Chapter 144: Small Goals And A Lamborghini Aventador, Jiang Tao’s Promise!
Du Ennan and Xu Li felt an immediate kinship, as if they had known each other for years.
In reality, this was only their third meeting.
Yet, they chatted and laughed like old friends, with endless topics of conversation.
Their discussion flowed from pregnancy to children, eventually turning to Jiang Xue.
“Lili, I truly adore Xiao Xue. Would you allow her to be my goddaughter?”
“And when my baby is born, let her be your godmother.”
Du Ennan held Xu Li’s hand and Jiang Xue’s, a sincere smile on her face.
“Xiao Xue, do you like Auntie? Would you like to be Auntie’s daughter?”
Xu Li and Jiang Xue looked to Jiang Tao, the head of the household, for his approval.
“Jiang Tao, what do you think?”
Du Ennan also realized Jiang Tao was the decision-maker and looked at him with a smile.
“Of course, Xiao Xue, call her Godmother, and let Mama Du give you a red envelope.”
Jiang Tao laughed heartily, readily agreeing to Du Ennan’s proposal.
Having more friends opens more doors, especially friends like Du Ennan, who came from a wealthy background.
Of course, Jiang Tao’s agreement for his daughter to have Du Ennan as a godmother wasn’t about climbing the social ladder.
Since getting to know her, Du Ennan had made a great impression on Jiang Tao; she was a friend worth getting to know deeply.
Through this god-parent relationship, they would become even closer, which would benefit Jiang Tao, Xu Li, and their daughter Jiang Xue in the future.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that without System Brother, Jiang Tao would still be driving a truck at the wholesale market.
He wouldn’t have had the opportunity to befriend an elite individual like Du Ennan.
Now that she was extending an olive branch to form a kinship, what reason would he have to refuse?
“Godmother~”
After receiving her father’s consent, Jiang Xue called Du Ennan “Godmother” in a clear voice.
“Yes! My good daughter! My dear daughter.”
It was the first time Du Ennan heard someone call her “mom,” and she beamed with an aunt-like smile, feeling overjoyed.
“Godmother didn’t have time to buy you a gift, so I’ll give you a shopping card.”
“From now on, let your parents bring you here often. Besides clothes, you can also buy toys, watch movies, do whatever you like.”
As Du Ennan spoke, she reached into the pocket of her maternity dress and handed a card to Jiang Xue.
Jiang Tao recognized it – it was the same premium VIP card that Old Du had given him earlier!
He clearly remembered that this type of card was used for important business partners and distinguished guests.
Each card was pre-loaded with a fixed amount of 300,000 yuan!
In other words, by gaining a godmother, Jiang Xue had just “earned” 300,000 yuan!
When he was poor, Jiang Tao always felt that earning money was difficult.
Now that he had money, he didn’t have to earn it himself; it just flowed into his pockets!
That feeling was quite exhilarating!
“Can I have it?”
Jiang Xue didn’t immediately take Du Ennan’s card but looked at Jiang Tao for his opinion.
“Of course, your godmother is giving it to you. It’s a gift, don’t refuse it.”
Jiang Tao certainly wouldn’t be polite to Du Ennan; he who doesn’t take advantage of a good deal is a fool!
Of course, he said that, but when Du Ennan’s baby was born, he, as the “cheap” godfather, would have to give his goddaughter an equivalent gift.
“Thank you, Godmother~”
After thanking Du Ennan, Jiang Xue finally accepted the stored-value card, her smile innocent and pure.
“Aww! Xiao Xue is so good~”
Du Ennan also smiled, “From now on, we’re family.”
“When you don’t have school on weekends, ask your mom to bring you to Godmother’s house more often.”
“Godmother will buy you fun toys, pretty clothes, and the nanny will make you delicious food.”
It was clear that Du Ennan genuinely liked Jiang Xue; her affection was real and not just for show.
Seeing his daughter gain a loving godmother who adored her so much made Jiang Tao happy for her as well.
Time passed quickly during their idle chat in the office.
Soon, it was time to get off work.
