Baigezhuang New Village, Building 89.
On the hardwood bed in the master bedroom of Apartment 101.
Sun Xiaobao's frail body was curled up under the blankets, sweat beading on his forehead from the pain.
The excruciating, bone-deep agony was relentlessly tormenting his willpower.
Yet, he gritted his teeth and endured, completely ignoring the pain pump attached to his body.
The pain pump he was using cost over 800 yuan each and typically lasted only 3 to 4 days.
This one was already used up, and Sun Xiaobao knew his days were numbered.
So he couldn't bear to replace it, unwilling to waste that money.
It wasn't that he valued money over his life; it was simply a habit of frugality honed over years.
The pain of losing his wife, his son, and his grandson—he had endured too much of the world's suffering and had grown accustomed to it.
This physical pain was, to him, just a matter of clenching his teeth. Once he got used to it, it didn't hurt as much.
800 yuan—how many delicious treats or fun toys could that buy for Xiao Jiang's kids?
Amid the pain, Sun Xiaobao's mind suddenly flashed with memories of spending time with Jiang Tao's family.
During the New Year, when he was alone in his cold, empty house, staring at his terminal illness notice in a daze,
Jiang Tao's phone call inviting him to visit his hometown felt like a warm spring breeze, dispelling the chill and loneliness in his heart.
When he received Jiang Tao's call, his first instinct was to decline, not wanting to trouble him.
But then he thought, as someone nearing the end of his life, why not experience a bit of human warmth before he goes?
So, he accepted Jiang Tao's invitation and was picked up by a private car arranged by Jiang Tao, heading to Jiangjiazhuang.
Jiang Tao's parents warmly welcomed him, preparing all sorts of local delicacies for him every day.
Jiang Wen took him around, showing him the sights, chatting and playing chess with the neighbor, Jiang Tianming.
He took him fishing and brought him to the nearby activity center to practice Tai Chi.
Though they hadn't known each other long, Sun Xiaobao was deeply moved by the sincerity of Jiang Tao's family, and they became the best of friends.
After spending half a month in Jiangjiazhuang, he invited Jiang Wen and Tian Xiaomei to Beijing.
As a native Beijinger who had lived in the city for over sixty years,
it was through this opportunity to act as a tour guide for his two friends that he finally explored Beijing himself for the first time.
In his sixty-plus years of life, he had endured hardship after hardship.
But this past month before his final days was the happiest, most joyful time of his life.
Even if he were to die tomorrow, he would have no regrets!
Thinking of those beautiful moments seemed to ease the pain a little, making it less intense than before.
Gradually, sleepiness overtook him, and Sun Xiaobao's furrowed brows slowly relaxed.
His breathing became slow and steady, and he finally fell asleep.
…
Outside Apartment 101, Building 79, in the community.
After using [Deep Sleep Mode] on Old Sun, Jiang Tao quietly left.
Activating [Deep Sleep Mode] didn't require being in the same room; it could be done within a certain range.
Spending 66 yuan to ease Old Sun's pain and let him sleep peacefully for a night was well worth it.
Under the dim streetlights, Jiang Tao's shadow stretched long. When he returned to his car, he didn't drive away immediately.
He cracked the window open, lit a cigarette, and continued refreshing the remaining two pieces of intelligence for the night.
**[Today's Intelligence 02]:**
You had contact with your father, Jiang Wen, yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
Jiang Wen and his wife, Tian Xiaomei, have always dreamed of owning their own restaurant.
But for the sake of your career, they buried this desire deep in their hearts.
…
"…"
Seeing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao took a deep drag on his cigarette, his expression complex.
He had never asked his parents what they wanted to do or what they desired.
He had simply assumed that being good to them—arranging easy jobs with high pay—was filial piety.
It turned out his mom and dad had their own dreams.
"A restaurant, huh…"
"Once Babao Pickles Company is up and running smoothly, I'll open a restaurant for you two to play with."
Jiang Tao gave a relieved smile and flicked some ash out the window.
For him, opening a restaurant for his parents wasn't a big deal.
With a thought, he continued refreshing the third piece of intelligence.
**[Today's Intelligence 03]:**
You shopped at Jingkelong Supermarket outside the community yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
Among the 6th-tier prizes in Jingkelong's lottery activity, there is a scratch-off ticket with a prize worth 400,000 yuan!
[Note 1]: There are 8 hours and 58 minutes left before this scratch-off ticket is claimed by someone else.
…
"A 400,000-yuan scratch-off ticket!"
Seeing the third piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up.
His fingers, holding the cigarette, couldn't help but tremble!
A scratch-off ticket with a prize of 400,000 yuan.
Even after paying the 20% windfall tax, he'd still take home 320,000 yuan!
