As the two were talking, Su Yiheng's phone buzzed a few times. Initially, she didn't pay much attention, but then it rang outright.
Seeing this, Zhong Lan paused the conversation and said softly, "If you have something to attend to, please go ahead. Don't let your work be delayed."
Su Yiheng saw that it was her agent's call and was somewhat surprised because she had told her agent not to disturb her while she was at Jason's family home. The fact that she was calling now must mean something important had come up.
So, Su Yiheng stood up and moved aside to answer the call.
The call ended quickly, and she stood in place, looking down at her phone, her expression growing more serious by the moment.
When she returned to the sofa and sat back down, Zhong Lan, noticing her expression, couldn't help but ask, "Yiheng, what's happened?"
"Auntie..." Su Yiheng hesitated to speak.
Zhong Lan, observing her expression, frowned slightly and said, "What is it? Just tell me directly."
Su Yiheng then handed her phone to Zhong Lan, who looked through the post, which apparently hadn't been deleted yet, and saw all sorts of speculations in the comments.
"Wow, the police station, intriguing."
"Don't tell me the CEO is in trouble? I just bought Hengyia's stocks. They won't plummet tomorrow, will they?"
"Sympathize with the above."
The more Zhong Lan read, the more her brows furrowed. Su Yiheng softly said, "Auntie, don't worry. The post only shows Shen Yan going to the police station. I don't think it's a big deal. It's just netizens making a mountain out of a molehill."
But Zhong Lan's expression remained serious.
Half an hour later, Su Yiheng left Jason's family home.
Zhong Lan was about to call Jason when Huo Zhenzhong returned from a trip to the UK. She hadn't gone with him because she had a bit of a cold.
Seeing him back, she immediately rose in surprise to greet him: "What's going on? I thought you were coming back tomorrow. You're early."
But as soon as Huo Zhenzhong stood in the living room, he turned to his secretary behind him and said, "Go ahead, call Jason and ask him what's going on. Does he know who he is now?"
Huo Zhenzhong had resigned as the CEO of Hengyia Group two years ago and was now the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Although he was the Vice Chairman, the top boss had long since stepped back from the limelight and rarely managed the group's affairs.
Jason was the only child. Zhong Lan had suffered for three days and had signs of heavy bleeding when she gave birth to him, so they only had this one son.
He had been expected to shoulder great expectations from a young age. The old man used to be strict with him, but now that he's older, he's become more lenient.
At this moment, hearing Huo Zhenzhong call Jason by his full name, she knew he was a bit angry.
She quickly tried to defend Jason: "Shen Yan must have had an important matter to attend to, that's why he went to the police station. We should blame the person who exposed this. Doesn't Shen Yan have a right to privacy?"
Zhong Lan was trying her best to make excuses for Jason.
Huo Zhenzhong turned to look at her, sneering, "So you don't know why he went to the police station?"
Zhong Lan was taken aback.
"His wife got into a fight, and he went to pick her up."
When Huo Zhenzhong said this, he was so angry he almost laughed.
Zhong Lan thought she had heard wrong, and her usually composed and elegant face showed a rare look of confusion: "A fight?"
*
When Emma got off work, Jason's car was parked by the roadside, and she walked over and got in. Today, he didn't have a driver; instead, he personally drove an Audi A8.
"Are you scared?" As soon as Emma got in the car, Jason glanced at her.
Emma was slightly stunned, but then Jason reached out and gently pinched her earlobe, chuckling softly, "You really thought it was a trap?"
Huo Zhenzhong was quite angry about this matter, and since it involved Emma as well, he decided to have both of them come back to the house.
So Jason came to pick Emma up from work, and they went to the mansion together.
When they arrived home, Aunt Zhou came to open the door and immediately said with a smile, "I made some bird's nest soup today. I'll serve you both a bowl later."
Aunt Zhou really raised Jason from a young age. No matter how upset the mister and missus were inside, she only cared about his health.
Jason and Emma smiled at her simultaneously and entered after changing their shoes.
Huo Zhenzhong was already seated on the sofa, with Zhong Lan sitting next to him, her expression indecipherable, a mix of worry and anger, her face still stern.
After entering and greeting their parents, Emma was originally standing when Jason directly pulled her to sit across from Huo Zhenzhong and said, "Dad, you don't have to worry about the post. The PR department has already handled it."
Not only were the photos from the expose, but also the ones of Jason and Emma exiting together, had been taken by the person. However, this individual wasn't after a major scoop; they were after tangible benefits. So, they only posted the photos of Jason entering the police station online, while the photos with Emma were kept back.
Hengyia Group's tech department quickly traced the IP address, and the PR department made contact. For problems that could be solved with money, they were no big issue. However, since this person dared to blatantly extort, Jason wasn't one to be trifled with.
