RISE OF THE UNDERDOG SON-IN-LAW: DRAGON'S POWER UNLEASHED

CHICKEN SOUP

The Steel family villa buzzed with activity as guests arrived for Old Master Steel’s 60th birthday celebration. Julian Rivera walked in quietly, clutching a pot of homemade chicken soup. His plain attire contrasted sharply with the designer suits and glittering jewelry around him.

"Julian," Mia’s voice rang out the moment she spotted him. "Still unemployed, I see. What, you couldn’t even afford a decent gift for Grandfather? Is that... soup?"

“Yes, it’s chicken soup,” Julian said, his tone calm but firm. “I made it myself. It’s healthy and nourishing for Grandfather's body.”

“Healthy?” Mia scoffed, her diamond earrings catching the light. “This isn’t some charity dinner for you to get a bowl of soup. We’re celebrating a 60th birthday of this family's patriarch! What’s next, a box of crackers?”

Rose Steel, Julian’s wife, stood off to the side, her gaze avoiding his. “You could’ve at least consulted me before bringing something so... basic,” she muttered.

Julian sighed inwardly, his patience stretched thin. 'Three years, and she still looks at me like I’m an obligation,' he thought.

“Where’s your seat, Julian?” one of the younger cousins sneered. “Oh wait, it’s probably next to the janitor’s closet.”

“No need to joke about it,” Mia interjected with a smirk. “He’s at the small table by the door. Fitting, don’t you think?”

Julian gave a polite nod and made his way to the tiny table in the corner, setting the pot of soup down carefully. From his spot, he could see the other sons-in-law flaunting their expensive gifts.

“Grandfather,” one of them announced loudly, holding up a jade bracelet, “this was imported directly from Myanmar. A symbol of longevity and prosperity.”

“Very thoughtful,” Old Master Steel said, his eyes betraying little emotion.

Another son-in-law stepped forward, presenting a sleek wooden box. “This is a hundred-year-old ginseng root, Grandfather. Its medicinal properties are unmatched.”

The room murmured in approval. Julian remained quiet, observing from his humble corner.

Mia turned to Rose, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Rose, don’t you think Julian’s soup is a bit... embarrassing? I mean, look at everyone else’s gifts!”

“It’s not my fault,” Rose replied, her cheeks flushing. “He insisted on bringing it. I told him it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Julian’s hands clenched under the table, but he forced a smile. “It’s not about the value of the gift,” he said softly. “It’s about the intention behind it.”

Mia snorted. “Intention doesn’t pay the bills, Julian. Maybe if you spent less time cooking and more time working, Rose wouldn’t be stuck with a husband who’s practically invisible.”

Old Master Steel’s deep voice silenced the chatter. “Julian, bring your... soup here.”

Julian stood, carrying the pot carefully to the main table. “Grandfather, I prepared this for you. It’s a recipe passed down in my family. I hope it brings you good health.”

Old Master Steel looked at the pot for a long moment, then dipped a spoon into the broth. He sipped it slowly, his expression unreadable.

“It’s good,” he said finally. “Simple, but good.”

Mia rolled her eyes. “Grandfather’s too polite to say anything bad. Honestly, Julian, if this is the best you can do, maybe you should just leave.”

Julian turned to her, his voice steady. “I may not have the wealth to bring extravagant gifts, but I believe in offering what I can with sincerity.”

“Sincerity?” another cousin sneered.

“That won’t keep Rose happy, will it?”

Rose crossed her arms, her voice cold. “Don’t drag me into this, Julian. I told you this wasn’t a good idea.”

Julian’s chest tightened, but he didn’t argue. 'It’s always been like this, he thought. No matter what I do, it’s never enough.'

“Enough,” Old Master Steel said, his tone sharp. “It’s my birthday, not a battlefield for you to fight against each other.”

Mia leaned closer to one of the other daughters-in-law. “He’s lucky Grandfather even lets him stay married to Rose. If it weren’t for that illness three years ago...”

Julian’s ears caught the whisper, but he ignored it. They’ll never understand the truth, he thought.

The gift-giving continued, with more rare teas, jewelry, and collectibles being paraded before Old Master Steel. Julian sat quietly at his small table, his hands resting on his lap.

Mia eventually sauntered over, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Julian, don’t you ever get tired of being the joke of this family?”

He looked up at her, his gaze steady. “I’m here because Grandfather invited me, just like everyone else.”

“No, you’re here because you’re Rose’s husband,” she shot back. “A title you barely live up to. If it weren’t for Grandfather’s generosity, where would you be?”

Julian didn’t flinch. “Wherever I am, I’d still be true to myself.”

“True to yourself?” Mia laughed, shaking her head. “That’s rich, coming from someone who contributes nothing. Rose deserves so much better.”

Rose’s voice interrupted them. “Mia, that’s enough.”

“Oh, defending him now, are you?” Mia smirked. “How noble!”

Julian glanced at Rose, a flicker of hope in his chest. But her expression was weary, distant.

“I’m not defending him,” Rose said finally. “I’m just tired of this argument, give me a break, at least today I want to be with some peace of mind.”

Julian’s hope dimmed, but he forced a small smile. “It’s all right, Rose. I don’t mind.”

Old Master Steel stood abruptly, signaling the end of the gift presentation. “Thank you all for your gifts and your presence,” he said. “Now, let us enjoy the meal.”

As everyone moved to their seats, Mia threw one last comment over her shoulder. “Enjoy your soup, Julian. It’s probably the only thing you’re good at.”

Julian sat quietly, watching the family chatter and laugh. His eyes drifted to Rose, who sat at the main table, her face a mask of indifference, "I thought at least you would understand me, but why aren't you trying to understand me Rose?"