My Ares Son-in-Law

The woman's beauty was not strikingly glamorous, but rather delicate and graceful, like the misty rain of Jiangnan, with picturesque features, snow-white skin, naturally red lips, and naturally dark eyebrows.

Especially her eyes, clear and bright like autumn water, yet with a hint of wisdom and composure that sees through the world, as if she could see into people's hearts.

She stood there inside the door, her clothes fluttering gently, like a white magnolia quietly blooming in a secluded courtyard, serene, noble, and with her own unique spirit, instantly making the surrounding scenery pale in comparison.

"Miss!"

Upon seeing this, the two gatekeepers immediately abandoned their previous arrogance and indifference, bowed respectfully, and became completely different from before, not even daring to breathe loudly.

Qin Lingling quietly tugged at Xiao Chen's sleeve, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of excitement and admiration, "Mr. Xiao, this is Miss Qin Xianglan, one of the famous 'Three Wonders Fairy' in the provincial capital!"

"By seniority, I should call her aunt, but she's actually only a few years older than me..."

"My aunt holds a very high position in the family. Not only is her ability to appraise antiques superb, but she is also very shrewd. Even the patriarch grandfather has to listen to her advice on many things!"

Xiao Chen's gaze fell on Qin Xianglan, and he nodded slightly.

This woman possesses an extraordinary temperament; her composure and the subtle sharpness between her brows are qualities that no ordinary pampered daughter of a noble family could possess.

Just then, Qin Xianglan's gaze swept over.

Her gaze swept over Qin Fang and Qin Lingling, finally settling on Xiao Chen.

When he saw Xiao Chen's appearance clearly, a very subtle surprise flashed in his calm eyes, which then turned into understanding and interest, and a faint smile slowly appeared on his lips.

She ignored the bowing steward and walked straight toward Xiao Chen and the others with a composed gait and a swaying skirt, exuding an elegant aura.

She stopped three steps away from Xiao Chen, the curve of her lips perfectly upturned, her smile gentle and warm, like a spring breeze.

She extended her slender hand, her fingertips fair and lustrous, her nails neatly trimmed with a healthy pink hue.
"If I'm not mistaken...you are Mr. Xiao Chen?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Fang and Qin Lingling were stunned, exchanging bewildered glances, completely unable to process what they had just heard... Qin Xianglan actually knew Mr. Xiao?
Why are you so polite and take the initiative to greet me?
The two gatekeepers stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief and shock.

Who is Qin Xianglan?
He was the most outstanding member of the younger generation of the Qin family, a man of high status and aloof nature. He rarely treated people with such kindness, let alone took the initiative to greet a stranger.

Just who is this young man?
Xiao Chen was also slightly surprised.

He was certain he had never seen this woman before, nor had he ever heard her name.

He didn't take the outstretched hand, but simply looked at Qin Xianglan quietly, his eyes filled with a faint question, without saying anything more.

Seeing this, Qin Xianglan was not annoyed at all. She naturally withdrew her hand, her smile still gentle and polite: "It seems that I was presumptuous."

"Mr. Xiao may not remember me, but I have heard a lot about Mr. Xiao."

She paused, her smile deepening, and her tone becoming familiar: "A few days ago, I spoke with Zhou Hongyan on the phone. She praised Mr. Xiao to the skies, saying that you are young but have extraordinary skills and courage, and that she would definitely introduce us to you if there was a chance."

"I had been looking for a suitable time to personally invite Mr. Xiao for a chat, but I never expected to run into him in front of my own door today. It's truly fate."

Zhou Hongyan!
Xiao Chen suddenly realized.

It turns out she was that spirited and well-connected female commissioner from the Yama's Palace in that ancient city.

Unexpectedly, she and the "Three Wonders Fairy" of the Qin family were actually very close friends.

"So he's a friend of Commissioner Zhou."

Xiao Chen nodded, his tone flat, which served as a greeting. Qin Xianglan's eyes darted around, sweeping over Qin Fang, who looked embarrassed, and Qin Lingling, who looked nervous and curious. She then glanced at the gatekeeper, whose expression was unnatural, and she already understood most of what was going on.

She turned to Qin Fang, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Uncle Qin Fang, you brought Mr. Xiao here to see the clan chief, Grandpa?"

Qin Fang quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, Miss Xianglan."

"Mr. Xiao has important matters to discuss with the clan chief... but..."

"I see."

Qin Xianglan raised her hand slightly, stopping him from finishing his sentence. Her gaze returned to Xiao Chen, her smile gentle yet sincere. "Grandpa Clan Chief is currently discussing matters with several elders. These matters concern the core of the clan council, so he probably can't spare the time."

"However, if Mr. Xiao doesn't mind, may I entertain him first?"

"Once things are settled with the clan leader, I will inform him as soon as possible, how about that?"

These words not only gave Qin Fang a way out, relieving the gatekeeper's embarrassment, but also expressed sufficient goodwill and importance to Xiao Chen. The response was watertight, fully demonstrating the handling skills of a noblewoman.

Xiao Chen gave Qin Xianglan a deep look.

This young woman has such vision and composure; she is truly remarkable.

"Thank you."

He uttered two words concisely, without beating around the bush.

Qin Xianglan stepped aside to make way and gestured for him to follow her: "Mr. Xiao, please come with me."

"Uncle Qin Fang, Lingling, come along too."

Under the complex and unspoken gazes of the two gatekeepers... there was awe, shock, and even a bit of lingering fear... Xiao Chen followed Qin Xianglan and stepped through the black lacquered gate that symbolized the core power and hidden inheritance of the Qin family for hundreds of years.

Inside the gate, winding paths lead to secluded spots, with pavilions and waterside terraces scattered throughout, creating a world apart from the outside.

This seemingly accidental encounter was destined to be the beginning of another eventful meeting.

Qin Xianglan's gaze lingered on Xiao Chen for a moment, her clear, lake-like eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny.

She smiled slightly, forming a perfect curve that was neither overly warm nor aloof: "It's still early. There's a members-only coffee shop up ahead. It's elegant and quiet. Would Mr. Xiao do me the honor of stopping by for a chat?"

She paused, a rare hint of playfulness flashing in her eyes, and said with a touch of probing, "Let me make this clear, I rarely invite men for coffee."

"It would be rather ungentlemanly for Mr. Xiao to refuse."

This statement was half a joke, half a test, and also contained a subtle hint of inquiry.

Qin Xianglan's curiosity about Xiao Chen had long since become almost obsessive.

At first, the title of the number one person in the ancient city and a mysterious martial arts expert might not have caused much of a stir in her eyes... The Qin family has stood in the west for hundreds of years, what kind of amazing talents haven't they seen?

But a few days ago, Zhou Hongyan repeatedly mentioned this name in a transoceanic phone call, almost with a tone of worship and awe.

More importantly, she revealed Xiao Chen's strictly confidential identity... the youngest head instructor in the history of the Western Martial Arts Army, enjoying extremely high levels of confidentiality and freedom of action. (End of Chapter)