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墨書 Inktalez
When Jin Chengyan and Jono came down from the stairs together, Xining had already found the spare key at home and was ready to rush upstairs to open the door and kick Jin Chengyan out.
To her surprise, Jono was holding Jin Chengyan's hand, looking quite happy.
Seeing Xining's disappointed expression, Jin Chengyan couldn't help but glance at her before slowly saying to Jono, "Don't just befriend anyone. Can't you have a bit of discernment?"
Jono remained silent.
This remark was clearly directed at Xining.
She had never been one to swallow her anger. Grabbing Jono's other arm, she said, "Jono, let me tell you, my brother knows many handsome and wealthy guys with good personalities who completely overshadow someone. I'll have him introduce you later."
Jono was speechless.
It was clear that these two were not getting along. Jono rubbed her temples and said, "Xining, hurry up and change your clothes; otherwise, you'll be late."
Xining looked at Jono, who had already put on a gown—not the black long dress she had chosen but a beautiful white chiffon dress that suited her perfectly.
In a rush, she dashed upstairs to change.
It was only after Xining left that Jin Chengyan relaxed his furrowed brow.
Jono couldn't understand why Jin Chengyan had such strong opinions about Xining and Jasper. After thinking it over, she realized that aside from being friendly to a few close friends, Jin Chengyan was indifferent to everyone else.
Especially towards Jasper and Xining, he always treated them coldly without any apparent reason.
...
Tonight's award ceremony was possible for Jono only because Xining had requested it. The organizers had temporarily added her name to the guest list, and unexpectedly, they also included Jin Chengyan!
However, this couple—Jin Chengyan and Jono—had attracted quite a bit of attention in Qin Cheng due to their low profile. There was very little information available about them, so their presence at the ceremony added significant allure to the event!
Jono and Jin Chengyan were among the last to appear on the Red Carpet, following a parade of Star Artists.
When they made their entrance together, the reporters were still processing the earlier arrivals, eagerly awaiting the final act. To their surprise, upon seeing this stunning couple, their Flashlights began to flash incessantly.
Jin Chengyan wasn't particularly fond of the Flashlights; his brows furrowed slightly. Yet, he held Jono's hand throughout, exuding an air of affection.
Jono tilted her head slightly and noticed Jin Chengyan's frown. "Do you not like appearing in public with me?" she asked softly. Although her words hinted at annoyance, her face was bright with a smile.
Jin Chengyan realized he didn't quite like this version of Jono. He wanted to see her genuine laughter—angry when she was angry, happy when she was happy.
If Jono became one of those calculating people, Jin Chengyan wondered how many truly sincere individuals remained in his life.
"You’re overthinking it. I just don’t feel comfortable under the Flashlights," he replied.
Throughout his many years, Jin Chengyan rarely found himself in the spotlight unless absolutely necessary—like when his company went public or he signed a significant contract that landed him on the Economic Edition.
Recently, however, he had not only appeared in the Economic Edition but also in the Entertainment Section.
With his good looks and wealth, even negative news seemed to attract more female fans!
As for Jin Chengyan's words, Jono wasn’t sure how much she absorbed.
They reached the media area, where they were asked a few token questions by reporters. Most of these inquiries were directed at the big stars who had passed before them; as business professionals, their questions were unlikely to pique public interest.
However, as Jono and Jin Chengyan approached, the reporters in the media area grew restless.
"Mr. Jin, Mrs. Jin, is your joint appearance at today’s award ceremony meant to clarify that your marital relationship is harmonious? Miss Ruan walked past just before you two; will it be awkward for you?" asked a reporter wearing Black-Rimmed Glasses, directing a pointed question at Jin Chengyan.
Jono recognized the reporter from that afternoon.
The reporter also recognized the person from the car in Xining; it was Mrs. Jin!
The waters of high society were indeed deep!
Jin Chengyan's brow remained slightly furrowed, not expecting to be asked such questions here.
