Chapter 127: Patek Philippe Sold, Pickle Jar Acquired!
Bought a ladder and changed the curtains.
After a lot of fuss, Jiang Tao went downstairs and returned to the car at noon.
He lit a cigarette and exhaled.
Jiang Tao didn’t rush to start the car and leave.
He reached into another pocket and pulled out a Liqun cigarette case.
He opened the cigarette case, and inside were a few strands of hair that Zhang Chao had pulled from his own head last night.
Several black hairs, about four to five centimeters long, were curled up.
If Jiang Tao hadn’t watched him pluck them from his head with his own eyes.
He would have thought they were hairs from some strange body part.
He closed the cigarette case, and with a thought, Jiang Tao opened the intelligence on Zhang Chao that had just refreshed.
【 Previous Intelligence 02】:
You had contact with Zhang Chao yesterday and obtained related intelligence—
Zhang Chao was originally the long-lost young son of the boss of Xia Hua Liang Zi in the Capital City.
Help Zhang Chao reunite with his biological father to receive a cash reward of 1 million yuan from his father!
Jiang Tao focused his attention on the “Xia Hua Liang Zi boss” among the clearly darkened font.
The next moment, another piece of information appeared on his retina.
【 Wang Minglong: Phone 188XXXX8888!】
After getting Wang Minglong’s phone number, Jiang Tao hesitated for a moment before dialing.
Ring, ring, ring—
The phone rang for over ten seconds before being answered, and a deep male baritone voice spoke.
“Hello, this is Wang Minglong.”
“Hello Manager Wang, I have some information about your missing son that you’ve been looking for. Are you interested?”
Jiang Tao didn’t waste time with Wang Minglong and got straight to the point.
“……”
The other side pondered for a moment before saying:
“Where did you get my number? The number on the reward notice isn’t this one.”
“Does that matter? Isn’t it?”
“I have a few hairs from your son here. I’ll send them over by courier later for a DNA test.”
“I need an address now.”
“Send it to our company. The address is Dongcheng District…”
Wang Minglong on the other end was cautious and did not give Jiang Tao his personal address but his company’s address.
After getting the address, Jiang Tao stopped chatting with him.
He directly called a delivery person to send it to him.
After resolving Zhang Chao’s matter.
Jiang Tao found a clean and hygienic-looking small restaurant near the residential area.
He ordered a plate of Boiled Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil and a large portion of rice.
After a simple lunch, Jiang Tao drove straight to Panjiayuan.
Firstly, he wanted to patrol again, hoping to trigger some intelligence related to this area.
Jiang Tao really didn’t believe in bad luck; after so long, he hadn’t found a single bargain.
Secondly, he wanted to ask Zhang Bo if he had any sales channels for luxury watches.
Ever since he had browsed Zhang Bo’s Moments last time and found four gold bars,
Jiang Tao browsed his Moments every day, treating him like an experience baby to farm.
Through observation over the past period.
Jiang Tao had gained some understanding of the business Zhang Bo’s family ran.
Although it was named Boyaa Auction House, they rarely held auctions in recent years.
The items they sold were also quite diverse.
Ceramics, ancient coins, calligraphy and painting, jewelry, famous watches, and so on, a wide variety.
They had their own sources of goods and also helped friends sell on consignment for a commission.
Jiang Tao was completely a novice when it came to watches.
With Zhang Bo, a relatively familiar acquaintance.
If he wanted to sell a watch, Zhang Bo would naturally be the first person he thought of.
After interacting with him recently, Zhang Bo had left a good impression on Jiang Tao; he felt this buddy was reliable.
Besides business dealings, they could also be friends in daily life, and having more friends opens more doors.
Driving from Long Ze Yuan for about an hour, a Mercedes-Benz GSL drove into a paid open-air parking lot near Panjiayuan Antique Market.
After parking the car, Jiang Tao got out, took the box in the shopping bag from the trunk, and walked directly towards Antique Street.
Having been here many times, Jiang Tao was quite familiar with the area.
After walking for about 7 minutes, he arrived at the entrance of Boyaa Auction House.
As usual, the shop was deserted, with no one inside.
Zhang Bo was sitting behind a tea table in the shop, leisurely drinking tea.
