After dinner, they rested for a bit.
Dad and Mom went downstairs for a walk.
Xu Li drove to Jiang Yi's place to pick up Jiang Xue from her tutoring session.
As usual, Jiang Tao ran for an hour on the [Fitness] treadmill.
After this period of training, he could now complete a full hour of running without needing to take a break in between.
This was partly due to his consistent exercise and partly due to the enhancement of his physical condition.
Over the past ten days or so, he had triggered a physique reward during his one-hour workouts most of the time.
His physique had increased from an initial 49 points to 56 points.
Although he still couldn't shake off the "weak" evaluation, he could clearly feel himself getting stronger.
Xu Li could sense it too.
[You completed 1 hour of running exercise. Congratulations, you have gained 1 point in physique!]
While drenched in sweat from running, a notification suddenly appeared on Jiang Tao's retina.
Seeing that he had received the reward, he reached out and pressed the "STOP" button.
The treadmill's belt gradually slowed down and finally came to a stop.
Jiang Tao grabbed the towel draped over it and wiped the sweat from his head and body.
He stepped off the treadmill and headed straight to the bathroom for a hot shower.
While showering, Jiang Tao heard the front door open.
Soon, the lively chatter of Xu Li and Jiang Xue filled the house.
Today, Jiang Xue had been picked up by Jiang Yi for tutoring and had dinner at her place.
Jiang Yi had been tutoring Jiang Xue for about ten days now.
The two spent all day together at school and stayed together after school as well.
Not only did they not grow tired of each other, but their relationship became even closer.
Under Jiang Yi's careful guidance, Jiang Xue's grades had improved rapidly.
In just ten days or so, she had gone from being at the bottom of the class to the lower-middle tier.
Her cleverness as a "little padded jacket" was one factor, but Jiang Yi's teaching ability was another.
Jiang Yi's skills were in no way inferior to the Tsinghua graduate tutor, who earned a monthly salary of fifty to sixty thousand, hired by Li Ziyue's family.
After his shower, Jiang Tao changed into a set of comfortable pajamas and stepped out of the bathroom.
As soon as he walked out, he saw the mother and daughter playing a childish finger-grabbing game on the living room sofa.
"Hahaha, Mommy's so clumsy! You can't catch me, you can't catch me~"
"Again, again! This time I'll definitely catch you!"
Seeing the two of them having fun, a smile tugged at Jiang Tao's lips.
Life, death, sickness, and old age were all part of fate. Old Sun's matter was in the past.
The living still had to face the future with optimism and positivity.
"Daddy, come join us!"
Seeing her dad, Jiang Xue giggled and invited him to join the game.
"I'm pretty strong, you know! Catching you will be a piece of cake."
"Tch, big talk! I'm super quick, okay? You and Mommy definitely can't catch me! Bleh~"
The little one even stuck out her tongue and made a face at Jiang Tao, taunting him.
"Oh, you're that confident, huh? Let me show you what real skill looks like!"
Jiang Tao laughed and joined the mother-daughter game.
They played around on the sofa for a while.
Then Jiang Xue pestered Xu Li to read her a children's growth-themed picture book.
Jiang Tao leaned back on the sofa, chatting with Liu Zhiyuan, Shan Yifei, and a few others from his hometown in a WeChat group.
According to the information provided by the System Bro, a bull market wave was approaching.
Jiang Tao was still waiting for that opportunity.
As for what that opportunity was, System Bro didn't say, but it would definitely come.
Around 9 p.m., his parents returned from their walk.
They chatted until about 9:30 p.m., when Jiang Xue started getting sleepy, and Xu Li took her to wash up.
"Second son, let's go have a smoke on the balcony."
Jiang Wen gestured to Jiang Tao and got up to head toward the balcony.
Jiang Tao could tell his dad had something to discuss, so he followed.
On the balcony, Jiang Wen pulled out a pack of Huazi cigarettes, took out two, and handed one to Jiang Tao. They each lit up.
