Chapter 239: Another Quota Gained
Meng Qian was dumbfounded when she received the empty building.
This was the first time she had ever been handed a fully completed building.
Usually, when the boss built something, it was like squeezing out toothpaste—just half a floor or a single floor at a time.
But she didn’t think too much about it. Excitedly, she acknowledged receipt and promised to quickly distribute move-in application forms to Taoyang employees.
Once the company’s housing needs were met, any remaining rooms would be available for external rental.
That night, Su Tao lay in bed, browsing the system’s room templates.
The more she looked, the more tempted she felt. She never realized interior design could be so beautiful and refined.
There were even designs for private courtyards, complete with pavilions, small ponds, and space for growing flowers and vegetables.
A terrace with a barbecue grill—perfect for hosting dinner gatherings with friends in the evening…
It made her really want to set aside a plot of land for herself, build a small standalone villa with a courtyard, and live comfortably.
Then, White Sesame, who was afraid of going outside, could run freely in the yard.
But when she thought about her empty crystal core stash and the fifty thousand lives of Dongyang people depending on her, she couldn’t bear to waste resources on such luxuries.
Su Tao sighed, closed the system, and hugged the already soundly sleeping White Sesame, who was sprawled out in all directions, before turning off the light.
The next morning, just as she was about to visit Old Mei to get Tao Chi’s design plans, Qi Yunlan suddenly called, saying that someone from Xindu wanted to see Zhuang Wan.
“Boss, it’s a man in his thirties. He says he’s the secretary of President Zhuo from Xindu.”
Su Tao vaguely guessed that this was about Jiang Jinwei being shoved and that they were here to demand an explanation.
But since they still had to attend the upcoming Alliance Summit hosted by Xindu, it wouldn’t be good to cause further trouble.
So she let Zhuang Wan, the designated scapegoat, handle it.
When Zhuang Wan returned, she complained to Su Tao:
“As soon as that guy saw me, he asked if Su Tao was one of our tenants. I said yes, and he immediately gave me this regretful look before handing over two invitation cards. He said they originally planned to give Taoyang five attendee slots, but because our tenant offended President Zhuo’s woman, the president was furious and cut our quota.”
“He also said President Zhuo thought highly of Taoyang. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have been just about reducing our slots. He told us to properly deal with the troublesome tenant and give them an explanation so that the matter could be settled. Then at the summit, we should make an effort to build a good relationship with their boss. Blah blah blah…”
Meng Qian picked up on something off:
“So, even Xindu’s President Zhuo doesn’t know who our boss is? And he’s using this quota-cutting trick to pressure us into punishing our own—our boss?”
“They really think they’re smart. If our Su Boss were just a regular tenant, we might have actually punished her lightly, indirectly letting them take revenge on that woman.”
Everyone realized the absurdity of the situation and burst out laughing.
Su Tao also found it amusing. “So we just gained two extra slots for free. Who wants to go?”
Qian Rongrong eagerly raised her hand high.
“Alright, Rongrong can go too,” Su Tao said with a smile.
Qian Rongrong’s face turned red with excitement.
Su Tao then looked at Meng Qian, silently asking for her preference.
Unexpectedly, Meng Qian shook her head. “If you’re all going, someone has to stay and watch the place.”
Qi Yunlan also declined. “I’m in charge of security, so I definitely can’t go.”
Zhuang Wan immediately felt guilty. “Then should I stay instead? Boss, why don’t you replace me with Old Mei and his disciple, plus Xiao Pan? That makes three people.”
After half an hour of discussion, everyone agreed that Old Mei, his apprentice, and caretaker Liu Panpan should go.
Old Mei was knowledgeable, and now that he could walk without issues—so long as he avoided strenuous activity—he appeared just like a regular person.
Bringing him along would give Su Tao a respectable, authoritative presence at the summit.
So, the final decision was set.
However, they still needed to ask Old Mei for his opinion, as Xindu wasn’t nearby—it would take three to four days by car, and recent zombie activity made the journey quite risky.
But Old Mei barely hesitated before agreeing. “This old man will go join in the fun, and let Xiao Xing gain some experience.”
Zheng Xing was thrilled.
Having grown up, he had never traveled beyond Old Station and Taoyang, so he was full of anticipation.
Liu Panpan, on the other hand, seemed a little anxious.
Su Tao reassured her, “Just stay close to Old Mei and take care of him. Don’t overthink it.”
Old Mei also gave her a kind, encouraging look.
Zheng Xing even grabbed her hand and said, “Aunt Liu, I’ll protect you too, don’t worry.”
Liu Panpan looked at the half-grown Zheng Xing in front of her, feeling touched as she nodded.
Elder Mei chuckled, “Then it’s settled.”
Just as they finished discussing, Grandfather Gu’s caretaker suddenly knocked on the door.
Upon opening it, he turned to Liu Panpan and said, “Sister Pan, Mr. Wu asked me to bring some strawberries for Old Mei. Oh? Boss Su, you’re here too? Perfect—I was going to deliver some to you as well.”
Liu Panpan was pleasantly surprised. “So many?”
Xiao Lü grinned. “Mr. Wu ripened a batch and wanted us to have a taste.”
Su Tao walked over and saw Xiao Lü holding two large baskets of white strawberries, glistening with moisture and exuding a sweet aroma.
Xiao Lü handed her one basket. “Boss Su, this one’s for you. If you finish them, just send someone to Mr. Wu’s place for more.”
After Xiao Lu left, Old Mei asked Liu Panpan to wash some strawberries so they could eat while discussing improvements to Tao Chi’s design plans.
Liu Panpan carefully washed them, then made sure to dry each one before handing them to Old Mei and Su Tao.
Su Tao thanked her and reached out to take one—
But the moment her fingers touched Liu Panpan’s hand, a terrifying image exploded in her mind.
Her face turned pale instantly, and she stared at Liu Panpan in shock.
