Chapter 161: The Guanyin Statue That Turns Misfortune Into Fortune!
Although Jiang Tao didn’t know the specific price of the Jade Guanyin that Kang Huijun gave him.
But he knew this thing was indeed very precious!
Extremely precious!
This was a special item recognized by System Brother!
Whether it was the Money-Attracting Golden Toad, the Salary Card, or the Body-Strengthening Treadmill.
Items recognized by System Brother as special items have incredibly powerful activated attributes.
Its value can no longer be measured by money!
If you give any item to an ordinary person, it may not lead to a life reversal, but it would be enough for them to live without worry.
However…
Regarding special items recognized by the system, Jiang Tao found it difficult to explain too much to Xu Li.
“Wife, go take a bath first. Today we’ll have some time alone, and I’ll take you to eat something delicious at noon.”
Jiang Tao reached out and patted Xu Li’s perky buttocks, smiling and gesturing for her to go take a bath first.
A joyous occasion like a daily income of one million naturally called for a good celebration.
After celebrating at noon, he would bring his father, mother, and Third Sister to celebrate again in the evening.
“Mhmm, then I’ll go first~”
Xu Li gave Jiang Tao a peck on the cheek, then got up from the bed.
After getting out of bed, she casually slipped on a blue silk pajama, then cast a seductive glance at Jiang Tao before turning to leave.
After sending Xu Li to take a bath, Jiang Tao began the binding process, starting with binding the Jade Guanyin.
【Jade Guanyin binding successful, do you understand activation?】
Seeing the system prompt on the system interface.
Jiang Tao, using the same method as when he activated special items like the Money-Attracting Golden Toad before, attempted to activate the Jade Guanyin.
He gently pricked the pad of his left thumb with the needle from inside his phone case.
He squeezed out a drop of fresh blood and dripped it onto the Jade Guanyin.
The moment the blood drop fell, it transformed into a hazy red, light veil that enveloped the Jade Guanyin entirely.
【Jade Guanyin activation successful, new attribute obtained!】
Seeing the prompt on the system interface, Jiang Tao’s mind moved, and he opened the detail page for the Jade Guanyin.
【Item Name】: Guanyin Statue that turns misfortune into good fortune.
【Attribute】: Turns misfortune into good fortune （ can block 3 fatal threats for the wearer. ）
…
Seeing the activated attribute of the Jade Guanyin statue, Jiang Tao’s eyes lit up.
Blocking three fatal injuries…
If you say this thing is precious, it doesn’t seem to have much use.
Jiang Tao had lived for over thirty years and was fine, never encountering any fatal disasters.
But if you say it’s useless, at a critical moment, it can save your life, and three times at that!
“It’s not bad, I guess.”
“Lili and I have Heluo Stones, let’s have Xiao Xue wear this Guanyin as a protective charm.”
After seeing the activated attribute of the Jade Guanyin, Jiang Tao’s first thought was of his beloved daughter.
Parents, whether father or mother, always think of their children first when they have good things, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
After reading the attribute description of the Guanyin statue that turns misfortune into good fortune, Jiang Tao carefully put it back into its box.
Then, he also got out of bed and walked to the bathroom door, pulled open the frosted glass door with a whoosh, and entered.
What would have been a ten-minute shower together turned into over half an hour.
After his physique increased to 60 points, Jiang Tao’s already strong abilities became even stronger.
Xu Li was gradually finding it hard to keep up.
Ring ring ring—
Just as Jiang Tao and Xu Li finished showering and getting dressed, the mobile phone he had left on the coffee table in the living room rang.
He walked out of the bedroom and to the coffee table, seeing the caller ID displayed on the screen was “Director An.”
Jiang Tao slapped his forehead.
Damn, he was so caught up celebrating today’s luck with money with Xu Li that he completely forgot about Director An!
Yesterday, he and An Menglin had arranged to meet at 10 AM over the phone, and it was already 9:58 AM.
Ring ring, ring ring—
Looking at the constantly ringing mobile phone, Jiang Tao composed his thoughts before swiping his finger to answer the call.
“Hello Director An, have you arrived at Cui Village yet?”
