My Ares Son-in-Law

Grandma Zhou's chest heaved more and more violently, her face turned ashen, and her gaze swept across everyone present like lightning. Finally, her eyes locked onto her eldest grandson, Zhou Hao...

Zhou Hao came with her from the capital. He is the biological son of the current head of the Zhou family and a junior she has always placed high hopes on. Among the younger generation of the Zhou family, he has the most prestigious status and receives the most preferential treatment in terms of resources.

"Zhou Hao!" The old lady's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable tone of command.

"You came with me from the capital, you are the patriarch's son, and you are the face of our Zhou family! This task is entrusted to you; you must succeed!"

Zhou Hao froze, as if struck by lightning. A smile, more like a grimace, instantly appeared on his face. His legs went weak, and he frantically waved his hands, his voice filled with panic and ingratiation, desperately trying to refuse:

"Grandma... this task is just too difficult! Just think, even the New Martial Arts Association has been humiliated and kicked out in a sorry state."

"Our Zhou family's strength is far inferior to that of the New Martial Arts Association. Going to Dansheng Group to discuss cooperation now would be nothing short of humiliating ourselves and bringing shame to the Zhou family... I... I really can't do it!"

"Useless! All of you are useless!" Old Mrs. Zhou trembled with anger. She raised her cane, pointed at Zhou Hao's nose, and cursed him in a shrill voice, full of disappointment and rage.

"You've already given up without even trying! You're not even as good as those ignorant good-for-nothings from the Zhou family in the Western Region. You've utterly disgraced the Zhou family of the capital!"

In fact, Old Mrs. Zhou was not confident either. She knew the Zhou family's capabilities better than anyone else and knew that the hope of winning this project was almost zero.

But she was unwilling to accept it. The Zhou family had been lying low for so many years, trapped in the circle of second- or third-rate families, dependent on others and at their mercy.

This 50 billion yuan project from Dansheng Group is the only opportunity in her eyes that can enable the Zhou family to achieve leapfrog development and rise to the top in one step.

Therefore, even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, she will never give up. Even if it means gritting her teeth, she will make sure someone tries.

She had thought that as the son of the Zhou family patriarch in the capital, Zhou Hao would have some sense of responsibility and would step forward to share the burden of the family. Even if he ultimately failed, he would still earn a reputation for courage.

Unexpectedly, at the crucial moment, her eldest grandson, on whom she had placed high hopes, turned out to be so cowardly and timid, lacking even the courage to try. This left her disappointed, angry, and feeling utterly humiliated.

Zhou Hao was scolded until his face turned red, his head was lowered, and his fists were clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, but he dared not utter a single word in rebuttal.

But in his heart, he was frantically cursing:

This kind of doomed, embarrassing mess is best left to whoever wants to do it. I'm not going to risk it! If things don't go well, I'll not only get scolded by the old lady, but the whole family will laugh at me. Only a fool would do that!

After scolding Zhou Hao, Old Mrs. Zhou's anger had not subsided. Her sharp, knife-like gaze swept over the others present again, her voice icy and piercing, filled with a strong sense of accusation:
"Who else? Does the entire Zhou family consist of a bunch of cowardly rats who don't even have the courage to try?!"

Her voice echoed in the empty conference hall, carrying the authority of someone who had long held a high position, yet no one dared to respond, and a deathly silence once again enveloped the entire room.

Just then, Xiao Chen, who had been sitting silently beside Zhou Keying, quietly touched the back of her hand under the table. The warmth of his fingertips seeped through the fabric, carrying a reassuring strength. He turned his head slightly and whispered in a low, resolute voice that only the two of them could hear, "Keying, accept this mission."

Zhou Keying was startled, her whole body trembled violently, and she hurriedly turned to look at Xiao Chen, her eyes filled with panic and confusion. She lowered her voice and said urgently:
"Are you crazy? What kind of behemoth is Dansheng Group? Our Zhou family's resources are nothing in their eyes. How could they possibly even look at us?"

"This is simply impossible to succeed at. You're making me embarrass myself!"

Seeing her flustered state, Xiao Chen's eyes softened with a gentle smile, yet his gaze held an undeniable certainty—a composure born of complete control that was enough to put one's mind at ease.
"Trust me, you can do it. Seize this opportunity, perform well, and from now on, your position in the Zhou family will be unshakeable, and you will never have to be at anyone's mercy again."

Looking into Xiao Chen's eyes, which held an unfathomable confidence, Zhou Keying felt a strange sense of panic, unease, and doubt gradually subside.

These days, Xiao Chen has brought her so many surprises and shocks; he always manages to create miracles even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Perhaps, this time, he really does possess some extraordinary means unknown to others?

As if possessed, Zhou Keying took a deep breath, suppressed her wildly beating heart, mustered all her courage, and slowly stood up amidst the shocked, bewildered, and incredulous gazes of everyone present.

She straightened her back, facing the pale-faced old lady Zhou in the main seat, and said in a clear, calm and firm voice, without a trace of timidity: "Grandma, I am willing to give it a try."

Zhou Keying's sudden statement froze all the Zhou family members present, who stood there stunned for several seconds before a tidal wave of whispers and pointing fingers erupted, their mockery and disdain almost overwhelming her!
"Is she crazy? Does she really think she's so capable?"

"That's right, you have to pick the right time to show off. This kind of mission is obviously a death trap, and everyone else would run away as fast as they can, but she's the one who's rushing in!"

"What kind of size is Dansheng Group? Even the smallest thing they have is more than the total assets of our Zhou family. How could they possibly give her a second glance? No matter who goes, there will only be one result... a humiliating defeat and being kicked out!"

Almost everyone believed that Zhou Keying must have lost her mind, that she was blinded by the prospect of becoming general manager, to make such a foolish decision.

Even Zhou Keying's father, Zhou Yanhe, couldn't help but sigh inwardly, his face full of helplessness and worry.

He knew his daughter too well; she was always calm, sensible, and never impulsive. But how could she be so foolish this time? Even if she wanted to curry favor with the Zhou family in the capital and contribute to the family, she didn't have to gamble with her own reputation!
This task is simply impossible to complete, and in the end, it will only result in a shameful and embarrassing end.

The mother, Zhou Fenfang, covered her eyes, her face filled with disappointment and anxiety.

She knew all too well the nature of the Zhou family in the capital. If Zhou Keying failed this time, they would not let her off easily, but would instead humiliate the Zhou family of the Western Region even more severely.

At that point, their family will never be able to hold their heads up high again within the Zhou family. (End of Chapter)