C1 Alien and Dog

"Are you trying to get yourself killed? Do you think you can afford to scratch my car, delivery guy?"

The bald, portly man yelled, spitting in Mu Chen's direction before stepping on the gas and speeding away in his blue Porsche.

Gritting his teeth, Mu Chen slowly stood up, steadying his electric bike.

His clothes were stained and soaked with foul-smelling water from the ground.

Worse, his knee bore a bloody gash.

"I wonder how much this will cost me this time," he thought.

Staring at the scattered food containers on the ground, Mu Chen clenched his fists in frustration.

Just then, his phone rang.

"Hello, honey! What's up?"

The caller was Mu Chen's wife, Lin Yuyan, the most beautiful woman in Chuyang City.

"How often have I told you not to call me 'honey'?" she snapped.

"If you're not at the ancestral hall in 30 minutes, then don't ever come back!"

Click!

The call was abruptly disconnected, leaving Mu Chen bewildered.

Ancestral hall?

Ancestor worship!

Damn it!

Today was the Lin family's day for honoring their ancestors.

The Lin family was a second-tier clan in Chuyang City, and Mu Chen was their son-in-law.

Albeit not one held in high regard. If he were late again, his already tenuous standing would be further jeopardized.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mu Chen smacked the back of his head in frustration.

He quickly mounted his electric bike and sped off in a frantic rush!

February 2nd.

According to traditions, this day marked the beginning of spring.

It was also the Lin family's annual day to honor their ancestors.

On this day, the main and branch family members would gather at the ancestral hall, joined by many notable figures from Chuyang City.

It was the Lin family's most grand event of the year!

At this moment, the area around the ancestral hall was abuzz with people, and luxury cars were parked everywhere.

"Where is this guy?"

Lin Yuyan fumed, staring intently at her phone, nearly grinding her teeth to dust in her irritation.

"What's the matter? Your useless husband still hasn't shown up?"

"Tsk, tsk, someone's got quite the ego, daring to be late even for ancestral rites. I'd love to see how you'll explain this to Grandma later!"

A man in a perfectly tailored suit stood before Lin Yuyan, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

This was Lin Loong, Lin Yuyan's older cousin and the eldest grandson of the Lin family.

Among the Lin family's third generation, Lin Loong and Lin Yuyan were the most outstanding, and both were considered strong contenders for taking over the family's leadership.

Therefore, Lin Loong had always seen Lin Yuyan as a thorn in his side.

"Shut up! What happens in my life is none of your business!" Lin Yuyan snapped.

Lin Yuyan shot Lin Loong a venomous glare.

Lin Lin Loong shrugged, his face a mask of playful mockery.

Just then…

A striking figure weaved through the crowd, eventually stopping in front of Lin Yuyan.

"Sorry, babe, I got caught in traffic,"

Mu Chen hastily parked his electric bike and nervously explained.

"Who's this guy? Why is he wearing a food delivery uniform?"

"Is someone in the Lin family making a living delivering food? How embarrassing!"

"Oh, you don't know? He's quite the character in our city—the Lin family's son-in-law and a freeloader. He's a toad that managed to hook a swan!"

The whispers in the crowd made Lin Yuyan want to crawl into a hole.

Lin Loong's smile widened at the unfolding scene.

"Are you okay? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

Mu Chen asked with genuine concern, touching her face, only to have his hand slapped away.

"Mu Chen, are you doing this on purpose?"

Lin Yuyan's eyes were fiery red.

Especially seeing Mu Chen in a stained yellow uniform with a gash on his knee, she felt utterly humiliated.

"Did you have to show up like this?"

"Do you enjoy seeing me embarrassed, relishing as others mock me?"

Lin Yuyan choked back tears, her voice tinged with emotion.

"I...I..."

Mu Chen looked at Lin Yuyan with a heart full of regret, struggling to find the words to explain himself.

"Forget it; let's focus on the ancestral ceremony," Lin Yuyan sighed deeply.

In fact, looking at her so-called husband, who seemed even able to properly articulate his thoughts, she felt utterly deflated.

"Hold on! Who permitted you to enter?"

Lin Loong suddenly stepped forward, blocking Mu Chen's way with an outstretched hand.

His eyes looked down at Mu Chen condescendingly.

"Lin Loong, what are you doing?"

Lin Yuyan's eyes narrowed as she clenched her teeth.

"What am I doing? Look at how your useless husband dresses. Does he even have the right to enter the Lin family shrine?

"You want to make the Lin family the laughingstock of the entire city?"

Lin Loong eyed Mu Chen dismissively.

Obviously, he intended to humiliate Mu Chen and taint Lin Yuyan's dignity.

"Lin Loong, if you have a problem with me, settle it after the ancestral rites.

But for now, step aside. Are you willing to bear the responsibility if we miss the auspicious time?"

Lin Yuyan was anxious, particularly unnerved by the mocking gazes from the crowd.

"Heh! Our grandmother did say every member of the Lin family must attend. But don't forget, your worthless husband's last name is Mu, not Lin.

"Remember, he's not a Lin, and he's just a lowly son-in-law, an outsider!"

Lin Loong continued his aggressive stance.

Then, shifting his gaze back to Mu Chen, he pointed at a sign near the entrance.

"See that sign over there?"

It says, 'No outsiders or dogs allowed.'

"Do yourself a favor and leave like the dog you are."