After eating and drinking his fill, Jiang Tao didn't rush to leave.
He lit a cigarette and found Xu Li's WeChat, making a video call.
Ding-a-ling-ling—
The call was answered after just a few rings, and Xu Li's tall figure appeared on the screen.
Her delicate face was bare of makeup, with only a touch of lipstick.
She wore a long, coffee-colored down jacket over a pure white base layer.
With her tall and slender frame, Xu Li effortlessly pulled off this stylish outfit.
"Hey, honey, I'm at the mall with my mom and my sister. Mom says she's buying our daughter some new clothes for the New Year."
"Have you eaten? What did you have?"
Xu Li had been in a great mood these past few days, her voice even sweeter when calling Jiang Tao "honey."
As for why she was in such a good mood?
Naturally, it was because Jiang Tao had transferred quite a bit of money to her via WeChat recently.
Although they might not clear all their debts this year, they could pay off a portion and have a happy New Year.
"I had fried pancakes today. Good wife, can we discuss something?"
Seeing his beautiful wife, Jiang Tao felt a warm glow in his heart.
The only slight downside was that, for now, the couple could only connect through daily video calls to comfort each other.
Playing "poker" together would have to wait another ten days or so.
"It's definitely not something good~"
Xu Li rolled her eyes playfully.
Having dated for over six years and been married for seven, they knew each other inside out.
When Jiang Tao made a move, Xu Li could guess his intentions.
And vice versa.
Jiang Tao chuckled, "How could it not be good? It's a huge opportunity!"
Xu Li cut to the chase, "Just say it. How much?"
Jiang Tao didn't beat around the bush with his wife, holding up five fingers, "50,000."
Xu Li rolled her eyes again, "So, you've been keeping track of every penny you gave me, huh? Now you want it all back!"
Jiang Tao grinned, "I'll only need it for 10 days max, and I'll pay you back 100,000."
"Is that for real?"
Xu Li's eyes lit up, sensing a deal worth making!
"For real!"
"If you're lying, you're sleeping in a separate room when you get back."
"Lie to anyone but my gorgeous wife? Never!"
"Tch, don't try to sweet-talk me. What do you need the money for?"
"It's a secret. If I spill it, it might not work out. But trust me, you know me—I don't act unless I'm certain."
"Fine, fine, don't tell me then. You're the head of the household, and you earned the money. Whatever you do, I support you."
While talking to Jiang Tao, Xu Li operated her phone, transferring 56,000 yuan to him via WeChat.
Her account balance instantly dropped back below a thousand yuan.
"Don't worry, honey. This move will not only clear our debts but leave us with plenty to spare for a great New Year!"
"When I make the money, I'll buy you some new clothes too."
With his wife's unconditional support, Jiang Tao felt a surge of confidence!
This was a must-do, and he was determined to make it happen!
"Mhm, go for it, honey~ I'll always support you."
"Thank you, my love. Marrying a wife as amazing as you must mean our ancestors' graves are smoking with blessings."
After discussing business, the couple flirted for a bit, making the two single guys eating at the next table green with envy!
With his wife's 50,000 yuan in hand, Jiang Tao's phone balance was just over 70,000—still shy of 80,000.
Based on today's haul for Yu Dongdong, the market price for large sugar oranges was 3.18 yuan per pound.
A 11-pound crate would cost 35 yuan.
With the money he had, Jiang Tao could wholesale about 2,000 crates.
According to the intelligence system, this price surge would last a week.
Even working alone, 2,000 crates wouldn't be hard to sell.
But with Xiao Liu, Xiao Dan, and Xiao Zhang in the mix, that amount wouldn't even fill the gaps!
This time, Jiang Tao planned to go all in, using every bit of available funds to bet on sugar oranges!
With such a rare opportunity staring him in the face, it was like the heavens were spoon-feeding him a feast. He had to open his mouth wide and eat as much as he could!
After settling the bill, Jiang Tao left the restaurant and returned to his truck.
After some thought, he set his sights on Lao Ma's Alipay.
Jiang Tao's maximum loan limit was 176,400 yuan, with an annual interest rate of 9.72%.
With a repayment plan of interest first and principal later, borrowing for three months would incur 4,760 yuan in interest.
For this sugar orange deal, Jiang Tao figured it'd be wrapped up in 10 days max.
Repaying Lao Ma, principal and interest, would cost just a hundred or two in interest!
Among his contacts, only Lao Ma could lend him over 170,000 yuan on the spot.
"My own money plus this loan makes about 250,000. That's enough. Can't be too greedy."
"With the intelligence system, there'll be plenty more chances to make money. No need to try to get rich in one go."
While waiting for jobs in his truck, Jiang Tao mentally rehearsed how to convince Xiao Liu and the others to join him tonight.
Of course, if they didn't want in, he wouldn't force anyone.
The opportunity was theirs to seize or not.
While Jiang Tao was deep in thought, a customer approached.
"Driver, how much to haul two beds and some chairs to Xiaoshahe?"
"80."
"Can you do 50?"
"It's 80 around here. Ask around if you don't believe me."
"Fine, fine, 80 it is."
After settling the price, Jiang Tao followed the customer to the market, starting his afternoon work.
That afternoon, he made four trips, earning 330 yuan.
Combined with the morning's 240 and the 600 from hauling for Yu Dongdong, Jiang Tao made 1,170 yuan in one day.
It was his biggest earning day this year!
Of course, compared to the money-making intel from the system, this was pocket change.
At 5:30 p.m., Jiang Tao finished work and drove back to Xiaoshahe Village.
At a deli, he bought pig head meat, pig liver, shrimp, braised duck neck, toothpick meat, and chicken drumsticks.
He also grabbed two ham sausages, a "three-way" roast duck, and a big bag of cold mixed vegetables.
Finally, at Fat Dongdong's supermarket, he bought two bottles of ten-year-old Bainiu Er liquor, two large bottles of Sprite, and a pack of Liqun cigarettes.
After this big shopping spree, Jiang Tao returned to his rented apartment.
While waiting for Xiao Liu and the others, he tidied up the place.
He set a small round table in the center of the room and laid out the assortment of meat and vegetable dishes he'd bought.
Just as he finished, he heard Xiao Liu and the others laughing and chatting in the hallway.
Stepping outside, he saw the three of them climbing to the second floor.
None came empty-handed, each carrying a big bag—some with groceries, some with drinks, and, of course, some fruit for Jiang Tao.