Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Soon, the first episode of the children's variety show came to an end.

On the last day, to wrap things up perfectly, the production team had prepared a grand feast to entertain all the guests.

When the guests took their seats, they were quite surprised.

Lin Yi casually glanced at the table full of dishes.

These dishes were all flavorful local specialties, such as stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts, braised pork with preserved vegetables, lotus root stewed with ribs, and quick-fried seasonal vegetables.

They weren't particularly expensive dishes, but each one had a homely charm, making them look delicious.

Shen Feng looked at the table full of dishes and commented, "Never thought the stingy production team would finally do something decent."

Since he couldn't cook, he had suffered a lot since joining the show and had long harbored resentment towards the team. Now, he was venting his frustration.

The director and staff nearby: "..."

We can hear everything.

However, Shen Feng, the young master, has always been straightforward, and no one dared to offend him, so they pretended not to hear anything.

"Hahaha, Shen Feng never lets anyone off with his words."

"To be honest, I became a fan of him because he was the only one in the entertainment industry who dared to speak the truth."

"That's right; he even exposed some big scandals in the past, more detailed than any paparazzi."

"Shen Feng needs to stay in the entertainment industry; otherwise, my joy will decrease significantly."

Lin Yi served himself a bowl of steaming white rice and then added a slice of garlic sprout cured pork, mixing it together before eating.

Indeed, it was as delicious as he had imagined.

The cured pork had a unique smoky flavor, enhanced by the aroma of garlic sprouts, elevating it to another level.

Lin Yi was engrossed in his meal.

At this moment, Shen Feng approached him with a look that suggested he wanted to discuss something: "Where do you think we'll go for the next episode?"

Hearing this, Lin Yi looked at Shen Feng with surprise: "You're actually looking forward to filming now?"

Back when Shen Feng first arrived at the farmstay, he seemed so averse to staying there, as if he couldn't bear to spend even a second.

But now, he was actively discussing where to go next?

Shen Feng, as if struck by something Lin Yi said, almost turned red in the ears and raised his voice defensively: "I-I'm just curious, is that a problem?"

In fact, he really wasn't opposed to the show anymore.

Mainly because Lin Yi was on it.

If he had known that Lin Yi would be on the show from the beginning, he wouldn't have been opposed to it at all.

Lin Yi saw Shen Feng suddenly raise his voice, as if trying to cover something up, and said with a slight smile, "Do you know what 'protesting too much' means?"

Shen Feng: "..."

What the hell?

Was Lin Yi seeing through his thoughts, or just playing mind games with him?

Shen Feng couldn’t figure it out and could only say stiffly, "Who do you think you are? I’m trying to have a serious discussion with you, and you’re talking nonsense."

Lin Yi nonchalantly replied, "Alright, alright, let’s have a serious discussion then."

For some reason, Lin Yi's lazy tone was incredibly alluring.

Shen Feng couldn’t even look at Lin Yi and quickly turned away.

Oh no! This time, his ears seemed to be turning red for real!

"Hahaha, help! What happened to your temper, Shen Feng? What’s going on now?"

"Shen Feng really acts like a silly Husky."

"I actually kind of want to ship these two. Can we talk about this?"

Perhaps due to the intense stimulation earlier, Shen Feng didn’t speak to Lin Yi again and instead focused on eating his meal.

Lin Yi didn’t pay him any mind and continued eating.

But after a few minutes, Shen Feng approached him again, "Hey, when we go to record the next episode, can we go together?"

He had intended to avoid talking to Lin Yi for a while, but he couldn’t hold back.

Lin Yi didn’t even give him a glance and slowly said, "We’re not going the same way."

Shen Feng asked in confusion, "How do you know we’re not going the same way? I haven’t even told you where I live."

Lin Yi continued, "I said we’re not going the same way, so we’re not."

How could he possibly travel with Shen Feng? He’d be driven crazy along the way.

Shen Feng realized Lin Yi was brushing him off and protested, "Hey! You really don’t like me, do you?"

Why did Lin Yi dislike him? Was there something wrong with him?

Lin Yi listened to this and said helplessly, "Can you let me eat in peace? All I hear is your nonsense during meals."

Shen Feng: "…"

Lin Yi really despises him!!

Shen Feng turned back around, his expression sour.

