Chapter 51

Chapter 51

The next day, the guests welcomed an important traditional festival: the Dragon Boat Festival.

One of the key activities during the Dragon Boat Festival is making zongzi.

After breakfast, the guests headed up the mountain to gather zongzi leaves.

Lin Yi held Huo Mianmian's hand, preparing to set off.

At this moment, Shen Feng came over: "Wait for me! I'm coming too!"

Lin Yi turned and glanced at him: "Is your back better? We'll be climbing a mountain."

Lin Yi had just casually asked, but Shen Feng suddenly became agitated and tried to prove himself: "Of course it's better! Is my back that weak?!"

Lin Yi: "??"

Why is he suddenly so agitated?

"Hahaha, it seems Shen Feng really cares about his back."

"Rather than caring about his back, he cares more about his image in front of Lin Yi."

"Pfft! Does he have any good image in front of Lin Yi?"

"The comments above are harsh! Although I also think Shen Feng has no image to speak of."

"Shen Feng: You fake fans! All of you will be secretly eliminated tonight!!"

Soon, the group went up the mountain and gathered zongzi leaves.

They also picked some mugwort to hang on either side of the door frame.

Lin Yi tied a bundle of mugwort and hung it up.

Huo Mianmian stood beside him, tilting his head to watch Lin Yi's actions and asked: "Dad, why do we hang mugwort?"

Lin Yi explained: "It's said that mugwort can ward off evil spirits, bring good luck, and repel mosquitoes."

Huo Mianmian didn't expect mugwort to have so many uses and widened his eyes slightly: "Can we take some mugwort home?"

Lin Yi hadn't expected Huo Mianmian to think so far ahead and smiled: "Of course! When we leave, we can pick some more and take them home!"

Huo Mianmian nodded: "Okay~"

"It's great to educate kids like this."

"I'm going to the mountain to pick some mugwort too; it's almost like having the same thing."

"Wishing Lin Yi and Mianmian a happy Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone a happy Dragon Boat Festival!!"

After hanging the mugwort and sprinkling realgar, the guests moved on to their most anticipated activity of the day: making zongzi.

After all, eating is a big deal!! Especially for food lovers, it's the most important thing!!

The hostess of the house knew how to make zongzi.

She cleaned the zongzi leaves and glutinous rice and brought out some fillings, then began teaching the guests how to make zongzi.

Lin Yi, who didn't know how to make zongzi, learned attentively.

Huo Mianmian also picked up a zongzi leaf and watched the hostess's movements with wide, round eyes.

Father and son sat properly, like obedient students.

"Ahhhh, this scene is so cute!"

"I can teach you how to make zongzi too!! So when are you coming to learn?"

"I can too! All I need are two such obedient students."

"I not only teach you but also provide three meals a day."

"Well, I not only provide three meals a day but also offer transportation."

"Hahaha, why did you suddenly get competitive? You want to teach people how to make zongzi? You clearly want to meet Lin Yi and Mianmian."

"Sisters above, don't expose everyone like that."

Soon, Lin Yi learned the steps from the hostess and started practicing.

He first folded the zongzi leaf into a funnel shape and added some glutinous rice.

Next, he needed to choose the fillings for the zongzi.

Lin Yi looked at the fillings prepared by the hostess and found there were two main categories.

One was for savory zongzi, including pork, sausage, salted egg yolk, and preserved vegetables.

The other was for sweet zongzi, such as red dates and sugar.

Lin Yi took a look and decisively chose the savory fillings.

The comments section immediately erupted into heated discussion.

"Yay! Linlin and I like the same type of zongzi!!"

"Savory zongzi is the best!"

"I'm also a devoted fan of salty zongzi."

"Linlin, stop it! Sweet ones are clearly better!"

"I like sweet ones too!!"

"Mushy glutinous rice should be sweet!!"

Online, the debate was intense.

The argument over whether zongzi should be sweet or salty never seemed to end.

Lin Yi couldn't feel the complex emotions of the netizens, so he focused on making his own zongzi according to his taste.

He decided to make a salted egg yolk one first, so he picked up a piece of salted egg yolk and placed it inside, then added some glutinous rice. He then began folding the bamboo leaves.

This step required skill; both hands had to work together carefully to fold the leaves properly, otherwise the glutinous rice would spill out.

It was Lin Yi's first time making zongzi, but he did an excellent job.

After folding the leaves, he tied the entire zongzi tightly with string.

And just like that, one zongzi was complete.

Lin Yi held his zongzi and examined it with satisfaction.

Shen Feng was also making zongzi, but he applied too much force, causing the leaf to tear and the rice to spill out.

Shen Feng: "…"

He looked at Lin Yi and saw that Lin Yi had already made a perfect zongzi. Curious, he asked, "How did you do it so well?"

Lin Yi sighed deeply, "When I get serious, even I am scared of myself!"

Shen Feng: "…"

I just asked a simple question, do you have to be so narcissistic?

