Daily Intelligence System: Financial Independence

Chapter 552 - 261: Finding a "Nanny" for the Money Tree!

Jiang Shuisheng glanced in the direction of Jiang Tao’s family’s main house and jokingly spoke to Jiang Tao.

"Haha, trust is key. I only entrusted this matter to you because I trust you, Uncle."

"Of course, I won’t let you work for free or waste your time for nothing."

"So, Uncle, I’ll pay you a salary of 1500 a month to look after this tree for me."

"Water it when it needs watering, fertilize it when it needs fertilizing, and loosen the soil when needed."

Jiang Tao didn’t mince words and directly stated the purpose of bringing him home.

"Huh? What?"

Jiang Shuisheng was dumbfounded by Jiang Tao’s words, looking at him in disbelief.

Getting a salary of 1500 a month just for taking care of a tree?

This...

Working as a street sweeper in the village, Jiang Shuisheng only earns a low income of 1000 a month!

Just taking care of a tree that doesn’t eat or run, and you can get 1500?

Such a good deal is actually coming to me?

"Taozi, what you just said..."

Jiang Shuisheng swallowed, feeling uncertain and asked again.

"Yes, Uncle, you heard right. It’s just to help me take care of the tree."

"Water it, loosen the soil—just make sure it doesn’t die."

"On the first of each month, I’ll transfer 1500 to your phone."

Jiang Tao smiled and simply repeated what he said before.

This time, Jiang Shuisheng heard it loud and clear.

Although it still felt unbelievable,

He knew it was real; he wasn’t dreaming.

"Alright! Since you trust Uncle so much, I’ll definitely do my best to take care of it for you!"

"Don’t worry, Taozi, even if your uncle dies, this tree won’t!"

Jiang Shuisheng accepted the task readily and assured with a chuckle.

Now, with the 1000 yuan from sweeping and this 1500 from Jiang Tao, he’s earning 2500 a month!

This income might be nothing for young people in big cities,

But for a rural, lonely old man like Jiang Shuisheng, it’s substantial!

This extra income will significantly improve his quality of life!

"Haha, you’re exaggerating, Uncle. Just do your best."

"I’m heading back to Beijing tomorrow. Let’s start from tomorrow; here’s a house key for you."

Jiang Tao said as he took a key off the key ring and handed it to Jiang Shuisheng.

"Don’t worry, Taozi, your uncle will take care of it well! I’ll make sure this tree flourishes!"

Accepting the house key, Jiang Shuisheng reassured Jiang Tao again.

Though he didn’t understand feng shui, seeing how important the tree was to Jiang Tao,

even spending 1500 a month to have it taken care of,

He realized the tree probably held significant meaning to Jiang Tao.

Jiang Tao laughed, "I trust you, Uncle; otherwise, I wouldn’t have asked you."

"Thank you, Taozi, your uncle knows you’re trying to help him out."

As Jiang Shuisheng spoke, his eyes suddenly turned red, deeply touched.

In the village, he has no power or influence, and no money or status.

As an old bachelor, nobody cares for him.

Even his brothers and nieces and nephews kept their distance.

This time Jiang Tao asked him to watch over their tree; Jiang Shuisheng saw it as a way to support him!

After all, trees are resilient; there’s no need for special caretaking!

Jiang Tao, as his successful nephew, was helping him!

Jiang Shuisheng understood and appreciated it very much!

"Ah, Uncle, you’re too kind..."

Listening to Jiang Shuisheng, Jiang Tao felt speechless, unsure how to explain.

He genuinely wanted someone to care for his "Money Tree"!

"Thank you, Taozi; go back to Beijing tomorrow without worries."

"I’ll take good care of the tree for you."

"And the house, I’ll look after it too!"

Moved by the gesture, Jiang Shuisheng assured Jiang Tao.

Jiang Tao nodded with a smile, "Yes, I believe you will do it well, Uncle."

After finishing the main topic and handing over the keys, they chatted for another ten minutes.

Only then did Jiang Shuisheng bid farewell and went back to sweeping the streets.

Jiang Tao waited at home for another hour or so.

Yu Shuai personally drove over and delivered the 200 pounds of apricots Jiang Tao had bought earlier.

Jiang Tao set aside a big bag to bring to Yuan Mengqi’s house for dinner tonight.

The rest he put in the back of his Mercedes G-Class, planning to take them back to Beijing for everyone to taste.

Soon, it was around 6 PM.

Feeling it was about time, Jiang Tao drove towards the southeast of Ping County.

On the way, passing Baolian Fresh Supermarket in the county,

Jiang Tao stopped to buy some prepared food and beverages, spending over a thousand yuan.

After shopping, he continued driving toward Yuan Family Manor.

It only took about ten minutes for the Mercedes G-Class to enter the village from the main street of Yuan Family Manor.

Yuan Family Manor was similar in size to Jiang Family Manor, but had better greenery and pavement.

Both sides of the roads were planted with various greenery, with small flower beds at intervals.

The living conditions at Yuan Family Manor were significantly better than Jiang Family Manor, and it was a model village for beautiful countryside in the county.

Living in such a nice environment, other than the inconvenience for schooling, medical care, and shopping, it rivaled urban areas.

"Jiang Tao!"

As Jiang Tao entered the village, he saw Yuan Mengqi standing at the entrance, eagerly waving at him.

"Squad Leader Yuan, hop in."

Jiang Tao stopped beside Yuan Mengqi, opened the passenger window, and waved with a smile.

Click~

Without any formality, Yuan Mengqi opened the car door and got in.

She sat firmly in the passenger seat and instinctively fastened her seatbelt.

Even though they were driving slowly in the village, at a speed of only above 20, safety should never be overlooked.

"Finally, you’re here. I was about to get tired of waiting; keep going straight to the end of this road."

Once buckled up, Yuan Mengqi looked at Jiang Tao and teased him while navigating.

"Haha, really? Did you miss me that much?"

Jiang Tao laughed, playfully teasing back while following her directions.

"Who missed you? You’re so full of yourself."

Yuan Mengqi blushed suddenly, lightly teasing back.

Over the days, as they interacted more and went through several events, they grew from strangers to familiar friends.

Jiang Tao and Yuan Mengqi had become even closer friends than in their high school days.

"Haha, shouldn’t we men say handsome, not full of ourselves?"

"Do you think you’re handsome?"

"I’m alright, I guess."

"Haha, you’re quite confident."

Yuan Mengqi looked at Jiang Tao, and honesty compelled her to admit, she thought her old classmate was quite handsome.

Even more so than during their school days!

Few people like Jiang Tao, who only got more mature, handsome, and charismatic with age, rather than becoming unappealing.

At least, among all the old classmates Yuan Mengqi had seen, there wasn’t a second like Jiang Tao.

"Turn right up ahead."

"Go straight, see that building? Go south from there."

"Turn ahead, and go into the alley; it’s spacious enough for cars."

"The red gate up ahead is my home, just park by the side."

Following Yuan Mengqi’s guidance, Jiang Tao drove directly to her house.

After parking, they both got out from each side of the car.

Jiang Tao directly approached the opened rear trunk.

"Squad Leader Yuan, come and help me out here."

"Why did you buy so many things again? You’ve spent too much."

Even though Yuan Mengqi said it was too much seeing Jiang Tao pulling out items one by one from the trunk,

she felt pleased.

"It’s my first time visiting your house; it wouldn’t feel right to come empty-handed."

Jiang Tao said as he took out a large bag of apricots from the trunk before closing it.