Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Su Bai had now completely fallen from grace.

The internet was flooded with exposés about him, and netizens were feasting on the gossip.

"I thought Su Bai really had a powerful father, but it turns out he had a sugar daddy."

"Su Bai's fans used to brag about this all the time; they can't say a word now."

"Su Bai is really bold, daring to parade around with his sugar daddy in broad daylight."

"There's another piece of gossip, not verified, but apparently Su Bai has had several sugar daddies before. He was just a nobody back then, but this one is the richest."

"I can't believe I used to like Su Bai; I must have been blind."

"Everyone, go check Weibo—someone has named and shamed Su Bai. It turns out he actually had a boyfriend, but he cheated because he looked down on his partner's humble background..."

"Wow! This is a chain of scandals!"

The discussion about Su Bai online was intense, and things weren't any better in real life.

The executives at his agency had high hopes for Su Bai, but they never expected such a scandal.

They didn't care about the annual meeting anymore; they hurriedly tried to distance themselves from Su Bai, fearing that he would tarnish the company's reputation.

At that moment, Su Bai, covered in bruises, huddled in a corner, clutching his torn clothes, too afraid to face anyone.

His sugar daddy was too busy dealing with family issues to care about him. Even if he had the time, he wouldn't bother with Su Bai anymore. After all, it was just a transaction; did Su Bai expect genuine affection?

Su Bai cowered alone in the corner.

No one came to take care of him. The sycophants who used to follow him had vanished without a trace.

Only now did Su Bai realize that Lin Yi wasn't someone easy to deal with.

Choosing Lin Yi as an opponent might be the biggest mistake of his life.

But he still didn't think he was wrong.

He always believed himself to be noble, a star adored by everyone, entitled to do whatever he wanted, with the world revolving around him.

Unfortunately, no matter what Su Bai thought, no one saw him as that glamorous star anymore.

...

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the day to film the parenting show.

Lin Yi rarely woke up early, but today he did, stretching as he went downstairs.

Once downstairs, he started looking for Huo Jihan.

After all, he was going on another trip, so it was only right to inform Huo Jihan.

Fortunately, Huo Jihan hadn't left for the company yet and was sitting in the living room reviewing some documents.

Li Feng stood respectfully nearby, waiting for Huo Jihan to sign the documents before sending them to the branch offices.

Seeing they were busy, Lin Yi didn't disturb them and leaned against the wall, waiting for them to finish.

When Huo Jihan entered work mode, he exuded an aura that made people want to follow and obey, a commanding presence that kept others at bay.

Soon, Huo Jihan finished signing the last document.

Lin Yi approached him and said, "Mr. Huo, there's something I need to tell you."

Huo Jihan looked up at him, "What?"

Lin Yi: "I'm taking Mianmian to film a show."

Huo Jihan, who usually showed no emotion, frowned slightly, "When?"

Lin Yi casually replied, "This morning. I received the notice from the production team last night and haven't had a chance to tell you."

Huo Jihan paused, then asked, "When will you be back?"

Lin Yi didn't expect this question. They hadn't even left yet, and he was already asking when they'd return?

Not understanding why Huo Jihan asked, he answered honestly, "I'm not sure. I heard the filming location is quite far, so it might take ten days or half a month."

Huo Jihan didn't say anything else.

Lin Yi had spent some time with Huo Jihan and could read his emotions a bit better now.

Although Huo Jihan still showed no expression, Lin Yi sensed that he seemed a little unhappy.

Lin Yi felt confused.

He didn't say much, just that they were going to film a show.

Could this affect Huo Jihan?

Li Feng stood quietly beside them, observing but not speaking. However, his mind was active.

He had been with Huo Jihan for a while, and this was the first time he sensed his boss's obvious displeasure. Usually, even with billions at stake, Mr. Huo remained calm.

This showed how important Lin Yi was to Mr. Huo.

The living room fell silent.

Just as Lin Yi was about to say something more, his phone rang.

Lin Yi took out his phone and saw that it was an unfamiliar number.

He was somewhat puzzled but still answered the call. "Hello? Who is this?"

A familiar, cool, and arrogant voice came from the other end: "Lin Yi, when are you leaving? I'm waiting for you at the airport gate! Hurry up, hurry up!!"

Lin Yi: "…"

That voice and tone could only belong to Shen Feng.

He asked, somewhat speechless, "How did you know which city I'm in?"

Clearly, when Shen Feng had asked him before, he hadn't answered.

Shen Feng felt a bit guilty; he had coerced the show's staff to get Lin Yi's address.

But he couldn't admit that outright, so he changed the subject. "By the way, I heard the shooting location this time is a desert. Have you prepared what you need for the desert?"

Lin Yi was a bit surprised. "A desert?"

