Chapter 103: Watching A Movie And Buying Nezha Dou Tian Bao!
The total area of the Tian Family Village cattle farm is 20 mu.
108 yellow cattle are raised inside.
In the previous two years, when the beef cattle market was good, the cattle farm boss could earn a net profit of five to six hundred thousand yuan annually.
In the past two years, the beef cattle market has been sluggish, and cattle prices have remained low.
Let alone making money, just not losing money is already a blessing.
During the Spring Festival, the price of a fattened pig was almost comparable to that of a calf.
Also in these past two years, the price of beef has, for the first time, fallen below the price of lamb.
Cattle farmers all over the country are struggling.
They are caught in indecision between continuing to raise cattle and waiting for prices to rebound, or making a decisive move to sell all of them.
Early in the morning, after getting up, Tian Xiaoguang first fed the cattle.
There were originally 3 workers at the cattle farm, but they all went home for the Spring Festival.
Only he, an old bachelor, was left on duty.
For Tian Xiaoguang, whether it was the Spring Festival or not made no difference.
He hadn’t even changed his clothes, still wearing the same jacket that had become somewhat glossy from wear.
His beard was unshaven, and he was too lazy to even wash his face.
In his words, the oil on his face could keep out the cold, saving him the cost of face cream.
After feeding the cattle, Tian Xiaoguang prepared to go back to his room to watch videos.
On the video platform, there was a young woman about his age who was also alone and livestreaming during the Spring Festival.
Tian Xiaoguang went to the young woman’s livestream room every day to send small gifts and chat for a while.
Over time, it became a habit; not doing so for a day felt as uncomfortable as not smoking for a day.
Beep beep!
As Tian Xiaoguang turned around, he suddenly heard a few car horns from the entrance of the cattle farm.
“Who is it during the Spring Festival?”
Tian Xiaoguang muttered discontentedly under his breath and reluctantly turned to open the door at the entrance.
Upon opening the door, Tian Xiaoguang saw a pitch-black Mercedes-Benz parked there and was startled.
The three-pointed star emblem of Mercedes-Benz was still quite eye-catching.
When he saw Jiang Tao and Jiang Bing get out of the car, Tian Xiaoguang’s jaw dropped even further in surprise; he thought his old eyes were playing tricks on him.
“Uncle! Happy New Year, we’ve come to wish you a Happy New Year!”
“Happy New Year, Uncle! Huh, it’s the Spring Festival, and you haven’t even changed your clothes.”
The siblings greeted Tian Xiaoguang with smiles, and Jiang Bing couldn’t resist chiding her uncle.
“I’m just an old man who feeds cattle, why would I change into new clothes? It wouldn’t make me look any better. Where is your Elder Brother?”
Tian Xiaoguang greeted them with a hearty laugh, unfazed by his niece’s teasing.
“My Elder Brother is busy covering shifts and earning money. My Second Brother and I are here, doesn’t Uncle welcome us?”
“How could I not! Welcome, welcome, quickly, quickly, come in!”
Chatting and laughing, Jiang Tao and Jiang Bing followed their uncle into the cattle farm and were ushered into his dormitory.
Upon entering, the dormitory was furnished with two bunk beds.
On the beds, dark quilts and dirty clothes were casually placed.
Cigarette butts and fallen ashes were scattered everywhere on the floor.
The sanitation conditions of this dormitory perfectly met the standards of being dirty, messy, and poor.
As soon as Jiang Bing entered, she picked up a broom and started sweeping.
Jiang Tao put down the box of milk and instant noodles he was carrying.
Then, from a shopping bag, he took out a bottle of Moutai and a pack of Huazi cigarettes.
“Moutai, Huazi, Jiang Tao, you’ve struck it rich in the Capital City!”
“Oh, and that car outside, you didn’t buy it, did you!”
Seeing the items Jiang Tao took out, Tian Xiaoguang was once again surprised.
Jiang Tao chuckled, “I didn’t strike it rich, just made a bit of pocket money. This cigarette and wine were gifts from a Master of mine. I brought a bottle for you to try.”
“Oh my, I actually get to drink Moutai in my lifetime! My dear nephew, I didn’t dote on you for nothing when you were a child!”
Looking at the Moutai and Huazi cigarettes Jiang Tao brought him, Tian Xiaoguang felt deeply touched!
It was already very kind of his two nephews to visit him every year and not dislike him, an old man.
This year, they even brought him Moutai and Huazi.
This kind of treatment was enough for Tian Xiaoguang to brag to his colleagues for a whole year!
His second nephew truly brought him honor!
Tian Xiaoguang naturally wouldn’t bear to drink this wine; he would treasure it well to show off!
After sweeping the floor, Jiang Bing joined her second brother and uncle in their conversation.
Their conversation ranged from work to life, from the cattle farm to the Capital City.
They chatted from around 10 AM until 11:30 AM, when Jiang Tao and Jiang Bing took their leave from their uncle.
Tian Xiaoguang had not prepared any alcoholic beverages or dishes for guests during the Spring Festival.