He left everything to the legal and PR departments to handle, whether it was to send the person to jail or have them hand over all the negatives, Jason was only interested in the outcome.
The matter wasn't complex; it was just someone driven by greed seeking a windfall. Since he knew the motive, Jason wasn't worried.
But with his parents...
Zhong Lan finally spoke up, saying, "How could you get into a fight?"
She really didn't expect that Jason had gone to the police station because Emma had been in a fight. She thought Emma just seemed tough, but she didn't expect her to actually be so resolute.
Zhong Lan felt at a loss for words.
Although Emma didn't feel she had done anything wrong, she also knew that this incident had started because of her, and it was she who had dragged Jason into the whirlwind, so she said softly, "I'm sorry."
Zhong Lan stared at her and took a deep breath.
"This isn't Jing Xi's fault," Jason said, glancing at Emma and simply reaching out to hold her hand. He succinctly recounted the events.
Jason indifferently said, "Mom, if there's any fault in what Jing Xi did, it's that she's too responsible and has too much sense of justice."
Zhong Lan opened her mouth, her usually stern expression suddenly becoming somewhat amusing, as if Jason's words had left her unsure of what to say.
She turned to look at Huo Zhenzhong.
At this moment, Huo Zhenzhong was also frowning. After all, how were they supposed to criticize this? Tell Emma she shouldn't have minded other people's business?
But after hearing the whole story, Huo Zhenzhong felt that Emma had done the right thing.
So Zhong Lan remained silent, and Huo Zhenzhong didn't speak either.
Jason looked up, his expression turning somewhat helpless as he sighed lightly, "Besides, she's already been scolded enough at the newspaper today..."
Zhong Lan immediately raised her eyebrows, showing disapproval, "Jing Xi's actions were brave and righteous; what right does her leader have to scold her?"
Zhong Lan's habit of favoring her own was something she had since childhood and couldn't change.
Upon hearing that the leader had scolded Emma, she immediately spoke up for her.
Huo Zhenzhong looked at her, realizing that the collapse of a fortress always starts from within.
He felt like they had a traitor in their ranks.
When Zhong Lan came to her senses, she realized she had been led astray by Jason. She glared at him, but she couldn't bring herself to reprimand Emma now.
It was Huo Zhenzhong who coughed lightly and said in a low voice, "No matter what, this was caused by your own negligence. Even if Jing Xi needed to be bailed out, you could have just sent Tang Mian."
"Does Tang Mian have a relationship with Jing Xi?" Jason's voice was extremely restrained and calm as he looked at Huo Zhenzhong and said, "I am Jing Xi's husband."
He wasn't deliberately contradicting Huo Zhenzhong. On the contrary, Jason's family had strict upbringing, and his manners and conduct had been taught by the elder since he was young.
He had always been aloof, naturally not very talkative, and not fond of small talk. But that didn't mean he couldn't; on the contrary, in important situations, whether meeting business veterans or familiar elders at home, his etiquette was always impeccable, and no one could find any fault with it.
Huo Zhenzhong's usual lectures, Jason might not fully agree with in his heart, but he would listen quietly. However, when Huo Zhenzhong spoke about this matter, Jason immediately retorted. Not for anything else, but to reassure Emma.
Tang Mian is his person, true, but no matter how close, he is still his secretary. Emma in the police station, no matter how strong she is, is also a girl. His personal presence there is fundamentally different from Tang Mian's.
Seeing him speak to Huo Zhenzhong in such a way, Zhong Lan immediately said, "Is what your father said wrong? As the company's CEO, every move you make is not only watched by the board of directors but also scrutinized by shareholders. If the stock price fluctuates tomorrow because of this, let's see how you handle it."
Jason pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, "Don't worry, the PR and legal departments will handle it."
However, at this point, Jason calmly admitted, "I did have some oversights in this matter, as did Jing Xi."
"Jing Xi's intentions were good, but the methods used to solve the problem were a bit extreme," Jason turned to look at Emma and said, "Pay attention to the approach next time and strive for improvement."
Emma, who had been sitting quietly, looked into his eyes, which were deep as the sea yet radiated calmness and composure. He was so close that Emma could feel his light breath and the tranquil, steady scent that emanated from him.
Until Jason's finger gently hooked on her pinky.
It was very light, like a feather tickling.
Emma suddenly snapped back to reality, looked up at Huo Zhenzhong and Zhong Lan, and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, I will definitely be more careful next time."
Zhong Lan nodded with satisfaction, a faint smile appearing on her face, seemingly pleased with Emma's attitude of admitting her mistake.
