Chapter 28

Chapter 28

This morning.

Lin Yi sat cross-legged on the sofa, playing games on his phone.

Huo Mianmian sat quietly beside him, holding an illustrated book and reading it.

The book was filled with drawings of many small animals, each one cartoonish, cute, and interesting, capable of capturing a child's attention easily.

Huo Mianmian lowered his head, engrossed in the book for quite some time.

At one point, he lifted his head and asked Lin Yi, "Dad, why does a crab walk sideways?"

Lin Yi laughed when he heard this question.

While still playing the game, he teased the child, "Maybe to prove how special it is. All other animals walk straight, but it walks sideways, making it stand out."

Huo Mianmian looked surprised, his eyes widening.

Is that why?

He continued, "Then why do snakes hibernate?"

Lin Yi, adept at entertaining children, replied, "It's too lazy to come out and find food in winter, so it just sleeps all the time."

Huo Mianmian blinked, "Why don't humans hibernate?"

It was rare for Huo Mianmian to speak so much at once; it was clear he was in a good mood today.

Lin Yi casually patted his head and answered, "Because humans have invented so many delicious foods. If they went without eating for so long, they'd feel like they were missing out."

Huo Mianmian's eyes widened, listening intently to Lin Yi's explanations.

The Steward, watching from the side, smiled genuinely.

It was evident that Mr. Lin and the young master were getting closer, and the young master was doing better. This was truly a good thing.

After playing games all morning, Lin Yi said to Huo Mianmian, "Mianmian, let's go out for lunch today; we haven't eaten out in a while."

Huo Mianmian nodded cooperatively.

Soon, father and son headed outside and found a fast-food restaurant.

Lin Yi hadn't had this kind of food in a while, so he ordered a lot.

Fried chicken, burgers, fries, cola, and more.

Although these foods might be considered unhealthy by some, they were irresistible. Not having them for a while made you crave them even more.

After ordering for himself, Lin Yi also got a kids' meal for Huo Mianmian.

Soon, the server brought their food to the table.

Lin Yi immediately picked up a burger and took a big bite.

In the next moment, he closed his eyes in satisfaction.

This was the taste he missed!

Huo Mianmian opened his spoon and began drinking his soup obediently.

Lin Yi quickly finished his burger, drank some cola, and then started on a fried chicken leg.

The fried chicken leg from this fast-food restaurant was incredibly delicious. The outside was coated with crispy golden batter, while the inside was tender and juicy, and well-seasoned.

Each bite was a delightful mix of textures, making it hard to stop eating.

Thus, Lin Yi tried almost everything on the menu before leaving the restaurant, feeling satisfied.

Since they were already out, they didn't rush back and instead wandered around a quiet area.

As they walked, they came to an artificial lake.

The lake was large, surrounded by willow trees, making it an ideal place for a post-meal stroll.

When they grew tired, they leaned against a railing to rest.

Suddenly, a white puppy ran up to them.

The puppy had fluffy fur, upright ears, and big eyes. It scampered over to them on its short legs and circled around Huo Mianmian.

Seeing the puppy, Huo Mianmian looked curious and turned to look at Lin Yi.

Lin Yi said, "It must be someone's lost puppy. Its owner will probably come looking soon. Until then, you can play with it."

Hearing this, Huo Mianmian's eyes lit up, and he squatted down to play with the white puppy.

He first reached out his hand to touch the puppy's soft fur.

After petting it, his expression became even more delighted.

How soft it was!

The puppy, sensing no harm from Huo Mianmian, allowed him to pet it and even lay down, exposing its soft belly.

Huo Mianmian was even happier and gently stroked the puppy's belly.

Lin Yi leaned against the railing, smiling as he watched this scene unfold.

It has to be said, this scene was truly heartwarming.

Huo Mianmian was an adorable and gentle child, small and cute, especially when he squatted down on the ground.

The little puppy was also fluffy and very adorable.

So, a human child and a little dog happily played together for quite some time.

Until the dog's owner came looking for them, they reluctantly said their goodbyes.

The dog's owner was a young girl with a fun personality. She even lifted the puppy's front paw to wave goodbye to Huo Mianmian.

Huo Mianmian smiled and waved back with his little hand.

After walking a few steps with the puppy in her arms, the girl suddenly stopped and turned to look at Huo Mianmian and Lin Yi, then exclaimed in surprise, "I remember! I've seen you two on a show before!!"

She couldn't recall which show it was, as the TV remote was controlled by her mother, who quickly changed the channel to a family drama before she could get a good look.

Lin Yi smiled at the girl, his voice particularly pleasant, "Really? It's possible."

