After Divorcing the Scummy Alpha Movie Queen, I Became Extremely Popular - Chapter 11

Can You Buy Love With Money?

“Jizhu, you look so beautiful in this dress.”

As the Houtu Awards ceremony drew closer, Luo Jingyun accompanied Tan Jizhu to finalize the last details of her outfit for the day. Brands providing clothing for celebrities is a form of investment; if a celebrity wins an award while wearing their brand, it serves as the ultimate advertisement. Judging by the caliber of the brands interested, it was clear the industry held high expectations for Tan Jizhu’s chances of winning.

Deng Mei and Zhu Li were also present, offering their praise: “Jizhu has such a great figure; everything looks good on her.”

Being complimented so directly, Tan Jizhu felt uncharacteristically shy. Her hands moved instinctively to straighten her skirt as she whispered, “Thank you, I’m just average, really.”

“You are far from average—you’re stunning! My Jizhu will definitely be the most radiant person there,” Luo Jingyun gave her a thumbs-up, trying to bolster her confidence.

Hearing this, Tan Jizhu looked at Luo Jingyun. “Jingyun, aren’t you going to the ceremony too? I think you’re the one who will be the most radiant.”

“Hehe,” Luo Jingyun thought. If anyone else had said that, she would have suspected sarcasm. After all, attending a major awards ceremony with zero work to show for it was objectively quite embarrassing.

However, Tan Jizhu didn’t play mind games. She usually said exactly what she felt, so Luo Jingyun knew the compliment was sincere.

“I’m only going because I’m piggybacking on your success. I won’t walk the red carpet; I’ll just wait for you in the audience.” Luo Jingyun walked over to Tan Jizhu’s side. “When you win, remember to mention me in your acceptance speech!”

Following the recent misunderstanding regarding the “affair,” Luo Jingyun realized she had neglected her career over the past few years. If she wanted to start fresh, she only needed to say a word to Lu Qiu or Jiang Xian, and resources would be handed to her on a silver platter. But to prove a point, she had decided to build her career through her own hard work.

Fortunately, while many netizens and industry insiders knew she had a “background,” they didn’t realize just how powerful that background was. As long as Luo Jingyun didn’t mention it herself, no one would link her to Lu Qiu and Jiang Xian, which made her fresh start easier.

However, restarting a long-stalled career was no easy feat. She set her sights on the Houtu Awards, the most prestigious ceremony in the film festival.

If Tan Jizhu mentioned her after winning, that would be ideal. Even if she didn’t win, the ceremony’s cameras would likely pan to her for the sake of ratings. Any screen time was valuable exposure.

Tan Jizhu said, “I haven’t thought about what to say in an acceptance speech yet.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t even know if I’ll win. Thinking about a speech now feels a bit too impatient.”

Luo Jingyun took Tan Jizhu’s arm. “Oh, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I don’t want you getting so nervous that you can’t speak when the time comes.”

“It won’t come to that.” Luo Jingyun turned to Deng Mei and Zhu Li. “Sisters, why don’t you prepare a template for Jizhu to memorize in advance?”

Deng Mei agreed readily. “Sure.”

“No need,” Tan Jizhu declined. “Writing it beforehand makes it feel too forced.”

Deng Mei added, “It’s fine. These speeches have templates anyway; being a bit ‘forced’ is normal.”

“Sister, really, it’s not necessary.”

Deng Mei looked at Tan Jizhu, then at Luo Jingyun. “Alright, we won’t write one. Jingyun, Jizhu has her own plans. She can handle a few words of gratitude, so don’t worry.”

Luo Jingyun huffed. “Fine, fine. But Jizhu, you must remember to thank me in your speech.”

Tan Jizhu nodded. “Mm.”

“You definitely have to thank me.”

Tan Jizhu nodded again. “I know.”

The stylist recorded the details for the necessary alterations, and Deng Mei and Zhu Li finalized the pickup time with the brand. Tan Jizhu’s tasks for the day were finished.

Luo Jingyun walked beside her. “Jizhu, since we’re done, let’s go get something delicious.”

“No, the dress measurements are set. I have to stick to a fat-loss meal plan for the next few days. If I gain weight, I won’t fit into it.”

“True. Then what should we do now?”

Tan Jizhu thought for a moment. “Let me check my phone.”

Just as she pulled out her phone to search for nearby entertainment, a call came in.

“My mom is calling. Maybe we should head over to her place?”

Luo Jingyun nodded. “That works.”

Tan Jizhu answered. “Hi, Mom. Are you free today? Jingyun and I want to come by and see you. Is there anything you need us to bring?”

After she finished speaking, nearly a minute passed without a response. Tan Jizhu found it strange; she checked the screen to confirm the call was still connected. Luo Jingyun noticed as well and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Tan Jizhu was about to speak again when she heard two male voices through the phone.

“Fuck, is this all there is? Didn’t you say they were loaded?”

That voice? Tan Jizhu instantly recognized the owner: her Alpha father. She hadn’t seen him since he was imprisoned for gambling.

“I only found some jewelry and credit cards here. Go ask her where the money is and what the PINs are.”

