It wasn't until past 4 a.m.
Du Ennan and her baby were finally brought out of the emergency room and settled into a luxuriously decorated VIP ward.
With the Du family's influence and connections, securing a VIP ward at Xiehe Hospital was as simple as a single word from Du Taiming.
"Nannan, you've been through so much. Thank heavens you're okay. When the nurse said you had a difficult delivery, we were scared to death."
Xu Li held Du Ennan's hand, her face still showing lingering fear.
Du Ennan had faced a difficult delivery and severe bleeding that night, a truly dangerous situation.
Du Taiming had signed multiple consent forms.
It left Xu Li with a slight trauma about childbirth.
When she gave birth to Jiang Xue, it was a smooth delivery, nothing like the danger Du Ennan had faced.
"Surviving a great ordeal brings great fortune. After this hardship, maybe I'll have immense luck in the future."
"Now I finally understand how hard it is to be a mother."
Du Ennan smiled, looking at her daughter sleeping beside her, her face glowing with maternal warmth.
The little one, probably exhausted from crying, was now fast asleep.
Her tiny body, small head, clenched fists, and little nose.
Her soft, pink appearance was utterly adorable.
"Nannan, don't worry about the company for now. Your top priority is to recover and take care of yourself."
"Let Xiao Huang and the others handle things at the company. I've booked a room for you at Xinyuehui."
As a doting father, Du Taiming had long reserved a spot for Du Ennan at Beijing's most expensive postpartum care center.
It was said that a month at Xinyuehui cost over 2 million yuan!
Most people couldn't afford such a price.
"Mm, thank you, Dad."
Du Ennan looked at her father with a gentle smile, then turned to Jiang Tao, saying sincerely:
"Thank you too, Jiang Tao. If you hadn't noticed something wrong with my pulse tonight, my baby and I…"
Du Ennan didn't finish the sentence, but the thought of what could have happened sent a shiver down her spine.
Jiang Tao smiled and said, "Why so formal? You're Lily and my best friend, and we're practically family. Your daughter is my goddaughter. No need to be so polite."
"What's going on, Nannan?"
Du Taiming, hearing his daughter's words, glanced between her and Jiang Tao, his expression puzzled.
Du Ennan explained truthfully:
"Jiang Tao noticed something off with my pulse and urged me to go to the hospital. The doctor said if we'd arrived any later, the risks for both me and the baby would have skyrocketed."
"I see. Thank you, Jiang Tao."
Du Taiming's gaze settled on Jiang Tao with gratitude, and he began to take an interest in him.
Previously, Jiang Tao had warned Du Ennan about an issue with her unborn child, prompting her to seek medical attention and ultimately preventing a tragedy.
Du Ennan had told her father about this, and Du Taiming was aware.
This time, Jiang Tao had accurately predicted Du Ennan's condition through her pulse.
Once could be a coincidence, but twice in a row? That couldn't be explained by chance.
"To judge so accurately just by checking a pulse—this Jiang Tao has real skill."
"For Nannan to have such a friend is a good thing. Worth building a deeper connection."
In that moment, Jiang Tao's standing in Du Taiming's mind rose significantly.
After chatting briefly in the ward, Du Ennan grew tired and wanted to sleep.
Du Taiming had already arranged for two professional childcare specialists from Xinyuehui to come and look after the mother and child.
But Xu Li chose to stay and keep Du Ennan company.
The VIP ward was a suite with a separate room for the companion, so she had a place to sleep.
Jiang Tao and Du Taiming left the room and headed outside together.
The two men walked to the parking lot.
Seeing the Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked there, Du Taiming immediately recognized it as the one Du Ennan had borrowed from him just yesterday.
"Jiang Tao, thank you for today."
"Nannan is my only daughter. If anything happened to her, I'd never forgive myself."
Du Taiming looked at Jiang Tao, his tone earnest.
Jiang Tao, unfazed, reiterated:
"Mr. Du, you're too kind. Du Ennan is our good friend, so this is only natural."
"I heard from Nannan that your car was in an accident and sent for repairs."
"With so many people in your family, one car isn't enough."
"This G-Class isn't being used much and is just gathering dust in the garage. If you need it, it's yours to use."
"I'll have my secretary handle the transfer paperwork another day."
As Du Taiming spoke, he glanced at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked nearby, offering it without a hint of reluctance.
"Uh, Mr. Du, I can't accept such a lavish gift without earning it."
Jiang Tao's eyes widened in surprise. He genuinely hadn't expected Old Du to be so generous!
The G-Class had barely 5,000 kilometers on it, practically a new car.
As Old Du said, it had likely been sitting unused in their garage.
In this condition, even as a used car, it would fetch well over a million yuan, maybe close to two million!
Of course, in a situation like this between Du Taiming and Jiang Tao, it wasn't about the used car price.
