LEGENDARY SON IN LAW

LEGENDARY SON-IN-LAW Chapter 1: The Useless Son-in-Law Rain poured relentlessly over Jiang City (**), turning the streets into shimmering rivers of light. Luxury cars lined the entrance of the magnificent Su Family Manor (****), where the city's elite had gathered to celebrate the seventieth birthday of Old Madam Su (****). Inside, the banquet hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and priceless decorations. Wealthy businessmen, government officials, and influential families raised their glasses in celebration. One by one, members of the Su Family stepped forward to present expensive gifts. "A jade Buddha carved from imperial jade!" "An antique painting from the Qing Dynasty!" "A century-old ginseng worth five hundred thousand yuan!" Each announcement was met with loud applause. Standing quietly in the corner was a young man dressed in a simple black suit. His name was Li Chen (**). For three years, he had lived in the Su Family as their live-in son-in-law. Without money, status, or a successful career, he had become the target of endless ridicule. To everyone in Jiang City, Li Chen was nothing more than a useless husband living off his wife's family. "Look who's hiding in the corner." Su Hao, Old Madam Su's eldest grandson, smirked as he pointed at Li Chen. "The famous useless son-in-law." Several relatives burst into laughter. "I heard he still doesn't have a real job." "If I were him, I'd disappear from Jiang City." "What a disgrace to the Su Family." Li Chen ignored every insult. Three years had taught him that silence was stronger than pointless arguments. Only one person looked at him with concern. His wife, Su Xinyi (***). She walked to his side and whispered, "Are you alright?" Li Chen smiled gently. "I'm fine." "I'm used to it." Her eyes filled with guilt. "I'm sorry." He shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for." Before she could reply, Old Madam Su struck her cane against the marble floor. "Li Chen." Her sharp voice silenced the hall. "Everyone has presented a gift." "What have you prepared for my birthday?" Every guest turned toward him. Li Chen calmly reached into his pocket and removed a small wooden box. The box was old and unremarkable. Su Hao laughed loudly. "Don't tell me that's all you could afford." More laughter followed. Li Chen opened the box. Inside rested a smooth jade pendant carved into the shape of a dragon. It appeared ordinary. Old Madam Su frowned. "This?" "You dare offer such a cheap gift?" Li Chen answered respectfully. "This pendant has protected my family for generations." "I hope it brings you peace and good fortune." Su Hao couldn't stop laughing. "Peace and good fortune?" "It probably came from a street market." A servant stepped forward to throw it away. The moment his fingers touched the pendant— A burst of golden light filled the room. The servant cried out and stumbled backward as though struck by an invisible force. The pendant floated above the box for a brief second before the light disappeared. Silence. Every face in the hall froze. Then someone cleared his throat. "It... must have been a trick." "Probably some hidden device." "Exactly." The laughter slowly returned. Old Madam Su's expression darkened. "I don't care what tricks you've prepared." "Take your worthless gift and leave." Li Chen quietly closed the wooden box. "As you wish." He turned toward the exit. Before reaching the door, his phone vibrated. Unknown Number. He answered. A deep voice spoke only one sentence. "Young Master... the Dragon Emperor Ring (***) has awakened." Li Chen stopped walking. His calm expression finally changed. "The time has come." The caller continued. "The Hidden Dragon Clan has found you." "They request your immediate return." Li Chen slowly looked back at the Su Family. Three years ago, he had abandoned everything to live an ordinary life beside Su Xinyi. Now... That peaceful life was ending. Outside, thunder shook the sky. A bolt of lightning illuminated the dragon pendant in his hand. For a brief moment, its eyes glowed with golden light. Li Chen slipped the pendant into his pocket and stepped into the rain. Behind him, the Su Family continued laughing, unaware that the man they had mocked for years was the last heir of an ancient bloodline. The legend of the Dragon Emperor had finally begun.