5:00 PM.
The Mercedes GLS drove into the east gate of Longzeyuan Community.
Before coming, Jiang Tao had called Jiang Yi and learned that she was at the hospital accompanying her niece, Jiang An'an, and wasn't home.
Fortunately, she had given Jiang Tao a spare key earlier, so he could let himself in.
He found an unobtrusive curb downstairs to park the car.
Opening the trunk, Jiang Tao pulled out a large suitcase over a meter tall.
"So heavy. Did you stuff a person in here or what?"
Jiang Tao hadn't been hauling goods for over a month, and his stamina was noticeably weaker than before.
In the past, he could carry a suitcase like this in each hand with ease, but now even one felt strenuous.
"Tch, heavy? It's clearly you who's gotten weak. By the way, has Sister-in-Law been giving you any 'supplements' lately? How's the effect?"
Jiang Bing teased her second brother with a playful grin, slinging a backpack from the trunk over her shoulder.
Jiang Tao closed the trunk and quipped back with a smirk, "The effect's pretty good. Maybe I'll have your sister-in-law give you some 'supplements' too."
"No need for that~ You keep them for yourself!"
Jiang Bing put on a smug little expression, refusing to admit she might be "weak" too.
"Let's go, head upstairs first."
Jiang Tao didn't bother arguing with his younger sister about who was weaker.
After calling her over, he dragged the suitcase toward Building 26.
"Second Bro, are you really giving me this Submariner?"
Along the way, Jiang Bing gleefully admired the green Submariner watch on her wrist for the hundredth time, loving it more with every glance!
Even though the market for luxury watches had taken a hit recently, with prices dropping significantly, a green Submariner still cost tens of thousands.
Jiang Bing would never splurge on such an expensive watch herself.
But since someone was giving it to her for free, why not take it?
"Of course. Tell me, doesn't your big brother spoil you?"
Jiang Tao flashed a sly, merchant-like smile.
He understood the principle of feeding the horse well before making it run.
The blueberry potted plant project would keep Jiang Bing busy for the next few days, so giving her a little sweetener upfront made sense.
Seeing that "scheming" look on her brother's face, Jiang Bing grew suspicious.
Could Second Bro have bought a high-quality knockoff from Pinduoduo to fool her?
But judging by the watch's material and exquisite craftsmanship, it was definitely not a fake.
The two chatted as they entered the building's hallway.
*Ding~*
As they spoke, the elevator doors opened.
"Let's go upstairs. I've got bedding and toiletries ready for you. Let me know if you're missing anything," Jiang Tao said.
His earlier efforts to get close to Jiang Yi under the guise of preparation were now being used as leverage to impress his younger sister.
"Are you sure it wasn't Sister-in-Law who prepared all this? By the way, where are she and Little Xue? Why's it just you?"
Jiang Bing asked as she stepped into the elevator.
"They went to a friend's place to hang out. No one else knows you're coming today. We'll give them a surprise tonight," Jiang Tao said, pressing the button for the 12th floor and closing the elevator doors.
As the elevator ascended, Jiang Bing couldn't help but ask, "Second Bro, what does our company do? How many people are there?"
"Food processing. Right now, it's just Mom, Dad, one assistant, you, and me."
"What? Just… just two people? So, you're saying the two of us, one main manager and one deputy, are managing a single employee?"
Jiang Bing instantly felt like she'd been tricked onto a sinking ship!
"Hahaha… what do you mean managing one employee?"
Jiang Tao burst out laughing at her comment.
Jiang Bing rolled her eyes. "The whole company is just our family plus one assistant!"
"It's temporary, temporary. Once the company grows, we'll definitely hire more people."
*Ding~*
As they spoke, the elevator doors opened, and the siblings stepped out.
Jiang Bing said exasperatedly, "You'd better not be scamming me. I can leave anytime!"
"Why would I scam you? Am I that unreliable?"
"Oh, and before you start at the company, there's an even more important task for you."
They reached the door of Apartment 1203 as they talked.
Jiang Tao pulled out the key Jiang Yi had given him, unlocked the door, and entered.
"What important task?"
Jiang Bing's curiosity was piqued by her brother's words.
"Making money with me. Same old deal: you get 20%, I get 80%."
"You're the best, Second Bro! My dear Second Bro!"
Hearing that her brother was going to help her make money, Jiang Bing excitedly grabbed his arm, her eyes narrowing into crescent moons.
She'd made hundreds of thousands following Jiang Tao recently and had tasted the sweet rewards.
This time, it was probably another deal to sell some kind of goods, right?
As they spoke, they walked to the living room and sat side by side on the sofa.
Jiang Bing eagerly asked, "Second Bro, what are we selling this time?"
