Jiang Tao briefly explained to Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi about the short drama that the Shanhe crew was preparing to shoot.
The short drama, *Eavesdropping on Thoughts, Cute Baby Leads the Whole Family to Soar*, was adapted from a wildly popular female-oriented novel on Qidian Girls' Network.
As a seasoned online novel reader, Jiang Tao easily found the original novel behind this short drama.
At a time when short dramas were exploding in popularity, a short drama adapted from such a hit novel had a high chance of becoming a blockbuster.
Therefore, helping Jiang An'an secure a role in this drama would not only benefit Jiang Tao greatly.
It would also bring tremendous advantages to Jiang An'an herself and her family!
If she could rise to fame through this drama, Jiang An'an might land roles in subsequent projects, one after another.
If she could break out through short dramas, her earning potential would be substantial!
Currently, in the domestic short drama industry, top-tier male and female actors could earn daily salaries ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 yuan.
Although they couldn't compare to major film and TV stars with countless endorsements and advertisements, the fame accumulated through short dramas could potentially open doors to 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 a mix of astonishment and confusion, thrown off by his question.
Once upon a time, Jiang Hai had dreamed of rising from an extra to a big star.
But that dream had shattered four or five years ago.
With hundreds of thousands of extras in the country, how many could break out like Zhao Liying or Wang Baoqiang?
After facing reality, Jiang Hai had left the Huairou Film Base and returned to a normal life.
Now, being suddenly asked by Jiang Tao if he wanted his daughter to pursue that path, Jiang Hai was inwardly reluctant. However, he didn't want to reject the idea too quickly and risk upsetting Jiang Tao.
So, he hesitantly responded with a question.
Jiang Yi, upon hearing Jiang Tao's question, was momentarily stunned.
Then, her mind flashed back to this morning when she saw An'an holding the book *An Actor Prepares*.
She also recalled asking Jiang An'an if she wanted to be an actor and the tender, heart-wrenching response she gave.
"Uncle Jiang Tao! I love acting!"
Jiang An'an suddenly chimed in with her crisp, clear voice. When she spoke about wanting to be an actor, her bright eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight.
Jiang Tao looked at Jiang An'an, noticing the serious expression on her small face and the determined glint in her eyes.
"Dad, can I give it a try? If I get the role, that's great. If not, we won't lose anything, right?"
After responding to Jiang Tao, Jiang An'an turned to her father, Jiang Hai. Despite her young age, her tone was mature and composed, like that of an adult.
Jiang Hai looked at his daughter and saw the longing in her eyes.
"Well, alright then! I'll take you to try out when I have time."
Not wanting to dampen his daughter's confidence, Jiang Hai gave a sheepish 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 lit up with excitement.
"I'll drive you guys over tomorrow morning!"
"In the afternoon, Little Xue's grandparents are coming from our hometown, so I need to host them."
Jiang Tao was very attentive to Jiang An'an's matter, not wanting to leave anything to chance.
He wouldn't feel at ease unless he went along.
If something went wrong, the [Bole] title and the 880,000 yuan bonus that were within his grasp might slip away again!
"Mr. Jiang, if you're busy, go take care of your matters. We can take a taxi ourselves."
Hearing Jiang Tao's words, Jiang Hai looked flattered and deeply moved by his kindness.
Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao with gentle eyes. Though she didn't say anything, her gratitude toward him was no less than her brother Jiang Hai's.
She kept every instance of Jiang Tao's help to her and her brother's family in her heart.
A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. If the right opportunity arose in the future, she would definitely repay Jiang Tao.
Jiang Tao smiled, "It's no trouble. It's not convenient for you to go alone, and I'd like to tag along to see what it's like."
"Well then… thank you, Mr. Jiang!"
Jiang Hai felt another wave of gratitude, his eyes filled with appreciation as he looked at Jiang Tao.
"Wow, this shrimp is so delicious~ An'an, you have to try it."
"Mm-hmm, this crab tastes amazing too! Little Xue, you try it."
Jiang Xue and Jiang An'an, the two little ones, were fiercely attacking the food on their plates.
"Jiang Yi, Jiang Hai, you guys eat too, while it's hot."
"Mm-hmm."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Jiang. We feel so bad making you spend so much."
"…"
After discussing the main topic, everyone dug into the meal.
Xinrongji lived up to its Michelin three-star reputation, with every dish bursting with color, aroma, and flavor.
The only slight downside was the small portion sizes, which weren't quite enough for big guys like Jiang Tao and Jiang Hai.
By the time dinner was over, it was past 9 p.m.