Jiang Tao casually asked, "What's up, Dad?"
"Second son, your mom and I talked it over. We're thinking of moving to Building 89."
"Our whole family living together is lively, but it's not a long-term solution."
"Of course, you and your family will still come over to our place for breakfast and dinner."
"We're all in the same complex, so it's not far."
Worried his son might misunderstand, Jiang Wen explained a bunch before Jiang Tao could even respond.
"I thought it was something big! That's it?"
Jiang Tao laughed after hearing his dad. This was no big deal.
As his dad said, living together as a big family did have its inconveniences.
At night, they had to take turns washing up, and in the morning, they took turns using the bathroom.
When conditions allowed, living separately and keeping some distance was better for everyone.
After inheriting Old Sun's estate, his parents now owned two properties and were definitely planning to settle in the capital long-term.
Moving to their own place was perfectly reasonable.
"So, you're okay with it?"
Seeing his son's straightforward response, with no hesitation or displeasure, Jiang Wen felt relieved.
He had been worried his son might think he and his wife were moving out to avoid the hustle and bustle, causing a misunderstanding.
Jiang Tao smiled and said, "You and Mom can move if you want, but not right now."
"Building 89, Unit 101 needs some renovations first."
"I'll find people to handle the renovations. You and Mom can choose the style."
Building 89, Unit 101, was the apartment Old Sun used to live in.
That apartment still had the basic renovations done by the developer when it was handed over.
The materials used were all cheap, cutting corners wherever possible.
The kitchen was so grimy it was hard to look at.
Jiang Wen said, "No need for the hassle. Your mom and I are getting old. Renovations don't matter much. We'll just get some furniture and call it a day."
Jiang Tao insisted, "Let's do it my way. You've got plenty of years ahead. A proper renovation will make it more comfortable to live in."
"Well… alright then. But we'll pay for the renovations ourselves."
Seeing his son's insistence, Jiang Wen relented.
Jiang Tao waved it off, "Keep your money for you and Mom to enjoy your retirement. Don't worry about the renovation costs."
"You don't need to worry about the money."
Jiang Wen felt warmed by his son's words but still refused Jiang Tao's offer to pay.
"Your money should go to Lili and Little Xue. You've got plenty of expenses. Your mom and I don't need to spend much."
Knowing his dad's stubborn streak, Jiang Tao let it go.
Jiang Wen added, "Oh, and about the apartment in Building 78, we're thinking of letting your third sibling move in. What do you think…"
Before his dad could finish, Jiang Tao interrupted with a smile, "Why are you asking me? It's you and Mom's property. You can let whoever you want live there. No need to check with me."
"Heh, alright."
Hearing his son's response, Jiang Wen nodded with a smile, feeling reassured.
In his mind, the reason they got to know Sun Xiaobao and inherited his estate was largely because of Jiang Tao.
So, when it came to handling the inheritance, he instinctively sought Jiang Tao's opinion.
But Jiang Tao clearly didn't see it that way.
He had no designs on the inheritance Old Sun left to his parents, not even a tiny bit.
Even if they gave one of the apartments to his older brother or younger sister, he wouldn't have any objections.
The father and son stood on the balcony, smoking and chatting.
After Xu Li and Jiang Xue finished washing up, Mom went to wash, then Dad.
Since Jiang Tao had already showered, he just brushed his teeth and went back to his room.
After activating [Sleep Mode] for his parents, Jiang Tao and Xu Li played cards for over an hour.
After their card game, Xu Li rested her head on Jiang Tao's shoulder, whispering sweet nothings.
Jiang Tao told her about what his dad had said, and Xu Li, thinking along the same lines, said they should cover the renovation costs for his parents.
After talking about his parents' move, the conversation shifted to their kids.
"Honey, do you think something's wrong with me?"
"How come there's still no sign after so long?"
Xu Li touched her stomach, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, her previously happy mood turning a bit glum.
