Beijing Union Medical College Hospital.
In the corridor of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.
*Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling—*
Jiang Tao had just stepped out of the VIP ward where Du Ennan was staying when the phone in his pocket rang.
He pulled out his phone and glanced at the caller ID: "Little Padded Jacket."
"Hey, Xiaoxue, did you have fun with Teacher Jiang today?" Jiang Tao answered the call with a smile after sliding his finger to accept it.
He and Xu Li were both aware that Jiang Xue was out playing with Jiang Yi today.
"Oh? You went with Teacher Jiang to meet a new friend? That's great!"
"What's your new friend's name?"
"Jiang An'an?"
Jiang Tao paused slightly when he heard Jiang Xue mention the name of her new friend.
What a coincidence!
Today, he had just triggered a piece of information related to Jiang An'an.
When he left earlier, he was still thinking about how to approach Jiang An'an's family.
How could he become the "guide" for Jiang An'an's acting career?
And now, the opportunity had presented itself!
Helping Jiang An'an secure a role in the short drama being filmed by Shanhe Culture's crew would not only benefit her.
Jiang Tao himself stood to gain quite a bit as well.
Not only would he receive a cash reward of 880,000 yuan, but he would also earn the title of [Talent Scout].
According to the system's explanation, wearing the [Talent Scout] title would allow him to see each person's strengths and the most suitable direction for their development.
This title was incredibly useful.
It would enable him to make the best use of people, placing the right individuals in the right positions.
It could also help those around him avoid many detours in life.
For example, if he could now clearly see his daughter Jiang Xue's strengths and the path best suited for her development, he could start nurturing her in that direction from a young age, cultivating her interests and hobbies.
Her chances of achieving success in the future would surely be much higher than if she had to discover her talents and interests on her own as she grew up.
So, helping Jiang An'an secure the role in the drama was something Jiang Tao felt duty-bound to do.
Of course, he couldn't just dive into it blindly.
Before pushing forward with this matter, he definitely needed to consult Jiang An'an's family and her own opinions.
If her family opposed it, or if she herself had no interest, then…
Jiang Tao would find a way to spark her interest.
According to the information provided by the system, the path of acting was absolutely a broad and promising road for Jiang An'an.
The earlier she started, the sooner she'd reap the benefits!
"Alright, alright! You and Teacher Jiang keep having fun there, and I'll drive over to pick you up."
"Of course it's true. When has Daddy ever lied to you?"
"You guys keep playing. Oh, and tell Teacher Jiang not to cook dinner—I'm coming over to treat you all to a big meal."
"Got it, bye-bye. I'm heading over now."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Tao checked Jiang Xue's location on the Little Genius kids' watch app.
Jiang Xue's location was just over 20 kilometers from Union Hospital.
But considering it was a weekend and during rush hour, driving there would probably take about an hour.
He took the elevator downstairs, found his Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked in the lot below, got in, started the navigation, and hit the gas, heading toward his little padded jacket's location.
*"You say life is like a dream, I say life is like a show~"*
*"What's the difference? It's all just as hazy."*
*"In that haze, there's you, and with you by my side, that's enough. You're in my world, raising a rainbow~"*
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class moved along with the stop-and-go traffic on the street.
Jiang Tao wasn't fazed by the traffic jam. He listened to music and hummed along.
When he was younger, he always thought Wu Bai's songs were too tacky, too old-fashioned.
But now, as a middle-aged man, he increasingly found Wu Bai's songs pleasant and full of charm.
*"Simple love, loving what your heart desires~"*
*"Even my senior sister has grown up~"*
Humming and singing along, Jiang Tao was in an incredibly good mood today!
He had been gifted this Mercedes-Benz G-Class, worth over 2 million yuan, today.
Anyone would have to belt out a few songs to express such joy.
*Reuniting once again, the old you, Blue Lotus, Ordinary Road.*
After singing a few songs, Jiang Tao felt the urge to hit the road and drive Route 318 right then and there!