Jiang Tao drove his Mercedes-Benz G-Class to drop off Jiang Hai and Jiang An'an at Dongxindian.
Then he headed toward Pingchang District.
Jiang Xue, who had spent the day taking the subway, bus, and playing with Jiang An'an, fell asleep in Jiang Yi's arms as soon as she got in the car.
While quietly chatting with Jiang Yi in the back seat, Jiang Tao drove for over forty minutes to reach Jiang Yi's building in Longzeyuan.
After parking the car, Jiang Yi gently laid Jiang Xue down on the back seat, took off her jacket to use as a pillow for her, and showed her care and thoughtfulness.
After settling Jiang Xue, Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao in the driver's seat, lowered her voice, and said softly:
"Thank you for today, Jiang Tao. I'm heading back."
"See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, I'll have to trouble you again tomorrow. I feel really bad about it."
"No need to feel bad. I'm free anyway, just going along for fun."
"Alright then… It's getting late. You should take Little Xue home to rest. Goodbye."
After saying goodbye to Jiang Tao again, Jiang Yi gently opened the car door, stepped out, and softly closed it.
"Goodnight, Teacher Jiang. See you tomorrow~"
Jiang Tao opened the window to bid farewell to Jiang Yi, then slowly drove toward the community's main gate.
"What a gentle and thoughtful father."
Jiang Yi's gaze followed the taillights of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class until they disappeared into the night before she slowly turned away.
But her mind was filled with thoughts of Jiang Tao, lingering for a long time.
"Jiang Yi, Jiang Yi, stop overthinking, okay? He's already married…"
"And he's Little Xue's father."
Jiang Yi rubbed her face until it turned red, shaking her head to regain her rationality.
Then she turned and walked toward the entrance of her building.
…
On the other side.
When Jiang Tao drove home, it was already past 10 p.m.
He found an empty spot downstairs to park the car.
He got out, opened the back door, and gently lifted Jiang Xue, letting her sleep on his shoulder.
Jiang Xue, only six years old this year, had a physique like her mother's—unable to gain weight no matter how much she ate, weighing just over 40 pounds.
For Jiang Tao, whose physical fitness had reached 79 points, carrying her on his shoulder was effortless, as if she weighed nothing.
By the time he got home with Jiang Xue, it was past 10 p.m.
His parents and younger brother were still awake, waiting in the living room.
Xu Li was still at the hospital, accompanying Du Ennan.
Jiang Bing gave the drowsy Jiang Xue a quick wash before carrying her to bed.
His parents chatted briefly with Jiang Tao before heading to their room to sleep.
Jiang Tao glanced at the treadmill on the balcony.
"Forget it, it's too late today. I'll take a rest day."
In the middle of the night, although Jiang Tao was tempted by the 1-point physical fitness reward, he didn't want to disturb his family's rest.
He went to the bathroom for a quick shower, then returned to his room and activated [Sleep Mode] for his parents, Jiang Xue, and his younger brother.
He chatted on his phone with Xu Li, who was at the hospital with Du Ennan, until midnight.
When the new day's intelligence refreshed, he said goodnight to Xu Li.
After ending the chat with Xu Li, Jiang Tao opened the day's intelligence with a thought.
**[Daily Intelligence 01]:**
You had contact with Du Taiming yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
The Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 watch on Du Taiming's wrist was a high-quality fake bought by his nephew, Sheng Weilun.
A timely reminder could help Du Taiming see Sheng Weilun's true character, preventing significant losses in the future!
…
"Old Du's nephew is ruthless! A Vacheron Constantin worth millions, and he dared to buy a fake for his uncle!"
Seeing the first piece of intelligence for the day, Jiang Tao was both shocked and speechless.
In the world of luxury watch collecting, in an era where everyone on short video platforms flaunts Rolex Submariners, the market for high-quality fake watches was thriving.
Take the Vacheron Constantin 30020/000P-7596 watch on Du Taiming's wrist, worth five or six million yuan.
Entry-level fakes of such watches could be made for just 700 to 1,800 yuan.
Fakes at this price range typically used ordinary 316L stainless steel and mineral glass.
They were equipped with domestic 2824 or 2836 basic movements, with a replication accuracy of about 60%.
Fakes at this level were fine for shooting short videos.
But in real life, anyone knowledgeable could spot them as fakes instantly.
Old Du's nephew wouldn't likely use such low-end replicas to fool his uncle.
A step above entry-level were high-quality replicas, priced between 3,000 and 5,000 yuan.
At this level, craftsmanship was more refined, with 1:1 mold replication based on the original.
The case would use the same 904L austenitic steel as the genuine watch, and the sapphire crystal face would have anti-glare coating.