"Hahaha, their conversation is hilarious!"

"This couple is really enjoyable to watch!!"

"Another day of non-stop smiling."

After making a salted egg yolk zongzi, Lin Yi went on to make a preserved vegetable one, followed by a sausage one…

In short, he used all the ingredients before feeling satisfied.

Of course, eating all kinds would be the most enjoyable!

Huo Mianmian was still young.

After watching the hostess make zongzi once, he forgot some steps when it was his turn.

However, he didn't give up and continued to persist in making his zongzi.

After a series of movements, he ended up with a round-shaped zongzi.

Lin Yi couldn't help laughing when he saw it. "Sweetheart, what is this?"

Huo Mianmian looked at his zongzi and realized it did look different from the usual ones. Embarrassed, he pursed his lips and planned to take it apart and start over.

But Lin Yi stopped him. "It's fine. This shape is good too. No one says zongzi must be a certain shape."

To Lin Yi, sometimes it was great for children to be creative. Even if they initially made strange things, who cared? The sky wouldn't fall, and it was important to encourage them.

That was the imaginative world unique to children.

Huo Mianmian became happy after hearing Lin Yi's words and continued making his zongzi.

"Aww, has anyone noticed how skilled Lin Yi is at educating children?"

"I've noticed too. Lin Yi is not only open-minded himself, but he also creates a free world for his child."

"Sob, having such a parent is wonderful. With Lin Yi's guidance, Mianmian will surely grow up to be a lively and happy child."

"If I had parents like that, I would have become a highly creative scientist!"

"Even if I might not have become a scientist, I would definitely have had a happier childhood!!"

An hour later, the zongzi made by the guests were cooked.

Lin Yi picked one of his zongzi and unwrapped it.

Immediately, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

Lin Yi took a bite and discovered it was a sausage-filled one.

The outer layer of glutinous rice was soft and sweet, while the inner sausage was spicy and slightly hard.

Each bite offered a rich mix of textures.

Huo Mianmian also started eating his zongzi.

He chose the first one he made—the round one.

He peeled off the bamboo leaves layer by layer, revealing a round ball of glutinous rice inside.

Huo Mianmian took a big bite and tasted the sweet flavor of the rice.

He curved his eyes.

Turns out the zongzi I wrapped myself is so delicious~

Whenever Huo Mianmian laughed heartily, his eyes would curve into crescents, filled with the sweetest and most beautiful things in the world, making people feel warm and sweet inside.

"I'm going to be sweetened to a faint by Mianmian!!"

"I want to sneakily steal Mianmian~"

"Why are his eyes so pretty, and his eyelashes so long!!"

"Wah, even as a girl, I'm envious."

"I wasn't planning on eating zongzi, but seeing these two eat it, I suddenly got a craving and immediately went downstairs to the supermarket to buy some."

"Me too, I've already placed an order for zongzi."

"Really, don't these two consider starting a food broadcast? The viewership would definitely explode."

In the afternoon, the guests were heading to a place full of grapes.

The place was a bit far, so the guests had to take a car.

Lin Yi was a little delayed, so Huo Mianmian arrived at the car first.

The base of this car was quite high, and after trying hard, Huo Mianmian realized he couldn't get in, so he stood beside the car, obediently waiting for Lin Yi.

Seeing this, Zhao Jin, the intern dad, thought he had a chance and promptly stepped forward with the friendliest smile: "Mianmian, how about Uncle carries you into the car?"

He really loved how obedient Huo Mianmian was, but unfortunately, Huo Mianmian didn't get close to anyone except Lin Yi, so he couldn't experience the joy of cuddling him.

Sure enough, this time, Huo Mianmian still refused him, softly saying: "I'll wait for Dad."

Compared to before, Huo Mianmian had made great progress; this time, he at least said something, whereas in the past, he would just shake his head.

Zhao Jin persisted: "Mianmian, do you remember the day we arrived, when Uncle bought each of you a super big lollipop? For that lollipop's sake, can I carry you once? Let me carry you into the car."

Huo Mianmian still refused: "I want Dad to carry me."

Though he looked soft and easy-going, once he set his mind, no one could change it.

Zhao Jin: "..."

Well, the lollipop excuse failed!!

So, when will he get to hug such a cute little one?

"Zhao Jin is me; I'm the one desperately wanting to hug Mianmian."

"Wah, who isn't? I also want to hug the cute little one and give him a good cuddle!"

"I envy Lin Yi so much!!"

Soon, Lin Yi walked out.

As soon as Huo Mianmian saw Lin Yi, he immediately reached out both arms, asking for a hug.

Lin Yi walked over smiling and lifted Huo Mianmian up.

Huo Mianmian's body was soft and carried a sweet fragrance.

It felt incredibly good holding him.

At this moment, Lin Yi noticed Zhao Jin staring at him with a pout.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow: "What's wrong?"

Zhao Jin said enviously: "Your little one is so loyal; he insisted on waiting for you. I tried to carry him into the car, but he wouldn't let me."

