Chapter 194 - 132: 100,000 Cash in a Moldy Rice Sack and a Dump Truck with Failed Brakes? This Intel Is Abstract! (Part 2)

It was the first time both of them came over to Jiang Tao’s place as guests, so obviously they didn’t want to come empty-handed.

"No one ever complains about too much courtesy! Let’s call it a housewarming gift for you, kid."

While Lü Qian was talking, Ma Dongmei was also smiling at Jiang Tao on the side, making a few hand gestures with her free hand.

"Xiao Mei says she’s really happy to visit your home, sorry if she’s caused any trouble for your family."

"Trouble? No way. Come on, let’s go upstairs and chat."

Jiang Tao grinned, ushering the two of them into the elevator, up to his floor, and into his apartment.

After an hour of busy work by Xu Li and Jiang Tao’s parents.

The dishes to welcome Old Lü and Ma Dongmei that evening were all ready and laid out on the table.

When they came in, Jiang Tao made introductions all around.

Then he invited everyone to sit down around the big tea table in the living room.

Ma Dongmei was also from Ping County, and about the same age as Jiang Tao’s mom, Tian Xiaomei.

Although they spoke different dialects, Ma Dongmei used her IPD to write messages and communicate with Tian Xiaomei, and the two of them were chatting up a storm.

Old Lü was also having a lively conversation with Jiang Tao, his dad, and Old Sun.

BANG BANG BANG!!!

Suddenly, a loud and abrupt knocking on the door crashed right into the cheerful atmosphere at the dinner table.

Everyone turned to stare at the door.

Jiang Tao frowned a little, visibly annoyed.

BANG BANG BANG, BANG BANG BANG!!!

That wasn’t just knocking anymore—more like pounding the door down.

"Keep eating, I’ll go see what’s up."

Jiang Tao got up from his seat as he spoke, and Xu Li, worried, followed close behind.

Dad, Old Sun, and Old Lü all got up too.

Click!

Jiang Tao strode over and yanked open the door, to find a middle-aged man with a gloomy look—his neighbor from next door.

"Is anyone in your family actually civilized?"

"What’s with all the racket just for a meal? You’re seriously disrupting my rest!"

"If you don’t shut up, don’t blame me for calling the cops!"

The guy glared at Jiang Tao with dead-fish eyes, mouth like he’d just swallowed a pound of gunpowder.

"You got issues or what? What’s wrong with chatting when we have guests over?"

"You come pounding on my door, like that makes you any more civilized?"

Jiang Tao never looked for trouble, but he sure wasn’t afraid of it.

This guy came slamming his door and basically called his whole family low-class—that was crossing the line.

Seeing Jiang Tao start rolling up his sleeves, Xu Li quickly grabbed his arm:

"Honey, don’t argue with him—it’s not worth it over something so small."

"We’re all neighbors here, getting along is most important."

"Jiang Tao, don’t do anything rash."

"It’s fine, son."

Everyone started chiming in—some pulling, some persuading—until Jiang Tao was finally dragged back into the living room.

Honestly, everyone had just been speaking at a normal volume, not shouting or anything.

Having someone pound on your door and give you a lecture—yeah, definitely crossing the line.

With everyone living upstairs and downstairs, who doesn’t have family or friends over now and then?

After Jiang Tao was calmed down, Old Lü and Old Sun exchanged a few words with the neighbor outside.

And only then did this unpleasant little episode finally end.

But the cheerful mood from before had instantly evaporated.

Everyone became a little reserved, conversation was awkward, and the atmosphere got tense.

Jiang Tao glanced toward the neighbor’s place, silently cursing their ancestors.

At the same time, he made a mental note to himself.

Once he had some money, he was definitely getting a standalone villa.

No more running into jerk neighbors.

Dinner wrapped up quickly from around 7 to 8 pm.

Jiang Tao and Xu Li went downstairs together, driving Old Lü and Ma Dongmei back to Xiaoshanhe Urban Village.

The Mercedes GLS didn’t drive into the village, just parked at the entrance.

The group got out, chatted a bit more at the curb, then finally said their goodbyes.

"We’re off now, Xiao Jiang. You and Xiao Xu drive safely on your way home."

"You all take it slow too, watch your step."

"Bye Uncle Lü, bye Aunt Ma!"

Xu Li smiled and waved as she said goodbye to Lü Qian and Ma Dongmei.

Watching the two of them walk into the village hand-in-hand, Xu Li looked a little envious:

"Honey, when we’re old, do you think we’ll still be as loving as Uncle Lü and Aunt Ma?"

Jiang Tao wrapped an arm around Xu Li’s slim waist and grinned: "Of course. No question."

"Will you get tired of me when I turn into an old lady? Are men always into 18-year-olds?"

"Who says that? I don’t know about other guys, but not me. I’ll always love my wife—however old you are, that’s how old I’ll love."

With Xu Li’s question, Old Jiang’s survival instincts kicked into high gear.

"That’s my good husband~"

Xu Li hugged Jiang Tao’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder, looking every bit the blissful, spoiled wife.

After Jiang Tao finished his cigarette, the two got back in the car, Xu Li driving again.

...

The ride home was smooth all the way—they made it safely.

Jiang Tao suddenly remembered the Eight Treasure Pickle samples he wanted to research.

He carried all 9 boxes from the trunk upstairs, and had Xu Li and his parents sample them.

"This one’s the tastiest."

"Yeah, I think so too. This is the best."

"This one!"

"Dad, this one—this one’s really good!"

Just as he predicted.

Dad, mom, Xu Li, Jiang Xue—they all agreed on the same choice.

Everyone picked the box made by Jiang Yi.

Even though there were only seven or eight test samples.

Jiang Tao still felt it was pretty convincing.

This Eight Treasure Pickle secret recipe handed down from Jiang Yi’s family is definitely promising!

Xu Li asked curiously, "Honey, you bought all these pickles for us to taste—what’s the plan?"