Huo Zhenzhong, when he saw her expression, almost laughed in exasperation. One after another, they all talked about improving and being careful next time, as if they were looking forward to a next time.
However, Huo Zhenzhong felt that the situation was already out of his hands and didn't want to say anything more.
Since they had returned at this hour, Zhong Lan asked them to stay for dinner.
Emma looked around and got up, saying, "I'll check on the kitchen."
She didn't know if Zhong Lan had anything else to say to Jason privately, so she made an excuse to go to the kitchen. Once there, Aunt Zhou and another cook were busy preparing the meal.
Upon seeing her, Aunt Zhou quickly said, "Why are you here? Do you need something?"
"No, I just came to see if there's anything I can help with," Emma said with a smile.
The Jason family didn't have too many strict rules. Sometimes when Jason came back, and Zhong Lan was in a good mood, she would even cook a few dishes for him herself.
Aunt Zhou laughed upon hearing this and said, "You've worked all day and must be tired. There's nothing for you to help with in the kitchen."
But then Aunt Zhou remembered and added, "The bird's nest soup is ready. You can have a bowl first."
When Huo Zhenzhong was angry in the living room earlier, it was quite a commotion.
Aunt Zhou guessed that the young couple would probably be called back, so she prepared the bird's nest soup, and sure enough, she was right.
She didn't know what had happened outside, only knowing that she was happy when Jason came home.
In the living room.
Huo Zhenzhong went to the living room to answer the phone, leaving Jason and Zhong Lan alone. Jason glanced to the side and asked in a low voice, "Did we have guests this afternoon?"
He had noticed the gifts placed there, with exquisite packaging that clearly indicated careful selection.
Zhong Lan followed his gaze and casually said, "Yiheng came by earlier and stayed for a while, having tea and chatting with me."
Jason's dark eyes slightly deepened, and his voice also unconsciously lowered: "Mom."
This call was somewhat low, not questioning but with a tone of disapproval.
Zhong Lan glanced at him sideways and snorted coldly, "What, just because you're married, Yiheng can't be a guest in our home? After all, the Su family and ours have been long-time acquaintances; our families have had a good relationship since your grandfather's time."
Zhong Lan was well aware of the situation; she was just feeling a bit annoyed and deliberately trying to scare Jason.
After hearing her long speech, Jason just smirked and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He said in a low voice, "Alright, I won't interfere with your freedom to socialize. If you like, you can invite her over to chat anytime."
Although he was agreeing with her, Zhong Lan still felt momentarily speechless.
But then Jason added, "I know you've always been magnanimous and clear-headed. Jing Xi and I are married, and even though you don't like it, you've accepted us. I believe that with time, you'll come to like Jing Xi and see her virtues."
Jason wasn't deliberately flattering Zhong Lan with these words.
Zhong Lan had never been a muddle-headed person. Even if Su Yiheng and Jason were a perfect match, she couldn't force Jason to divorce and marry Su Yiheng.
Instead, Zhong Lan glared at him fiercely, her voice filled with a sense of grievance.
But this was her own child; ever since Jason was little, she felt like she must have accumulated some blessings in a past life because her son never really caused her any worry.
Now, it seemed, the one thing that did worry her was a big one.
With a huff and a petulant expression, Zhong Lan still said sternly, "It's only because you're married. If you were just dating, I wouldn't care what Yiheng does, let her do as she pleases."
Dating and marriage were indeed two different things. If they were just dating, Emma wouldn't be part of the Jason family.
But once married, Emma was the legitimate daughter-in-law of the Jason family. Just now, when Jason mentioned that Emma had been scolded at work, she felt uncomfortable.
Jason was silent for a few seconds, then said in a low voice, "She can't cause any trouble."
Zhong Lan looked at him.
Jason then laughed and said, "I only have stars in my heart."
At this moment, Aunt Zhou brought a small bowl of freshly stewed bird's nest soup to Emma, handed it to her, and worriedly said, "I see you eating out every day, look how thin you are."
Emma was tall with a slender frame, so she looked particularly slim. Especially now, wearing a shirt tucked into trousers, it highlighted her slender waist.
Aunt Zhou felt heartache looking at her, and she, being of her generation, always thought takeout was not good and should be eaten as little as possible.
After all, how could food from outside be as clean, sanitary, and nutritious as home-cooked meals?
Emma took a small sip and chuckled, "No need, it's quite convenient to eat around our newspaper office."
Previously, Tang Mian had sent her lunch once, and she thought it was exaggerated.
Jason had also planned to order from that restaurant for her long-term, but Emma thought it was too showy; the people at the newspaper office weren't unsophisticated.
If she were to eat a thousand-dollar lunch every day, it would shock everyone.
