Chapter 179: New Intelligence: Old Du’s Fake Watch And The Special Item Holly Tree!
Jiang Tao briefly explained the short play that the Shanhe film crew was preparing to shoot to Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi.
《 Eavesdropping on Hearts, Adorable Baby Lifts Entire Family 》 This short play is an adaptation of a wildly popular female-oriented novel from Qidian Female Network.
Jiang Tao was an old hand at web novels and easily found the original work for this short play.
At this point of explosive development for short plays, an adaptation of such a popular novel has a good chance of becoming a hit.
Therefore, helping Jiang An’an secure a role not only benefits Jiang Tao greatly.
It also brings significant benefits to Jiang An’an herself and her family!
If she can become popular through this drama, Jiang An’an will have a next one, and a next one after that.
If she can become famous through short plays and gain widespread recognition, her earning potential will be very strong!
Currently, in China’s short play circle, top male and female actors can earn daily wages of 30,000 to 50,000 yuan.
Although this cannot be compared to movie and TV stars who enjoy countless endorsements and advertisements.
However, by accumulating fame in short plays, it’s not impossible for them to enter the film and television track in the future.
“Our An’an hasn’t studied acting or anything, can she… do it?”
Jiang Hai looked at Jiang Tao with immense surprise, completely bewildered by his question.
Once upon a time, Jiang Hai also had a dream of becoming a big star, starting from being an extra.
But that dream had already been shattered four or five years ago.
Out of hundreds of thousands of extras in China, how many can stand out like Zhao Liying and Wang Baoqiang?
After accepting reality, Jiang Hai left the Huairou Film and Television Base and returned to normal life.
Now, he was suddenly asked by Jiang Tao if he wanted his daughter to develop in that direction.
Jiang Hai actually didn’t want to, but he didn’t want to refuse too quickly and displease Jiang Tao.
So he asked a question with some uncertainty.
Jiang Yi was stunned for a moment after hearing Jiang Tao’s question.
Immediately afterwards, she recalled the scene from this morning when she saw An’an holding the book 《 The Actor’s Self-Cultivation 》 in her hand.
And the innocent and heart-wrenching answer she gave when she asked Jiang An’an if she wanted to be an actress.
“Uncle Jiang Tao! I want to be an actress!”
Jiang An’an suddenly interjected from the side in a crisp voice. As she spoke about wanting to be an actress, her bright eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight.
Jiang Tao looked at Jiang An’an and saw that her small face showed a serious expression, and her eyes twinkled with determination.
“Dad, can you let me try? It would be best if I could get the part, and if not, we won’t lose anything, right?”
After answering Jiang Tao, Jiang An’an looked at her father, Jiang Hai. At such a young age, her tone was as mature and steady as an adult’s.
Jiang Hai looked at his daughter and saw the longing in her eyes.
“Okay then! I’ll take you to try when I have time another day!”
Jiang Hai couldn’t bear to crush his daughter’s confidence, so he gave a wry smile and nodded in agreement.
“Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Uncle Jiang Tao!”
Seeing her father agree to let her audition, Jiang An’an’s little face immediately lit up with joy.
“I’ll drive you there tomorrow morning!”
“In the afternoon, Xiao Xue’s maternal grandparents are coming from our hometown, and I need to host them.”
Jiang Tao was also very concerned about Jiang An’an’s matter, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
He really couldn’t rest assured if he didn’t go with them.
If anything went wrong, wouldn’t the 【 Bole 】 title and 880,000 yuan bonus he was about to receive fly away again?
“Mr. Jiang, if you have something to do, you can go. We can take a taxi ourselves.”
Hearing Jiang Tao’s words, Jiang Hai looked flattered and was deeply touched by his enthusiasm.
Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao with gentle eyes. Although she didn’t say anything, she was no less grateful to him in her heart than her brother Jiang Hai.
She remembered every instance of Jiang Tao’s help to her and her brother’s families.
A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. If a suitable opportunity arises in the future, she will definitely repay Jiang Tao.
Jiang Tao smiled and said, “It’s okay, it won’t be convenient for you to go alone. I also want to go along to broaden my horizons.”
