This commotion attracted some attention. Many glanced at the black card in Jason's hand, unable to look away.
What was that card? Why was it pitch black?
The onlookers were all wealthy figures or members of prominent families, with accounts at every major bank. Yet none had seen such an oddly ugly bank card.
"What rubbish is that? Picked up from some trash heap?" someone sneered.
The female clerk also frowned at the black card. Nowadays, all sorts came in, but bringing a shabby card to buy a sapphire necklace?
Working here over a year, she had seen everything. But never this worthless-looking card. No doubt it was empty.
She immediately scoffed, "Are you done? A sapphire necklace worth millions, and you want to buy it with that card? Is it a supermarket coupon? Or a barbershop membership card?"
"Judging by how you're dressed, you probably don't even have a hundred dollars to your name. A light bulb here costs more than your net worth. Ever heard of biting off more than you can chew?"
"No money, get lost. Stop causing trouble."
Everyone burst into laughter.
But Jason looked at the black card in his hand and shook his head with a sigh. "Ignorance itself isn't scary. Pretending to know when you don't—that's truly frightening."
Seeing he still refused to concede, the clerk laughed in exasperation. "I don't understand? Fine, tell us what that rubbish card is, so we can gain some insight and broaden our horizons."
Everyone perked up in interest, leering mockingly.
Facing them, Jason calmly stated, "This black bank card is called the Worldwide Black Card. Universally accepted. Only those with over ten billion USD in net worth qualify to apply. Remember, that's just qualifying."
"Additionally, endorsement from an existing cardholder is required. After layers of review, the committee may approve issuance."
His resounding voice echoed in the silent store.
After a long pause, the clerk said in a restrained tone, "So you're saying your card has ten billion dollars on it? And you're sure it's not game coins?"
"At least ten billion. I estimate a bit more," Jason casually replied. In truth, the card likely held one hundred billion.
He was King after all. Aside from his immense combat power, money was what he had most!
Buying a sapphire necklace was nothing. He could easily purchase the entire Happy Jewelry Store.
But for now, Jason didn't want a spectacle. Just a quiet sapphire necklace gift for Susan.
Yet at his words, the entire jewelry store erupted in laughter. Aristocrats and elites guffawed as if hearing the funniest joke.
The clerk's laughter was especially grating.
This was too absurd!
This country bumpkin claimed his card held ten billion dollars, minimum. With his looks, having ten billion in net worth? The Worldwide Black Card sounded convincing, but it was truly laughable.
Some of the upper class had heard of such a thing, but never seen one.
Even in all Emerald City, those Worldwide Black Cards numbered no more than three, and would never appear here!
This country bumpkin, whom they didn't recognize, had even ridden an old e-bike over.
"Alright, enough joking. Hand over my delivery and I'll give you a bad review. No begging will change that."
The clerk was disgusted at wasting time with such a person.
Just then, some elites walked out from the interior after a meeting - executives of Happy Jewelry Store, even some industry peers and business heirs. Everyone hurried to schmooze and network.
"Mr. Phillips! It's Mr. Phillips!"
"Please take my card, I've admired you for so long. You're my idol, a top figure in Emerald City's jewelry industry..."
Just then, Jason noticed a familiar face among them, the man who had delivered his card this morning. Mr. Phillips also seemed to recognize Jason, his face lighting up as he moved to greet respectfully.
But Jason shook his head. Instead he approached a female part-time clerk, the only one who hadn't laughed at him earlier, earning Jason's good impression.
"Please box up a sapphire necklace for me. I'll pay by card, thanks." Jason handed her the black card.
The part-timer was startled, unsure whether to accept it. But she saw Mr. Phillips eagerly signaling encouragement from afar. She quickly packaged the necklace and brought out the card reader, waiting for Jason's password.
She was also nervous. Did this guy really have money?
Most were chatting with Manager Phillips and the executives, but the previous clerk watched mockingly to see her make a fool of herself too.
Usually she was bullied by these so-called veteran employees, having customers and sales snatched away, getting stuck with extra work.
Just then, Jason rapidly entered a memorable number - the date of his disappearance, also his wedding anniversary with Susan!
Soon the machine beeped payment successful.
The clear, crisp sound, though not loud, was heard by both clerks. The $1.6 million sapphire necklace had been directly purchased without even a glance!
Not just the part-timer, even the mocking clerk gaped in shock. Working here over a year, such a refreshingly straightforward customer was rare.
