Chapter 211: Seeking to Purchase
Old Mei finally completed the new design blueprints for Leopard Path’s land.
Su Tao eagerly went to retrieve them. After flipping through the pages, she asked, “This was drawn by your little apprentice, wasn’t it?”
The lines and shading were still quite raw and immature, but they were good enough for her to use as a construction reference.
Zheng Xing’s face immediately flushed red, and he became visibly restless.
Old Mei patted his hand and smiled kindly. “Yes, he drew it. Not bad, right?”
Su Tao nodded sincerely, giving her approval.
“For someone who’s only been learning for a few days, this is really impressive. Old Mei, you have a great eye for choosing apprentices.”
Zheng Xing’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he stammered nervously, “It’s mainly because my teacher teaches so well… I still have a lot to learn. There are so many flaws in this drawing…”
He truly felt that his work was not good enough. Compared to his teacher’s drawings, his own were simply unbearable to look at.
Moreover, the ideas for this design came entirely from his teacher—he had only acted as the draftsman. He didn’t feel worthy of Su Tao’s praise.
Su Tao smiled warmly. “You’re still young. You have time to learn. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Old Master Mei knew that her words were also meant for him—to reassure him not to rush in teaching his apprentice. He was still in good health, and there was plenty of time ahead.
He chuckled and changed the subject. “Lately, Xiao Zhen hasn’t been in a great mood. I’ve seen him staring at pictures of his wife and child, lost in thought. I wonder if someone from Shou’an contacted him and reopened old wounds. Otherwise, why would his mood suddenly shift like this? Tao, if you have time, check in on him.”
Su Tao’s expression darkened. “Alright, I understand.”
She immediately sent Qi Yunlan to investigate the details.
She also needed to confirm the design blueprints with Leopard Path and the others before construction. Otherwise, if she finished the build and they were dissatisfied, she’d have to redo everything, which was a hassle she didn’t want to deal with.
Lei Xing waved dismissively. “We’re just a bunch of rough men. As long as the place has housing, food, and a training area, that’s good enough.”
With the boss saying that, even if some of the others had preferences, they didn’t dare voice them. They all agreed to let Su Tao handle everything as she saw fit.
Now that she had their approval, Su Tao no longer had to worry about revisions and planned to start construction that very night.
As for why not immediately? Because Ji Boda from Hekang Base was arriving soon to purchase a second batch of supplies—and he was bringing along their first voluntary customer.
Since Su Tao needed money for upgrades, she happily agreed and waited at the gate for their arrival.
Half an hour later, three vehicles pulled up at the entrance of Taoyang.
The moment Ji Boda stepped out, he was stunned by the crowd gathered outside the base.
Meng Xiaobo and the others had to forcefully clear a path through the onlookers before they could get inside.
“Boss Su, why are there so many people outside?” Ji Boda couldn’t help but ask.
But before he could get an answer, he was hit by the sudden rush of cool air inside, leaving him speechless. He even forgot to introduce the people behind him.
In disbelief, he muttered, “How is there such a huge temperature difference between inside and outside?”
He even considered stepping back out to feel the contrast again.
Su Tao didn’t hide anything and gave a brief explanation about the protective shield.
Ji Boda was left dumbfounded.
The man behind him was also momentarily dazed before asking, “Can I test it with a gun?”
Ji Boda finally remembered to introduce his guest.
“Oh, look at me forgetting! Boss Su, this is Deputy Mayor Ding from Wutai, and this is his secretary.”
Mayor?
Su Tao immediately recalled that Wutai was one of the five major bases, slightly more developed than Dongyang. Last year, it was even ranked as a “Three Excellence” base, second only to the most prosperous Nanzheng Base.
However, Wutai’s advantage largely came from the fact that, before the apocalypse, it had been the provincial capital—a major economic and cultural hub with a large population and significant government support from the very beginning.
In contrast, Dongyang had to build itself up from scratch after the world fell apart, thanks to Old Chief’s independent leadership.
Although Wutai City as it once was no longer existed, its original mayor and deputy mayor had remained in power, so people continued to address them by their old titles out of habit.
Su Tao nodded politely, but her initial enthusiasm waned.
She didn’t know much about Deputy Mayor Ding, but she had heard of Wutai’s top leader, Mayor Ren.
Pei Dong had mentioned that Mayor Ren looked down on Dongyang, viewing it as a ragtag militia formed by Old Chief. Over the years, Wutai had consistently tried to suppress Dongyang.
Deputy Mayor Ding looked young, possibly due to good self-care, appearing to be in his early thirties. He had a scholarly air about him and was quite polite to Su Tao, even taking the initiative to shake her hand in greeting.
Su Tao never rejected a friendly gesture, so she reached out as well.
But the moment their hands touched, a terrifying vision exploded in her mind.
She saw Deputy Mayor Ding being gruesomely killed by a monstrous crawling creature. The beast bit him in half, and he struggled desperately before finally dying in agony—his eyes wide open, unable to find peace even in death.
Su Tao yanked her hand back as if she had been electrocuted.
Her ability seemed to be getting clearer, like a fog gradually lifting—just a little more, and she would be able to see the full picture…
Deputy Mayor Ding hesitated, then apologized. “I’m sorry… Did I do something to offend you, Boss Su?”
