Zhang Chunling and Su Zhendong are pretty well-off.
Su Zhendong's logistics company isn't huge—just a small company with only a few employees—so it can't compete with the big delivery giants in the country. But even so, his company makes a decent profit, around 800,000 a year, and can easily surpass a million during peak seasons.
In today's world, it's all about results. No matter what you say, if you don't make enough money, people won't take you seriously. If you don't have much to show for yourself, no one is going to trust you with their daughter, especially if you're just a fresh graduate with no financial stability.
"So, when I first met Le Xuan, I had just written a novel that did really well," Shen Lang explained. "I made over a million last month. I'll be able to withdraw it in a few days."
You can exaggerate with anyone, even your own parents, but you can't with your girlfriend's parents. You have to be honest with them.
They've lived through more than you have and can see through any grand plans or future promises. What they care about is whether you'll be able to provide stability and security if their daughter ends up with you.
"Wow!!"
Shen Lang's announcement shocked Su Zhendong, who spluttered tea everywhere. "Wait, how much did you say?"
Not just Su Zhendong, but Zhang Chunling and Su Le Xuan were also in disbelief. It's rare to find people who can earn over a million in a year, let alone in a month.
Su Le Xuan started to doubt if it was true. She gently tugged on Shen Lang's sleeve and whispered, "Don't exaggerate too much."
"Shen Lang, it's not that I don't believe you," Zhang Chunling said nervously. "But can you show me some proof, like a pay stub or something?"
"Yes, Auntie."
Shen Lang pulled out his phone and showed them the backend of his writer's app, where a long string of numbers was displayed: 1,685,200.23 RMB, with three days left until withdrawal.
[Ding! Zhang Chunling's favorability towards the host increased by 10 points, now at 16 points. Keep it up!]
[Ding! Su Zhendong's favorability towards the host increased by 5 points, now at 9 points. Keep it up!]
Just showing off his earnings boosted his future father-in-law and mother-in-law's opinion of him significantly.
Shen Lang had to admit that money really does make a difference.
"Wow…"
The sight of that large number was overwhelming. Zhang Chunling gasped, looking at Su Zhendong with wide eyes, unsure of what to say.
Can writing novels really make this much money?
Su Zhendong was also excited but asked cautiously, "Are these novels you write… are they any explicit content?"
"No, Uncle, I write martial arts novels," Shen Lang explained. "The website has strict reviews; anything explicit is not allowed."
"Oh? Martial arts novels?"
Su Zhendong became interested. "What's your pen name? I'd like to check it out."
Shen Lang shared his ID and the name of his martial arts novel, then playfully asked, "Uncle, do you like reading novels?"
"Oh, you have no idea. Your uncle has to listen to novels every night to fall asleep," Zhang Chunling said with a smile. "I've heard several novels along with him."
"Some novels are great for relaxation," Shen Lang added with a grin, while Su Le Xuan whispered to him.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before? Didn't you say you only made five to six thousand a month? Is this account really yours or a friend's?"
"No, it's all about inspiration. When it hits, writing a great book is normal," Shen Lang explained. "So I don't know if I'll match this success with my next book."
"Don't worry, your next book will be even better!" Zhang Chunling said encouragingly, then exchanged glances with Su Zhendong.
The couple was trying to verify this incredible claim. After all, earning over a million a month is astonishing, especially for someone as young as Shen Lang.
Su Zhendong, who only had a few hobbies like smoking and drinking, was intrigued. He searched for Shen Lang's novel online and saw it was topping all the charts, with rave reviews.
Though he had seen screenshots of earnings like this from other top authors, it felt strange to see his future son-in-law making this much.
"I'll check out your writing when I have time," Su Zhendong said, trying to sound more polite.
"Great, I hope you can give me some feedback," Shen Lang said sincerely.
The older couple shared a smile, impressed with Shen Lang's demeanor and ability.
Being a young, successful, and considerate partner, Shen Lang had made a strong impression.
Su Zhendong decided there was no reason to make things difficult for Shen Lang anymore. The only concern was Shen Lang's smooth talk and good looks. Su Zhendong worried that Shen Lang might attract attention from other women, making him a charming yet unreliable partner.