This was undoubtedly another piece of extremely valuable intelligence!
And it was easy to act on and convert to cash.
He checked the time on his phone.
It was already 12:19 AM.
That meant the 400,000-yuan scratch-off ticket would be claimed by someone else around 9:17 AM tomorrow.
He had to complete the lottery before that time.
Jingkelong Supermarket opened at 8:30 AM, so time wasn't too tight.
"No sleeping in tomorrow morning. I need to get that scratch-off ticket early."
Flicking the cigarette butt out the window, Jiang Tao started the car and drove toward his building.
He got home around 12:40 AM.
His parents, wife, and kids were still sound asleep, unaware that he had left.
He took off his clothes, hung them on the rack by the door, and went to bed.
The next morning.
After breakfast, Jiang Tao gave his parents a break, telling them they didn't need to go to the company for the time being.
He used the excuse of going to the supermarket to buy cigarettes, then drove straight to Jingkelong Supermarket.
At 8 or 9 AM, the supermarket wasn't too crowded with shoppers.
There were no lines at the checkout counters.
The lottery area only had a few scattered customers, unlike the long lines from yesterday afternoon.
Jiang Tao grabbed a shopping cart at the entrance.
Aiming for efficiency, he went straight to the liquor section and picked up two cases of Wuliangye, spending over 4,000 yuan.
The total bill was over 4,500 yuan, earning him 23 lottery chances.
"Thank you, sir, for your strong support of Jingkelong Supermarket. You've earned 23 lottery chances."
The supermarket employee in charge of the lottery, Zhang Limei, was a junior manager.
Zhang Limei recognized Jiang Tao as the lucky customer who won an electric scooter yesterday.
Seeing a returning customer shopping again, her smile was exceptionally warm.
"Thank you. Can I draw now?"
Jiang Tao glanced at his phone. It was already 9:05 AM.
There were 12 minutes left before the high-value scratch-off ticket would be claimed.
Time was more than sufficient.
He just needed to draw a 6th-tier prize to get his hands on that ticket.
"Of course! You can draw now!"
Zhang Limei said with a smile, immediately bringing the lottery box to Jiang Tao.
Without wasting words, Jiang Tao reached into the box and pulled out a stack of tickets.
After counting out 23, he put the extras back.
Zhang Limei was stunned by Jiang Tao's bold and carefree lottery style.
With the tickets in hand, Jiang Tao started scratching them without delay.
This time, he wasn't aiming for big prizes like 1st or 2nd place.
He just wanted a 6th-tier prize!
The 1st prize was only a 5,000-yuan supermarket gift card.
But among the 6th-tier prizes was a scratch-off ticket worth 400,000 yuan!
Jiang Tao knew which was more valuable!
The 1st ticket was a 7th-tier prize: one bag of salt.
The 2nd ticket was another 7th-tier prize: another bag of salt.
The 3rd, 4th, 5th tickets…
Jiang Tao quickly scratched all 23 tickets.
One 1st-tier prize, one 2nd-tier prize, one 3rd-tier prize, three 4th-tier prizes, six 5th-tier prizes, and eleven 7th-tier prizes!
"This guy must have a blessed luck aura!"
"He's too lucky!"
"I've lived long enough to see this—a guy who wins so much!"
"His luck is absolutely unreal!"
Zhang Limei and the others witnessed Jiang Tao's lottery process and were utterly shocked.
If they weren't supermarket employees themselves, they'd suspect Jiang Tao was a shill hired by the store!
The other customers drawing tickets saw Jiang Tao's insane luck and wanted to go back, buy more, and draw again!
In just a short time, so many big prizes had been won—it seemed today's winning rate was high!
Some people just watched, but others took action, with a few who had just left the supermarket turning back to shop again!
"…"
Jiang Tao looked at the pile of tickets he'd scratched, not a single 6th-tier prize among them, and was momentarily speechless!
A ton of prizes he didn't want, but not the one he did— was this luck good or bad?
"Congratulations, sir! You're incredibly lucky today!"
"You're the third person to win our event's 1st-tier prize. Could we trouble you to take a photo with us for promotional purposes later?"
"Don't worry, if you don't want to show your face, we have cartoon masks prepared."
While Jiang Tao was dazed, Zhang Limei approached with enthusiasm, offering congratulations and requesting his cooperation.
Jiang Tao didn't immediately respond. He anxiously checked the time on his phone.
It was now 9:15 AM.
Only 2 minutes left before the 400,000-yuan scratch-off ticket would be claimed!
There was no time to go back, buy more, and draw again!
"I can cooperate with your promotion, but, miss…"
Jiang Tao had a sudden idea and looked at Zhang Limei, saying:
"Could I exchange a 5th-tier prize ticket for a 6th-tier prize?"