“Then… I’ll trouble you, Mr. Jiang!”
Jiang Hai was touched again and looked at Jiang Tao with immense gratitude.
“Wow, these shrimp are so delicious~ An’an, hurry and try some.”
“Mmm, this crab is also incredibly tasty! Xiao Xue, you try some too.”
The two little ones, Jiang Xue and Jiang An’an, were fiercely attacking the food on the plates.
“Jiang Yi, Jiang Hai, you two eat too, while it’s hot.”
“Mmm.”
“Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Jiang. I’m so sorry to have made you spend so much.”
“…”
After discussing important matters, everyone continued to eat.
Xin Rong Ji indeed deserves its Michelin three-star accreditation; every dish was a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste.
The only slight drawback was the small portion sizes, which were not enough for burly men like Jiang Tao and Jiang Hai.
After the meal, it was already past 9 PM.
Jiang Tao drove his Mercedes-Benz G-wagon and first took Jiang Hai and Jiang An’an back to Dongxindian.
Then he turned and drove towards Pingchang District.
Jiang Xue had taken the subway and bus during the day, and played with Jiang An’an all day.
As soon as she got in the car, she lay in Jiang Yi’s arms and fell fast asleep.
Jiang Tao chatted softly with Jiang Yi in the back seat, and it took him another forty minutes to drive to Jiang Yi’s apartment building in Long Ze Yuan.
After the car stopped, Jiang Yi gently laid Jiang Xue down in the back seat and took off her jacket to use as a pillow for her, showing great care and thoughtfulness.
After settling Jiang Xue, Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao, who was in the driver’s seat, lowered her voice, and said softly:
“Thank you today, Jiang Tao. I’m going inside now.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’ll have to trouble you again tomorrow. I’m really so sorry.”
“There’s no need to be sorry, I have nothing else to do and I wanted to go along for the experience anyway.”
“Okay, okay, it’s getting late, you should take Xiao Xue back to rest too. Goodbye.”
After bidding farewell to Jiang Tao again, Jiang Yi gently opened the car door, got out, and quietly closed it.
“Goodnight, Teacher Jiang, see you tomorrow~”
Jiang Tao rolled down the window and bid farewell to Jiang Yi before slowly starting the car and driving towards the community entrance.
“What a gentle and thoughtful father.”
Jiang Yi’s gaze followed the red taillights of the Mercedes-Benz G-wagon until they disappeared into the night before slowly retracting.
However, her mind was filled with images of Jiang Tao, which lingered for a long time.
“Jiang Yi, Jiang Yi, stop overthinking, he’s already married…”
“Besides, he’s Xiao Xue’s father.”
Jiang Yi rubbed her face until it was red, then shook her head to regain her composure.
She then turned and walked towards the stairwell entrance.
…
On the other side.
Jiang Tao returned home by car, and it was already past 10 PM.
He found an empty spot downstairs and parked the car.
He pushed open the door, got out, opened the back door, and carried Jiang Xue out, letting her continue to sleep on his shoulder.
Jiang Xue, who had just turned 6 years old this year, had the same physique as her mother, never getting fat no matter how much she ate, weighing only a little over 40 kilograms.
For Jiang Tao, whose physique had reached 79 points, carrying her on his shoulder was effortless, as if she weighed nothing.
It was already past 10 PM when he carried Jiang Xue home.
His father, mother, and third sister were still awake and waiting in the living room.
Xu Li was still at the hospital tonight, accompanying Du Ennan.
Jiang Bing quickly washed up with the drowsy Jiang Xue, then carried her back to her room to sleep.
His parents chatted with Jiang Tao for a while before going back to their room to sleep.
Jiang Tao glanced at the treadmill on the balcony.
“Forget it, it’s too late today, let’s take a rest day.”
In the middle of the night, although Jiang Tao envied the 1-point physique reward, he felt it would be inconvenient to disturb his family’s rest so late.
He went to the bathroom to take a shower, and after returning to his room, he first activated 『 Sleep Mode 』 for his parents, Jiang Xue, and his third sister.
