Financial freedom starts with the daily intelligence system!

Chapter 179 New Intelligence: Old Du's Fake Watch and the Special Item, Holly Tree! (Seeking monthly votes at the end of the month~)

Jiang Tao briefly told Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi about the short drama that the Shanhe production team was preparing to film.

The short drama "Eavesdropping on Heartfelt Words: The Adorable Baby Takes the Whole Family to Take Off" is adapted from a very popular female-oriented novel on Qidian.com.

Jiang Tao is also a seasoned online novelist, so he easily found the original work of this short drama.

At this time of explosive growth in short dramas, short dramas adapted from popular novels have a high chance of becoming hits as well.

Therefore, helping Jiang An'an secure the role this time will not only benefit Jiang Tao in many ways.

This is also extremely beneficial to Jiang An'an herself and her family!

If she becomes famous because of this drama, Jiang An'an will have another one, and the one after that.

If you can become popular through short dramas, you can earn a lot of money!
Currently, in the domestic short drama circle, the top male and female actors can earn 3 to 5 yuan per day.

Although they can't be compared to those big stars in film and television who have countless endorsements and advertisements.

However, with the fame they've gained from short dramas, they might be able to enter the film and television industry in the future.

“Our An’an hasn’t studied acting or anything like that, can she… do it?”

Jiang Hai looked at Jiang Tao with utter astonishment, completely bewildered by his question.

Once upon a time, Jiang Hai also dreamed of becoming a star, working his way up from an extra to a big star.

But that dream was shattered four or five years ago.

There are hundreds of thousands of extras in China, but how many can stand out like Zhou Liying and Wang Baoqiang?

After facing reality, Jiang Hai left the Huairou Film and Television Base and returned to his normal life.

Now, Jiang Tao suddenly asked her if she wanted her daughter to develop in that direction.

Jiang Hai didn't really want to, but he didn't want to refuse too quickly and upset Jiang Tao.

So he used a question, somewhat uncertainly.

Jiang Yi was taken aback when she heard Jiang Tao's question.

Immediately afterwards, she recalled the scene when she first met An'an that morning, with An'an holding the book "An Actor Prepares" in her hands.

And when she asked Jiang An'an if she wanted to be an actress, Jiang An'an's innocent and heartbreaking answer.

"Uncle Jiang Tao! I love being an actor!"

Jiang An'an suddenly chimed in, her bright eyes sparkling as she spoke about wanting to be an actress.

Jiang Tao looked at Jiang An'an and saw that her small face was very serious and her eyes were shining with determination.

"Dad, can I give it a try? If I get accepted, great; if not, we won't lose anything, right?"

After answering Jiang Tao, Jiang An'an looked at her father, Jiang Hai. Despite her young age, she spoke with the maturity and composure of an adult.

Jiang Hai looked at his daughter and saw longing in her eyes.

"Okay then! Dad will take you there to try it out another day when he has time."

Jiang Hai couldn't bear to discourage his daughter's confidence, so he chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Uncle Jiang Tao!"

When Jiang An'an saw that her father had agreed to let her audition, a look of joy immediately appeared on her little face.

"I'll drive you there tomorrow morning!"

"Xiaoxue's maternal grandparents are coming from our hometown this afternoon, and I need to entertain them."

Jiang Tao was very concerned about Jiang An'an's situation, fearing the worst.

He was really worried if he didn't go with them.

If something goes wrong, wouldn't the "talent scout" title and the 88 yuan bonus that were already in my grasp just fly away again?

"Mr. Jiang, if you have something to do, please go ahead and do it. We can just take a taxi there ourselves."

Upon hearing Jiang Tao's words, Jiang Hai looked flattered and deeply moved by his kindness.

Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao with tender eyes. Although she didn't say anything, she felt no less grateful to him than she did to her brother Jiang Hai.

She remembered every bit of help Jiang Tao gave her and her brother's family.

She believes that a drop of kindness deserves a spring of gratitude, and she will definitely repay Jiang Tao if the opportunity arises in the future.

