Chapter 6 "How much do they pay you?"

How much is your salary? With a smile on her face but concern in her heart.

Shivam didn't expect such a question would be asked in front of all the family members without any warning or consideration for his privacy.

He understood that declaring a higher or moderate range of income would lead to issues, so he didn't worry.

He was in a dilemma since these family members would surely get in touch with the company to find out which of the two he wasn't employed by, which would be bad for him.

Even if they didn't, he didn't know what he would get next from the prize box via the Dark Web.

He was fully dependent on the rewards of the Dark Web.

He learns from the look on Aunt Pushpa's face that she was concerned that he would earn more and gain respect.

As he struggles to decide what to do next, he considers the consequences of claiming to be earning more.

He didn't know what he would gain from the rewards that might elevate his earnings from the Dark Web.

As for saying a midium earning would as well be risky and uncertain, he finds himself caught in a dilemma regarding his future financial stability.

And if he says that his earnings are low, everyone will look down on him.

Observing Shivam's expressions, which remained the same, Pushpa was eager to find out the answer because the dinner was about to begin and the head of the table would undoubtedly arrive. There were barely a few minutes remaining, and she didn't want to miss this opportunity, so she glanced at the clock.

Aunt Pushpa glanced over at Shivam with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and asked loudly once again, "Shivam, my dear, how much do they pay you at that job of yours?"

Shivam took a deep breath and faced the expectant gaze of Aunt Pushpa and the rest of the present family members.

He knew that a wrong move could send him spiraling into a pit of agony where his worth would be forever questioned.

With a sarcastic smile and a hint of comedy in his voice, he replied, "Well, Aunt Pushpa, let's just say that my employer knows the value of having a character like mine in the company.

And they've made sure that my bank account has enough to keep a smile on my face without giving away any specifics."

As he finished speaking, he winked at his younger cousins, who stifled their giggles.

Pushpa's sharp eyes narrowed, but Shivam's clever response seemed to satisfy some of the family members, who were all too familiar with the ongoing power struggle within their large household.

With a light chuckle, he added, "Aunty, you know the old saying—a gentleman never tells his salary, and a lady never reveals her age! It's a family secret, you see."

Some members laughed, but Pushpa's stern expression became even more awkward.

Shivam had managed to dance around revealing his low pay without lying, and he had carefully navigated the delicate balance of humor and sarcasm to keep his aunt at bay while winning over the rest of the family with his clever response.

Shivam never talked back at her with such confidence and wit again.

She felt that this Shivam was completely different from the timid, quiet boy she once knew.

She felt anger in her heart towards him, as she felt a sense of potential threat to her children's authority, and she vowed to keep a close eye on him from now on.

Every time he entered the dining hall, he kept his face and eyes down, avoiding eye contact with anyone, but today he walked in with his head held high, making eye contact with everyone and responding to every question with a sarcastic smile mixed with confidence.

—

Everyone was satisfied with the illusion he had created, believing he would get a job despite the fact that the reality was quite different.

Shivam in his heart: after lying to his elders and siblings, he felt compelled to fix the problem as soon as possible.

If he didn't want to face the consequences of being exposed, which would undoubtedly occur, he should receive anything of value in this current month from the Dark Web.

If he wants to keep his cover and continue to support his lies, he can't afford to be money-less.

If he didn't solve his current financial status, there would be a ton of questions from his family members, as the current members would directly question his parents about his lies to them, as this current situation would be known to his parents as well as the fact that they weren't present currently.

However, he was determined to find a solution and prove his worth.

Shivam's condition had improved his state of consciousness and overall well-being to such an extent that the positive effects of the red stone inside him, which was like a constant source of vitality and energy for him, made him feel so good that the negative effects of his previous condition were completely suppressed.

This effect will continue to get better, but as he opens a chakra petal inside his body, there will undoubtedly be challenges.

Just as the conversation was about to end, Shivam's parents and grandparents entered the dining hall with his true sister, putting an end to the chatty atmosphere while everyone rose from their seats to pay respects to the family head.

This was mainly due to his grandfather, who commanded respect and authority simply by being present.

He approached his head seat and seated himself; everyone soon followed suit, eager to begin the meal, while the maids had already begun to serve it.

Just then, his cousin Mohan, who was quite pleased with Shivam, excitedly told his grandfather, "Shivam had aced a job interview and got hired for the position he applied for.

There should be a small celebration for his accomplishment.

Mohan suggested that they order a cake to commemorate the occasion.

Mohan, his brother, and some of the family members were really concerned for Shivam previously as he wasn't able to get a job, but after knowing the good result, they were really eager to celebrate Shivam's journey and show their support and pride.