After all, it wasn't being sold—it was a gift, so the value couldn't be discounted.
If calculated as a favor, it would be priced as a brand-new car.
Du Ennan had gifted him a brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLS.
And now her father was giving him a near-new G-Class!
This father and daughter sure shared the same bold style.
"Compared to my daughter and granddaughter, a car is nothing."
Du Taiming chuckled, "You don't want it? If you keep hesitating, I really won't give it to you."
"Hehe, well, thank you, Mr. Du!"
Hearing Du Taiming's words, Jiang Tao grinned and scratched his head.
Joking aside, who would say no to a free luxury car worth over two million yuan?
Jiang Tao was just being polite with Old Du.
"That's more like it, kid."
Du Taiming pointed at Jiang Tao with a smile, feeling he was teachable.
When he decided to give something, it wasn't just talk.
He genuinely wanted to gift it to Jiang Tao as a token of gratitude.
If Jiang Tao had kept refusing, Du Taiming would've been put off.
"It's getting late. I'll head back. You should get some rest too, Xiao Jiang."
After finishing the conversation, Du Taiming glanced at the watch on his wrist.
Jiang Tao's sharp eyes caught that it was a Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596.
That watch alone had a market value of over 5.8 million yuan, nearly 6 million!
It was like wearing a fully paid Beijing apartment on his wrist!
Du Ennan's father was the epitome of a tycoon!
"Alright, Ty—uh, I mean, safe travels, Mr. Du~"
Jiang Tao almost let "tycoon" slip out but quickly corrected himself.
Du Taiming didn't mind the slip, turning to a black Rolls-Royce parked nearby.
The driver standing by the car hurriedly opened the door for him and gently closed it.
Jiang Tao watched the Rolls-Royce's taillights disappear into the distance before turning to the G-Class beside him.
Well, there went his plans to buy a car!
Every time he thought about buying one, someone gifted him a car.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS would be repaired in about a week.
With this G-Class and the BAIC EU5 he'd bought, he now had three cars at home, so there was no need to add another for now.
Opening the car door and settling into the driver's seat.
Same car, same seat, same steering wheel.
But this time, when Jiang Tao placed his hands on the wheel, it felt different.
"Driving someone else's car versus driving your own really feels different, huh~"
Rubbing his hands on the steering wheel a few times, Jiang Tao started the car and headed to the nearest hotel from the hospital.
He'd been up half the night and was now groggy, his head heavy.
He really didn't want to drive an hour back home.
Besides, there was no need to make things harder than they had to be.
A hotel room, a hot shower, and a good night's sleep wouldn't cost much.
At 5 a.m., the Mercedes-Benz G-Class pulled into the underground parking lot of a Ji Hotel near the hospital.
After parking, Jiang Tao checked in at the front desk, spending 900 yuan for a standard room.
By the time he got to the room, his eyelids were so heavy he could barely keep them open, and he couldn't be bothered to shower.
He sent a WeChat message to his parents, updating them on his and Xu Li's situation, telling them not to worry.
After sorting everything out, Jiang Tao stripped, climbed into bed, activated [Deep Sleep Mode], and passed out.
…
Baigezhuang New Village Community.
On the big bed in the second bedroom of Building 28, Unit 1601.
Jiang Xue opened her eyes and saw her aunt sprawled out, mouth open, sleeping soundly.
There was even a glistening trail of drool at the corner of her mouth.
"Tsk tsk tsk, if this woman had half the gentleness and grace of Teacher Jiang, she wouldn't still be single."
Jiang Xue clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Thinking about spending a delightful day with the gentle and beautiful Teacher Jiang.
Jiang Xue's face lit up with excitement.
Today was March 25, a Saturday.
No kindergarten for Jiang Xue, so she could play happily all day!
Thinking about the wonderful day ahead, Jiang Xue couldn't wait a moment longer.
She threw off the covers, swiftly got out of bed, slipped on her slippers, and ran out the door.
"Mom, Mom, is it time? Can you take me to Teacher Jiang's house?"
Jiang Xue started calling for her mom as soon as she stepped out, but this time, her mom wasn't there.
She only saw her grandma cooking in the kitchen and her grandpa watching his phone on the couch.
"Xiaoxue, your mom and dad went to your godmother's house yesterday for something."
"Your dad said your godmother had a little sister for you, and your mom's staying at the hospital to keep her company."
Tian Xiaomei turned and explained with a warm smile when she saw her granddaughter.
"My godmother had a little sister for me? Yay! I have a little sister, I have a little sister~"
Jiang Xue clapped her hands excitedly, thrilled at the news of becoming a big sister.
"Your mom said you're meeting Teacher Jiang today, right? After breakfast, Grandpa and I will take you over."
"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma!"
After thanking them, Jiang Xue went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.