Jiang Tao laughed and said, "It's alright. It's inconvenient for you to go by yourselves. I'd like to come along and broaden my horizons."

"Then... I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Jiang!"

Jiang Hai was moved once again, and his eyes were full of gratitude as he looked at Jiang Tao.

"Wow, this shrimp is so delicious~ Sister An'an, you should try it."

"Mmm, this crab tastes amazing! Xiaoxue, you should try it too."

Jiang Xue and Jiang An'an, the two little ones, are launching a fierce attack on the food on the plate.

"Jiang Yi, Jiang Hai, you should eat too, while it's hot."

"Uh-huh."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Jiang. I'm so sorry to have troubled you with your expense."

"..."

After finishing their business, everyone got back to eating.

Xin Rong Ji truly lives up to its Michelin three-star rating; every dish is a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

The only slight drawback was that the portion was too small, which wasn't enough for big men like Jiang Tao and Jiang Hai.

It was past 9 p.m. when we finished the meal.

Jiang Tao drove his Mercedes-Benz G-Class and first took Jiang Hai and Jiang An'an back to Dongxin Store.

Then it turned and drove towards Pyeongchang District.

Jiang Xue spent the day taking the subway, taking the bus, and playing with Jiang An'an.

As soon as she got in the car, she lay down in Jiang Yi's arms and fell fast asleep.

Jiang Tao chatted quietly with Jiang Yi in the back seat, and it took him more than forty minutes to drive to Jiang Yi's apartment building in Longzeyuan.

After the car came to a stop, Jiang Yi gently laid Jiang Xue down on the back seat and took off her own coat to use as a pillow, showing her thoughtfulness and care.

After settling Jiang Xue in, Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao in the driver's seat, lowered her voice, and whispered:

"Thank you for today, Jiang Tao. I'm going back now."

"See you tomorrow."

"Yes, I'll have to trouble you again tomorrow. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be embarrassed, I was just bored and thought I'd drop by."

"Well... it's getting late, you should take Xiaoxue home to rest too, goodbye."

After saying goodbye to Jiang Tao once more, Jiang Yi gently opened the car door, got out, and then gently closed it again.

Goodnight, Teacher Jiang, see you tomorrow!

After saying goodbye to Jiang Yi by opening the window, Jiang Tao slowly started the car and drove towards the entrance of the residential area.

"What a gentle and caring father."

Jiang Yi's gaze remained fixed on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class until its taillights disappeared into the night before she slowly looked away.

But Jiang Tao's image lingered in my mind for a long time.

"Jiang Yi, Jiang Yi, don't overthink it, okay? He's already married..."

"Moreover, he is Xiaoxue's father."

Jiang Yi rubbed her face until it turned bright red, then shook her head to regain her composure.

Then he turned and walked towards the entrance of the building.

……

the other side.

When Jiang Tao drove home, it was already past 10 p.m.

I found an empty spot downstairs and parked the car.

He got out of the car, opened the back door, and carried Jiang Xue out, letting her rest her head on his shoulder to continue sleeping.

Jiang Xue is only 6 years old this year. Like her mother, she can't gain weight no matter how much she eats, and her weight is only a little over 40 kilograms.

For Jiang Tao, whose physical fitness has reached 79 points, carrying her on his shoulder is effortless, as if she were nothing.

It was past 10 p.m. when I carried Jiang Xue home.

My parents and the third child are still awake; they're all waiting in the living room.

Xu Li is still at the hospital with Du Ennan tonight.

After helping the drowsy Jiang Xue to wash up quickly, Jiang Bing carried her back to her room to sleep.

After chatting briefly with Jiang Tao, his parents went back to their room to sleep.

Jiang Tao glanced at the treadmill on the balcony.

"Never mind, it's too late today, let's take a day off."

In the dead of night, although Jiang Tao coveted the 1 point of physical fitness reward, he was too embarrassed to disturb his family's rest.

