"You deliberately said that for Su Yiheng to hear, didn't you?" Such an expensive painting, registered under her name without her knowledge.
Emma thought perhaps it was a spontaneous decision on his part, a deliberate statement for Su Yiheng's benefit.
Jason looked at her calmly: "Do I need to?"
Emma realized her misstep and quickly corrected, "I didn't mean that."
"Jing Xi, do you think I would leave your life without any security?" Jason gazed at her, his voice soft.
Emma was too independent and strong, and her independence wasn't feigned. She was genuinely capable of bearing everything on her own, whether it be financial or career-wise. She wasn't so noble to claim she desired nothing; she had things she wanted to possess.
Life had been harsh to her, forcing her to shoulder everything from a young age. Yet, she never let the ugliness of life make her ugly. She never coveted what wasn't hers and always strived for what she wanted.
Emma looked at him in silence.
Jason sighed lightly, "I know what you're thinking, but I have my own thoughts too. I want your life to be better, and I want your grandmother to have a better environment. I wish you didn't have to worry about money, didn't have to wake up each day burdened by stress."
Emma had once joked that the hardest times were when she was in college, with her grandmother's salary being only four thousand, while the nursing home cost eight thousand each month. Every morning, she woke up burdened by the thought of the four thousand she owed, month after month, year after year.
"Actually, it's not just about this painting," Jason looked at her, his voice low, "You know we've never signed any prenuptial agreement."
Emma was completely stunned.
They had never discussed this issue, but Emma had thought about it when they got their marriage certificate. She knew then that he was the heir to Hengyia Group, a colossal and high-profile business empire. He had everything from birth.
Emma had wondered, on their way to the civil affairs bureau, if he would propose a prenuptial agreement. She had asked herself if she would agree. But from before they got the certificate to this very moment, he had never mentioned it.
She had always felt comfortable in this marriage, and the reason was that he had abandoned everything that made her feel the disparity in their social status. He had made their wedding so peaceful and serene.
There was no calculation of money, no pettiness.
Not just in his family, but nowadays, many people argue fiercely over whose name to write on the marriage house. During her internship in the lifestyle section, she had interviewed many such cases.
She had been grateful that her marriage began out of love. She married him because she loved him.
But today, she fully understood that everything had been shielded by him. Although she was never someone raised in a greenhouse, by his side, all the storms were blocked by him alone.
"Every penny I've earned after marriage, they all belong to..." Jason looked at her, pausing briefly before continuing, "our shared property."
*
After dinner, while Jason was away taking a call from Tang Mian, Emma sat alone in the glass observatory room.
The room had an entire wall made of glass, and even the ceiling was glass.
A glance up revealed the entire starry sky.
Tonight, the moon was bright and the stars were dense, the cold white moon cast a soft light, and the stars were scattered densely. She lay in her chair, quietly gazing at the stars.
Sometimes life moves so fast that there's not much time to stop.
Until Jason entered and lay down beside her. They leaned shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the galaxy above. It was then that Emma felt something being placed on her finger.
She slowly raised her hand and saw a dazzling blue diamond on her fair finger, radiating a crystal clear light.
Countless articles have revealed that diamonds are the biggest scam of the 21st century, a gemstone marketed into existence.
But none of this affected its dazzling brilliance.
Emma was taken aback for a couple of seconds before turning to look at him.
But Jason didn't wait for her to speak and instead asked, "Do you know what this diamond is called?"
Emma pursed her lips, still holding her hand halfway up.
"Palm Star. You once said you were the star in your father's palm, but I want to tell you..." Jason's dark eyes gently fixed on her.
He raised his hand and pulled her diamond-adorned palm into his own.
His broad palm cradled her snow-white hand.
"From the day we got married, I have been the one holding up your star."
Forever.
The day after Tang Mi returned from Europe, she immediately called Emma to visit her. Emma gave her the address, and an hour later, Tang Mi arrived.
"This is my first time getting so close to the high life," Tang Mi said as soon as she entered, not daring to move around but looking around the living room.
