Chapter 75: Unexpected Heroics
Emily and Annie took the subway after disembarking from their flight. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the famous Central Station.
Central Station is a major transportation hub and also a renowned attraction—one of the top ten most beautiful subway stations in the world. The station is filled with explosive colors, sleek lines, and bold color combinations, making it both stunning and orderly.
Emily stood under a ceiling adorned with colorful mosaics, looking up as if the swirling colors might pull her into some unknown space, magical and vibrant. While she admired the colors, Annie saw the perfect spot for a portrait shoot. The second floor even had an excellent vantage point where the people below were captured in striking colors.
"Look," Emily said, showing Annie a photo of a couple embracing. The couple was standing in front of a dark mosaic wall with a relief sculpture, which blurred their clothing but highlighted their faces. The photo had an oil painting quality to it.
Annie nodded approvingly but then grinned, "I think my photos from this morning were even better."
Emily paused, quickly realizing what Annie meant. She smiled sheepishly, "Seeing you two saying goodbye on the street this morning made me feel like a wicked stepmother."
Annie joked half-seriously, "You haven't seen each other for a long time, have you?"
Emily nodded. "Actually, yesterday was the first time we met after I came out to shoot."
She shrugged and added, "But my husband is very supportive. He encouraged me to come out this time."
"It's clear you're very much in love," Annie said, looking at the crowd on the platform. Her expression gradually softened. "Not everyone gets to have love like that. You're lucky."
Emily didn't respond but pouted slightly. Wasn't she lucky to have him? She was beautiful, talented, and even managed to stay in a hotel that cost only a hundred dollars a night! Her frugality could make even the richest man weep!
And he was older, sure, but not in a bad way. Emily thought he was quite remarkable.
She indeed had his love. And that love was pretty valuable, wasn't it?
After all, not every man could buy a plane or an Hermes wall just to please her. Plus, he was handsome, smart, well-educated, and had a great figure and skills…
Emily shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. Why was she thinking so much about his qualities?
Although it seemed a bit sentimental, Emily had to admit she missed him almost immediately after they parted…
"There are always many farewells at the station," Annie said softly, watching the couple she had just photographed. The girl boarded the subway and waved at the boy through the glass of the train window. The boy smiled with a hint of sadness and blew a kiss to his lover.
"Do you think they'll see each other again?" Annie suddenly asked Emily.
"Huh?" Emily was puzzled. "They should meet again. They seem to have a strong connection."
Annie nodded and sighed lightly.
"Twelve years ago, I said my last goodbye to my ex-husband at a subway station too. We both left from opposite ends of the Earth, met at a subway station in between, and exchanged our cameras. He was also a photographer, and we thought there was no better way to say goodbye."
Emily was taken aback.
Annie looked at Emily with a sincere smile. "So I hope your farewells will always have a next meeting. I hope you get to share all the beautiful scenes you capture."
Emily gazed at Annie's gray-blue eyes for a few seconds and smiled.
"Thank you. We definitely will."
She exhaled slowly and let her thin shoulders slump. Once they finished shooting here, she wanted to return home quickly. No matter how grand the world in her camera was, it couldn't compare to the anticipation of someone waiting for her at home.
**
After finishing their shoot at the platform, Emily and Annie waited for the train while carrying their equipment. Emily was packing up her camera when she noticed a small boy not far away, staring intently at her camera.
The boy was only about three or four years old, with a bowl haircut and round glasses like black grapes, looking incredibly cute.
When Emily looked over, the boy, unafraid, extended his fingers in a gesture mimicking taking a photo and made "click-click" sounds with his mouth.
Emily smiled and reopened the lens cover. She lifted the camera and took a photo of the little boy.
Afterward, she instinctively glanced around but didn't spot the boy's mother.
Turning back, she saw the boy had somehow wandered to the edge of the platform.
Seeing the small figure wobbling and crouching down, Emily's heart skipped a beat. Before she could shout, she watched helplessly as the boy disappeared over the edge of the platform.
Annie, who had been checking her camera, heard a sudden shout. She looked up in alarm, and before she could react, someone pushed the camera into her arms and ran toward the edge of the platform.
"Alisa!"
**
"What do you mean?!" Ethan's knuckles were white as he gripped his phone. "What do you mean my wife jumped down to save someone? Why would she do that?"
His voice was low and intense, every syllable squeezed out from the back of his throat.
"What's the situation now?"
The bodyguard on the other end was stuttering, but it was clear he was struggling to explain.
Ethan ended the call and opened the file sent by the bodyguard. The moment he saw the photo, his dark eyes fixed on the screen.
After staring at the photo for a few seconds, Ethan's expression changed dramatically.
He abruptly turned off the screen and strode away.
Jason, momentarily stunned, quickly followed. "Chairman Harrison! Mr. Xu said he has already arrived…"
"Tell Mr. Xu there's no need to wait," Ethan said without slowing down. "Cancel all appointments for today."
Jason hesitated, noting his boss's tense expression. "But the proposal meeting this afternoon is very important…"
Ethan paused, turning with a chilling gaze. "I said cancel everything."
He continued towards the private plane without looking back. "No matter how important, it's not as important as my wife."
Ethan pulled out his phone again, reopening the photo of Emily sent by the bodyguard. His forehead creased deeply with worry, his eyes full of pain.
