*Creak, creak…*
Jiang Tao trudged through the snow, one step deep, one step shallow, as he made his way home.
He first washed his face with hot water, then poured some into a foot basin to soak his feet for a while.
After soaking his feet, he climbed into bed, slipped under the covers, and opened his phone to browse for books.
When he found an interesting book, he added it to his favorites, cast a monthly vote, and left a comment.
This way, he could boost the book's metrics, helping the author get better recommendations.
The author would write with more enthusiasm, and he'd enjoy reading even more!
That's just how much he pampered the small-time authors on Qidian!
Soon, it was midnight.
Jiang Tao closed the reading app on his phone and, with a thought, opened the intelligence system to check the new information.
**[Today's Intelligence]**: You had contact with He Fang yesterday, and the following intelligence was obtained—
He Fang is currently in the early stage of cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment yield better results!
…
"What the hell?"
Seeing the newly refreshed intelligence, Jiang Tao's expression instantly turned tense.
His sister-in-law looked perfectly fine—how could she have cervical cancer?
The word "cancer" made Jiang Tao's heart clench.
Thankfully, it was early-stage!
"I've got to remind Brother Wang tomorrow! This isn't something to ignore!"
"If it's caught too late, it could be fatal!"
As the intelligence indicated, the earlier cervical cancer is treated, the better the outcome—potentially even a full recovery.
The later it's detected, the harder it is to treat, and the higher the mortality rate!
"Once I make some money, I'll have Mom, Xu Li, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law all get the nine-valent HPV vaccine!"
"This thing is just…"
"Life is unpredictable. Sister-in-law seems so healthy, how could she…"
Although no money-making intelligence came up today, Jiang Tao didn't feel shortchanged.
He and Wang Lianming were from the same village and had worked together for over six years, their bond as close as brothers.
He Fang had always been good to Jiang Tao.
Every time their family made dumplings, they'd invite Jiang Tao over to eat together.
When they steamed buns or fried meatballs, Wang Lianming would bring some for Jiang Tao.
While thinking about how to remind Brother Wang tomorrow, Jiang Tao lay on his pillow and drifted into a groggy sleep.
The next morning at 7 a.m.
Jiang Tao was woken by the alarm he'd set on his phone.
There was no extra intelligence income today, so Jiang Tao couldn't bear to splurge on mutton soup.
He simply cooked a pack of instant noodles at home and fried two eggs to make do.
After breakfast, he headed downstairs toward the village entrance where he parked.
As he neared the entrance, Jiang Tao spotted a familiar figure ahead.
Wang Lianming, Brother Wang!
As if sensing someone familiar behind him, Wang Lianming turned around and met Jiang Tao's gaze.
"Little Jiang, you sneaky bastard, planning a sneak attack from behind without saying a word?"
Wang Lianming stopped, chuckling as he teased Jiang Tao.
"Hahaha, no way, no way. I was just lost in thought, daydreaming a bit."
"Thinking about what?"
"Making money, of course! New Year's coming up, gotta earn more to go home for the holidays!"
Wang Lianming suddenly asked, "By the way, Jiang Tao, when are you planning to head back this year?"
Jiang Tao replied as he walked, "I'm thinking the 27th or 28th of the lunar month, but it depends on the situation."
Wang Lianming said, "How about we settle on the 27th? Come to my place, and we'll make dumplings! We'll invite Xiao Liu, Xiao Shan, Xiao Zhang, and the others to join us for a lively gathering."
Jiang Tao readily agreed, "Sounds good! It's been a while since I hung out with Xiao Liu and the others. I'll take care of the drinks!"
"You little punk, no need to be so formal with me. Just bring yourself to my place! You think I'd let you buy the drinks when you're at my house?"
Wang Lianming knew Jiang Tao's family was tight on money this year and naturally didn't want him spending extra. As they walked, he added, "By the way, Jiang Tao, if you're short on cash for the New Year, I can lend you 20,000 to tide you over. Pay me back whenever you're flush."
"…"
Hearing Wang Lianming offer to lend him money, Jiang Tao felt a warmth in his heart despite the cold day.
Brother Wang was a real stand-up guy!
"Thanks, Brother Wang. If I really need it, I won't hesitate to ask."
"That's the spirit. We're like brothers, no need to be shy."
Wang Lianming smiled and patted Jiang Tao's shoulder, proving himself a reliable big brother.
As Jiang Tao chatted idly with Wang Lianming, he mulled over how to bring up the reminder.
As they approached their trucks, Jiang Tao finally spoke, "By the way, Brother Wang, how's Sister-in-law doing health-wise? Has she had a checkup recently?"
