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