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class passed through Dongcheng District, heading north through Sanyuan Bridge, Siyuan Bridge, Wuyuan Bridge…
Stopping and going, it took one hour and one minute.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class slowly came to a stop on an open patch of land outside Dongxindian Urban Village.
Jiang Tao had also come from one of Beijing's urban villages, so he was very familiar with places like this.
Whether it was the urban villages in Pingchang District or Chaoyang District, they were all pretty much the same.
Not far away was Wangjing, with its towering skyscrapers in Beijing's CBD.
But here in the urban village, it was like a small county town back in his hometown of Ping County—two completely different worlds.
If he drove the Mercedes-Benz G-Class into the village, it would be impossible to pass a bicycle on the narrow roads.
It was better to park at the village entrance and walk in.
Pushing open the door and stepping out, Jiang Tao first pulled out a cigarette pack from his pocket and lit one up.
Then he took out his phone, about to open the app to check Jiang Xue's precise location again.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a lively figure appearing before him.
"Jiang Tao, you're here."
Jiang Yi's voice was as gentle as water, like a bite of silky-smooth chocolate to the ears.
Jiang Tao clicked his lighter to light the cigarette in his mouth before turning his gaze to Jiang Yi.
She was wearing a loose beige sweater paired with a matching dress, and short boots on her feet.
A brown YSL bag was slung diagonally across her shoulder.
Her outfit was simple yet stylish.
The color scheme of her clothes made her skin appear even more delicate and fair.
It had to be said, Jiang Yi was an expert in fashion coordination.
Even the plainest clothes could be transformed into something extraordinary by her.
The brown YSL bag she was carrying, however, was a bit pricey.
Jiang Tao knew the brand because Du Ennan had once given Xu Li a bag of the same brand but a different style, reportedly worth over 20,000 yuan.
This brand was considered a luxury in China.
As for why Jiang Yi would buy such an expensive bag, Jiang Tao didn't dwell on it too much.
If it weren't for the huge medical expenses incurred by her niece's hospitalization, with Jiang Yi's main job income and her usual investment earnings, buying a bag she liked wasn't a big deal.
Men are generally practical, focusing on cost-effectiveness when shopping, while women pursue emotional value.
Things like diamonds, jewelry, luxury goods, and flowers—extravagant but impractical—are mostly targeted at women.
The difference in consumption habits between men and women is an objective fact.
Even a refined woman like Jiang Yi wasn't immune to this.
But there was nothing wrong with her working hard to buy what she wanted to satisfy her emotional needs.
"Teacher Jiang, you didn't come all the way out here just to greet me, did you?" Jiang Tao put away his admiring gaze and greeted Jiang Yi with a smile.
"Why not? You're an honored guest in our family. An'an and my brother both want to thank you in person."
"My brother heard you were coming today and even stopped delivering food. He's on his way back home now."
Jiang Yi gave a gentle smile, her gaze toward Jiang Tao as soft as could be.
Jiang Tao laughed, "Then haven't I delayed your brother's earnings?"
Jiang Yi smiled warmly, "Money can be earned anytime, but a busy person like you isn't someone we can see just any day."
"Hahaha, I'm just busy running around all day."
Jiang Tao laughed off the comment, showing no airs of an "honored guest," keeping things friendly and approachable.
"Come on, Jiang Tao, I'll take you home first. Xiaoxue and An'an are playing at the house."
Jiang Yi smiled and pointed toward the village, and the two walked side by side into the village.
Dongxindian Urban Village was a bit larger than the Xiaoshahe Urban Village where Jiang Tao used to live.
But once inside, the two villages were quite similar.
On the narrow streets, people hurried back and forth, and both sides were lined with food carts and small shops.
It was the time when office workers were getting off work, and it was also the busiest time for small vendors.