He turned around and took a shower. After returning to his room, he first put his parents, Jiang Xue, and Lao San into [sleep mode].

He chatted on his phone with Xu Li, who was at the hospital with Du Ennan, until midnight.

After the new day's intelligence was updated, he said goodnight to Xu Li.

After ending his chat with Xu Li, Jiang Tao opened the intelligence report for the day.

【Daily Intelligence 01】:
You had contact with Du Taiming yesterday and obtained relevant intelligence—

The Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 watch that Du Taiming was wearing was a high-quality replica bought by his nephew, Sheng Weilun.

A timely reminder can help Du Taiming see Sheng Weilun's true character sooner, thus avoiding significant losses in the future!
……

"Old Du's nephew is ruthless! He dared to buy a counterfeit Vacheron Constantin worth millions for his uncle!"

When Jiang Tao saw the first piece of intelligence that appeared today, he was surprised and somewhat speechless.

In the world of luxury watch collecting, in an era where everyone on Kuaishou and Douyin is sporting a green Submariner.

The market for high-quality replica luxury watches is thriving.

Like the Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 watch that Du Taiming is wearing, which is worth five or six million.

Entry-level replicas can be made for you for just 700 to 1800.

Counterfeits at this price point are generally made of ordinary 316L stainless steel and mineral glass.

The movement is also a domestically produced 2824 or 2836 basic movement, with a simulation degree of about 60%.

At this price point, you can wear a replica to film some short videos or something.

In reality, if you encounter someone knowledgeable, they can tell it's fake at a glance.

Old Du's nephew certainly wouldn't try to fool his uncle with a replica at this price.

A step up from the entry-level is the premium replica, which will be priced between 3000 and 5000.

At this level of replica, the workmanship is quite sophisticated, and the mold dimensions are strictly adhered to as a 1:1 replica of the original.

The case will also be made of the same 904L austenitic steel as the genuine product, and the sapphire crystal will be treated with an anti-reflective coating.

Even the texture on the crown is micron-level similar to the genuine product.

The quality of the movement will also be upgraded, and it will generally be equipped with the Shanghai 7750 chronograph movement or the Dandong 3235 movement.

This level of replica can perfectly replicate complex functions such as moon phases and tourbillons, with a simulation accuracy exceeding 80%. This level of imitation is so realistic that it can fool even the most inexperienced buyers.

Above the premium level, there is one last level: "Swiss copy".

The price of a typical counterfeit is between 6000 and 8000.

These watches use the same ETA 2892 movement as the genuine article, and the dial is made using an enamel firing process.

The alligator leather strap features the same water ripple pattern as the watches sold in boutiques.

Some top workshops can even replicate the minute repeater function of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony series.

Its reed frequency error is controlled within 3%, making it a mirror image of mechanical art.

Jiang Tao guessed that Lao Du's nephew probably bought a counterfeit product at this price point, as for why...

The potential profit margin between a high-quality counterfeit item costing a few thousand yuan and a genuine item costing millions is enormous!

"I'll talk to Lao Du about it another time!"

Jiang Tao didn't feel guilty about "informing" on Sheng Weilun.

He didn't know the other person at all.

After analyzing the first piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao had an idea and continued to look at the second piece of intelligence for the day.

【Daily Intelligence 02】:
You dined at Xinrongji Restaurant in Chaoyang District with Jiang Yi and her group yesterday and obtained relevant intelligence—

Xin Rong Ji is developing new dishes, and your Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles perfectly meet the requirements.

After discussions, a long-term strategic partnership can be established!
……

"Xinrongji...a strategic partner?"

When Jiang Tao saw the second piece of information refreshed today, his eyes lit up.

If we can acquire Xinrongji, Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles will have another sales channel.

Moreover, Jiang Tao also saw something different in this intelligence report.

Since their own Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles met Xinrongji's requirements, they decided to establish a partnership.

Could we also explore developing other high-end hotels or restaurants?
There are countless high-end restaurants in Beijing. If we can capture this market, Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles will never have to worry about sales again!

