As soon as Shen Lang changed his shoes, he felt a strong gaze from behind.
Turning around, he saw Su Zhendong standing there, arms crossed and built like a gatekeeper, staring at him intently from behind Zhang Chunling.
Facing such a big, imposing future father-in-law staring so directly, it was impossible for Shen Lang not to feel nervous.
But in these situations, you can't show fear.
It's a basic "interview" principle.
When you first visit your girlfriend's home and meet her parents, they'll subconsciously judge you based on your actions, forming their first impression of you.
The better your girlfriend's family's conditions, the more you need to act confidently and calmly.
If you come across as timid and introverted, a well-off father-in-law will likely look down on you, thinking you're not good enough to entrust with his daughter.
"You must be Uncle Su."
Shen Lang walked confidently over to Su Zhendong, meeting his hostile gaze head-on, and handed him the gifts he had bought.
"Lexuan mentioned you like drinking. I specially bought this limited edition Wuliangye from the city center."
"Oh, you didn't need to bring such expensive gifts."
Zhang Chunling tried to decline. "Take it back and give it to your dad."
"My dad quit drinking long ago."
Shen Lang put the alcohol and cigarettes on the table and smiled. "But Auntie, this liquor is strong, so it's best to keep an eye on Uncle when he drinks it."
"Haha, sure."
Zhang Chunling nodded, pleased, and shot a subtle look at Su Zhendong.
Su Zhendong glanced at the gifts, his response perfunctory. "Alright, thanks for the thought."
"Mom, these are for you from Shen Lang."
Su Lexuan handed over the cosmetics. "We went around Jianghai City a few times to find these."
"Oh dear, you shouldn't have. Just coming is enough. Next time, don't bring so many things!"
Zhang Chunling, being in the cosmetics business, knew the value of the products immediately.
"Lexuan, take Xiao Shen to the living room to sit and cool off."
As her daughter led Shen Lang to the living room, Zhang Chunling nudged Su Zhendong, whispering.
"Go chat with the boy and learn about him. Don't just stand there like a stick."
Sighing reluctantly, Su Zhendong walked to the living room, just in time to see his daughter sneakily feeding Shen Lang a piece of char siu.
Not only that, Shen Lang had his arm around Su Lexuan's waist!
Seeing them so close made Su Zhendong clench his teeth.
Clearing his throat, Shen Lang quickly let go of Su Lexuan's waist, realizing it was best to keep such actions to a minimum at her home, especially with a doting father like Su Zhendong around.
But Su Lexuan just huffed and stayed close to Shen Lang.
Sitting down beside Shen Lang, Su Zhendong pondered what to ask. He had never thought his precious daughter would bring home a boyfriend, and all the typical questions escaped him.
Despite his anger towards Shen Lang, as the head of the family, he had to ask something.
After a long pause, he asked a basic question, "So, where are you from?"
Shen Lang replied politely, "I'm a local from Jianghai, Uncle."
"Oh, a local. We're from Guangdong."
"No wonder the char siu tastes so good."
Shen Lang genuinely praised.
Su Zhendong's expression soured, as his daughter had just fed Shen Lang the char siu herself.
"You seem fit. Do you work out regularly?"
Su Zhendong forced a friendly smile, grabbed a small stool, and patted Shen Lang on the shoulder with his strong arm.
"Let's arm wrestle. I want to see how strong you are."
Shen Lang declined politely, "There's no need, Uncle. You're much stronger than me."
Su Lexuan, clinging to Shen Lang's arm, said defiantly, "Yeah, don't play with him."
"It's just for fun. Come on."
Irritated by his daughter siding with Shen Lang, Su Zhendong grabbed his hand without waiting for an answer.
"Alright, let's play."
Shen Lang reluctantly adjusted his posture, ready to arm wrestle his potential future father-in-law.
"Ready, one, two, three!"
Su Zhendong's muscles bulged as he exerted his strength.
"This kid is pretty strong."
Su Zhendong was surprised by Shen Lang's strength, far beyond what he expected from a college student.
Shen Lang pretended to struggle, though he felt no real challenge, thanks to his enhanced physical strength.
But winning wasn't necessary; giving his father-in-law face was more important.
So, Shen Lang intentionally eased up, and Su Zhendong slammed his hand onto the stool.
"What are you doing? Mom, look at your husband!"
Su Lexuan complained, grabbing Shen Lang's hand and blowing on the slightly red mark.
"It's nothing, it didn't hurt."
Shen Lang laughed it off. "Uncle, you're really strong. You must have trained a lot when you were young."
"Heh, you're strong too."
Su Zhendong looked at his own sweaty palm and then at Shen Lang, nodding with slight approval.
He knew Shen Lang had let him win. Otherwise, with that strength, he wouldn't have won.
Su Zhendong thought, this kid understands social etiquette well.
[Ding! Su Zhendong's favorability towards the host increased by 2 points, current total: 2 points. Keep up the good work!]
"Su Zhendong, come help me for a second."
Zhang Chunling called him into the kitchen, scolding angrily.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you bullying a young man? Arm wrestling, seriously? How childish are you?"
"It was just for fun."
Su Zhendong muttered, glancing at Shen Lang comforting his daughter, and finding him less objectionable.