Chapter 268: The Whereabouts of Jiang Yu’s Younger Sister
Su Tao didn’t really care whether outsiders believed it or not.
The elementary school district and the comprehensive academy area already had detailed design plans. These had been prepared in advance by the old commander, who had envisioned gradually building and perfecting the facilities over the next ten years.
Now, with Taoyang’s help, he was deeply relieved and immediately had the entire set of plans sent to Su Tao.
After reviewing the designs, Su Tao turned to Shi Zijin and remarked,
“The old commander has really put a lot of effort into these kids. This blueprint is modeled after the university towns from before the apocalypse.”
Shi Zijin nodded. “These students are the future backbone of Dongyang. We have to nurture them properly. How long will it take you to complete this project? How much investment will it require?”
Su Tao sighed. “It’s over 7,000 square meters, with a mix of large, medium, and small buildings, plus a ton of intricate details. It’ll take me at least three to four months to finish. As for the investment… at least seven million. I can’t give an exact figure, but it definitely won’t be less than seven or eight million. This project is massive.”
Just hearing that made Shi Zijin feel exhausted. He assured her that he would handle the investment issue, then asked,
“Can this be outsourced to others? Or maybe you can get a team to assist you?”
Su Tao immediately shook her head. “No way. I have to do it myself.”
After all, only she could see the system. Where was she supposed to find helpers?
Speaking of which, she had also acquired the land that Xu Qi had recommended. She needed to start construction there too.
That site would soon become Taoyang’s private military base, equipped for lodging, training, dining, and entertainment.
Once it was built, she’d have Zhuang Wan recruit more ability users so Taoyang’s private forces could start training as soon as possible and take on various missions for her.
Additionally, the Taoyang residential district needed expansion. According to Old Mei’s vision, it should be developed into a garden-style community.
The community would include small parks, fitness facilities, shops, supermarkets, and commercial stores—everything necessary to make life more convenient for its residents.
For the next few days, Su Tao focused all her energy on constructing Dongyang Elementary School and the Comprehensive Academy.
Then, on the day before departure, she suddenly received a call from Captain Song Yuebing.
“Boss Su, I heard from Manager Ma that you’re heading to Xindu?”
“Yes, Captain Song. Any updates on the person I asked you to look for? Oh, and the seeds that Manager Qian requested?”
Song Yuebing took a big gulp of water before continuing,
“The seeds are all ready for you. As for the little girl’s whereabouts, we managed to dig up a lead. While passing through a small settlement in the north, we caught two human traffickers. They admitted that two years ago, they bought a young girl from a man. But within a few days, she managed to escape and never returned.”
“The girl they described matches the one you’re looking for. Also, they mentioned that the man who sold her had a cross-shaped tattoo on his hand.”
Su Tao’s heart skipped a beat. “Where are those two traffickers now?”
“I tied them up and stuffed them in the back of my truck. I’ll bring them back for you to deal with. But our journey will take at least a week, so we might miss you.”
Su Tao took a deep breath. “That’s fine. When you reach Panliu Mountain, I’ll have Manager Qian meet you. Please, make sure those two don’t escape.”
“Don’t worry. As long as nothing unexpected happens on the road, we’ll deliver them to you.”
After that, Song Yuebing hesitated for a moment before adding somewhat awkwardly,
“You’re going to Xindu for the Alliance Summit, right?”
Su Tao immediately sensed that he had a favor to ask and proactively said,
“Yes. Captain Song, do you need my help with something?”
“Haha, Boss Su, you’re really straightforward! Here’s the thing—there’s a wealthy lady who wants us to find her a well-bred, good-tempered kitten. A puppy would work too. We’ve been searching for months, but she hasn’t liked any of them. So we figured there might be something at the trade fair or auction during the Alliance Summit.”
“Our group, ‘Yueling,’ isn’t very well-known. Every year, we apply for entry, but we never get approved. So we were hoping you could help us out and buy one if you find a good match.”
Su Tao thought for a moment. “What’s your budget?”
Song Yuebing, recalling the lady’s immense wealth, gritted his teeth and said, “6 million federal credits.”
Su Tao let out a sharp breath. “You’re really going all in on this.”
She couldn’t imagine any dog or cat being worth that much.
She never even considered putting a price on the three in her own home. To her, Black Sesame, White Sesame, and Xuedao were family, something beyond monetary value.
Since he considered Su Tao a friend, Song Yuebing didn’t hold back and openly explained,
“No choice. That lady’s husband controls the salt trade along the coast. Salt is a necessity—not just for regular people, but even ability users lose strength without it. You can imagine how high the demand is. Our little convoy just wants a piece of the pie…”
Su Tao immediately lost interest.
With her system shop, food and seasonings were never a problem for her.
“Alright, I’ll keep an eye out for you. Or, if we have enough time, you can come with us as someone’s plus-one and pick one out yourself.”
The Alliance Summit allowed participants to bring a companion.
Of course, they never actually checked whether the plus-ones were real partners or not.
So people who didn’t have entry passes would sometimes pay or offer favors to registered attendees in exchange for being brought in as their companion.
The organizers generally turned a blind eye to this, as long as it wasn’t excessive.
Song Yuebing was overjoyed. “That would be amazing! We’ll head straight for Xindu now. But we’ll have to bring those two traffickers along, too.”
Su Tao nodded. “Keep an eye on them. As long as they don’t escape or die, that’s fine. I still need to get more information out of them.”
They were the last people who had seen Jiang Tong. She couldn’t afford to lose this lead.
Song Yuebing agreed, then hesitated before stammering, “Th-then… can I go in with you?”
He was asking whose “male companion” he should pretend to be.
Su Tao found it amusing. “You know Manager Qian, Manager Ma, and Fang Zhi, right? Pick one yourself.”
Song Yuebing’s face turned red.
Ma Dapao and Fang Zhi were both men. The last thing he wanted was to start rumors about his sexuality just because of an Alliance Summit.
“Uh… What about Manager Qian?”
Su Tao replied, “Ask her if she minds. If not, go with her. If she does, you can come with me.”
For once, Song Yuebing looked a little embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Qian Lin thought he was about to ask her for a loan!
“N-no, I just want to attend the summit with you guys. Boss Su told me to ask if you’d mind pretending I’m your date so I can get in…”
Qian Lin, relieved that it wasn’t about borrowing money, responded cheerfully,
“Oh, that’s no problem! Just don’t cause trouble for Boss Su.”