Tan Jizhu didn’t recognize the second voice, but judging by his words, he was Li Deng’s accomplice.

“Jizhu…” Luo Jingyun couldn’t identify the voice immediately, but she could tell the situation was dire from the dialogue.

“Shh,” Tan Jizhu gestured for silence. She muted her end of the line so she could listen without being heard. She said succinctly, “My mom is being robbed. Call the police immediately.”

Stunned, Luo Jingyun quickly pulled out her own phone to dial the emergency number. Tan Jizhu explained her assessment and gave the police Tan Jing’s address; they said they would dispatch officers immediately.

Tan Jizhu hung up and ran toward her car.

“Jingyun, you take a taxi back! I’m going to Mom’s!”

“No!” Luo Jingyun stopped her. “I’m coming with you! You’re too anxious to drive. I’ll drive.”

“But…”

Luo Jingyun moved to the driver’s side. “There are no ‘buts’ right now. Saving Auntie Tan is what matters. Quick, keep monitoring the phone while I drive us there.”

Recognizing the urgency, Tan Jizhu didn’t waste time and climbed into the passenger seat. She had assumed that a young lady like Luo Jingyun, who usually had a chauffeur, wouldn’t know how to drive, but the woman’s lane-changing and overtaking skills were surprisingly adept.

On the other end of the line, Tan Jing gave the credit card PIN in a calm voice and pointed out that there was cash in a bedroom drawer. It sounded like the stranger went to get the money while Li Deng stayed behind to watch her.

“You bitch, you’ve lived quite the comfortable life these past few years. You even changed my daughter’s surname?”

Tan Jing replied calmly, “Jizhu decided to change it herself when she turned eighteen.”

“Bullshit! You must have instigated it!”

Tan Jing didn’t respond, leaving only Li Deng’s harsh voice shouting through the phone.

“That’s enough,” the other voice said. “Quit cursing and ask her for the bank card PIN.”

Tan Jing provided the PIN. Once Li Deng recorded it, they felt they had enough and prepared to leave.

The other man said, “Wait, we can’t just leave. What if she’s lying to us?”

Li Deng said, “She wouldn’t dare.”

Tan Jing’s voice remained level. “Since you don’t believe me, why don’t I take you there? There’s an ATM downstairs.”

“Are you trying to pull something?”

“You want money, and I want to live. The easiest solution is for me to give it to you,” Tan Jing added. “Besides, the risk of taking the cards to withdraw money yourself is much higher than me just handing you the cash.”

The other man spoke up. “She’s right. It’s faster to just get the cash.”

The sound of footsteps indicated whoever was holding the phone was moving, and the line filled with static, though the call remained active.

Luo Jingyun practically raced the entire way. Luckily, traffic was light. By the time they arrived, police were already deployed around the area.

Tan Jizhu stepped forward to speak with the lead officer, who focused the operation on the ATM inside the residential complex.

The officer moved Luo Jingyun and Tan Jizhu to a safe location. Anxious, Tan Jizhu could only watch the target area through binoculars.

Li Deng and the other man seemed to want to avoid the cameras, so they stayed outside while Tan Jing went inside the booth to withdraw the money.

At that moment, officers had already moved into position on both sides. Upon the command through their earpieces, several officers lunged forward and swiftly subdued Li Deng and his accomplice.

Seeing this, Tan Jizhu ignored everything else and ran toward Tan Jing. Luo Jingyun followed closely behind.

“Mom! Mom!” Tan Jizhu reached her side quickly. “Mom, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

The lead officer approached. “It’s good that you’re safe. If you have time, please come to the station to give a statement.”

“You bitch! You actually reported me to the police behind my back!”

Li Deng’s cursing drew Tan Jizhu’s attention. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and landed a punch that immediately caused his face to swell.

“Fuck! I sired you and raised you, and you won’t give me a cent? You even hit your own father?”

“Get lost. I severed my relationship with you a long time ago.”

“Li Jizhu, don’t think you can get rid of me just because you changed your name! I should have dropped you and killed you when you were born! When I get out, I’m going to kill both of you!” Li Deng continued to scream as he was led away by the police. “You’re not even as good as Luo Jingyun! At least she knew to send me money!”

Tan Jizhu turned to look at Luo Jingyun. “What does Li Deng mean? You sent him money?”

Luo Jingyun didn’t hide it. “Yes. A year after we got married, I ran into him when I went to your set to find you. He said he was your father and needed some money. I didn’t think much of it then and just gave it to him. Later, I found out he was using it for gambling, but if I didn’t give it to him, he threatened to harass you. I was afraid it would affect you, so I kept giving it to him…”

The veins on Tan Jizhu’s forehead bulged. “Luo Jingyun! What the hell were you doing? You just gave Li Deng money because he asked? Did you think you were running a charity?”

“I… I just felt that amount of money wasn’t a big deal. Giving it was no problem.”

“You were feeding a wolf! If anything had happened to my mother today, I would never have forgiven you.”

“I’m sorry.” Luo Jingyun lowered her head in sincere apology. She had noticed that the frequency and amount of Li Deng’s demands had been increasing lately, but she had been too worried about him bothering Tan Jizhu to stop.

