Chapter 65

Chapter 65

In the morning, Lin Yi brought Huo Mianmian to the swimming pool.

It had been a long time since he last swam, so he decided to take a dip today.

Lin Yi had already changed into a black swimsuit.

His figure was very attractive, slightly slim, and the loose swimsuit made him look even more slender and straight.

The black swimsuit contrasted with his pale skin, making it appear even whiter.

Huo Mianmian was wearing an adorable bear-themed swimsuit.

His little arms and legs were exposed, white and soft.

He also dragged a small duck-shaped inflatable ring filled with air, which he could sit in later.

Soon, father and son arrived at the poolside.

The water in the pool was regularly replaced, crystal clear, and shimmering.

The edge of the pool was lined with anti-slip mats.

Standing on the anti-slip mat, Lin Yi said to Huo Mianmian, "Come on, kiddo, let's do some warm-up exercises."

Huo Mianmian immediately put down the small duck inflatable ring and looked up at his dad.

Lin Yi started stretching his limbs, doing chest expansions, and then leg stretches.

Huo Mianmian imitated him, moving his short arms and legs.

However, when doing the leg stretches, he lost balance and plopped onto the ground, bouncing like a soft, sticky rice ball.

Huo Mianmian was a bit dazed from the fall.

But he quickly got back up and continued mimicking Lin Yi's warm-up exercises.

Father and son swung their arms and legs, swaying back and forth, looking adorable.

After ten minutes of warm-up exercises, Lin Yi felt they were ready and stepped closer to the pool, then dove in.

The cool water refreshed him instantly.

Having a pool at home during summer was truly a luxury.

Lin Yi couldn't help but swim a couple of laps.

After satisfying his craving, he returned to the poolside and said to Huo Mianmian, "Kiddo, come on in."

Huo Mianmian was now somewhat familiar with swimming.

He first dragged his small duck inflatable ring and threw it into the pool.

Then he stood in front of Lin Yi, reaching out for a hug.

Lin Yi smiled, picked him up, and placed him in the inflatable ring.

Huo Mianmian felt the cool water and happily kicked his little feet.

Lin Yi asked him, "How does it feel? Fun, right?"

Huo Mianmian smiled sweetly, "Fun~"

"Then let's play a bit longer."

Next, father and son swam around together.

The warm sun shone down as they played in the pool, feeling utterly content.

After playing for over an hour, they reluctantly left the pool and climbed out.

By then, the housekeeper had set up desserts and drinks on a small table by the pool.

Lin Yi shook the water from his hair, wiped himself with a towel, and walked towards the table.

He lounged comfortably on a recliner next to the table and picked up a drink.

The drink was freshly squeezed orange juice, tangy and sweet, with ice cubes, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.

The sun was now high in the sky, and the temperature was rising.

But Lin Yi had a large umbrella overhead, completely shielding him from the sun, leaving no worries about getting sunburnt.

Lying lazily on the recliner, sipping his drink, and feeling the gentle breeze, he felt as if he were on a beach vacation.

Huo Mianmian was leaning on the table, taking a bite of an ice cream puff.

The puff was too big for him, and he held it with both hands, only able to take tiny bites, with some ice cream sticking to his nose.

Huo Mianmian, already fair and tender, looked even cuter with ice cream all around his mouth, giving off a milky sweetness.

Seeing this, Lin Yi grabbed his phone and snapped several photos.

Such a cute kid deserved many photos as keepsakes.

Lin Yi thought he should buy an album soon to print out all the photos and store them in it.

This should be a meaningful event.

While Lin Yi was thinking about these things, the Lin family suddenly contacted him, saying that Old Master Lin was being discharged from the hospital today.

Actually, Old Master Lin's fall wasn't serious, but since it takes a hundred days to recover from bone injuries, and he was elderly, he naturally stayed in the hospital longer for recuperation.

After seeing the notification, Lin Yi prepared to go to the hospital.

After all, he needed to fulfill his filial duties for the original owner.

Half an hour later, Lin Yi got ready and left home.

Before going to the hospital, he first went to a nearby large supermarket and bought many expensive gifts, mostly supplements for health.