The security personnel arranged by the organizers stood in front of the two, pushing back the eager reporters.
However, the atmosphere had truly become awkward.
Yet, if this question went unanswered, Jin Chengyan felt that Jono would also feel uncomfortable inside.
What he hadn’t anticipated was that Ruan Shengyu would actually appear at the awards ceremony; wasn’t she supposed to be there for the audition?
If she was present at the awards ceremony, did that mean she hadn’t accepted that check?
A series of questions bombarded Jin Chengyan; it was indeed a terrible moment.
“I and Miss Ruan are just friends,” Jin Chengyan replied simply, using the word "friends" to completely dismiss their relationship.
However, it was clear that the reporters were not satisfied with Jin Chengyan's answer.
They turned their focus to Jono.
“Mrs. Jin, how do you understand your husband’s ‘friend’ relationship with Miss Ruan?”
Everyone pointed their microphones at Jono, determined to get an answer.
Jin Chengyan thought Jono would be angry and that she wouldn’t answer the question. He even considered leaving with Jono immediately.
These boring questions weren’t worth answering.
But Jono smiled brightly, glanced at Jin Chengyan, and then slowly turned to the reporters. “What’s the saying? Don’t pick wildflowers by the roadside.”
A hint of mockery danced on her delicate face.
The public knew that Jono had never participated in any of Jin Chengyan's other scandals, while the gossip surrounding Ruan Shengyu's private life had been rampant.
This comparison highlighted the distinction between a young lady from a respectable family and a celebrity!
Although Jono was merely a young lady from a family that had gone bankrupt, the grace she possessed was innate—after all, a starving camel is still larger than a horse.
“I know Mr. Jin is a good family man. Don’t you agree, Mr. Jin?” Jono asked, tilting her head toward Jin Chengyan with a faint smile.
Yet Jin Chengyan couldn’t understand this version of Jono; she felt so unfamiliar!
Had her amnesia changed her so much? But since she remembered that Ruan Shengyu had hit her on the head, how much else had she recalled?
He had rushed over from Qin Cheng but forgot to ask Jono just how much of her memory had returned.
Now that she was asking him such pointed questions, what could he say?
He nodded, acting like a good husband!
The Ji siblings were approaching from behind, and Jin Chengyan took Jono's hand to leave the media area, leaving behind a crowd of reporters eager for more information.
On the way to the inner hall, Jin Chengyan released Jono's hand.
"Did you know Ruan Shengyu is coming to this award ceremony?" he asked, hoping for a negative response from Jono.
There were others around, and Jono didn't want them to see their cold expressions; after all, they were supposed to be a loving couple!
"I'll say I don't know. Do you believe me?" Jono linked her arm with Jin Chengyan's, smiling so that those around them felt like they were witnessing a couple in love.
Jin Chengyan took a deep breath, a shadow passing over his handsome face. He didn't want Jono to become someone like that—someone like Ruan Shengyu!
"I believe you."
Jono's heart skipped a beat. Jin Chengyan believed in her?
In truth, when Jono said those words, she didn't even believe in herself.
From the moment she remembered that Ruan Shengyu wanted to kill her, Jono was consumed by anger, thoughts of revenge occupying her mind entirely.
She had sacrificed two days of joy just to ensure Jin Chengyan's departure, making it easier for her to act.
She actually wanted to hear Jin Chengyan say he didn't believe her; that would lessen her inner shame.
Because what she was doing involved all three of them!
No one could remain unscathed.
But if she did nothing, Ruan Shengyu would truly ride on her neck, as if believing that Jono was just a soft persimmon to be squeezed at will.
"Alright, let's go inside; it's so cold out here!" Jono pressed against Jin Chengyan.
At the end of the year, there were many award ceremonies, and the women attending them, regardless of the cold weather, aimed to capture everyone's attention.
Jono was not a celebrity, but she wore little, though thankfully Jin Chengyan had let her wear a long coat over her dress, which helped fend off some of the chill.
