Exchanging sinister smiles, Anthony Brown suddenly stepped forward with Robert once the atmosphere was ripe. "Father, I have prepared a special gift for your 70th birthday, for you."As he spoke, Robert Brown carefully presented an odd-looking set of Zisha teaware."Oh? Robert, what kind of gift is this?" someone asked curiously. It looked rather unique.Old Brown and James glanced over with interest while Jason's brows furrowed as he inspected the tea set. Then he shook his head and said, "It's fake!""What?" Susan exclaimed in surprise, but before she could inquire further, Raymond Brown also stepped forward confidently. "Father, I've also prepared a gift for you, even better than Big Brother's." Raymond Brown had a mysterious air despite empty hands."Oh? What is it?" old Brown asked curiously.Raymond Brown exchanged looks with Alexander Brown, who proudly held up a contract. "My gift, Father, is 49% of the shares in my Runhe Medicine Company, unconditionally given to you as cong
So saying, she produced a plain wooden box, seemingly ordinary and rather old but worthless. Similar boxes could be found by the dozen in antique stores for a few dollars.Yet at the sight, Mark Phillips seemed to comprehend something, his lips quirking in a subtle smile."Favorite? Ha, don't boast if you can't take it. With your poverty, you can hardly feed yourselves. What decent gift could you possibly have that compares to ours?" Robert Brown laughed derisively.The Brown relatives also guffawed, "I bet they were tricked at some antique shop into buying this rubbish box, thinking it some ancient treasure!""Take that trash back before you embarrass yourselves further! I'm ashamed for you..."Eugene, Alexander Brown and the rest laughed uproariously. What nerve she had to make such claims!Mary Martinez and James Brown were confounded. Their daughter had lost her mind! Competing gifts with the other families? Sheer lunacy! Calling it self-humiliation was too kind.The two helpless
Old Brown's expression stiffened as he quickly appeased, "Mr. Flores, forgive the ignorance of our juniors. Please do not take offense."Though he said so, inwardly he was elated. With Mr. Flores' confirmation, what else could be said? The family heirloom was finally complete!Yet Mr. Flores seemed to recall something. After giving the frozen Robert Brown an icy glare, he scoffed, "I disdain quibbling with ignorant youths. But since reputation was mentioned, I have more to say.""That Zisha dinnerware set, 'Good Fortune Beckons' if I'm not mistaken, is indeed an early work. However, I happen to know it was later gifted by Mr. Hughes to a prominent family in Metropolis Central.""Disregarding value, their sentimental ties must run deep. I doubt that family would be so destitute as to sell the dinnerware. In short, the set before us now is fake. The real one remains in Metropolis Central."His shocking words triggered an uproar among the guests. "Fake? How...how can that be?"Old Brown'
These words made everyone frown. What nerve! What outstanding payment? Raymond Brown was in trouble?Amidst the confusion, Raymond Brown, who had been watching gleefully, froze, his expression changing drastically. Damn it, how did these bastards find this place? He had told them to wait a bit longer!But as shock rippled through the crowd, he pulled Alexander Brown into the throng to hide. Better to evade if possible.Old Brown's anger flared. "Who are you people? How dare you cause a ruckus at my birthday party? What payment? Explain yourselves clearly."On hearing this, the leader of the group raged, "Raymond Brown, Chairman of Runhe Medicine Company, purchased a large batch of new machinery from me to produce medicine. But the final payment has been delayed until now."He said he would double the payment after securing a deal with Emerald City Hospital. But two days ago I found out he didn't get that deal at all! The company premises are deserted, no one's picking up the phone. Wh
These words immediately drew everyone's attention. To their surprise, the one interrupting was Jason.What was this useless fool trying to do now?Anthony Brown brought fake wares, Raymond Brown brought trouble, was the James Brown clan trying to stir up chaos too?Old Brown was already seething, but didn't want to lose face by yelling in front of everyone. Yet now, at the very end, someone dared speak up? Did they think this disastrous celebration wasn't miserable enough?Especially this waste of space that irritated him with a mere glance - now anyone could cause a ruckus?"Shut your mouth, you have no right to speak here! I'll say it again, party's over. James, drag your useless grandson away..." old Brown fumed.Hearing this, James Brown, who had been stunned speechless, snapped back to awareness. The tremendous shocks in this short time were too much to digest.Susan also panicked, hurrying to placate him. Why was Grandpa taking it out on Jason? Uncle and Second Uncle did such aw
Upon hearing this, the Brown relatives' hearts chilled. But then old Brown added, "A company this large, Susan alone may have trouble commanding authority. Robert can be Deputy Chairman to assist."These words stunned even Robert Brown. Deputy Chairman? Wow, a promotion!The relatives also erupted into wild celebration and excitement. As expected of old Brown, always leaving a contingency.This was appointing someone to keep Susan in check. The future balance of power in the Brown family was still undetermined.Susan was also pleasantly surprised. She truly never expected Grandpa to agree, even though he deliberately made her an "acting" Chairwoman and assigned Robert Brown as Deputy Chairman. In her eyes, this was already a huge concession.She couldn't help but glance excitedly at Jason. He had done it, giving her a chance to prove herself. She would surely impress everyone with results.Although not the best outcome, it met Jason's expectations. This position was essentially bought