Jiang Tao had initially planned to treat Du Ennan to dinner at a restaurant as a token of his gratitude.
Although the lucky star was found thanks to System Brother’s reminder, it was still a gift from Du Ennan.
If the part where Du Ennan gave Jiang Xue the Bonnie rabbit hadn’t happened.
That lucky star might have been bought by someone else.
However, Du Ennan wasn’t interested in eating out and suggested having dinner at home.
Having grown accustomed to various fancy restaurants, she preferred the warm family dinner they had last time.
Thus, the four of them went downstairs together and took Jiang Tao’s car back to Bai Ge Zhuang Residential Area.
They bought various vegetables, fruits, and meats from Jingkelong outside the residential area.
After his parents also got off work, his father, mother, and Xu Li went to the kitchen together to prepare the meal.
Du Ennan stayed upstairs with Jiang Xue, arranging the large pile of dolls she had brought home that day.
The small room was instantly transformed into a fairy-tale kingdom, with dozens of cute companions.
While the family was cooking, Jiang Tao went downstairs and took the Beijing Auto EU5 for a drive.
He wanted to earn his daily 10,000 yuan first.
It was money practically falling into his lap; why wouldn’t he take it!
He drove 10 kilometers, and after returning to the residential area, Jiang Tao got out of the car.
His gaze fell upon the Beijing Auto EU5.
In Jiang Tao’s vision, a virtual azure screen was displayed on the roof of the Beijing Auto EU5.
The screen showed a pile of gleaming gold coins.
Simultaneously, a prompt appeared on Jiang Tao’s retina:
【The self-improving Beijing Auto EU5 has generated 10,000 yuan in cash revenue today. Do you wish to collect it? 】
“Yes!”
Without hesitation, Jiang Tao chose to collect his daily cash revenue.
Buzz~
The next second, his phone vibrated in his pocket, and he received an SMS notification.
【Your ICBC Savings Card account ending in XX89 has received 10,000 yuan. Current balance is 1,563,368.88 yuan! 】
Looking at the long string of digits in his bank balance, the curve of Jiang Tao’s lips was harder to suppress than an AK.
Previously, Mercedes-Benz had paid out 4.48 million yuan in compensation, and the car cost over 700,000 yuan.
Jiang Tao had transferred 2 million yuan to Xu Li for safekeeping, leaving him with over 1.6 million.
Today, he had spent over 80,000 yuan on shoes and clothes for Xu Li.
This over 1.5 million yuan was Jiang Tao’s current visible assets, not including the 2 million he had invested in funds earlier.
Nor did it include the over 2 million invested in the cattle farm.
Then there was the 150,000 yuan in medical expenses he lent to Jiang Yi.
Jiang Tao hadn’t told Xu Li about this money, fearing she might misunderstand.
Ring ring ring—
Jiang Tao put away his phone and was about to head upstairs when his phone suddenly rang.
He pulled out his phone and saw that the caller ID displayed Jiang Yi’s name.
This was the first time Jiang Yi had called him proactively.
“Hello, Teacher Jiang.”
Jiang Tao swiped to answer the call and greeted Jiang Yi with a smile.
“Jiang Tao, thank you. An An has completed her surgery, and it was very successful. Thank you so much.”
From the other end of the line, Jiang Yi’s voice was soft and gentle, like a warbler’s.
“That’s good to hear. I wish your niece a speedy recovery. If you need more money, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Thinking about the extremely high rate of return on the money he lent to Jiang Yi’s niece, Jiang Tao wished he could lend out all the money in his card.
“It’s enough, it’s enough. I called you just to update you on An An’s condition and to thank you. I didn’t call to borrow money.”
Jiang Yi, thinking Jiang Tao had misunderstood, quickly clarified, then changed the subject.
“By the way, Jiang Tao, when do you have time? I’d like to treat you, Xiao Xue, and Xiao Xue’s mother to dinner.”
“You helped my family immensely this time, and I want to thank you properly.”
“Teacher Jiang, there’s no need for a dinner invitation. Also…”
“The 150,000 yuan I lent you is my private money.”
“It’s best if only you, I, and your brother know about this. Don’t let my wife find out, you understand.”