Aunt Zhou glanced outside; at this moment, the other aunt had also left. After thinking for a moment, she couldn't help but speak, "The mister and missus are the most generous and easygoing people I've ever met. Before, when my old man had health issues and needed surgery that cost hundreds of thousands, the missus not only gave me a six-month leave but also covered all the medical expenses."
Aunt Zhou had been part of the family for decades; it was no exaggeration to say she had seen Jason grow up.
She knew that calling them back today must have involved some scolding.
So, she carefully advised Emma, fearing she might have a grievance against Zhong Lan. It's said that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are hard to handle, and even more so in wealthy families.
Emma's fair fingers gently held the white porcelain spoon, lightly placing it in the bowl.
She looked up and whispered, "I understand."
Emma could hear Aunt Zhou's kindness. A faint smile appeared on her face; she usually had a somewhat cold demeanor, but when she truly smiled, she was especially gentle and soft.
With a well-behaved and lovely appearance, she was endearing.
Aunt Zhou was pleased to see Emma taking her advice so well and couldn't help but continue her gentle admonishments: "Although the Jason family is a prominent household, they are not the kind to bully others..."
For some reason, as Aunt Zhou spoke these words, Emma was reminded of the time when she and Jason first got married. In a hotel in Tel Aviv, while others were busy dealing with passport issues, the two of them made a lifelong decision. Jason, being a man of action, went straight to the embassy to inquire if they could get married there on the spot.
However, the procedures required were too complicated and ultimately impossible. The embassy was also extremely busy at that time, and Emma, not wanting to cause any more trouble, pulled Jason to leave. So they returned home to freshen up. After taking a shower, Emma found Jason gone when she came out.
She thought he had gone out for some matter and waited quietly. About two hours later, he returned, and as soon as he entered, he pulled her up to go out.
"Where are we going?" Emma asked him.
Jason looked at her and whispered, "Follow me."
So she asked no more questions and quietly followed him until they drove to a remote little church. After getting out of the car, Jason led her inside, where the priest was already waiting for them.
Emma looked at him in surprise, and Jason whispered, "This is the only church I could find."
Fortunately, Tel Aviv was minimally affected, and Jason even managed to buy rings on the spot. When Emma saw him take out the pair of rings, she was completely stunned.
If his earlier question of whether she would marry him hadn't felt real, now her eyes suddenly became moist.
The priest, speaking not-so-fluent English, told Jason he could put the ring on Emma's finger. He carefully took out the ring and placed it on her finger.
Everything was so beautiful.
Though sudden, it wasn't jarring.
In the middle of the night, Emma left the hotel with Jason. The embassy had arranged a flight back home for them, and now they just needed to head to the airport.
It wasn't until they boarded the plane that Emma realized they were flying first class.
She also recalled the luxurious room with the beautiful and dreamy sea view at the hotel in Haifa where Jason had stayed.
She finally thought of a question: "What do you do?"
This question made them both laugh. Until Jason casually picked up a magazine that the flight attendant had just given him and pointed to a report on it.
"As the world's largest mobile communication equipment provider, Hengyia Group, after the first contract six years ago, has once again received a project order from the Israeli government, which will allow Israel to enjoy network equipment comparable to that of developed countries."
Emma read softly, "Hengyia Group?"
"This is the company my grandfather founded, and I am currently the CEO of Hengyia Group."
Emma looked up sharply, staring at him intently. If his proposal had been a sweet surprise to her, now she was bewildered.
For a while, Emma was speechless.
Jason seemed to see what she was thinking and gently held her hand, whispering, "It's too late for regrets now."
Emma was finally amused by his words.
She looked at him and chuckled, "So, I've married into a wealthy family?"
She deliberately used a light tone to hide her inner nervousness, realizing suddenly that there was a world of difference between their families.
She was just a girl from an ordinary family.
And he owned this world.
Until Jason slowly said, "You didn't marry into a wealthy family, you married me."
"What are you thinking about?" Jason asked as he entered and saw Emma standing by the kitchen sink, lost in thought.
She snapped back to reality and looked at him. Jason's promises were never just empty words. He had said she married him, and over the past year, he truly never let her feel wronged in front of their elders. In a family like the Jasons', he had given her all the freedom she could wish for.
She willfully wanted to stay at home waiting for her dad, even though deep down she knew it was just an excuse. She had locked herself in that place called home, trying to use the last traces of her parents to tell herself that her father was still there. But even so, he stayed with her, and even when the elders scolded, he bore it all alone.
Emma placed the bowl she was holding on the sink and reached out to hug him tightly.
Jason was slightly taken aback, a bit surprised, but he gently placed his hands on her back and softly coaxed, "What's wrong?"
Emma, buried in his embrace, her voice almost melting into his very being, said, "I love you, husband."