Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Time quickly arrived at the next day.

Today was going to be a rather busy day.

The farmers hosting the guests were selling their melons today.

This family made a living by growing cantaloupes and watermelons, and the first batch of melons had already ripened. Today, fruit merchants would come to collect them.

Since the guests were staying here, they naturally wanted to help out.

Therefore, after breakfast, everyone left the house and headed for the melon fields.

When they arrived at the melon fields, they all wore expressions of surprise.

The melon field was enormous, stretching as far as the eye could see, divided by a road where watermelons grew on the left and cantaloupes on the right.

The fields were lush with green leaves, and large, round melons were hidden among them.

Looking at the vast melon field, Lin Yi couldn't help but exclaim, "If only I could grow this many melons too. I could eat as much as I want, and there would always be more!"

"Who wouldn't want such a huge melon field?!"

"Hehe, to be honest, my family grows melons too. During harvest season, we can never finish eating them all."

"The previous commenter is just rubbing it in. You should send me a hundred pounds!"

"Who hasn't dreamed of being a farm owner?"

Huo Mianmian stood beside Lin Yi, listening to his words. He tilted his head to look at Lin Yi, his face showing a thoughtful expression.

Soon, the guests began picking melons.

Today, Lin Yi wore a short-sleeved shirt and shorts for convenience, along with a pair of sneakers.

His outfit was simple and allowed him to move nimbly.

To shield himself from the glaring sun, he also put on a woven straw hat.

Suddenly, he looked incredibly youthful and fresh, exuding a clean and refreshing aura, as if he were filming a countryside variety show.

Especially when he lifted his head, his face beneath the straw hat was revealed, his dark eyes carrying a faint smile, like a warm ray of sunshine that touched one's heart.

"Ahhhhh!!! How can someone be so good-looking!!!"

"Which melon is Lin Yi picking? I want to buy it!!"

"My eyes are glued to him; I can't look away."

"My wife's beauty is no joke; it surpasses everything."

Lin Yi had never picked melons before, but it wasn't too difficult.

After picking two, he became thoroughly proficient and continued to pick several more in quick succession.

Shen Feng somehow appeared beside him without doing any work, his hands in his pockets as he said, "How long do we have to keep picking these things? We can't really do this all day, right?"

He always had the temperament of a young master and naturally didn't want to do such tiring work.

Lin Yi, while picking melons, didn't even lift his head as he replied, "Why bother asking? Just pick them."

Shen Feng huffed, "Looks exhausting."

Lin Yi ignored him and continued picking melons on his own.

Shen Feng just stood there watching Lin Yi for a while.

Gradually, the number of watermelons Lin Yi picked increased, piling up in the field.

Shen Feng frowned and asked, "Are you going to move all these melons to the truck later?"

Lin Yi countered, "What else? Leave them here in the field?"

Shen Feng: "..."

He didn't say anything more but gave Lin Yi a glance.

Lin Yi wasn't particularly skinny, but he was rather slender. It was hard to imagine how someone like him would manage to move so many melons.

As Shen Feng watched, he suddenly started working.

He bent down, picked up one of the melons Lin Yi had picked, and carried it toward the road, waiting to load it onto the truck later.

Lin Yi, who had been focused on picking melons, glanced over and saw Shen Feng actually starting to work. He instinctively praised, "You're pretty strong, huh?"

It was true; the watermelon Shen Feng was carrying was quite large, but Shen Feng lifted it effortlessly.

Shen Feng, who was walking, paused when he heard Lin Yi's words and turned to look at him, "Are you complimenting me?"

Lin Yi responded with confusion, "What else?"

There were only the two of them here, after all.

After being complimented by Lin Yi, Shen Feng suddenly felt elated and said in a cocky manner, "Is that all? I can do this easily!"

With that, he quickened his pace and started moving the melons.

Not only that, Shen Feng seemed to be suddenly injected with energy.

The first time, he carried one watermelon; the second time, he managed two; and the third time, it was three!

He insisted on doing this in front of Lin Yi. If Lin Yi was busy and didn't notice him, Shen Feng would even take a detour with the watermelons just to pass by Lin Yi and make sure he saw.