Jiang Tao said jokingly, “After all, it’s not easy for us men to save up some private money, don’t you think?”
“Ah, oh… Is that so? Alright then.”
Jiang Yi, on the other end of the phone, hadn’t expected this loan to be something Jiang Tao was keeping from his wife.
A sense of guilt immediately arose within her.
It felt as though she had done something to let Xu Li down.
Although Jiang Tao and Xu Li had a good marital relationship.
Some things are better left unsaid.
How could he explain the matter of him sharing an apartment with Jiang Yi for that Patek Philippe Nautilus parrot?
The matter of him lending money to Jiang Yi was equally difficult to explain.
Often, one lie requires more lies to cover it up.
Jiang Tao simply didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble.
Therefore, some things had to be kept from Xu Li.
After a brief chat, Jiang Tao hung up Jiang Yi’s phone just as he stepped into the elevator.
As he entered the elevator, Jiang Tao saw an elderly woman holding a fluffy white Bichon Frise.
Jiang Tao didn’t know much about dogs.
He recognized the breed because he had rescued one in his hometown during the Spring Festival.
The little Bichon sat quietly by the old woman’s legs, looking like a well-behaved puppy.
“Done with work, young man.”
The old woman greeted Jiang Tao with a smile as he entered the elevator.
Living in the same building, they saw each other often.
Although they didn’t know each other’s names, they were familiar faces.
The old woman called him “young man,” and he called her “old lady.”
“Yes, I just got off work. Are you taking your dog for a walk, Old Lady?”
Jiang Tao also greeted the old woman with a smile.
“Ah! I’m not taking the dog for a walk; the dog is walking me!”
“Having this thing at home is too much trouble!”
The old woman didn’t particularly like dogs, but this dog was bought by her daughter-in-law for her granddaughter.
However, after bringing it home, the granddaughter lost interest within a week.
Her daughter-in-law was busy with work and entertaining clients, returning home late every day.
In the end, the responsibility of caring for and walking the dog fell entirely on her.
“Going out more and getting some exercise is good for your health too.”
As Jiang Tao chatted with the old woman, he pressed the button to close the elevator doors.
“Oh, right, young man. You’re also on the 16th floor. Do you know one of the residents on your floor was arrested?”
The old woman smoothly shifted the conversation from dog walking to gossip.
“Yes, that person is our neighbor.”
Jiang Tao, the instigator, nodded. How could he not know that his neighbor was arrested, given his role in it!
The old woman continued, “I heard he was charged with espionage? Selling out our country?”
“Uh…”
Jiang Tao couldn’t help but chuckle at the crime the old woman had assigned to their neighbor.
It was clearly industrial espionage, yet it had become treason!
This was a classic case of “three people make a tiger,” where rumors distorted the truth.
However, he couldn’t be bothered to explain anything.
Ding~
In just a few words, they reached the old woman’s floor.
After she exited the elevator, Jiang Tao closed the doors again.
The elevator reached the 16th floor, and Jiang Tao stepped out.
Upon reaching his door, he sheepishly realized he had forgotten his keys when he went downstairs.
Knock, knock, knock—!
He knocked a few times, but there was no answer. He figured the sound of the range hood from the kitchen was too loud for them to hear.
Just as Jiang Tao was about to take out his phone to call Xu Li, the room door creaked open from the inside.
Du Ennan looked at Jiang Tao and smiled, “Why does it feel like our roles are reversed, as if you’re visiting my home?”
“Haha, I know, right? What a situation.”
Jiang Tao laughed and stepped into the room.
“Honey, you’re back! Go wash your hands, dinner is almost ready. I was just about to call you home.”
Xu Li emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of crispy pork belly, greeting Jiang Tao with a smile.
“Coming right up~”
Jiang Tao replied with a smile and walked towards the bathroom.
“Nannan, you must be eager. It’ll be ready soon. You can go wash your hands too.”
“Mhm, thank you, Uncle and Auntie, Lili.”
Du Ennan smiled at Xu Li and also headed towards the bathroom to wash her hands.
