C1 1 Recruitment

Cloud City International Airport.

A man in his thirties sat on a bench along the tree-lined path, having just disembarked from a private jet. His face was pale as he lit a cigarette.

“Cough, cough!”

The wind caught the smoke, and he couldn’t help but cough twice, covering his mouth with a handkerchief that soon bore bright red stains.

“Mr. Tian!”

Not far away stood a tall, robust young man in a black suit, exuding a strong and commanding presence. Seeing the scene, he quickly asked with concern, “Are you okay?”

Xiao Tian waved his hand, indicating he was fine, before asking, “Qin Ming, did you take care of what I asked?”

As he spoke, a gentle light flickered in Xiao Tian’s eyes.

That day, it was pouring rain. At eighteen, he had been cast out of his family, wandering to the small city of Cloud City. The cold was biting, and he found himself on the streets, hungry and freezing, curled up beside a trash heap, utterly desolate.

Just then, a little girl with a ponytail and an angelic face quietly approached him, offering the only warm bun she had.

“Mister, eat it quickly, don’t go hungry...”

Her smile was so beautiful, so genuine.

He had barely eaten half the bun when a mysterious figure took him away. When he reappeared three years later, he had become the adopted son of the Northgard King, Long Aotian!

After nine years of defending against foreign enemies and achieving remarkable victories, he became known as the greatest War God of the Northgard! His achievements were unparalleled, causing the world to tremble in awe. Yet, at the peak of his glory, he chose to retire.

Firstly, he needed to heal the internal injuries from years of battle. Secondly, he wanted to find the young girl who had given him hope during his darkest times. He couldn't forget her pure, innocent smile and kind, naive face.

"Twelve years have passed. By now, you must have grown into a beautiful young woman," he thought. "I, Xiao Tian, swear to protect you for the rest of my life!"

Qin Ming nodded and said, "As you instructed, everything is arranged. The Chen family's granddaughter's wedding is being held today in the Grand Hall on the third floor of the Junyi Hotel. You just need to attend."

Xiao Tian gave a slight nod.

"Mr. Tian, there's something I don't understand. With your esteemed status, why would you choose to marry into a second-rate family in Cloud City and pretend to be a deserter from the battlefield?" Qin Ming asked, puzzled.

"I don't want to stir up trouble in Cloud City. I just want some peace for a while," Xiao Tian replied.

Low profile!

Qin Ming understood the intention. The man before him, the greatest War God of Northgard, had fought countless bloody battles and made many enemies. If he revealed his identity in Cloud City, countless foes would come seeking revenge! And, of course, he wanted to be near the young girl who had always been on his mind.

"I'm back, little one."

Cars sped by.

The Grand Hotel.

Luxury cars lined the streets outside, with traffic bustling all around. The Chen family, a second-tier family in the city, was preparing a grand and unique wedding for their youngest granddaughter, Mengyao Chen.

The bride, Mengyao Chen, was a standout among the younger generation of the Chen family. A graduate of a prestigious university, she was known for her striking looks and impressive figure. After joining the family business post-graduation, her exceptional abilities made her a renowned figure in the city's business circles, earning her the title of the city's top goddess.

However, her groom was a soldier known for a disgraceful retreat on the battlefield.

In the hotel dressing room, Mengyao had just finished her exquisite makeup, yet she felt a deep sadness. She clenched her fists, tears of frustration welling up in her eyes.

"Chen Qiang, say something! We can't let our daughter's happiness be ruined like this!"

"Our branch of the family is already marginalized. If we let this useless man marry into the family, how will we ever hold our heads high?"

"I am firmly against today's wedding. You must speak to the matriarch and make things clear!"

Mengyao's mother, Yulian, was flushed with anger as she complained. Chen Qiang, the second son of the Chen family, was considered inept and cowardly. Faced with his wife's grievances, he could only calmly explain, "Mengyao's marriage was arranged by the matriarch. Who dares to defy her? If we try to stop this wedding now, the matriarch will surely kick us out of the family, and we won't even get our year-end bonuses."

"How did I end up marrying such a useless husband? Can you really just stand by and watch our daughter's happiness get destroyed?" Yulian cried out.

"Dad, Mom, please stop arguing. Dad's doing his best for our family," Mengyao said, holding back her frustration. "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—how capable can he really be?" Yulian sobbed.

Mengyao bit her lip and slowly lowered her head. She knew deep down that this marriage was just a scheme concocted by her grandma and uncle. Over the past two years, she had excelled in the family business, and her uncle, Chen Yong, along with his son, Wenchao, feared she might compete for the family inheritance. So, they persuaded Grandma to arrange a marriage with a deserter.

If Mengyao married such a failure, she would surely lose any chance of inheriting the family estate! Her father already had no influence in the family, and with a husband like that, their situation would only worsen. But since Grandma had personally arranged the marriage, no one dared to oppose it.

Mengyao, being a grandchild, had even less say in the matter.

The wedding bells were about to ring.

"Dad, Mom, let's go. I've decided to get married. If we're late, Grandma will definitely be upset."

Looking at their adorable and considerate daughter, Chen Qiang and Qin Yulian felt a mix of emotions. They both knew that staying with the Chen family, though stifling, at least ensured they wouldn't worry about food and shelter. Being cast out would mean facing the harsh reality of homelessness.

On the third floor of the hotel, the conference room was lavishly decorated, with lights shining brightly. The invited guests filled the hall, shoulder to shoulder.

Seated at the head of the room was Old Madam Chen, dressed in an elegant and dignified gown, leaning on her cane, her face glowing with happiness.

"Congratulations..."

"Congratulations to Old Madam Chen on gaining an excellent grandson-in-law today!"

"May the Chen family continue to prosper for generations, with descendants aplenty."

The guests offered their compliments one after another. Old Madam Chen listened with great delight, while her eldest grandson, Chen Wenchao, kept glancing at the time, eager to see Chen Qiang's family embarrassed.

"Grandma, it's time for the wedding. You should announce the start."

Thinking about a deserter marrying into Chen Qiang's family and marrying Chen Mengyao, who threatened his family's interests, he couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

Ha!

Mengyao, what do you have to fight me with?

Your dad's a loser, and now your husband's one too!

Ha, a whole family of losers!

Old Madam Chen nodded, rose from her 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, Mengyao, and my grandson-in-law, Xiao Tian. Thank you all for taking the time to be here. Now, I officially announce the start of the wedding!”

As soon as she finished speaking, the wedding march began to play in the hall. After the music, the emcee stood center stage, microphone in hand, and enthusiastically announced, “Now, let's welcome the groom, Xiao Tian, to the stage!”