Honestly, Jiang Tao sometimes envied Zhang Bo and people in his line of work.
They earned money so easily.
Of course, to be in this business, besides vast connections, one also needs substantial capital support.
The barrier to entry for this industry is very high; ordinary people can’t handle it.
“Yo! Brother Jiang! You’re here! Please forgive my lack of anticipation!”
“You didn’t let me know you were coming, so I could have come to greet you.”
Zhang Bo looked up and saw Jiang Tao at the door and quickly smiled and got up to welcome him.
Especially when he saw that Jiang Tao wasn’t empty-handed today and was carrying a shopping bag, Zhang Bo became even more enthusiastic.
He probably thought Brother Jiang had gotten something good again and brought him some business!
During this period, Zhang Bo had made several sales from Jiang Tao.
From lucky number bills, to Melo Pearls, then Yuan Datou silver dollars and that natural calculus bovis, and that blue and white porcelain bowl.
Zhang Bo had already profited nearly 400,000 from the items Jiang Tao provided!
Therefore, he was naturally extremely polite to Jiang Tao, such a loyal customer.
“Business has been good lately, Zhang Bo. You look radiant, you must have made a lot of money again.”
Jiang Tao greeted Zhang Bo with a smile and wasn’t polite.
He sat down on the opposite side of the tea table and placed the shopping bag in his hand on the tabletop.
“Haha, we’re just running a small business, making a little bit of money. It’s nothing compared to you, Brother Jiang!”
“Have some tea, Brother Jiang.”
After sitting down, Zhang Bo first brought Jiang Tao a new tea set and poured him some tea.
During this time, his gaze unconsciously glanced at the shopping bag Jiang Tao had placed on the table.
Jiang Tao noticed Zhang Bo’s little glance and stopped wasting time with him, getting straight to the point:
“Zhang Bo, a friend of mine is having some financial issues lately and wants to sell this watch. See if you guys are buying.”
As Jiang Tao spoke, he took out the piano lacquered wooden box from the shopping bag.
Seeing the prominent cross-star logo on the box, Zhang Bo knew another big business was coming today!
The cross-star pattern is Patek Philippe’s brand logo.
This emblem not only has an excellent decorative effect but also carries a long history.
This logo also aligns with Patek Philippe’s unique brand value and long-term development philosophy.
“Let me take a look.”
Zhang Bo said, taking out a pair of black silk gloves from his pocket and putting them on, then he gently opened the box.
“Patek Philippe 5990R Nautilus!”
Seeing the golden watch inside the box, Zhang Bo’s breathing quickened.
Anyone who likes watches knows this one!
Although Zhang Bo’s family conditions were not bad, their business was still his father’s.
He was currently just helping his father manage the shop, and it would be a while before he took over.
The watch he wore on his wrist was an Omega Seamaster 300, priced at over 50,000 yuan.
The 5990R in the box looked no different from new.
Zhang Bo gently picked up the watch with his silk-gloved hand and examined it carefully.
There were no signs of wear or scratches; the quality was close to brand new!
It was rare to find a 5990R in this condition!
After all, who among watch enthusiasts could resist wearing such a classic watch to show off!
“Brother Jiang, does your friend want to sell this 5990?”
After carefully handling the 5990R from the box, Zhang Bo looked at Jiang Tao to confirm one last time.
Jiang Tao nodded, “Yes, if the price is right, I’ll sell it; otherwise, I won’t.”
Zhang Bo pressed further, “Then, did your friend tell you their desired price?”
Jiang Tao said frankly, “2.18 million.”
Zhang Bo was not surprised after hearing Jiang Tao’s quoted price.
This Nautilus 5990R, hailed as “peak from debut,” has seen its price soar since its launch.
The official retail price was only 920,000 yuan, and it reached a peak of 3.3 million yuan in early 2022.
The price has fallen considerably in the past two years, but it still remains around 2 million yuan.
The condition of the piece Jiang Tao brought today was exceptionally good.
It’s estimated the owner bought it for collection and never wore it.
Selling a 5990R in this condition for 2.18 million was quite reasonable.
Zhang Bo said, “Brother Jiang, please wait a moment. I need to call our boss to ask. This price is beyond my authority.”
