Chapter 95: Envisioning the Future
They finally hauled a small cart of medical equipment back to Taoyang. Since there was no designated storage space, they had to temporarily stack everything on the first floor of the office building.
Zhong Gaoyi couldn’t get enough of it. He ran his hands over the equipment multiple times before turning to Su Tao and saying,
“I haven’t seen these machines in years. I’ve almost forgotten how to use them. I need to study them first.”
But then he remembered that he had to return to the Eastern District tomorrow, and with a sigh, he asked, “Can I take some photos to bring back for research?”
Su Tao waved her hand dismissively. “Of course, go ahead.”
Zhuang Wan and Qian Lin arrived and were hesitant to step inside when they saw so much valuable equipment.
The two unfamiliar agricultural technicians who had accompanied them also stood back, unsure whether they should move forward.
One of the technicians peered inside, curiosity evident in his eyes, and asked Zhuang Wan, “Manager Zhuang, what kind of machines are these?”
Having only been in Taoyang for half a month, they had already seen plenty of advanced equipment—machines that could sell all sorts of food, make ice, and provide daily necessities.
Sometimes, when they worked late, they were even allowed to bring extra food from Taoyang back home, making them the envy of their relatives and neighbors.
Zhuang Wan didn’t know how to operate the equipment, but that didn’t stop her from imagining a grand future.
“These are for medical treatment. In the future, Taoyang is going to build a large public hospital, with outpatient departments, emergency rooms, operating rooms, and inpatient wards. These machines are probably just the basic equipment.”
The two technicians were stunned. They couldn’t help but think—Taoyang already had a miracle doctor visiting every month, and now they were putting effort into building a hospital? The safety and well-being of the residents seemed to be a top priority here.
Unfortunately, they were only connected to Taoyang through the plantation. Getting a job here was lucky enough—actually living here? That seemed like a distant dream.
Qian Lin, having listened to their conversation, suddenly called out, “Boss Su, the first batch of lettuce in the greenhouse is ready! Do you want to come take a look?”
Su Tao immediately turned around.
She hadn’t checked on the greenhouse since she got back.
Qian Lin introduced the two unfamiliar technicians along the way.
Neither of them had met Su Tao before, and when they saw that she was indeed as young as the rumors suggested—just a newly minted adult—they were a little dumbfounded.
She was unbelievably young… and yet, seeing how both Manager Zhuang and Director Qian respected her, they realized that appearances truly could be deceiving.
Upon entering the greenhouse, Su Tao was met with rows upon rows of vibrant green seedlings and tender leaves. The sight was bursting with life, filling her vision with greenery—it was truly breathtaking.
A technician named Song took a seedling basket from the lettuce rack and handed it to Su Tao.
She accepted it. The lettuce inside was fresh and lush, with large, crisp leaves still glistening with water droplets. It looked delicious. Unable to hold back her praise, she said,
“This is beautiful! Let’s take this basket to Grandma Cen and have her make some oyster sauce lettuce for everyone to try. You’ve all been working hard these past few days—tonight, ice cream is on me!”
Hearing their boss’s approval, everyone grinned happily, excited for their ice cream treat.
Qian Lin beamed. “The main reason for this success is the environment. Our greenhouse functions like a high-tech temperature-controlled facility, complete with central air conditioning to regulate heat. Without that, we wouldn’t have been able to grow the first batch this fast and this well.”
“In a little while, the first harvest of Malabar spinach and water spinach will also be ready. Oh, and about that 100,000 credit budget—I only spent less than 60,000. Should I transfer the remaining funds to you or to Manager Zhuang?”
Su Tao was truly impressed. Buying all that equipment and still saving over 40,000 yuan? She had no idea how Qian Lin managed to find such good deals.
So she said, “No need. Keep it as a team fund. If you need anything else, just let me know. Don’t hesitate to spend money when necessary—no need to stress yourself out over saving every cent.”
Qian Lin felt a wave of relief wash over her. Having a boss who genuinely looked out for her made her even more motivated to do her job.
Su Tao thought for a moment before adding, “There’s one more thing. In a few months, a wood-type ability user will be joining us. He’s incredibly skilled and will significantly boost our vegetable production. What I’d like is for you to handle personnel and resource management while he focuses on building his green kingdom. What do you think?”
Qian Lin was stunned for a moment upon hearing that a wood-type ability user was coming. She could hardly believe it, but she immediately nodded excitedly.
“That’s amazing! Where did you even find such a talent? Oh my god.”
Su Tao had initially worried that Qian Lin might feel threatened, thinking that the arrival of the ability user would take away some of her authority.
But judging by her reaction, that clearly wasn’t the case. Instead, she seemed more concerned about the future growth of the plantation rather than her own position.
Su Tao smiled. “Old Mei found him. Once he arrives, I’ll leave him in your care. Thanks for your hard work.”
Qian Lin quickly shook her head. “It’s what we’re supposed to do. If anyone’s working hard, it’s Xiao Song and the others—they’re watching over the crops day and night without rest…”
The two of them chatted in the greenhouse for quite a while. By the time they wrapped up their conversation, it was already mealtime.
Qian Lin and the four technicians headed off to the cafeteria, happily looking forward to the oyster sauce lettuce and ice cream that evening.
Su Tao planned to go back and feed her furry companions before joining them.
However, as soon as she arrived at the apartment building, she heard Grandma Cen crying and cursing loudly.
“You damn thief! How dare you steal freshly picked lettuce! Do you know how many sleepless nights everyone spent watching over those crops? I hope you get a stomachache from eating it—wuwuwu…”