Once she was done, her grandma served her food, then went to the second bedroom to drag her lazy aunt out of bed.
As expected, there was a round of scolding, comparing the aunt to her little granddaughter.
The third aunt stayed silent, quietly eating her meal.
"Oh, by the way, Old Three, your brother said your sister-in-law's parents and sister are coming tomorrow. We need to tidy up Unit 1504 in Building 62."
"You're not working today, so come with me to get bedding and daily necessities."
"Got it~ Whatever you say, I'll do!"
Jiang Bing muttered under her breath, reluctantly agreeing.
She wasn't fond of her second brother's in-laws or sister-in-law.
But since her brother and mom had spoken, she had no choice but to comply.
After breakfast, Jiang Xue went back to her room and stuffed a backpack full of Jellycat plush toys.
She and Jiang Yi had planned to visit Jiang Yi's niece, Jiang Anan, today.
The Jellycat plush toys were Jiang Xue's gift for Jiang Anan.
Once everything was ready, Jiang's parents and Jiang Xue went downstairs, driving her to Jiang Yi's house in Longzeyuan.
After a brief chat, Jiang's parents drove off, leaving Jiang Xue at Jiang Yi's place.
"Teacher Jiang, when are we leaving? I can't wait to meet my new friend~"
Jiang Xue had seen Jiang Anan's photo and instantly fell in love with the doll-like little girl.
"Soon~ Just let me pack, and we'll head out."
Jiang Yi smiled at Jiang Xue, starting to pack her own backpack.
She included snacks she'd bought for her niece, some cute handmade beaded trinkets, and colored pencil drawings she'd made for her.
Though Jiang Yi was three years older than Jiang Tao, already 34, her job kept her surrounded by children, preserving her youthful heart.
The gifts she prepared for Jiang Anan weren't much more mature than Jiang Xue's.
After packing, Jiang Yi took Jiang Xue's hand, and the teacher and student left the house, chatting and laughing.
Jiang Yi didn't have a car, and instead of calling a rideshare to her brother's place, she wasn't being stingy.
She just wanted Jiang Xue to experience different modes of transportation and gain some life experience.
After leaving the building, they took a bus from the community stop, then transferred to three subway lines.
Along the way, Jiang Xue chattered nonstop, full of curiosity about Beijing, her mood bubbling with joy.
At 9:30 a.m., Jiang Yi brought Jiang Xue to the door of the rental apartment her brother Jiang Hai lived in, in Dongxindian Urban Village.
"Auntie~ You're finally here! Anan missed you so much!"
Jiang Anan's pale face lit up with a joyful smile when she saw Jiang Yi.
Her bright, clever eyes darted between Jiang Yi and Jiang Xue, whom she was holding hands with.
"Auntie missed Anan too. Have you been good at home alone?"
Seeing her little niece alone at home, Jiang Yi felt both heartache for her and for her brother.
Three days after Anan's discharge, Jiang Hai had gone back to work.
To pay for Anan's treatment, he'd spent all their savings and taken on tens of thousands in debt.
Her ongoing rehabilitation would cost even more.
The pressure on Jiang Hai was immense, pushing him to work hard to earn money.
Now, Jiang Hai worked three jobs a day.
At 5 a.m., he worked as a loader at a nearby wholesale market until 8 a.m.
Three hours earned him 150 yuan.
It seemed like decent money, but loading was grueling work most couldn't handle.
At 9 a.m., Jiang Hai went to a nearby courier sorting center, working until 6 p.m.
Anyone familiar with sorting centers knows even Iron Man would overheat there.
But to earn more, Jiang Hai became the most dedicated newbie at the center.
After 6 p.m., he transformed into a delivery rider, working until 11 p.m.
Since Jiang Anan's discharge, Jiang Hai had become a relentless "workhorse,".
To support her brother and niece, Jiang Yi had given them her years of savings.
Besides her regular job, she'd started tutoring on the side to earn as much as possible.
"Mm, Anan's been good. I've been reading the books you brought me every day."
"I've finished *Oliver Twist*, *Around the World in Eighty Days*, *The Adventures of Tintin*, and that book *An Actor's Self-Cultivation*."
"Next time you come, can you bring more books, Auntie?"
At the mention of books, Jiang Anan's big, watery eyes sparkled with a thirst for knowledge.
Due to her illness, she'd often missed school since first grade.
Sitting in a classroom, something ordinary or even tedious for other kids, was a distant dream for her.
"Eh? *An Actor's Self-Cultivation*? I didn't buy you that one."
Jiang Yi paused when she heard the last book.
She usually bought Jiang Anan children's books or classic literature.
What was this *An Actor's Self-Cultivation* doing here?
"It's this one. Didn't you bring it?"
Jiang Anan turned, picked up the book she'd been engrossed in from the desk, and showed it to her.