Seeing this, the residents were amazed and marveled at what important personage had come to their humble district. Did someone strike it rich or marry well? In all of Emerald City, who could compare to this woman's poise? She must be from Metropolis Central!Just then, James Brown and Mary Martinez were returning home and also witnessed the scene. "What kind of car is that? It must be extremely expensive!" James Brown exclaimed.Mary Martinez scoffed, "Don't be so boorish. Our daughter is the Chairwoman now. We'll have no shortage of luxury cars in the future. I'll be able to wear whatever jewelry I desire without question.""But we have to get rid of that useless Jason quickly. Now that our daughter is Chairwoman, what use is keeping a good-for-nothing like him around?""Some high society ladies I know have agreed to introduce eligible bachelors to Susan. Any one of them would be a hundred times better than Jason! If we want fancy cars and jewelry, we'll have to rely on my wonderful
Tower's brow ticked up as he remarked meaningfully, "The Young Master never bested me as a boy. After nearly a decade in exile, how much skill could you retain?"His words were not scornful, but rather sincere - forcibly barging in was near impossible.Yet in the next moment, Jason accelerated rapidly, his movements suddenly erratic. Tower's pupils constricted in alarm as he threw a punch that met only air. In a flash, a knife-hand strike landed squarely on his neck.With a heavy thud, Tower crashed limply to the ground, half his body numb."Wha...what?" Daniel Smith exclaimed in shock as he and the other retired experts and bodyguards rushed over, stunned by the blinding speed of Jason's movements.It was like watching a graceful spin, deftly evading and exploiting momentum for a decisive blow that felled Tower instantly.As seasoned warriors themselves, they found Jason's mastery deeply astonishing. Even together, they doubted they could overcome him - the gulf was too vast.Daniel
"Thud! Thud! Thud!"A series of dull impacts resounded through the room, accompanied by cries of pain. Bodyguards were sent flying with single slaps or kicked into walls, the scene utter chaos.In moments, over a dozen guards lay incapacitated. Even Bennett found himself on the receiving end of a devastating punch to the chest, sent flying as he coughed up blood."Who... who are you? It's impossible... How can someone so young possess such formidable skills? Cough... ugh..." Bennett struggled to speak through his pain.Jason was undoubtedly the youngest Martial Arts Master he had ever encountered, and easily among the top ten in skill."My name is Jason. I warned you: harm her, and you'd face a gruesome end. The Murphy family will pay dearly for this transgression." Jason's cold voice accompanied his methodical approach.He made no move to pursue Henry Murphy. There was no need—the man couldn't truly escape. Even if he fled Central Area, Jason could drag him back."Jason? Jackson! You
Jason, his face a mask of cold fury, tightened his grip on Henry Murphy's throat. He addressed Bennett, "The tables have turned. Your choices are simple: mutual destruction or her release. Decide."His grip tightened further, nearly crushing Henry Murphy's windpipe. The young heir's face turned an alarming shade of purple as he struggled for air."Quickly... cough cough... save... save me..." Henry Murphy choked out desperately.Henry Murphy never anticipated falling into such a trap. He had dismissed Jason entirely, viewing him as nothing more than a notorious weakling. Who could have foreseen that he was actually a formidable opponent?A grave miscalculation indeed.This young man was far from ordinary.Alas, this realization came too late. Two powerful fingers now threatened to crush his windpipe at any moment."Stop... stop this, you scoundrel! If you dare harm our young master, the Murphy family will annihilate your entire Brown family. You'll all perish!" Bennett roared in threa
Her venomous words dripped with contempt, a stark contrast to her recent pleas for mercy. It was Jason who had shown her kindness then, advising her to disappear. Clearly, his words had fallen on deaf ears.Perhaps the allure of wealth and status proved too strong to resist.Henry Murphy, disdaining further dialogue, fixed Jason with an intense gaze. "I hear you possess jade pendants of a particular hue. Moreover, you seem to understand their significance and have been collecting them. Excellent. Hand them all over to me.""Such high-grade Mystical Objects are beyond the likes of you. Cooperate, and if I'm feeling generous, I might spare your miserable life.""Jade pendants?" Jason's pupils constricted as he suddenly turned his piercing gaze towards Ashley, murderous intent radiating from him."It was you. You told him!"The revelation stunned him. This wretched woman had not only betrayed his kindness but had also sold him out.Ashley's knowledge of the jade pendants was no surprise