Then, carrying bags full of items, he rushed to the hospital.

This time, no one stopped him when he arrived at the hospital, probably because they knew stopping him would be futile.

However, the Lin family members still looked at him unfavorably.

Lin Yi didn't care, as he didn't take those people seriously either.

Unlike last time, He Nian was also there this time.

When he saw Lin Yi appear, he acted very warmly, smiling and calling out, "Cousin, you're here?"

Lin Yi responded with a faint "Mm" and then walked straight to Old Master Lin's bedside.

At this moment, someone said to He Nian, "You're still greeting him so warmly. Look, he doesn't even care."

He Nian smiled and said, "It's okay, my cousin might just be in a bad mood."

That person immediately sneered, "Well, someone like him, who lacks filial piety, wouldn't want to come to the hospital anyway."

Lin Yi glanced back at that person indifferently.

With just that indifferent glance, the person felt choked and didn't dare to speak anymore.

It was strange how Lin Yi had completely changed, even his aura had become so strong.

At this point, Lin Yi had already reached Old Master Lin's bedside.

He placed the gifts on the bedside table, then sat down beside the bed and smiled at Old Master Lin, "Grandpa, are you feeling better?"

Old Master Lin became very kind when he saw Lin Yi, "Much better. It wasn't really a big deal. Honestly, I'm just an old man, not much use, so why stay in the hospital for so long? It's a waste of money."

Lin Yi immediately said, "Of course you need to take good care of yourself, Grandpa. You're going to live to be a hundred years old."

Old Master Lin couldn't stop smiling after hearing this.

After all, which elder doesn't like hearing such words from their descendants?

Beside the bed, Lin Yi and Old Master Lin were chatting animatedly.

The others standing in the ward were somewhat unhappy.

Mainly due to the issue of property distribution, no one knew how many more years Old Master Lin had left, so the most important thing now was to gain favor with him, hoping to get a larger share of the inheritance later.

Seeing Lin Yi and Old Master Lin chatting so intimately, everyone felt uneasy.

At this moment, Aunt Lin from the second branch stepped forward and said to Old Master Lin, "Dad, our Xiao Nian recently learned cooking specifically to make meals for you when you return home."

With this interruption, Old Master Lin stopped talking to Lin Yi and looked at He Nian, "Xiao Nian is thoughtful."

He Nian, praised by Old Master Lin, looked flattered, "Grandpa, don't say that; it's what I should do."

In fact, he hadn't learned much cooking; he just asked a chef a few questions.

But at this moment, Aunt Lin looked at Lin Yi and deliberately asked, "Xiaoyi, have you learned any cooking? If you cook something for your grandpa someday, we can also benefit."

Everyone in the ward looked at Lin Yi, clearly waiting for him to be embarrassed.

Old Master Lin frowned, "Why bring up cooking out of nowhere?"

Aunt Lin immediately said, "Dad, aren't you being too partial? I just casually asked Xiaoyi. Do you think I have some ulterior motive?"

Old Master Lin, at his age, hated family conflicts. He had tried to manage them before, but it never worked.

Later, he simply turned a blind eye to it all.

Now, Old Master Lin sighed, clearly unwilling to say more.

At this moment, Lin Yi was peeling an apple for Old Master Lin. As he peeled, he glanced at Aunt Lin, "I haven't learned any cooking."

Aunt Lin immediately became arrogant, "Hmph, hear that? He said it himself. Our Xiao Nian is so busy but still finds time to learn cooking and show filial piety to his grandfather..."

She looked at Lin Yi, speaking sarcastically, "I wonder what Xiaoyi does all day?"

Lin Yi replied slowly, "Our family has three or four chefs who can make all kinds of delicious food. If Grandpa wants anything, just let me know, and I'll have the chefs prepare it."

Three or four chefs?!

Aunt Lin was instantly choked, feeling sour and bubbling over.

The others were equally speechless.

Who wouldn't want to have several chefs at home, where they only need to order dishes without having to cook themselves?

They once again realized how wealthy Lin Yi was and how luxurious his life was!

But even though she was envious and resentful inside, Aunt Two said indifferently on the surface, "So what if you hired a few chefs? What's so great about that?"

