My Ares Son-in-Law

Moreover, this work was never fully completed due to the master's sudden passing.

That perfect beauty of imperfection, like Venus's missing arms, leaves endless room for imagination.

In the frenzied pursuit of the top-tier art market, this beauty of imperfection often possesses a unique charm, and its value often far exceeds that of a flawless work.

Because it is not just a piece of jewelry, but a masterpiece that carries the unfulfilled wishes and artistic dreams of the master, and has extremely high historical and cultural value.

Moreover, this was commissioned by the wife of the God of War to be crafted by this master, making it even more significant.

The God of War King was a renowned figure in the Dragon Kingdom and even internationally, so his wife was naturally extraordinary as well.

The fact that she commissioned the creation of this bracelet undoubtedly adds a layer of mystery and nobility to the piece.

"Seventy-five million."

Just then, a calm and powerful voice broke the brief silence.

Everyone turned their heads again and saw Mr. Zhao Mengqian, a renowned antique collector in the ancient city, known as the "King of Porcelain," slowly revealing his signboard.

He sat upright in his seat, with a refined and scholarly demeanor, and a calm and composed smile on his face.

His voice was calm and confident, as if the "seventy-five million" was just an insignificant number, but it instantly raised the price to a whole new level, making many people present turn their heads.

"Seventy-six million."

Before anyone could react, another low-profile tycoon followed suit and raised his number plate.

He sat in the corner, dressed simply, with a low-key expression. If he hadn't spoken up to make a bid at that moment, it would have been almost impossible to notice his presence.

But his bid was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples and making the already fierce auction even more intense.

Zhou Keying sat in the slightly crowded yet tense seat at the auction. The whispers and bidding sounds around her were intertwined, like a tangled mess, making her feel uneasy.

The bidding numbers that kept ringing in her ears were like snowballs rolling down a steep hillside, getting bigger and bigger, each one hitting her heart hard.

She pursed her lips tightly, her pearly teeth gently biting her full, alluring lower lip, which shone with a faint luster. The force was so great that it made her originally rosy lips turn somewhat pale.

Her hands unconsciously clenched into fists, her nails almost digging into her palms. A sharp pain came from her palms, but it was nothing compared to the torment she was going through.

She felt a strong sense of resentment and hatred welling up inside her, like a surging tide, constantly churning and assaulting her reason.

This hatred is not directed at any one person, but is a silent indictment of this cruel fate.

Why did it have to happen at this time of all!
She couldn't help but shout angrily in her heart.

Once, she was the beloved eldest daughter of her family, enjoying endless wealth and the flattery of everyone.

Her family's wealth and status were like a solid support, allowing her to pursue whatever she wanted at will.

However, fate dealt her a heavy blow when she was least prepared.

She completely broke with her family, leaving with almost nothing, and all her former glory and honor vanished like smoke.

Now, she is isolated and helpless, and can only face the many difficulties of life alone.

At this moment, the artwork appearing at this auction holds special significance for her. It is a precious gift from someone else, carrying an unforgettable memory and emotion.

Just when she needed the funds most to prove herself and longed to own the piece, fate played another cruel joke on her.

If it were in the past, when she was still the eldest daughter of the family, she would have absolutely spared no expense to acquire this precious gift, even if it meant selling company shares.

She can spend money like water without hesitation, just to satisfy the desire deep in her heart.

But now, everything has changed.

Her personal funds were pitifully small, and in the face of this frenzied bidding, she was like an insignificant ant, appearing so pale and powerless.

She subconsciously looked at Xiao Chen beside her. Xiao Chen was sitting next to her, upright and calm, but at this moment, he seemed to be her last lifeline.

A faint, unrealistic hope even flickered in her heart: that Xiao Chen would suddenly step forward and bid on the piece for her, allowing her to escape this endless pain and despair.

However, reality is always cruel.

When she clearly heard the latest offer of "ninety-five million," she felt her head buzz, as if she had been struck by a bolt from the blue.

The voice was like a cold wind, instantly extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Her eyes became dull and lifeless, and she seemed to have lost her soul, slumping into her seat.

This price is far beyond what Xiao Chen can afford.

She knew that although Xiao Chen had his own career and a certain level of financial strength, he was powerless to pay such a high price.

He... was no longer able to intervene.

Thinking of this, Zhou Keying felt a wave of despair wash over her, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back.

Sitting at the auction, Xiao Chen's gaze seemed to casually sweep over his surroundings, but in reality, it was as sharp as a cheetah's, and he noticed every subtle expression and movement of the people around him.

Naturally, he also keenly noticed Zhou Keying's sudden drop in mood.

The look in his eyes, which had just held a hint of expectation, was now dull and lifeless, as if shrouded in gloom.

The longing and regret hidden deep in those beautiful eyes were like a shooting star streaking across the night sky—brief yet dazzling, piercing Xiao Chen's heart.

However, he knew very well that he was not familiar with Zhou Keying and they had only nodding acquaintances before.

The reason he insisted on bidding on this item was entirely because it belonged to his wife, Jiang Meng.

Jiang Meng holds an irreplaceable place in his heart, and he is willing to do everything in his power to protect anything related to her.

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen turned slightly to Qin Lingling beside him and said, "Miss Qin, give me a quote. I'll pay for it, don't worry!"

His voice was calm and firm, without the slightest hesitation or doubt.

Qin Lingling is a senior staff member at the auction. She is elegant, capable, and her neat short hair makes her look particularly energetic.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's words, she quickly glanced at the large screen in front of her, which displayed the latest price after the hammer fell—ninety-eight million. (End of Chapter)