My Ares Son-in-Law

With Xiao Chen's current cultivation level, he has long surpassed the realm of ordinary people. The little bit of nicotine poison is like a gentle breeze to him, and it cannot affect his body at all.

Smoking was merely a habit he developed while living in seclusion in the mountains. Whenever he fell into deep thought or needed to clear his mind, he would unconsciously take out a cigarette, as if the rising smoke could help him dispel the fog in his heart.

But he didn't explain these things to Zhou Keying. In his view, explaining some things would be superfluous.

He simply accepted the offer, put the cigarette back in the pack, and then gently patted the hand that Zhou Keying was holding, saying...

"Okay, it's up to you."

The voice was gentle yet firm, as if carrying an undeniable power.

Zhou Keying withdrew her hand. She could feel the warmth emanating from Xiao Chen's hand, a warmth that sent a shiver down her spine.

She then picked up a wine glass from the small round table on the balcony. The glass was crystal clear and shimmered with a captivating light under the lamp.

She gently swirled the amber liquid inside, which swirled and rippled in the glass like a tiny whirlpool, carrying a mysterious allure.

Then, she tilted her head back and took a big gulp of red wine, which flowed down her throat with a hint of bitterness and a hint of richness.

The alcohol quickly took effect in her body, causing an alluring blush to rise on her fair cheeks, like a magnificent sunset.

Her eyes also took on a hazy, intoxicated look, which added a touch of charm and allure to her originally aloof demeanor.

She stood quietly on the balcony, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair. She tilted her head back slightly, gazing dreamily at the deep night sky in the distance, as if talking to herself, or perhaps confiding the secrets of her heart to the boundless night.

"Xiao Chen, do you know?"

"I actually... really like it here."

"Look at everything around you, it's simple and pure, free and unrestrained, even with a bit of a chaotic atmosphere of life."

"The stalls set up haphazardly on the street, with their owners warmly greeting passersby; the sounds of children laughing and playing in the neighborhood; and the occasional bark of a dog—all of these made me feel especially warm and welcome."

"This kind of life has no red tape, no backstabbing, only the most genuine warmth and peace of mind."

“It’s so much better than my cold, rigid ‘home’.”

“In that family, everything was governed by strict rules, and every action had to be taken with utmost care, for fear of accidentally violating those so-called family rules.”

"I am like a canary locked in a gorgeous cage. Although I have no worries about food and clothing, I have lost the right to fly freely."

As she spoke, her voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in her once bright eyes.

"But I know I can't hide for long."

"The Zhou family... I will eventually have to go back."

"I am like a kite tethered to a string. No matter how high or far I fly, I can't escape the pull of that hand."

"That hand controls my destiny, controls everything about me."

"I resisted, I struggled, but it was all in vain."

"In the Zhou family, the interests of the family come above all else, and personal feelings are simply not worth mentioning."

“From a young age, I was taught to bring honor to my family and to shoulder its responsibilities, but what about me?”

"My dreams, my happiness, who cares?" She downed the rest of the drink in one gulp, the pungent alcohol flowing down her throat as if a flame were burning inside her.

Her cheeks flushed even more, and her eyes became even more unfocused.

She reached out and tried to grab the bottle again, as if trying to numb her inner pain with the alcohol.

"you're drunk."

Xiao Chen frowned slightly, a look of worry on his face.

He reached out his long, slender hand, trying to take the wine glass from her hand, worried that if she continued drinking like that, it would harm her health.

However, as if she had anticipated this, she deftly dodged his hand.

"Once we go back, it might be... very difficult for us to come out again."

She poured herself another glass of wine, her movements slightly unsteady, but her eyes revealed a resolute determination.

A single, glistening tear silently slid down her perfect cheek, leaving a wet trail that looked exceptionally poignant under the lamplight.

"Children of wealthy families may seem glamorous and enviable on the surface, but who knows how much we envy ordinary people who have the freedom to choose their own lives?"

"They can do whatever they like, be with the people they love, and strive for their dreams."

"And what about us?"

"Our lives are like a pre-planned game of chess, where every move must be made according to other people's wishes."

"If... if there really is an afterlife, I would rather live like Yun Yuyan, living authentically and authentically, even if life is a bit mundane, even if I encounter various difficulties and setbacks, at least it is my own life."

Her voice grew softer and softer, as if swallowed by the endless night, filled with boundless sorrow and helplessness.

She slowly leaned against the balcony railing, closed her eyes, and let the tears flow freely, as if she wanted to release all her grievances and pain with her tears.

"You're really drunk, stop drinking."

Xiao Chen frowned deeply, his eyes filled with worry, as he looked at her like this.

At this moment, Zhou Keying's cheeks were as red as the burning sunset on the horizon, her eyes were dazed and empty, her hair was messy and stuck to her face, and she was swaying as if a gust of wind could blow her over.

A strange sense of irritation welled up in Xiao Chen's heart, like tiny insects crawling around inside, making him restless.

At the same time, a feeling of pity quietly welled up in his heart. He couldn't bear to see this once radiant woman demeaning herself in such a way.

Zhou Keying ignored his advice, seemingly immersed in her own world, oblivious to everything around her.

She suddenly turned around abruptly, her movements somewhat unsteady, yet with a resolute air.

She lifted her tear-streaked face, tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes, glistening in the moonlight.

The blush that rose from the alcohol added a touch of alluring charm to her originally cold and beautiful face.

Her hazy eyes stared straight at Xiao Chen, her gaze filled with complex emotions—pain, confusion, and a barely perceptible longing.

The next second, completely catching Xiao Chen off guard, she seemed to be propelled by an invisible force and suddenly threw herself into his arms. (End of Chapter)