Jono's playful demeanor was becoming harder for Jin Chengyan to resist, and he found himself walking with her toward the inner venue.
The Star Artists who had arrived earlier were already seated in their respective places, and the lights were bright.
However, since the event had not officially started yet, the atmosphere inside was relatively casual. People greeted those they knew, while introductions were made among strangers.
Jono and Jin Chengyan were seated near the stage. To Jono's left sat Xining, and to her right was Jin Chengyan. Not long after they settled in, the Jasper siblings entered.
Upon their arrival, their eyes immediately fell on Ruan Shengyu, who was engaged in lively conversation with a few others.
Across the room, Ruan Shengyu smiled slightly at Jin Chengyan—a calm smile that even carried a hint of unfamiliarity.
Jin Chengyan disliked this feeling immensely; everything seemed out of his control. Ruan Shengyu had not left this place, and Jono felt somewhat distant from him. He needed to bring everything back on track!
After tonight, Ruan Shengyu must leave here; Jono must become the person he wanted her to be!
With this thought, Jin Chengyan's gaze darkened slightly.
Ruan Shengyu soon turned his attention back to those around him and continued chatting.
"Can't you tone it down a bit? There are so many people watching. If you can't help yourself, just go talk to her! After all, your initial purpose for marrying me was just to provoke her," Jono whispered with a hint of bitterness.
Jin Chengyan pulled his gaze away. Why would he want to send unspoken feelings to Ruan Shengyu from across the room?
Why was Jono becoming increasingly extreme?
"Let's go sit over there, and then you can tell me why you came to this award ceremony today!" Jin Chengyan said assertively, pulling Jono toward their seats.
Ah, so Jin Chengyan finally asked why they were at this award ceremony?
Wasn't it just to give him a surprise?
Jono glanced over at Ruan Shengyu, only to find Ruan Shengyu looking back at her!
The two gazes met, and Jono showed no sign of retreating, staring straight ahead.
Ruan Shengyu had no intention of backing down either. So what if she had hit Jono on the head? Didn't Jin Chengyan merely send her abroad to avoid the situation? He hadn't actually handed any evidence to the police!
This was Ruan Shengyu's final trump card, betting on Jin Chengyan's feelings for her!
Ruan Shengyu believed she would win!
After all those years of relationship with Jin Chengyan, she was certain it wouldn't be overshadowed by Jono, who had only appeared in Jin Chengyan's life for less than half a year!
Unexpectedly, after a fierce expression, Jono turned to Ruan Shengyu and offered a friendly smile!
In an instant, the spark between them was extinguished!
However, that smile from Jono made Ruan Shengyu feel uneasy! It was definitely not a good sign.
...
By the time Jin Chengyan and Jono sat down and he was about to ask her why she came to the award ceremony, the Ji siblings had finished chatting with others, and Xining approached Jono. Jin Chengyan found it impossible to speak up.
Inside the venue, several photographers who had been allowed in saw the four of them sitting together and requested to take their pictures.
After a series of events, the award ceremony began, and Jin Chengyan didn't even have the chance to ask anything!
Never mind, he would wait until after the ceremony to have a good talk with Jono!
The lights in the venue dimmed, and the host started a long speech, while performances by stars livened up the atmosphere.
Especially when a young idol took the stage to sing, the excitement in the audience was ignited. Xining kept telling Jasper that this young idol was an artist under Wen Han, and he was really handsome!
Jasper only let out a couple of cold laughs throughout.
Jono had heard of this young idol too. He turned to Jin Chengyan and said, "He does seem pretty handsome."
In response to Jono, Jin Chengyan let out two cold laughs as well, synchronizing with Jasper this time.
"He's lip-syncing, his dancing is breathless, and with that heavy eye makeup, anyone who doesn't know would think he's a woman." Jin Chengyan immediately belittled the young idol.
Jono had no idea that Jin Chengyan was feeling jealous.
"Not at all..."
Hearing Jono say that, Jin Chengyan simply turned her head towards him, ensuring that her eyes focused solely on him.
