The Illustrious Son-in-law

Cloud City International Airport. On a bench shaded by lush trees at the airport, a man in his thirties had just stepped off a private jet. His complexion was ghostly pale as he lit a cigarette. "Hack, hack!" The wind blew, and as he took a drag, he couldn't help but cough harshly, covering his mouth with a handkerchief that soon bore crimson stains. "Sean!" Not far away stood a young man in a black suit, tall and robust, exuding a steely aura. Seeing this, he hurriedly asked with concern, "Are you okay?" Sean waved it off, indicating he was alright, before asking, "Mason, is everything I asked you to arrange in order?" As he spoke, a soft warmth flickered in Sean's eyes. That day, under a sudden downpour, eighteen-year-old Sean was cast out of his home, wandering to the third-tier city of Cloud City. The cold bit into his bones, and he found himself on the streets, cold and hungry, curled up beside a garbage heap, utterly despondent. At that moment, a little girl with a ponytail and an angelic face quietly approached him, offering the only warm bun she had. "Big brother, eat quickly, don't starve..." The little girl's smile was so beautiful, so natural. Halfway through the bun, Sean was taken away by a mysterious person. When he had reappeared three years later, he had become the adopted son of the Northern King, Long Aotian! Another nine years passed, and after several battles against foreign invaders, he achieved numerous victories and was hailed as the Northern Region's greatest war god! His feats were unparalleled! The world trembled before him! Yet, at the peak of his power, he chose to retire. Firstly, to heal the internal injuries sustained from years of battle, and secondly, for the little girl who gave him hope in his darkest hour. He could never forget that pure, flawless smile, that kind and innocent face. "Twelve years have passed, and you should have grown up by now, a graceful young lady." "I, Sean, swear to protect you for the rest of my life!" Mason nodded, "As you instructed, everything is set! The wedding of the Davis family's granddaughter is today in the third-floor hall of the Joy Hotel. You just need to be there, Sean." Sean nodded slightly. "Sean, there's something I don't understand. With your esteemed status, why choose to marry into a second-rate family in Cloud City as a live-in son-in-law? And even pretend to be a deserter from the battlefield?" Mason asked, puzzled. "I don't want to stir up a storm in Cloud City; I just want some peace for a while," Sean replied. Keep it low-key! Mason understood the intention. The man before him, the Northern Region's greatest war god, had faced countless bloody battles and made numerous enemies. If he revealed his identity in Cloud City, many foes would come seeking revenge! And, of course, there was the little girl who had always been on his mind. "Hey little one, I'm back." Cars whizzed past. Joy Hotel. Outside, luxury cars lined the streets, creating a bustling spectacle. The Davis family, a second-rate family in Cloud City, was hosting a grand and unique wedding for their youngest granddaughter, Chelsea. Chelsea was the shining star of the Davis family's younger generation. A graduate of Northia's prestigious Qingbei University, she was not only stunningly beautiful but also had a striking figure. After joining the family business post-graduation, her exceptional skills made her a celebrated figure in Cloud City's business scene, earning her the title of the city's top goddess. Yet, her groom was nothing but a soldier who had shamefully deserted the battlefield! In the hotel dressing room, Chelsea had just finished her makeup, looking exquisite, yet she was secretly heartbroken. She clenched her fists, tears of frustration brimming in her eyes. "Charles, say something! You can't let our daughter's happiness be ruined like this!" "Our branch of the family is already marginalized within the Davis family. If we let this worthless man marry in, will we ever be able to hold our heads high?" "I am firmly against today's wedding. You must make it clear to Old ladyship!" Quinn, Chelsea's mother, fumed, her face a furious shade of red. Charles, the second son of the Davis family, was considered a useless fool within the family. Confronted with his wife's grievances, he could only offer a calm explanation, "Chelsea's marriage was arranged by Old ladyship. Who dares to oppose her? If we try to stop this wedding now, she'll surely kick us out of the family, and we won't even get our year-end bonuses." "Why did I marry such a useless husband? Can you really stand by and watch our daughter's happiness be destroyed?" Quinn cried in frustration. "Dad, Mom, please stop arguing. Dad is doing his best for our family," Chelsea swallowed her grievances. "Maybe the husband Grandma chose for me isn't what you think." "Not what we think? How good could he be? A deserter from the battlefield, what could he possibly achieve?" Quinn sobbed as she spoke. Chelsea bit her lip, her head bowing slowly. She knew in her heart that this marriage was nothing more than a scheme concocted by her grandma and uncle. Over the past two years, Chelsea had excelled in the family business. Her uncle, Carter, and his son, Calvin, feared she would compete for the Davis family inheritance, so they persuaded Grandma to find her a husband who was a deserter. If Chelsea married such a useless man, she would surely lose any chance of inheriting the family fortune! Her father already had no influence in the Davis family, and with a useless husband marrying in, life would only get harder. But this marriage was personally arranged by Grandma, and no one dared to defy her! Chelsea, as a member of the younger generation, had even less say! As the wedding bells tolled ever closer..."Dad, Mom, let's go. I've decided to marry him. If we're late, Grandma will definitely get upset again." Looking at their sweet and sensible daughter, Charles and Quinn felt a heavy weight in their hearts. They both understood that staying with the Davis family, though suffocating, at least ensured they wouldn't want for food or shelter. If they were expelled, they'd truly be out on the streets. The third floor of the hotel was lavishly decorated, with lights shining brightly. The invited guests packed the hall to the brim, standing room only! Seated at the head was Old Lady Davis, dressed in a luxurious and dignified qipao, leaning on a cane, her face glowing with joy. "Congratulations are in order..." "Congratulations to Old Lady Davis on gaining an outstanding grandson-in-law today!" "Congratulations on the Davis family's everlasting prosperity and a house full of descendants." The guests showered her with compliments one after another. Old Lady Davis listened with delight, while her eldest grandson, Calvin, kept glancing at the time, eager to see Charles' family's embarrassment. "Grandma, it's time. Let's get the wedding started." Thinking of a battlefield deserter marrying into Charles' family and marrying Chelsea, who threatened his family's interests, Calvin couldn't help but grin mischievously. Ha! Chelsea, let's see what you can do against me! Your dad's a loser, and now your husband's a loser too! Ha! A family of failures! Old Lady Davis nodded, rose from her ornate chair, and as she spoke, the room fell silent. All eyes were on her. "Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family, today is the wedding of my granddaughter Chelsea and her husband Sean. Thank you all for taking the time to join us. Now, I declare the wedding officially begins!" As soon as she finished speaking, the hall filled with the sound of the wedding march, "Dum dum da dum..." After a piece of music, the emcee stood in the center of the stage, holding a microphone, and enthusiastically announced, "Now, let's welcome the groom, Sean, to the stage!"