Since the first day Jiang Tao returned home before the New Year, they had started trying for a second child.
Now, over a month later, there was still no movement in Xu Li's belly.
"Don't talk nonsense. Didn't we just get a full check-up a few days ago? Everything's fine. These things can't be rushed."
Jiang Tao gently stroked Xu Li's silky-smooth skin, comforting her softly.
Sun Xiaobao's cancer had made Jiang Tao take his and his family's health very seriously.
A few days ago, he had taken the whole family to the hospital for a thorough check-up.
Aside from a bit of fatty liver, with the doctor advising less drinking, less smoking, and more exercise, he was fine otherwise.
He had followed the doctor's advice, cutting back significantly on drinking recently.
Besides running every evening, he also "exercised" with Xu Li.
Xu Li was slightly anemic, likely due to her recent period, but otherwise, she was fine.
His parents had more issues, as expected with their age.
Their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar were all slightly abnormal.
Living in the village, they hadn't paid much attention to hygiene, brushing their teeth only a few times a year, which led to numerous dental issues.
Jiang Tao took them to a dental hospital for fillings and implants, spending over 60,000 yuan just to fix their oral health.
In the past, they would've never spent that much on their teeth.
With Jiang Tao's current financial situation, he didn't feel the pinch.
His parents weren't that old yet.
Without good teeth, they wouldn't even be able to enjoy good food in the future.
"What if we have another daughter?"
"That'd be great too."
"Honey, do you think a son or a daughter is better?"
"They're both great!"
"Pick one."
"Then I pick the kids' mom!"
"…"
The two of them lay in each other's arms, chatting back and forth.
They talked until around 11:50 p.m., when Xu Li started getting sleepy.
They finally ended their late-night chat and went to sleep.
[Would you like to spend 66 yuan to activate Sleep Mode for Xu Li?]
"Yes!"
With a thought, Jiang Tao activated Sleep Mode for Xu Li, ensuring she'd have a good night's sleep.
After repeated experiments over this period, Jiang Tao had grown to love sleeping in [Sleep Mode].
The sleep-assisting effect of this auxiliary skill was simply phenomenal!
Every morning after waking up, he felt fully refreshed.
His overall energy and spirit were leaps and bounds better than before!
After activating Sleep Mode for Xu Li, she quickly fell asleep, her breathing becoming soft and steady.
Five minutes remained until the next day's intelligence refresh.
Jiang Tao picked up his phone and scrolled through his Moments.
The five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
[Today's Intelligence 01]:
You had contact with Xu Li yesterday, triggering related intelligence—
Xu Li has been wanting to invite her parents to travel to the capital but held back due to consideration for your feelings.
Helping her fulfill her filial duties can strengthen your marital bond and earn you one [Filial Piety Card].
[Filial Piety Card]: The Filial Piety Card comes with an initial balance of 100,000 yuan.
This balance can be used for spending on parents or elders, refreshing at midnight on the 1st of each month.
…
"Filial Piety Card? A monthly quota of 100,000 yuan!"
Seeing the first piece of intelligence for the day, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up.
His gaze lingered on the description of the [Filial Piety Card] for a long time!
A monthly quota of 100,000 yuan meant 1.2 million yuan a year!
This was somewhat similar to the [Salary Card].
But while the [Salary Card] was for paying employees, the [Filial Piety Card] could be used for spending on parents or elders.
"Silly wife, what's there to be shy about telling me? What's going on in that little head of yours?"
Jiang Tao looked down at Xu Li, who had a serene and content smile on her face, and gently touched her cheek with affection.
He wasn't as petty as Xu Li thought.
As for the sarcastic remarks her mother and sister-in-law had made about him in the past…
To say he didn't care at all would be a lie.
But he wasn't one to hold grudges over it.
Jiang Tao wasn't that narrow-minded; he had long let it go.
Those novel tropes where the protagonist gets rich and shows off to slap his mother-in-law and sister-in-law in the face? He wasn't interested in that.