Lin Yi: "…"

Although Lin Yi couldn't quite understand what was going on, it seemed like a good thing?

With Shen Feng being so proactive, they might finish moving the watermelons quickly, right?

The netizens were having a blast.

"Hahaha, Shen Feng is like a peacock showing off its feathers!"

"That's how younger, energetic guys are—they want to impress their partners."

"Pity our Linlin doesn't seem to get it!"

"A moment of sympathy for Shen Feng."

However, Shen Feng got a bit too enthusiastic. He even brought a basket, planning to fill it with watermelons and move them all at once.

Seeing this, Lin Yi advised, "Take it easy. What if you hurt your back?"

While Shen Feng did seem strong, he wasn't used to farm work and might not be able to handle it.

Shen Feng, however, dismissed the concern, saying, "What's the big deal? I could carry another basket!"

Lin Yi: "…"

Why had this guy suddenly become so enthusiastic? Earlier, he didn't even want to do any work.

After filling the basket with watermelons, Shen Feng bent down to lift it. Before doing so, he called out to Lin Yi, "Look, look!!"

Lin Yi: "…"

Was this guy a child? Did he need an audience for everything?

But Lin Yi knew Shen Feng well enough to realize that if he didn't humor him, Shen Feng would keep pestering him.

Thinking this, Lin Yi turned to look at Shen Feng.

Feeling Lin Yi's gaze, Shen Feng was instantly energized. He grabbed the handles of the bamboo basket and lifted it with all his might...

In the next moment, his face froze.

Something must have happened.

Lin Yi took a few steps closer and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

Initially, Shen Feng didn't want to admit anything and stubbornly said, "N-nothing..."

He couldn't let Lin Yi know; it would ruin his image!

Determined, Shen Feng decided never to tell. He released the basket and slowly straightened up, his movements stiff.

But Lin Yi had been watching him closely and after a while, slowly asked, "Did you hurt your back?"

Shen Feng: "…"

At twenty-five years old, Shen Feng had never felt such embarrassment before.

His ears turned red, and his words stumbled, "H-how could that be! My back is fine!"

A man couldn't admit weakness in his back!

Compared to Shen Feng's agitation, Lin Yi remained calm. "If you hurt your back, it's serious. You should see a medic."

The show had medical staff on standby to handle emergencies for the guests.

Shen Feng continued to insist, "I told you, I'm fine!!"

But then, Lin Yi raised an eyebrow and said, "Are you going to see the doctor yourself, or should I help you?"

Shen Feng: "…"

If Lin Yi helped him, wouldn't it be even more embarrassing?

Deciding quickly, Shen Feng said, "I'll go myself!"

And with great determination, he limped off to see the doctor.

Meanwhile, his face was filled with sorrow and shame because his image in front of Lin Yi was completely ruined!!!

"Hahaha, Shen Feng is hilarious!"

"How can a man say his back isn't okay? (dog emoji)"

"It's clear Shen Feng cares a lot about his image in front of Lin Yi, but Lin Yi doesn't seem to get his young man's heart."

"Indeed, 'young man's heart' is a fitting description."

"Oh, our Linlin is only twenty-six and hasn't dated much. How could he understand these things?"

After watching Shen Feng leave for the doctor, Lin Yi continued picking watermelons.

On the other side.

Huo Mianmian stood hesitantly in one spot.

He had just heard Lin Yi say he hoped to have a melon patch, so he wanted to ask the farmer for some watermelon and cantaloupe seeds to take home and plant.

Unfortunately, he had barely ever spoken to strangers before.

Even though he had become more outgoing after spending time with Lin Yi recently, it was still particularly difficult for him to approach a stranger and ask for something.

Thus, Huo Mianmian hesitated as he watched the farmer from a distance, not daring to step forward.

Although he didn't go up to the farmer, he also didn't leave because he wanted to grow melons for Little Dad—lots of delicious melons.

At that moment, the farmer noticed Huo Mianmian out of the corner of his eye.

When he turned around, he saw a cute and well-behaved child standing a few meters away, staring at him as if there was something he wanted to say.

The farmer smiled kindly at Huo Mianmian and said, "Little one, what do you want?"