At 7:10 PM, a table full of delicious dishes was served.
Jiang Tao’s family of three, along with his parents and Du Ennan.
Six people sat around the large coffee table in the living room, some on the sofa, some on stools.
The atmosphere of a family gathering was palpable.
Indeed, having a family meal at home felt more intimate than in a large restaurant where people were separated by a big table.
Everyone chatted and laughed, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Du Ennan’s heart was filled with joy as Jiang Xue affectionately called her “Godmother,” feeling that adopting a goddaughter was truly worthwhile.
Upon hearing that Jiang Xue had gained Du Ennan as a godmother, Jiang Tao’s parents were also happy for their granddaughter.
They knew that Du Ennan’s family owned a large mall.
Having such an influential godmother was a good thing for Jiang Xue.
“Wow, this Eight Treasure Pickles tastes amazing! Did you buy it from Liu Bi Ju?”
Among the many exquisite dishes, Du Ennan noticed a plate of Eight Treasure Pickles.
She curiously picked up a piece of pickled cucumber.
After tasting it, she was instantly blown away by the flavor of the Eight Treasure Pickles.
“No, Liu Bi Ju’s Eight Treasure Pickles don’t have this taste. They’re not as good.”
Upon hearing Du Ennan’s evaluation of the Eight Treasure Pickles, Jiang Tao’s family members all smiled.
Jiang Tao asked with a smile, “Does this Eight Treasure Pickles taste pretty good?”
“This is a project I’ve recently started, or perhaps it’s more accurate to call it a product.”
“After all, it’s our only product right now.”
“Your entrepreneurial project? A product?”
Du Ennan looked at Jiang Tao with curiosity upon hearing his words.
“Yes, a few days ago, I bought a special secret recipe for Eight Treasure Pickles…”
Jiang Tao briefly explained to Du Ennan how he bought the recipe, pickled the Eight Treasure Pickles, and leased a space to start a company.
After listening to Jiang Tao’s account, Du Ennan affirmed:
“This project is a guaranteed success! Your Eight Treasure Pickles have a unique and wonderful taste!”
“Except for not being as famous as Liu Bi Ju, the taste is definitely superior, if not better.”
“In the near future, your Eight Treasure Pickles will surely make a mark in the Capital City.”
“By the way, Jiang Tao, I have a few acquaintances at the local Administration for Industry and Commerce.”
“If you need it, I can put in a good word for you, which might speed up the company registration process a bit.”
After personally tasting the Eight Treasure Pickles made by Jiang Tao, Du Ennan was confident in their product and offered her help.
“Great! Then please help speed things up. Once our company’s procedures are completed and it’s officially established, I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Jiang Tao’s eyes lit up at Du Ennan’s words, and he didn’t refuse her kindness.
Reciprocity is the essence of human interaction; you help me today, and I’ll help you tomorrow.
Friendships are forged through working together and are tested over time.
Like steel tempered through fire, so too is friendship.
If two people call themselves friends but never work together, their friendship is quite “fragile.”
When you truly encounter difficulties.
The probability of friends who have helped you before assisting you again is far greater than those who have never helped you.
Sometimes, owing someone a favor is also a form of learning.
Du Ennan said with a smile, “The day after tomorrow. It’s a workday, I’ll help you follow up.”
Jiang Tao smiled, “Thanks, but there’s no need to rush. Our production capacity is limited, so we can stock up before opening.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m only helping you for the sake of my goddaughter and Lili. Do you think your own face is that influential?”
Having become close to Jiang Tao, Du Ennan often teased him with harmless jokes.
“Hahaha, so I was flattering myself!”
Jiang Tao laughed heartily, not taking Du Ennan’s jest seriously.
Regardless of whose influence it was, as long as it was effective.
The meal was a warm and joyous affair, lasting from past 7 PM until after 9 PM.
Jiang Tao and Xu Li had intended to drive her home, but Du Ennan declined.
It took about an hour to drive from Bai Ge Zhuang New Village Residential Area to her villa.
If Jiang Tao and Xu Li were to drive her there and back, it would take three to four hours, which was too much of a hassle!