"Potted blueberries. I've noticed lately that there's a lot of buzz about potted blueberries on Kuaishou and Xiaohongshu."
"I predict there'll be a trending topic about them soon, and we can cash in on it."
"Potted blueberries?"
Jiang Bing was stunned. She'd racked her brain but never expected this product.
"Yep. I've sent you the photos, product data, and price list. Get the products listed in the next couple of days."
Jiang Tao pulled out his phone and forwarded the data Liu Yuan had sent him to Jiang Bing.
"I've already bought the blueberry plants. They're in a greenhouse in Cui Village. I'll also find you some temporary workers from nearby villages."
"For the next few days, your top priority is to help me sell those potted blueberries."
"Once you're done with that, the company's paperwork should be finalized."
"Then you can start your role at the company."
With a few sentences, Jiang Tao dumped the entire blueberry sales project onto his sister.
"Got it! No problem, I'll get it done!"
Far from complaining about the heavy responsibility, Jiang Bing was thrilled and full of enthusiasm!
After discussing work, Jiang Bing got up to look around the apartment.
"It's so clean, and there are so many flowers on the balcony. My roommate must be someone who really loves life!"
Stepping into the bedroom and seeing its layout and cleanliness, Jiang Bing's impression of her yet-to-be-met roommate soared.
Jiang Tao teased with a grin, "Once you move in, keep up with your personal hygiene. Don't turn this place into a pigsty."
"Stinky Second Bro! Am I that messy? I'm diligent and love cleanliness, okay?"
After touring the place, Jiang Bing shot her brother a glare, plopped onto the sofa, and sprawled out in a classic Beijing slouch.
"So comfy. Sitting on a sofa is the best. My butt's numb from sitting in the car all afternoon."
In front of Jiang Tao, Jiang Bing didn't bother with any pretense, just doing whatever felt comfortable.
Jiang Tao was long used to his sister's carefree attitude and smiled.
"Your roommate is a teacher from my university days, now Little Xue's teacher."
"She's also surnamed Jiang—Jiang Yi."
"Jiang Yi has a great temperament and is easy to get along with."
"You two should hit it off and become friends quickly."
"The place I'm renting now is a bit small, and it's inconvenient with more people. You'll have to make do here for a while."
"Once your brother makes it big and buys a bigger house, you'll definitely get your own room."
"Alright, alright, I get it. Am I that petty?"
Jiang Bing, half-sprawled on the sofa, didn't even open her eyes, waving her hand dismissively to show she didn't mind.
The three-bedroom, two-bath apartment Jiang Tao was renting was already cramped with a family of five, and things like washing up were inconvenient.
Adding Jiang Bing would make it lively but even more cramped.
Luckily, the two communities weren't too far apart—just a 20-minute drive, which was convenient.
Jiang Bing genuinely didn't mind. Besides, she preferred living alone to avoid their parents' constant nagging.
After resting in the apartment for a bit, Jiang Bing went to the master bedroom to make the bed, and the siblings headed downstairs together.
5:30 PM.
Jiang Tao drove Jiang Bing to Baigezhuang New Village.
"Third Child, what are you doing here!"
As soon as their mom, Tian Xiaomei, opened the door and saw her youngest daughter, she was both shocked and delighted.
"What, you don't want me here? I missed you, so I came to see you. Is that okay?"
Jiang Bing grinned, stepping forward to hug her mom's waist.
"Oh my, look at this! Ms. Tian, you're eating well in the capital. I can't even wrap my arms around your waist!"
"Heh, you're eating pretty well yourself. Look at that double chin."
Her mom pinched Jiang Bing's double chin, and the two traded playful jabs.
After some laughter, the family sat together on the living room sofa.
Jiang Tao explained to their parents his plan to have Jiang Bing join the company to manage finances.
Their parents, of course, were fully supportive.
For such an important role as finances, it was naturally best to entrust it to family.
Though Jiang Bing had a carefree personality, she was reliable when it came to work.
Around 6:00 PM, Xu Li and Jiang Xue returned with Wangcai.
"Little Bing! How'd you get here! Why didn't you call me beforehand? I would've come back earlier if I knew!"
Xu Li was thrilled to see her sister-in-law, grabbing her hand excitedly.
The sisters-in-law had always been as close as real sisters, and Xu Li was genuinely happy to reunite with Jiang Bing in the capital.
Jiang Bing grinned, "I wanted to surprise you! Surprised? Shocked?"
Xu Li laughed, "Very surprised, very shocked! We weren't prepared at all. Tell your brother to take us out to a restaurant tonight."
"Oh, and we haven't prepared bedding for you yet. Let's stop by the supermarket later to get some."
Hearing her sister-in-law, Jiang Bing looked at her brother in confusion.