"I'll mark this information down for now, and try it out with some pickled vegetables 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 the day.

Today's Intelligence 03:
You had contact with Jiang Hai yesterday and obtained relevant information—

The holly tree in the courtyard where Jiang Hai rented a place was a special item.

Once you acquire ownership of the holly tree, you can activate it to gain random attributes.

……

"A special item? A holly tree!"

Upon seeing the last piece of intelligence that appeared today, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up again!
He currently possesses quite a few special items.

From small items like salary cards, filial piety cards, river stones, lucky toads, and even auspicious symbols.

From treadmills to delicious pickle jars, everything is from the BAIC EU5.

This time, they actually found another tree.

What attribute could it be?

Even before the item arrived, Jiang Tao was already secretly looking forward to it.

Based on past experience, we know that special items will definitely have decent attributes.

Each of them could easily become a "golden touch" and carry someone else to success.

With so many special items in his possession, Jiang Tao's future success is almost a certainty.

Jiang Tao saw the holly tree in Jiang Hai's yard as soon as he entered the yard, and he still remembers it now.

The plant doesn't look very big, only about half a meter tall, and it has been pruned into a round ball shape.

"If I buy flowers with my own money, it shouldn't be too hard to get them, right?"

"Jiang Yi and her family are really my experience points; they've triggered several intelligence reports in a row."

"Let's ask her when we pick up Jiang An'an tomorrow."

We must get our hands on that holly bush!

After making up his mind, Jiang Tao raised his hand and glanced at the green Submariner he was wearing on his wrist.

It's been 10 minutes past midnight.

"Hiss... Could the one that Lao Du gave me and Xu Li before also be a fake?"

Looking at the green Submariner on his wrist, Jiang Tao seemed to be deep in thought.

The first time I had dinner with Du Taiming, he gave Jiang Tao and Xu Li each a green Submariner as a gift.

Before today, Jiang Tao never doubted that Du Taiming would give him counterfeit goods.

After all, a billionaire like him certainly wouldn't care about something worth a few hundred thousand.

But seeing this news about his nephew today made Jiang Tao a little uncertain!
If all of Du Taiming's watches came from his nephew...

That kid dares to fake even a Vacheron Constantin worth millions, let alone a tumbler like this worth tens of thousands!

"I'll have to find someone knowledgeable about watches to have it appraised another day!"

Jiang Tao is a complete novice when it comes to watches.

Even if someone gave him a low-quality, entry-level counterfeit, he wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"Go to sleep first. This matter isn't that urgent. We can talk about it another day."

After reviewing three intelligence reports, Jiang Tao set his alarm for 6 a.m.

After setting the alarm, I put my phone down, spent 66 yuan to activate [sleep mode], and started sleeping!
Silent all night.

Early the next morning.

After getting up and having breakfast with his family, Jiang Tao first drove Jiang Xue to pick up Jiang Yi.

The little guy was still a bit sleepy when he woke up early in the morning, and he even dozed off while sitting in the car.

It looks like it's in power-saving mode.

But as soon as he saw Jiang Yi, he was no longer sleepy and instantly switched to high-power mode, chattering non-stop!

Along the way, Jiang Tao was driving and thinking about how he would entertain Xu Li's parents that evening.

Jiang Xue and Jiang Yi chattered incessantly in the back seat, their laughter ringing out like silver bells.

Before 9 a.m., Jiang Tao drove his car to the outskirts of Dongxindian urban village.

They found an empty parking space, parked the car, and the three of them got out and walked towards the courtyard of Jiang Hai's rented house in the village.

Good morning, Uncle Jiang Tao!

"Auntie, Xiaoxue, you've finally arrived! I've been missing you since this morning."

When Jiang An'an saw Jiang Tao and his group, a bright smile instantly bloomed on her little face.

Today, Jiang An'an wore a light gray down jacket and a pair of black cotton pants.

