Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback after hearing Huo Jihan's words.

Huo Jihan actually said they should get to know each other better?

But weren't they in a contractual marriage? Shouldn't they just follow the terms of the agreement? Why did they need to understand each other further?

Feeling puzzled, Lin Yi asked, "What exactly do you want to know about me?"

Huo Jihan looked at him with his dark, solemn eyes and said seriously, "Your past, present, and future."

Lin Yi's eyes widened slightly.

His past, present, and future? Wasn’t that his entire life?

Did Huo Jihan’s interest mean he was more invested in him as a person?

Just as this thought crossed Lin Yi's mind, he quickly dismissed it.

He couldn't be so presumptuous.

Perhaps Huo Jihan wanted to know more about him to better define their contractual obligations?

After all, their contractual marriage seemed to be continuing for some time, and since they lived under the same roof, it made sense to clarify things.

Thinking this, Lin Yi understood why Huo Jihan suddenly brought this up.

However, talking about his past wasn't convenient, considering he had come from a book. Should he talk about the original character's past or his own? Neither option seemed good.

And to avoid any complications, it was best not to mention it at all.

With this in mind, Lin Yi lazily said to Huo Jihan, "There's nothing much to say about my past; it's plain and uneventful. As for my present and future..."

He paused, as there really wasn't much to say about his current and future life either.

Was being a couch potato something worth mentioning?

Seeing Lin Yi stop mid-sentence, Huo Jihan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Lin Yi smiled, "There's not much to say about my life. I just eat, drink, play, and laze around every day."

His lifestyle was the complete opposite of Huo Jihan's—utterly carefree compared to Huo Jihan's strict routine.

To his surprise, Huo Jihan said, "That sounds interesting."

Lin Yi: "??"

Are you serious, sir?

A life of lounging around is interesting?

Lin Yi paused before saying, "Shouldn't you be interested in high-level financial issues instead? How can you find what I'm saying interesting?"

Huo Jihan looked at him. "It wasn't interesting until you said it."

In truth, Lin Yi lived a rich and colorful life, greeting each new day with enthusiasm.

He rarely had negative emotions, handling any setbacks or injuries calmly without letting them affect him deeply.

Plainly put, even if the sky were to fall, Lin Yi would accept it calmly, knowing there was nothing he could do about it.

Such a person exudes vitality, and Lin Yi's eyes always sparkled with a faint smile, an attractive light.

Just as no one could resist warm sunlight, no one could resist being close to Lin Yi.

After all, being close to Lin Yi felt like being near a warm light.

Moreover, Lin Yi simply chose a laid-back lifestyle. In reality, he was smart, quick-witted, and insightful. If he chose a different path, he would still live a vibrant life.

Because Lin Yi was fundamentally free and full of vigor, nothing could stop him unless he chose to stay put.

At this moment, Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh. "Is it interesting when I talk about mundane things? Mr. Huo, you seem to have a high opinion of me?"

Huo Jihan replied slowly, "An objective evaluation."

An objective evaluation meant he wasn't deliberately praising Lin Yi.

But those words only highlighted how highly he regarded Lin Yi.

Lin Yi laughed louder. "Mr. Huo, if you praise your employees like this every day, I guarantee they'll work tirelessly for the company!"

Being praised by someone like Huo Jihan was truly exhilarating, making one feel greatly affirmed.

Seeing Lin Yi's smile, Huo Jihan's eyes also softened with a hint of warmth.

Just then, Lin Yi's phone rang.

Pulling it out, he saw an unfamiliar number.

With a puzzled look, he answered, "Hello?"

On the other end came Lin Yi's mother's angry voice, "Lin Yi! You've really grown wings now, haven't you? Are you trying to cut ties with us completely?"

Every time she called Lin Yi, her number would be blocked, and this was the third number she had used.

The smile faded from Lin Yi's face, and he coldly said to his mother, "Speak if you have something to say; otherwise, I'm hanging up."

His mother became even angrier. "How dare you! I’m still your mother! How can you be so heartless?!"

Lin Yi was too lazy to waste words with her and was about to hang up the phone.

Perhaps sensing this, the other party finally got down to business: "Your grandfather just fell and has been sent to the hospital. If you don't recognize us, that's fine, but if you don't even care about your grandfather, then you really need to examine your conscience!"

Lin Yi ignored her nonsense and directly asked, "The hospital address."

Lin Yi's mother grumbled as she gave him the address. Just as she was about to say more, Lin Yi hung up the call decisively.

After hanging up, Lin Yi stood up from the dining table and was about to leave.