Emma asked Aunt Qian to prepare coffee for her.
However, Tang Mi turned her head and looked at the oil painting hanging on the wall, hesitating for a moment before saying, "The oil paintings hanging in Jason's home, they can't be fake, can they?"
"You know about this painting?" Emma was a bit surprised.
Tang Mi took a deep breath, feeling a sense of disappointment: "As a newly minted member of the wealthy family, Emma, you really need to catch up on your art knowledge. There's no work by this artist that goes for less than a million."
Emma nodded, "This painting cost six million."
"Is this one really real?" Tang Mi couldn't help but gasp, even though she thought it was true.
In her view, art should be stored in a special vault, not hung so openly in the living room.
Emma nodded again.
Tang Mi said excitedly, "Your home is truly a den of wealth."
Emma: "..."
Fortunately, Aunt Qian quickly brought over the coffee. Emma, because of her injuries, was only drinking plain water. Tang Mi then remembered that she was there to visit a patient, not to admire someone's luxurious home.
Looking at Emma's face, the injuries were still quite noticeable after several days, and she couldn't imagine how severe they must have been right after the assault.
"These bastards..." Tang Mi cursed fiercely.
Then she sighed, "I always said that working in social news is too dangerous. Look at me, I can be as harsh as I want in my film reviews, but the producers are still polite to me when they meet me, and no one has ever hit me."
Tang Mi wasn't exaggerating. Her film reviews were so sharp and to the point, whether good or bad, she always told the truth.
It was precisely because of this that her writing was so popular.
Now she's so famous that she's been invited to fashion shows in Milan, and she's doing very well in the entertainment industry.
Looking at Emma, a single article led to a beating. Fortunately, Jason arrived in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
So Tang Mi said, "How about the studio I mentioned last time? Why don't you join me? Your writing is so sharp, your article went viral in my circle of friends."
Emma smiled at her, took a sip from her water glass, and then slowly said, "You write reviews because you love it, so of course I want to do what I love."
"That's true. If it were really for the money, you could just stay at home as a wealthy lady and continue the family line for the old Jason family. Why bother with this thankless job?"
Her overly direct words almost made Emma spit out her water.
Tang Mi then gave Emma the souvenirs she brought back from Milan, "Hua Zhen asked me yesterday when we would come to see you together."
She cautiously looked at Emma, "I think Hua Zhen is a really nice girl. And about your marriage, are you really planning to keep it a secret from everyone?"
"Aren't secret marriages quite popular in your entertainment circle?" Emma said half-jokingly.
She didn't keep it a secret from Hua Zhen, she just didn't know how to tell the girl that the 'Shen Yan brother' she talked about all the time was actually her husband. It seemed a bit too much of a shock.
Tang Mi said helplessly, "Then learn from the good aspects of our entertainment circle, like a century wedding."
Emma looked at her, "You're thinking really far ahead?"
"Aren't you guys going to have a wedding ceremony in this lifetime?" Tang Mi countered.
Speaking of which, Emma had never thought about this issue, not even about announcing the marriage. If she were an ordinary person, whether to announce the marriage or not would be irrelevant. Because even if it was announced, once the attention faded, she could still live a normal life.
But she is a journalist, living on the cutting edge of the news.
Today, others become the subjects of her writing, and next time she might become the topic of gossip.
"Let's talk about it later," Emma said negatively, which was rare for her.
Even Tang Mi couldn't help but look at her, "Emma, this doesn't sound like you."
The Emma she knew was always decisive and direct, with a cool and refreshing aura that was always convincing. So when Emma said this, she was really surprised.
Emma didn't deny it but thought seriously for a moment and looked at her, "Perhaps it's because I care too much."
The more she cared, the less she wanted to be criticized. She cared too much about this marriage, so much so that she didn't want to become the subject of other people's gossip after dinner.
