Taboo Mage - Chapter 159 - Forcing Du Jun to Donate

Just as I was about to go downstairs to see what was going on, I saw Chi Rui coming up with his suitcase. He paused briefly outside my room as he passed by.

“What are they arguing about down there?” I asked.

Chi Rui shook his head. “I’m not sure, something about Zhou Qifang wanting Du Jun to do something he doesn’t want to do.”

“He doesn’t even care about his future anymore, what’s there to be reluctant about? Ridiculous.” I muttered as I turned over and went back to sleep.

Surprisingly, I really did fall asleep and napped until noon. It was Chi Rui who came to wake me up for lunch, and I crawled out of bed.

The atmosphere at the dining table was somewhat strange. I glanced at Zhou Qifang, then at Du Jun, and after a moment of pondering, I asked, “When are you guys going to deal with that Buddha amulet? Once that’s settled, we can move on to other things.”

Of course, the second part of the sentence was directed at Zhou Qifang.

Zhou Qifang glanced at me and said in a serious tone, “It seems like we can’t deal with it for now.”

“What happened? Hey, can’t you two grown men be any less wishy-washy? It’s driving me crazy, why can’t you just speak plainly?”

I found them both irritating and shouted in frustration.

Du Jun gave me a gloomy look and said in a low voice, “Taka wants me to donate all my money.”

“What on earth? That’s what you refuse to do?” I exclaimed, wide-eyed, unsure if he was being smart or just plain foolish.

“To get rid of that thing, you’re willing to give up your future and even your life, yet you won’t donate your money? What’s more important to you, your life or your money?”

Du Jun was rendered speechless by my words. I finally understood why this big star was willing to give up his career and completely withdraw from the entertainment industry; it turns out he’d already earned enough for his retirement.

Now that he hears he can’t even keep his money, he starts having second thoughts.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Truly, people die for wealth, just as birds die for food…

Chi Rui chimed in, “What Boss Zhou means is that you should give up everything you gained because of the Buddha amulet, essentially going back to how things were before. Understand? It doesn’t mean you have to leave every penny behind; you can still keep what you had before you got the amulet.”

“Don’t say that. Before Du Jun got the Buddha amulet, he was a nobody. Being able to make ends meet was a real issue.” I said seriously.

Now I finally understood why Zhou Qifang didn’t mention the donation when negotiating terms initially. He probably anticipated that Du Jun would be reluctant to part with his wealth.

Of course, it makes sense. He could agree to leave the entertainment industry because he could live off his savings. But now, with a press conference already held and having to donate his money, it seemed like a death sentence to him.

Yet, someone willing to risk their life could still be unwilling to let go of money. It’s one of life’s paradoxes.

I’m not particularly concerned about how the two of them will resolve this issue; after all, it’s their problem to deal with. I didn’t come to Beijing for this matter.

However, if Zhou Qifang and Du Jun can’t reach an agreement, we’ll have to find another place to stay.

It’s a shame not to fully enjoy such a nice villa. Life does have its regrets.

After a rather indifferent meal, I pulled Chi Rui upstairs and asked if he could find a place to stay. It seemed likely Zhou Qifang and Du Jun would fall out.

Chi Rui nodded and picked up his phone to make a call, just as Zhou Qifang knocked and entered, saying Du Jun had agreed.

I raised an eyebrow; looks like life is more important after all…

I questioned Zhou Qifang about what was needed to dispel the evil spirit from the Buddha amulet. Zhou Qifang said he had already told Du Jun what he needed to buy.

As for anything else, well, those are things money can’t buy.

I nodded. It seemed Zhou Qifang was keeping some things from me, but the thought of soon witnessing a Thai Master battling the evil spirit in the amulet was quite exciting.

That afternoon, I deliberately napped to rest up for the evening, eager to watch the spectacle unfold.

By the time evening rolled around, I was completely awake. I checked the rooms around me and realized everyone had the same idea. Chi Rui was just stretching on the bed, while Zhou Qifang was still sleeping soundly.

I went downstairs to find something to eat, and surprisingly, I ran into Du Jun in the kitchen. He looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated. I asked him if there was anything on his mind.

Du Jun quietly asked me if I had brought the copper coin sword.

I raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m worried… if Taka can’t handle it, we might need to ask Boss Gu for help,” Du Jun said cautiously, as if afraid someone might overhear.

I understood but couldn’t help finding it amusing. “You should realize, out of everyone here, Taka is the one most likely to be able to save you. Since you’ve asked for his help, you should trust him.”

“I know I should trust him, but I…”

“I get it. You’re afraid of dying. Everyone is. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” I said, patting his shoulder. “After all, you did help me out back in Bangkok. Don’t worry, if anything unexpected happens tonight, and I can help, I won’t just stand by.”

With my assurance, Du Jun visibly relaxed.

I rummaged through the kitchen for some food, then brought it back to my room. As soon as I finished a plate of snacks, Chi Rui pushed the door open and asked what I planned to do that night.

I looked at him curiously. Why is everyone asking me this? I could understand Du Jun’s concern, but why was Chi Rui getting involved?

“Why, are you worried Zhou Qifang can’t protect you?” I teased him with a raised eyebrow.

Chi Rui shook his head. “Even if I don’t have your skills, I can at least take care of myself.”

“Then what are you worried about?” I asked, a bit exasperated.

Chi Rui leaned in and took the plate from my hands, speaking softly, “I’m worried about Zhou Qifang. If he decides to betray us at a critical moment, we could all end up dead here.”

Seeing Chi Rui’s expression, I couldn’t help but laugh. “When did the eldest grandson of the Chi Family start fearing a returned overseas Chinese?”

Chi Rui slapped me lightly. “I’m not afraid of Zhou Qifang; I’m afraid of the Yin-Yang Life Amulet Technique. The old man specifically warned me not to clash head-on with someone who uses life amulets.”