At this moment, Huo Jihan called out to him, "Where are you going?"

Lin Yi replied honestly, "I heard my grandfather fell and is in the hospital. I'm going to see him."

The original owner's grandfather had always been good to him, almost the only person in the entire Lin family who cared about him. For this reason alone, Lin Yi felt he should go and see him.

Since he had taken over the original owner's body, it was natural for him to fulfill his filial duties.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, Huo Jihan also stood up, "I'll take you there."

Lin Yi was somewhat puzzled, "Ah? I can manage on my own."

He was an adult; couldn't he go out by himself?

"It's no problem, let's go."

With that, Huo Jihan got up and grabbed his suit jacket.

Seeing this, Lin Yi didn't say anything more, "Alright, let's go."

Lin Yi then informed Huo Mianmian and left with Huo Jihan.

Half an hour later, outside a hospital.

Lin Yi, sitting in the passenger seat, unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to get out.

At this moment, Huo Jihan turned to ask him, "Can you handle it on your own?"

Lin Yi nodded, "Of course, it's just a hospital visit."

Huo Jihan hesitated before saying, "Your family situation is a bit complicated."

He didn't know much about Lin Yi's family, but according to Li Feng's report, both Father Lin and Mother Lin favored their younger son and were overly critical of Lin Yi.

Upon hearing Huo Jihan's words, Lin Yi finally understood.

He laughed, "No wonder you offered to drive me here. Are you worried I might be bullied alone?"

Huo Jihan didn't say anything, which was as good as admitting it.

Although Lin Yi didn't think he needed anyone to back him up, he felt a warmth in his heart. He smiled, "Don't worry. I don't take those people seriously, and they can't bully me."

Huo Jihan agreed with Lin Yi's confidence, knowing that Lin Yi wasn't one to be easily bullied.

Still, Huo Jihan emphasized, "If anything happens, call me immediately. I'll wait in the car."

For some reason, Lin Yi suddenly felt like Huo Jihan was treating him like a child, as if he were a kid seeking help from a parent when bullied.

He smiled, "Sure, I'll contact you if anything goes wrong."

Only then did Huo Jihan nod, not saying anything more.

Lin Yi got out of the car and walked up the hospital steps, heading inside.

Following the address given by his mother, he made his way to a ward on the third floor.

Even before reaching the ward, Lin Yi saw Father Lin, Mother Lin, and other relatives discussing matters outside.

From what they were saying, it seemed that after his grandfather's fall, he realized he would eventually pass away and decided to write a will to distribute his assets among his descendants.

Grandfather Lin was a capable man who had built a successful business, founding several factories that generated significant profits each year. However, upon handing over the businesses to his children, they proved incompetent and quickly ran them into the ground.

Seeing his life's work destroyed, Grandfather Lin was furious but powerless due to his age. All he could do was console himself with the thought that his children and grandchildren would have their own fortunes.

Now, hearing about the will, the younger generation of the Lin family became active, each hoping to secure a larger share.

As Lin Yi approached, one of the relatives spotted him and nudged Mother Lin, "Your eldest son is back."

Mother Lin turned around upon hearing this.

Seeing Lin Yi, she immediately showed displeasure, "Why are you here?"

Lin Yi smiled wryly, "Didn't you call me to come?"

Mother Lin: "..."

Her main purpose in calling had been to scold Lin Yi. Whether he came or not didn't matter to her.

But now, with the will being written, Lin Yi's presence meant he would receive a share. That wouldn't do; Lin Yi's portion should go to Lin Jie.

Thinking this, Mother Lin said coldly, "Well, your grandfather is fine now. You should leave. Your presence won't make any difference."

Other relatives chimed in, supporting Mother Lin.

"Xiaoyi, we never see you come back to show filial piety. Why come now? You should leave."

"Even during holidays, you never bring anything for the family or relatives. Standing here just makes you an eyesore."

"Leave quickly; you’re not welcome here."

At this moment, Lin Yi said lazily, "Why should I leave?"

Lin Yi’s mother: "??"

Others: "??"

Lin Yi continued slowly, "You were talking about dividing the family assets just now, right? If I leave, wouldn’t my share go to you guys?"

Then, he added emphatically, "Do you even deserve it?"

Everyone present: "..."

Father Lin had a hot temper and immediately rolled up his sleeves, ready to strike. "You little brat, today I’m going to..."

Father Lin’s voice was so loud that it startled those inside the ward.

At this moment, a raised voice came from within the ward: "Is Xiaoyi here... cough cough cough... here?"

Father Lin, who was about to beat Lin Yi, paused upon hearing this.