Could there really be ten billion dollars on that card?
"Your...your card, sir." The cute part-timer's face flushed as she respectfully returned the card to Jason.
Jason gave her a bright smile and thanked her before leaving with the jewelry, amidst the clamor.
But the clerk who had mocked him stamped her feet in regret. A generous customer had slipped through her fingers just like that. Just the commission on that sapphire necklace could have equaled months of her salary.
And she had let a newbie take advantage instead!
"Oh my god, what a blunder..."
...
Back home, Susan Brown busily prepared for the project, pouring all her energy in. She didn't even drink water, but felt happy and motivated the whole time, exuding a capable career woman aura.
Seeing this, Jason didn't want to disturb her. He quietly tidied up while Mary Martinez was out shopping with some lady friends, no doubt to show off her daughter's success.
James Brown must be playing chess at the old alley entrance. Neither of those two ever did proper work.
Jason wondered, what virtuous deeds had Mary done in her past life to birth such a filial, obedient, and beautiful daughter like Susan?
Susan was still busily working that evening, though exhausted, her spirit remained high. She had prepared everything needed and gained confidence to negotiate with Macro Vision Group, ready to launch the project.
Suddenly she noticed an exquisite jewelry box on the table, filled with luxury, elegance, and dazzling colors.
Just then Jason walked in. Seeing her discover it, he smiled, "Open it and see."
"This...is for me?" Susan was somewhat surprised, mood complicated. Nearly three years of marriage, this was the first gift she had received from Jason Gray.
No matter what was inside, his thoughtfulness touched her deeply. She secretly resolved to pretend to like it no matter what. The thought was what mattered most!
Moved, Susan slowly opened the box.
But in that instant, lamplight shone into it, reflecting back beautiful flashes of blue, nearly blinding her eyes, as if glimpsing a blue sky.
"What...what is this?"
Susan's eyes glazed over, blinded by the dazzling light. What could be sparkling so brightly? One of those glowing novelty gifts for straight men sold online? When her beautiful eyes finally reopened, she was stunned by the sight before her. Inside the jewelry box sat a magnificent, shimmering, crystalline sapphire necklace, so exquisite and elegant. Under the lamp light, the many faceted gemstones radiated kaleidoscopic brilliance. It was incredibly refined and pure - any woman would fall hopelessly in love at first sight, even men would be enthralled. Simply breathtaking. "This...this..." Susan stammered, too delighted for words. Jason smiled with satisfaction, "I noticed you admiring this necklace today. It's been three years and I haven't gotten you anything. I hope...you like it?" "Ah? I..." Susan was dumbfounded. Today? The necklace? She suddenly recalled seeing it in the Macro Vision Group promotional video this morning. She did feel a twinge of envy back then. Jason mus
As soon as this crazy thought flashed through Susan's mind, she shook her head and dismissed it. Impossible for it to be him. No matter how wealthy Jason was, he couldn't possibly... Moreover, she had only mused idly about it last night. How could such an enormous sum be spent so easily? It must have been some financial conglomerate. Grandfather must be heartbroken, now completely hopeless for this lifetime... While lost in thought, Mary Martinez's sharp eyes suddenly noticed the jewelry box, conspicuously opulent amidst the surroundings. It looked freshly purchased. "Oh? What's this?" Ever obsessed with jewels, she couldn't resist her curiosity. Ignoring Susan's consent, she eagerly opened it to find a sapphire necklace lying inside - the very one she had admired! Did Susan buy this to surprise her? "As expected of my good daughter, you understand your mother well. I've been eyeing this necklace for days. Help me try it on and see if it fits." Mary Martinez gleefully hugged th
Seeing Jason's eyes fixed on the sapphire necklace, Susan quickly explained, "I asked Mom to try it on. She really likes it. After all, it's fake, so I thought I'd let her have some fun. You...aren't mad, are you?" "Fake?" Jason was exasperated. He didn't expect her to think it was fake. Those were real sapphires, as genuine as could be. Didn't she see the certificate? But before he could say anything, Mary Martinez's face darkened. She was furious that her daughter had exposed her fake jewelry in front of everyone. She had hoped to impress people with this forgery. And who did this Jason think he was, looking down on them like that? They had bought this fake with their own money! Mary Martinez immediately huffed, "What right does he have to get angry? Look at Andrew Taylor, the genius who studied abroad and now gets paid over $300,000 a year at his cushy job. Compared to him, Jason is a total loser." Her words dripped with sour jealousy. Jason was nowhere near Andrew's league. T