Jiang Tao had said he'd prepared the apartment and toiletries, and she hadn't quite believed him.
But now, hearing Xu Li, it seemed true!
Jiang Tao smiled and explained, "I wasn't busy this afternoon, so I rented a place for Third Child and bought bedding and stuff."
"All bought? Oh, perfect then."
Xu Li nodded with a smile, not thinking much of it.
"Daddy, Daddy, look at this!"
Before Xu Li finished speaking, Jiang Xue ran up to Jiang Tao, holding out her palm.
"Huh? Where'd this come from?"
Jiang Tao picked up a shiny golden bean from Jiang Xue's delicate hand.
Having dealt with gold just today, he was no stranger to it.
This little bean looked like a gold bean!
Jiang Xue pointed to the little Bichon Frise wagging its tail by her leg and explained in her sweet, childish voice, "I was playing with Wangcai earlier and found it stuck in the toes of its right front paw."
"Second Bro, let me see. This looks like a gold bean!"
Jiang Bing took the bean from Jiang Tao, her face lighting up with excitement.
"A gold bean? Let me see."
Xu Li took the bean, pinched it, and confirmed it felt like real gold.
Their parents passed it around, and everyone agreed it was a gold bean.
The bean was light, probably only 3 to 5 grams.
But at current market prices for gold, even 3 grams was worth nearly 3,000 yuan!
"Wangcai, Wangcai, true to its name—it really brings wealth! Just a walk outside, and it brings back a gold bean!"
"Honey, your naming skills are top-notch~"
Xu Li grinned at Jiang Tao, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Dinner's on Wangcai tonight, and let's add a chicken leg for it!"
Jiang Tao crouched down, picked Wangcai up from the floor, and hugged it. Others only knew its name was Wangcai.
But only Jiang Tao knew Wangcai truly had a [Wealth-Bringer] attribute!
On its first day, it brought back a gold bean.
The [Wealth-Bringer] attribute was already shining through!
"Honey, do you think this gold bean might belong to Nannan?"
Xu Li frowned slightly, considering a possibility.
If it was Du Ennan's, she'd feel bad keeping it.
"Then call her and ask. If it's hers, we'll return it another day."
Jiang Tao shrugged nonchalantly.
A single gold bean wasn't enough to spark his greed.
He'd acquired 4,000 grams of gold today—equivalent to over 1,000 gold beans. One more or less didn't matter.
Xu Li pulled out her phone from the LV bag Jiang Tao had bought her and called Du Ennan to ask.
Du Ennan was amazed to hear the Bichon brought back a gold bean but said it wasn't hers.
Her family didn't have anything like gold beans.
The Bichon had been to several places with Xu Li and Jiang Xue today, so it could've picked it up anywhere.
"In just one day, Wangcai's nearly earned its own ransom. So lucky."
Hanging up, Xu Li looked at Wangcai with newfound affection.
Their parents and Jiang Bing marveled, finding the situation quite novel.
After chatting at home for a while, around 7:00 PM, the group headed downstairs.
They booked a private room at a nearby Jinshao Restaurant and ordered ten dishes.
When the big plate of chicken arrived, Jiang Tao picked out a few pieces to toss to Wangcai as a reward.
Dinner lasted from around 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Satisfied, they returned to Jiang Tao's rented community, chatting until around 10:00 PM.
Jiang Tao and Xu Li drove Jiang Bing back to Building 26 in Longzeyuan.
It was late, so they didn't go upstairs, heading straight back to Baigezhuang.
"Honey, today…"
On the way, Xu Li chattered happily about the fun things that happened while she and Jiang Xue were at Du Ennan's place, her face glowing with joy.
Having just arrived in the capital and already making a good friend, Jiang Tao was happy for her.
They got home past 11:00 PM. Everyone was tired, so after taking turns washing up, they went to their rooms to rest.
After Xu Li "paid her dues," she fell asleep. Jiang Tao, as usual, waited until midnight for the intelligence refresh.
**[Today's Intelligence 01]:**
You had contact with Liu Yue from Lianjia Real Estate yesterday, gaining related intelligence—
Liu Yue is currently at XX Hotel, messing around with Manager Song and colleague Gao. A police sweep for illicit activities will occur in 21 minutes.
A timely reminder could earn you gratitude from Liu Yue and Song.
…
"…"
Seeing the first piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's eyes widened.
City folks sure know how to have fun!
At the same time, he recalled Liu Yue inviting him to see the bedroom in the villa yesterday.
This woman was bold and played wild.
"Whatever, let people face their own fates!"
Jiang Tao and Liu Yue were just acquaintances. He couldn't be bothered to care if she got caught in a sweep.
With a thought, he moved on to the next piece of intelligence.
