Chapter 443: Extra Story 9
The little pink van kept driving along from spring to summer, and from summer into the falling leaves of autumn.
Su Tao traveled through one flourishing base after another, witnessing more and more buildings being completed and increasing traffic on the roads.
Finally, in the deep autumn, they settled temporarily in a small coastal village.
She and Shi Zijin planned to stay there until spring of the following year.
They built a two-story wooden house with a large yard, where they spent their leisure time enjoying the sea breeze and grilling seafood. Before they knew it, half a year had passed.
Yet, during those months, Su Tao felt like more than a decade had gone by. With someone clinging to her every day, she had gotten used to it, and eventually, she gave him the title he had been seeking.
With his new title as her boyfriend, Shi Zijin’s cooking skills improved rapidly. Although not yet mouthwateringly delicious, his home-cooked meals and seafood barbecues became quite tasty.
However, his habit of secretly wearing matching outfits with her still hadn’t changed—he seemed eager to announce their relationship to the entire world.
As the days passed, they became familiar with the villagers, sometimes joining them on fishing trips and even facing roaring sea storms together, gaining valuable maritime experience.
By the time they left, Shi Zijin—once a Federal Admiral—had transformed into a fishing expert.
When they returned to Taoyang, it was already summer again. After two years of continuous development, Taoyang had grown to twice the size of Dongyang Base. The city had been divided into various districts, each managed by newly appointed district chiefs.
Even the once-immature Xiao Yu, under Zhuang Wan’s mentorship, had become capable and independent. That year, he officially became the chief of a new district.
The only thing that irked Su Tao was that the little rascal had the audacity to charm Rongrong, Taoyang’s diligent manager.
If she hadn’t caught them sneaking out for a late-night date, she wouldn’t have even known they were involved.
Mama Qian was unbothered: “Rongrong’s still young—dating a few people and gaining experience isn’t a bad thing.”
Su Tao silently mourned for Xiao Yu for three seconds.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yu’s grandmother was too preoccupied with her research to care about his future or love life. She had even found someone to manage Taoyang’s weapon depot while she dedicated herself to scientific endeavors with endless enthusiasm.
At Panliu Mountain, things had also expanded into a large estate.
Ma Dapao’s passion for work remained undiminished, and his network of contacts grew broader—especially in the southern regions. Mentioning “Brother Dapao” to any merchant or convoy almost guaranteed recognition.
His reputation for being honest and loyal made him popular, and as a result, he attracted quite a bit of romantic interest.
He even tried dating someone but eventually broke up.
When Su Tao asked him why—since the girl seemed pretty and had a good personality—Ma Dapao sighed, lighting a cigarette of solitude:
“I’m a firm believer in staying single—do you believe me, boss?”
Su Tao was surprised. “If you say so, I’ll believe it.”
With a hint of melancholy, Ma Dapao added:
“I’m just not cut out for marriage. I like being on the move, and I’m not fond of settling down or raising kids. My last girlfriend hinted at wanting to get married after a year of dating, so I broke it off—I couldn’t waste her time.”
“Besides, look at me—short and a bit rough around the edges. Most women are only interested in my money and status. It’s better this way—being alone is fine. I’m done with relationships—they’re too much trouble.”
Su Tao respected and understood his decision.
Everyone has the right to choose their own path—whether that means getting married, staying single, or having three or four children. As long as they’re living their ideal life, that’s what matters.
Speaking of Ma Dapao, one can’t forget Mu An’an.
Thanks to his support, Mu An’an successfully became a district chief.
In the past, she had been a “parasite” in Qu Jingwen’s body. Later, with Su Tao’s help, she took over Qu Jingwen’s body and began a new life in Taoyang.
If not for her efforts back then, they might never have discovered the cache of crystal energy guns hidden by Tan Yong. Those guns, later confirmed to be an early invention of Grandma Yu, were improved over time and eventually became standard-issue for Taoyang’s independent corps.
The independent corps had grown from 3,000 members to over 10,000, stationed around Taoyang. They carried out missions when needed and protected the city during peacetime.
Meng Xiaobo, under the mentorship of Zhou Yushan, had also grown significantly and earned the rank of lieutenant.
At first glance, his tall, imposing figure made people think he was some cold, steel-hearted special forces officer.
But as soon as he opened his mouth: “Heh heh, Boss Su, my son can say ‘Dad’ now—heh heh heh—”
Su Tao: “… Great, very clever.” You already told me this yesterday afternoon, this morning, and now again tonight.
As for the least promising member of the independent corps—Xiong Tai—he had finally saved enough money to buy back the daughter he once sold. He even upgraded to a two-bedroom apartment.
When Qi Yunlan heard about this, she personally went to check on the little girl. Fortunately, the family who bought her hadn’t mistreated her. Despite the poor living conditions, they had intended to raise her as a future daughter-in-law.
Compared to living with her alcoholic father, she had actually been better off with that family.
Qi Yunlan, still despising Xiong Tai for selling his daughter, held the little girl’s hand and warned him:
“Now that you’ve got her back, live properly. If you do anything heartless again, pack your bags and get out of Taoyang.”
Terrified, Xiong Tai repeatedly promised, “I wouldn’t dare—I really want to live a stable life now. I’ve even quit drinking!”
For him, everything had changed. In the past, he had no hope, but now he had a stable job, a safe home, and growing savings—he wasn’t about to throw that away.
Old Mei had retired smoothly, spending his days playing chess and taking leisurely strolls. Meanwhile, Zheng Xing took over all urban planning responsibilities, managing the city without a hitch.
Everything was thriving—one good piece of news after another.
Then, as the hot summer faded into autumn, Luo Yan called early one morning, barely coherent with excitement—his wife, Manman, was pregnant.
Su Tao jumped out of bed immediately, but before she could say anything, the usually composed Luo Yan broke down in happy sobs:
“I’m gonna be a dad—waaaahhh—I knew I was the main character!!!”
Su Tao: “…”