He then chatted with Xu Li, who was accompanying Du Ennan at the hospital, on his phone until 12 AM.
After the intelligence for the new day refreshed, he bid Xu Li goodnight.
After ending the chat with Xu Li, Jiang Tao’s mind stirred, and he opened today’s intelligence to check.
【 Daily Intelligence 01 】:
You had contact with Du Taiming yesterday, and obtained relevant intelligence –
The Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 wristwatch Du Taiming is wearing is a high-quality replica bought by his nephew, Sheng Weilun.
Promptly reminding him can help Du Taiming see Sheng Weilun’s true character earlier, avoiding significant losses in the future!
…
“Old Du’s nephew is ruthless! He dared to buy his uncle an A-grade replica of a Vacheron Constantin worth millions!”
Seeing the first piece of intelligence refreshed today, Jiang Tao was surprised and a bit speechless.
In the realm of luxury watch collecting, in an era where everyone on Kuaidou has a Green Water Ghost.
The market for high-quality replica watches has a vibrant vitality.
Like the Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 wristwatch, worth five to six million, worn by Du Taiming.
An entry-level replica can be made for only 700-1800 yuan.
Replicas in this price range generally use ordinary 316L stainless steel and mineral glass.
The movement is also a domestic 2824 or 2836 basic movement, with a simulation accuracy of about 60%.
Replicas in this price range are fine for taking short videos.
In reality, if you meet someone knowledgeable, they can tell it’s fake at a glance.
Old Du’s nephew would certainly not dare to fool his uncle with a replica in this price range.
A step up from entry-level is the “boutique grade” replica, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan.
At this level of replica, the craftsmanship is more meticulous, strictly adhering to the original 1:1 mold dimensions.
The watch case will use the same 904L austenitic steel as the genuine product, and the sapphire crystal mirror will be treated with an anti-glare coating.
Even the texture on the crown will be similar to the genuine product at the micron level.
The quality of the movement will also improve, usually equipped with a Shanghai 7750 chronograph movement or a Dandong 3235 movement.
Replicas of this caliber can already perfectly replicate complex functions such as moon phases and tourbillons, with a simulation accuracy exceeding 80%.
Replicas of this standard can basically pass for real to fool some less knowledgeable novices.
Above the boutique grade, there is one last level: “Swiss Replica”.
The replica price is generally between 6,000 and 8,000 yuan.
These works use ETA2892 movements from the same source as the genuine product, and the dial uses enamel firing craftsmanship.
The alligator leather strap has the same water ripple pattern as the genuine product, hidden inside.
Some top workshops can even replicate the minute repeater function of Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony series.
The frequency error of the sound spring is controlled within 3%, which can be called a mirror image of mechanical art.
Jiang Tao estimates that Old Du’s nephew probably bought a replica in this last price range, and as for why…
The profit to be gained between a few thousand yuan replica and a genuine product worth millions is too great!
“I’ll mention it to Old Du if I have the chance another day!”
Jiang Tao had no psychological burden about “informing” on Sheng Weilun.
He didn’t know the person at all.
After analyzing the first piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao’s mind stirred, and he continued to look at the second piece of intelligence for today.
【 Daily Intelligence 02 】:
You dined with Jiang Yi and others at Chaoyang Xin Rong Ji yesterday, and obtained relevant intelligence –
Xin Rong Ji is developing new dishes, and your Jiang Family Eight Treasures Pickles perfectly meet the requirements.
After negotiation, a long-term strategic partnership can be established!
…
“Xin Rong Ji… Strategic partner?”
Seeing the second piece of intelligence refreshed today, Jiang Tao’s eyes lit up.
If he can secure Xin Rong Ji, the Jiang Family Eight Treasures Pickles will have another sales channel.
Moreover, from this intelligence, Jiang Tao also saw some different aspects through the intelligence itself.
Since his Jiang Family Eight Treasures Pickles can meet Xin Rong Ji’s requirements and establish a partnership.
Then, can he develop other high-end restaurants or eateries?
There are countless high-end restaurants in the Capital City. If he can capture this market, the Jiang Family Eight Treasures Pickles will not have to worry about sales in the future!
