My Ares Son-in-Law

Liu Jianming was well aware of how cruel and realistic the rules of this circle were. It was like a magnificent palace with dazzling gems on the surface, but when you went inside, you would find it filthy and filled with a pungent stench.

This place is full of traps, like venomous snakes hiding in the grass, ready to pounce and bite you at any moment; it is also full of betrayal, as those who were brothers with you yesterday and shared drinks with you may stab you in the back today for their own gain.

Once Xiao Chen is fully exposed to the spotlight, that dazzling light will be like a lamp lit in the darkness, attracting countless greedy, jealous, and malicious gazes.

The newly formed Xunjiang Group is like a child who has just learned to walk. In this dangerous jungle world, it will inevitably face a storm of blows.

Those forces lurking in the shadows will pounce like a pack of hungry beasts, eager to tear this fledgling group to shreds.

What troubles him most is that the three crucial conditions he had previously proposed to Xiao Chen—a strong official background, which is a passport to navigating this strictly rule-bound society, without which many things would be extremely difficult; reliable support from underground forces, like a group of loyal guardians in the darkness, who can protect you at critical moments; and support from sufficiently influential allies, like a group of comrades-in-arms on the battlefield, who can fight alongside you against external enemies—have yet to be fulfilled.

Without these solid safeguards, the opening ceremony of Xunjiang Group would likely be deserted.

What should have been a lively and bustling scene, filled with distinguished guests, might turn into a cold and deserted place, with only a few unimportant people awkwardly exchanging pleasantries.

They might even be directly challenged by outsiders, who could take the opportunity to cause a scene and cause Xunjiang Group to lose face at the very beginning of its business, with unimaginable consequences.

At that time, Xunjiang Group may fall into an irrecoverable situation and become a laughing stock in the business world.

"Mr. Xiao, are you... really sure you want to do this?"

Liu Jianming took a deep breath, the breath echoing in his chest for a long time, as if to encourage himself.

He confirmed again, his voice heavy with worry, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying deep concern and helplessness.

Xiao Chen slowly raised his gaze from the bustling night view of the ancient city below. The dazzling lights shimmered in his eyes, but could not conceal the deeper determination within them.

His gaze was fixed on the deep darkness in the distance, as if trying to pierce through that endless darkness to see the light of the future.

A cold and confident smile curved at the corner of his lips, a smile as sharp as a sword, exuding an undeniable aura of dominance.

"determine."

His answer was resolute and without the slightest hesitation, as if the decision had already taken root in his heart and was unshakable.

"Liu Jianming, I know what you're worried about."

"However, that's unnecessary."

"Now and in the future, no one can touch the Xunjiang Group in the slightest."

"You just need to remember to trust me, that's all."

His voice, though calm, was full of power, like an invisible warm current that gradually calmed Liu Jianming's anxious heart.

Liu Jianming fell silent on the other end of the phone; the surroundings were so quiet that he could almost hear his own rapid heartbeat.

Xiao Chen's words carried an unquestionable and absolute confidence. His tone was like a towering mountain, standing firmly, as if everything was under his control and no difficulty or challenge was worth mentioning.

This overwhelming force rushed towards him like a surging tide, startling him and making his heart skip a beat, as if he were being tightly gripped by an invisible hand.

But at the same time, this aura also gave him a strange sense of comfort, like seeing a bright lighthouse in the darkness, guiding him in the right direction.

What else could he say? Faced with such a powerful aura, all doubts and worries seemed so pale and powerless.

In the end, he could only reply, "I understand, Mr. Xiao."

"I will do as you instruct."

Although the voice was somewhat low, it was full of determination, as if it were encouraging itself and also expressing its attitude to Xiao Chen.

After ending the call, Liu Jianming held the phone tightly for a long time, his fingers still gripping the edge of the phone as if afraid it would suddenly disappear.

He walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window of the office, his steps heavy, as if he were carrying a heavy burden.

He gazed out the window at the familiar cityscape, the skyscrapers and bustling traffic, which now seemed somewhat strange to him.

He muttered to himself, "The storm is brewing..."

"Perhaps starting tomorrow, the ancient city will really be facing an unprecedented earthquake."

His voice was soft, yet it carried a deep sense of worry.

He could almost see the scene of the raging storm; the Xunjiang Group was like a small boat sailing in a raging sea, which could be swallowed up at any moment.

"I just don't know whether, in the end, what will be swallowed up by this earthquake, will be the ambitious Xunjiang Group, or... the long-decayed old order?"

His eyes revealed a mixture of confusion and expectation, a mixture of worry for the safety of Xunjiang Group and a faint hope that this reform could break the old and unsustainable situation.

……

Xiao Chen, who was on the balcony, had just hung up the phone with Liu Jianming and hadn't even turned around to go inside when his phone screen lit up again, the glaring light standing out conspicuously in the darkness.

An unfamiliar local number popped up, like a shooting star suddenly streaking across the night sky, catching his eye.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, which trembled gently like two lively leaves, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Then, he remembered something, and Miss He's gentle smile appeared in his mind, and he immediately understood.

He pressed the answer button with a swift and decisive motion, as if everything was within his expectations.

A respectful male voice came from the other end of the phone, a voice as smooth and gentle as a finely polished piece of jade: "Good evening, Mr. Xiao."

Are you at the villa now?

"We've been asked by Ms. He's family to deliver some things to you. We expect to arrive at your building in about five minutes."

The man's voice was full of respect, and every word revealed his reverence for Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen instantly understood. With his keen insight and experience, it wasn't hard for him to guess that this was a tactic He Haiyue or the He family used to recruit him.

In this ancient city rife with undercurrents, various forces are trying to win over powerful figures, so the He family's move is quite reasonable.

However, a glimmer of anticipation also rose in his heart. He wanted to see what sincerity the He family would offer; perhaps they had something valuable that could be helpful to his cultivation or plans. (End of Chapter)