"I usually enjoy playing scratch-offs, and I feel like my luck is pretty good today."
Jiang Tao's reasoning was impeccable.
Having won so many big prizes early in the morning, everyone present could see his luck was on fire!
"Of course!"
Zhang Limei readily agreed.
Exchanging a lower-tier ticket for a higher-tier prize was definitely not allowed.
But swapping a higher-tier ticket for a lower-tier prize? You could swap as many as you wanted!
Jiang Tao's 5th-tier prize was a choice between a bag of flour worth 30 yuan or rice of equivalent value.
The 6th-tier prize was just a 10-yuan scratch-off ticket—you could swap as many as you liked.
"Young man! I'll trade with you! Can I trade with you?"
Suddenly, a chubby middle-aged woman carrying a canvas shopping bag stepped forward.
She held a freshly scratched 6th-tier prize ticket and squeezed next to Jiang Tao, eager to trade.
"Can we trade?"
Jiang Tao looked at Zhang Limei for confirmation.
Before Zhang Limei could respond, the woman said:
"Of course, we can! Absolutely! The supermarket doesn't have rules against customers trading tickets! Right, miss?"
"There's no rule against it."
Zhang Limei didn't want to argue with the woman over something so minor, so she turned a blind eye.
"Here you go, young man! Don't you want a 6th-tier prize? I wish you a big win!"
The woman eagerly handed her ticket to Jiang Tao, ready to trade for his 5th-tier prize.
"Here's to your good luck!"
With only a minute left, Jiang Tao didn't waste time. After trading tickets with the woman, he hurriedly strode to the prize redemption area.
The 6th-tier prize redemption area had a table with a dozen different types of 10-yuan scratch-off tickets.
Pressed for time, Jiang Tao handed the 6th-tier prize ticket he got from the woman to the staff and quickly began searching through the stack of scratch-offs.
Soon, he found a scratch-off ticket glimmering with a faint golden glow and grabbed it!
"Bro, I'll take one too."
The moment Jiang Tao tore off the winning scratch-off, a middle-aged man took the stack from his hands.
The man tore off a ticket from the same spot Jiang Tao had.
Seeing this, Jiang Tao's heart skipped a beat.
The time was exactly 9:17 AM.
If he hadn't intervened, that 400,000-yuan scratch-off ticket would likely have gone to this stranger!
"Hey, you're Master Zhao."
The more Jiang Tao looked at the man, the more familiar he seemed.
Suddenly, it hit him—this was Zhao Huhu, the small-time contractor who renovated their stall at the vegetable market!
"Boss Jiang! It's you! I thought you looked familiar but didn't dare confirm. It really is you!"
Zhao Huhu recognized Jiang Tao and greeted him with a hearty smile.
Jiang Tao smiled and asked, "How's the renovation progress at the stall?"
Zhao Huhu laughed cheerfully, "I estimate we'll finish around 3 PM today. You can come by to inspect it then."
"Alright, thanks for your hard work, Boss Zhao. Let's work together again if there's more to do."
"Sounds good! Wishing Boss Jiang booming business!"
While chatting with Jiang Tao, Zhao Huhu scratched the coating off his ticket with his fingernail. It was a dud, and he tossed it aside.
"Boss Jiang, I'm off to buy some stuff and get back to work."
"Alright, take care, Master Zhao."
To avoid causing a scene, Jiang Tao didn't scratch the ticket on the spot. Instead, he casually slipped the winning scratch-off into his pocket.
The supermarket's event rules were lenient, with no restrictions.
Customers who won 6th-tier scratch-off tickets could scratch them on the spot or take them home to scratch privately—it was up to them, and the supermarket wouldn't interfere.
Afterward, Jiang Tao, led by Zhang Limei, claimed his remaining prizes.
One 5,000-yuan supermarket gift card.
And an electric scooter worth about 3,000 yuan.
He had already won one yesterday, and an extra one wasn't useful at home.
Jiang Tao directly negotiated with Zhang Limei to cash it out at 80% value, getting 2,400 yuan in cash.
Then there were the 3rd-tier, 4th-tier, 5th-tier, and 7th-tier prizes.
Jiang Tao's cart, which initially held only two cases of liquor, was now overflowing with prizes—a true lottery jackpot!
His luck was undeniably extraordinary!
The value of [River Stone] continued to rise.
After redeeming his prizes, Jiang Tao pushed his cart out of the supermarket under the envious gazes of Zhang Limei, other staff, and a dozen onlookers.
Outside, it took three trips to load all the items from the cart into the trunk of his Mercedes GLS.
The once-empty trunk, big enough to fit a person, was now packed with the two cases of liquor he bought and the various prizes he won.
Jiang Tao decided not to go to the leased greenhouse today and gave himself a day off.