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Aunt Two is right. But if Xiao Nian ever loses his job, he can come to my place to apply as a chef. After all, he has learned some excellent cooking skills, hasn't he?"

Aunt Two didn't expect her proud son to be belittled by Lin Yi like this. She retorted angrily, "What are you talking about? My Xiao Nian is so outstanding; how could he lose his job? Besides, even if he did, what does it have to do with you?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Right, it doesn't concern me. Then why does it matter to you whether I can cook or not? Didn't you start this topic, Aunt Two?"

Aunt Two: "..."

She looked flustered, her face twisted.

How could she have known that Lin Yi had become so difficult to deal with now, with such clear logic that no one could refute!

The others exchanged glances.

How had Lin Yi become so formidable?

Seeing Aunt Two silent, Lin Yi didn't bother with her anymore. He cut the apple into pieces, put them on a plate, and handed it to Grandpa Lin. "Grandpa, you can eat now."

Grandpa Lin took the fruit and looked at Lin Yi with satisfaction.

He used to worry that his grandson was too soft and would always be bullied.

But after observing him these past few times, he realized there was no need to worry anymore. His grandson had indeed changed.

Soon, Grandpa Lin was discharged from the hospital.

All his children and grandchildren accompanied him out of the hospital.

At that moment, a minivan was waiting there.

Someone helped Grandpa Lin get into the car first.

Just then, He Nian suddenly said to his mother, "Mom, I think I saw a director from our circle."

Aunt Two immediately perked up. "Really?"

He Nian nodded. "Yes, a film director who has made several hit movies."

Aunt Two beamed and urged, "Then why don't you go and network with him?"

He Nian didn't want to miss this opportunity either. After all, it was rare to meet such a renowned director, so he naturally went forward to introduce himself.

At that moment, Lin Yi was standing by the road, preparing to bid farewell to Grandpa Lin.

Aunt Two came over to him and sneered, "Some people shouldn't think they're so great. Why don't you try networking with a film director?"

Lin Yi didn't understand why Aunt Two was saying this, but when he saw He Nian walking towards a middle-aged man nearby, he figured out what was happening.

At this time, a few other members of the Lin family chimed in.

"So what if you have a few chefs at home? It's Xiao Nian who has connections in the film industry."

"Doesn't that mean Xiao Nian will soon be making movies? We should support him by renting out theaters."

"Xiaoyi, why don't you go and meet that director too?"

"How could he have that ability? The director probably wouldn't even give him the time of day."

"In my opinion, you should beg Xiao Nian. When Xiao Nian plays the lead role, maybe he could let you play a supporting role."

"..."

The Lin family members kept talking.

At that moment, He Nian spoke to the director for a bit.

Then, before long, the middle-aged director walked over to them.

Someone nudged Aunt Two. "Did it work out? Is this director here to meet you, the mother?"

Aunt Two thought it must be so and eagerly extended her hand to the director. "May I ask your name, Director? I'm He Nian's mother. Do you have a suitable script for our Nian?"

The director, suddenly stopped by Aunt Two, was puzzled but still polite. "Sorry, could you please step aside?"

Aunt Two's face stiffened.

What was going on?

If he wasn't here for her, then who was he here for?

Aunt Two belatedly looked at He Nian and noticed that he didn't look happy at all, far from the look of success.

As the Lin family stood there in confusion, they watched the director walk over to Lin Yi.

Lin Yi was also surprised to see the director approaching him.

At that moment, the director said to him, "Hello, are you Lin Yi?"

Lin Yi nodded slightly, puzzled.

The director immediately explained his purpose. "I saw a variety show you were in by chance and thought your image fits a character in my script. Would you be interested in collaborating?"

Hearing this, He Nian and the others' faces turned stiff.

This director actually wanted to collaborate with Lin Yi?

Others might not fully understand, but He Nian, who worked in the entertainment industry, knew very well that this director was renowned and influential, and his films were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

At present, no matter the size of their status, any artist in the industry would feel honored to appear in this director's film.

However, it was this very director who actually came looking for Lin Yi? And that too after being rudely rejected?

He Nian felt like grinding his teeth to dust.

Over here.