In the photo, the woman was surrounded by people, only a small part of her visible. Her hair was messy, and her white shirt was covered in dust. A noticeable bloodstain marred her otherwise white skin.
**
Emily retracted her arm, now bandaged, and winced slightly. She frowned, holding the injured arm with her uninjured hand, and slowly wrinkled her brow.
When she jumped down to retrieve the child who had fallen onto the platform below, her first thought was: "Why is such a tiny person so heavy!"
Emily seriously doubted that if she ever had a child, she might not be able to carry them…
By the time the bystanders pulled her and the crying child back up, she realized her arm had been scratched.
Fortunately, it was just a flesh wound.
Even better, the subway hadn't arrived yet…
Emily dragged her arm and heard heavy footsteps approaching the door.
When she looked up, she was stunned, her lips slightly parted.
Ethan stood at the door for a moment, his gaze falling directly on her bandaged arm, his face changing dramatically.
He strode in.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Ethan asked the woman sitting on the bed, his eyes filled with shock and anger. He glanced at her injured hand.
"Emily, have you lost your senses? Do you know how dangerous it is to jump down onto the tracks? Do you know that the subway could come at any moment? If you hadn't gotten back up in time, do you know what could have happened?"
Emily looked up at him, stunned. After a few seconds, her lips trembled slightly—
"You're scolding me…"
Emily turned away, her voice small, "You're scolding me as soon as you arrive…"
Ethan's face froze, his expression softening instantly.
"D*mn it, Ethan, can't you see? I'm injured!" Emily lifted her bandaged arm and rubbed her eyes, looking pitiful.
"I'm injured and you're still scolding me, woo woo…"
Her voice had a hint of sobbing, and Ethan immediately panicked.
He rushed to the bed, reaching out to hug her but hesitant to touch her injury, appearing at a loss.
Emily pushed his arm away and moved back, curling up in a classic pose of being small, wronged, and helpless.
"I didn't want to get hurt. I was saving a little kid!" Emily's face was wrinkled with sadness, "The doctor and nurse were praising me, and you came in and scolded me! Woe is me, what kind of husband are you…"
Ethan: "…"
Ethan looked even more heartbroken.
He lowered his long lashes, completely unaware that Emily's face was actually dry, with no tears at all.
Emily covered her eyes with her hand, her shoulders shaking slightly, looking utterly dejected.
"I'm ignoring you, Ethan…"
Ethan bit his lip. "I'm sorry. I was too hasty."
He closed his eyes, appearing regretful and helpless. "I'll also praise you, okay?"
Emily: "…"
"Not interested!"
Who needs your praise?
Don't you know what you're supposed to do as a husband?
Ethan looked like he genuinely didn't know. He sat still at the edge of the bed, wanting to comfort her but unsure how to do so with her injured arm.
They sat in silence for
a few moments.
Emily, still sulking, glanced sideways at Ethan. The way he looked at her made her heart soften.
Seeing him still sitting there, she sighed and said, "I'm fine. Really. It's just a small wound."
Ethan's expression changed rapidly. "I know."
He reached out to gently hold Emily's uninjured hand, his dark eyes filled with deep concern. "I'll call the doctor to check on you right away."
Emily bit her lip. "But, Ethan…"
Ethan's expression grew firmer. "I said I'll call the doctor. Just rest."
His gaze softened as he carefully wrapped her uninjured hand in his.
Emily finally gave in, her lips curling into a faint smile.
She didn't need to say much. Just one look at Ethan's face, and she knew he was feeling as guilty as she felt when she couldn't protect him from harm.
It was a silent, mutual acknowledgment.
"Okay," Emily said softly. "You can call the doctor."
Her heart warmed at the thought of her husband's concern, and she felt a strange sense of comfort. Ethan's dedication was worth more than a thousand praises.
**
Half an hour later, the doctor had checked Emily's injury and reassured Ethan that it was nothing serious. Emily was allowed to leave the hospital after receiving treatment and a few bandages.
After exiting the hospital, Emily walked slowly, holding Ethan's arm for support. Her injury was minimal, but Ethan's worry was clear.
"Okay, let's go home," Emily said, her tone light but with a touch of tiredness.
Ethan nodded. "I'll drive."
He helped her into the car, his face full of relief and gratitude.
As the car drove off, Emily rested her head against the seat, her eyes closing momentarily. She was exhausted but content, knowing that despite the chaos and danger, she had Ethan by her side.
**
Later that night, Ethan finally felt the tension ease as he watched Emily sleep peacefully beside him. The bed was warm, and the room was quiet, creating a comforting environment.
He lay awake, reflecting on the day's events. Emily's brave act had left a deep impression on him, and he couldn't help but feel an immense sense of pride and love for her.
Turning to look at Emily, he couldn't help but smile. His wife's courage and selflessness had once again shown him the depth of her heart. Despite the worry and fear, her actions had spoken volumes about her character.
Ethan reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from Emily's face. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
"Thank you for being my hero," he whispered softly, his voice filled with love and admiration.
Emily stirred slightly but didn't wake. Ethan smiled, settled back into bed, and closed his eyes, feeling grateful for the love they shared and the strength they found in each other.
In the quiet of the night, Ethan and Emily's hearts beat in sync, united by a bond that had only grown stronger through their trials and triumphs.
The world outside was still, but within their shared space, there was a warmth and connection that transcended the challenges they faced.
Ethan drifted into sleep with a contented heart, knowing that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, they would face them together, side by side.