Chapter 683 - 325: Chance Encounter at Huabin Manor! (2)
Although he was eager to sell the lottery ticket, Liu Qiang was stubborn in his refusal.
After all, men care about their reputation.
Liu Qiang also cares about his reputation!
"OK, since you both have agreed on the price, let’s sign the agreement first, and then exchange the money for the ticket,"
said Qiu Lizhen as she pointed to the two handwritten agreements on the glass countertop for Liu Qiang to sign.
Earlier, before Liu Qiang arrived, Jiang Tao had already signed his name on both copies; they were just missing Liu Qiang’s signature.
"Alright."
Liu Qiang briefly skimmed through the agreement and then cheerfully picked up the pen to sign his name at the "Party A" section.
The content of the agreement was simple; it was just a few dozen words and could be read at a glance.
Essentially, it stated that Liu Qiang voluntarily agreed to sell the lottery ticket he bought for a certain price.
Once both parties have cleared the exchange of money and goods, they are each responsible for their own decisions, with no regard for whether the ticket wins.
After signing, the two of them pressed their fingerprints using Qiu Lizhen’s red ink pad.
Then Jiang Tao immediately transferred 15,000 yuan to Liu Qiang, officially completing the transaction.
Liu Qiang then chose 10 more random lottery numbers before leaving.
"Thanks, Sister Qiu."
Jiang Tao also stuffed the lottery ticket he had just bought for 15,000 into his jacket pocket.
Others didn’t know the actual value of this ticket, but Jiang Tao, who was informed, knew very well.
So he didn’t leave the ticket with Qiu Lizhen; he took it with him.
After the draw, he would definitely go to Beijing’s lottery center to claim the prize and wouldn’t need to come to Qiu Lizhen.
"It’s no trouble, just a small matter. Your business is my business, young man."
"By the way, I have to thank you. Thanks for the heads-up."
"After your reminder, I really felt that my best friend was acting differently, not quite right."
Qiu Lizhen looked at Jiang Tao with eyes full of sincerity and gratitude, and thinking back, she felt a little scared.
If Jiang Tao hadn’t suddenly visited today and cautioned her to be wary of those around her, she might have actually sent money to her best friend.
Jiang Tao said calmly, "No need to thank me, Sister Qiu. As you said, we’re friends, so it was only right to casually warn you."
"Yes, we’re friends, good friends. I consider you like a younger brother."
Qiu Lizhen smiled warmly at Jiang Tao, and the more she looked, the more pleasing he appeared to her as someone who fit her aesthetic.
It’s a pity, a pity!
Such a handsome young man, already married with a family and children!
If he were single, she would definitely make an effort to pursue him aggressively and win his heart!
But since he’s married, just let it go.
Though she likes him, she knows she can’t disrupt someone’s family.
"I have some errands to run this morning, so I won’t disturb your business anymore, Sister Qiu. See you."
After smoothly acquiring the lottery ticket, Jiang Tao glanced at his Green Water Ghost watch, realizing it was already past 10 in the morning.
After finishing his call with Ma Jingsong earlier, he then gave Du Taoming a call to arrange a meeting for the morning.
"Alright, if you’re busy, go ahead. Remember to visit often."
Qiu Lizhen waved goodbye to Jiang Tao, watching as he left the lottery shop.
"Even my brother’s back looks so handsome! And he’s so excellent and brave!"
"His wife must have saved the galaxy in her past life!"
Watching Jiang Tao’s departing back, Qiu Lizhen muttered softly.
...
After stepping out, Jiang Tao hailed a taxi directly from the street.
Jia Guolin had dropped him off before heading to deliver goods to Liu Yuan.
Old Jia was currently not only driving for him but also handling delivery work, contributing greatly.
"Handsome, please fasten your seatbelt. Where to?"
"Huabin Golf Course."
"Eh, driver, you look familiar."
As Jiang Tao got in the car and recognized the driver’s face, a sense of déjà vu arose in his mind.
"Oh, right! I remember, I took your car before and had a free ride."
"I recall I was your 50,000th customer back then."
Finally having a flash of inspiration, Jiang Tao recalled where he’d seen this driver.
Before last Spring Festival, after he had just received the intelligence system, he hailed a cab by the roadside after salvaging ’River Stone’ from the river.
The driver had given him a ride and waived the fare, not charging a single cent.
"We really have fate! Meeting again in this big city."
As he drove, the driver smiled and responded.
To be honest, meeting hundreds daily, he’d long forgotten about Jiang Tao.
"Indeed, quite fated. How’s business recently?"
"Still the same, just making a living."
Both Jiang Tao and the driver were naturally chatty, making the ride entertaining rather than dull.
It roughly took an hour.
The taxi slowly entered a tree-lined road with well-manicured lawns on both sides.
The green lawns stretched into the distance like a vast, undulating green velvet carpet.
At the end of the road, what greeted Jiang Tao was an imposing yet somewhat understated gate.
None of those chaotic sculptures.
The huge marble pillars exuded an aura of grandeur and stability.
The lintel was adorned with four majestic characters—"Huabin Manor."
Having lived in Jingbei for nearly a decade, Jiang Tao had never visited such a luxurious place.
"We’re here, handsome. This golf course doesn’t allow taxis inside; I can only take you this far. There’s a free shuttle service inside."
The driver pressed a button on the fare meter, where the numbers stopped at 122 yuan.
"Thanks, the extra is for tea."
Jiang Tao took out 200 yuan from his pocket and passed it through the iron gate’s gap to the driver.
"Wow! Thanks, boss! Wishing you prosperity and abundant success!"
Seeing Jiang Tao giving an additional 70 yuan, the driver was delighted and quickly expressed gratitude along with some auspicious sayings.
"See you next time."
Jiang Tao waved to the driver with a smile, stepping out and striding toward the manor’s entrance.
After registering at the entrance, Jiang Tao boarded the manor’s free shuttle to head towards Du Taoming at the main clubhouse.
Coming from the bustling city to this lush, tranquil paradise,
Jiang Tao couldn’t help but be impressed, realizing that wealthy people truly know how to enjoy life!
Sitting on the shuttle, observing the manor’s endless waves of green,
Not far off, several elegant white figures swung their clubs, sending balls in graceful arcs beyond the greens.
Taking a deep breath, he could smell the rich scent of grass, as though his organs had been cleansed.
The scenes in the manor contrasted starkly with the lively city, two completely different worlds.
Jiang Tao felt his mood lightening significantly.
The shuttle soon stopped near the main clubhouse.
After alighting, Jiang Tao followed the signs towards the clubhouse’s entrance.
Huabin Manor’s main clubhouse was designed with originality.
It integrated classic European style with contemporary design concepts into a grand structure.
The opulent off-white exterior walls, enormous arched windows.
The entrance featured a meticulously crafted large fountain, about seven to eight meters high, accompanied by blooming flower beds.
Behind the fountain, four physically appealing, tall, shapely greeters flanked the door.
"Welcome to Huabin Manor!"
From about five or six meters away, the girls greeted Jiang Tao in unison.
One of the girls, upon recognizing Jiang Tao, had her vibrant smile tinged with astonishment.