The production team had only informed him of the departure time and flight details, not the specific location.

Shen Feng breathed a sigh of relief, having successfully changed the topic. "See? I'm looking out for you, telling you all the inside information."

Lin Yi retorted, "…Is this even considered inside information?"

Shen Feng argued back, "Why not? Alright, I won't waste your time anymore. Hurry up and pack your things and come to the airport. I'll be waiting for you!!"

With that, he hung up the call.

Lin Yi was silent for a moment before putting away his phone.

At this moment, Huo Jihan, who had been listening to the conversation, seemingly casually asked, "Who was that?"

Lin Yi replied honestly, "Someone from the show. This person somehow found out which city I'm in and is waiting for me at the airport, urging me to hurry over."

Though Lin Yi's tone was laced with sarcasm, it was clear that he and the other person had a good relationship.

Huo Jihan's dark eyes flickered slightly as he continued, "Seems like you two get along well?"

"Huh?" Lin Yi was slightly taken aback by this question. Where did Huo Jihan get this impression?

He paused for a moment before saying, "Well, we got along during the last recording session. This person has a few quirks, but overall, we're friends."

Huo Jihan's gaze deepened, then he said to Lin Yi, "I'll have Li Feng take you and Mianmian to the airport."

Lin Yi immediately refused, "No need. Isn't Li Feng supposed to deliver some documents? Mianmian and I can go to the airport ourselves."

To Lin Yi's surprise, Huo Jihan insisted, "Have him take you there first, then he can deliver the documents."

"Alright." Seeing Huo Jihan's insistence, Lin Yi didn't refuse further. After all, it was just a small matter.

At this point, Huo Jihan turned to Li Feng and said, "Take a trip to the airport."

Li Feng, who had been with Huo Jihan for a long time, understood immediately from his boss's look.

So he approached Lin Yi and said, "Mr. Lin, let me help you with your luggage."

Lin Yi nodded. "Sure."

Twenty minutes later, Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian set off together.

Li Feng was driving.

Having heard they were going to a desert, both Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian dressed lightly but packed thick coats in their suitcases due to the significant temperature difference between day and night in the desert.

Lin Yi wore a simple white short-sleeved shirt.

Huo Mianmian, on the other hand, wore a cute bunny costume. When he put on the hat, two rabbit ears stood upright on his head, making him look like a real, adorable bunny.

Lin Yi pinched his soft cheeks and asked, "Mianmian, are you excited about playing in the desert soon?"

Huo Mianmian nodded, and the bunny ears on his head wiggled. "Excited."

He had already participated in one show, so he was more accustomed to the format now.

Besides, as long as Lin Yi was with him, he was happy.

Father and son chatted all the way until they arrived at the airport.

After getting out of the car, Lin Yi glanced toward the airport entrance and indeed saw Shen Feng and Song Yutao standing there.

Both of them were wearing sunglasses, each leaning against a suitcase, looking cool and aloof.

At this moment, Shen Feng also saw Lin Yi.

He immediately took off his sunglasses and rushed over in two quick steps: "You're so slow! Are you a turtle? I've been waiting until the flowers have withered."

Lin Yi glanced at him nonchalantly: "Who asked you to wait for me? Didn't you insist on waiting here yourself?"

"..."

Shen Feng was momentarily speechless.

Was it true that he had insisted on waiting?

Shen Feng's expression faltered, and he huffed coldly: "I'm not talking to you anymore! Hurry up, let's get into the airport!"

Lin Yi ignored Shen Feng's urging and calmly carried Huo Mianmian out of the car.

At this point, Li Feng had already wheeled their luggage over: "Mr. Lin, have a safe journey."

Lin Yi took the luggage: "Thanks, you can go back now. You've worked hard."

Shen Feng didn't recognize Li Feng, so he didn't pay much attention and hastily took the luggage from Lin Yi: "Let me help you, hurry up!"

Lin Yi said speechlessly: "Why are you in such a rush? Are you in a hurry to be reborn?"

Shen Feng: "..."

Didn't he just want to spend more time with Lin Yi?

Young Master Shen, usually quick to anger, would have exploded if someone else had said that to him, but facing Lin Yi, he couldn't even muster a retort. He huffed and turned away.

Lin Yi ignored Shen Feng and turned to Huo Mianmian: "Kid, let's go. We're going to catch a plane."

Li Feng stood silently to the side, observing the interaction between Lin Yi and Shen Feng without drawing attention.

It was clear that these two were indeed just friends.

At least, Mr. Lin definitely saw the other as just a friend.

Soon, Lin Yi and his group entered the airport, followed by two of Shen Feng's personal assistants.

Li Feng remained where he was, watching Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian enter the airport before turning to leave.

He could now return and report to Mr. Huo.