"Take a good look; the only person you should think is handsome is me."
Jono: "…Is there really someone so domineering?"
"Am I not handsome?" Jin Chengyan insisted that Jono admit it!
"Alright, Mr. Jin is the most handsome!"
Jono spoke somewhat reluctantly.
Unexpectedly, Jin Chengyan pecked Jono on the lips. With so many people watching the young star on stage, who would notice such a small gesture from Jin Chengyan?
Jono lightly pushed Jin Chengyan's shoulder, adding a touch of playfulness.
All of this was seen by Ruan Shengyu, who was sitting three rows behind them.
Her entire focus had been solely on Jono and Jin Chengyan from the beginning until now.
Why were they able to show their affection so openly without a care for anyone else?
...
Once the young star finished singing, the award presentation segment began.
From Best Newcomer of the Year to Most Popular Artist, one award after another was presented. Jin Chengyan found it rather dull and turned to Jono, saying, "Why don't we leave early?"
Jono shook her head. "No way, I'm here on a mission today!"
"Oh?"
"Next up, let's welcome Miss Jono and Mr. Jasper to present our Annual Goddess Award!" Just as Jono finished speaking, the female host on stage called out their names!
Jin Chengyan watched as Jasper, who was seated one spot away from Jono, stood up and walked over to her, extending his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Jono smiled at Jin Chengyan before placing her hand in Jasper's and casually removing her coat.
The lights shone on Jasper and Jono, and the camera focused on them, projecting their image onto the big screen.
Jasper was strikingly handsome, tall and upright, like a gentleman straight out of medieval Europe.
Jono was gentle and charming, sweet and lovely, standing beside Jasper like a delicate bird leaning against him.
There was an inexplicable sense of compatibility between them!
This made Jin Chengyan feel very uncomfortable! Jono should only be suited for him, Jin Chengyan!
Jasper truly did not get along with Jin Chengyan. While holding Jono, he even thoughtfully lifted her skirt slightly!
Such a natural gesture was almost comparable to that of a husband!
Jono even smiled and thanked Jasper!
If there weren't cameras pointed at them, Jin Chengyan would have definitely shoved Jasper's hand away!
Look where his hand was? On Jono's waist! That was hardly gentlemanly; it was downright lewd!
He watched as the two of them slowly walked onto the stage. Across from him, Xining added fuel to the fire by saying, “Brother and Sister Jono look so perfect together!”
Jin Chengyan: “…” He glanced back at Xining, unsure if she was genuinely ignorant or just cunning.
“Such a pitiful love that cannot be exposed to the sunlight,” Jin Chengyan said lightly.
Xining turned back, her gaze fixed on Jin Chengyan, but he had already turned away. What did he know?
Unfortunately, this was a public place, and Xining couldn't ask more.
Even in a private setting with just the two of them, Xining wouldn't be able to inquire further; she could only pretend that others were unaware.
Her feelings were something that couldn't bear the light of day!
Jin Chengyan didn't share the same perspective as Xining; this girl was simply feeling sorry for Jono, wasn't she?
Considering she was a good friend of Jono's, why should he make things difficult for a young girl?
As he watched the two people on stage, Jin Chengyan really wanted to go up and separate them!
But what could he do? The Ji Family was the investor, and how could he stop them from presenting an award? Jono was currently collaborating with Jasper, and it was only natural for them to go up together to present the award!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became!
“Today, Miss Qiao and I will be presenting the Annual Goddess Award. In my humble opinion, Miss Qiao is truly the most goddess-like person here!” Jasper began, giving Jono high praise, which drew applause from the audience.
Indeed, Jono was beautiful and didn't lose out to any of the female stars present; her aura was even more outstanding!
“Mr. Ji, you flatter me. I wouldn't dare call myself a goddess,” Jono said modestly.
The exchange between the two on stage lightened the atmosphere considerably.
After all, having such a visually appealing pair of handsome men and beautiful women on stage was quite a treat for the eyes.