It wasn’t that he was particularly filial to the old man and dared not defy his wishes. Rather, he didn’t want to ruin his impression with the old man on the eve of the asset division.

Lin Yi ignored what Father Lin was thinking and walked past the crowd into the ward.

Inside the ward, apart from Grandpa Lin, there were also Lin Jie and several other grandchildren.

These grandchildren usually didn’t care much for the old man, but now they were all being particularly attentive, some peeling fruits, others pouring tea, clearly for a reason.

Lin Yi glanced indifferently at these people and then looked at Grandpa Lin, who was lying in bed.

The old man was already in his eighties, very frail, with a face marked by the wrinkles of time. However, his spirit was still good.

Although Lin Yi had no direct familial relationship with Grandpa Lin—he had only come through a book—seeing this elderly and kind man stirred something in him.

He called out, "Grandpa."

Seeing Lin Yi, Grandpa Lin became visibly happier. "Xiaoyi is here. Come sit by me."

Then, he said to everyone else in the room, "All of you, leave."

This single sentence caused a stir.

Lin Jie was the first to object. "Grandpa, why do you want us to leave just because he’s here?"

This was a crucial moment for dividing the assets. If Lin Yi and Grandpa Lin were alone, and the old man got a sudden change of heart and gave everything to Lin Yi, what would happen?

The other grandchildren also wore discontented expressions.

Grandpa Lin saw this and sighed sadly before repeating, "Leave."

Though Lin Jie and the others were unhappy, they still had to leave.

Before leaving, they all glared at Lin Yi as if they wanted to pounce on him.

Soon, the ward was left with only Lin Yi and Grandpa Lin.

Grandpa Lin looked at Lin Yi with his aged, slightly clouded eyes for a while, then finally smiled—the first genuine smile of the night. "You’ve put on some weight."

In fact, Lin Yi wasn’t really fat, but the original owner had been plagued by depression, leading to a very thin physique.

Since Lin Yi took control of the body, he had been eating well and feeling peaceful, gradually regaining some strength.

Sitting by the bed, Lin Yi smiled and said, "I guess I have gained a bit of weight recently."

At this point, Grandpa Lin continued, with a touch of emotion, "You’ve always been soft-hearted, never fighting for anything. Even when bullied, you swallowed your anger. When I’m gone, the one I worry about most is you."

Hearing this, Lin Yi felt a slight heaviness in his heart.

In the entire Lin family, only Grandpa Lin truly cared for the original owner, who was also very filial to the old man.

Unfortunately, life often comes with regrets.

Grandpa Lin didn’t know that the grandson he loved had already passed away, and in a state of deep sorrow.

But at the moment, Lin Yi reassured him, "Don’t worry, Grandpa. My personality has changed. No one can bully me anymore."

Grandpa Lin was visibly cheered. "Really?"

Lin Yi smiled. "Yes, I even participated in a children’s variety show. It was great fun. You can watch our show if you get bored."

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Lin was relieved and relaxed. "Good, good!"

He repeated "good" twice, showing genuine relief.

Thus, Lin Yi spent a long time chatting with Grandpa Lin.

Lin Yi was skilled at conversation. Whenever he wanted to, he could say many things that pleased the other person.

Grandpa Lin was delighted.

For a while, the ward was filled with warmth and joy.

However, outside the ward, the situation was quite different.

Everyone stared at the ward door, wishing they could burn a hole through it.

"What does the old man mean by this? Leaving Lin Yi alone in the ward—does he intend to give him all the inheritance?"

"The old man must be losing his mind!!"

"How can that be? Lin Yi, that ungrateful wolf, doesn't deserve to take it all!"

"I've said it before, Lin Yi is very cunning. He might have used some trick to confuse the old man."

"Then what are we waiting for? We should rush in right now. If the old man really gives all the assets to Lin Yi, where will we go to cry then?"

Just as the group was about to rush into the ward, Lin Yi opened the door and came out.

Seeing him, they were momentarily stunned. Then one of the relatives asked, "Lin Yi, what did the old man tell you just now? Don't tell me he's planning to give you all the assets? I'm telling you, you shouldn't be so heartless. If you take everything, how are we supposed to live?"

Lin Yi was about to speak when another person chimed in, "Lin Yi, didn't you marry into a wealthy family? You're already rich; why would you still cling to this small amount of money?"

Lin Yi finally got a chance to speak and raised an eyebrow, "What if I insist on keeping it?"

Hearing this, everyone erupted in outrage, immediately berating Lin Yi.

"You're truly insatiable!"