Even the texture on the crown would match the original at a micrometer level.
The movement quality would also improve, typically using Shanghai 7750 chronograph movements or Dandong 3235 movements.
Replicas at this level could perfectly mimic complex functions like moon phases or tourbillons, with a replication accuracy exceeding 80%.
Such replicas were convincing enough to fool less knowledgeable people.
Above high-quality replicas was the top tier: "Swiss replicas."
These typically cost between 6,000 and 8,000 yuan.
They used ETA2892 movements from the same source as the originals, with dials made using enamel firing techniques.
The alligator leather straps even had the same ripple pattern as the genuine ones.
Some top workshops could even replicate the minute repeater function of Vacheron Constantin's Patrimony series.
The sound spring frequency error was controlled within 3%, making them near-perfect mechanical art replicas.
Jiang Tao guessed that Old Du's nephew probably bought a fake at this price range. As for why…
The profit margin between a few thousand yuan for a high-quality fake and a genuine watch worth millions was enormous!
"I'll have to find a chance to tell Old Du about this."
Jiang Tao didn't feel any guilt about "snitching" on Sheng Weilun.
He didn't even know the guy.
After analyzing the first piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao opened the second with a thought.
**[Daily Intelligence 02]:**
You dined with Jiang Yi and others at Xinrongji in Chaoyang yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
Xinrongji is developing new dishes, and your Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles perfectly meet their requirements.
Negotiations could lead to a long-term strategic partnership!
…
"Xinrongji… strategic partnership?"
Seeing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up.
If he could secure a deal with Xinrongji, Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles would gain another sales channel.
Moreover, this intelligence revealed something beyond itself.
If his Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles met Xinrongji's standards and could establish a partnership, couldn't he also approach other high-end restaurants?
Beijing was full of upscale restaurants. If he could tap into this market, Jiang's Eight Treasures Pickles would never have to worry about sales again!
"I'll mark this intelligence and bring some Eight Treasures Pickles to try it out when I have time."
After analyzing the second piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao moved on to the final one for the day.
**[Daily Intelligence 03]:**
You had contact with Jiang Hai yesterday, obtaining related intelligence—
The holly tree in the courtyard where Jiang Hai rents is a special item.
Acquiring ownership of the holly tree will allow you to activate it, gaining random attributes.
…
"A special item? A holly tree!"
Seeing the final piece of intelligence, Jiang Tao's eyes lit up again!
He already had quite a few special items.
Small ones like the salary card, filial piety card, river stone, wealth-attracting golden toad, and Wangcai.
Larger ones like the treadmill, delicious pickle jar, and BAIC EU5.
And now, he'd discovered a tree.
"What attributes could it have?"
Though he hadn't acquired it yet, Jiang Tao was already eagerly anticipating it.
From past experience, special items always had impressive attributes.
Any one of them could serve as a "golden finger" to propel someone to success.
With so many special items in his possession, Jiang Tao's future success was practically guaranteed.
He had noticed the holly tree in Jiang Hai's courtyard when he entered and still remembered it.
The plant wasn't large, just over half a meter tall, trimmed into a round, ball-like shape.
"If I offer to buy it, it shouldn't be hard to get, right?"
"Jiang Yi's family is like my experience treasure trove, triggering several pieces of intelligence in a row."
"I'll ask about it tomorrow when I pick up Jiang An'an."
"I have to get that holly tree!"
With his mind made up, Jiang Tao glanced at the Rolex Submariner on his wrist.
It was already ten minutes past midnight.
"Hiss… Could the watches Old Du gave me and Xu Li also be fakes?"
Looking at the Submariner, Jiang Tao began to wonder.
The first time he dined with Du Taiming, he had given Jiang Tao and Xu Li each a Submariner as a meeting gift.
Before today, Jiang Tao would never have suspected that Du Taiming would give him a fake.
After all, a billionaire like him wouldn't care about something worth a hundred thousand yuan.
But today's intelligence about his nephew made Jiang Tao less certain!
If all of Du Taiming's watches came from his nephew…
That guy dared to fake a multi-million-yuan Vacheron Constantin, so a Submariner worth a hundred thousand was nothing!
"I'll have to find someone who knows watches to get it appraised someday!"
Jiang Tao was completely clueless about watches.
Even if someone gave him a low-end fake, he wouldn't be able to tell.
"Time to sleep. This isn't urgent. I'll deal with it later."
After reviewing the three pieces of intelligence, Jiang Tao set an alarm for 6 a.m.
After setting the alarm and putting down his phone, he spent 66 yuan to activate [Sleep Mode] for himself and went to bed!
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning.