“I’ll mark this intelligence for now. I’ll bring the Eight Treasures Pickles to try another day when I have time.”
After analyzing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao continued to look at the last piece of intelligence for today.
【 Today’s Intelligence 03 】:
You had contact with Jiang Hai yesterday, and obtained relevant intelligence –
The holly tree in the small courtyard rented by Jiang Hai is a special item.
Upon obtaining ownership of the holly tree, it can be activated to obtain random attributes.
…
“Special item? A holly tree!”
Seeing the last piece of intelligence refreshed today, Jiang Tao’s eyes lit up again!
He already had quite a few special items in his possession.
From small items like salary cards, filial piety cards, Heluo stones, money-attracting golden toads, and Wang Cai.
To larger items like treadmills, delicious pickled vegetable jars, and the BAIC EU5.
Now he had discovered another tree.
“What kind of attribute will it be?”
The item hadn’t even been acquired yet, but Jiang Tao was already looking forward to it.
Based on past experience, special items always had good attributes.
Any single one of them could serve as a “Golden Finger” to help someone soar.
With so many special items in his possession, Jiang Tao’s future success was almost guaranteed.
Jiang Tao had noticed the holly tree in Jiang Hai’s courtyard as soon as he entered, and he still remembered it.
The plant didn’t look large, only about half a meter tall, and was trimmed into a round ball shape.
“If I pay to buy it, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get, right?”
“Jiang Yi’s family is truly my experience baby; they’ve triggered several pieces of intelligence consecutively.”
“I’ll ask about it tomorrow when I go to pick up Jiang An’an.”
“I must get that holly tree!”
With a firm decision in his heart, Jiang Tao looked at the Green Water Ghost wristwatch he was wearing.
It was already 10 minutes past midnight.
“Hiss… Could the Green Water Ghost Old Du gave Xu Li and me before also be a fake?”
Looking at the Green Water Ghost on his wrist, Jiang Tao fell into deep thought.
The first time he had dinner with Du Taiming, he had given Jiang Tao and Xu Li each a Green Water Ghost as a meeting gift.
Before today, Jiang Tao would never have suspected that Du Taiming would give him a fake.
After all, as a wealthy individual with billions in assets, he wouldn’t care about something worth a mere hundred thousand yuan.
But today’s intelligence about his nephew made Jiang Tao a bit unsure!
If all of Du Taiming’s watches were sourced from his nephew…
That kid dared to counterfeit a Vacheron Constantin worth millions, let alone a Ghost worth a hundred thousand!
“I need to find someone who knows watches to authenticate them another day!”
Jiang Tao was completely ignorant when it came to watches.
Even if someone gave him an entry-level low-quality fake, he wouldn’t be able to tell.
“I’ll sleep first. This isn’t an urgent matter, I’ll deal with it another day.”
After reviewing the three pieces of intelligence, Jiang Tao set his alarm for 6 AM.
After setting the alarm and putting down his phone, he spent 66 yuan to activate 『 Sleep Mode 』 and went to sleep!
The night passed without incident.
The next morning.
After waking up and having breakfast with his family, Jiang Tao first drove to pick up Jiang Yi with Jiang Xue.
Waking up early in the morning, the little one was still a bit sleepy and dozing off in the car.
She seemed to be in power-saving mode.
But as soon as she saw Jiang Yi, she was instantly awake and switched to high-power consumption mode, chattering incessantly!
On the way, Jiang Tao, driving in the front, was thinking about hosting Xu Li’s parents tonight.
Jiang Xue and Jiang Yi in the back seat chattered nonstop, occasionally bursting into bell-like laughter.
Before 9 AM, Jiang Tao drove to the area outside the Dongxindian Urban Village.
He found an empty parking space, parked the car, and the three of them got out and walked towards the small courtyard Jiang Hai was renting inside the village.
“Good morning, Uncle Jiang Tao~”
“Auntie, Xiao Xue, you’re finally here! I’ve been thinking about you since early this morning.”
Seeing Jiang Tao and his group, Jiang An’an’s small face instantly bloomed with a radiant smile.
