Chapter 163: Master Mei Wants to Take a Disciple
Auntie Kang choked up as she spoke:
“A-And I know how scarce housing is in Taoyang. You and Manager Zhuang went out of your way to set up these low-rent apartments for people like us, not trying to make money off us at all. We—we’re truly grateful to you…”
Su Tao sighed inwardly and reassured her,
“Don’t feel too burdened. Now that you’re in Taoyang, you’re part of Taoyang. Doing your job well is the best way to give back. There’s really nothing I need help with here. Go have breakfast in the cafeteria and take a break. From now on, just focus on living well in Taoyang and taking care of yourself.”
After finally sending off Auntie Kang, who had insisted on cleaning for her, Su Tao was about to go back to bed for a nap when Ma Dapao called:
“Boss, boss, you awake? Last night, a young woman—probably just over twenty—showed up, saying she’s Mist’s daughter. She told us to capture her and trade her for her dad, or she wouldn’t leave. This morning, I checked, and she actually set up a tent at our front door. Looks like she’s serious about this… So, so, so, what do we do?”
“Captain Lei suggested tying her up, tossing her in a car, and dumping her far away to let her fend for herself. You think that’s okay?”
Su Tao asked, “Is she disturbing the guests?”
Ma Dapao replied, “Not really. Some guests actually think she’s a thief…”
Su Tao said, “Then be firm with her today. Her father is an ability user, but she’s just an ordinary person. She has no value as a bargaining chip. Even if she sits there until she digs a hole through the ground, we’re never going to agree to her terms. She should give up now and go back to wherever she came from. Otherwise, she’ll have to deal with the consequences.”
Ma Dapao quickly responded, “Got it, got it. If she leaves on her own, that’d be best. I’ll talk to her later.”
After hanging up, Su Tao fought off her drowsiness and sent a message to Zhuang Wan, instructing her to have everyone start working in the newly built first-floor office and assign workstations. She’d arrive two hours later.
Two hours later, when Su Tao arrived at the office building, she ran into Liu Panpan pushing Old Mei in his wheelchair.
Looking at the unfinished office building before him, Old Mei couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s beautiful, grand, and looks proper now.”
Su Tao grinned. “Of course, you designed it yourself. Let me push you inside for a look.”
Liu Panpan handed over the wheelchair with a smile and stayed outside while Su Tao wheeled Old Mei in.
As they moved, Su Tao asked, “How’s your leg feeling now?”
Master Mei laughed heartily. “I can walk on my own for ten minutes now if I have something to hold onto. By the time Doctor Zhong visits again, I should be able to go up and down stairs by myself.”
Su Tao was genuinely happy for him and teased,
“Next month, I’ll take you to climb Panliu Mountain. It’s not high, and we can take the elevator if we get tired—just to let you experience it.”
Old Mei’s smile was warm and affectionate. “Sounds good. Let’s bring Xiao Pan too. She hasn’t said anything, but I know she’s always wanted to visit Panliu Mountain—her son passed away there.”
Su Tao nodded. “No problem.”
“There’s one more thing, Tao girl. Don’t be mad at me for bringing it up.” Old Mei’s tone turned serious. “I’m old. I won’t be able to stay with you and Taoyang for too long.”
Su Tao immediately stopped in her tracks.
“Hey, don’t panic. Listen to me first. I want you to help me find a student. When I’m gone, you’ll need someone to help you.”
Su Tao forced a smile. “Isn’t it a bit too early to talk like this? Stop overthinking. Just focus on resting here. Also, don’t draw too much—it’s bad for your eyes.”
Old Mei sighed. “I know it’s not pleasant to hear, but you need to listen. Find me a student, someone between 16 and 30. No prior knowledge needed, they don’t even have to be literate. As long as they’re obedient, hardworking, and patient, that’s enough. Tao girl, while I still have energy left, I need to find someone reliable to take over for me.”
Su Tao didn’t respond and simply swiped her access card to enter the office area.
Qi Yunlan, Zhuang Wan, and the others greeted them upon seeing them arrive.
Everyone joked with Old Mei, complimenting him on his improving energy and spirit.
Su Tao gestured toward a private office inside.
“Your office has been moved here. I’ll also give Sister Pan access so she can bring you whenever you want to come by.”
Old Mei’s face wrinkled with a wide smile. “Good, good. Add a desk in there for my future student.”
Su Tao sighed helplessly. “Alright, I’ll add a bookshelf and a filing cabinet for your future student, too. You haven’t even found a disciple yet, and you’re already planning for them.”
Old Mei laughed heartily. “You little rascal.”
In the afternoon, Su Tao continued the construction, meticulously completing the second floor of the Taoli Building.
As soon as the elevator arrived on the second floor, there was a shared workspace with eighteen workstations arranged in a cross pattern, just like the first floor, with frosted glass dividers.
To the left of the elevator were two private offices, one for Su Tao and one for Zhuang Wan.
Su Tao’s own office was well-equipped—not only did it have a desk and chair, but also an “L”-shaped sofa that could be used for sitting or lying down. If she got tired from work, she could pull the curtains and take a nap.
In front of the sofa was a small coffee table, and against the wall was a counter with storage cabinets. A coffee machine sat on top, and next to it was a small refrigerator stocked with her favorite drinks and snacks.
She was quite pleased with her office—it was the perfect balance of work and relaxation.
Additionally, her office and Zhuang Wan’s office were connected by a wall with blinds. When lifted, they could communicate easily.
Next to the two offices was a small meeting room for four people.
Beside the meeting room was a four-person restroom.
Turning left from the restroom led to an open pantry, similar to the one on the first floor.
Further left was a large conference room that could accommodate 10-15 people.
Finally, management meetings wouldn’t have to be held at the restaurant in Panliu Mountain anymore.
By the time Su Tao finished building the second floor and went downstairs, the sky had already turned dark. Only Qi Yunlan and two monitoring staff members were still working overtime.
“Director Qi, have you guys eaten yet? Still working late?”
Qi Yunlan stood up when she saw Su Tao and said, “Boss, I was just about to look for you. This morning, Ma Dapao must’ve told you about Meng Qian, right? Mist’s daughter? This afternoon, we went to talk to her and made it very clear that we weren’t going to agree to her demands. But she still refused to leave and is insisting on seeing you. I didn’t agree to it.”
As she spoke, she turned her computer screen toward Su Tao to show her the surveillance footage. “She’s still outside camping out.”
Su Tao frowned. “It’s already late, and with such a mixed crowd of guests coming and going, if something bad happens to her, she won’t even know who to blame. Why is she so stubborn?”
Qi Yunlan sighed. “I thought the same thing. But she seems to have a deep bond with her father. I warned her about the dangers of staying outside overnight, but she still insisted, gritting her teeth. We don’t have any personal grudges against her, and we don’t want to see her walk into disaster.”
Su Tao shook her head. “Take Meng Xiaobo with you and warn her one last time. Make it clear that if anything happens, she is an adult and must take full responsibility for her choices and consequences.”
They had no personal connection to her, and in fact, there was even a hint of hostility between them. Panliu Mountain had no obligation to protect her.