**[Today's Intelligence 02]:**
You had contact with He Jing yesterday, gaining related intelligence—
He Jing's landlord installed hidden recording equipment in her rented bedroom yesterday.
A timely reminder could prevent He Jing's privacy from being exposed.
…
"Damn, these creepy old landlords…"
Seeing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao was speechless.
He'd seen this kind of thing in the news, but now it was happening close to him!
Though he hadn't known He Jing long, their few interactions had been pleasant, and they got along well.
Beyond being from the same hometown, they were also good friends.
Learning she was being spied on by her landlord, he couldn't just stand by.
"Good thing He Jing's staying at her cousin's tonight, or that creepy landlord would've gotten an eyeful!"
"How should I warn her tomorrow? Calling her directly would be too abrupt…"
As he pondered how to alert He Jing, Jiang Tao moved on to the next piece of intelligence.
**[Today's Intelligence 03]:**
You purchased potted blueberries from Xinlei Nong Agriculture Co., Ltd. yesterday, gaining related intelligence—
Among the 100,000 potted blueberries you bought, 4 have undergone genetic mutations, and their fruits will ripen into a rare rainbow color.
The Agricultural Academy is willing to buy them for 200,000 yuan each for research purposes!
…
"4 mutated blueberry plants? 200,000 yuan each?"
Seeing the third piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's grin stretched ear to ear.
He'd just spent 800,000 yuan buying 100,000 potted blueberries from Xu Xinlei.
Tomorrow, if he found those 4 mutated plants, he'd break even!
It was like getting 100,000 potted blueberries for free!
Thanks to the system's heads-up, or those 4 mutated plants would've ended up benefiting someone else!
"Tomorrow's first task is to go to the greenhouse and find those 4 mutated blueberry plants!"
"Hope they're not too hard to find!"
"Time to sleep!"
After reviewing the three pieces of intelligence, Jiang Tao closed the system interface with a thought, hugged Xu Li's slender waist from behind, and went to sleep.
**[Would you like to spend 66 yuan to activate Deep Sleep Mode for yourself?]**
"Yes!"
Jiang Tao didn't hesitate, immediately activating [Deep Sleep Mode].
Through recent experiments, he'd found that [Deep Sleep Mode] made him sleep more soundly.
The next morning, he woke up feeling more energized, with no side effects.
The only downside was the 66-yuan cost each time!
"Zzz…"
Less than a minute after activating [Deep Sleep Mode], Jiang Tao was snoring soundly.
The next morning at 8:00 AM.
Jiang Tao opened his eyes to find Xu Li already gone from his side.
"So refreshing!"
Over seven hours of high-quality sleep, straight through to morning.
Sitting up in bed, Jiang Tao stretched, feeling full of energy!
The [Deep Sleep Mode] from the system was something he could develop into a money-maker!
Early in the morning, Jiang Tao's mind was sharp.
He thought if he used [Deep Sleep Mode] to open a B&B specifically for insomniacs, it'd be a hit!
"After the company's up and running, I can look into developing this."
Putting the B&B idea aside for now, Jiang Tao thought of the intelligence about He Jing from last night.
Calling or messaging her directly to say her landlord installed a camera in her room would be too awkward.
How would he explain knowing? It'd be hard to justify.
*Ring ring ring—*
As he pondered how to warn He Jing, his phone on the nightstand rang.
Picking it up, he saw it was a 170-number marked as a virtual spam call.
"Virtual call…"
Seeing the virtual call, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up with an idea!
A virtual call was a number without a physical SIM card, activated without an ID.
There were dozens of operators offering virtual numbers online.
Jiang Tao, using a China Unicom number, downloaded the "Unicom Sub-Number" app.
He spent 48 yuan for a yearly plan and quickly set up a virtual number.
Switching his phone to the virtual number in the app, he sent He Jing a message revealing the intelligence from last night.
Whether she believed it or not was out of his hands.
That was all he could do for her.
"Honey, get dressed and come eat."
Just as Jiang Tao sent the message, the bedroom door creaked open, and Xu Li, wearing an apron, called him with a smile.
"Alright, coming."
Jiang Tao nodded with a smile, grabbing the clothes Xu Li had left on the nightstand and putting them on.
After dressing, he opened the safe and collected the 10,000 yuan produced by the [Wealth-Beckoning Toad] yesterday.
*Buzz~*
His phone vibrated with a notification of a 10,000-yuan deposit.
Jiang Tao deleted the message after checking. This money went into his private stash.
Waking up to 10,000 yuan in his account felt amazing!
After collecting the money, Jiang Tao left the bedroom.
His dad was already at the dining table.
His mom and Xu Li were bringing plates and bowls to the table.
Wangcai wagged its little tail, trotting in and out with them, looking lively and adorable.