Today, Jiang An’an was wearing a light gray down jacket and black padded pants.
Her slightly inward-curving ear-length bob hairstyle looked very neat.
Her large eyes were as bright as a pair of black gemstones.
“An’an older sister, I missed you too! I even dreamed about you last night!”
“I dreamed you were really on TV and became a star~”
Jiang Xue was also very happy to see Jiang An’an, and the two little ones started chattering away.
“Mr. Jiang, you’re here. It’s too much trouble for you. Have a cigarette.”
Jiang Hai quickly took out a pack of Huazi he had specifically bought at the supermarket that day and offered one to Jiang Tao.
He usually didn’t smoke or drink, but to host Jiang Tao, he had specially bought a pack of good cigarettes.
“It’s alright, no trouble. I’m not busy anyway.”
As Jiang Tao spoke with Jiang Hai, his gaze inadvertently fell on the holly tree in the courtyard, which was faintly emitting a dark golden light.
He hadn’t triggered any intelligence related to the holly tree yesterday, so even though he saw it, he hadn’t recognized it as a special item.
Jiang Tao triggered the intelligence, and it was still the same holly tree, but the effect it presented in his vision was different!
“Right, Jiang Hai, was this holly tree planted by you, or does it belong to the landlord?”
After exhaling a puff of smoke, Jiang Tao looked at Jiang Hai and asked casually.
“It was already here when we moved in. Does Mr. Jiang like plants?”
As Jiang Hai spoke to Jiang Tao, he also looked at the holly tree to the right of the main house.
In Jiang Hai’s view, this holly tree was unremarkable, no different from the hollies in the green belts along the streets outside, very common.
“Yes, I do like plants.”
“Especially when I see this one, it reminds me of the one under the balcony in my hometown when I was a child.”
“This size, this shape, it’s not just similar, it’s identical!”
“It’s as if it’s bringing me back to my childhood, it’s so touching.”
“By the way, Jiang Hai, could you ask your landlord if he’s willing to sell this holly tree?”
“I can pay more than the market price.”
“1,000 yuan! Ask him if he’ll sell it. If he will, I’ll dig it up today.”
“Ah??”
Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi, the brother and sister, showed surprised expressions on their faces after hearing Jiang Tao’s words.
Although they didn’t know much about green plants.
Holly is a common and ubiquitous plant, found everywhere in roadside green belts.
This thing is obviously very cheap.
Jiang Tao’s offer to pay 1,000 yuan for a holly tree in their yard made Jiang Hai feel a bit awkward.
“Um, Jiang Tao, I know there’s a seedling base not far from Huilongguan. How about I go buy you one another day?”
Jiang Yi felt that spending 1,000 yuan on a holly tree was too much of a “sucker’s bargain,” so she proposed a compromise.
“No need, Teacher Jiang, I just like this one, I want to buy this one. Jiang Hai, please ask the landlord, at the price I just mentioned.”
Jiang Tao looked at Jiang Hai, insisting on buying the glowing one in the courtyard.
Even though they were both hollies, there was a significant difference!
Seeing Jiang Tao’s serious expression, which didn’t seem like a joke, Jiang Hai was naturally happy to help with such a small matter.
“Okay, okay, I’ll ask him.”
After speaking, Jiang Hai took out his phone, found the landlord’s number, and called him.
When the landlord heard that someone was willing to pay 1,000 yuan for a holly tree he had gotten for free from the roadside green belt, he agreed without hesitation!
It was like free money, and he might as well take it!
As if afraid the other party would go back on his word, Jiang Tao immediately transferred 1,000 yuan to Jiang Hai to give to the landlord.
Then, with Jiang Hai’s help, they spent more than half an hour digging the holly tree out of the ground.
Jiang Yi helped wrap the root system of the holly tree with some plastic wrap to prevent mud from getting everywhere.
After wrapping it, Jiang Tao directly put the holly tree into the trunk of the Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.
After completing all this, Jiang Tao then drove the group onto the highway heading out of the city.
After leaving the city, they sped all the way towards the film and television base in Huairou.