Huo Mianmian was surprised that the farmer spoke to him first. He paused for a moment before softly saying, "I want to grow watermelons and cantaloupes. Little Dad likes them..."

The farmer couldn't resist how adorable Huo Mianmian was and immediately replied, "You want seeds, right? I'll get them for you."

Huo Mianmian responded in his little voice, "Thank you."

The farmer beamed, "No need to thank me. What a polite little one!"

After a while, Huo Mianmian received a handful of watermelon seeds and a handful of cantaloupe seeds.

As the farmer handed them over, he said, "Little one, take these seeds back to an adult and plant them well! These are improved seeds; the melons will be big and sweet!"

Huo Mianmian looked at the seeds in his hand and smiled happily.

Big and sweet?

Once he planted these seeds, Little Dad would be able to enjoy big, sweet melons!

Huo Mianmian carefully placed the seeds in his pocket and then ran off to find Lin Yi.

"Aww, such a considerate little treasure!"

"Why doesn't anyone grow melons for me?! Another day of intense jealousy and dark envy."

"Such a cute little one; I could eat him up!"

"The commenter above is a scary auntie; our Mianmian should stay away."

"Mianmian is so cute, and everyone else is cute too!! I'm so glad I found this show!!"

Lin Yi had already picked many watermelons, creating several small piles.

He planned to transport the harvested melons to the roadside before continuing to pick more.

Just then, Huo Mianmian ran up to him with a big smile on his face.

Lin Yi stopped what he was doing and asked Huo Mianmian, "Sweetheart, what happened? Why are you so happy?"

Hearing this, Huo Mianmian took out some watermelon and cantaloupe seeds from his pocket and presented them to Lin Yi, "Little Dad, seeds!"

Lin Yi was instantly delighted, "Mianmian, where did you get these?"

Huo Mianmian truthfully replied, "A farmer gave them to me. I want to grow them for Little Dad to eat!"

Lin Yi: "!!"

How heartwarming was that?!

Lin Yi picked up Huo Mianmian and spun him around, "My dear, you're my little warm jacket!!"

Huo Mianmian laughed joyfully as Lin Yi spun him around.

Warm sunlight fell upon the father and son, creating a harmonious scene.

After playing for a while, Lin Yi resumed his task, bending down to lift a melon and head towards the roadside.

Unexpectedly, Huo Mianmian saw this and tried to lift a melon as well.

Lin Yi quickly stopped him, "Mianmian, don't lift it; you might get hurt!"

Huo Mianmian obediently stopped but still looked at Lin Yi pleadingly, "I want to help too."

Children always want to join in when they see adults working.

It wasn't right to discourage their enthusiasm.

Lin Yi thought for a moment and said, "How about we carry one together?"

Huo Mianmian nodded excitedly.

Soon, the father and son carried a melon together towards the roadside.

Of course, Lin Yi secretly bore most of the weight, but he still encouraged Huo Mianmian, "Our Mianmian is amazing, helping to carry the melon!"

Huo Mianmian smiled even wider and carried the melon with all his might.

"I don't know which one to envy more."

"Me neither! I want both the adult and the child! Let's have both, hehe!"

Over here.

He Nian was also picking watermelons.

Deep down, he didn't want to do it. After all, he was a celebrity; how could he be doing such manual labor?

However, he didn't show any reluctance on his face and continued to pick the watermelons diligently.

He knew that his reputation had suffered recently, causing many of his fans to leave him. Naturally, this was the time to regain their goodwill.

Sure enough, seeing He Nian working hard, a few of his remaining fans in the live stream started supporting him again.

"Our Nian has been quietly getting things done."

"Of course, Nian is always eager to help others."

"While it's true that Nian made some mistakes before, we can't completely write him off for that. His essence is still good."

"That's right. Nian must have just been confused for a moment. In my heart, he will always be the kind-hearted He Nian!"

"To me, what happened to Nian wasn't a big deal. He didn't actually harm anyone, and you can see that person is still alive and well."

"Indeed, some people's fans are too petty, always holding Nian's mistakes against him. Do they really want to drive him to despair?"

"When an avalanche happens, no snowflake is innocent."

He Nian's remaining fans were die-hard supporters. At the slightest opportunity to defend him, they would seize it, trying to clear his name while also criticizing Lin Yi.

