Chapter 224: Taking Over Dongyang, An Invitation from the Old Commander
Su Tao had no idea that she had become the most sought-after person in the entire East District. She was currently discussing the August payroll and benefits with Rong Rong.
It was the last day of the month, and it was time to pay the employees.
“Boss, the total amount is four hundred and seventy-six thousand federal credits. Do you want to review it again?”
Su Tao was surprised. “That’s double last month’s amount?”
Qian Rongrong clutched her chest dramatically.
“Yes! Have you forgotten that you gave several senior employees a raise and promoted them this month? Plus, you hired nearly ten new employees!”
“Oh, right. Go ahead and process it; we can’t shortchange our people.”
Although payroll expenses were high, the returns were worth it.
Between the plantation and Panliu Mountain, revenue for the second half of August reached 1.36 million credits, an increase of more than 200,000 compared to the first half of the month.
Without further expansion, this was the maximum they could earn given the limited space and manpower.
Su Tao decided to include expanding the plantation and Panliu Mountain in the September work plan.
The biggest source of income, however, was rental payments.
Throughout August, 58 rooms were renewed, involving over 90 tenants, generating 1.19 million credits in rent.
After deducting expenses for building a protective shield and constructing the Leopard Path camp, Taoyang still had over 5.2 million credits in assets.
Su Tao did a quick mental calculation—by September, the system upgrade to Level 6 should be within reach.
She set her sights on achieving that goal by early next month.
Build more houses, attract more tenants, and sell more supplies!
As Taoyang bustled with productivity, a new month began.
Su Tao received an update from Shi Zijin—their team had headed further south to track down crawler creatures.
Meanwhile, Black Sesame was assigned to another pioneer squad for routine but relatively low-risk missions.
Additionally, she learned from the squad captain that the tobacco tycoon He Yang had been expelled from Qingpeng, effectively cutting off his supply chain to the south.
Even Ji Caizhe’s dirty dealings had reached his father’s ears.
In a fit of rage, Ji Boda had reportedly locked his son in a room and beaten him so severely that the bed broke.
Just as Su Tao was processing this news, Ji Boda called her personally to apologize.
She could hear the frustration and regret in his voice.
“Boss Su, I have failed as a father—”
Although Su Tao despised Ji Caizhe, she couldn’t muster much hatred for his aging father, who now had graying hair and deep regrets.
Even Zhuang Wan shook her head and sighed. “In comparison, my son Chen Yang still has hope. He’s not that bad.”
Chen Yang: “……”
Su Tao didn’t know how to respond, so she simply offered a few comforting words to Ji Boda and reassured him that their business partnership would not be affected.
Ji Boda was deeply grateful—then promptly went back to beat his son again.
Su Tao didn’t dwell on the matter and threw herself back into work.
Ma Dapao had been nagging for a while about expanding the Panliu Mountain Inn, hoping to add more rooms for the guests waiting outside.
Just as Su Tao was about to roll up her sleeves and start working, Pei Dong suddenly showed up.
“The old commander has agreed to your proposal to have Taoyang take over Dongyang.”
Su Tao’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?”
Pei Dong, looking exhausted, nodded with a smile.
“It took a lot of effort, but the outcome is good. Regardless of what the higher-ups really think, at least on the surface, they’re not opposing it.”
Su Tao could hardly imagine how the old commander had overcome opposition to make this decision.
After all, Dongyang wasn’t a small base—it had a population of over 50,000 and numerous government and military leaders.
Getting them all to agree, even just on the surface, was no small feat.
“The old commander really worked hard for this,” she said sincerely.
Pei Dong shook his head. “He’s very pleased. Get in the car—he wants to meet you in person.”
They drove straight to Dongyang’s main command center, where Su Tao met the old commander, a gray-haired yet imposing figure.
“Sit down, child. Shuyu, bring us some tea.”
Xing Shuyu winked playfully at Su Tao before leaving to fetch tea.
The old commander studied Su Tao—not even twenty yet, with a face that still held traces of youthful innocence. He sighed.
“Dongyang needs to be handed over to young people like you. I’m getting old.”
Su Tao respectfully replied, “You’re still strong and sharp, sir. Dongyang still depends on you.”
The old commander chuckled and shook his head. He then motioned for his assistant to bring over a large box and handed it to Su Tao.
She hesitated, then opened it under his watchful gaze—her hands shook in shock at what she saw.
A box filled with crystal cores!
There were at least thirty to forty of them!
Su Tao abruptly looked up at the old commander.
The old man chuckled, coughing lightly. “Surprised?”
Su Tao immediately shut the box and pushed it toward the center of the table. She nodded.
She wasn’t particularly well-traveled, but even she had never seen so many crystal cores at once. The sight nearly blinded her.
The old commander sighed. “Do you know where these came from?”
Su Tao shook her head.
He tapped the box with his knuckles.
“About two-thirds of them were hunted by Zijin’s team. The rest were gathered from various sources—all for you.”
Su Tao blinked. “…For who?”
The old commander laughed at her dumbfounded expression.
“For you. If my guess is correct, taking over Dongyang requires crystal cores, doesn’t it? You’ve been telling everyone that Taoyang’s development is due to your special ability, and even Zijin is helping keep up that story.”
“But I’ve lived long enough to see through things. I suspect it’s not your ability, but rather some external force assisting you.”
“And external forces never help for free. You’ve been collecting crystal cores wherever you can. That alone is enough of a clue.”
Su Tao was speechless.
The wisdom of the elderly was terrifying.
The old commander noticed her eyelashes trembling slightly and felt a wave of compassion. He spoke kindly.
“Don’t be afraid. Since I asked Pei Dong to bring you here and offered to support your takeover of Dongyang, it means I’m on your side.”
“Dongyang has been developing for over twenty years, and its power struggles are more complicated than you realize. If I can see the truth, others can too.”
“But you don’t need to worry. I’ll handle them.”
“If anyone dares to covet you or harbor ill intentions, I swear they won’t walk out of Dongyang alive.”
Pei Dong solemnly nodded in agreement.
Su Tao was deeply moved. She looked up at the old commander—this elderly yet steadfast protector.
“Thank you, sir. I’ll do my best.”
The old commander was pleased and pushed the box of crystal cores back toward her.
“Take them. I trust you’ll use them wisely. But I have one request—protect the Dongyang Maternity and Child Hospital.”
“In Zijin’s absence, several more zones may fall. The hospital near Gate 4 is in grave danger.”
“There are nearly 3,000 pregnant women and infants inside. They are Dongyang’s future…”
Su Tao immediately tensed.
“How big is the hospital’s land area?”
