Chapter 379: Sitting at Home, Medicine Falls from the Sky
Su Tao immediately ordered six comprehensive medical vending machines, mainly stocked with household essential medicines, cold and fever medications, cotton swabs, gauze, iodine, and other medical supplies.
After payment, the medicine would drop into the collection window, just like a beverage vending machine.
Since these were all over-the-counter medicines, any tenant could purchase them. The machines would be placed in the public pharmacy on the second floor of the clinic.
To test the system, Su Tao bought a package of cold and fever medicine herself. The vending machine dispensed the medication smoothly. Each person could only purchase one treatment course per transaction—anyone needing more would have to consult Dr. Zhong for additional access.
This measure was to prevent hoarding and unauthorized reselling.
Once everything was set, Su Tao called Dr. Zhong over.
The clinic was chaotic—coughing and sneezing echoed through the halls. The newly hired nurse aides were bustling about, brewing ginger tea and applying physical cooling methods for patients with high fevers, as there was still a shortage of medicine.
Unaware that Su Tao wanted to show him the new pharmacy, Dr. Zhong emerged from his office. Observing the situation, he couldn’t hide his anxiety.
“Boss, we only have about a thousand tenants, but over 200 people have caught colds in the past two days. Without medicine, this number could double within days. Should we contact Minister Xu to see if Changjing Base can send us some medical supplies?”
This was the best solution he could think of.
Medical supplies were scarce—his former employer, Boss Gu, had already dispatched two convoys north and south to search for medicine. Even if he wanted to, there was no extra supply to ask for.
Su Tao patted his shoulder. “Calm down and follow me.”
Instead of reassuring him, her words only made Dr. Zhong more anxious. As he hurried to catch up with her, he added, “Boss—Su Boss—you really need to take this seriously, or—” Stop focusing only on building houses!
Su Tao pushed open the pharmacy door.
Inside, a row of neatly arranged vending machines stood, each with transparent windows displaying familiar medicine packages. The words Dr. Zhong had been about to blurt out got stuck in his throat.
Su Tao explained carefully, “These are all over-the-counter drugs. After examining patients, you can direct them here to purchase what they need. I’ll also place two machines in your consultation room for supervised access.”
Dr. Zhong stiffly turned his head. “Can I try it first?”
Su Tao nodded.
He stepped forward and operated the vending machine. When a box of fever medicine fell into the collection window, he heard the sound of pills inside and his hands trembled slightly.
Tearing open the packaging, he confirmed the presence of real pills and turned to look at Su Tao with wide eyes.
Su Tao shrugged. “Don’t ask. Just know that I sit at home, and medicine falls from the sky.”
Dr. Zhong immediately shifted back into his composed, professional demeanor. With a cough, he said, “I apologize—I was too hasty and thought you only cared about construction.”
Su Tao waved it off. “You’re worried about everyone—I understand. By the way, ask your old boss if he needs medicine. If so, he can drive over and collect it.”
Consider it repayment for the previous favors.
Dr. Zhong quickly nodded. “He’ll definitely need it. I’ll contact him right away.”
As he turned to leave, Su Tao stopped him again.
“Dr. Zhong, you don’t need to sneak off to the East District at night. If they need help, just let me know—I won’t stop you.”
Dr. Zhong froze in embarrassment, stammering in response.
It was true—he often visited Dongyang Base secretly to help injured young fighters, unwilling to see them suffer lasting harm or death.
Sensing his discomfort, Su Tao softened her tone.
“Although you work for Taoyang now, you’re not my personal property. If you treat the East District as friends and want to help, it’s okay. You don’t need to be so cautious.”
Feeling both guilty and relieved, Dr. Zhong apologized three times before hurrying downstairs to resume work.
Once the public pharmacy opened, the clinic’s patient load decreased by two-thirds.
The sight of medicine in their hands calmed many anxious tenants. Following the medical staff’s instructions, most returned home to rest after taking their medication.
For many with mild symptoms, their colds improved significantly after just one dose, easing the crisis in Taoyang.
Only the most severe cases, such as Ling Tianji, remained under observation.
Despite taking fever medicine, Ling Tianji’s condition did not improve. His temperature stayed high, and he showed signs of dehydration. The situation grew increasingly critical.
Even Zhuo Ercheng became nervous, fearing Ling Tianji might die before people from Xindu Base arrived. If that happened, as the one responsible for him, he would be in serious trouble.
Dr. Zhong said gravely, “He needs an IV and several specific medications. I’ve already checked with Dongyang—they have the equipment but are also out of the necessary drugs.”
After speaking, he fixed his gaze directly on Su Tao.
If she could produce medicine from nowhere, perhaps IV supplies wouldn’t be a problem either.
Zhuo Ercheng, catching on, also stared expectantly at her.
Su Tao sighed. “What are you looking at?”
Zhuo Ercheng grinned. “Boss Su, if you can manage regular medicine, surely IV drugs won’t be a problem, right?”
At this point, nothing about Su Tao surprised him anymore. With her capabilities, opening a fully equipped hospital didn’t seem out of reach.
Su Tao remained silent.
The upgraded pharmacy indeed had IV medications—but she wasn’t keen on using her resources for Ling Tianji.
He wasn’t her ally and had even tried to take advantage of Taoyang.
Sensing her hesitation, Zhuo Ercheng changed his strategy.
“Boss Su, if you save him, you can name your price for the medical expenses.”
He didn’t have to say it outright—this was an opportunity to extract payment from Xindu Base.
Dr. Zhong, shocked, wondered whose side Zhuo Ercheng was on.
Unfazed, Zhuo Ercheng pressed on. “Even if Taoyang doesn’t need money, saving him boosts our reputation. Once Ling Tianji recovers, we can spread the word that Taoyang saved Xindu’s leader.
“With public opinion on our side, Xindu won’t dare to exploit us anymore. They might even be forced to assist us openly. Otherwise, Ling Tianji’s reputation will be ruined.”
