Around 7 p.m.
A lavish dinner was served on the table.
A steamed sea bass, a plate of braised prawns.
Plus a large, appetizing platter of spicy big plate chicken and a dish of garlic broccoli.
The soups were vermicelli spinach meatball soup and tomato egg soup.
With three people in the house who could cook, it was hard not to gain weight.
Jiang Tao's weight had skyrocketed from 145 pounds before the New Year to 165 pounds now, a full 20-pound increase!
His once lanky frame was now somewhat chubby—it was time to step up his exercise!
The [Fitness Treadmill] he bought from He Jing was truly a necessity for him.
"Dad, Mom, Sister-in-law, your cooking skills are so good, it's a waste you're not running a restaurant!"
"Some day, let my second brother invest in opening a restaurant for you guys, and I'll be there every day!"
Jiang Bing, munching heartily on the chicken from the big plate, grinned and gave the three a thumbs-up in praise.
It was as if the earlier spat with Jiang Tao had never happened.
"Dad's big plate chicken has leveled up again. I think you could really open a shop."
Jiang Tao also picked up a piece of chicken. It was tender, juicy, fragrant, and never got old no matter how many times he ate it.
"Heh, if it's delicious, eat more."
Jiang Wen chuckled happily at the siblings' compliments.
Honestly, he was quite confident in his signature dish.
When he was younger, he had thought about opening a restaurant, but raising three kids left him with no capital.
Plus, he had no ability to take risks, fearing losses and massive debts.
So, he could only do labor-intensive jobs that required little investment to support the family.
Now, with his son arranging the pickled eight-treasure vegetable business, the idea of opening a restaurant had faded even further.
This time, he stayed in Beijing to be his son's "brick"—going wherever he was needed.
"Mom's prawns are so delicious~ Mom, eat some shrimp."
Jiang Xue said, placing the first peeled prawn into Xu Li's bowl.
The little one could be very naughty at times, but her care for others was always touching.
"Truly my good girl."
Xu Li didn't refuse Jiang Xue's gesture, patting her little head and popping the shrimp into her mouth.
It was the best shrimp she'd ever tasted.
Three generations under one roof, enjoying family bliss, the atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and joyful.
After dinner, Xu Li and Mom went to the kitchen to wash dishes.
Jiang Bing and Jiang Xue, the aunt and niece duo, returned to Jiang Xue's room to play house with a bunch of dolls.
Jiang Tao and his dad stepped onto the balcony, cracked open a window, and each lit a post-dinner cigarette.
While smoking, they chatted about the progress at the factory.
Jiang Tao had been busy with the blueberry bonsai these past few days and hadn't been to the factory.
But his dad would report everything, big or small, that happened there.
The Jiang Family Eight-Treasure Pickles hadn't officially gone on sale yet; they were still stocking up.
They'd already accumulated over 1,500 pounds.
The factory's processing area would be ready in three or four days.
The renovation of the market stall would take about another week.
Jiang Tao was full of confidence and in no rush to cash in on the product.
He told his dad not to worry and to focus on stockpiling.
With the taste of the Jiang Family Eight-Treasure Pickles, there was no doubt they'd sell well.
After washing up, Mom and Xu Li went downstairs to visit Old Sun in the neighborhood.
"Honey, should I call Teacher Jiang now and ask her?"
Xu Li, wiping her hands, came out of the kitchen and sat next to Jiang Tao.
Jiang Tao nodded in agreement:
"Go ahead. The sooner, the better. We've been relaxing for half a month since the New Year; it's time to get serious."
"What about the salary? How much should we offer?"
Xu Li looked to Jiang Tao for his opinion.
Having just arrived in Beijing this year, she had no idea about tutoring rates here.
"Why don't you ask Li Ziyue's mom?"
Jiang Tao shrugged; he was equally clueless about these things.
"Alright, I'll ask Ziyue's mom first."
Xu Li said, leaning over to grab her phone from the coffee table and dialing Li Jiali's number.
"Hello, Ziyue's mom…"
"I wanted to ask you about tutoring…"
"Oh, okay, got it, thanks."
"Thanks for the help, Ziyue's mom. Bye."
After hanging up with Li Jiali, Xu Li couldn't help but marvel:
"Rich people really spare no expense on their kids' education!"
