Chapter 186: Protecting Sister Tao
Su Tao had no idea she had just stepped into such a pile of bad luck.
When she returned to Taoyang, she saw the empty cat bed beside the living room sofa—Black Sesame’s usual spot.
A heavy feeling settled in her chest, like a piece of her heart had been ripped out—and worst of all, she had done it with her own hands.
She couldn’t stop herself from thinking about it.
Would the little cat be able to adapt to military life? What if it got lost again and was caught by bad people? What if it was hurt?
What if it didn’t have enough to eat?
What if it couldn’t sleep well?
As her thoughts spiraled, Snowblade strolled over lazily and plopped down at her feet, exhaling in slow huffs.
Su Tao crouched down and gently stroked its fur. She noticed that even more white hairs had started appearing on its coat recently—rough and coarse, like an aging person’s graying hair and wrinkled skin.
Unable to hold it in any longer, she wrapped her arms around the big dog and silently sobbed.
Standing nearby, Jiang Yu and Lin Fangzhi—who had just returned from class—watched, utterly at a loss.
No Amount of Comfort Could Help at This Moment
*
When Su Tao woke up, it was already dark. Somehow, a dog and a cat had grown on her bed.
As soon as White Sesame saw she was awake, its eyes widened, and it let out a sweet, whiny meow.
Little glutton…
Su Tao got up to give it more food. Watching it eat happily, she couldn’t help but pat its head.
“You silly thing, your brother is missing, and you don’t even notice. All you care about is eating.”
But maybe that was for the best.
Living a peaceful and comfortable life by her side for a lifetime was a kind of happiness too.
She wondered if Little Black Bean was struggling on the road. The weather was so hot…
Just as she was worrying, Shi Zijin suddenly called. His tone was serious as soon as the call connected:
“Lian Sha went to Taoyang? You know, Lian Man—I found out she applied to stay there, and you guys approved her. This woman is a risk—she’s from the Old Station, she’s Tan…”
Before he could finish, Su Tao cut in:
“I know. She’s Tan Yong’s mistress. Her ability is called ‘Manipulation’—she’s very skilled at manipulating people.”
Hearing that, Shi Zijin relaxed a little.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“Luring her into a trap.” Su Tao’s voice was calm. “She’s already gotten to Fangzhi and wants to sneak into Taoyang. I don’t know her goal yet, but since she wants to come in, I’m happy to take a ready-made captive. It’ll make dealing with Tan Yong easier later.”
“Are you sure? Do you need my help?”
“I’ve got this. No need. You just focus on the battlefront. You’re already doing too much—handling the front lines and keeping an eye on both Dongyang and Taoyang.”
Shi Zijin fell silent for two seconds before saying:
“Lian Sha might actually be coming for me.”
Su Tao frowned. “What do you mean?”
“She originally wanted to join the military expedition, but I felt something was off and rejected her. Then she applied for a logistics position, which made me even more suspicious. Just now, I found out she’s trying to sneak into Taoyang. Anyone could tell you that I return to Taoyang after every mission. That basically confirms my suspicion.”
Su Tao was puzzled. “She’s after you? Why? To manipulate you?”
“Maybe. I’m still investigating. Even though you say you’ve got this, for safety’s sake, I want to send someone to Taoyang. I hope you’ll accept. It’ll let me focus on the front lines.”
“This person won’t be hard to manage. You don’t need to worry. He was born deaf, so Lian Sha’s ‘Manipulation’ ability won’t work on him. Plus, his ability is called ‘Slow Motion.’ When activated, everything within his line of sight—people, objects—will move in slow motion, like a video being played in slow-mo.”
“With him around, capturing Lian Sha alive will be much easier.”
A warm feeling spread through Su Tao’s chest. She whispered softly, “Alright.”
“Good. Get some rest. I’ll let you know tomorrow afternoon when Black Sesame arrives safely with me.”
That call lifted Su Tao’s spirits. After grabbing a bite to eat, she headed to the shooting range for training.
She had been practicing with Chen Yang for the past few days, and her accuracy had noticeably improved—six or seven hits out of ten.
After a round of shooting, Chen Yang’s eyes sparkled as he looked at her.
“Sister Tao, when I grow up and Brother Jiang Yu retires, I’ll protect you! I’ll take down bad guys with perfect aim!”
From the shadows, Jiang Yu: “…”
Su Tao couldn’t help but laugh and teased him:
“Didn’t you want to go out and explore the world with Lei Xing and the others? If you’re protecting me, you’ll have to stay in Taoyang forever.”
Chen Yang was stunned. His little face scrunched up into a frown.