Jiang Tao smiled and nodded, “Okay, go ahead and call.”
Zhang Bo immediately picked up his phone on the tea table and called his father, Zhang Long.
Ring, ring, ring—
The video call connected, and Zhang Bo, without wasting time with his father, began to show him.
“Dad, a friend brought over a Patek Philippe 5990R. Their desired price is 2.18 million. See if we can acquire it.”
“Hey! This bird is nice! The condition is excellent!”
“Get a bit closer. Show me the dial first, then the back.”
“Do you have the certificate and all that?”
“2.18 million… Alright! Let’s buy it. I’ll keep this bird for myself.”
“My Uncle Liu has been looking for a 5590 for his collection but couldn’t find one. I’ll wear it to show him off!”
“……”
Zhang Bo was speechless after hearing his father’s last sentence.
However, he naturally knew that his father had the financial capability.
Jiang Tao clearly heard the conversation between the father and son.
Hearing that Zhang Bo’s father was so readily agreeing to buy the watch, Jiang Tao felt a little excited.
An item worth 2.18 million sold so easily??
Indeed, there are so many wealthy people in the Capital City.
If Zhang Bo’s family didn’t have tens of millions, his father probably wouldn’t have the confidence!
Is this what you call running a small business?
After ending the call, Zhang Bo smiled at Jiang Tao:
“Brother Jiang, you just heard that my dad really likes this watch. Shall we sign the contract?”
“Sure, no problem.”
Jiang Tao wouldn’t think his asking price was low just because the other party was quick to agree.
The System Brother also gave the value as 2.18 million.
He was satisfied with selling it at this price.
Greed leads to ruin; contentment brings happiness!
Afterward, Zhang Bo went to the computer to print a transaction contract for valuable items drafted by their lawyer.
Both parties signed and thumb-printed at positions A and B, and Zhang Bo promptly transferred 2.18 million yuan to Jiang Tao via his phone.
【 Your ICBC Savings Card ending in XXXX has received 2,180,000 yuan. Current balance is 2,848,976.66 yuan!】
Looking at the arrival SMS notification and account balance on his phone, Jiang Tao felt increasingly pleased.
After spending 1 million yuan to upgrade the system yesterday, his nest egg’s balance had dropped below one million again.
With over 2 million yuan received today, it had recovered!
With nearly 3 million yuan in cash deposits, why worry?
Even if he didn’t make any more money this year, it would be enough for his family to live comfortably!
“Pah, pah, pah, what a jinx I am. It’s best to get high-value intelligence every day!”
“At this level, it’s just being content with small wealth; I’m still far from financial freedom.”
“I’m still renting my house.”
Jiang Tao thought to himself a few sentences, and his fighting spirit reignited, his passion for making money growing even stronger.
After chatting with Zhang Bo for a while, seeing guests arrive, Jiang Tao cleverly bid him farewell and left.
He then strolled around the Antique Street for a long time.
While on high-intensity patrol, he kept mentally urging System Brother to pay attention and give him some help!
He wandered until past 4 PM; he had visited all the places he intended to.
Just as Jiang Tao was about to “get off work,” his phone suddenly rang.
He took out his phone and saw that the caller ID displayed “Du Ennan.”
The last time Jiang Tao contacted her was about ten days ago.
At that time, Du Ennan mentioned that she and her father were busy with a new project.
So, Jiang Tao didn’t bother her.
The matter of the Mercedes-Benz would have to wait for now.
Haste makes waste.
She was busy with her own affairs, and it would seem inconsiderate of him to add to her troubles.
“Hello Du Ennan, are you busy?”
After answering the phone, Jiang Tao greeted Du Ennan with a smile.
“Yes, my wife and child are also here this year.”
“Haha, thank you for the compliment. If you have a daughter, she will surely be as beautiful as you.”
“Oh, that’s too kind. Will we be bothering you?”
“Okay, alright, see you tonight then.”
“Bye bye.”
Just a few seconds after hanging up with Du Ennan, Du Ennan sent Jiang Tao a location via WeChat.
Beijing Guomao Hotel!
Jiang Tao had lived in the Capital City for seven or eight years, so he had naturally heard of this name.
But this was the first time he had been invited to dine at such a high-class hotel.