That afternoon, Susan felt awful and wanted to properly apologize to Jason. First the necklace was taken, then there was the matchmaking with Andrew Taylor - neither were things a man could accept. And the usually silent Jason had actually resorted to violence today. It seemed he was angry, the first time in three years. Seeing how much he despised Jason yet he never fought back, it showed just how upset he must be this time. Finding Jason busy in the kitchen, she steeled herself and walked over. "For slapping you yesterday, you can slap me back anytime you want." "And about the matchmaking this morning..." But before she could finish, Jason shook his head with a smile. "Why keep score over little things like that? I said as long as you believe in me, I can accomplish anything. And I believe in you too." His words warmed Susan's heart. If her mother hadn't stubbornly forced her this morning, she would've escaped to work already. "Thank...thank you..." Meanwhile, Mary Martinez
"Daniel...Mr. Smith? Is that you?" Hearing the man's name, Robert Brown exclaimed in shock. He was thrilled and honored to meet such an important figure from Macro Vision Group, a true higher-up of Metropolis Central's Wesley family! He stammered nervously, "You...hello..." "Hello? I'm not very happy. What's this I hear about rumors from your company?" Daniel Smith asked expressionlessly. At his words, Robert perked up. Though it was early, he had prepared and quickly said, "It's all Susan Brown's fault. But don't worry, the Brown Group suspended her immediately." "I guarantee it won't affect our collaboration. Just replace the person in charge and everything will be fine." "Oh? Replace the person in charge?" Daniel glanced at him coolly, then scoffed. "What do you take Macro Vision Group for? And who do you think I, Daniel Smith, am? Did you think you could play us for fools with such petty tricks?" Robert froze up, about to explain, but Daniel cut him off. "I've seen plenty
Robert Brown was stunned speechless. That useless Jason had dared to hang up on him? Calling back got no answer - the phone was off. "That bastard, he dares toy with me?" Robert smashed his phone furiously. He almost twisted his nose in anger. Since when did even that loser dare stomp on him like this? Anthony Brown's face was also dark. He spat and said viciously, "A fallen tiger bullied by dogs. Third brother's family has really made something of themselves, forcing us to this point. Hateful!" "Dad, what do we do now? Those two cheapskates Jason and Susan must be laughing at us." Robert was both furious and anxious. Daniel Smith had only given them one day. Any more delays would spell real trouble. Hearing this, Anthony took a deep breath helplessly. "First thing tomorrow...go apologize in person!" The next day. Anthony and Robert arrived extra early. Begrudgingly, they had to smooth things over for now. But Susan's place was quite remote. The two climbed several flights
Long after the eldest brother's family had left, James Brown still wore a look of disbelief. The eldest brother had actually apologized? In all his years, he had never seen the eldest brother lower his head. Today was truly an eye-opener. It felt so damn satisfying! With a creak, Susan emerged from her room. She had been hiding inside the whole time, hearing everything Jason and Grandpa said. "Susan, didn't you go out?" Mary Martinez was surprised to see her. Just earlier, the old master and eldest brother's family had urgently been looking for her. She really had been home? Susan gave a wry smile. She had gone downstairs but saw Robert Brown and came back up. In her room, Mary eagerly asked for details. Other than crediting Jason, Susan gave a rough account of what happened. She wanted to explain it clearly to her mother but didn't understand why Jason said not to mention it. Only now did Mary realize with a slap to her thigh. She regretted, "If I knew, I would've demanded mo
"An honored guest? Can't make it in Emerald City?" Susan and the guests were shocked and furious upon hearing this. What nerve! Everyone knew that while the Brown family wasn't first class, they did have some standing in Emerald City, especially with their recent deal with Macro Vision Group. In all of Emerald City, only a select few could say something like this and get away with it. Money was trivial, but reputation was paramount. If word of this got out, it wouldn't just invite ridicule, but also damage the Brown family's prestige. Old Brown had just passed away. Even if he were still alive, he definitely wouldn't have let Seasons Hotel kick out the Brown family's guests. Though surprised, Robert Brown and Margaret Brown both revealed cold smiles. Today was Susan's celebration banquet after all. If anything went wrong, she would be held responsible. Being kicked out would be the most embarrassing and awkward thing for her. Mary Martinez and James Brown were also present. Seei
"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