Chapter 161: The Adorable Little Fang Zhi
Upon hearing this, Song Yuebing turned to Zhang Lin and said, “Old Zhang, tell me—how could Boss Su not have a thriving business? The Old Station’s days of acting like kings and tigers are numbered.”
Zhang Lin chuckled. “Boss Su, when Panliu Mountain’s business grows even bigger, we old customers and friends better get some special treatment.”
Su Tao beamed. “Of course! Captain Song, just rest well for now. Once the doctor arrives, I’ll take you there. After you’re healed, we can talk about heading north to look for seeds.”
After exchanging pleasantries, they took their leave.
As they headed downstairs, Ma Dapao couldn’t help but click his tongue in admiration.
“Boss, you’ve really won a lot of people over today. From what I’ve gathered these past few days, Song Yuebing has quite a reputation in the trade caravan circles—he’s loyal and well-connected. With his approval, Panliu Mountain is bound to gain a solid reputation among the merchants.”
Su Tao said, “That was unintentional. Any movement from Old Station?”
Ma Dapao shook his head.
“Ever since they sent Mist to scout, things have been quiet. Even when we spread the news that we captured Mist, they didn’t react. At least, on the surface, it’s calm—what’s happening behind the scenes, I don’t know.”
“Alright, just keep watching. Report any anomalies to Director Qi. Oh, by the way, I’m thinking of setting up a private office for you in a few days. Do you want it in Panliu Mountain or Taoyang?”
Ma Dapao scratched his head. “What do I need an office for? The duty room at the foot of the mountain is enough for me.”
Su Tao shook her head. “That won’t do. You’re managing a supply station, Manager Ma—you need a proper office. Besides, when we have more employees in Panliu Mountain, are you going to squeeze them all into the duty room with you?”
Hearing “Manager Ma” made Ma Dapao blush. He rubbed his hands together and said, “Boss, don’t embarrass me. If it weren’t for you, forget an office—I wouldn’t even know where I’d be begging for food to survive. Do whatever you think is best. I’m fine with anything!”
Su Tao smiled. “Then let’s build a small office building in Panliu Mountain, connected to the employee dorms. But we’ll have to wait in line—I’ve got a lot of buildings to construct first.”
Ma Dapao quickly flattered her, “Boss, take your time, no rush. But, um… maybe you could also add the Panliu Mountain hotel to the queue? The rooms are seriously not enough. People are lining up every day.”
Su Tao sighed. “I’ll try…”
As she was leaving, Master Qin called her over and handed her two boxes of biscuits.
When she opened them, the rich aroma of scallion oil and vegetables hit her. There was even a hint of sweetness—she had never seen biscuits like these before.
Master Qin wiped the sweat off his forehead and grinned.
“These are vegetable scallion oil biscuits. I dried some bok choy and scallions, mixed them into the dough, and baked them. Take some home and try them. If you like them, I’ll make more.”
Su Tao took a piece and tasted it—crispy, savory, and delicious.
She gave Master Qin a thumbs-up. “You’re truly a master chef. These are better than the ones in my vending machines.”
Master Qin chuckled, a little embarrassed.
“You flatter me. It’s just a little snack to satisfy cravings. The other box is for Fang Zhi—he likes sweet things, so I added extra sugar. You might not like it.”
Su Tao joked, “You spoil him too much. No wonder he loves talking to you.”
Master Qin laughed heartily, but there was a hint of loneliness in his eyes.
“He’s a lovable kid, pure at heart—like a child who never grew up.”
Su Tao understood. Master Qin saw Fang Zhi as his own child. Given his age, if he had a child, they’d probably be around Fang Zhi’s age.
Just as they were talking, a boy’s crisp voice called out from the back mountain.
“Master Qin! Do you have any garbage to take out today? If you do, I’ll haul it down the mountain! It’s too hot—if it sits overnight, it’ll stink!”
Master Qin quickly ran to the window and shouted back,
“No more! Thank you, Zheng Xing! Be careful on your way down!”
