An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

Afterwards, Elizabeth encouraged Rose to hand over the company to Jiang Baobin to run, since the annual income would be enough to cover the costs.

Jiang Baobin and Rose exchanged a glance but didn't say anything. If only things were that simple.

After seeing Elizabeth off, Rose returned home early today and invited, "Come in and have a drink."

Jiang Baobin looked at her and then nodded.

Rose clearly had something she wanted to discuss.

Emma and Pete, both wearing their pajamas, ran downstairs, eager to hear a story.

Jiang Baobin then recounted "The Three Battles with the White Bone Demon" once more.

There was no way around it; little Emma was particularly fond of this story, and this was already the third time Jiang Baobin had told it.

Jiang Baobin then understood why there were so many parents who broke down online in later generations.

Because when you encounter a child who really loves a certain story, after telling it dozens of times, parents really can't resist.

It was quite a struggle to get the little ones to sleep.

"Jiang, you will be a good father in the future."

Rose, having finished washing up, changed into her home clothes.

Jiang Baobin smiled brightly: "That's what I think too. I really like children."

Rose smiled kindly and walked to the liquor cabinet: "What would you like to drink?"

"Forget it, I still have to drive later."

"Just a little bit, it's okay."

Okay, you're the boss, so if you say it's okay, then it's definitely okay.

Rose handed the glass to Jiang Baobin: "Mr. Weinberg was the first to make a bid."

"But it was lower than I expected. I thought it would be at least 20."

Seeing that she was a little discouraged, Jiang Baobin quickly encouraged her:

"This is perfectly normal; every business negotiation starts with lowering the price."

"Really?"

"Of course, I have experience in this area." Actually, he had a lot of experience, which was just pretending!

If even he looks so insecure, how can Rose, a housewife, possibly keep going?

As expected, Jiang Baobin's confident demeanor reassured Rose considerably.

Seizing the opportunity, he added, "In our flower-growing community, there's a saying: 'Only those who complain about the goods are the ones who actually buy them.'"

"Don't listen to the absolutes Weinberg said today; he's actually the one who most wants to acquire 'Smith'."

"Because I already know that in that way he would control more than 57 percent of the grain processing market in Beiping, which is equivalent to him controlling the pricing power."

"This is absolutely a dream come true for any businessman."

"What we need to do now is to maintain strategic focus and wait for him to compromise on his own."

"No, perhaps at a crucial moment, we should take the initiative to provoke Weinberg."

"How exciting?" Rose asked with interest.

She listened to Jiang Baobin's explanation with great clarity, and at this point, she felt completely relaxed.

Jiang Baobin revealed a sly smile: "If no one comes in to bid..."

"Actually, we can create one ourselves."

Rose stared at him with wide, curious eyes, full of hope.

Jiang Baobin couldn't stand this about her; even though she was a mother, she still had those innocent, big eyes, which was just irresistible.

He coughed lightly: "If handled well, it could bring in tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, more in purchase price."

"We could easily spend some money to hire a few actors to help us raise the price."

Rose's eyes lit up, but she asked, "Will this work?"

Jiang Baobin raised an eyebrow: "How will you know if you don't try?"

"Anyway, the performance fee isn't expensive. Even if Weinberg can raise the price by 1000, we won't lose money."

Rose smiled with relief: "Without your help, I really don't know what I would have done."

As Rose spoke, she raised her glass and smiled, waving it at Jiang Baobin.

Jiang Baobin took a sip, while Rose downed hers in one go...

The following day, Jiang Baobin asked Rose for leave and returned home an hour early.

On the way, I bought a large pumpkin, two pounds of meat, and a bunch of potatoes.

Jiang Daya had already steamed the two-component steamed buns as he had instructed.

"Why did you buy so much meat again, Third Brother?" The little girl started to feel sorry for him again. "How about we keep half of it?"

"Cut them all!" Jiang Baobin said domineeringly. "This is what I promised everyone. I can't let the neighbors complain that we're stingy."

Jiang Daya pouted and began cutting the meat—that is, cutting it into small pieces about the size of a thumbnail.

I poured in oil, stir-fried the meat, then added pumpkin and potato chunks, and stewed a big pot of it.

Once it's cooked, sprinkle some minced garlic and cilantro on top. It'll be glistening with oil and incredibly fragrant.

Then, they delivered it to each household—a large bowl of vegetables and four steamed buns to each family.

Many hands make light work; otherwise, this task would have been quite troublesome.

Moreover, it might come in handy next time, which is why Jiang Baobin isn't stingy.

The first delivery must be to the deaf old lady; she deserves the most credit.

In addition to the two regular dishes, we must add a side dish: braised pork knuckle.

However, Jiang Baobin learned his lesson and realized that the "Tianfuhao" was too expensive.

I found a small shop with a good reputation, and the old lady ate with great relish, and we even got the price down a lot.

Next up is the Yan family. We can't not give it to them first. Old Man Yan is so stingy, he's already waiting outside the gate, not even bothered by the heat.

Yan Bugui's eyes lit up with laughter when he saw the few slices of fatty pork covering the dish.

He slapped his thigh with delight: "How can you say that, Binzi? You've gone to so much trouble!"

Jiang Baobin declared with great pride, "Hey! A man's spit is his bond!"

"Since I promised to reward you if you helped me get things done, I can't go back on my word!"

"How about it, Mr. Yan? Isn't my thank-you gift impressive enough?"

"That's more than enough!" Yan Bugui said, giving a thumbs up. "Binzi, that's generous!"

Jiang Baobin's original intention was to have the Yan family bring out a tool to make room for his bowl.

Yan Bugui insisted that he leave the bowl, saying that he would wash it clean and return it to him.

Jiang Baobin quickly realized what was going on; the man was reluctant to part with the little bit of sauce and oil clinging to the rim of his bowl.

They wouldn't stop until they'd wiped the steamed buns clean.

Jiang Baobin was speechless—it would be an injustice if this Yan Laokou didn't become rich!

Next, delivering to the Jia, Liu, and Xu families will be much simpler.

A few polite words, a discount on the dishes, a steamed bun—and the task is done.

Everyone knew perfectly well what the purpose was, so the He and Yi families, who hadn't contributed much, were too embarrassed to accept the offer.

That's definitely not acceptable. The other families living in the east and west courtyards have all been given gifts, but it's unreasonable for these two families not to receive any.

However, there was one exception—the Jiang family.

Even after Jiang Daya pleaded repeatedly, Jiang Baobin refused to give them to them.

Hmph! Going around talking bad about me and trying to eat my food, Grandma!

I am now the dignified time traveler Jiang Baobin, not the good-for-nothing Jiang Laosan of the past.

It was a long and difficult time getting through the dark period right after I transmigrated.

Do you want me to go back to the same old path? You'd better stop now!