Fried skewers, lamb skewers, cold noodles, stir-fried rice, stir-fried cold noodles, stinky tofu, takoyaki…
One street was filled with dozens of types of snacks.
The mix of dozens of different smells created the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.
"Xiaoxue wasn't naughty today, was she?"
"No, Xiaoxue was very well-behaved. She and An'an were having a great time."
"Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all. I'm happy when I'm with Xiaoxue."
"Does Teacher Jiang like kids?"
"I like smart and cute kids like Xiaoxue and An'an, but not naughty ones."
"Are there any naughty kids in your class?"
"A few."
The two walked along the lively street, chatting casually as they went.
Jiang Tao followed Jiang Yi through the twists and turns of the urban village for about seven or eight minutes before stopping at the entrance of a small courtyard with its own gate.
Jiang Yi fished out a key from her bag, unlocked the rusty iron gate, and pushed it open with a creak.
"Come in, Jiang Tao. The place is a bit simple, so don't mind it."
Jiang Yi stepped aside to let him through, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a slightly embarrassed expression.
"A private courtyard? This little yard is pretty nice."
After entering, Jiang Tao noticed a large holly tree shaped like a mushroom in the courtyard and said with a smile, "The tenement building I used to live in never saw sunlight. It was dark, damp, and full of cockroaches. The conditions there weren't even as good as here."
"What? You lived in a tenement building?" Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao in surprise, her face full of disbelief.
The first time she met Jiang Tao was when he and Xu Li went to consult about enrollment at Aidi International Kindergarten.
That day, Jiang Tao was driving a Mercedes-Benz GLS and was there to enroll his daughter in a prestigious school with tuition fees of over 100,000 yuan.
"Of course, and I lived there for several years."
Jiang Tao's smile was candid. His days of poverty weren't something he was ashamed to talk about.
"You've come a long way. That's impressive."
Jiang Yi's gaze toward Jiang Tao carried a few traces of admiration.
She didn't know or see what Jiang Tao was like when he was poor.
But now, Jiang Tao drove a luxury car worth millions and could casually lend her hundreds of thousands in interest-free "personal savings."
The student who once looked up at her from the classroom was now someone she had to look up to.
As they walked and talked, they soon crossed the courtyard and reached the entrance to the main house.
"Daddy! Daddy! You're finally here! We're starving!"
"You said you'd treat me and Sister An'an to a big meal. You can't go back on your word!"
Hearing the commotion in the courtyard, Jiang Xue opened the door, peeked out, saw Jiang Tao, and ran over to hug his arm, shaking it excitedly.
"A man's word is his bond. I said I'd treat you to a big meal, and I won't go back on it."
Jiang Tao smiled and ruffled Jiang Xue's fluffy little head, his face full of doting affection.
He absolutely adored his little padded jacket.
Following Jiang Xue out of the house was a girl with short, ear-length hair, as thin as a stick.
Her face was small, but it housed a pair of large, clear eyes like sparkling springs.
She looked like a cute doll that had escaped from an animated cartoon.
"Uncle Jiang Tao! I finally get to meet you in person. You're even more handsome than in the photos Aunt showed me."
Before Jiang Yi could introduce her, Jiang An'an greeted Jiang Tao with a sweet smile.
"Hahaha, thank you for the compliment, An'an. Uncle's just averagely handsome, not *that* handsome."
Jiang Tao laughed and teased. Being called handsome by a kid felt oddly awkward!
Jiang Yi couldn't help but smile at their exchange.
"Really, really! Uncle Jiang is the most handsome uncle I've ever seen!"
Jiang An'an looked at Jiang Tao with her big eyes, her little face showing a serious expression.
"Hehe, Sister An'an, you've got good taste!"
"Whether back in our hometown or at Aidi Kindergarten, my dad is the most handsome dad in our class!"
Jiang Xue's little face beamed with pride.
Having a super handsome dad was something to brag about at school.