It was as if a dark cloud hung over his head, pouring rain.

He was naturally very handsome, with an unruly temperament, but now he looked like a dejected husky, pitifully so.

"Never thought Shen Feng would ever show such an expression."

"Is this still the Shen Feng we know? Absolutely not!"

"Hahaha, it feels like Lin Yi is the one holding Shen Feng's leash."

"Lin Yi, stop teasing the dog; he’s about to cry."

At the dinner table, everyone also expressed their feelings about the first phase of filming.

Zhao Jin mentioned that after joining the program, he had learned a lot about parenting and planned to put it into practice in the future.

As he spoke, he felt a surge of anticipation for the child in his wife's womb.

Especially since he hoped the unborn child would be as well-behaved as Huo Mianmian.

It was clear that he genuinely liked kids like Huo Mianmian.

Zhou Ke, who stuttered, rarely expressed his opinions, but this time, he blushed and briefly said a few words before stopping.

However, deep down, he was very happy. He had initially thought that due to his personality, he would face many communication difficulties with other guests on the show. Unexpectedly, he felt respected and welcomed within the team.

He especially enjoyed being around Lin Yi because those were the moments when he felt most relaxed.

After everyone shared their thoughts, they returned to their rooms to pack their luggage.

As soon as Lin Yi entered the bedroom, He Nian followed closely behind.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Something up?"

Taking advantage of the cameraman not being there yet, He Nian quickly said, "Cousin, when you go back this time, Mr. Huo should return too, right?"

Lin Yi found this amusing.

Was He Nian still harboring these thoughts?

But how could He Nian think he was that foolish? While he and Huo Jihan were in a contractual marriage, he certainly wouldn’t help his spouse find a lover.

Seeing Lin Yi silent, He Nian felt uneasy and hurriedly added, "Cousin, don't misunderstand. I just want to congratulate you both. After all, I didn’t get to offer my blessings at your wedding."

He had only seen Huo Jihan from afar once, but he had been smitten ever since.

He wasn’t unwilling to contact Huo Jihan directly, but someone of his level couldn’t reach such a powerful figure.

He had tried every possible way to obtain Huo Jihan’s contact information through connections, but all attempts failed.

Even getting a contact number was impossible, let alone meeting Huo Jihan in person.

Therefore, despite his hatred towards Lin Yi, he could only approach Huo Jihan through Lin Yi.

Upon hearing He Nian’s words, Lin Yi simply replied, "Done talking? If so, get out. I need to pack."

He Nian frowned, feeling aggrieved. "Cousin, we’re family. Isn’t this a bit heartless?"

He waited for Lin Yi to argue, then he could seize the opportunity to say more in his favor.

This was a skill he excelled at—standing on a moral high ground and portraying himself as a victim to blame others, making people naturally side with him.

In the past, this tactic had always worked.

However, Lin Yi did not play by the rules and simply nodded. "Mm."

Then he continued packing without further acknowledging He Nian.

He Nian: "…"

He had prepared many more things to say, but Lin Yi’s casual “mm” left him speechless, almost choking on his words.

He Nian was caught between speaking and not speaking.

At this moment, the cameraman entered.

Facing the camera, He Nian quickly switched to his usual gentle demeanor and said, "Cousin, I’ll leave now. Let’s keep in touch. After all, we’re family and should support each other."

In the live stream, He Nian’s fans immediately agreed.

"Aww, Nian cares so much about family ties."

"Nian always has such a beautiful heart."

However, a wave of different comments soon appeared.

"???"

"Isn’t He Nian just a weasel wishing a chicken a happy new year?"

"When will He Nian stop being so fake? It makes me want to vomit."

"I've noticed something interesting. Don't you think He Nian has lost a lot of fans? His fans used to be all over the live streams, but this time there are hardly any."

"Indeed, He Nian keeps making mistakes and is almost losing all his fans."

"It's a cause for celebration!"

Half an hour later, it was time to leave.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian were the first to depart.

As they were about to leave, the other three children surrounded Huo Mianmian and started talking to him.

"Mianmian, let's play together again next time."

"Mianmian, since you like drawing, I'll bring you some watercolor pencils."

"..."