He was wearing a mask, so only his bright, charming eyes were visible.

Especially when he smiled, those eyes seemed to sparkle with stars, making him even more captivating.

The girl, already a fan of celebrities, was momentarily dazed by Lin Yi's smile.

She had definitely seen those eyes before!

But what was the name of that show?

The girl walked on, distractedly holding the puppy, thinking about taking a photo and posting it in their group to ask.

When the girl returned, Lin Yi had just taken off his mask, opened a bottle of drink, and took a sip.

Today, Lin Yi wore a white short-sleeved shirt and light blue jeans, a simple but exceptionally good-looking outfit.

His expression was lazy as he tilted his head slightly to drink.

Golden sunlight shone on him, dancing across his body.

The willow branches swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of charm to his presence.

The girl held her phone, found the right angle, and snapped a photo.

With a "click," a stunning photo was captured.

Looking at the photo, she grew increasingly satisfied.

Thanks to her photography lessons, she managed to capture such a perfect moment.

Soon, the photo spread wildly online.

It even trended on social media.

"Wow! Who is this guy? He's unbelievably handsome!"

"I need all the information on this man within ten seconds!!!"

"Aaaaah, I declare, this person is now my wife!!!!"

"Quick, quick, who is this guy???"

"I always thought I didn't care about looks and valued someone's inner qualities, but now, in the face of such beauty, who cares about anything else?"

"You're right; I'm already dazed."

"Hehe, I know who he is. His name is Lin Yi. He's currently filming a parenting show. I watched the live stream every day last month."

"Parenting show? Gotta check it out!!!"

"Happy! My 'wife' Lin Yi is getting famous again with just one photo."

"No kidding, with a face like that, he can do whatever he wants!"

Lin Yi was unaware of everything happening online.

Most of the time, when he went online, he was playing games and didn't pay much attention to entertainment gossip.

Until that day, his agent called him.

The agent was still in shock and took a while to speak after connecting the call, "Lin Yi, a national-level tea beverage company recently contacted the company, wanting you to endorse their product."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, "Me?"

Why would they suddenly want him to endorse their product?

The agent was even more confused than Lin Yi, "Just come to the company first. We'll discuss the details later."

After hanging up, Lin Yi felt a bit puzzled.

Though he didn't plan to work hard anymore, shooting an advertisement was still acceptable.

So Lin Yi informed the Steward and left home.

Forty minutes later, Lin Yi drove his Ferrari to the company.

He parked the Ferrari, got out, and walked toward the company.

After he transmigrated into the book, Lin Yi hadn't visited the agency yet.

Mainly because he was too much of a slacker and didn't have much need to interact with the company.

Their agency wasn't particularly powerful; it couldn't compare to the big agencies in the industry. However, it wasn't entirely impoverished either, boasting a few well-known artists within the circle. Overall, it was average.

Lin Yi leisurely made his way to the agent's office.

This time, the agent's attitude was noticeably different from before. After all, he hadn't expected Lin Yi to gain so many fans on the variety show, especially since a national-level brand had approached him.

He had a hunch that Lin Yi would definitely become a sensation if this trend continued.

The agent, having been in the industry for over a decade, knew how to curry favor and change his stance with the wind. He even uncharacteristically stood up and enthusiastically pulled out a chair for Lin Yi: "You're here! Sit down, sit down!"

Though outwardly courteous, the agent still habitually looked down on Lin Yi.

Tsk tsk, he couldn't tell at first. When he signed this person, he seemed weak and easy to bully, never making a sound even when kicked around. Now, he had transformed completely.

He needed to carefully plan how to maximize his own benefits from this situation.

Lin Yi watched the agent's change coldly, not saying anything as he sat down casually.

The agent poured him a glass of water and said with a smile, "Lin Yi, do you know how popular you've become online? Your photo has gone viral!"

Lin Yi looked puzzled. "What photo?"

The agent: "!!!"

How could it be that you didn't know anything about it, yet you've been trending for days and even landed an endorsement?!

The agent didn't know what to say, attributing it to Lin Yi's good luck.

But thinking about such a promising artist under his management, he became excited again, envisioning a future where he would rise along with Lin Yi.

Seeing that Lin Yi was genuinely unaware, the agent showed him the photo while analyzing, "Look, in this photo, you're drinking that tea beverage, and your attire and the background perfectly match the theme of the drink—fresh and natural. I suspect the brand saw this and decided to approach you for an endorsement."

Lin Yi glanced at the photo on the computer and raised an eyebrow.

Had he really been photographed like that?

He hadn't noticed.

