Chapter 299: The Severely Weakened Shou’an Base
Su Tao took two of the most expensive drinks from the cooler and handed them to the two women.
“Drink as much as you like. If we run out, just ask Fang Zhi to restock.”
Xing Shuyu didn’t hold back—she twisted off the cap and gulped it down. Instantly, she felt refreshed.
“As expected, Taoyang’s products are the best.”
Yang Ying hesitated at first, but seeing Su Tao’s enthusiasm, she accepted the drink. She took a small sip, and the sweet and sour taste immediately refreshed her, making the exhibition hall feel less stuffy.
She couldn’t help but reflect on the recent discussions about Taoyang potentially taking over Dongyang’s management. Many people had strongly opposed it, thinking Taoyang was too young a base, and Su Tao, as its leader, was too inexperienced.
Even Yang Ying had her reservations. But now, this one bottle of drink was enough to change her mind.
Age didn’t matter. With the old commander and so many people in Dongyang backing her up, things wouldn’t go too far off track.
With Su Tao in charge, the people of Dongyang could live in peace, enjoy good food and drinks, and not have to worry about their basic needs—just like in Taoyang.
After setting up the cooler, Su Tao let everyone go about their business.
Ma Dapao had dressed up today, looking more refined than usual. He had put on some weight over the past few months, just enough to fill out his formal suit. With his beard shaved, hair neatly combed, and his tall frame, he actually looked quite dignified when he kept a straight face.
Su Tao patted him on the shoulder. “It’s all up to you these next few days.”
Ma Dapao was full of confidence. “Boss, don’t worry. Give me three days, and I’ll know at least half of the attendees, making sure Taoyang leaves a lasting impression.”
Su Tao trusted his networking skills.
After all, he had started as a lowly street hustler, but just by meeting Lei Xing once, he had managed to strike up a conversation. Later, through that flimsy connection, he had even introduced Leopard Path to Su Tao.
But she didn’t need him to make too many friends—just enough to raise Taoyang’s profile in the southern region, setting the stage for future opportunities.
Qian Lin and Qian Rongrong planned to attend the lectures once the conference started.
On the third floor, there were many private conference rooms. Xindu had spared no expense, inviting well-known experts from all over the world to speak on a variety of topics.
Some lectures focused on scientific research, such as:
Efficient farming techniques for saline-alkali soil; The principles of crystal-powered weapons; Analysis of crystal core energy sources
Others covered management and survival strategies, like:
How to quickly establish a base in an apocalyptic world; The best management styles for superpowered individuals; A lone survivor’s guide to the apocalypse
Looking at the schedule, Su Tao was intrigued and planned to attend a few sessions that interested her.
Jiang Yu and Lin Fangzhi naturally stayed by Su Tao’s side—wherever she went, they followed.
Oh, and the newly attached Major Shi as well.
About ten minutes before the conference was set to begin, the long-empty booth next to Dongyang’s—belonging to Shou’an Base—was suddenly occupied by four people rushing in.
One of them was actually Jiang Qingxiang!
But she looked completely exhausted. Even with makeup, she couldn’t hide her fatigue and aging. In just a few short months, she looked like she had aged ten years.
Su Tao recalled the time she had visited the Jiang family with Shi Zijin. Back then, Jiang Qingxiang had been plump and radiant, a picture of luxury and stability.
She whispered to Shi Zijin, “So, Shou’an is okay now?”
She had previously heard that Shou’an had turned into a living hell—corpses and zombies everywhere, with even the Jiang family trapped inside, unable to escape. Not long ago, they had even reached out in desperation to their former gardener, Wu Zhen, for information.
Wu Zhen had completely ignored them.
Shi Zijin replied, “Shou’an handed over two-thirds of its military stockpile to Changjing. In return, Changjing sent ten helicopters across great distances to rescue them. The people and weapons were saved, but they had to abandon the land. Now, they’re searching for a new location to rebuild.”
Su Tao thought of the Jiang family’s grand mansion and couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Jiang Qingxiang.
“The Jiang family really suffered a heavy blow this time.”
Shi Zijin nodded, then suddenly smirked. “Cen Tianjiao should be worried.”
Before Su Tao could react, she saw Cen Tianjiao take off running like his life depended on it.
Unfortunately for him, Jiang Qingxiang had already spotted him.
The exhaustion on her face instantly vanished, replaced by excitement. “Xiao Cen!”
From a distance, Cen Tianjiao shuddered at the sound of her voice and ran even faster.
Su Tao suddenly remembered—back when they had visited the Jiang family, Cen Tianjiao had made quite the sacrifice to gain their favor.
Jiang Qingxiang had been quite taken with his muscular physique and abs. Even after all this time, she was still interested.
Su Tao felt immense sympathy for him and instinctively stepped back a little.
But that slight movement caught Jiang Qingxiang’s eye, and she immediately noticed Wu Zhen standing nearby.
Her excitement turned into fury—how dare that ungrateful gardener ignore her!