"What's that about?"
Jiang Tao had been scrolling through his social media and hadn't paid attention to Xu Li and Li Jiali's conversation.
"Ziyue's mom said their tutor is a grad student in preschool education at Tsinghua, two hours a day for 2,000 yuan."
"…"
Jiang Tao was equally shocked by the price.
A tutor with an hourly rate of 1,000 yuan.
That's 60,000 yuan a month just for tutoring!
Li Ziyue's parents sure were willing to spend!
"Honey, how much should we offer Teacher Jiang?"
Xu Li looked at Jiang Tao, now at a loss.
Hearing that her daughter's classmate had a tutor with a 1,000-yuan hourly rate after school, Xu Li wasn't intimidated by the price—instead, it made her feel more urgency!
Jiang Tao said, "Around 20,000 a month is acceptable. The kind of rate Li Ziyue's family pays is a bit excessive."
"True… and I think 20,000 isn't low either."
Xu Li clicked her tongue, feeling the intensity of the rat race in the big city for the first time!
But since they chose to send their daughter to an elite school like Aidi, this expense couldn't be avoided.
After a brief discussion, Xu Li dialed Jiang Yi's number, and the call was quickly answered.
After some polite small talk, Xu Li got to the point, asking if Jiang Yi could tutor Jiang Xue.
Jiang Yi happened to be looking for a part-time tutoring gig, so they hit it off immediately.
The salary negotiation went smoothly too—Jiang Yi's rate was only 300 yuan per hour.
Two classes a day, 600 yuan.
This was a price Jiang Tao and Xu Li could afford, and it felt fair.
Both sides were very satisfied, and the tutoring arrangement was settled over the phone.
They'd discuss the contract details in person tomorrow.
"Mom! Why does it sound like Teacher Jiang's voice?"
As Xu Li was wrapping up the tutoring conversation with Jiang Yi and about to hang up, Jiang Xue came out of her room holding a cactus-shaped doll, asking with a surprised look.
"Has Xiao Xue eaten dinner?"
Hearing Jiang Xue's voice, Jiang Yi greeted her warmly over the phone.
"Teacher Jiang! It's really Teacher Jiang!"
"Mom, can I video chat with Teacher Jiang for a bit? Just a little while, please."
Hearing Jiang Yi's voice, Jiang Xue ran to Xu Li's side with her little legs, holding up one finger in a pleading gesture.
"Is Teacher Jiang busy?"
Xu Li asked Jiang Yi over the phone, feeling a bit embarrassed to disturb her.
"No worries, Xiao Xue's mom, I'm not busy. I'll chat with Xiao Xue for a bit."
"Alright, thank you, Teacher Jiang. Xiao Xue, don't bother Teacher Jiang for too long, okay?"
With Jiang Yi's consent, Xu Li handed the phone to Jiang Xue.
"Thank you, Mom~ It won't be too long~"
Jiang Xue took the phone and scurried back to her bedroom, switching the call to a video chat after hanging up.
"Xiao Xue really loves her Teacher Jiang."
Seeing how much her daughter liked Jiang Yi, Xu Li, as a mother, suddenly felt a pang of jealousy.
Jiang Tao laughed, "Teacher Jiang takes good care of her. Having such a great teacher in life is a blessing for her."
"Yeah, my teachers when I was a kid either hit or scolded us."
"All my classmates were terrified of her, always on edge during class, afraid of getting beaten."
Xu Li recalled her own childhood experiences, determined not to let her daughter go through the same.
Just as they finished discussing the tutoring, Jiang Bing was "kicked out" of the room by Jiang Xue.
The aunt and sister-in-law hit it off and went downstairs to the community square to watch people square dance.
The once lively house was now left with just Jiang Tao and Jiang Xue, who was video chatting with Jiang Yi in her room.
"Let's test this treadmill's effects!"
With nothing else to do, Jiang Tao's gaze fell on the [Fitness Treadmill] on the balcony.
With such impressive attributes, the treadmill had to be put to good use, not left as a decoration or clothes rack like He Jing did.
It had been over half an hour since dinner, and his stomach had mostly digested the food, so it was time to exercise.