They were considerate of Du Ennan, wanting to ensure she got home safely.
Similarly, Du Ennan was considerate of them, worrying about the fatigue of driving.
This is what true friendship is.
Du Ennan made a phone call, and her father’s driver arrived downstairs in a black Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Seeing the unpretentious display of wealth from his goddaughter’s family, Jiang Tao couldn’t help but feel envious.
But he also knew that with the Daily Intelligence System in hand, he could buy any car he desired in the future.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS was once the “dream car” of Jiang Tao, a humble truck driver with a monthly salary less than 10,000 yuan.
Now, after driving a Mercedes-Benz GLS for a while and earning millions in savings.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS had lost much of its appeal, its “dream car” label gradually fading.
Wasn’t a Maybach more appealing?
Wasn’t a Lamborghini Aventador more fun?
For the past Jiang Tao, even a Mercedes-Benz GLS was an unattainable dream.
Let alone the more expensive Maybach and Lamborghini Aventador, he wouldn’t even dare to dream of them!
But for the current Jiang Tao, not only could he dream of them, but they were also within reach.
Of course, before his savings reached a hundred million.
Jiang Tao wouldn’t buy luxury cars costing millions or tens of millions.
“First, I’ll earn a hundred million, and then I’ll reward myself with an Aventador!”
Watching the direction in which Du Ennan’s Rolls-Royce disappeared, Jiang Tao silently set a goal in his heart.
After seeing Du Ennan off as she left the residential area, Jiang Tao and Xu Li walked hand-in-hand towards the stairwell entrance.
“Honey, Nannan’s due date is less than a month away. Do you think it’ll be a godson or a goddaughter?”
“I’d prefer a goddaughter, what about you?”
“I want a godson.”
“What does Du Ennan say? Does she prefer a son or a daughter?”
“Her? I think she probably prefers a daughter more.”
The couple chatted about their future godchild as they took the elevator upstairs.
Jiang Xue, having gained over a dozen new toy friends today, was happily playing in her room.
Upon returning home, Xu Li went to the bedroom to apply a face mask.
Jiang Tao and his parents chatted in the living room about the production workshop.
After a day’s effort, the production factory had undergone significant changes, but it would still take about another week to be ready for use.
A modern, high-standard operation room would cost around 100,000 yuan in total expenses.
But Jiang Tao knew this was money that couldn’t be skimped on.
The quality of their Eight Treasure Pickles far surpassed ordinary ones on the market, and they were destined for the high-end market in the future.
Since they aimed to match Liu Bi Ju’s pricing, their hygiene and environment couldn’t be inferior.
Jiang Tao desired not only to match the price but also to excel in hygiene and service.
The mother and sons chatted in the living room until around 10 PM, ending the discussion about Eight Treasure Pickles when his parents got sleepy.
The elderly couple went to the bathroom to freshen up before retiring to their room.
Jiang Tao tiptoed into Jiang Xue’s room and found her already asleep in bed.
Dozens of small dolls surrounded her like flower protectors, guarding her.
Jiang Tao smiled, tidied up the toys for his “little cotton jacket,” and took off her fluffy pajamas.
Finally, after tucking her in, he gave her forehead a gentle kiss, turned, and left, switching off the light.
As Jiang Tao exited, Xu Li had also finished her skincare routine and emerged from the bedroom wearing rather conservative pajamas.
When living with her parents-in-law, Xu Li’s pajamas were much more modest than when the couple lived alone!
During their evening card games, she couldn’t be as unrestrained as she was in her hometown, appearing quite reserved.
This was a minor drawback of the young couple living with his parents.
Xu Li’s glance conveyed her meaning to Jiang Tao.
The couple went to the bathroom to wash up, and things inevitably heated up, taking over half an hour.
By the time they finished, Xu Li’s legs were already weak from exhaustion.
Jiang Tao carried Xu Li into the bedroom in a princess carry.
Within five minutes of lying in bed, Xu Li’s breathing gradually deepened, and she quickly fell asleep.
Jiang Tao, as usual, waited until after midnight for the intelligence to refresh.