In truth, Emma had anticipated the kind of gossip that would follow if their marriage was exposed. It would be nothing new—envy that she, a commoner by birth, had married into such a prominent family, or whispers about what secrets their union might hide. The disparity was so vast that people would find it hard to believe they had married simply because they loved each other.
Emma didn't want to appear overly sentimental, but what she cared about was not being the subject of gossip. Tang Mi opened her mouth, then suddenly burst into laughter.
Emma, looking at her laughing, was taken aback.
It was Tang Mi who eventually stopped laughing and said, "But when you say that, I feel like you're still you, still so straightforward and direct. You always say what you care about."
Just like when she had spoken to that boy in their class back then—if you like him, accept it, regardless of others' gossip.
Emma cared, and thus decided to protect her marriage with Jason. Even if others didn't know, it didn't matter; she was still Emma.
*
Perhaps because Tang Mi had spent the whole day at their home, when Jason returned, he noticed that Emma seemed livelier than she had been in the past few days.
Emma took out the perfume Tang Mi had given her and sprayed it into the air, then asked him, "Do you like this scent?"
"Very light and natural, it suits you," Jason replied after taking a moment to smell it. Unlike many men who would dismiss their wives' choices, he gave a genuine opinion.
Emma nodded and said, "I like it too."
Jason reached out and held her, asking softly, "Have you been bored at home these days?"
"Not really, it hasn't been that boring," Emma shook her head.
Jason said, "Xiao Yichen has invested in a manor that's currently in its trial operation and has invited us to visit. I'll take you there to clear your mind."
Indeed, Emma's injuries were not serious, just some external wounds. However, at night, she would occasionally wake up, and although she didn't mention it, Jason knew she must have been dreaming of that day's events.
So he had rearranged his schedule, making time to take her out for a couple of days to relax and clear her mind.
"Where are we going?" Emma's interest was piqued.
Jason replied, "It's in Tongli. The manor is his own, and it doesn't have many guests right now, so it won't be crowded or noisy."
Emma nodded, and upon hearing this, she really wanted to go.
So Jason immediately called Xiao Yichen, and the two decisive men quickly settled on going the next day. That night, Emma was in high spirits.
She expressed some regret, saying that if the weather were warmer, several long dresses in her wardrobe could be put to use.
Especially a red dress she had bought during a trip to Saipan with Jason; she had hesitated before buying it. The red dress indeed suited her well, as her fair skin and tall figure could carry such a bright and intense color.
Now that it was late autumn, nearing early winter, Emma stood in front of her wardrobe, torn over what to wear. Just as she was about to ask Jason for his opinion, she noticed the man who had been leaning against the headboard reading documents had looked up at her.
"Which one is better?" Emma held up the clothes for comparison.
Without hesitation, Jason pointed to the half-length trench coat in her left hand, "This one."
Emma knew his choices were always suggestions, so she asked, "Why?"
"Warmth," he replied.
However, in the end, Jason forcibly pulled Emma into bed to rest; otherwise, she might have kept fussing about until late.
The next day, when it came to choosing which car to take out, neither hesitated.
Emma directly got into the white G-Wagen and Jason let her take the driver's seat. But after settling into the passenger seat, he looked at her and said, "You can only drive for half an hour. At the first service area, let me take over."
Her body hadn't fully recovered, and Jason was worried she might get too tired.
Emma nodded, already fastening her seatbelt and stepping on the gas.
However, after they left, a car quickly followed behind. Emma didn't pay much attention, knowing it was Jason's entourage of bodyguards.
Ever since the incident, although she hadn't said anything, Zhong Lan had repeatedly instructed that they must be accompanied whenever they went out.
Upon arriving at the agreed location, two cars were waiting.
Xiao Yichen and Han Zhao were standing outside the cars. Han Zhao's car was quite modest, an Audi A6. After all, he was a soldier and usually stayed in the barracks, so he didn't need a flashy car.
As for Xiao Yichen, he had driven a Porsche.
Shen Qiqi was originally sitting in Han Zhao's car to avoid the sun when she saw a white G-Wagen approaching. She immediately pushed the car door open and got out.