"Alright, alright, you two kids don't even know what 'handsome' means. Don't let good-looking guys trick you when you grow up."
"The more handsome they are, the more careful you need to be, got it?"
Jiang Tao chuckled and switched to educating the two little ones.
"Then… did Mommy not be careful enough, and that's how Daddy tricked her?"
Jiang Xue's eyes sparkled, her face showing an "I get it" expression!
"…"
Jiang Tao was speechless. Why did it suddenly feel like his little padded jacket was letting in a draft?
Jiang An'an and Jiang Yi, hearing Jiang Xue's innocent words, covered their mouths and giggled.
"Your mom and I were truly in love, got it? All heart, no tricks or deception."
In his mind, Jiang Tao added, *Yeah, right.*
Of course, back then, it wasn't him doing the "tricking"—it was Xu Li.
His relationship with Xu Li was entirely due to her initiative and persistence.
Without her taking the lead, a poor kid who had to borrow money from others to pay tuition would never have dared to pursue the school's universally acknowledged beauty.
Without her persistence, her mother would never have let her marry a penniless guy with no house or car.
After chatting in the courtyard for a bit, Jiang Yi ushered everyone inside.
It was late March, and Beijing's mornings and evenings were still chilly, around five or six degrees Celsius, not exactly warm.
They hadn't been inside for ten minutes when the courtyard gate creaked again. A delivery rider in a blue Ele.me uniform rode an electric scooter into the yard.
Jiang Hai parked the scooter by the wall, plugged it in to charge, then strode across the courtyard to the main house, knocking before entering.
"Bro, you're back! This is Jiang Tao."
"Jiang Tao, this is my brother, Jiang Hai."
Jiang Yi, acting as the intermediary, introduced Jiang Tao and her brother with a smile.
"Hi, Jiang Hai, nice to meet you."
Jiang Tao greeted Jiang Hai with a friendly smile.
His older brother was named Jiang He, and Jiang Yi's older brother was Jiang Hai.
One "River," one "Sea"—they sounded like brothers.
"Hello, Mr. Jiang! I've waited so long to finally meet you!"
*Thud!*
Before Jiang Hai finished speaking, he suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud, kneeling before Jiang Tao!
"Jiang Hai, what are you doing? Get up!"
Jiang Tao was startled by Jiang Hai's sudden action and quickly reached out to pull him up from the ground.
Thanks to his physique stat reaching 79, he had plenty of strength, and lifting Jiang Hai was effortless.
"Mr. Jiang, we'll never forget your great kindness to our An'an. Thank you, thank you!"
Jiang Hai looked at Jiang Tao with sincere gratitude in his eyes.
"You've already thanked me plenty of times. You don't need to be so formal every time we meet—it's making me a bit embarrassed."
Honestly, Jiang Tao wasn't used to being treated with such gratitude.
"Alright… we won't be so formal then."
Hearing that Jiang Tao was feeling uneasy, Jiang Hai didn't dare make him uncomfortable further.
"Mr. Jiang, you haven't eaten yet, right? Shall we go find a place to eat?"
After some pleasantries, Jiang Hai looked at Jiang Tao, feeling he should seize the opportunity to play the host.
Jiang Tao smiled, "I'm treating today. I promised Xiaoxue and An'an a big meal, and I can't break my word. You can treat next time."
"Uh, this…"
Jiang Hai glanced at the two excited kids and then at Jiang Yi.
Jiang Tao's insistence caught him off guard.
In Jiang Hai's eyes, Jiang Xue and Jiang An'an were just kids, and he didn't take their words too seriously.
But Jiang Tao clearly thought differently.
Any promise he made, whether to an adult or a child, he took seriously and fulfilled.
Jiang Xue was his daughter, but also his friend.
"That's right, Bro. Jiang Tao promised Xiaoxue over the phone. Next time, I'll treat."
Jiang Yi smiled and explained to her brother. As a kindergarten teacher, she also valued promises made to children.