After hearing the director's words, Lin Yi was stunned for a few seconds.

To come and ask him to shoot a movie?

How did this director suddenly choose him?

But these details didn't matter because Lin Yi had already made up his mind.

He politely said to the director, "I'm sorry, but I have no intention of shooting a movie."

The director immediately replied, "Even just a cameo appearance would be fine."

Putting aside everything else, Lin Yi's face alone was perfect for the big screen and would undoubtedly become a highlight of the entire film.

Lin Yi still refused, "I'm sorry, but I really don't plan to shoot anything."

After finishing the current children's variety show, he would completely withdraw from the entertainment industry and live a free and easy life.

Seeing Lin Yi's firm resolve, the director didn't push further.

However, he still handed Lin Yi a business card, emphasizing, "If you change your mind, please contact me."

Lin Yi knew he wouldn't change his mind, but he still took the card and smiled, "Sure."

Soon, the director left.

Leaving the Lin family standing there.

The scene remained quiet for a long time.

Everyone glanced at He Nian, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Today's incident was too humiliating. He Nian eagerly tried to connect with the director but was ruthlessly rejected. Even worse, the director then approached Lin Yi, who also turned him down.

What did this mean? Wasn't it clear that what Lin Yi didn't want, He Nian was desperately seeking?

The scene was very quiet.

He Nian stood there, feeling as if he had been slapped several times, his cheeks burning with pain.

Lin Yi must have done this on purpose, right? To refuse deliberately and make him look bad?

He Nian felt furious.

Second Aunt's expression wasn't much better either.

However, Lin Yi couldn't be bothered with them. After seeing off the old man, he left by himself.

With this time, he might as well go home and play around.

In the evening.

Lin Yi leaned against the villa's entrance, watching Huo Mianmian playing with a group of pigeons.

At this moment, Huo Shi came beside him and said, "Sister-in-law, we need to go back to the Huo family mansion tonight."

Lin Yi's gaze shifted to Huo Shi, raising an eyebrow, "The Huo family mansion?"

Huo Shi nodded, "Yes, it's a family gathering tonight. My brother just contacted me and said to take you and Mianmian over first. He'll head straight there from the company after his meeting ends."

Lin Yi responded casually, "Sure."

After all, he was now married to Huo Jihan on paper and was officially his partner, so naturally, he had to attend such family gatherings.

Soon, after they packed up, they drove to the Huo family mansion.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian sat in the back seat, while Huo Shi drove in front.

After more than an hour, the car arrived at the Huo family mansion.

As they entered the grounds of the Huo family mansion, the scenery changed instantly.

The Huo family mansion covered a vast area, with buildings exuding an ancient and solemn atmosphere, resembling an old and mysterious estate.

Most of the Huo family members lived here.

Soon, the car arrived in front of a towering castle-like building.

Huo Shi parked the car and turned to Lin Yi, saying, "By the way, Sister-in-law, my brother specifically instructed that you don't have to worry about socializing. Just do whatever you feel like doing."

When Huo Shi relayed this message, his handsome face showed a slightly awkward expression.

After all, in his eyes, his brother was always cold and indifferent, barely uttering a word, yet this time, he had thoughtfully given such instructions, which felt a bit mushy.

This made Huo Shi, a 24-year-old single boy obsessed only with esports, somewhat uncomfortable.

Lin Yi noticed Huo Shi's expression and wanted to tease him, so he deliberately asked, "Really? What were his exact words? Can you repeat them verbatim?"

Huo Shi: "..."

The young man, who usually dominated the esports field, froze on the spot, looking rather embarrassed.

Lin Yi continued, "What, this isn't acceptable? If you don't explain clearly, it's hard for me to grasp the extent. How exactly should I not socialize?"

After a while, Huo Shi, gritting his teeth, said, "My brother's exact words were..."

He struggled for a long time but still couldn't get out the next word. Finally, he showed Lin Yi the WeChat chat record between him and Huo Jihan, saying stiffly, "Here, read it yourself."

Lin Yi didn't expect teasing Huo Shi to be so entertaining and burst into laughter.

This kid is actually so honest?

He really showed the chat records!!