After the car came to a stop, everyone saw a boot-clad foot step out first from the driver's seat.
A second later, Emma emerged from the driver's seat.
She was dressed warmly for the day, wearing a semi-long camel-colored trench coat, jeans, and knee-high boots.
Emma's legs were truly beautiful, slender and straight, especially in those knee-high black boots that tightly wrapped around her calves, capturing everyone's attention.
Her exit from the car was overly handsome, leaving Shen Qiqi staring in awe.
Xiao Yichen stared at the car for a while and couldn't help but say, "This car..."
It was quite a show-off.
He had thought about going out with Jason today and decided it would be best to keep a low profile, so he didn't bring out any of the sports cars in his garage, which were painted in every color of the rainbow.
He only drove a black Porsche.
Shen Qiqi finally ran over and circled the G-Wagen, lamenting, "Sister Jingxi, is this car yours? Can I drive it?"
Suddenly, she felt like she had nothing.
Because Emma seemed to have everything she wanted: the oil painting she liked belonged to Emma, and even the car she liked was Emma's.
The gap between people was really huge.
"Sure," Emma agreed cheerfully, since she could only drive for half an hour anyway.
Shen Qiqi, who hadn't seen Han Zhao for a long time and wanted to get close to him, found the allure of men completely overshadowed by her love for the car.
She immediately said, "Then I'll ride in your car."
"No way."
"No way."
Jason and Han Zhao's voices rang out almost simultaneously.
Jason glanced at Shen Qiqi and casually said, "You would disturb our couple's time."
As for Han Zhao, he didn't give a reason but directly walked over, grabbed Shen Qiqi's wrist, and put her back in his Audi.
The group finally set off.
It wasn't a holiday today, and there weren't many cars on the highway after leaving Shanghai. Emma's car took the lead, its large size and speed making it the most eye-catching vehicle on the road.
Driving, especially at high speeds, could indeed be relaxing.
When Emma reached the first service area, her adrenaline was surging, and she was clearly excited.
Even Jason couldn't help but pinch her earlobe, gently squeezing it several times and whispering, "Happy?"
"Yep, happy," Emma said without hesitation.
However, when leaving the service area, it was Jason who took over the driving.
Tongli wasn't far from Shanghai, and since they had set off early, they arrived at the manor just in time for lunch.
The scenery along the way became increasingly fresh and simple, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle of Shanghai. Here, even in late autumn, there was a gentleness to the small bridges and flowing water.
Later, Xiao Yichen's car led the way, and they followed directly to the manor.
Upon arrival, they found that the manor was built by the lake, and its style was consistent with the houses and buildings of the ancient towns along the way, all featuring the white walls and black tiles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
After they got out of the car, the manor's manager had been waiting at the entrance.
Xiao Yichen's investments were spread all over the world. Although he invested in this manor, he only occasionally came to inspect it, and a middle-aged man with the surname Chen was in charge.
"Brother Chen," Xiao Yichen was not like Jason; while Jason was a pure aristocrat, Xiao Yichen had an air of the jianghu (rivers and lakes) about him.
He familiarly hugged the other man and then introduced them to Old Chen.
"President Jason, I've heard so much about you," Old Chen said, reaching out to shake hands with Jason. This was not a polite remark; the name of Hengyia Group's young commander was indeed well-known.
Jason reached out, a smile appearing on his face: "We will trouble you these next few days."
"You honor us with your presence," Old Chen replied.
"Stop with the formalities, I can't take it anymore," Xiao Yichen said helplessly.
Lunch ingredients had already been prepared, and as soon as they arrived, the kitchen sprang into action. So when they sat down in the private dining room, the dishes began to be served shortly after.
The private room had a great view, facing the lake, allowing them to enjoy the infinite beauty of the lake from inside.
The weather today was just right, with sunlight covering the lake surface, creating a sparkling effect that made everyone feel good just by looking at it.