After checking the location information, Jiang Tao put his phone back into his pocket and walked directly towards the parking lot where he had parked his car.
Around 5:30 PM.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS was parked in an open, unused area outside the Xiao Shahe Urban Village.
After getting out of the car, Jiang Tao walked towards the village.
He wove through the familiar alleys like a needle threading a pattern.
He soon arrived in front of Lu Qian’s dormitory building.
“Hey! Xiao Jiang! You’ve come at the perfect time, I was just about to call you.”
“You smelled your way back here, didn’t you!”
Lu Qian, who was at the door scalding chicken feathers with a bucket, greeted Jiang Tao with a smile:
“I just bought a big rooster from the vegetable market. Tonight, the two of us will have a few drinks!”
“Uh, sorry, Brother Lu, I have plans with a friend tonight too.”
Jiang Tao gave a wry smile, having to once again decline Old Lu’s kind offer.
The matter of the pickle jar seemed like it would have to wait again today…
Suddenly, Jiang Tao’s peripheral vision caught sight of something glowing behind Lu Qian.
Jiang Tao took two steps back to adjust his viewing angle.
He clearly saw a large brown ceramic jar, about 80 centimeters tall and with a diameter of about 70 centimeters, placed next to the entrance of Lu Qian’s house.
The key point was!
This large ceramic jar was emitting a faint golden light in his field of vision!
Lu Qian didn’t notice Jiang Tao’s unusual reaction and said with a smile:
“You seem very busy this year, like you have plans every day.”
“And, I’ve noticed you rarely come back to stay.”
“Have you rented a place elsewhere?”
Jiang Tao shifted his gaze from the pickle jar and said to Lu Qian:
“Brother Lu, let’s not talk about that for now. What’s in that large jar over there?”
Lu Qian looked in the direction Jiang Tao was pointing and, seeing the pickle jar, smiled indifferently and said:
“It’s empty. I just took it out of the kitchen this morning and was planning to smash it and throw it away later.”
“That thing has been around since my grandparents’ time. It’s big and clumsy.”
“We don’t need it anymore, and it takes up too much space in the kitchen.”
Hearing Lu Qian’s words, Jiang Tao thought “Holy cow!” in his mind.
Fortunately, he came over today!
If he hadn’t come today, such a golden finger would have been wasted by Old Lu, that spendthrift!
System Brother didn’t mention that the pickle jar would face such a calamity!
How close!
Could this be the work of the Heluo Stone again this time?
After silently congratulating himself, Jiang Tao looked at Lu Qian and said:
“Brother Lu, I think that large jar looks quite good. If you don’t want it anymore, can you give it to me? I can buy it too.”
“What nonsense are you talking about, kid? If you like it, take it. It’ll save me the trouble of throwing it away. Don’t talk about buying it.”
“It’s just a broken thing, why would I charge you money!”
Lu Qian said with a laugh, as generous as ever.
Jiang Tao smiled and said, “Then thank you, Brother Lu! My mom loves collecting these nostalgic old items.”
Lu Qian chuckled and said, “What’s there to thank? You’re being too polite with me.”
“Don’t change the subject, kid. I’m asking if you’ve moved elsewhere?”
“What’s wrong, are you not comfortable living here with me, you don’t like my place anymore?”
“Hahaha, to be honest, my wife and child are here this year, so…”
Jiang Tao gave Old Lu a “you know” look.
It didn’t matter where he lived himself, but he couldn’t let his wife and child suffer with him.
“You should have said so earlier! You treat your Brother Lu like an outsider!”
“Your wife and child are in the Capital City, and you didn’t even bring them to meet me and Xiao Mei.”
“Get out, get out, get out! Hurry up and take that pickle jar and get lost.”
“I don’t want to see you right now, looking at you pisses me off.”
After hearing Jiang Tao’s words, Lu Qian waved him away impatiently, appearing genuinely angry.
“Hahaha, okay, Brother Lu, tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll invite you and Aunt Ma to our newly rented place for dinner, how about that?”
“My parents will be there too. I’ll introduce them to you all, so everyone can get acquainted.”
Jiang Tao knew that Lu Qian wasn’t truly angry and shamelessly went along with him.
