Chapter 12: A Touch of Humanity
Xing Shuyu was stunned. It was actually free.
Since the apocalypse, water resource development had been interrupted, and existing water sources were gradually being polluted. Nowadays, the price of drinking water remained high, with water bills taking up a significant portion of a household’s expenses.
But here in Taoyang, water was free?
The other tenants shared the same expression as Xing Shuyu—disbelief.
Su Tao opened the cabinet beneath the water dispenser. “There are cups inside. You can take one and label it with your name. Over here is a breakfast machine. The average price per serving is 30 Federation Coins, with a daily limit of ten servings. You can purchase it if needed.”
When Xing Shuyu saw the breakfast machine, she was nearly speechless.
This was too convenient.
The selection was rich, too—steamed buns, buttered bread, milk, porridge… And it all seemed like real food, not synthetic substitutes. That was unbelievable.
She was well aware of the living conditions of the elite in Dongyang. Even her grandfather, the esteemed old commander, rarely had access to such food.
While Xing Shuyu’s mind raced, the other tenants had simpler thoughts. They just felt that Taoyang was wonderful, like a charitable organization. It was incredible that they could affordably buy the kind of fine food only the wealthy could enjoy.
After explaining most things, Su Tao added:
“Currently, washing clothes might not be very convenient. In a few days, I’ll set up a few washing machines in the public area. You can use them for free, but a small deposit will be required. As long as the public areas and room furnishings aren’t damaged, the deposit will be fully refunded when you move out.”
Lu Tao’s wife expressed her gratitude to Su Tao.
The others also thanked her. They were used to being disliked or even evicted by landlords—never had a landlord considered their comfort like this.
Su Tao quickly waved her hand. “You’re welcome! As long as you’re comfortable living here. I’ll also find a sunny spot outside to set up some clotheslines. Hanging laundry indoors all the time makes the place damp.”
Lu Tao’s wife was so touched her eyes turned red.
Xing Shuyu started to reflect. Her family also owned two other apartments they rented out. They only collected rent each month and never bothered to ask if the tenants were living comfortably.
This Taoyang… It felt a lot like the pre-apocalypse world—so full of humanity.
When Su Tao finished the introductions, the eight tenants happily paid the first month’s rent, collected their access cards, and excitedly moved into their rooms.
This brought in 70,000 Federation Coins for Su Tao, but it still wasn’t enough to meet the Level 3 upgrade requirements. The system indicated an additional condition: the total number of rooms needed to exceed 20.
Su Tao did a quick count. She currently had 6 single rooms and 7 double rooms—a total of 13. She needed 7 more…
As expected, the higher the upgrade, the more requirements there were.
Instead of rushing to expand, Su Tao decided to install a back door first.
She then ordered six washing machines, placing them on either side of the door. Outside, she set up four long, freestanding drying racks.
This way, tenants could wash their clothes indoors, step through the door, and conveniently hang their laundry outside.
Additionally, she ordered four sets of dining tables and chairs, placing them along the wall in the public area. Right next to the breakfast machine, it would make it easy for tenants to sit down and enjoy their breakfast.
She also bought two additional three-seater sofas. Combined with the original sofa, there was now enough seating for 12 people.
The total cost for everything was exactly 10,000 Federation Coins.
With these improvements, Su Tao’s residence was getting closer and closer to her ideal vision.
Satisfied, she took a lap around the property before returning to her own room. Her bedroom was quite spacious, and the few pieces of furniture inside made it feel rather empty.
So, she divided her bedroom into a sleeping/resting area and a leisure area. In the leisure zone, she added a small two-seater sofa with soft, cozy square cushions and a fluffy blanket, providing a strong sense of comfort.
She also set up a small bookshelf next to the sofa. Though she didn’t have any books yet, it would serve as temporary storage for miscellaneous items.
She could lounge on the sofa for relaxation and entertainment, with a wool rug underfoot—perfect for going barefoot.
Near the bedroom door, she placed a full-length mirror, allowing her to quickly check her appearance before heading out.
All of this cost less than 4,000 Federation Coins, giving her a wonderfully comfortable little nook. She spent the entire afternoon in her newly decorated space, so cozy that if she hadn’t gotten hungry, she might not have come out at all.
When she finally emerged, she saw the young girl named Xing Shuyu, who had rented single room 006, taking food from the breakfast machine.
Su Tao didn’t think much of it and greeted her warmly, “Hey! Having this for dinner?”
Xing Shuyu, feeling guilty, quickly stuffed three portions of breakfast into her bag and awkwardly said,
“Uh, yeah. My friends haven’t eaten yet, so I’m buying a few extra.”
If she hadn’t explained, it might have been fine. But her explanation made Su Tao’s instincts tingle. She became more attentive, watching as Xing Shuyu left Taoyang late in the evening with three breakfast portions.
Something about her seemed off. Back in her room, Su Tao pulled up Xing Shuyu’s personal information.
Xing Shuyu, 23 years old, currently working as a clerk for the Dongyang government. No criminal record. Three generations of direct relatives all residing in Dongyang.
Su Tao scrutinized the information but couldn’t find anything suspicious. She had no choice but to let it go, deciding to keep an eye on her for now.
Meanwhile, Xing Shuyu carried the three breakfast portions back to her home, sneaking along like a thief.
Her mother rushed over, full of concern: “How’s the place? How many people in a room? Is it one of those dark, overcrowded dormitories with all sorts of shady characters? My poor girl, your grandfather is really too harsh…”
Xing Shuyu quickly interrupted her, “No, no, no. It’s actually okay.”
She paused, realizing her words might give the wrong impression. “It’s… actually pretty nice. Honestly, it’s cleaner and more convenient than our home. Anyway, I need to hurry to Grandpa’s to report in.”
Xing’s Mother: “Pretty good? Hey, hey—leaving so soon? Take it slow on your way out!”
When Xing Shuyu arrived at her grandfather’s place, she unzipped her backpack and placed three breakfast portions in front of the elderly man with graying hair:
“Grandpa, I won’t say much. These are the convenience breakfasts provided to tenants at Taoyang. They’re available in the vending machine at the entrance. If you want one, you just buy it yourself, and it only costs 20 to 30 coins per serving.”
Xing Hongwen put down his book, glanced at the three meals on the table, and looked up at his granddaughter:
“Seems like you’re quite satisfied.”
Xing Shuyu, a bit awkward, said: “It’s alright. It’s clean and convenient.”
Xing Hongwen knew her temperament well. For his picky granddaughter to give such a review, it meant Taoyang’s living conditions were genuinely good.
He opened one of the meals. The steaming aroma of tofu buns hit him instantly. There was also a plump boiled egg, and even the porridge was still warm. Lifting the lid released a fragrant whiff of rice.
A trace of emotion appeared on Xing Hongwen’s deeply lined face. He opened the disposable spoon, scooped a bit of the white porridge, and brought it to his mouth.
The familiar taste melted in his mouth, as if transporting him back twenty years—to that era of peace, abundance, and stability.