Tan Jizhu was beyond furious. “If ‘sorry’ worked, what would we need the police for?”

Tan Jing shielded Luo Jingyun. “Jizhu, don’t be so harsh on Jingyun.” Tan Jing patted Luo Jingyun’s hand comfortingly. “Jingyun, I’m okay. You don’t need to blame yourself.”

“Auntie, I’m so sorry. I never thought it would come to this. If I had just given him more money a few days ago…”

Tan Jizhu nearly fainted from anger. “Luo Jingyun! It’s not about how much money you gave him! It’s that you shouldn’t have given him any! You should have reported it immediately!”

Luo Jingyun bit her lip. “Auntie, I’ll have my mother’s send people to protect you. You won’t have to worry about Li Deng bothering you again.”

Tan Jing continued to comfort her. “Jingyun, thank you, but there’s no need for such a fuss. I was careless this time and let them follow me; I’ll be more careful from now on. But Jingyun, if you face something like this again, you should go to the police first. Don’t just give money. People like that are bottomless pits; no amount of money is ever enough.”

Tan Jizhu sat down. “Mom, even though Li Deng was caught, we don’t know how long they’ll keep him. It’s better to be safe. Why don’t you come and live with me?”

Luo Jingyun didn’t realize that Tan Jizhu’s words implied moving her mother away from their shared life; she assumed she meant moving into their villa. She suggested, “Yes! Auntie, our villa has so many empty rooms. Please move in with us.”

Tan Jizhu shook her head. “No, our address is too public. Anyone who looks closely can find it. I can’t let Mom stay in such a vulnerable place.”

Luo Jingyun argued, “But the security there is excellent. Strangers can’t get in.”

“The security here was supposedly good too, yet they still got in.” Tan Jizhu turned to Tan Jing. “Mom, I’m going to find a new house for you right away.”

Tan Jing shook her head. “Jizhu, really, don’t go to so much trouble.”

Tan Jizhu made her decision. “It’s settled. I’ll have a friend help me find a place immediately.”

Luo Jingyun volunteered herself. “I have a friend in real estate; I can ask her for recommendations.”

“No need,” Tan Jizhu rejected her coldly. “The fewer people who know about this, the better. You don’t need to get involved.”

Luo Jingyun felt hurt, but she knew that arguing now would be useless and might only upset Tan Jizhu further. She remained silent, effectively accepting the dismissal.

After giving their statements at the station, the police sternly criticized Luo Jingyun for her history of sending money to Li Deng, and she accepted the reprimand humbly.

The police informed them that the man who had committed the home invasion with Li Deng was Sun Hu, the father of Sun Kexin. They used to live in that complex, but after Sun Hu’s company went bankrupt, the house was auctioned off. However, the gate security system hadn’t deleted his information yet, allowing him to slip in.

Sun Hu had originally planned to send his daughter into the entertainment industry to make money, but because Luo Jingyun had discovered his company’s past tax evasion, Sun Kexin’s career path was cut short. With no other options, Sun Hu turned to gambling. He met Li Deng at the tables, and the two hit it off, planning the robbery together.

Strictly speaking, Luo Jingyun had indirectly caused the robbery.

After dropping Tan Jing back home and arranging for extra security nearby, Luo Jingyun and Tan Jizhu returned home. Luo Jingyun spent the entire drive tentatively watching the other woman’s mood. “Jizhu, I was wrong about this. My mothers know a lot of people; they can definitely help find a suitable house for Auntie.”

Tan Jizhu’s anger had subsided from its peak. She shook her head. “No need. I already messaged my senior, and she’s helped me find a place.”

It took Luo Jingyun a moment to realize who this “senior” was.

“You asked Chen Shidong to find a house?”

“Yes, I went to her for help. You’re not going to be jealous at a time like this, are you?”

“I’m not jealous. I’m just curious why you would go so far out of your way instead of coming to me. I wouldn’t just help you and Auntie; I would keep it secret. I could even pay for it—I could buy her a house she likes anywhere in the world.”

“Money again?” Tan Jizhu scoffed. “Luo Jingyun, in your eyes, can money buy everything?”

“Money can’t buy everything, but it certainly buys the vast majority of things in this world!”

Tan Jizhu smiled mirthlessly. “Can you buy health with money?”

“I can!” Luo Jingyun argued. “Even with a terminal illness, enough money can extend a life.”

“Can you buy happiness with money?”

Luo Jingyun said, “Of course. If I’m unhappy, I can buy things, travel, or do other things to distract myself!”

“Then… can you buy love with money?”

“I…” Luo Jingyun didn’t know how to answer. If she said yes, it would imply she had bought Tan Jizhu’s love. If she said no, it might imply that Tan Jizhu didn’t love her.

Tan Jizhu pressed, “You can’t answer?”

Luo Jingyun remained stubborn. “That depends on the specific situation.”

“Luo Jingyun, perhaps the environments we grew up in are just too different, making it impossible for us to understand each other’s actions.” Tan Jizhu spoke slowly, as if reciting lines from a script. “I used to think that being ‘socially matched’ wasn’t that important. Now I know—different is just different.”