Chapter 20: Assistant
The two bathrooms were combined into one large room, and Su Tao installed an indoor hot spring.
She tested the water temperature—it was perfect and incredibly comfortable.
The total renovation cost 12,000 federal credits, with the hot spring alone taking up 5,000 credits, which pained her deeply, but she had no regrets.
By the time everything was set up, Su Tao was utterly exhausted. She quickly freshened up and dove into her soft, cozy bed, falling into a deep sleep.
She slept exceptionally well. When she opened her eyes, it was nearly 11 a.m., and she had completely missed breakfast.
Most of the tenants had already gone to work. The few who stayed home were nestled in their own rooms, and the common areas were completely empty.
All four vending machines were available, so Su Tao casually restocked them.
These machines alone brought in 1,000 to 2,000 credits in pure profit daily—sales were booming.
With a rare free day, Su Tao enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Just as she was about to relax in her new hot spring, Zhuang Wan showed up.
“Can’t I just enjoy a peaceful moment to myself?”
“Boss Su, I just couldn’t put my mind at ease, so I came by to take a look. I hope I’m not bothering you.”
Of course, Su Tao couldn’t tell her outright that she was being annoying. She responded politely, “Not at all. Is there something you need?”
Su Tao had planned to notify Zhuang Wan about the one-bedroom apartment in a few days. Her goal was to open three units at once for rental, making it easier to manage records.
“No, no. I just really want to move in. Seeing the place makes me feel more at ease.”
Su Tao felt a headache coming on. “Are you not busy with anything else?”
Zhuang Wan shook her head. “My children are too young. I can’t go out to work.”
Great. She’s got nothing to do.
Su Tao sighed. “Have you been to school?”
Zhuang Wan nodded. “Yes. The year before the apocalypse, I had just gotten into high school. I was doing pretty well. If not for the apocalypse, maybe I could’ve gone to a good university. My parents worked so hard to support me and my brother…”
Her eyes welled up with tears again.
Su Tao quickly interrupted, “Okay, how about this: come over tomorrow and work as my assistant. The job isn’t too difficult—mainly making spreadsheets, keeping records, and helping new tenants get familiar with the environment. I’ll pay you a fair salary, which should cover living expenses for you and your children.”
Zhuang Wan was stunned. She instinctively asked, “Can I really do that?”
Work? Earn money?
Since the apocalypse began, she had always depended on others—for her parents, then her husband, and finally, her younger brother after her husband passed away.
With her brother gone too, she was left lost and terrified, facing the future alone.
She had never imagined being able to rely on herself.
Su Tao raised an eyebrow. “Why not? You’ve had a formal education, which is more than many people can say these days.”
Zhuang Wan was taken aback. Nobody had ever affirmed her value like this before—made her feel she wasn’t just a burden.
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten everything you learned in school, that you can’t even read anymore?”
Zhuang Wan quickly shook her head. “No, no! I remember it all. I love reading. Over the years, I’ve spent my free time searching for books. I even have a stash of textbooks and novels from before the apocalypse. I’ve been teaching my kids too. I can definitely handle the work you mentioned.”
Su Tao was pleasantly surprised. Her impression of Zhuang Wan improved. “That’s great, then.”
Tears filled Zhuang Wan’s eyes again. “I never thought I could work and earn a living. It feels too good to be true. Thank you, Boss Su. I’ll do my best!”
After a few comforting words, Su Tao finally managed to send her off.
At last, she could enjoy her hot spring time in peace.
Feeling refreshed and recharged, Su Tao set to work building two more one-bedroom apartments.
However, expanding the one-bedroom units came with a steep cost—12,000 federal credits per unit.
With two units built, she spent a whopping 24,000 credits, leaving her savings at just 9,000 credits.
Clutching her chest, she took a moment to recover. “It’s okay. I’ll earn it all back soon.”
These new units were designed for couples or childless married couples.
The bedroom only had a large bed, suitable for two people, and there was no kitchen or cooking appliances.
Su Tao put a lot of effort into the interior design. The overall theme was warm tones, featuring linen-colored curtains and carpets, a soft yellow fabric sofa, and solid wood storage racks and wardrobes.
The balcony was also equipped with a clothes drying rack and a washing machine.
The total cost for the renovation was just over 6,800 federal credits, and the system set the seasonal rental price at 58,000 credits.
After finishing this unit, Su Tao had barely 3,000 credits left, not nearly enough to renovate the other unit.
She had to pause the renovations and wait until the first month’s rent from the new tenants arrived.
*
The next morning, before Su Tao even got out of bed, Zhuang Wan showed up, looking surprisingly energized.
“Am I here too early? Sorry! You can go back to sleep. I’ll just wait in the living room.”
Su Tao yawned, waved her hand, and said, “It’s fine. Here are the documents—they contain the information on today’s incoming tenants. When they arrive, I’ll show you the process, and for the next batch, you’ll handle it.”
Zhuang Wan looked both excited and nervous. She took the documents and began studying them immediately.
Before lunch, the nine tenants arrived one after another. Su Tao guided Zhuang Wan through the registration process, explaining the rental agreement and important house rules, and giving a tour of the entire Taoyang property.
Zhuang Wan was diligent, taking notes and occasionally asking questions along with the tenants. Her usual fragile demeanor was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, Su Tao noticed a male tenant who had been watching her with a curious and questioning gaze since he entered. He had opened his mouth several times as if he wanted to say something.
According to the information, his name was Xiang Bin, a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties. He wore glasses, carried a briefcase, and pulled a suitcase behind him. Other than his curious look, his behavior was quite polite.
“Mr. Xiang, is there a problem?” Su Tao asked.
Xiang Bin hesitated for a long time before cautiously asking:
“Excuse me, is your father Su Jianming? If not, I apologize in advance. You just resemble a friend’s daughter so much…”
Su Tao’s polite smile froze: “No, I’m an orphan.”
Xiang Bin quickly apologized: “Sorry, Boss Su.”
Of course. If she were really Su Jianming’s youngest daughter, he wouldn’t have to worry about his eldest son struggling to find a place to live after getting married.
But still, aside from the temperament, her appearance was remarkably similar. He thought to himself, “I’ll ask Old Su about this later.”
This minor episode was quickly forgotten, and after paying the first month’s rent, everyone happily went off to settle into their new homes.
Su Tao received 70,000 federal credits in rent, significantly easing her financial situation.