Unfortunately, it wasn't like when the variety show first started, when He Nian had a large fan base controlling the live stream comments. Now, Lin Yi's fans dominated the conversation.

"Haha, do you really think Lin Yi's fans won't speak up?"

"What are you all insinuating? Your idol made a mistake and now blames others for being petty? Should we give you each a relic?"

"Everyone is enjoying the live stream happily. If someone wants to provoke a fight, I won't hold back."

"Lin Yi is unlucky to be tangled up with these idiots who won't let go!"

He Nian's remaining fans, already few in number, were intimidated by the overwhelming comments from Lin Yi's fans and quickly retreated, not daring to say another word.

After picking watermelons for a while, He Nian noticed Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian's situation.

Huo Mianmian was helping too?

Seeing this, He Nian had an idea and said to Hao Hao beside him, "Hao Hao, come help me."

If he wanted to outshine Lin Yi, then the child he brought along needed to outshine Lin Yi's child as well.

Hao Hao, who had always been afraid of He Nian, stood trembling in front of him. "What do I need to do?"

He Nian picked up a watermelon and placed it in Hao Hao's arms without considering whether he could carry it. "Good boy, take this watermelon to the roadside."

Hao Hao, holding the enormous watermelon, was shaking with his little legs.

Although he was about five years old, the melon was too heavy for him, making it difficult for him to walk.

Gathering his courage, Hao Hao said to He Nian, "I... I can't carry it."

He Nian cursed Hao Hao inwardly but smiled and said, "It's okay, try carrying it first. If you can't manage, I'll help you."

Hao Hao tried to say something more: "I..."

At this moment, He Nian's expression turned serious.

Hao Hao dared not speak further, hesitated for a few seconds, and then gritted his teeth, struggling to carry the watermelon toward the road.

Satisfied, He Nian smiled.

He was well-versed in the survival tactics of the entertainment industry: a celebrity needs to stay relevant by staying in the spotlight.

He could already foresee the upcoming trending topic: Hao Hao carrying a watermelon alone, with comments praising his diligence.

So, whose child was this diligent Hao Hao?

His, He Nian's.

Thinking about it, He Nian couldn't help but smile.

It had been a long time since he was on the trending list, and when he was, it was mostly negative news. This time, he would definitely redeem himself.

Meanwhile.

Hao Hao was walking alone, carrying the large watermelon, each step a struggle, his face pale.

He wanted to go home.

But his parents had high hopes for him, proud that he was a child star. If he refused to film, they would look at him with disappointment, perhaps even hitting him.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have left him with He Nian to appear on the show together.

Thinking of this, Hao Hao's eyes dimmed. He gave up the thought of going home and continued to carry the melon forward.

"Damn! Is He Nian crazy? Making such a small child carry a huge watermelon alone?!"

"Hao Hao isn't his biological child, so he doesn't care."

"So where are Hao Hao's real parents? Don't they care? I want to curse them."

"I wish I could jump in and help Hao Hao."

Hao Hao carried the melon for a distance. Just as he was about to collapse...

At this moment, a pair of hands suddenly took the watermelon from his arms.

Hao Hao felt the weight lift from his arms and then looked up, only to see Lin Yi.

For some reason, when Hao Hao saw Lin Yi, his eyes welled up with tears, and he choked out, "Big Brother Lin Yi..."

After taking the watermelon, Lin Yi frowned and asked Hao Hao, "Why are you carrying such a heavy watermelon by yourself?"

Hao Hao opened his mouth as if to say something but didn't dare to speak.

If he said something bad about He Nian, who knows how He Nian might treat him in the future.

Lin Yi sensed something from Hao Hao's silence and gave He Nian a cold look from a distance.

He Nian was fantasizing about trending on social media, but he never expected things to take a sudden turn. Lin Yi had taken the watermelon from Hao Hao's hands.

He Nian immediately felt disgruntled.

Why did Lin Yi have to get involved?

He still needed Hao Hao to trend on social media!!

He Nian forced a smile and walked over to Lin Yi, feigning innocence, "Cousin, what's wrong?"

Lin Yi asked coldly, "You let such a small child carry a watermelon?"

