Chapter 302: Little Kitten, Little Flame
The more Chu Yue looked at Su Tao, the less she liked her. In fact, she was starting to feel annoyed.
Lei Xing actually took a liking to such a plain country girl, yet he didn’t even spare Chu Yue a glance.
So she turned to Deng Zilu and said, “Lulu, you’re the most cunning one here. Come up with a plan to embarrass her at the summit. As long as no one dies, make it as humiliating as possible. Give her a lesson she won’t forget.”
Deng Zilu wasn’t too happy about that. What did she mean by “the most cunning”? Was it so hard to admit that someone else was smart?
If it weren’t for the fact that Chu Yue had the powerful Chu family behind her, Deng Zilu would’ve spat at her arrogance.
But on the surface, she responded generously and then smiled as an idea came to her.
“I have a plan, but I need Madam Jiao’s help.”
Jiao Qing raised an eyebrow. “You need me to deal with a little country girl?”
Chu Yue was intrigued and asked Deng Zilu to elaborate.
After all, Jiao Qing’s ability was “Enchantment”—a type of psychic power. It wasn’t dangerous or lethal, but it could make two people, even strangers, lose all reason and act on their desires, regardless of the situation or ethics.
Deng Zilu smirked and asked Chu Yue, “Who do you want her to spend a night with?”
Chu Yue sneered, “Anyone will do, as long as he’s old and ugly…”
Deng Zilu chuckled and pointed at an old man nearby who was harassing a female staff member.
“Mr. Kong from Yu Jin Base would be a great choice. He’s old but still vigorous, has countless mistresses outside, and four wives at home. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind taking in a young and pretty fifth wife.”
“Oh, and let’s make sure Captain Lei walks in on them…”
Chu Yue looked at her in amazement. “You really are the most cunning one. Let’s do it. Madam Jiao, if you help me with this, I’ll let you pick an ability user from my team to take with you.”
These days, the most valuable things were threefold: supplies, energy crystals, and ability users.
Jiao Qing was satisfied with the offer. “Alright, just call me when everything is ready.”
Meanwhile, in the Wutai Base exhibition area, Mayor Ren Xinshun was a shrewd man.
After exchanging pleasantries with Su Tao, she started to feel drained. It was clear that every word he said was probing for information about whether Taoyang had someone powerful backing them. He also hinted at a desire for “cooperation.”
If he had just been straightforward, Su Tao wouldn’t have minded.
But Ren Xinshun’s tone carried a hint of manipulation.
“Boss Su, Taoyang needs a strong ally. You have a lot of resources, which makes you a target. No offense, but while you have close ties with Dongyang, in terms of strength, Wutai is far superior. If Taoyang ever faces trouble, Dongyang might not be able to protect you.”
Su Tao kept a neutral expression and asked, “So, what are you suggesting, Mayor Ren?”
Ren Xinshun chuckled. “If Taoyang agrees to supply resources exclusively to Wutai and allows our people to settle there, then we’ll be allies. Anyone who dares to threaten Taoyang will be our enemy, and we’ll make sure they regret it.”
Su Tao remained silent for a moment, then carefully analyzed his words.
This wasn’t just a business offer—it was a veiled threat.
Ren Xinshun wanted Taoyang to supply resources only to Wutai and allow Wutai citizens to settle in their territory. If they agreed, Wutai would protect them and offer a handsome reward.
But if they refused, then should anyone try to take Taoyang by force, Wutai wouldn’t just stand by—they might even join in to take advantage of the situation.
A threat? A warning?
He must think she was young and easy to manipulate.
Su Tao pretended not to notice the implication and simply smiled.
“Wutai is already a premium member of Taoyang. If you need resources, you can always contact our Manager Lin for priority distribution.”
Ren Xinshun frowned. It was unclear whether she didn’t understand or was deliberately avoiding the real issue.
Wutai didn’t just want to be a customer—they wanted Taoyang to be theirs.
With Taoyang’s full support, Wutai could surpass Xindu one day.
But that was only possible if Taoyang belonged to them.
Ding Heyu, who had been listening, finally spoke up to defuse the situation.
“There’s plenty of time for discussions in the future. Wutai and Taoyang will surely deepen their friendship. No rush, no rush. By the way, Mayor Ren, your lecture is about to start soon. Do you need time to prepare?”
Ren Xinshun had been planning to continue pressing the matter, but when he glanced at the time, he had no choice but to drop it.
“Boss Su, we’ll talk again soon.”
Su Tao kept smiling, but the moment he left, her face darkened. She turned to Ding Heyu and asked coldly,
“Is Wutai trying to monopolize us? Do they think Taoyang is their private garden, just for their enjoyment?”
Ding Heyu sighed. “I honestly didn’t know about this. If I had, I would’ve warned you in advance.”
Su Tao’s expression eased a little. “If you get the chance, tell him this—Taoyang doesn’t need a ‘strong ally,’ and we’ll never abandon Dongyang.”
Ding Heyu nodded and sighed again.
“He’s been too impatient lately, desperate to surpass Xindu. He probably sees Taoyang as his best chance to do so. But one thing he wasn’t wrong about—Taoyang’s growing reputation means many people have their eyes on you. Be careful.”
Su Tao nodded sincerely. “I know.”
At that moment, the speech on stage finally ended, and the conference hall on the third floor was officially open.
Su Tao said her goodbyes and returned to the Dongyang booth to feed and clean up after the little kitten.
The tiny thing looked much better than last night. Its cries were louder, and it had even managed to open its eyes slightly.
It was very clingy. As soon as Su Tao touched it, it nuzzled against her hand, its little nose searching for milk.
Xing Shuyu, watching from the side, was utterly charmed. She reached out to gently stroke the kitten’s tiny paw.
“What’s its name?”
Su Tao blinked. She hadn’t thought about that yet—last night, she had been too focused on saving its life.
Just then, Song Yuebin chimed in, grinning. “It’s a boy. His tail looks like a little flame—how about calling him Flame?”
Once he grew up and his tail fluffed out, it really would look like a burning flame, with a beautiful gradient effect.
Xing Shuyu instinctively moved the cat carrier away, feeling that Song Yuebin’s gaze was a little too eager.
Su Tao thought for a moment. It was a good name—much better than the “Black Sesame” or “White Sesame” she had originally considered.
“Alright, we’ll call him Little Flame.”
She gently flicked the kitten’s tail and whispered,
“Little Flame, tonight we’ll go find your mama. She probably doesn’t know how to take care of her babies yet.”
And she needed to find his lost siblings, too. If they were gone, they deserved a proper burial.