“Now that’s more like it. Kid, let me tell you, there’s a lot of wisdom in how to conduct yourself and handle things that you youngsters still have to learn!”
Hearing Jiang Tao’s invitation, Old Lu immediately calmed down, a smile returning to his face.
He had only been pretending to be angry just now.
“Alright then, tomorrow night at 6 PM, Bai Ge Zhuang New Village Residential Area, Building 28, Unit 1601.”
“Forget it, I’ll drive over to pick you and Aunt Ma up tomorrow myself. Do you think I’m showing enough sincerity?”
“Haha, you’re catching on quickly, kid. Then I won’t be polite. I’ll wait for you to pick us up at home with Xiao Mei!”
Lu Qian also didn’t stand on ceremony with Jiang Tao. With a car to pick them up and drop them off, who would take a taxi themselves!
“Alright! Then it’s settled. I’ll go upstairs to get some things and then I’ll be ready to leave. A rooster is very nourishing, eat more.”
Jiang Tao gave Lu Qian a look that all men understand, then turned and chuckled as he went inside to go upstairs.
“You brat, your brother doesn’t know why he bought a rooster for its nourishing properties.”
Lu Qian chuckled and cursed as he watched Jiang Tao’s disappearing back, continuing to handle his chicken.
After going upstairs, Jiang Tao used his key to enter the small room he rented.
He retrieved a jar of Nu’er Hong from under the bed, put it into a paper shopping bag, and carried it downstairs.
“Brother Lu, I’m really taking this pickle jar. Don’t go back on your word.”
Jiang Tao stopped in front of the pickle jar and playfully said to Lu Qian with a smile.
Lu Qian cursed with a laugh, “Hurry up and take it and get out of here. Looking at you annoys me.”
“Thanks! Then I won’t be polite.”
Jiang Tao thanked Lu Qian again, then bent down and picked up the pickle jar from the ground.
This thing looked not small, but because it was hollow, its weight was at most fifty to sixty catties.
For a young and strong man like Jiang Tao, this weight was nothing.
He carried the pickle jar all the way through the narrow alleys of the urban village, drawing quite a spectacle.
Along the way, it attracted many curious glances.
These old-fashioned pickle jars were rarely seen nowadays.
Jiang Tao ignored the onlookers’ gazes and carried the pickle jar all the way to where he had parked his car.
He opened the trunk and carefully placed it on the old curtains inside the trunk.
“My goodness, I haven’t done any physical labor in so long, carrying this little thing is actually a bit tiring.”
Jiang Tao rubbed his shoulder, which had been pressed by the pickle jar the whole way, and the pain finally began to subside slightly.
He took out his phone and checked the time; it was already 6:10 PM.
There were less than two hours left until his dinner appointment with Du Ennan.
In public, it wasn’t convenient for Jiang Tao to examine the pickle jar.
He closed the trunk first and drove back to the Bai Ge Zhuang Residential Area to pick up Xu Li and the others.
On the way home, Jiang Tao called Xu Li and told her about Du Ennan’s invitation to dinner.
When Jiang Tao returned home, Xu Li was still in the bedroom, worrying about what to wear.
“Dad~ You’re back! Mom said you’re taking us out for a big meal tonight, right!”
Jiang Xue rushed to his side as soon as she saw Jiang Tao come home, grabbing his big hand with an expectant look.
Jiang Tao reached out and ruffled Jiang Xue’s little head, saying:
“Yes, Aunt Du is treating us tonight, to welcome us. You need to be polite when you see Aunt Du later, understand?”
“I know, I know! Our Teacher Jiang teaches us to be civilized and polite every day.”
“Mom said that Aunt Du is a great beauty, is that true, Dad?”
“She’s beautiful, but certainly not as beautiful as your mom. Your mom is the most beautiful woman within a thousand miles.”
Jiang Xue asked doubtfully, “Why does this sentence sound familiar?”
“Oh~ I remember now, isn’t that a line from Shi Ji Niangniang?”
“Mom, Mom, Dad said you’re Shi Ji Niangniang from Nezha~”
Seeing the leaky little cotton jacket trot off to tell her mom, Old Jiang was speechless.
Can this heart-stabbing little cotton jacket still be kept!