He Nian continued to play innocent, "Cousin, it's not a big deal, just carrying a watermelon. It's easy, right? No need to make a fuss."

Lin Yi replied, "Hao Hao is only five years old."

He Nian smiled, "That's right, he's already five. I'm doing this to train him."

Lin Yi said expressionlessly, "Before training others, why don't you train yourself first?"

Feeling uncomfortable at being criticized, He Nian decided to prove himself, "I was about to carry them. Hao Hao carries one at a time, and I'll carry two at once, continuously."

Lin Yi raised his chin, "Then go ahead and carry them."

He Nian: "..."

Words spoken cannot be taken back. There was no turning back now, so he said, "I'll start carrying them right away."

And so, He Nian began carrying the watermelons.

He carried two at once.

But when he started walking with two watermelons, he realized how difficult it was.

He hadn't noticed earlier, but these watermelons were large and heavy, making it extremely challenging to walk while carrying them.

However, Lin Yi and the others were watching, and the camera was pointed directly at him.

He Nian had no choice but to grit his teeth and persevere.

After walking for a bit, he couldn't carry them anymore and wanted to take a break.

But Lin Yi was watching him with a cold expression.

He Nian: "..."

He never thought he would feel such pressure from his useless cousin one day.

He Nian didn't dare rest and continued carrying the watermelons forward.

He went back and forth several times, carrying the watermelons.

By the end, he was breathing heavily, and sweat had soaked through his clothes.

At this moment, Lin Yi asked him, "Didn't you say carrying a watermelon was easy and not worth making a fuss about?"

He Nian had no choice but to admit defeat; continuing like this would lead to disaster.

So he gritted his teeth and said, "Cousin, that's not what I meant. You misunderstood me."

Lin Yi countered, "What did I misunderstand?"

He Nian: "..."

Unable to come up with a good excuse, he stammered, "I-I wasn't trying to make Hao Hao suffer intentionally."

"Who would believe that? Do you think everyone is blind?"

"Good job, Lin Yi! People like He Nian shouldn't be coddled!!"

"Ahhh, our Linlin was really impressive just now!!"

Lin Yi didn't bother arguing further with He Nian. Seeing that he wouldn't make Hao Hao carry the watermelons anymore, he continued with his own tasks.

They worked until evening, helping the farmers load the watermelons and cantaloupes onto the truck.

A whole day of hard work left them tired but also feeling refreshed, as if their bodies had been thoroughly exercised.

Lin Yi was still energetic and led Huo Mianmian back to their lodgings.

The hostess had prepared some roasted potatoes and rice wine for them to tide them over before the main meal.

Lin Yi, who was quite thirsty after a day's work, picked up a bowl of rice wine and drank it down in one go, showing great vigor.

Huo Mianmian, seeing this, also picked up a bowl of rice wine and drank it down with loud gulps.

After finishing the rice wine, the father and son started eating potatoes.

Lin Yi first peeled a potato for Huo Mianmian, then peeled another one for himself.

The potatoes roasted over firewood were especially fragrant, with a slightly charred golden skin. After tearing off the skin, the inside was soft and smooth, warm and delicious when bitten into.

Huo Mianmian also held a potato, taking small bites.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, a child from the household arrived on a skateboard.

This skateboard wasn't bought from a store but made by the male owner using wooden boards and some wheels for his son.

The children among the guests, upon seeing this, all looked at the skateboard curiously, wanting to try it out because such skateboards were rare.

Huo Mianmian glanced at the skateboard and then looked away.

Lin Yi, noticing this, asked Huo Mianmian, "Son, do you want to ride it?"

Huo Mianmian shook his head: "No."

Lin Yi: "Why not?"

Huo Mianmian raised his little head innocently: "Because I just drank rice wine."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow: "Hmm? What's wrong with drinking rice wine?"

Huo Mianmian put on a serious face: "I drank rice wine, so I can't drive under the influence."

Lin Yi burst out laughing: "Hahaha!"

After laughing enough, he said, "Alright, you have a point. We shouldn't drive under the influence."

"Spread the word, after drinking rice wine, no driving under the influence!"

"Haha, okay, noted!"

"How can human kids be this adorable!!"