Although Huo Mianmian had a tendency towards being introverted and didn't like interacting with others, he had become somewhat familiar with these three companions after spending a few days with them.

So, he rarely spoke to anyone other than Lin Yi: "Goodbye, everyone."

His voice was soft and sweet, each word pleasant to the ear, as if wrapped in cotton candy.

The other three children were stunned when they heard him speak and became even more enthusiastic in their conversation with him.

Lin Yi stood aside, watching this scene with great satisfaction.

It was clear that Huo Mianmian was no longer as averse to interacting with people as he was at first, which was a good sign.

They would take it one step at a time, and eventually, Huo Mianmian would become as lively and cheerful as most children.

When Huo Mianmian finally finished talking with his little friends, Lin Yi took him away from the farm.

Before leaving, Lin Yi greeted Zhao Jin and Zhou Ke, then said to the perpetually grumpy Shen Feng, "Let's go, bye!"

Shen Feng, who had been feeling down, suddenly perked up like a wilted plant getting water.

He looked at Lin Yi with a hint of pride: "You remembered to say goodbye to me?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow: "Should I take it back?"

Shen Feng immediately protested: "What kind of person are you? Can you even take back a goodbye?"

Lin Yi replied nonchalantly: "Hmm."

Shen Feng: "You..."

Knowing that further arguing would only delay them, Lin Yi decided not to waste any more time. He pulled his luggage and walked ahead with Huo Mianmian.

Shen Feng shouted after them: "Hey! Explain before you go!"

Lin Yi didn't turn around but waved his hand.

Seeing Lin Yi wave, Shen Feng felt strangely comforted and muttered to himself, "That's more like it."

"So, how is that more like it?"

"Haha, Shen Feng is completely self-soothing. Lin Yi waves, and he thinks Lin Yi cares about him."

At three o'clock in the afternoon, Lin Yi brought Huo Mianmian back to the villa.

Inside the villa.

The Steward had already gathered a group of servants to welcome them at the entrance.

As soon as Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian stepped inside, the Steward said, "Welcome home, Mr. Lin and Young Master!"

The servants smiled warmly.

Lin Yi smiled back: "Thank you, everyone!"

There's nothing like coming home.

Not to mention, he missed the chef in the villa.

After all, he had mostly cooked for himself during this period and missed the villa's chef a lot.

The well-trained servants took Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian's luggage.

Then, the Steward asked Lin Yi with concern, "Mr. Lin, how was your time outside?"

Lin Yi nodded: "Pretty good."

The Steward's wrinkled face showed great relief: "That's good. It seems the young master has gained a bit of weight."

Lin Yi glanced down at Huo Mianmian's face.

It did look a bit chubbier.

Huo Mianmian, already adorable, now had an even rounder face, making him even more huggable!

The Steward was increasingly pleased.

He knew he hadn't been wrong; the young master was indeed happier with Mr. Lin and growing faster too.

Previously, he had always worried about the young master's introverted nature and slow growth, but now everything seemed to be improving.

Thinking about this, the Steward nearly shed tears of joy.

However, he quickly controlled his emotions and then said to Lin Yi, "Mr. Lin, you've returned at just the right time. We were planning some renovations around the villa. Do you have any suggestions?"

Hearing this, Lin Yi became interested.

After all, he had already transmigrated into this book and would be living here long-term. Why not make some suggestions about the surroundings to make it more comfortable?

So, Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian followed the steward as they toured the entire villa complex.

To think that this was Lin Yi's first comprehensive tour of the villa complex since transmigrating.

He hadn't realized that this entire area was Huo Jihan's property.

The entire villa complex covered about six or seven thousand square meters.

It included the main residence where they lived, other buildings, artificial hills, gardens, lawns, a golf course, and more—everything one could possibly need, making it a complete private estate.

According to the steward, Mr. Huo's properties weren't limited to this one; they were scattered all over the world.

This showed just how terrifying Huo Jihan's wealth truly was.

Lin Yi took a general look around and grew increasingly satisfied.

He would be staying here for the rest of his life!

But as they walked, Lin Yi noticed something lacking.

He asked the steward, "There isn't a swimming pool here, is there?"

The steward replied, "There is one, but we haven't reached it yet."

Lin Yi thought for a moment and said, "Could we dig a swimming pool near the main residence?"