So, he didn’t pretend to insist they stay, and escorted the siblings to the entrance of the cattle farm.
Watching the imposing and noble Mercedes-Benz disappear on the distant highway.
Tian Xiaoguang was also happy for his nephew’s achievements.
“You’ve made it, you’ve made it~”
“Our nephew drives a Mercedes-Benz now.”
“Good, good, good, I always saw this second child as promising from a young age. When have my instincts ever been wrong!”
“Oh my! I forgot to take some photos just now! Without photos, people will think I’m bragging!”
Thinking of this, Tian Xiaoguang couldn’t help but slap his thigh in annoyance, feeling he had been careless and hadn’t thought things through.
At noon, Jiang Tao’s family of three went to his mother’s house for a meal.
This time, Elder Sister-in-law Zhang Xiaoyan also brought their second nephew Jiang Shaojie to her in-laws’ house.
“Elder Sister-in-law, Happy New Year.”
Upon seeing his Elder Sister-in-law, Jiang Tao greeted her warmly.
“Ah, yes, happy New Year, A’Tao.”
Zhang Xiaoyan also smiled and greeted Jiang Tao.
As his Elder Sister-in-law and mother, she naturally knew how Jiang Tao treated his two nephews.
He gave generous red envelopes, movie tickets, took them out to eat and drink, and gave them pocket money.
Jiang Tao was an absolutely exemplary uncle, with no fault to be found.
“Xuexue, Big Aunt also has a big red envelope for you. Wishing our Xuexue good health, happiness, and to grow more and more beautiful~”
Zhang Xiaoyan said as she took out a red envelope from her pocket and handed it to Jiang Xue.
Looking at the beautiful and adorable Jiang Xue, Zhang Xiaoyan’s eyes were filled with envy.
As she spoke, she unconsciously touched her own stomach.
She thought to herself, if only she could have a daughter, her dream would come true!
“Thank you, Big Aunt~ I also wish you a Happy New Year and to earn lots and lots of money~”
After offering her New Year’s wishes, Jiang Xue excitedly took the red envelope from her Big Aunt, her little face beaming.
Although Jiang Tao knew it wasn’t easy for his Elder Sister-in-law to earn money, he didn’t stop her from giving her daughter lucky money.
During the Spring Festival, lucky money given by elders to juniors was originally called “suppressing evil spirits.”
It symbolized suppressing evil spirits, protecting children from harm, and wishing them peace and health in the new year.
Lucky money embodies the blessings and expectations of elders for their juniors; one should accept it regardless of the amount.
After a brief chat with Jiang Tao, Zhang Xiaoyan went to the kitchen to help her mother-in-law prepare lunch.
Old Jiang and Old Sun had gone out in the morning and only returned just before noon, when the meal was about to be served.
For Old Sun’s sake, their mother didn’t scold their father this time, giving him ample face.
Old Sun and the Jiang family members had spent the entire previous night and this morning together.
The initial unfamiliarity between everyone had diminished, replaced by a growing closeness.
The meal was harmonious and joyful, lasting from just past noon until around 2 PM.
After eating their fill, the women of the family started washing dishes, while Old Jiang took Old Sun to play chess.
Jiang Tao went home alone for a nap.
During the Spring Festival at home, each day was filled with eating, drinking, and sleeping, with a complete sense of relaxation.
He slept until past 4 PM, when Xu Li woke him up.
Under Xu Li’s persistent persuasion, Jiang Tao reluctantly agreed to accompany her, Jiang Xue, and the tag-along Jiang Bing to the cinema in Ping County.
“Second Brother, Second Brother! When will our Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket go on sale! I saw online that the price has already gone up to 55 yuan each! Just the empty bucket for 55!”
While waiting for the 5 PM show to start, Jiang Bing excitedly held onto Jiang Tao’s arm, eager to get started.
“Calm down, calm down, this is just the beginning, wait a little longer.”
With the intelligence provided by System Brother, Jiang Tao was not in the least bit worried.
The Flying Pig Popcorn Buckets, which he purchased for 20 yuan each, were currently being resold for 55 yuan.
He could make a net profit of 35 yuan on each one sold.
With the 10,000 popcorn buckets Jiang Tao had stocked, he could make 350,000 yuan just by reselling them!
It was no wonder Jiang Bing was so impatient.
A gross profit of 275%, with a net profit of 140% after deducting the 20 yuan cost.
This Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket project was even more profitable than the previous Ultraman Hair Clips!
In just a couple of days, 200,000 yuan worth of goods had inflated to 550,000 yuan, a terrifying increase!
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that if this Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket project could be successfully executed.
Based on the 20% commission Jiang Tao had promised Jiang Bing.
Jiang Bing’s profit from this single project would exceed her entire profit from last year!
At this moment, Jiang Bing had already elevated her Second Brother to the status of Buffett in the e-commerce retail industry!
Xu Li, listening to the siblings’ conversation, had a bright smile on her face that never faded.
Her gaze towards her husband became even gentler than usual.
The Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket project was proposed and led by her man.
If the project succeeded, her man would be responsible for at least 80% of the credit!
Such foresight and strategic planning were incredibly attractive!
The more Xu Li looked, the more she felt her husband looked even more handsome now than when he was younger!
With the passage of time, while his handsomeness remained, he had also gained a sense of composure and confidence.
“Hmph, when my husband makes this project a success and earns a million or two at once, who will dare to say I have bad judgment~”
Thinking of her husband’s impending success, Xu Li displayed a proud and happy smile.
Before this year, she had never imagined her husband could achieve such great success one day.
She had only wished to live a simple and happy life with her husband and daughter.
Now, her once small wish had been fulfilled far beyond her expectations.
Xu Li was naturally overjoyed, and felt a sense of quiet triumph.
Life is short, only thirty years, and the outcome is not yet decided. Who says my husband can’t be a dark horse?
“Dad, I want to buy a Dou Tian Bao~”
Jiang Xue’s eyes were fixed on the colorful and vibrant card holders displayed on a shelf not far away, her gaze filled with expectation.
Earlier, when Jiang Bing took her to see the movie, she had bought 10 packs for her, her two nephews, and herself.
The cards within the Dou Tian Bao were divided into 9 major rarity levels: R, HR, QR, SR, SSR, UR, BP, SP, SE.
The corresponding patterns represented tasks, movie scenes, and chibi characters.
These things cost 10 yuan a pack and contained only 5 small cards; they were truly a collector of children’s lucky money.
“Only if you kiss me.”
Jiang Tao chuckled, pointing to his face, and began to set conditions with his little cotton jacket.
“Mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah~~~”
Jiang Xue hugged her dad’s neck and started kissing him, laughing triumphantly as she did:
“One kiss per pack~”
“You little unscrupulous merchant, that’s enough, that’s enough. If you keep kissing, I’ll go bankrupt.”
“Heh heh~ Heh heh~ Didn’t you want kisses? I’ll give you plenty, just 10 packs, mwah~~”
The little cotton jacket’s bell-like laughter drew the attention of the surrounding spectators waiting for the show to start.
Many people who didn’t have daughters looked at Jiang Tao with envy.
Another day of tricking people into having daughters!
“Second Brother, I want to buy one too~”
Jiang Bing also stepped forward, hugged Jiang Tao’s arm, and began her Li Kui-style tantrum.
“If you want one, buy it yourself.”
“Will you buy me one pack if I kiss you twice?”
“No, why do I feel like you’re repaying kindness with enmity!”
“Stop it, Second Brother~”
“Third Sister, act normal. I give up, I’ll buy it for you, okay? Please let me go!”
After their playful banter, Jiang Tao held his little cotton jacket’s hand in one, and had Jiang Bing hugging his other arm.
At this moment, Old Jiang felt like he was being coerced by his aunt and niece, which made Xu Li giggle beside him.
The product sales area shelves were stocked with many Nezha 2 merchandise.
There were dolls, plush toys, and fruit juice cups, but the Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket was nowhere to be seen.
In the sales area, quite a few children were selecting cards.
The older ones looked like they were in high school, or possibly even university.
The younger ones were kindergarteners like Jiang Xue.
It was evident that this card pack was quite popular.
“I heard you can get a personally signed card by Director Jiaozi, limited to only 10 worldwide! I wish I had that kind of luck!”
“You’re dreaming. Limited to 10 worldwide! How could it be that easy to draw.”
“Even if you bought out all the Dou Tian Bao in Ping County, the probability of drawing one would be less than one percent!”
“Tch, I was just saying! Of course, I don’t know for sure. These Dou Tian Bao are sold all over the country; they definitely won’t be here!”
“If I were Director Jiaozi, I would do nothing at home all day and just make a fortune from my autograph!”
“Do you understand the concept of ‘rarity breeds value’? It’s precisely because the quantity is small that it’s expensive. A personally signed card from Director Jiaozi is already being traded for 100,000 yuan. If he wrote them every day at home, no one would buy them for 1,000 yuan.”
While waiting for Jiang Bing and her niece at the entrance, Jiang Tao overheard two middle school students chatting and selecting items.
“A single card worth 100,000 yuan? That’s too exaggerated.”
Although Nezha 2’s box office performance yesterday was outstanding and it had the potential to be a blockbuster.
A signed card from the director shouldn’t be selling for that much!
“Dad, I’ve chosen. This time I’ll definitely get a Six-Armed Nezha~”
As Jiang Tao was silently complaining, his little cotton jacket came out after choosing her cards.
She had said ten packs, but the little smarty pants ended up taking 13.
Facing his little cotton jacket’s slight calculation, Old Jiang had no choice but to accept it and buy them!
After paying, Jiang Tao grabbed his little cotton jacket’s hand and ran, making a clean getaway!
“You stinky Jiang Tao!!! You stingy ghost!!”
Jiang Bing came out with her cards and found no one there, stamping her foot in anger at the entrance.
