My Ares Son-in-Law

The two walked out of the gate side by side, and walked leisurely along a path lined with green trees and occasional bird calls. The sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows, adding a bit of warmth and comfort to this unexpected walk.

However, Xiao Chen's attention was not attracted by the beautiful scenery. His mind was completely focused on the upcoming conversation with Lin Youya.

Until they came to an artificial lake. The water was crystal clear and sparkling, as if it could wash away all the dust in the world.

Lin Youya stopped, turned around and faced Xiao Chen. Her eyes seemed brighter under the sunlight, yet also colder, as if they could see through people's hearts, and as if they were warning the other party not to cross the line.

"Tell me, what are you thinking?" Her voice was cold and direct, without any hesitation. Then, she added, with a tone of unquestionable determination: "Let me give you a warning first. I have someone I like, and there is no possibility of anything going on between us."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen's lips curled up into a faint smile, which showed both his admiration for Lin's elegance and straightforwardness, as well as his confidence in his next question.

He said softly, "You worry too much. That's not what I meant. Since you are so open, I will ask you directly - do you know someone named Jiang Meng?"

While saying this, Xiao Chen's eyes were fixed on Lin Youya's face. He tried to catch a clue from every subtle expression and every fluctuation of her eyes, a clue that could reveal the mysterious connection between the two.

His heartbeat couldn't help but quicken, as if a major secret was about to be revealed, and this secret might be the key to unlocking the mystery of Jiang Meng's life experience.

However, Lin Youya's reaction was unusually calm. There was no ripple on her face. She just shook her head slightly, with a hint of doubt in her voice: "Jiang Meng? I am not familiar with this name. Could she be the...wife you mentioned? Moreover, she looks so much like me?"

There was a mixture of surprise and confusion in her tone, as if she was trying hard to search for the name in her memory but found nothing.

Xiao Chen did not answer immediately, but slowly took out the pendant he had been wearing from his collar. This pendant was of great significance to him. It was not just a piece of jewelry, but also carried his endless thoughts and memories of his family.

With Xiao Chen's gentle movements, the pendant slowly opened, revealing a small photo embedded inside. The photo showed a happy family of four, and the heroine in the photo was Jiang Meng.

When Lin Youya's eyes touched the photo, a gleam of disbelief flashed in her eyes. Jiang Meng in the photo, both in appearance and temperament, was strikingly similar to her, as if she was another self in the mirror.

She covered her mouth in surprise, her fingers trembling slightly, and for the first time, her cold eyes showed such shock. She took a step back in disbelief, as if to confirm whether everything in front of her was real.

After a long time, Lin Youya finally came back to her senses from the shock. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her inner turmoil.

She sighed, with a hint of apology and relief in her voice: "I really don't know her, and I'm not her. But... I apologize for my attitude towards you just now. It seems that I misunderstood you and mistakenly thought that you were that kind of... frivolous person."

Her words were full of sincerity, and it was obvious that she had a deeper understanding and sympathy for Xiao Chen's situation. "It doesn't matter, since you are not her, I won't bother you anymore." Xiao Chen's words carried a subtle sense of loss, but also revealed his rationality and determination.

After he finished speaking, he slowly turned around, ready to leave this place full of mysteries and unexpected encounters. The sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, shining on his resolute back, adding a touch of sadness to the scene of his impending departure.

However, Xiao Chen did not really give up in his heart. He secretly decided to continue investigating the subtle connection between Jiang Meng and Lin Youya. This determination was like an undercurrent, hidden deep inside, and he would naturally not easily reveal anything to Lin Youya.

Just as Xiao Chen was about to take a step forward, a sudden voice broke the silence: "Wait a moment."

Lin Youya's voice was filled with a bit of urgency and determination. She quickly stepped forward and grabbed Xiao Chen's arm almost without thinking. This move instantly shortened the distance between the two of them, and a subtle atmosphere seemed to permeate the air.

Xiao Chen looked down at his grabbed arm, then looked up at Lin Youya's pleading eyes, helpless but with a hint of gentleness: "Ms. Lin, is there anything else?" Although his tone was helpless, there was a hint of imperceptible tenderness in his eyes.

Lin Youya realized her own gaffe, her cheeks flushed slightly, she let go of Xiao Chen's arm somewhat embarrassedly, and said softly: "Actually... Grandpa just told me that you are a very powerful warrior. Can I... Can I ask you to be my personal bodyguard? Of course, I will give you a very high salary as compensation."

At this point, Lin Youya's eyes became serious and sincere. She had obviously thought deeply before making this request.

She knew very well what a strong protector meant to a family member like her in this complex and ever-changing world, and Xiao Chen's appearance undoubtedly gave her an unprecedented sense of security.

"Didn't your grandfather tell you that you can't afford me?" Xiao Chen's words were filled with a hint of self-mockery and helplessness. His eyes were calm and deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

He looked at Lin Youya indifferently, his eyes showing both a clear understanding of reality and a subtle sympathy for Lin Youya's situation.

He continued, "In this world, there are probably only a few people who would willingly serve as my personal bodyguard, and that's on my own initiative, without asking for any material reward. Unfortunately, you're not one of them."

When Lin Youya heard this, her expression changed slightly, and a trace of disappointment and unwillingness flashed in her eyes. She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but finally chose to remain silent.

She understood that although Xiao Chen's words were straightforward, they were also true. In this world where the strong are respected, although she came from a famous family, she still had her own limitations and helplessness in some aspects.

"I..." Lin Youya's voice was a little choked. She lowered her head and avoided Xiao Chen's eyes that seemed to see through everything. She felt mixed emotions in her heart, with recognition and desire for Xiao Chen's ability, as well as frustration and self-blame for her own inability to do anything. (End of this chapter)