“I’ll be there in about 20 more minutes. I was delayed by a flat tire on the way, please bear with me.”
“Please go to our greenhouse first. Our company’s Vice President Jiang Bing will be there to receive you.”
“I’m truly sorry, I’ll have Vice President Jiang Bing show you around first.”
“Okay, thank you for your understanding. I’ll hang up now, see you later.”
After telling An Menglin a small lie over the phone, Jiang Tao rushed to the bedroom door.
“Wife, plans have changed, we need to leave quickly.”
“I have a guest appointment at 10 AM at the greenhouse, and I just forgot about it.”
“Mhmm, I’ll be ready in three minutes, just wait for me~”
Xu Li didn’t usually wear much makeup, only needing some moisturizer and a simple touch of lip gloss.
In less than three minutes, Xu Li had finished her makeup and quickly changed into her going-out clothes.
On the bottom, she wore a pair of light gray shark pants that accentuated her slender, long legs, making them appear even straighter and longer.
Her ankles were adorned with plaid leather ankle boots paired with high-striped white socks.
On top, she wore a white Canada Goose puffer jacket that Jiang Tao had bought her a few days ago.
Since her hair wasn’t completely dry, she wore a black woolen hat on her head.
Her entire outfit made her look youthful, radiant, and incredibly charming.
Even Jiang Tao, who saw her every day, was moved by Xu Li’s attire and wished they could have another go.
“How do I look? Will I embarrass you, my husband?”
Xu Li smiled and spun around in front of Jiang Tao.
Jiang Tao’s passionate gaze was the best compliment she could receive.
“My wife looks beautiful in anything she wears, perfect~”
Jiang Tao smiled and gave Xu Li a thumbs-up, praising her sincerely.
Clothes make the man, and a horse needs a saddle; this saying was truly applicable to Xu Li.
Compared to her usual outfits, which combined didn’t cost more than 1000 yuan.
Now, just the Canada Goose puffer jacket she was wearing cost over 15,000 yuan.
The seemingly simple shark pants on her lower body were also a product from the well-known brand Lululemon, costing over 2000 yuan.
The plaid leather ankle boots on her feet were a new model from Burberry, priced at over 8000 yuan.
In the past, Xu Li, though beautiful, lacked confidence.
And her attire always gave off a cheap impression.
The current Xu Li was adorned in designer brands.
She exuded an air of luxury and was more confident than before, her charm even more pronounced.
“Hehe~ As long as I don’t embarrass my husband, that’s good.”
Xu Li chuckled sheepishly, took a few steps forward, and linked her arm with Jiang Tao’s. They walked out talking and laughing, and took the elevator downstairs.
10:19 AM.
A Mercedes-Benz GLS stopped outside the greenhouse Jiang Tao had rented.
After getting out of the car, Jiang Tao saw that outside the greenhouse, besides Du Jun’s van used for transporting workers and a ZTO express delivery truck.
There was also a rose-red Nissan Qashqai with a Beijing license plate.
He guessed this car must belong to the Director An.
Xu Li agilely hopped out of the front passenger seat, walked around the front of the car to Jiang Tao’s side, and linked his arm.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to see our blueberry base.”
Jiang Tao said with a smile and led Xu Li into the greenhouse.
“Good morning, Manager Jiang. Is this your wife? She’s so beautiful! Like she stepped out of a painting!”
“Good morning, Manager Jiang…”
“Good morning, Manager Jiang.”
Inside the greenhouse, the workers who were packing saw Jiang Tao and Xu Li enter and greeted them enthusiastically.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, everyone.”
Jiang Tao and Xu Li responded to everyone’s greetings without any airs.
“Manager Jiang, Lili! Why do you have time to visit today!”
Du Jun, seeing Xu Li from afar, put down the work he was doing and quickly walked over, greeting Jiang Tao and Xu Li with a smile.
Actually, Du Jun and Xu Li were distant relatives, not even five generations apart.
“Brother Jun, I’ve heard my husband mention that you’re working here.”
“I had nothing to do at home today, so I came with him to take a look. I’ll invite you to our house as a guest when there’s an opportunity, and you can get acquainted with the family.”