This manor is an integrated ecological and sightseeing spot. Not far from the manor, there is a farm and a reservoir. The farm grows seasonal vegetables all year round, all organic and green and healthy. As for the reservoir, it is specifically for guests to fish and play in.
What is created here is a fully ecological and green concept.
Therefore, all the ingredients for this lunch were self-sufficient from the manor, and the chef's cooking was indeed good, and Emma accidentally finished another bowl of rice.
In the afternoon, everyone took a short rest and then went to visit the ancient town.
The ancient town is not very big. After all, the sightseeing feature here is the leisurely and comfortable life of small bridges, flowing water, and people's homes. They parked their cars on the outskirts and walked around the ancient town.
Because they took a nap in the afternoon and went out later, it was already after four o'clock.
Approaching early winter, the sun sets particularly quickly. At this time, the originally bright sun has turned into a warm orange color, hanging on the horizon. Shen Qiqi was going to walk with them, but in the end, she was forcibly taken away by Han Zhao and Xiao Yichen.
Emma bought a cup of freshly squeezed apple juice on the street, drinking and strolling at the same time.
Unexpectedly, after finishing, her hands were a bit sticky, so she found a public restroom to wash her hands.
At this season, there is not much to play in the ancient town, so there are very few tourists.
Emma stood by the sink, quietly washing her hands, when a girl hurriedly came out and almost bumped into her.
She turned her head and took a look, a young girl, estimated to be not very old, just in her early twenties.
The girl also looked at her, and when she saw the obvious scars on Emma's face, she actually showed a disgusted expression.
Emma's injuries on her face are now scabbed, and she just took off her mask because she was drinking juice.
But Emma didn't take it seriously and continued to wash her hands.
What she didn't know was that when this girl went outside and saw her boyfriend, she snorted: "Do you remember the woman you peeked at just now?"
Her boyfriend immediately defended himself: "I didn't peek."
"You're lying, you did." The girl had just seen Emma with her boyfriend, but her boyfriend had been peeking at Emma, but Emma had been looking down, and he didn't see the front.
At this moment, the girl triumphantly raised her head: "I just saw that she is an ugly monster, a back killer."
"Really?" The boy was obviously surprised.
The girl actually looked good, young and full of vitality and energy, but at this moment, when she said something mean and sharp, she looked a bit ferocious: "Would I lie to you? Why don't you go and have a look, her face is all scarred, it's so fucking ugly."
Jason, who had been standing quietly on the side, moved slightly at this moment.
The girl who was still laughing suddenly blushed when she saw him, and she was inexplicably shy and at a loss.
But her boyfriend said in a low voice: "Don't say that, they seem to be a couple."
They had just seen Jason and Emma holding hands, and now they were openly laughing at someone else's girlfriend and were heard, which was quite embarrassing.
So the boyfriend hurriedly took the girl away.
When Emma came out, she found Jason's face was not very good, and she took the initiative to ask: "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." Jason reached out and held her palm, with a shallow smile on his face.
So the two walked forward, just to a pier, where there were small boats parked on the shore for tourists to ride.
The couple just now was also there.
The girl kicked her boyfriend with her foot and said with a smile: "Look, look, the ugly monster is here again."
Her boyfriend looked over as she said, and just collided with Emma's eyes.
The girl had been saying ugly monster, and the boy thought it was really not good-looking, but he didn't expect that the girl's face was really beautiful, just with some scars on her face.
This is still an ugly monster, there are probably no beauties in the world.
He knew his girlfriend was narrow-minded, and he had just taken a look, but now she not only made trouble with him but also embarrassed others in public.
He was a bit embarrassed to pull his girlfriend's sleeve: "Keep your voice down."
"What are you afraid of, will she dare to hit me?" The girl raised her chin, still full of arrogance.
But Emma hesitated and asked Jason beside her in a low voice: "Is she talking about me?"
Jason's face completely sank.
He was already unhappy when she said it just now, but he didn't expect the other party to be so unscrupulous.