Compared to Lin Yi's calmness, the agent was much more excited: "I've already planned everything. First, we'll take on this beverage endorsement, then capitalize on the popularity by attending several events..."

Lin Yi leaned back in his chair and interrupted, "Who said I'm going to attend those events?"

He had no intention of working hard in this life.

The agent was taken aback. "But you're currently very popular..."

Lin Yi cut him off again: "Don't sign me up for anything without my consent. Even if you do, I won't sign any contracts. Everything must be done according to my terms."

The agent, realizing his excitement was misplaced, frowned. "You..."

Lin Yi nonchalantly replied, "Where's the endorsement contract? Give it to me to review. I need to go home and play games after signing."

The agent: "..."

This was the first time he had seen an artist act so carefree!

Everyone else would seize the opportunity to climb higher, but this guy remained completely relaxed!

Soon, Lin Yi finished reviewing the contract, confirmed there were no issues, and signed it.

The agent tried to convince him to attend more events, but Lin Yi ignored him and left.

The agent fumed but could do nothing about it.

He couldn't really tie Lin Yi up and force him, could he?

After leaving the agent's office, Lin Yi went downstairs.

In the lobby, a few people were gathered.

These were also artists from the same agency, and their expressions turned unfriendly upon seeing Lin Yi.

Especially Su Bai, who was currently the most popular artist in the agency and its top star.

He had never taken Lin Yi seriously, considering it beneath him to deal with someone like Lin Yi. But he never expected to lose face because of him.

He had previously approached the brand for the tea beverage endorsement but was rejected.

To think that they would turn around and approach Lin Yi instead. How could he tolerate that?

The few lackeys around Su Bai, noticing his displeasure, immediately began flattering him.

"Brother Bai, don't get angry. Who does that guy think he is? He's not even fit to shine your shoes!!"

"That's right. He's always so timid and can't handle the spotlight."

"It's easy for Brother Bai to deal with him, just like squashing an ant."

"Some people shouldn't get too cocky, or they'll end up in trouble without even knowing why."

Hearing these words, Su Bai's frustration over losing the advertisement dissipated slightly.

Lin Yi continued walking forward.

Someone in the crowd saw this and wanted to give him a hard time, so they called out, "Lin Yi, didn't you hear us talking?"

Lin Yi stopped when he heard his name and glanced at them lightly.

After a glance, he recalled who these people were.

The one leading the group was Su Bai, dressed in high-end attire, with an arrogant expression.

It was said that Su Bai's father had incredible connections in the industry, which is why he always had access to great resources and a massive fan base.

The original owner hadn't had much direct interaction with Su Bai.

Su Bai had only been wary of the original owner when he first joined the company, simply because the original owner had an exceptionally good-looking face.

But later, after seeing the original owner's weak personality and lack of progress in his career, Su Bai no longer took him seriously.

However, just because Su Bai didn't directly confront the original owner, it didn't mean his followers wouldn't.

They knew Su Bai harbored some jealousy towards the original owner's looks, so to please Su Bai, they often bullied the original owner.

Su Bai was aware of these incidents but enjoyed the feeling of being adored, so he never intervened.

Now, Lin Yi looked at them coldly, "Are you talking to me?"

Everyone: "..."

What else could it be?

Were they talking to thin air?

Had they just put on a show for nothing, only for Lin Yi to not even listen carefully?!

One of the smaller artists, trying to curry favor with Su Bai, spoke up first, "Lin Yi, I ask you, why did you snatch Brother Bai's endorsement?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, "Has the brand contacted Su Bai?"

The small artist subconsciously shook his head, "No."

Lin Yi sneered, "Then why am I snatching it from him?"

The small artist: "Uh..."

Realizing his mistake, he dared not look at Su Bai's face and tried to make up for it by raising his voice, "It's just a tea drink endorsement, what do you have to be proud of?"

Lin Yi countered, "Exactly, it's just a tea drink endorsement, so why do you care so much?"

Everyone: "..."

What was going on?

Wasn't Lin Yi usually the type to keep his head down and barely say a word? Why was he being so sharp today?!

Another person, trying to belittle Lin Yi, sneered, "Lin Yi, don't think our Brother Bai couldn't get this endorsement! It's a piece of cake for him!"

Lin Yi nonchalantly replied, "Sure, then I'll wait and see how your Brother Bai performs."

Su Bai: "..."

How could he perform?

He had already tried once and failed.

Putting him on the spot now would only embarrass him further.

After saying this, Lin Yi didn't bother wasting any more words and walked out of the company with a lazy gait.

The person who spoke realized he had messed up and stammered to Su Bai, "Brother Bai, just now I..."

Su Bai glared at him with a grim expression.