Xu Li smiled and greeted Du Jun.
“Of course, of course. Thank you so much to my brother-in-law for taking care of us during this time, allowing us to work in such a good environment.”
“Here, with my brother-in-law, I’m protected from the wind and cold, and getting paid is quick. It’s a pleasure to deal with my brother-in-law.”
While chatting with Xu Li, Du Jun didn’t forget to praise Jiang Tao.
After all, Jiang Tao was the boss here and the one who provided him with a livelihood.
“You’re too kind, Brother Jun. I haven’t taken particularly good care of you; it’s just a normal employer-employee relationship.”
“This period of work has gone smoothly thanks to you, Brother Jun, and all these brothers and sisters.”
“Once this project is finished, I’ll treat everyone to a good meal.”
Du Jun smiled and said, “Great! It’s a deal then. If everyone knows this, they’ll definitely work harder.”
After a brief chat with Du Jun, Jiang Tao then led Xu Li away. They arrived at the office door and knocked.
“Come in.”
Hearing the voice from inside, Jiang Tao and Xu Li entered one after the other.
“Third Sister.”
Upon entering, Xu Li smiled and greeted Jiang Bing.
Her beautiful eyes darted around, quickly locking onto a woman with an elegant demeanor who had just gotten up from the floor.
Clearly, this woman must be the Director An her husband had mentioned.
“Second Brother, Sister-in-law, you’re here!”
Jiang Bing, seeing her second brother and sister-in-law, stood up from her seat with a smile and greeted them, her face beaming with joy.
“Director An, I apologize for making you wait. We’re late.”
Jiang Tao apologized with a smile and greeted An Menglin.
“It’s alright, I only arrived about ten minutes ago, and Ms. Jiang Bing has already shown me the four blueberry potted plants.”
An Menglin stood up to greet Jiang Tao and Xu Li, smiling as she spoke to them.
“Director An has already seen the four genetically mutated blueberry potted plants? Is your institute interested?”
Jiang Tao asked his question, looking intently at An Menglin, awaiting her reply.
“Those four blueberry potted plants have indeed undergone genetic mutation as you described.”
“And it’s a mutation of fruit color, which is very rare.”
“Our institute at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences is indeed very interested in this type of genetically mutated plant.”
“Regarding the price… how much does Manager Jiang plan to sell them for? Per plant.”
An Menglin looked at Jiang Tao, asking the price question that concerned her the most.
“200,000 yuan per plant.”
Jiang Tao didn’t waste words with An Menglin and directly stated the expected price given to him by System Brother.
“200,000… per plant!”
Xu Li and Jiang Bing, standing beside him, were startled by Jiang Tao’s quote!
Although they both knew that Jiang Tao had discovered four genetically mutated blueberry potted plants.
They had never imagined these things could be so valuable!
Spending 200,000 yuan on a blueberry potted plant seemed like an absolutely “crazy” thing to them!
That was 200,000 yuan!
If it were back when Jiang Tao was driving a truck for a living.
It would have taken him over three years of frugal living to earn that much money!
An Menglin, upon hearing Jiang Tao’s quote, looked at him with some surprise.
The price of 200,000 yuan was clearly beyond her expectations, much more expensive than she had anticipated.
“200,000… Is there any room for negotiation on this price?”
An Menglin looked at Jiang Tao. She truly wanted to buy those four mutated blueberry trees.
“I’m sorry, Director An, this is the lowest price I can offer you.”
“The Academy of Agricultural Sciences in my hometown in Jibei is also very interested in our mutated blueberry trees.”
“My quote to them is also this.”
“These four mutated blueberry plants were carefully selected from a hundred thousand plants. You can understand their preciousness yourself.”
“This price is truly very fair.”
To create a sense of urgency for An Menglin, Jiang Tao fabricated the existence of another buyer who didn’t actually exist.
“Manager Jiang, this price is beyond my capabilities.”
“I need to go back and report the situation to our leadership, and then apply for special fund support.”
Facing the high price of the blueberry potted plants, An Menglin did not give a definitive answer on the spot.
