"Come on, everyone, follow Boss Wu's instructions. Start the performance."

After speaking, Li Ming looked at Second Wu with expectation.

The latter was completely baffled, prompting Li Ming to quickly give him a hint.

"Boss Wu, hurry up and give the orders! Try telling them to go left or right and see if you can command them."

Following Li Ming's words, the bugs in front of them actually crawled to the left for a bit, then to the right.

Second Wu swallowed hard, clearly at a loss. This was beyond ridiculous—there actually was someone in this world who could control bugs.

Immediately after, cold sweat began to pour down his face.

He looked at the beaming Li Ming in terror.

At this moment, the other man's smile seemed incredibly creepy.

He, who had originally intended to be stubborn to the end, finally lost his nerve.

He could fully imagine how easy it would be for Li Ming, with his bug-controlling methods, to ruin him.

"How much can you offer?"

With a pale face, Second Wu took a long breath and spoke helplessly.

"The original price. Although you were unfair, Second Wu, I cannot be unjust. I can't bring myself to take advantage of someone in a crisis."

Li Ming said calmly.

Second Wu frowned slightly. After pondering for a while, he gritted his teeth.

"Fine, let's do that. Give me a day to move my things. Just prepare the transfer contract and give it to me. But the money must be paid in full when the contract is signed."

"Of course. Boss Wu, you're very generous!"

Li Ming laughed heartily and patted Second Wu's shoulder, feeling very pleased.

The latter gave him a sharp glare.

He turned around and went back into the restaurant.

"That... that's it? It's settled?"

Wang Shufen blinked, seemingly still in disbelief.

"See, I wasn't lying to you just now. It's exactly as you guessed. Some schemes, when kept in the shadows, are far less intimidating than just saying them out loud. This is what we call 'driving cockroaches to swallow a tiger'."

Li Ming was very proud of himself.

Wang Shufen rolled her eyes at him.

"What are you so smug about? If it weren't for Xiao Tian, you wouldn't be driving any cockroaches!"

Saying that, Wang Shufen praised Ye Tian again... The matter of the restaurant's expansion was basically settled.

Although he hadn't slept all night, Ye Tian felt full of energy after his recent rest.

He said goodbye to Li Ming and his wife.

He hurried toward the University Town Talent Market without stopping.

Meanwhile, the joint major inspection was still ongoing.

And inside the high-level conference room of the Copper City Administration Bureau, the atmosphere at this moment was somewhat frozen... PS: Thank you to all the big bosses for the tips, monthly tickets, and recommendation votes. I haven't had a chance to say a few words to everyone, and I feel quite ashamed. Our book had its first round of testing yesterday, and the results were pretty good, all thanks to everyone's support. I usually never ask for any data, but now that it's on recommendation, whether we can keep going depends on the data starting to become important. So I'm asking everyone for help. If you have any recommendation monthly tickets or anything, please give them. You can also post your thoughts on the book in the comments section. Most importantly, please keep up with the latest chapters. If you have time, please help by reading them. Thank you all.