Seeing this, others quickly tried to console Su Bai.

"Brother Bai, don't take Lin Yi seriously. It's not worth ruining your mood over someone like him."

"That's right, Brother Bai. You're the hottest artist in the company, and even the higher-ups stand by you."

"Besides, our Brother Bai's father is a powerful figure whose every move shakes the entertainment industry. Who would dare offend our Brother Bai? That would be courting death."

Listening to these flattery, Su Bai's expression finally improved.

Fine, it's just a tea drink endorsement. Consider it a gift to Lin Yi.

After leaving the company, Lin Yi drove his sports car around a few times before heading home.

However, the weather was unpredictable, and it started raining as he approached the villa.

Lin Yi got slightly wet, but it wasn't a big issue.

He parked the car in front of the villa and walked inside.

Upon entering, he saw Huo Jihan and Ji Yunchuan sitting in the living room with some documents in front of them, indicating they had just finished discussing business.

Hearing the door, both of them turned to look at him.

Today, Lin Yi wore a casual white shirt.

Due to the rain, the shirt was now damp and clung to his body, outlining his perfect physique, especially his slender waist, which seemed almost huggable with one arm.

His eyes were also moist, and the strands of hair on his forehead dripped with water, as if he had just gotten out of the bath.

Seeing this scene, Ji Yunchuan was stunned. So his sister-in-law has such a good figure?

But in the next second, he was given a warning look by Huo Jihan.

After receiving Huo Jihan's warning, Ji Yunchuan quickly moved his gaze away from Lin Yi.

At the same time, he grumbled inwardly, isn't Big Brother Huo's possessiveness a bit too strong?!!!

His sister-in-law is still fully dressed! What could he see?!

At this moment, Huo Jihan said to Lin Yi, "Go upstairs and change your clothes."

Lin Yi nodded: "Mm."

He was planning to change anyway; who wouldn’t change after getting wet?

Lin Yi went upstairs.

Ji Yunchuan suddenly remembered something and shouted at Lin Yi’s back: "Sister-in-law, hurry up and change! We'll go to the bar later and have some fun!"

Unfortunately, Lin Yi had already gone upstairs and didn't hear his enthusiastic call.

Instead, it was Huo Jihan who stared at Ji Yunchuan: "You took him to a bar?"

Caught off guard, Ji Yunchuan blurted out, "Yeah, we planned to get him drunk and then pry out some... gossip about you two!"

Realizing his mistake, he quickly stopped talking.

How could he be so foolish as to almost reveal his intentions to Big Brother Huo?

At this moment, Huo Jihan looked at him with a deep, dark gaze: "You wanted to get him drunk?"

Ji Yunchuan: "N-no, not really..."

Why was he suddenly staring at him with such cold, terrifying eyes?!!!

His heart nearly skipped a beat!

Huo Jihan continued to stare at him with that chilling gaze.

In front of Big Brother Huo, Ji Yunchuan didn’t dare to act rashly and could only weakly defend himself: "No, I just invited my sister-in-law along for some fun."

Besides, there was something he couldn’t say out loud: last time, he tried to get Lin Yi drunk but ended up getting drunk himself instead.

But admitting that would be too embarrassing, so Ji Yunchuan would never say it voluntarily.

At this moment, Huo Jihan directly dismissed him: "There's nothing left for you here. You can leave now."

Ji Yunchuan widened his eyes: "Brother, don't! Didn't we agree I'd stay for dinner? Why are you kicking me out now?!!!"

The chefs here were top-notch, and Ji Yunchuan always came to enjoy a meal before leaving. He didn’t expect to be kicked out early today.

Ji Yunchuan pleaded for a while.

But Huo Jihan remained unmoved.

At this moment, Ji Yunchuan belatedly realized something and asked Huo Jihan in disbelief: "Don't tell me it's because I said I wanted to get my sister-in-law drunk, that's why you're doing this to me?"

Huo Jihan neither confirmed nor denied it.

Ji Yunchuan: "..."

It seems that’s really the case!!

Big Brother Huo is truly prioritizing romance over friendship, oh my god!!!!

Soon, Lin Yi came downstairs wearing a set of dry clothes.

When he came down, he saw Ji Yunchuan’s departing back.

This person, who usually wore a cheerful expression, now seemed full of resentment even in his posture.

Lin Yi subconsciously asked Huo Jihan: "What’s wrong with him?"

Huo Jihan replied calmly: "I don’t know. Maybe he’s just in a bad mood because of the rain."

Lin Yi was quite surprised by this reason.

Who would have thought that Ji Yunchuan could be so sentimental?

Just because of a little rain, he got emo?!!!