Turning back, he explained to Su Tao, “That’s Zheng Xing—the kid who helped us find the cat last time. Don’t be fooled by his age—he’s incredibly hardworking. Ever since he started helping, the garbage bins in the back mountain have never overflowed or smelled bad.”
“We tried giving him food and drinks, but he wouldn’t take anything except for the leftovers my wife packs.”
Su Tao remembered now—this was the kid who had promised to work at Panliu Mountain to repay them for the meals he had received.
She took a mental note of him. A child who was grateful and followed through on his word—definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Taking the two boxes, Su Tao said her goodbyes and left.
Back in Taoyang, she made a point to check in with Qi Yunlan. After confirming that everything in both Taoyang and Panliu Mountain was normal, she finally relaxed a bit.
Something felt off. This wasn’t Tan Yong’s usual style.
He had been humiliated, yet he was staying completely quiet?
Was he planning some kind of revenge?
*
Inside Old Station’s “Office Building”
Calling it an “office building” was a bit of a stretch—it was a two-story, self-built structure under 60 square meters. The white paint on the walls was dirty and peeling from years of sun and wind exposure.
Even so, it was still one of the more decent buildings in Old Station.
Most of the time, the managers hung out here, chatting and playing cards when there was nothing else to do. But lately, they had no mood for games—every day was a meeting.
Qu Jingwen hurried upstairs, found Tan Yong, and anxiously said, “Brother Yong, they captured Mist. Are we really going to do nothing?”
Tan Yong scoffed, annoyed. “Do what? Stop selling water and fuel? Or split our profits with them? Are you crazy?”
Qu Jingwen was frustrated. “Panliu Mountain is just using this to mess with us—they don’t actually expect us to do that! The point is, we need to get Mist back. He’s been loyal to Old Station for over ten years. We can’t just abandon him!”
Tan Yong remained indifferent. “Gu Mingchi worked with us for years, and he turned on us the moment it was convenient. Mist was probably spilling everything he knew the day he got caught. He’s not worth the risk of rescuing.”
Qu Jingwen raised her voice. “Not worth it? His ability is extremely valuable! Over the years, Old Station has gained so much because of him. Have you forgotten?”
Tan Yong’s expression darkened.
“Jingwen, I’ve overlooked your repeated backtalk because you’ve been with me since you were seventeen. But next time, hold your tongue.”
“Stick to the plan. Don’t worry about anything else. Once we get Shi Zijin, forget Panliu Mountain—we’ll be taking a share of Dongyang.”
Qu Jingwen couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Brother Yong, ever since that woman Lian Sha showed up, you’ve become more stubborn and heartless. You weren’t like this before!”
Tan Yong shoved her aside and glared. “Enough. Don’t make me hit you.”
Qu Jingwen’s eyes turned red. She took a deep breath, then slammed the door and left.
As soon as Qu Jingwen went downstairs, she ran into Mist’s daughter, Meng Qian.
Meng Qian grabbed her arm.
“Sister Jingwen, you will save my dad, right? He has worked for Old Station for so many years, yet he never even had a permanent home. He even gave up the chance to settle at the Hekang Base for Old Station. And this time—if he hadn’t scouted for you, he wouldn’t have been caught…”
Her voice trembled, and there were tear stains on her face.
Qu Jingwen let go of her hand.
“…Qianqian, Old Station has wronged your father. But I can’t do anything. Brother Yong is completely bewitched by that woman—he won’t listen to me at all anymore.”
Tears welled up in Meng Qian’s eyes. “So… there’s really no hope?”
Qu Jingwen closed her eyes, then cruelly nodded.
With Brother Yong’s attitude, anyone who tried to convince him to rescue Mist would be treated as an enemy. There was no chance he would change his mind.
Meng Qian wiped her tears and suddenly turned to run.
No matter how much Qu Jingwen called after her, she couldn’t make her stop.