"Cough... cough!"Susan coughed with difficulty as the gag fell away. She gazed at the frenzied, sharp-tongued Ashley, shaking her head with a complex expression. "You're mistaken. I've never tried to compete with you. This is all in your imagination.""Besides, no matter how envious you are, it shouldn't drive you to such extremes. Do you truly harbor such hatred towards me?"Had Ashley not confessed, Susan might never have imagined that envy could transform someone so drastically, leading them down this irredeemable path of ruthlessness."Hmph, spare me your false sympathy. In my eyes, you're nothing but a contemptible wretch. If I hadn't caught you, would you be uttering these words so meekly? You're probably gloating inside!""Let me tell you this: you'll never rise above me again. You belong beneath my feet, nothing more than a lowly creature!"Ashley sneered through gritted teeth.As she raised her hand to strike again, another resounding slap echoed through the room. However, t
Jason's face turned frosty, his teeth clenched as he spoke, "I swear, if you harm a single hair on her head, I will annihilate your entire lineage. No matter who you are or what your status might be, do not underestimate my capabilities or my resolve.""State your demands clearly. Whatever you want, I'll provide. But if you provoke me... you will regret it immensely."He spoke while barely containing his fury, utterly shocked by this turn of events. With the enemy holding the upper hand, he rapidly tried to deduce their identity.The voice was vaguely familiar, but not entirely recognizable. Who would dare to be so bold?Lotus Thirteen? Or had Justin Wesley arrived in Emerald City to make his move? No, it seemed too soon; he hadn't fully inherited the Wesley family yet.But if not them, then who? Matt Turner or Gerald White? He had certainly made quite a few enemies recently."Heh, such big words, Mr. Gray. Why don't we continue this conversation when you arrive? The last hotel on Sea
No matter how Mary Martinez explained or pleaded, it had no effect. The old lady simply ignored her.It was as if she was saying, "Just wait and see in three days!"Aunt Diaz was alarmed. If the old lady were to cause such a commotion, what would become of Susan and Mary Martinez's reputations?Soon after, James Brown returned home with Susan. Upon hearing about the $100,000 allowance demand, they were stunned. Good heavens, they knew the old lady would be trouble."What... what should we do? Try to talk her out of it, or send her back home. If she keeps carrying on like this, we won't be able to live here anymore," James Brown said, rubbing his temples."Easy for you to say. Why don't you do it? I promise I'll support you, but I don't want to be labeled as unfilial," Mary Martinez retorted, her lips twisted in a grimace. She had already talked herself hoarse trying to reason with her mother.Seeing the situation, Jason furrowed his brow. If Susan was in a difficult position, he could
"What do you understand? Listen carefully: from now on, whenever you see Gray divine physician, you must show the utmost respect. Never offend him, or even the Parker family won't be able to protect you!" Leonard Wood warned her gravely.Stephanie Parker, thoroughly frightened, nodded repeatedly...Meanwhile, Jason had returned home, where Old Mrs. Martinez was inevitably causing a scene again, making everyone uncomfortable. However, given her status, no one could say anything."A good-for-nothing loafer who's busier than my granddaughter. What's going on? Is everyone avoiding me? Do you all want this old woman to live out her days in loneliness?" Old Mrs. Martinez's voice dripped with sarcasm.Jason and Grace Diaz could only sigh inwardly as they served her tea, cut fruit, and attended to her every whim to avoid further complaints."Mom, what are you saying? I'm here to keep you company, aren't I? We don't need to pay any attention to that useless fellow. Out of sight, out of mind -
Stephanie Parker and the onlookers were struck dumb, their eyes wide and jaws hitting the floor in sheer disbelief.This seemingly ordinary individual had managed to make Uncle Wood bow his head. What was going on? What kind of background did he have? What was his story? Had the world gone mad?Even Kelly Harris, who knew of Jason's exceptional medical skills, was left speechless at the sight before her. She gaped at the nonchalant Jason, unable to comprehend the scale of his influence that commanded the reverence of hundreds.While others might not grasp the full significance, as a medical student, Kelly understood perfectly. These were the cream of the crop in the medical field, each capable of being the crown jewel of any major hospital.One person alone could sustain an entire hospital!Over a hundred such individuals - can you imagine the impact? It was as if half the medical world was trembling before him!"This... this..."As everyone stood in shock, Jason turned to Roger Cox,
"As if! You can't even get in yourself, and you have the audacity to make such an offer? Have you no shame?" Kelly Harris rolled her eyes, clearly unconvinced.But Stephanie Parker just smirked. "Clearly, you don't know me well enough. My family, the Parkers, are part of the Medical Family. If I choose to reveal my identity, getting in there would be as easy as strolling through my own backyard. Many of the medical geniuses in there even know me personally.""Do you think this Chinese Medicine Conference could keep me out now? Well, do you believe me now?" she boasted.She had never revealed this information before. Even her admirers and followers were unaware of her prestigious background."You're from the Medical Family?" Jason was surprised, not expecting to encounter two members in one day.Kelly Harris was even more shocked. This was the first time she had heard about this. She never imagined that her insufferable rival was from such an esteemed background. No wonder Stephanie ha