"This… that's so embarrassing. You came all this way, and now you're treating us."
Jiang Hai scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish.
"It's just a meal. We're all friends. I treat you today, you treat me tomorrow—it's all the same."
Jiang Tao laughed, "The kids are hungry. Let's find a place to eat and talk while we eat."
"Sounds good!"
"Yay! Big meal! Big meal!"
Jiang Xue, hearing that the adults were finally done talking and moving on to the big meal, clapped her hands excitedly.
Jiang An'an, hearing about the big meal, swallowed hard. It had been a while since she'd had one.
Everyone agreed, left the courtyard, walked to the village entrance, and piled into Jiang Tao's G-Class.
The G-Class, a gift from Du Taiming, was a Mercedes-Benz G500 extended version.
With an expanded body, it had a seven-seat layout, more luxurious and comfortable than the standard version, perfect for family outings.
It was equipped with a large central screen and three differential locks for hardcore off-roading.
With five people, there was plenty of space.
Jiang An'an and Jiang Hai were riding in Jiang Tao's car for the first time.
It was also their first time in a luxury vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Both father and daughter seemed a bit nervous, unsure where to place their hands.
Dongxindian Urban Village was close to the Wangjing business district.
Jiang Tao set the navigation to Xinrongji.
Since he promised his little padded jacket and her new friend a big meal, he wasn't going to skimp.
Xinrongji on Xinnan Road was a famous Michelin three-star restaurant in Beijing's food scene, with an average cost of over 1,000 yuan per person.
It just barely met Jiang Xue's "big meal" standard.
In 20 minutes, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked in an underground lot near Xinrongji.
Jiang Tao got out and led his group into Xinrongji like a team captain.
As soon as they entered, Jiang An'an and Jiang Hai curiously looked around.
It was their first time in such a high-end restaurant.
Seeing the dining area filled with well-dressed businesspeople, they grew even more nervous, worried about embarrassing Jiang Tao.
Though it was Jiang Yi's first time too, she remained calm, maintaining a composed demeanor.
But when she heard Jiang Tao order a 1,280-yuan set meal for each person, she couldn't stay calm anymore.
Not 1,280 total—1,280 per person!
And that was before the 18% service fee!
There were five of them—three adults, two kids.
That meant this meal was costing Jiang Tao 6,400 yuan!
Add the 20% service fee, another 1,280 yuan.
The total came to 7,680 yuan!
That was almost half a month's salary for her!
Jiang Hai, standing nearby, was utterly shocked!
A single meal costing seven or eight thousand yuan was beyond his comprehension!
Was this the simple, unadorned life of the rich?
It sure was enviable!
After ordering, the waiter led them to a quiet private room.
The waiter thoughtfully gifted Jiang Xue and Jiang An'an two rubber Digimon toys, which they played with happily.
Jiang Tao, Jiang Yi, and Jiang Hai chatted casually.
Before long, several waiters wheeled in food carts to serve the dishes.
Jiang Tao had ordered set meals—each of the five got one, and each had a dedicated waiter.
As they served, the waiters introduced the names and features of the dishes.
After the introductions, they placed the plates in front of each person before leaving the room.
The 1,280-yuan set meal included eight courses plus a final staple.
Without the waiters announcing the dish names, aside from Jiang Xue, no one else would have recognized a single dish.
Dishes like black truffle roasted duckling, morel mushroom stewed lion's head with snakehead fish, coral-style steamed spring shrimp balls, bamboo shoot and salted pork bone soup with spring vegetables, and salt-baked crab.
Each dish was fancier than the last, far beyond what ordinary people would encounter.
Sure, the price was steep, but the taste was exceptional, fully living up to the Michelin three-star reputation.
Halfway through the meal, Jiang Tao felt the timing was right.
He began to discuss the short drama casting opportunity with Jiang Hai and Jiang An'an to get their opinions.