: Perhaps the most famous example, following Charlie Wade as he goes from a "garbage" son-in-law to the most powerful man in the city. The Charismatic Son-in-Law

However, in modern fiction—specifically Chinese "web literature" and Korean/Japanese light novels—the term has evolved. It often describes a scenario where:

: Many stories begin with a talented but "grassroots" protagonist who is humiliated or looked down upon by his wealthy in-laws. The narrative arc typically follows his secret rise to power and eventual public vindication.