With a thought, he moved on to the second piece of intelligence.
[Today's Intelligence 02]:
You visited Sun Xiaobao's grave at Longquan Cemetery yesterday, triggering related intelligence—
In the silt under the man-made river 50 meters behind Sun Xiaobao's grave, there is a 1,000-gram golden axe and a silver axe of the same weight.
…
"What the… a golden axe and a silver axe in the river's silt!"
"It's like something a river god dropped!"
Seeing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up again!
The price of gold was still high at the moment.
Even without a certificate, a 1,000-gram gold axe could fetch over 700,000 yuan if sold to a jeweler!
"Looks like I'll need to make another trip to the cemetery tomorrow."
"Old Sun, is this your spirit guiding me from the afterlife?"
After reading the intelligence triggered by Old Sun, Jiang Tao's mind conjured up memories of Old Sun's face and laughter.
"I hope you're reborn into a good family in your next life."
Silently sending a blessing to Old Sun, Jiang Tao moved on to the third piece of intelligence.
[Today's Intelligence 03]:
You interacted with Liu Zhiyuan in the WeChat group yesterday, triggering related intelligence—
Vander Biao, a worker at the cattle farm, has colluded with several cattle thieves and plans to act at 1 a.m. tonight.
Timely reporting and taking precautions can prevent a loss of 300,000 yuan!
…
"Damn, a traitor at the cattle farm!"
Seeing the third piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao sat bolt upright in bed, all traces of sleepiness gone!
He never would've thought someone at the cattle farm was colluding with outsiders to steal cattle!
And their appetite was huge!
At current cattle prices, it would take stealing over 20 head of cattle to reach a value of 300,000 yuan!
"Vander Biao…"
Jiang Tao wasn't familiar with the workers at the cattle farm and had no impression of this person.
But this guy definitely couldn't stay!
He quickly slipped on his shoes, threw on a bathrobe, and went to the living room.
Jiang Tao first found his brother-in-law's number on his phone and dialed.
Beep, beep, beep—
Beep, beep, beep—
The phone rang for a while before it was answered.
"Hey, Little Tao, what's up?"
His brother-in-law's groggy voice came through, along with a woman's soft complaint in the background.
"Brother-in-law, don't sleep yet. Hurry to the cattle farm. Someone just called me saying someone's targeting the cattle tonight."
"Vander Biao and a few others are at the farm. It shouldn't be an issue, right…"
Hearing his brother-in-law's words, Jiang Tao's heart tightened. It was indeed that Vander Biao!
"Go check it out. I'm calling Liu Zhiyuan and Shan Yifei to head over too."
"Alright! I'm going now!"
"Hanging up. I'll call Liu Zhiyuan and the others."
"Okay!"
After briefly explaining the situation at the cattle farm to his brother-in-law, Jiang Tao called Liu Zhiyuan and Shan Yifei, telling them to bring people to the farm.
He also called his older brother, Jiang He, asking him to bring a few more people to bolster their presence.
To intimidate the cattle thieves, the more people, the better!
…
The cold moonlight spilled over the open ground of the Tian Family Village cattle farm.
Over 300 large yellow cattle in the breeding area were lying in their sheds, fast asleep.
In the staff dormitory, empty liquor and beer bottles were scattered on the floor.
The three night-shift workers were lying on their beds, snoring loudly, their snores echoing through the room.
Suddenly, a chubby, bald middle-aged man opened his eyes.
He didn't get up immediately but listened to the sounds in the room.
Hearing that his two colleagues were sound asleep, he sat up, pulled out his phone from his pocket, and checked the time.
It was only 12:10 a.m., still about 50 minutes until the agreed-upon time.
"Why is time moving so slowly!"
Vander Biao muttered under his breath, his face showing impatience.
To help his buddies with their plan, he had bought alcohol and snacks out of his own pocket to get his two night-shift colleagues drunk.