Jiang Tao changed into his usual running shoes at the door, turned on the treadmill, and started adjusting the speed.
*Whirr, whirr, whirr—*
*Whirr, whirr, whirr—*
The treadmill belt started moving, and Jiang Tao stepped on at the right moment, transitioning from a slow walk to a jog, then a fast run.
*Huff, huff, huff—*
Jiang Tao had overestimated his stamina.
He thought he could easily run for five or six minutes straight.
But in reality, after less than three minutes, he was panting heavily, feeling like he could barely breathe!
"Damn, running is exhausting. Are marathon runners monsters or what?"
Thinking of those marathon gods who ran for hours straight, he felt like he wasn't even a weakling in comparison!
When he couldn't run anymore, he walked for a bit, then ran again when he regained some strength, repeating the cycle.
After struggling through an hour, Jiang Tao was drenched in sweat, his legs aching.
It felt like he'd lost half his life on that treadmill!
[*Ding! Congratulations on completing 1 hour of running. You've earned 1 point in Constitution!*]
*Whoosh!*
A blue virtual panel appeared in the air before Jiang Tao, displaying a notification.
*Huff~*
The moment he saw the notification, the last bit of energy Jiang Tao had been holding onto dissipated.
His hard work paid off—he'd completed it and even got a Constitution reward!
Not wanting to run a second longer, Jiang Tao immediately turned off the treadmill and collapsed onto the nearby sofa, panting heavily.
At the same time, he focused on the tingling, warm sensation spreading through his body.
It felt more comfortable than soaking in a hot spring or a sauna.
It was as if his body had become dozens of pounds lighter, almost like floating.
[*Your Constitution has increased by 1 point. Your current Constitution is 50 points (Weak).*]
Seeing the notification flash across his vision, Jiang Tao felt the struggle was worth it.
He got up from the sofa, stretched, and tried to feel the difference from the 1-point increase in Constitution.
It didn't seem like much had changed noticeably.
"I wonder what it'll feel like at 100 Constitution points?"
"What's the Constitution of those fitness buffs?"
As Jiang Tao's thoughts wandered, the door opened, and Xu Li and Jiang Bing returned.
"Whoa! Second Bro, you actually ran? Are you starting to get disciplined?"
Jiang Bing was surprised to see her brother dripping with sweat.
She thought his talk about running at home was just an excuse to stay in and scroll on his phone.
Jiang Tao grinned, "Of course, running keeps you healthy. You two should hop on and run sometime."
"No way I'm doing that—it's just asking for suffering! I'm not fat, I don't need it."
Jiang Bing said, walking to the fridge, grabbing a can of cola, popping it open with a *pssh*, and chugging a few gulps.
Jiang Tao said with mock disdain, "Five foot three, over 120 pounds, and you have the nerve to say you're not fat?"
"Hey, hey, hey, who's five foot three? I'm five foot five, okay!"
"And which eye of yours saw me at 120? I weighed myself last night—I'm 119, alright!"
Jiang Bing, holding her cola, protested vehemently.
"I don't believe you. Step on the scale. I'll get a ruler to measure you."
"I just ate dinner and drank a cola; the weight won't be accurate. And don't you know people get shorter at night? Measuring won't be accurate either!"
"Alright, Xiao Bing, your brother's just teasing. You're not fat at all; your figure's perfect."
Seeing the siblings about to bicker again, Xu Li quickly played peacemaker, shooting Jiang Tao a look.
Jiang Tao was just habitually teasing his little sister. Of course, he genuinely wanted the whole family to run and enjoy the benefits of increased Constitution.
But judging by Jiang Bing's attitude, she wouldn't be hooked on running anytime soon.
As they chatted, the door opened again, and Mom and Dad returned from downstairs.
"What's wrong, Mom and Dad? You both look a bit upset."
Xu Li noticed the worried expressions on her in-laws' faces and asked with concern.
Hearing Xu Li's words, Jiang Tao looked at his parents and noticed their expressions were indeed different from usual.
"Could it be Old Sun…?"
Jiang Tao's heart sank, recalling the intelligence he saw during the Spring Festival about Old Sun.
The intelligence indicated that Old Sun had late-stage liver cancer and only 38 days left to live.
Nearly a month had passed since that intelligence.