In the afternoon, he planned to visit Old Sun with Xu Li to see if he had any final wishes.
*Ding-a-ling-ling—*
Lost in thought, Jiang Tao had just sat in the car and hadn't fastened his seatbelt when his phone rang.
He pulled it out and saw the caller ID: "Old Three."
Jiang Tao swiped to answer.
"Hey, Second Bro, it's so late, and you haven't come to pick me up! I've got huge news!"
The moment the call connected, Jiang Bing's excited voice came through.
"What's the good news?"
Jiang Tao took out his cigarette pack, lit one, and listened with interest.
In truth, when he saw Old Three's call, he had already guessed something.
Based on the system's intelligence, the market for blueberry potted plants was about to take off.
Jiang Bing's excited voice continued, "Second Bro, check today's trending topics, and you'll see what's up!"
Jiang Tao laughed, "Not checking. Tell me, or I'm hanging up."
"Fine, fine, I'll tell you! Geez, you're impossible!"
"Our blueberry potted plants are trending!"
"And they've overtaken Wang Feng's new album announcement on Weibo last night, hitting number one on the trending list!"
"Second Bro, guess how many we sold last night?"
"You won't guess it, no way you'll guess it!"
On the other end, Jiang Bing's excitement grew.
Jiang Tao had once again accurately predicted the market for blueberry potted plants.
Jiang Bing was now completely convinced of his foresight and uncanny product selection skills!
She had been in e-commerce for years.
But compared to her second brother, who was new to the industry, she was a total rookie!
Was this the terrifying talent of an e-commerce newbie?
Was her second brother some kind of "god of online shopping" in his past life?
Jiang Tao teased, "You know I can't guess, so why ask me to guess?"
"Hehe, just adding some fun! Second Bro, find a place to sit tight."
"You're gonna be shocked when you hear the numbers!"
Jiang Tao, growing impatient, said, "Alright, alright, just announce it. No time for your nonsense."
"Nonsense? This is our business!"
"Spit it out, or I'm hanging up."
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you! From midnight last night until just before I called you, we sold 2,489 pots!"
"After deducting the store's promotional discounts, we made 54,758 yuan!"
"And sales are still climbing!"
"We might even hit 10,000 pots today!"
"Second Bro, you're like a modern Zhuge Liang—your market predictions are spot-on!"
Jiang Bing's excitement was palpable, and she didn't forget to praise her brother.
They had caught a massive wave of traffic!
Jiang Bing had initially thought it would take at least a month to sell the 100,000 blueberry potted plants in the greenhouse.
Now, it looked like that timeline would be significantly shortened!
The sooner they sold out, the sooner she could take up her role as deputy manager at the food factory.
"Old Three, I've got some things to handle these days, so I won't pick you up. Take a cab to Cuicun yourself."
"The sales of the blueberry potted plants are entirely your responsibility now."
"If you need more hands, just let me know, and I'll hire more."
After hearing Old Three's sales report, Jiang Tao, in a rare serious tone, outlined the next steps for her.
"Uh, what's wrong, Second Bro? What happened?"
Sensing something unusual in his tone, Jiang Bing's playful demeanor faded.
Jiang Tao's voice grew heavy:
"My master was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. He doesn't have much time left. These days, I'll be handling things with our parents regarding him."
"What! Uncle Sun… he… how could this happen?"
On the other end, Jiang Bing was stunned by the news about Sun Xiaobao, struggling to accept it.
Jiang Tao sighed, "It's fate. That's it for now. Take care of things these days."
"Got it, Second Bro. Don't worry about Cuicun—I'll handle it. If there's anything I'm unsure about, I'll call you."
"Alright, good. And one more thing…"
Jiang Tao spent another five or six minutes discussing details with Old Three before hanging up.
He started the car and drove back to his building.
Opening the trunk, Jiang Tao grabbed all the prizes he won at the supermarket and carried them upstairs.
Xu Li was astonished to see her husband, who had left empty-handed, return with a haul.
When she heard about his lottery wins that morning, she called him a "lucky emperor."
The 1st-tier prize—a 4,999-yuan supermarket gift card—had already made the trip worthwhile!
The rest of the prizes were essentially free!
"I've got one more scratch-off I haven't scratched yet. I need my wife's lucky hands to bring out more gold."
Jiang Tao said with a smile, pulling the jackpot scratch-off from his pocket with one hand and taking Xu Li's hand with the other.
Last night, Xu Li had been down because of Old Sun's situation.
Jiang Tao wanted to cheer her up, so he prepared this little surprise.
His personal savings were now close to 5 million yuan.
Using a 400,000-yuan scratch-off to make his wife happy didn't feel like a loss at all.
"Alright!"
Xu Li's eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation, her face lighting up with joy.