"She's fit as a fiddle, why bother with a checkup? That's just throwing money at the hospital! Better to spend it on some fruit or meat for ourselves."
Wang Lianming's face showed complete nonchalance. If it weren't for the village pushing hard for cooperative medical insurance these past couple of years, he wouldn't even bother with that.
He and his wife, He Fang, were in great health. At most, they'd catch a cold or fever for a few days a year, and some cold medicine would fix them right up.
"You can't say that, Brother Wang. Last night, my wife called me and said three of her high school classmates were diagnosed with cervical cancer this year."
"One was early-stage, two were late-stage. It's terrifying!"
"When I heard that, I told her to take my mom, her mom, and her sister for checkups today. Spend a little money for peace of mind."
In a rush, Jiang Tao made up a story on the spot. It sounded so convincing, with vivid details, that he seemed to have a knack for spinning tales.
"Holy crap, three in a row? Is that thing really that common now?"
Wang Lianming's heart skipped a beat at Jiang Tao's words, a chill running through him.
He used to think cancer was something far removed, nothing to worry about.
But hearing Jiang Tao say it happened to people close by hit differently.
"No kidding! After the pandemic, everyone's health has taken a hit, and all sorts of illnesses are on the rise."
Jiang Tao continued as they walked, "I'm planning to have Xu Li and my mom get annual checkups from now on. Think of it as spending money for peace of mind!"
Though Jiang Tao was making this up, he genuinely planned to have Xu Li take both their parents for checkups.
He Fang's cancer diagnosis had shaken him deeply.
Wang Lianming said, "Alright, I'll talk to your sister-in-law after work and see what she thinks."
Jiang Tao added one last reminder, "Brother Wang, you've gotta take this seriously. Save where you can, but don't skimp on this."
"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you this time. Let's get to work."
Wang Lianming smiled, patted Jiang Tao's shoulder, and strode toward his truck.
"Brother Wang, I can only do so much to warn you. I hope Sister-in-law gets through this safely!"
Jiang Tao sighed, got into his own truck, and started another day of grinding work.
Jiang Tao's luck wasn't bad today.
After a busy day, he earned over 700 yuan.
After subtracting fuel and vehicle wear-and-tear, he cleared about 500 yuan in profit!
"Damn it, out of fuel again."
After finishing the day's work, Jiang Tao saw his fuel tank was nearly empty.
No choice but to head to his usual gas station and spend over 500 yuan to fill up the tank.
Just like that, all the money he earned today went to the truck!
No wonder Xu Li always said the truck was Jiang Tao's "mistress."
He spent way more on his "mistress" than on his "wife," Xu Li.
Car repairs, maintenance, fuel—keeping the truck running cost tens of thousands a year.
Xu Li, meanwhile, couldn't even bring herself to buy cosmetics, spending less than 10,000 yuan on herself annually.
After filling up, Jiang Tao got two towels and two packs of tissues from the station's big sister.
Just as he was about to drive off with his freebies, he heard a loud *vroom vroom vroom* of exaggerated engine noise behind him.
A glance in the rearview mirror revealed a red Ferrari sports car!
"Damn, that's some serious money!"
Comparing his "mistress" to someone else's, Jiang Tao fired up the engine and left.
By the time he got back to his rental in Xiao Sha River, it was past 7 p.m.
On his way home, Jiang Tao stopped by Yu Dongdong's supermarket and bought two pounds of loose frozen dumplings.
According to Yu Dongdong, these dumplings were handmade by a few old ladies in the village and sold through his store.
Whenever Jiang Tao craved dumplings, he'd buy two pounds. They tasted better than the big-brand frozen ones.
Back at the rental, he plugged in the electric pot, tossed the dumplings into cold water, and sprinkled in some salt.
In less than eight minutes, the water was boiling, and the dumplings floated to the surface.
After boiling for another three minutes, Jiang Tao turned off the heat and scooped the dumplings into a bowl.
Just as he finished, Xu Li's routine check-in video call came through.
Jiang Tao set the bowl of dumplings on the table and swiped to accept the call.
The phone screen flickered, and Xu Li's image appeared.
"Hey, honey, why'd you get home so late today? What're you eating?"
The moment he saw his wife, Jiang Tao instantly felt she was prettier and more charming than any "mistress."
"I'm eating dumplings tonight. Felt like it, so I grabbed some on the way back."
"Hahaha, eating your sister-in-law, my foot! You trying to eat people now?"
Jiang Tao's slip of the tongue had Xu Li on the other end laughing for a good while.
His silly wife's sense of humor was something else!