It seemed the Grim Reaper was coming for Old Sun.
"Your Uncle Sun… has been diagnosed with liver cancer."
Jiang Wen said, letting out a heavy sigh, his face showing grief.
"What! Liver cancer!"
"How could this…"
Xu Li and Jiang Bing exclaimed in shock, their faces full of disbelief.
"How could this happen? Uncle Sun is such a good person…"
Xu Li, kind-hearted and emotional, broke into tears instantly.
"Alas, who'd have thought."
Mom's eyes also welled up, filled with sympathy for Old Sun.
Jiang Wen looked at Jiang Tao and said:
"Xiao Tao, you and your master have a bond. If you have time these next few days, visit him more."
"You're right, I've been negligent. Mom, Dad, keep an eye on Xiao Xue; she's on the phone in her room. Lily and I will go see my master."
"I'll go with you."
Without bothering to change out of his sweat-soaked clothes, Jiang Tao slipped on shoes, threw on a down jacket, and headed downstairs with Xu Li.
Old Sun lived in Building 79, a bit far from their Building 28, about a ten-minute walk.
Anxious, Jiang Tao and Xu Li drove, arriving at Building 79 in under three minutes.
They got out, entered the building, and turned right to reach Apartment 101.
*Knock, knock, knock—*
"Master, it's me, Jiang Tao. Lily and I are here to see you."
Jiang Tao knocked while calling out.
After about three minutes, the door creaked open.
Sun Xiaobao, dressed in light gray thermal underwear, appeared at the door.
"Big disciple, Lily, it's so late, what brings you two here? I was already in bed, and you knocked me up."
"Come in, come in, sit down."
Though his rest was interrupted, Sun Xiaobao showed no displeasure, his tanned face breaking into a warm smile as he invited them inside.
When Jiang Tao invited Sun Xiaobao to their home for the New Year, he had given him the title of "master."
Their "unofficial" master-disciple relationship had continued since then.
Jiang Tao and Xu Li entered and sat on a worn-out sofa in the living room that Sun Xiaobao had scavenged from somewhere.
"I'll grab you some fruit. Your parents keep bringing me stuff; I can't eat it all."
After seating them, Sun Xiaobao turned to get fruit, but Jiang Tao stopped him.
"Master, don't bother. Lily and I don't need fruit."
"If you don't eat, and I don't eat, won't it go to waste?"
Ignoring Jiang Tao, Sun Xiaobao grabbed several bags of fruit from a nearby shelf and placed them in front of them.
There were bananas, tangerines, pomelos, apples, and cantaloupes—a decent variety.
"Take whatever you like."
Sun Xiaobao grinned, then sat on a computer chair with a backrest across from them.
"Master, my parents just told me… I think we should get another thorough check-up at the hospital. What if it's a misdiagnosis?"
Jiang Tao looked at Sun Xiaobao, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
With the intelligence from the system, he knew a misdiagnosis was highly unlikely, but he couldn't accept the reality.
"Hah, I knew your dad, that loudmouth, couldn't keep anything secret and would tell you and Lily."
"It's not that I meant to hide it from you. I just thought you're all so busy; no need to waste time on a dying man like me."
Sun Xiaobao smiled, his face showing complete acceptance.
He'd known about his condition for over a month and had been mentally preparing himself.
Now, when talking about "death," he could smile lightly and face it calmly.
"Master Sun, let's get another check-up, just in case…"
Xu Li couldn't finish her sentence before bursting into tears, covering her mouth and sobbing.
"My illness was actually diagnosed before the New Year."
"At first, I didn't believe it either, thought the doctors were scamming an old man like me."
"But I went to several hospitals, got checked multiple times—it's confirmed."
"Lily, you're a good girl and a great wife."
"Jiang Tao, marrying a wife like Lily is your blessing. You two take care of each other."
As a man nearing death speaks kindly, Sun Xiaobao looked at Jiang Tao meaningfully, giving him a final reminder.
He always felt his "fake disciple" had an extraordinary aura and would surely achieve great things in the future.
When that time came, there'd be no shortage of romantic prospects, but he shouldn't lose sight of what matters and trade a diamond for a pebble.
"Oh, disciple, are you free tomorrow afternoon?"
