To become a big shot, you need to meet one of two conditions anywhere in the world.
Power, or money.
The world is complex, yet simple. Su Ping Nan understood this principle.
The next day at noon, Su Ping Nan finally met Li Luo Ran.
Still the same stunning face and perfect figure, Su Ping Nan looked at his girlfriend, who was as timid as a quail in front of her parents, with love in his eyes.
Yueyang Tower, a century-old establishment. The feast was exquisite, the wine was fine. Li's father and mother were generous people, giving ample face to the pig who stole their cabbage.
Besides Li's father and mother, there was also Li Luo Ran's younger aunt, Li Rao. Li Rao shared seven or eight points of resemblance with Li Luo Ran in her features, but had a more mature physique.
Li Rao, the most unconventional member of the Li family, went to America in 1989. She now runs a law firm in China, and with her angelic face and iron-fisted approach, she had carved her own space in Hunan. Su Ping Nan had asked Li's mother to get the jewelry he had bought for Li Luo Ran appraised by her.
Su Ping Nan attended the banquet alone, leaving Xiao Zhuang and the others to rest at the hotel as they were all a bit bruised up.
As soon as the banquet began, Li Luo Ran clearly stated her intentions by clinging to Su Ping Nan's left arm, pressing herself tightly against him as they sat down. Her firm chest pressed against Su Ping Nan's arm, causing even the usually composed Xiao Hong Pao to feel a bit dazed.
"Little Su, this is a famous Hunan dish. Have a taste. By the way, how old are you this year?" Li's father asked with a smile, subtly probing.
"My parents are farmers. Ping Nan is 20 years old this year." Su Ping Nan answered directly and fluently.
Looking at the young-faced Su Ping Nan, Li's mother was worried that he was just a classmate Li Luo Ran had brought along for a charade. How could someone so young afford to buy those things?
"Auntie doesn't oppose your relationship, but you need to tell Auntie, did you buy those trinkets for Ran Ran?"
Su Ping Nan was slightly taken aback. So the problem lay here. He glanced at Li Luo Ran, who stuck out her tongue in embarrassment.
"I bought them for Luo Ran. There's no need to doubt that. I started working early in society, and I was lucky enough to make some money."
Su Ping Nan said unhurriedly.
Li Rao had remained silent all this time. She was becoming increasingly interested in this potential nephew-in-law. She had a sharp eye, and from the young man's posture and demeanor, she could tell that he possessed a composure and a sense of grandeur beyond his years.
"Can I just call you Ping Nan?" Li Rao noticed that the young man always frowned slightly when addressed as "Little Su," so she asked.
"Of course. It's more intimate." Su Ping Nan looked at the woman who bore a strong resemblance to Li Luo Ran, understanding that this aunt was the toughest hurdle.
"Your posture is like a tiger crouching and a dragon coiled, your waist is straight. It's clear you're used to giving orders. The calluses on your knuckles aren't from hardship, they're from punching. In short, you should have the means to buy it, but I'm afraid your money might be ill-gotten. Luo Ran is a young girl. Why would you harm her?"
Li Rao's observational skills were extraordinary. She went straight for the jugular.
Su Ping Nan looked lovingly at Li Luo Ran and asked softly, "Are you afraid?"
Li Luo Ran's beautiful eyes were filled with unwavering determination. She shook her head earnestly.
Su Ping Nan raised his head and looked directly at Li Rao, "Society is a place that devours people. I won't go into details, you understand. A rural kid who has been through the mill won't be soft-hearted. I don't like to explain myself, but for Luo Ran, I'll explain once."
Li's father and Li Rao exchanged a look, both seeing worry in each other's eyes. The young man in front of them was frighteningly mature, perhaps not a good thing for Luo Ran.
Su Ping Nan continued, "I'm currently doing business in Wu City, Tiannan Province. My business is substantial, but I assure you that every cent I have earned is clean, and I have faith that I will continue to succeed."
Li's mother chimed in, "You two are still young, and I don't oppose your relationship, but our family has decided that Luo Ran will go abroad to continue her studies after graduation. It's best not to get too deeply involved."
"Mom, I don't want to go abroad." Li Luo Ran said.
Li's mother shook her head, "Life is long. You need to work hard to improve yourself when you're young. You promised me this. Now is not the time to act childishly."
Su Ping Nan smiled and stopped Li Luo Ran, who was about to speak again. "I don't oppose going abroad. It's not for another two years, is it?" He paused before turning to Li Luo Ran with tenderness, "You still lack faith in me. No matter where you go, I have the means to accompany you."
Li Rao smiled and casually invited everyone to eat. Initially, she had looked down upon this young man, but now it seemed he was just a young man who had made some money and was unaware of the bigger picture.
Su Ping Nan looked earnestly at Li Luo Ran, who was looking downcast, and said, "Don't worry, elders. I'll take her to see the world's wonders. I never make empty promises."
Li Luo Ran, a good girl for twenty years, had completely fallen for Su Ping Nan's domineering aura. She nodded obediently, following his words.
Su Ping Nan turned back to face Li Rao, "Let me introduce myself again. Su Ping Nan, from Tiannan, currently 20 years old, owner of Jinxiu Company."
(The work is busy, I'm writing non-stop today. Catching up on yesterday's chapter. Please collect and give flowers!)