Lin Yi laughed: "Of course, he's my exclusive little one!"

Zhao Jin: "..."

Great, now the wound is deeper.

"Hahaha, poor Zhao Jin!"

"Don't worry, Zhao Jin, your wife will soon give you a child too, though it might be a naughty one."

"Zhao Jin: Please let my wife give birth to an obedient one!"

Soon, the guests boarded the car and headed to the grape plantation.

Half an hour later, they got off the car and were stunned by the sight before them.

In front of them lay a vast grape grove, with vines crawling all over the trellises, and bunches of grapes hanging heavily, making everyone's mouths water instantly.

Looking at the scene, Lin Yi felt an urge to live here.

Who wouldn't be moved by such a sight?

Soon, Lin Yi walked into the grape grove, found a spot to sit down, and started picking grapes to eat.

These grape trellises were low, allowing easy picking.

Lin Yi picked a bunch of green grapes.

These green grapes were large and round, like gems, sparkling and beautiful.

Lin Yi picked one grape, peeled it, and put it in his mouth.

With a gentle bite, the rich grape juice burst in his mouth, incredibly sweet with a hint of sourness, making it irresistible.

Lin Yi picked several more grapes and popped them into his mouth.

He really wanted to settle down here.

Huo Mianmian also picked a grape, carefully peeled it, and placed it in his mouth.

Wow, so sweet~

At that moment, a staff member introduced, "There are several different types of grapes here. Everyone can try each one..."

Huo Mianmian perked up his ears upon hearing this.

Several different types of grapes?

He had to pick all of them for Little Dad!!

Huo Mianmian immediately sprang into action.

He grabbed a small basket provided by the program team and carried it as he moved between the different grape vines.

He couldn't identify the grape varieties, but he could tell the colors and sizes, so he picked a bunch of each different color and size.

By the end, his small basket was quite heavy.

But there was still one type of grape he hadn't picked yet.

Huo Mianmian thought for a moment, then set down the basket and picked the remaining grapes with his bare hands.

When he finally picked the last type of grape and returned happily, he found a bee trying to land on the grapes in his basket.

Huo Mianmian frowned instantly. "You're not allowed to eat them; these are for Little Dad."

Even when frowning, his voice was soft.

The bee, of course, didn't understand what Huo Mianmian was saying and continued flying around the grapes.

Huo Mianmian frowned for a while, then plucked a grape leaf from nearby.

Next, he waved the grape leaf to shoo the bee away: "Go away quickly..."

At this moment, Huo Mianmian looked different than usual, with a cute yet fierce expression.

After a few seconds, the bee finally flew away.

Huo Mianmian's frown relaxed, and he placed the bunch of grapes he was holding into the basket.

Then he lifted the basket and happily went to find Lin Yi.

"Wow! This is the first time I've seen Mianmian frown! What a fresh expression!"

"Haha, our Mianmian really tried hard to protect the grapes for Little Dad."

"Collected another new expression from Mianmian. Definitely screenshotting this."

Lin Yi was still sitting in the same spot, continuously eating the green grapes beside him.

At that moment, a little voice rang out: "Little Dad~"

Lin Yi turned at the sound and saw Huo Mianmian walking towards him.

Not only that, but Huo Mianmian was carrying a basket filled with several different types of grapes.

Lin Yi hurriedly greeted Huo Mianmian and took the somewhat heavy basket from his hands.

After taking the basket, he asked Huo Mianmian in surprise, "Where did you pick so many grapes?"

Huo Mianmian smiled brightly. "I picked them all for Little Dad. Each one has a different flavor."

Lin Yi was deeply touched and immediately rubbed Huo Mianmian's chubby cheeks. "Thank you, my treasure!"

Huo Mianmian was very happy and mentioned how he had chased away the bee earlier.

Lin Yi, however, disapproved. "Mianmian, you shouldn't chase bees like that next time. What if it stings you?"

Huo Mianmian, being young and unaware of the danger, looked puzzled. "Can bees sting me?"

Lin Yi explained seriously, "Of course! If you provoke a bee, it will sting you with a long, sharp stinger. It will hurt, and the area will swell up."

Huo Mianmian's eyes widened in surprise. "Bees are scary!"

He definitely didn't want to be stung!

Lin Yi continued, "That's just their way of protecting themselves. They don't want to sting anyone if they can help it. We should live in peace with bees. Look, the sweet honey we usually eat is made by bees working hard."

Huo Mianmian nodded vigorously. "Right!"

Honey was incredibly sweet, and he loved it.

Lin Yi added, "So, let's keep our distance from bees and not bother them."

Huo Mianmian listened to Lin Yi and said earnestly, "Okay, I'll remember that!"

Lin Yi smiled and patted his head. "Our Mianmian is such a good boy!"

"Ahhh, I love how this father-son duo interacts."

"I feel that Lin Yi was so gentle when he explained things seriously just now!"

"Another day healed by his presence!"