Sun Xiaobao suddenly changed the topic, saying:
"If you're free, bring Lily and your parents to my place tomorrow afternoon."
"I'm free."
Jiang Tao nodded, already guessing why Old Sun wanted him, Xu Li, and his parents to come.
According to the earlier intelligence, Old Sun owned 530 square meters of property and over 2 million yuan in savings.
If he wasn't mistaken, this was likely about his inheritance.
But Jiang Tao's mood was heavy, not excited in the least.
In fact…
If possible, he'd rather not have this inheritance if it meant Old Sun could be healthy.
But…
These things were beyond his control.
What had happened couldn't be changed by his will.
Everything seemed fated.
*Hiss…*
A sharp pain hit, and Sun Xiaobao grimaced but tried to act nonchalant.
Seeing Old Sun's pained expression, Jiang Tao and Xu Li felt a pang in their hearts.
"Master, isn't that a pain relief stick on you? Use it when it hurts; don't skimp."
Jiang Tao noticed a stick-like object in the sleeve of Sun Xiaobao's thermal shirt, recognizing it as a pain relief stick.
He'd used one after his ligament surgery last year.
"No big deal, this little pain is nothing. Your master's got nothing else but tough bones."
Old Sun waved it off with a smile, his gaunt face showing indifference.
Jiang Tao and Xu Li stayed and chatted with Old Sun for another half hour until he looked tired, then they said goodbye and left.
It was past 10 p.m., nearly 11, when they stepped out.
Under the dim neighborhood lights, only a few stray cats were still yowling and chasing each other.
Affected by Old Sun's sudden illness, Xu Li's mood was heavy, and she sat silently in the passenger seat.
When they got home, Jiang Bing had already taken a cab back to her place.
Mom and Dad were sitting silently on the living room sofa, facing each other.
Though they hadn't known Old Sun for long, their time together had forged a deep friendship, making them the best of friends.
Now, learning their good friend had late-stage cancer and was facing imminent death, they were heartbroken.
"Mom, Dad, take a few days off from the factory. Spend more time with my master."
Jiang Tao sat across from them, giving them a short break.
Old Sun likely didn't have many days left.
In his final moments, having good friends to talk with would be a comfort.
Money could always be earned.
The eight-treasure pickles could be made anytime; a little more or less didn't matter.
Once a person was gone, nothing remained.
Mom and Dad exchanged a glance, nodded solemnly, and agreed.
After some more small talk, everyone took turns washing up and went to their rooms to rest.
Jiang Tao activated [Sleep Mode] for his parents, Xu Li, and Jiang Xue, and they soon fell into a deep sleep.
He alone lay awake, staring at the ceiling, quietly waiting for tomorrow.
As he waited for the intelligence update, Jiang Tao's mind replayed his encounters with Old Sun.
Their meeting was quite fateful.
Twice, Old Sun had been trapped under large rocks, and both times, Jiang Tao had saved him.
Without Jiang Tao—or rather, without the intelligence provided by the Daily Intelligence System—Old Sun would have already passed his "seventh seven" memorial.
From strangers to acquaintances, to Jiang Tao inviting him to their hometown, and Old Sun showing his parents around Beijing…
People who'd otherwise never cross paths became good friends.
Sometimes, fate was just that wondrous.
"Sigh, it's all fate…"
"I've got to train every day and keep running!"
Letting out a long sigh, Jiang Tao suddenly placed great importance on his health.
To live longer, besides a healthy routine, a strong physique was essential.
Soon, midnight arrived, and new intelligence refreshed.
[**Today's Intelligence 01**]:
You had contact with Sun Xiaobao yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
Sun Xiaobao, to save money, refuses to use the pain relief medication in his pain relief stick and is currently in severe pain.
[Sleep Mode] can effectively alleviate Sun Xiaobao's pain.
…
"Old Sun…"
"You're almost gone, why are you still so stingy!"
Seeing the first piece of intelligence that refreshed today, Jiang Tao clenched his fists and shot up from the bed.
The intelligence mentioned that [Sleep Mode] could effectively relieve Old Sun's pain.
Without hesitation, Jiang Tao slipped on his slippers, left the bedroom, threw a down jacket over his pajamas, grabbed his keys, and headed out the door.