He wanted to explore the world.
But he also wanted to protect Sister Tao.
What was he supposed to do?
Jiang Yu let out a barely noticeable scoff.
Su Tao ruffled Chen Yang’s hair playfully.
“Don’t stress about it. Just focus on growing up first.”
But Chen Yang did stress about it—as if he was facing the biggest decision of his life.
Even his late-night snack didn’t taste good anymore.
When he got home, Zhuang Wan saw her son looking as worried as a little old man. She teased him:
“What’s wrong? Did you miss all your shots today? Took a hit to your confidence?”
Chen Yang’s face turned red. “Mom! Are you even my real mom? Sister! Say something for me!”
Across the room, Chen Xi was buried in her books, pretending she didn’t have a younger brother.
In two days, Uncle Zhong would be checking her studies.
She had to perform well.
A little brother? Not as important as her grades.
Chen Yang felt like there was no place for him in this house anymore.
Fine!
He made up his mind—for now, he’d choose to protect Sister Tao.
There was no one better than Sister Tao in the whole world.
Sniff.
*
The next day, Su Tao received Qian Rongrong’s financial report.
She wasn’t expecting much, but when she looked at it, she was shocked.
The public funds had reached 3.22 million Federal Coins.
And that was after she had lavishly built two luxury office buildings!
They were already halfway to Level 6!
“That much?”
Qian Rongrong grinned. “Yup! Most of it comes from lease renewals, first-month rent from thirty newly built homes, plus revenue from the plantation and Panliu Mountain.”
“Especially the plantation—our net income in the first half of August was 80,000 more than the last half of July, and it’s still rising. Based on my projections, we’ll make 350,000 Federal Coins in the second half of August.”
Su Tao immediately decided to give the plantation workers a raise.
Qian Rongrong clutched her financial report tightly and warned, “Boss, reasonable raises! Don’t get carried away!”
Su Tao laughed. “Got it, butler.”
Just then, Zhuang Wan knocked on the door, her expression serious.
“Boss, Lian Sha is coming this afternoon to check in. Do we need to prepare anything in advance?”
Su Tao waved a hand. “No need. Just come with me to pick someone up.”
That someone was Liang Ce, also known as “Slow Motion.”
He was a slightly chubby young man with a round face and a permanent, squinty-eyed smile.
Su Tao greeted him warmly.
Liang Ce responded with a hand gesture.
Su Tao blinked, confused.
Zhuang Wan was also puzzled and hesitantly asked, “Sign language?”
To her surprise, Lin Fangzhi spoke up:
“Yes.”
So, Fangzhi took on the responsibility of communication, gesturing to Liang Ce as he introduced everyone:
“Welcome to Taoyang! This is Boss Su, and this is Manager Zhuang.”
Liang Ce flashed a bright smile and responded in sign language:
“You know sign language? That’s amazing! It’s very accurate. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Fangzhi translated everything smoothly, ensuring Liang Ce settled in comfortably. His efforts made the place feel truly welcoming.
Zhuang Wan was stunned. “Since when did our Fangzhi know sign language?”
Su Tao also looked at him curiously, eyes filled with the pride of watching a child grow into an adult.
Fangzhi’s face flushed red. “Uncle Qin taught me. I really like it.”
Su Tao instantly understood.
Master Qin’s wife was deaf and mute. Since Qin himself was fluent in sign language and spent the most time with Fangzhi, it made sense that he had taught him.
Zhuang Wan sighed in admiration. “Fangzhi has really grown up. You’ve helped us out so much—without you, we might have neglected our guest.”
Hearing the praise, Lin Fangzhi eagerly turned to Su Tao.
“Does this count as helping you?”
Su Tao beamed. “Of course!”
The afternoon sunlight spilled over the young boy’s delicate features, making him glow like a mountain full of blooming flowers.
*
“Goddess, now that you’re going to Taoyang, will we ever meet again?”
Chen Shaoyuan, Minister Chen, gazed at Lian Sha with infatuation, reluctant to part with her.
Now that her application to enter Taoyang had been approved, this fool was no longer of any use to her.
She casually brushed him off:
“If fate allows, we will meet again.”
Chen Shaoyuan felt a hollow emptiness in his heart, but he dared not press her for anything—afraid of angering the Goddess and falling from her favor.
When they arrived at their destination, Chen Shaoyuan rushed to open the car door for her, carefully helping her out.
“Goddess, please be careful.”
Lian Sha responded with a cold “Mhm.”
Then, turning her gaze toward the grand entrance of Taoyang, a slow smile curled on her lips.