"You're already so rich, why can't you let us have a little?"

"That's right. You don't need that bit, but we're counting on that money to survive!!"

"Lin Yi, being so cold-blooded, you'll face your karma sooner or later!!"

After they finished their tirade, Lin Yi calmly said, "The portion of the inheritance that belongs to me, I naturally want to keep. Otherwise, wouldn't it just benefit you trash?"

Everyone: "??"

For a moment, everyone turned red with anger.

Father Lin was even more incensed, "I see you really need a good beating!!"

At that moment, a gentle male voice spoke up, "Everyone, stop arguing. This is a hospital, not a marketplace."

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at the speaker.

Lin Yi also looked over.

A young man stood there, refined and gentle.

Lin Yi recognized him after a moment.

Zheng Nanfeng.

The son of the third uncle.

Zheng Nanfeng was considered a young talent in the family, having graduated from a prestigious university and securing a great job.

Even more enviable was that he was dating a girl from a wealthy family, and they had a great relationship.

During that time, the third uncle and aunt were incredibly proud, strutting around the family, boasting about their soon-to-be wealthy daughter-in-law.

Unfortunately, good times didn't last long. Zheng Nanfeng's girlfriend was injured in a car accident and became paralyzed from the waist down, confined to a wheelchair.

Upon hearing this, the third uncle and aunt changed their tune, forcefully demanding that Zheng Nanfeng break up with her. How could they accept a disabled daughter-in-law?

But Zheng Nanfeng was devoted. Despite her paralysis, he stayed by her side and even insisted on marrying her.

This became a laughingstock in the family.

As a result, Zheng Nanfeng, along with the original owner, became the "shame" of the family.

There were, of course, people in the family who brought pride to all the relatives, like He Nian.

However, He Nian wasn't present today; otherwise, everyone would have compared the three of them.

Now, seeing Lin Yi, Zheng Nanfeng nodded politely as a greeting.

In fact, he had spoken up just to help Lin Yi out.

Lin Yi also nodded back.

In a way, they shared a mutual understanding, both being "outsiders" in the family.

When the original owner was alive, Zheng Nanfeng had helped him out many times.

Most of the warmth the original owner felt in the family came from the old man and Zheng Nanfeng.

At that moment, Lin's mother couldn't care less about anything else and rushed to Lin Yi, "Tell me, are you going to give your share of the inheritance to your brother?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, "What do you think?"

Lin's mother fumed, "Lin Yi, I gave birth to you, and you must listen to me!!"

Ignoring his mother, Lin Yi directly addressed Zheng Nanfeng, "My share of the inheritance, I give to you."

Zheng Nanfeng was stunned, "What?"

The others were equally stunned, momentarily forgetting to react.

Such a large inheritance, Lin Yi was giving away just like that?

At that moment, Lin Yi smiled at Zheng Nanfeng and said, "Consider it a wedding gift for you and your wife."

Zheng Nanfeng hurriedly said, "This gift is too precious, we..."

Lin Yi: "It's fine, just accept it."

The original owner didn't receive much warmth in life; these few were the only ones. Lin Yi hoped to repay them on behalf of the original owner.

He believed that the original owner would have wanted it this way too.

No one had expected such a turn of events, and everyone was left speechless.

Father Lin and Mother Lin were so angry they nearly fainted, barely able to speak: "You, you..."

Lin Yi actually chose not to leave his inheritance to his own younger brother, Lin Jie, but instead gave it to someone like Zheng Nanfeng?

Lin Yi looked at the original owner's family and smiled. "Don't get too angry. If you faint, I won't be responsible..."

Then he changed his tone, "Actually, if you do faint, I would still pay for the medical expenses."

Father Lin and Mother Lin: "..."

Now they really were about to faint from anger.

After saying this, Lin Yi slowly walked away, his demeanor calm and composed.

He paid no heed to the chaos behind him.

Lin Yi walked out of the hospital building.

Just then, footsteps approached from behind, followed by Zheng Nanfeng's voice: "Lin Yi, wait."

Lin Yi turned around: "What is it?"

Zheng Nanfeng, slightly out of breath, said, "Listen to me..."

Meanwhile, inside the car.

Huo Jihan sat in the driver's seat, waiting for Lin Yi to come out.

He saw Lin Yi walk out of the hospital building and was about to get out to greet him.

But then, a man suddenly called out to Lin Yi, and the two began talking.

Huo Jihan: "..."

He withdrew his hand from the door handle and watched the two conversing with a darkened gaze.

However, they were too far away to hear what they were saying.

From their expressions alone, the conversation seemed quite pleasant.