It wasn’t that she was trying to make Jiang Tao wait.
She genuinely needed to return to the Academy of Agricultural Sciences to apply for sufficient funding support.
“Of course, I’ll await your good news.”
Jiang Tao nodded with a smile. He could understand An Menglin’s current feelings and was willing to give them time to consider.
Jiang Tao was not in a hurry to sell these four genetically mutated special blueberries.
He would hold onto them, waiting for the best price, and sell them to whoever could afford it.
After all, he had no intention of engaging in the cultivation industry long-term.
This time, it was merely an accidental discovery of intelligence in this area, and he was just trying to make a quick profit.
After making this profit, he planned to stop doing it.
After discussing business, Jiang Tao then took An Menglin to see the four mutated blueberry trees again.
An Menglin took many photos from various angles with her mobile phone as documentation for the funding application.
Jiang Tao glanced at the new Green Water Ghost watch on his wrist.
It was already around 11:30 AM without him realizing it.
So he invited her:
“Director An, it’s almost noon. Shall we find a place to have lunch together?”
“Thank you for your kind invitation, Manager Jiang, but really, it’s not necessary. I can eat at the cafeteria.”
An Menglin smiled at Jiang Tao, politely declined his lunch invitation, and took her leave:
“It’s getting late, and I’ve taken my photos. I won’t disturb Manager Jiang’s work any further. I’ll head back to the institute now.”
“Then I’ll escort Director An.”
Jiang Tao did not insist, accompanying her to the greenhouse entrance. After watching her drive away in her red Qashqai, he returned to the greenhouse.
“Second Brother, are those four blueberry trees really that valuable?”
Seeing Jiang Tao return after escorting An Menglin out, Jiang Bing curiously stepped forward to ask.
Before today, Jiang Tao had consistently instructed Third Sister to take good care of those four genetically mutated blueberry potted plants.
But he had only told her that they were precious, without mentioning their value.
Today, hearing Jiang Tao and An Menglin discuss the price, 200,000 yuan per plant!
Jiang Bing still found it incredibly unbelievable!
If one plant could really sell for 200,000 yuan, then four plants would be 800,000 yuan.
The initial 100,000 blueberry potted plants would be recouped!
Wouldn’t the rest be pure profit?
How much money would that be!
Based on the current profit of 20 yuan per blueberry potted plant.
100,000 plants would amount to 2 million yuan!
Even after deducting the greenhouse rental fees and workers’ salaries.
The conservative estimate for net profit would be around 1.9 million yuan!
If it was split 20% for herself and 80% for Second Brother, she would receive 380,000!
In less than a month, earning 380,000 yuan!
The moment she thought about her share, Jiang Bing saw countless banknotes flying towards her!
The commission from selling stainless steel cups, plus the commission from selling blueberry potted plants this time.
Jiang Bing’s income for this month was about to exceed 400,000 yuan!
If you add the money earned from selling the Flying Pig Popcorn Bucket during Spring Festival.
Her total income for the year had already surpassed one million!
An annual income of one million!
This was something she never dared to dream of before, but now it had become a reality!
Following Second Brother, success was just around the corner!
“The rarer something is, the more valuable it is. Our rainbow-colored blueberries are probably one of only four in the world.”
“200,000 yuan per plant is already a very fair price.”
“I estimate that Director An and her colleagues will definitely buy them in the end.”
Jiang Tao was not worried about the four genetically mutated blueberries not selling, his face beaming with a confident smile.
After a bit of casual chat, it was lunchtime. Jiang Tao waved to Xu Li, who was squatting on the ground studying the blueberry potted plants.
“Husband, can we take a couple of pots back to grow? They’re both beautiful and practical.”
Xu Li walked over to Jiang Tao, affectionately hugged his arm, and her smile was so sweet that Jiang Bing felt her blood sugar rising.
“Tsk tsk tsk…”
Watching the affectionate display between the second brother and sister-in-law, Jiang Bing clicked her tongue.
With such affection, how could they be a married couple for six or seven years!
Anyone would think they were a couple in the throes of new love!
“Okay, take as many as you want to grow, they’re all ours.”
