The Absolute Son-in-law And The Ten Rings Of Power

Tea cups

Mei spun towards Zeke, her eyes flashing with anger, "What's your problem, Zeke?"

"What's my problem? What's his problem?" Zeke pointed at Craig. "This man has been stalking you for as long as I can remember, and suddenly he wants to discuss terms to help you? Sounds fishy to me."

"And may I ask what are you doing to help your wife," Craig asked. "could you afford to restore the fortune Mei lost? Of course you can't. After all, you're nothing but a delivery man who got lucky marrying a damsel like Mei."

Zeke clenched his fists. "We don't need your help, Craig. Get lost."

"Zeke, shut up!" Mei snapped

Zeke stiffened as her words hit him like a punch. Mei had never snapped at him like that before.

"You're telling me to shut up?" Zeke asked.

"Yes, shut up," She said sharply, her eyes flaring. "If you had even the slightest idea what I'm going through, you'll be a lot nicer to Craig."

She paused as she turned to Craig, a faint smile curling her lips. "Pay no mind to my husband, Craig. I'll come to your party."

Craig hide a sly grin. "Perfect. I'll have my driver come pick you up at nine."

"I'll be ready," Mei promised.

Craig gave one last jeering glance at Zeke, then strode out of the pawn shop with his bodyguards trailing behind.

Zeke faced Mei, his eyes as hard as nails. "I can't believe you just agreed to that, Mei. How could you?"

"You of all people wouldn't understand the position I'm in, Zeke," Mei replied him, a sharp note in her voice. "Craig has a networking of wealthy businessmen who might invest in Zhao Dynasty."

"You think that bastard cares about helping you?" Zeke raised his hands. "He wants something from you, Mei. Whatever help he's willing to offer you won't be free. Haven't you thought about that?"

Mei's shoulders stiffened. "What other choice do I have? You might not know this but everyone I know was affected by the stock crash today. All my friends and associates are just as broke as I am. If I don't accept the help offer to me now, I'll never get another chance!"

Zeke gritted his teeth. He thought about the $80 million he had secretly prepared for her.

"Mei," he reached out and gripped her shoulders. "Please have faith in me. On Monday, you'll have the money. I promise."

Mei laughed in disbelief. "You're saying if I just sit and do nothing, $80 million would drop on my laps? How is that possible?"

Zeke was tempted to tell her.

He was so tempted to spill his secert. But it wasn't yet time for her to know.

"Just have a little faith in me, Mei," Zeke said, almost pleading. "Don't go to that dinner."

Mei studied her husband for a long time, saw the pleading in his eyes and immediately felt sorry for him.

"Alright," She murmured, sighing. "I won't go if it means that much to you."

Zeke let out a breath of relief and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Mei. You won't regret it. I promise you."

Mei didn't say anything. She remained unusually quiet.

* * * *

It was nightfall and Zeke was in the kitchen, chopping carrots on the chopping board as he prepared the evening meal.

He was in a good mood tonight. He was home with his beloved wife.

Thanks to his intervention, Mei wouldn't be going to Craig's dinner. By interfering, Zeke protected his marriage. And a week from now, his wife would be $80 million richer.

He couldn't wait to see the looks of shock in her face when she wakes up on Monday morning and gets the credit alert.

The pot hissed softly as he lifted the lid to check the noodles. Just then, Mei walked into the kitchen carrying a small tray of two steaming cups of tea.

"Hey, darling," she called, setting the tray on the kitchen counter. She picked one cup and took a sip. "I made tea for both of us. You want some?"

Zeke smiled as he turned to her and collected the other cup. "Thank you, dear. Dinner's almost ready."

"Oh, take your time," Mei beamed at him, leaning casually against the counter. "I just wanted to thank you, for your advise. You really saved me from going to that creep's dinner. Who knows what might have happened?"

Zeke sipped from his cup. "I'm only doing my duty as your husband. It's my job to guide and protect you."

"And for that, I appreciate you," she said, then slipped out of the kitchen. "I'm starving, Zeke. Hurry up."

"Just another five minutes," Zeke laughed, setting the tea aside.

He stirred the noodles, humming under his breath when suddenly, the knife slipped from his grip and clattered on the floor.

Something was wrong.

The kitchen was blurred, and his knees buckled beneath him.

"Wha... what's happening?" He groaned, before his body dropped on the floor.

The last words he heard was Mei's voice from the doorway. "Zeke? Everything alright?"

Before he could muster the strength to call out to her, darkness swallowed him whole.

A few seconds later, Mei's soft footsteps returned into the kitchen.

She stood before Zeke's motionless body, her face as calm as a cat.

She crouched down, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. "Zeke, are you awake?"

No response.

Then she reached out and gave his arm a firm pinch.

Still nothing.

Satisfied, Mei straightened to her feet and picked up the half empty tea cup from the counter and emptied the remaining content into the sink.

As she did so, she turned off the cooking stove then withdrew an empty vial from her pocket.

She rolled it between her fingers, her expression as dark as the night.

"I'm sorry, Zeke," she murmured as she recalled slipping a few drops into his tea minutes earlier. "But I have to do this... even if you won't let me."

Then she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Craig: "I'll be ready in an hour."

Craig responded instantly: "Perfect, my chauffeur is all set to pick you up. Can't wait to see you."

Mei took one last glance at Zeke's unconscious body. He won't be awake until morning.

She stepped over him and walked towards the door, leaving her husband behind.