“Now let's see who the lucky winner of the Annual Goddess Award is!” Jasper stopped teasing Jono and focused on completing his task for the evening.
The big screen displayed silhouettes of several female artists, each more stunning than the last, with four nominees in total.
When Ruan Shengyu saw her silhouette appear on the big screen, there was a moment of surprise, but soon her face broke into her signature smile.
A sense of foreboding slowly crept into her heart; Jono was on stage presenting an award while she had been nominated!
She had already anticipated that she would not win the award today. Tomorrow, entertainment gossip would emerge, reporting that the legitimate wife presented the award while the mistress missed out.
How ironic!
Sitting in the front row, Jin Chengyan's gaze was deep as he stared at Jono on stage.
Jono looked back at Jin Chengyan, smiling while he remained serious.
“Jono!” Jin Chengyan mouthed her name, “Don’t.”
However, Jono ignored him.
In the next moment, the face that appeared on the big screen was Ruan Shengyu’s!
The surprise on Ruan Shengyu’s face was genuine; she had thought she would never win that award, yet in the end, she was the winner!
“Congratulations to Miss Ruan for winning the Annual Goddess Award!” Jono's sweet voice echoed through the microphone. Hearing this, Ruan Shengyu slowly stood up with a stiff smile, prompted by those around her.
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, and there were fans of Ruan Shengyu in the crowd congratulating her on receiving the title of goddess!
Yet, Ruan Shengyu felt no joy in winning.
Going up to accept the award from Jono was more painful than death!
But in front of so many people, especially with this award ceremony being broadcast live on national television and online, refusing to go on stage would leave her utterly humiliated within half an hour.
Feigning calmness, she stood up from her seat, lifted her skirt, and walked toward the stage.
“Hey, didn’t you know? The one on stage is Qin Cheng, Jin Chengyan’s wife. Ruan Shengyu used to stand out among newcomers thanks to Jin Chengyan. Now the legitimate wife is presenting an award to the mistress; how unusual!”
"Wow, I really didn't see that coming!"
As Ruan Shengyu passed by two female stars, she overheard their deliberately spoken words.
Suppressing the anger bubbling inside her, she knew there would be such gossip!
She had underestimated Jono; this was even more disgusting than not winning an award! All she could do was feel as if she had swallowed a fly.
When she reached the stage, Jono smiled innocently as he handed the trophy to Ruan Shengyu.
However, the trophy was tightly gripped in Jono's hand, leaving Ruan Shengyu in a dilemma—she couldn't pull back her hand nor could she take it.
They stood at a distance from the microphone, while the audience erupted in applause.
At that moment, Jono spoke up: "Ruan Shengyu, congratulations on your disgrace."
Ruan Shengyu's face instantly froze. Others might not know what was happening on stage; they only saw Jono speaking. But he wore a smile that resembled a congratulatory gesture, leaving everyone puzzled about why Ruan Shengyu looked so unwell.
"Next, we invite Miss Ruan to give her acceptance speech." Jasper also maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, but it felt far less sincere compared to how he had interacted with Jono earlier.
Ruan Shengyu could sense the hostility from both individuals standing on stage with her.
As Jono loosened his grip, the trophy fell into Ruan Shengyu's hands. Sometimes, letting go could be that easy.
She felt the trophy in her hands; although it was cool to the touch, at that moment it felt like a hot potato. Below her were numerous stars and fans, including Jin Chengyan, while a large screen displayed her beautiful photo.
Everything seemed perfectly normal, yet Ruan Shengyu couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
Tightly gripping the trophy, she walked towards the microphone.
Jasper subtly gestured, clearing a space for Ruan Shengyu to stand in front of the two microphones.
She stood there elegantly, her ash-gray gown making her look like a fairy. Delicate flowers were scattered in her pinned-up hair, adding to her ethereal beauty.
In that moment, Ruan Shengyu truly embodied the title of a goddess.
