My Ares Son-in-Law

A slight wavering crossed Jiang Xuanxuan's mind, and she couldn't help but ask, "How did you know I wanted to eat that restaurant's foie gras?"

Zhou Hao smiled even more gently, his tone carrying a deliberate hint of affection: "Of course I know."

I not only know which restaurant's foie gras you want, but I also know you like Pinot Noir from Burgundy, black truffle pasta, a window seat, and enjoying the night view while you eat.

Jiang Xuanxuan remained silent for a few seconds, her vigilance growing even stronger.

It was no accident that Zhou Hao knew her preferences so well; he had clearly investigated her!

"Young Master Zhou, are you investigating me?"

Her tone turned cold, tinged with displeasure.

"Don't say that, Miss Jiang."

Zhou Hao quickly defended himself, his tone still gentle, even a little aggrieved, "This isn't an investigation, it's out of care."

I know it wasn't easy for you to come to the provincial capital alone, with no one to rely on, and you want to work hard. I just genuinely want to make a friend; I have no other intentions.

"It's just a meal, you wouldn't even refuse to give me that much face, would you?"

Jiang Xuanxuan bit her lip, her mind in turmoil.

She recalled Zhou Hao's arrogant and overbearing demeanor at the airport last time; she also remembered how he was publicly humiliated and embarrassed by Xiao Chen at Eighth Master's Private Kitchen.

She wouldn't say she disliked this person, but she definitely wouldn't like him either; in fact, she was somewhat wary of him.

But he wasn't wrong. It's just a meal. Even if he had ulterior motives, she might not necessarily suffer a loss.

Moreover, she had really wanted to go to that Michelin three-star restaurant for a long time, and if she missed such a good opportunity, she didn't know how long she would have to wait.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally relented: "Okay."

What time is it?"

Zhou Hao's tone instantly became excited on the other end of the phone: "Seven o'clock!"
I'll send someone to pick you up. Send me your address; I promise I'll be there on time.

“No need,” Jiang Xuanxuan quickly refused, her tone firm. “I can go by myself. There’s no need to trouble Young Master Zhou.”

She didn't want Zhou Hao to know her address, nor did she want to owe him too many favors.

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

Zhou Hao didn't press the matter, his tone remaining gentle, "Then I'll wait for you at the entrance of the Emperor Hotel. See you there."

"Ah."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Xuanxuan stood at the entrance of the building, watching the traffic and crowds coming and going. She had an indescribable feeling in her heart, a mix of anticipation, vigilance, and a strange unease.

Was Zhou Hao's invitation to dinner really just a simple matter of "making friends"?

What exactly is his purpose?
She suddenly remembered what Zhou Keying had told her: the factional struggles within the Zhou family were fierce, and although Zhou Hao and Zhou Keying were cousins, their relationship had always been bad and their conflicts were deep.

Zhou Hao had been looking for an opportunity to suppress Zhou Keying, regain control of the multi-billion dollar project, and even wanted to completely squeeze Zhou Keying out of the Zhou family.

Now, Zhou Hao is suddenly showing her kindness, treating her to Michelin-starred meals and inquiring about her preferences. Could it be that he's after Zhou Keying?
Could it be that they want to use her to find out about Zhou Keying and then take the opportunity to suppress her?
Jiang Xuanxuan shook her head vigorously, forcing herself to stop thinking about it.

Perhaps she was overthinking it. Zhou Hao simply wanted to make a friend and celebrate her promotion. After all, she was just a marketing manager at Dansheng Group and didn't wield any significant power. Zhou Hao had no reason to exploit her.

She put away her phone, turned and walked towards the parking lot, her steps hesitant yet filled with anticipation.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on her, casting a long, long shadow that looked lonely on the ground.

Behind me, the Dansheng Group building stood majestically in the twilight, its glass curtain wall reflecting the golden afterglow, making it exceptionally dazzling.

The chairman's office on the top floor was dark, with no lights on.

Xiao Chen had already left, taking Zhou Keying out for dinner to soothe her tired body and mind.

But the scheme he left behind is operating silently, with every step under his control.

……

After getting off work, Jiang Xuanxuan didn't waste a moment and immediately hailed a car downstairs at the company and headed straight for the Emperor Hotel.

This restaurant may not be as famous as the top-tier Chaotianque in the provincial capital.

It is one of the most upscale places in the area, with luxurious and elegant decor. Only prominent figures frequent it, and ordinary people have to make reservations well in advance if they want to come and spend money there.

Zhou Hao was already waiting under the hotel entrance.

He was dressed in a sharp, dark bespoke suit, his hair was neatly combed and styled with hair wax, each strand distinct, deliberately trying to project an elegant and gentlemanly image, hoping to leave Jiang Xuanxuan with a calm and proper impression.

Unfortunately, the thick white bandage wrapped around his arm was particularly conspicuous, instantly diminishing his carefully cultivated elegant image and making him look rather disheveled.

Shortly after, the car slowly pulled up in front of the hotel, and Jiang Xuanxuan got out.

She wore a simple, fitted off-white knit top and light apricot high-waisted trousers, without any extra embellishments, making her look clean and neat.

She also exuded an elegant and capable air, with delicate features and a tall, straight posture. The moment she stepped out of the car, the eyes of all the guests passing by were unconsciously drawn to her.

Zhou Hao's eyes lit up, and his face instantly brightened. He quickly stepped forward, a deliberately ingratiating smile on his face, and spoke in a fawning tone:

"Xuanxuan, you look great today, you have an outstanding presence. Please come in, I've already arranged the best window seat for you."

"Thank you, Young Master Zhou." Jiang Xuanxuan nodded indifferently, her tone distant and polite, without any hint of intimacy, and followed Zhou Hao into the restaurant.

The two sat down at their reserved table, and the waiters, dressed in formal attire, moved with light steps, bringing one exquisite French dish after another to the table: foie gras, black truffle pasta, and baked snails, all beautifully presented and exuding a wonderful aroma.

Seeing this, Zhou Hao quickly summoned a waiter, opened a bottle of his prized fine red wine, and personally poured it for Jiang Xuanxuan, his tone becoming increasingly attentive:
"Xuanxuan, it's rare for us to get together today. To celebrate your promotion, we should at least have a couple of drinks to liven things up! I brought this wine specially; it's hard to find on the market."

Jiang Xuanxuan waved her hand gently and declined calmly, "No need for alcohol, just a glass of freshly squeezed juice will do."

"How can this be!" Zhou Hao's smile froze for a moment, and he felt a little disappointed.

He had originally planned to use the alcohol to get closer to Jiang Xuanxuan, hoping to get her drunk so he could take the opportunity to get her to talk and build a relationship. However, Jiang Xuanxuan rejected his suggestion to drink right away, which dashed his hopes.

If you're just giving him juice, how can you get him drunk? If you can't get him drunk, then he can't succeed.

Thinking about all this, he was furious. This woman really doesn't want to suffer any loss. I invited you out to such a high-class hotel for dinner, wasn't it all just to get you?
Damn it! (End of Chapter)