If this plan succeeded, he'd get a 50,000-yuan cut.
For Vander Biao, 50,000 yuan was a huge sum.
He had hesitated for days but ultimately couldn't resist the temptation.
Plus, there was little risk for him.
When it all came to light tomorrow, he could just claim he was drunk and distance himself from the incident.
At worst, he'd be fired for negligence.
"Sorry, Old Tian. I'm only taking this step because I desperately need the money."
"You're nephew's so capable and rich; he won't miss this little bit, right?"
Vander Biao knew he was in the wrong and felt guilty for betraying Tian Xiaoguang's trust.
But the temptation of 50,000 yuan was too great!
He urgently needed the money to cover the 180,000-yuan dowry for his son.
Ding-a-ling—
As Vander Biao sat on the bed lost in thought, his phone, charging on the nightstand, suddenly rang.
"Huh?"
Vander Biao let out a soft exclamation, thinking it might be his "partners" arriving early.
But when he saw the caller ID showing "Old Tian," he broke out in a cold sweat.
"Old Tian! Why's he calling me so late?"
Tian Xiaoguang's call completely threw Vander Biao off, disrupting his plans for the night!
Answer or not?
If he answered, he couldn't keep up the pretense of being drunk.
If he didn't answer, and Old Tian couldn't reach him and came to the farm himself…
Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling—
As the phone kept ringing, Vander Biao's mind raced, weighing whether to pick up.
Finally, he glanced at his two colleagues, still sleeping soundly, unaffected by the ringing.
He put the phone down, choosing to ignore it and stick to his "drunk" act!
Ding-a-ling—
The phone rang again. Vander Biao looked and saw it wasn't "Old Tian" this time—it was "Little Liu"!
"Why's Liu Zhiyuan calling me too?"
Seeing Liu Zhiyuan's call, Vander Biao started to feel that something was off tonight!
This wasn't normal—something was very wrong!
He had been working with Liu Zhiyuan, Shan Yifei, and the others for nearly a month.
They had never called him this late before.
Ding-a-ling—
After Liu Zhiyuan's call ended, Shan Yifei's call came through.
"No, something's not right. Why are all the shareholders calling me so late?"
The more Vander Biao thought about it, the more nervous he got, sweat pouring down his back and beads forming on his forehead.
"Could it be… the plan got leaked? No, that shouldn't be possible!"
Vander Biao racked his brain, and this seemed like the most likely explanation!
Bang, bang, bang!
While Vander Biao was lost in thought, someone pounded on the farm's iron gate.
"Old Van! Open the door! It's Liu Zhiyuan!"
Hearing the banging and Liu Zhiyuan's shout, Vander Biao realized the plan was completely ruined!
No chance now!
He hurriedly sent a message to his buddies, canceling the operation!
They replied with a string of "?" emojis.
"Someone's here! Cancel the plan! Cancel the plan! Others are at the farm!"
Vander Biao frantically explained the situation to them, then quickly deleted the chat history before throwing on his clothes.
Dressed, Vander Biao grabbed the keys hanging on a nail on the wall and walked out of the dormitory.
"Coming, coming! Little Liu, what're you doing here so late?"
Vander Biao greeted Liu Zhiyuan at the gate while walking over with the keys.
With a click, he unlocked the fist-sized padlock, pulling the gate open a crack.
"Old Van, anything going on at the farm tonight?"
"Someone tipped off the boss that there's trouble here tonight."
"Hurry up, put on a coat. Let's do a round of the farm."
"Whoa, why do you smell like alcohol? Drinking again?"
"A little drinking's fine, but don't let it mess up the job."
Liu Zhiyuan walked in, talking to himself, completely missing the shocked expression on Vander Biao's face.
Someone tipped off the boss about trouble at the farm??
Hearing Liu Zhiyuan's words, Vander Biao's heart sank!
What the hell!
Someone ratted to the boss?
A traitor in the team???
Vander Biao couldn't wrap his head around it!