The slightly inward-curling, ear-length bob looks quite neat and tidy.

Her large eyes looked as bright as a pair of black gemstones.

"Sister An'an, I miss you too! I even dreamed about you last night!"

"I dreamt that you actually appeared on TV and became a star!"

Jiang Xue was also very happy to see Jiang An'an, and the two little ones started chatting away.

"Mr. Jiang, you've arrived. I'm so sorry to trouble you. Please have a smoke."

Jiang Hai, who was standing nearby, quickly took out a pack of cigarettes he had bought at the supermarket that day, pulled one out, and handed it to Jiang Tao.

He doesn't usually smoke or drink, but he still went out of his way to buy a pack of good cigarettes to entertain Jiang Tao.

"It's alright, no trouble at all. I'm just killing time anyway."

As Jiang Tao spoke to Jiang Hai, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the holly tree in the yard that shimmered with a faint, dark golden light.

Yesterday, no information related to the holly tree was triggered, so even though he saw it, he didn't recognize it as a special item.

Jiang Tao triggered the intelligence. It was still that holly tree, but the effect it presented in his field of vision was different!

"By the way, Jiang Hai, did you plant this holly yourself, or did it belong to the landlord?"

After exhaling a puff of smoke, Jiang Tao looked at Jiang Hai and asked casually.

“It was here when we moved in. Does Mr. Jiang like plants?”

As Jiang Hai spoke to Jiang Tao, his gaze also fell upon the holly tree on the right side of the main house.

In Jiang Hai's view, this holly tree was unremarkable, no different from the holly trees in the green belts on both sides of the street, and quite common.

"Yes, I really like plants."

"Especially when I saw this tree, it reminded me of the one under the balcony of my old home when I was a child."

"The size and shape are so similar, it's not just alike, it's practically identical!"

"It felt like it took me back to my childhood, it was so touching."

"By the way, Jiang Hai, could you ask your landlord if he's selling this holly tree?"

"I can buy it at a price higher than the market price."

"1000 yuan! Ask him if he'll sell it. If he does, I'll dig it up today."

"what??"

Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi, the two siblings, both showed surprise on their faces after hearing Jiang Tao's words.

Although neither of them knew much about green plants.

But holly is a very common plant, found everywhere in roadside green belts.

This thing is obviously very cheap.

Jiang Tao's offer to spend 1000 yuan to buy the tree in his yard really put Jiang Hai in a difficult position.

"Hey Jiang Tao, I know there's a seedling nursery not far from Huilongguan. How about I go and buy you one another day?"

Jiang Yi felt that spending 1000 yuan to buy a holly was too much of a rip-off, so she proposed a compromise.

"No need, Teacher Jiang, I've already set my sights on this one and want to buy it. Jiang Hai, could you ask the landlord for me about the price I just told you?"

Jiang Tao looked at Jiang Hai and insisted on buying the glowing tree in the yard.

Even though they are both holly, there are still quite a few differences!
Seeing that Jiang Tao looked serious and didn't seem to be joking, Jiang Hai was naturally happy to help with such a small matter.

"Okay, okay, I'll ask for you."

After Jiang Hai finished speaking, he took out his phone from his pocket, found the landlord's number, and made a call.

When the landlord heard that someone wanted to buy a holly tree that he had taken home for free from the green belt outside for 1000 yuan, he agreed without hesitation!
This money is like it was given to me for free, why not take it!
As if afraid the other party would change their mind, Jiang Tao immediately transferred 1000 yuan to Jiang Hai so that he could pass it on to the landlord.

With Jiang Hai's help, it took them more than half an hour to dig the holly out of the ground.

Jiang Yi helped wrap some plastic film around the roots of the holly to prevent soil from getting everywhere.

After wrapping it up, Jiang Tao simply tossed the holly into the trunk of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

After doing all this, Jiang Tao drove the group onto the highway leading out of the city.

After leaving the city, we sped all the way to the film and television base in Huairou.

(End of this chapter)