As she stood there, lost in thought, she noticed Jin Chengyan in the audience, his expression tense as he watched them on stage.
Earlier that afternoon, he had placed a check in front of her, categorizing her alongside those women who only sought money. She felt powerless.
If she wanted money, over the years, she could have reached out to Jin Chengyan countless times, but she hadn’t—not once. She wanted their relationship to be pure.
Yet, Jin Chengyan seemed so eager to distance himself from her! Was it all for Jono?
No, she wouldn’t allow Jin Chengyan to abandon her for Jono.
Ruan Shengyu withdrew her gaze, her emotions brewing rapidly; tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
“Thank you to the organizers, thank you to my fans for your support. I…” Ruan Shengyu's voice slowly emerged, but at that moment, her microphone seemed to malfunction, failing to transmit any sound.
The lights in the venue dimmed, illuminating only Ruan Shengyu on stage. Already the center of attention, she became the focal point for everyone present.
Ruan Shengyu felt a jolt of alarm; others might not notice the microphone issue, but she did!
She glanced at Jono with a warning look.
But did that warning hold any meaning now? Jono shrugged indifferently!
“I will ruin Jono’s reputation and make everyone misunderstand her. Let’s see how she continues to shine as Mrs. Jin!” A malicious voice echoed through the speakers—one everyone recognized as belonging to Ruan Shengyu on stage.
The audience erupted in an uproar!
The audio was playing on stage, and the female protagonist, Jono, was also up there.
Just moments ago, Jono had presented an award to Ruan Shengyu!
Ruan Shengyu's face turned pale; the audio contained words she had spoken while collaborating with Ni Yue to frame Jono. Ni Yue had claimed she recorded it—why was it now in Jono's possession?
Her mind was collapsing, and she wanted to stop it, but she didn't even know where the projection room was.
She could only stand frozen in place, her body growing colder by the second.
“How much do you want for the original recording?”
“Oh, Miss Ruan, such a bold statement! Are you saying you'll give me whatever I ask for?” Ni Yue's voice was clear to Jono.
Because this audio was given to her by Ni Yue.
“Once we take care of Jono, I guarantee you'll never have to worry about food and shelter for the rest of your life.”
This was a conversation between Ruan Shengyu and Ni Yue when Jono had been kidnapped.
Jono closed her eyes as that day replayed like a movie in her mind.
If it weren't for Ni Yue sending those recordings to her email in the end, she would still be unable to recall those events, only remembering that Ruan Shengyu had smashed a brick over her head!
The audio continued to play, exposing Ruan Shengyu's true nature before a national audience!
The spotlight shone solely on her, leaving her nowhere to hide.
Yes, Jono's ultimate goal was this. She had given Jin Chengyan a chance, asking him if he would handle Ruan Shengyu's situation fairly, but he surprisingly asked her if she could let it go!
If someone wanted to kill Jin Chengyan, would he let that person go?
Jin Chengyan couldn't put himself in her shoes, and she couldn't consider things from his perspective either!
She stood in the shadows, accustomed to the darkness, and saw that Jin Chengyan had already gotten to his feet. She seemed to feel his furious gaze, sensing his desire to rush forward and take Ruan Shengyu away!
This was not the end. If the audio couldn't prove anything, then the video that followed would be enough to shatter Ruan Shengyu's image completely!
Ruan Shengyu was frantically trying to get the kidnappers to take action against Jono! Due to the filming angle, Ni Yue was not visible; the screen only showed Jono tied to a chair, with Ruan Shengyu speaking to the camera and someone with their back turned—Ni Yue!
"Wow—" There was another gasp from the audience; so this was Ruan Shengyu's true face!
With a thud, all the lights in the venue lit up, exposing Ruan Shengyu before everyone.
The big screen lingered on her desperate expression!
But at that moment, Jono saw someone quickly come onto the stage, draping his suit jacket over Ruan Shengyu's shoulders and lifting her up horizontally before leaving.
That person was—Jin Chengyan.
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