She Outshines Them All

She Outshines 152

She outshines 152

However, Jaden said, “My sister just called and told me my grandparents are all set for surgery. Their physical evaluation met the requirements, so they can get admitted anytime. They need some time to recover afterward.”

He sighed. “And on top of that, Linda’s decided to stick around Okhorn Village. I can’t just sit back and let her bug me, so I’m planning to leave with my grandparents in the next couple of days.”

Luna felt a bit awkward about her earlier thoughts and struggled to find the right words Jaden, not knowing what was going through her head, continued. “Miss Carter, I really need you to keep our family’s location a secret. Don’t let Linda know where we are.”

That was when Laina realized she had actually accomplished what she came for. She should feel happy about it, so she smiled and said. “Don’t worry, we’re in this together. Ive got your back.

Jaden nodded, looking relieved. “Thanks a lot. For now, take a look around. I need to talk to my family about everything.”

Then, he stepped aside to start a video call in the family group chat, letting them know he wanted to rent out the countryside homestead.

Besides the reasons he had mentioned to Luna, he had a third plan. Tve always wanted to rent some land in the nearby mountain, but my loan didn’t go through. This could be a good way to make some money for that, and I can get the production team to help us check it out for free.”

His grandparents replied with a voice message, saying, “You don’t have to worry about us. Just do what you need to do, and make sure to look after our place.”

Another family member jumped in. “You’re in charge of that land, so you can decide how to handle it.”

Jaden nodded and said, “The 100 thousand dollars that Linda paid back, that’s family money, so I can’t touch it. Let’s leave it

to Mom to sort out”

Claire jumped in, “I don’t need it right now. Why don’t we just give it back to Athena first?”

Athena replied, Tm good on cash too. This money doesn’t do much for me. It will be better spent elsewhere.”

Wesley added, “Maria works far away and often has to stay late. She really needs a car. Let’s buy one for her.”

Maria was quick to object, “No! No way! I don’t even have a driver’s license, and I’m way too busy to learn.”

Arthur piped up. I enjoy driving. I don’t mind picking up Maria, She’ll be safe with me.”

Jaden cut in, “How about this? I’ll save those 100 thousand dollars for Grandpa and Grandma’s treatment.”

His grandparents needed surgery at the private hospital that Athena recommended, and their insurance would barely cover a bit of the costs, so everyone agreed with Jaden’s suggestion.

Just then Jaden’s phone buzzed. He wrapped up the video call and answered

Ten minutes later, he sent a message in the group chat. [The Agri Finance Bank just called and said they’re willing to lend me I million dollars. They want me to come to the headquarters ASAP to

finalize the details.]

chati

The group chat fit up instantly, and even Brandon, who was overseas, popped in. Arthur cheered and replied: (Congrats. Jaden! That’s enough to rent any mountain for the next 50 year

Maria: (Wow, 1 million dollars? That’s a lot! You can finally chase your dream!]

[Wait, the Agri Finance Bank is state–owned. You never applied for a loan with them. Why are they suddenly offering you

one?] Wesley was puzzled Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Brandon chimed in: Jaden, be careful. This doesn’t seem right.]

But Athena shrugged it off. [State–owned banks are usually pretty trustworthy. Jaden, just check it out. If everything looks good, sign it. If something goes wrong after that, I’ll find a rich kid from our lab to sort it out.]

A flurry of stickers and emojis popped up, from “surprised,” “Thumbs up,” “like,” and “bravo, all showing their support for

him

Jaden responded: [Yeah, I think this whole thing is kind of sudders and strange too,]

He added: [I got a call from the loan manager at the Agri Finance Bank. He mentioned they have a program to support projects that are good for the environment and help out rural areas. A friend

from another bank had my project on his radar, and the loan manager thought it was great, When he brought it up to his boss, they agreed.]

Someone replied: [If it’s coming from a state–owned bank, it should be legit. Just go check it out.]

Jaden: [Since no one’s against it, I’ll talk to the production team about the details first. Then I’ll get Grandpa and Grandma ready to head to Kitmore City. I’ll stay at the villa for a few days before taking them to the hospital and figure out the loan stuff ]

Athena: [My car is great for the trip. I’ll take care of bringing Grandpa and Grandma back to the city]

Jaden replied: [Awesome, thanks, Athena! I’ll let you know when I’m all packed up.]

The family group quieted down after that. Then Brandon messaged Jaden privately: [Doesn’t it feel like there’s some crazy luck hitting our family lately? We can basically get whatever we want.]

Jaden replied: [Yeah. Definitely noticed that.]

Brandon asked: [Any idea why?]

Jaden sent a smile sticker. [Gotta be Athena bringing us some good luck.)

Brandon followed up with a smile emoji. [Glad you see it that way.)

Jaden added: [I think Dad’s picked up on it too, even if he hasn’t said anything]

Brandon replied with a laughing emoji. [About Athena, if she doesn’t mention it, just leave it alone. What matters is that she’s comfortable.]

Jaden: [For sure.]

Brandon: [You’re busy, I’ll get back to my thesis.]

With that, Jaden pocketed his phone and strolled over to Luna, who was also on a call.

Noticing him approaching, Luna didn’t back off. Instead, she said into the phone. “Mr. Donovan is coming over. Let me

check with him.”

Then she turned to Jaden and asked, “Hey, Mr. Donovan, the director, screenwriter, and the Community Relations team. want to swing by tomorrow to check out the venue and wrap up the rental contract with you. Is that cool?”

Jaden nodded. “Yeah, that works for me. But I’d like to keep it low–key and not make a big deal out of it.”

Luna smiled. “Sure thing.”

She had spoken to Jaden about it yesterday Tommy Jackson, the director, always kept filming under wraps, and no one even

) B

apter 152

Π

knew “High Mountain” was about to kick off now. Of course, her role in the film was a secret too. So, Jaden’s request lined up perfectly with the crew’s style, and she had a good feeling about.

After wrapping things up with the director, Laina eagerly followed Jaden around the garden, talking about the movie as they wandered through the rows of vegetables. They kept talking unil it was close to eleven, right when Luna’s favorite time to cook rolled around.

The first thing on her list was potatoes. Last night, Jaden stir–fried some mashed potatoes, and it totally blew her mind. Paired with strained yogurt, it was unreal. Even her usual favorite dish, chicken, didn’t faze her now.

Jaden chuckled as he picked a few small tomatoes from a plant about waist–high and tossed them into the basket. “These wild tomatoes have thin skins, lots of juice, and a bit of a lang. They’re great for seasoning. When you stir–fry mashed potatoes, throw in a little pickled onion. But I actually think they taste even better with these tomatoes.

Luna licked her lips and patted her stomach, feeling her hunger kick in again. As a celebrity, she couldn’t believe that after being spoiled with gourmet dishes for so long, these simple veggies were what she craved.

They continued gathering pumpkins, cucumbers, and butternut squash. She also grabbed a few eggs from the chicken coop and caught a duck before heading back with Jaden.

As they walked, a thought hit her. “You know, you’re so good in the kitchen, you could totally be my chef. Name your price?”