After getting up and having breakfast with his family, Jiang Tao drove to pick up Jiang Yi with Jiang Xue.
The little one was still sleepy early in the morning, dozing off in the car.
She seemed to be in power-saving mode.
But as soon as she saw Jiang Yi, she perked up instantly, switching to high-energy mode, chattering nonstop!
While driving, Jiang Tao thought about hosting Xu Li's parents that evening.
Jiang Xue and Jiang Yi chatted excitedly in the back seat, their laughter ringing out like silver bells.
Before 9 a.m., Jiang Tao drove to the outskirts of the urban village in Dongxindian.
He found an empty parking spot, and the three of them got out, walking toward the courtyard where Jiang Hai rented.
"Good morning, Uncle Jiang Tao~"
"Auntie, Little Xue, you're finally here! I've been thinking about you since early this morning."
Jiang An'an's little face lit up with a bright smile when she saw Jiang Tao and the others.
Today, Jiang An'an was wearing a light gray down jacket and black cotton pants.
Her slightly inward-curled, ear-length short hair looked neat and tidy.
Her big eyes sparkled like a pair of black gemstones.
"An'an, I missed you too! Last night, I dreamed you were on TV, becoming a star~"
Jiang Xue was thrilled to see Jiang An'an, and the two little ones started chattering away.
"Mr. Jiang, you're here. Sorry to trouble you. Do you smoke?"
Jiang Hai hurriedly pulled out a pack of Huazi cigarettes he had specially bought from the supermarket, offering one to Jiang Tao.
He didn't usually smoke or drink, but he had bought a pack of good cigarettes to host Jiang Tao.
"No trouble at all. I'm free anyway."
While talking to Jiang Hai, Jiang Tao's gaze instinctively drifted to the holly tree in the courtyard, faintly glowing with a dark golden light.
Yesterday, without triggering the intelligence about the holly tree, he hadn't noticed it was a special item, even though he saw it.
Now, with the intelligence triggered, the same holly tree appeared different in his vision!
"By the way, Jiang Hai, is this holly tree something you planted, or does it belong to the landlord?"
Jiang Tao exhaled a puff of smoke, looking at Jiang Hai and asking casually.
"It was already here when we moved in. Do you like plants, Mr. Jiang?"
While talking to Jiang Tao, Jiang Hai's gaze also turned to the holly tree on the right side of the main house.
In Jiang Hai's view, the holly tree was unremarkable, no different from the common ones in the roadside greenery, very ordinary.
"Yeah, I'm quite fond of plants."
"Especially when I saw this one, it reminded me of the holly tree under the balcony at my childhood home."
"The size, the shape—it's not just similar, it's practically identical!"
"It's like it took me back to my childhood. It's so nostalgic."
"By the way, Jiang Hai, could you ask your landlord if he's willing to sell this holly tree?"
"I'm willing to pay above market price."
"1,000 yuan! Ask him if he'll sell. If he agrees, I'll dig it up today."
"Huh??"
Jiang Hai and Jiang Yi, the siblings, were both stunned by Jiang Tao's words.
Though they didn't know much about greenery, holly trees were very common and inexpensive, found everywhere in roadside landscaping.
Jiang Tao offering 1,000 yuan for the one in their courtyard was, frankly, shocking to Jiang Hai.
"Um, Jiang Tao, I know there's a nursery not far from Huilongguan. How about I go buy you one another day?"
Feeling that spending 1,000 yuan on a holly tree was a bit extravagant, Jiang Yi suggested a compromise.
"No need, Teacher Jiang. I've got my heart set on this one. Jiang Hai, please ask the landlord about the price I mentioned."
Jiang Tao looked at Jiang Hai, insistent on buying the glowing holly tree in the courtyard.
Holly trees might seem similar, but the difference was significant!
Seeing Jiang Tao's serious expression, not joking at all, Jiang Hai was happy to help with such a small matter.
"Alright, I'll ask for you."
Jiang Hai pulled out his phone, found the landlord's number, and called.
When the landlord heard someone was willing to pay 1,000 yuan for a holly tree he had taken from roadside greenery for free, he agreed without hesitation!
It was like free money—why say no?
Worried the landlord might change his mind, Jiang Tao immediately transferred 1,000 yuan to Jiang Hai to pass on to the landlord.
With Jiang Hai's help, it took just over half an hour to dig up the holly tree.
Jiang Yi helped wrap the roots in plastic film to keep the soil from spilling.
After wrapping it up, Jiang Tao tossed the holly tree into the trunk of his Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
With everything done, Jiang Tao drove the group out of the city, heading straight for the Huairou Film Base.