"Uh, maybe your dad bought it. I didn't get that one."
Jiang Yi suddenly remembered her brother had worked as an extra at Huairou Film Base years ago.
That book was probably something Jiang Hai bought to study.
Jiang Yi smiled and asked, "Don't you find it boring?"
"Not at all! It's so interesting, way more than children's books!"
Jiang Anan's eyes gleamed as she looked at *An Actor's Self-Cultivation*, as if it were a rare treasure.
Jiang Yi teased, "Does our Anan want to be an actor?"
"Yes! I want to be a big star!"
Jiang Anan looked up at her aunt, nodding firmly, her eyes showing a determination beyond her years.
"That way, I can earn lots and lots of money to pay off the loans for my treatment, and Dad won't have to work so hard."
"When I make money, I'll buy Dad a car, a big house, and of course, Auntie, I'll buy you one too!"
"And, and Uncle Jiang Tao! I'll buy him a car and a big house too!"
"You little one, you're young but have big dreams. Good, good, Auntie's waiting for that day."
Hearing her niece's words, Jiang Yi quietly wiped a tear with the back of her hand.
Jiang Anan was only 10 years old.
While other kids her age were thinking about weekend outings or what to eat, she was already planning to support her family.
"By the way, Anan, I haven't introduced Xiaoxue yet. This is Jiang Xue, Uncle Jiang Tao's daughter."
"Xiaoxue, this is Anan, Jiang Anan."
Snapping out of her emotions, Jiang Yi introduced the two girls.
"Hi, Xiaoxue~ Nice to meet you!"
Hearing that Jiang Xue was Uncle Jiang Tao's daughter, Jiang Anan's fondness for her skyrocketed.
Though she hadn't met Jiang Tao, her dad and aunt had said he was their family's great benefactor.
Without Uncle Jiang Tao's loan, she wouldn't have had surgery or recovered so quickly.
"Hi, Anan-jiejie! Nice to meet you too. I brought you a gift. I hope you like it."
As Jiang Xue spoke, she took off her backpack, unzipped it, and pulled out several Jellycat plush toys, handing them to Jiang Anan.
"Wow, such cute plush toys~"
Though Jiang Anan was more mature than her peers, she was still a child. Seeing the plush toys, her childlike joy returned instantly.
Even adults struggle to resist Jellycat plushies, let alone kids like Jiang Xue and Jiang Anan.
"Thank you, Xiaoxue~ I love your gift! Wait, I have something for you too~"
Jiang Anan said, running to the desk and pulling out a pink castle from the drawer.
"Little Sister Xiaoxue, this is a castle I made from a packaging box. I hope you like it."
This castle was Jiang Anan's favorite toy, one she'd put a lot of effort into making.
Giving it to Jiang Xue, whom she'd just met, was both a thank-you for the gift and because she was Uncle Jiang Tao's daughter.
"What a beautiful castle! Did you make this, Anan-jiejie? You're amazing~"
Jiang Xue's face lit up with delight at the pink castle.
It was modeled after the Magic Castle from *Barbie and the Diamond Castle*, so vivid and realistic.
If Jiang Anan hadn't said she made it herself, Jiang Xue would've believed it was store-bought merchandise.
After meeting and exchanging gifts, the two girls quickly became friends.
Jiang Xue taught Jiang Anan fun ways to play with the Jellycat plush toys.
Jiang Anan taught Jiang Xue how to make crafts with colored paper and packaging boxes.
From a grand Magic Castle to small flowers, furniture, and decorations.
Despite her young age, Jiang Anan had skillful hands.
Her crafts were exquisitely made, even outshining her aunt Jiang Yi.
In one morning, the two went from strangers to best friends, playing joyfully.
At noon, Jiang Yi cooked rice for the girls.
She also bought two pounds of shrimp and a Qingjiang fish with few bones, suitable for kids, from the nearby market.
Jiang Yi's cooking was impressive, and the girls ate all the rice, shrimp, and fish.
For dessert, she served them small cakes and fruit.
Happy times always pass quickly, and soon it was 5 p.m.
Per the plan, Jiang Yi was supposed to take Jiang Xue home.
"Teacher Jiang, Anan-jiejie said she's alone tonight. Can we stay and keep her company?"
Jiang Xue wasn't ready to leave her new friend, looking reluctant.
"No, Xiaoxue, we've been out all day. Your parents will worry."
Jiang Yi smiled, coaxing her:
"You love playing with Anan, so I can bring you back often. But it's late today, and we need to go home."
"But tomorrow's not a school day, and my parents aren't home. It'll be so boring if I go back and have no one to play with!"
"I'll call my dad and tell him we'll go back later. He'll definitely agree!"
Before Jiang Yi could respond, Jiang Xue dialed Jiang Tao's number on her children's smartwatch.
Jiang Yi couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, but she let her be.