Jiang Tao’s doting expression made Jiang Bing incredibly envious, and she protested:
“Hey, you two, are you inviting people to lunch today or not? I’m almost full from eating your ‘dog food’!”
Jiang Tao chuckled, “Heh, who told you you’re a single dog? What else would you eat if not dog food?”
“Second Sister-in-law! Look at my Second Brother! He called me a single dog! What kind of older brother talks to his younger sister like that!”
Jiang Bing pouted and hugged Xu Li’s arm, starting to act spoiled:
“My tender heart has been severely wounded. It can only be healed by a big meal at lunch today.”
“Alright, alright! I’ll treat you to a big meal, okay! You pick the place, we’ll go wherever you say.”
Xu Li smiled and stroked her sister-in-law’s head, her eyes filled with immense affection.
“An elder sister-in-law is like a mother” was a very apt description of the relationship between Xu Li and Jiang Bing.
While both were sisters-in-law, Jiang Bing felt much more at ease with Xu Li than with her eldest sister-in-law, Zhang Xiaoyan.
In front of Xu Li, she could act cute and flirtatious, laugh heartily without worrying about her image, and be herself.
Xu Li was not only her second sister-in-law but also her best friend, her closest confidante.
She could share any of her thoughts with Xu Li; there were no secrets between them.
“Then let’s go to Black Ox Barbecue at Wanxiang Hui! I need to eat a lot of meat to mend my wounded heart~”
Jiang Bing didn’t stand on ceremony with Xu Li and cheerfully decided on the lunch venue.
Black Ox Barbecue was located on the 5th floor of Wanxiang Hui’s Food Court. It was very popular and a “queue king” at Wanxiang Hui.
Both the dishes and the service were excellent, with an average consumption of about 300 yuan per person, which was a middle-class consumption level.
“Alright, let’s go to Black Ox Barbecue then. I feel like eating meat too.”
Xu Li looked at Jiang Tao, giving him a “you decide” look.
Jiang Tao shrugged indifferently, “Fine, wherever you two want to go, I’m easy.”
Jiang Bing said excitedly, “Let’s leave now! I didn’t even have time for breakfast this morning, my stomach is starving!”
“Let’s go, let’s go.”
Jiang Tao glanced at his watch; it was already past 11:40 AM.
It would probably be past noon by the time they drove to Wanxiang Hui, just in time for lunch.
The three of them left chatting and laughing. Jiang Tao drove them to Wanxiang Hui and parked the car directly in the B3 Parking Lot.
They took the elevator directly to the 5th-floor Food Court.
From afar, they could see a large crowd lining up outside the Black Ox Barbecue restaurant.
“This restaurant is so popular! With an average of 300 per person, how much do they earn a day!”
Looking at the bustling business of Black Ox Barbecue, Jiang Bing clicked her tongue in amazement, her face full of envy.
Jiang Tao smiled, “Why bother thinking about how much they earn a day? Do they give you a single dollar?”
“Second Brother, I prefer you when you just swipe your card without a word.”
Jiang Bing rolled her eyes and grumbled speechlessly.
Xu Li was amused by the banter between the lively siblings, drawing the attention of many passersby.
She was already in good shape, beautiful, and loved to laugh.
Such a woman’s charm value was off the charts.
Seeing that many people were still queuing for food, Jiang Bing’s eyes darted around, and she suggested:
“Second Brother, why don’t you queue here, and Second Sister-in-law and I can go shopping for clothes this afternoon?”
“No need to queue, leave it to your Second Brother.”
Jiang Tao smiled triumphantly and strode towards the service desk of Black Ox Barbecue.
“Hello sir, welcome to Black Ox Barbecue.”
“The restaurant is currently full and requires queuing for service. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.”
“Would you like me to get you a queue number?”
A waitress in a maroon women’s suit skirt at the front desk was quite pleasant.
“Hello beautiful, can you please arrange a table for me as soon as possible?”
Jiang Tao said, extending the top VIP card for Wanxiang Hui that Du Taiming had given him to the waitress.
This top VIP card for Wanxiang Hui was valid for all stores within the shopping mall.