After all, they spent most of their daily lives in the main residence. It would be inconvenient to have to walk far just to swim.

With summer approaching, it would be so refreshing to soak in cool water!

Then, they could place a lounge chair and a large umbrella by the pool.

After swimming, they could lie on the lounge chair, enjoy the breeze, and sip an iced drink—it would be like being on vacation.

The steward smiled and said, "Of course, now that you're also the master here, you can propose your own ideas."

Lin Yi nodded and then pinched Huo Mianmian's cheek gently. "Mianmian, you'll be able to swim soon. Excited? You can wear a floatie and float in the water while I put some plastic ducks in there. It'll be so much fun."

Huo Mianmian didn't have much concept of swimming, but after hearing Lin Yi's description and imagining the scene, he thought it sounded fun and nodded obediently.

Lin Yi immediately praised him, "Our Mianmian is such a good boy."

Huo Mianmian smiled sweetly upon hearing this.

Dad praised him again today, and he was delighted.

The steward watched the interaction between father and son, deeply moved.

At that moment, the steward remembered something and eagerly said to Lin Yi, "By the way, Mr. Lin, our Mr. Huo will be returning today."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

What?

His ATM machine was coming back?!

He hadn't met Huo Jihan yet and had no idea what he looked like.

But it didn't matter; he was only interested in the five million a month. As for Huo Jihan himself, he couldn't care less.

Unfortunately, the steward didn't know what Lin Yi was thinking. Seeing how close Lin Yi was with their young master, he naturally wanted to bring Lin Yi and Huo Jihan together.

So, the steward said, "Mr. Lin, this time Mr. Huo will stay for a while. I think this is a good opportunity for you two to develop your relationship."

Lin Yi chuckled dryly, "Heh..."

The steward continued, "Mr. Huo has been alone for so many years. I think you might be able to bring him some different experiences..."

The steward went on, essentially saying that he hoped Lin Yi and Huo Jihan's relationship would improve.

Lin Yi chuckled a few times but didn't respond.

After all, he and Huo Jihan were only in a contractual marriage. Cultivating feelings wasn't necessary; it was better to live freely.

Huo Jihan probably thought the same, which was why he sought a contractual marriage.

After touring the villa complex, Lin Yi and the others returned to the main residence.

At this point, Huo Mianmian was feeling sleepy and was taken by the steward to take a nap.

Lin Yi wasn't tired, so he grabbed the car keys and headed out.

He had only recently bought his Ferrari, and it was still new and exciting. This was the perfect time for a drive.

Soon, Lin Yi arrived at the garage.

Only this time did he realize that Huo Jihan owned numerous luxury cars, mostly global limited editions.

These limited-edition cars were neatly lined up in rows, leaving one in awe.

Men generally have a fascination with cars, and Lin Yi was no exception.

He admired the luxury cars for a while before driving away in his Ferrari.

Lin Yi took his Ferrari for a long spin, savoring the thrill of speed and adrenaline, feeling his heart race with excitement.

This trip was incredibly satisfying.

It wasn't until past five o'clock in the afternoon that he drove back to the villa.

However, when he returned to the villa, he was surprised to find a car already parked at the entrance.

It was a black Bentley.

An assistant-like figure quickly stepped out from the passenger seat and then went to the backseat, respectfully opening the door.

Following this, a man dressed in a black suit stepped out with a steady gait.

This man was tall, nearly six feet, exuding an imposing presence that commanded respect without even trying, giving off a strong sense of intimidation.

His aura was cold, and he was even colder, especially those empty black eyes that seemed to freeze everything they looked at.

Every movement he made radiated the authority of someone in power.

Lin Yi sat in his convertible, lazily observing this man for a moment.

Based on what the steward had told him, he could almost guess the identity of the man before him.

Huo Jihan, the notoriously ruthless head of the Huo family.

At this moment, Huo Jihan also noticed Lin Yi.

Lin Yi was lounging in the car, wearing a white casual outfit that fit him well, making his figure look particularly appealing.

Due to his recent drive, there was still a hint of audacity and nonchalance in his demeanor, adding more charm to his already striking face.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

After a brief moment of eye contact, Huo Jihan slightly parted his thin lips and said, word by word—

"Lin Yi?"

His voice was deep, laced with a chill.