The car was filled with Lin Yi's loud laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

Huo Shi: "..."

Watching Lin Yi laughing uncontrollably, he finally realized he had been tricked.

Huo Shi ground his teeth.

Is his sister-in-law this kind of person?!

Soon, Lin Yi and the others got out of the car and walked into the building in front of them.

As they entered, the interior decor showcased the wealth of the Huo family, with various expensive and rare items displayed everywhere, each worth at least six figures.

At that moment, the lights in the hall were on.

Countless crystal chandeliers emitted dazzling light, illuminating every corner of the hall.

This time, almost all the Huo family members were present.

Lin Yi glanced around and recognized several familiar faces.

He had seen these people in various reports.

The Huo family was full of talented individuals, occupying prominent positions in different fields.

It was precisely because of this that the Huo family became a top-tier wealthy clan.

As Lin Yi and the others walked in, many people looked their way.

First, they saw Huo Shi and showed surprise.

Clearly, they hadn't expected the second young master to return home again.

Then, they turned their attention to Lin Yi.

They didn't recognize Lin Yi, but seeing him enter with Huo Shi and accompanied by Huo Mianmian, they naturally understood Lin Yi's identity.

At this moment, Huo Shi asked Lin Yi, "Sister-in-law, do you want to walk around or find a place to sit?"

Lin Yi casually replied, "Let's find a place to sit."

They didn't know these people and had no common topics, so it was best to find a quiet spot.

So, Huo Shi quickly led Lin Yi and the others to a sofa in the corner of the hall.

Meanwhile, many people's gazes followed them to the sofa.

The reason was simple.

The entire Huo family was vast, with numerous members in both the main and branch families, naturally forming several factions.

Even within the same family, there were hierarchies.

Clearly, the one at the highest position now was Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan controlled the entire Huo Group and the Huo family.

One word from him could decide many people's fates.

Most of the Huo family members feared Huo Jihan and had to curry favor with him, as he was the center of power in the family.

At the same time, some tried to challenge Huo Jihan's authority, such as some uncles and aunts who would use their seniority to comment on certain matters.

A few years ago, when Huo Jihan was about to take over the Huo Group, many uncles and aunts opposed him.

Their stance was clear: how could a junior like Huo Jihan directly control the Huo Group without going through them?

However, Huo Jihan then launched a fierce purge, intimidating those uncles and aunts into silence. Some even fled abroad due to fear.

Recently, everyone had enjoyed peaceful lives.

They relied on Huo Jihan and received many benefits.

But some, seeing the calm situation, started to stir up trouble again.

For example, a third uncle from the Huo family.

He considered himself old and respected but was overshadowed by the junior Huo Jihan, which he found unacceptable.

He dared not confront Huo Jihan directly but, seeing Huo Shi, thought of starting from there.

Over here.

Lin Yi and Huo Shi were talking.

Huo Mianmian was lying on the sofa, playing with a small stuffed toy.

At this moment, an elderly man in his seventies, leaning on a cane, walked over to them.

Seeing the elder, Huo Shi called out, "Third Uncle."

Third Uncle sat down on the sofa next to them, resting his hands on the cane as he looked at Huo Shi and asked, "When did Huo Er come back home?"

Huo Shi replied honestly, "It's been a while."

Third Uncle frowned, his tone stern and condescending, "You young punk, you insisted on chasing after some dream and went off to play esports. What do you think of the outcome now?"

Huo Shi lowered his eyes and said nothing.

Seeing this, Third Uncle continued, "You went off to compete and disappeared for more than two years. Even when your parents passed away one after another, you didn't come back. You didn't even see them for the last time. Is that how you treat your parents?"

Huo Shi's head hung lower, his breathing became heavier, and veins began to protrude on his forehead.

It was clear that his emotions were surging, and his eyes had turned red.

The matter with his parents was a wound he could not bear.

Lin Yi had been sitting aside, listening to their conversation with a casual attitude.

But upon hearing this, he was slightly surprised and widened his eyes.

Huo Shi missed seeing his parents for the last time because he went to compete?

If that was the case, it would explain Huo Shi's unusual behavior recently.

Lin Yi now had a general understanding of what had happened.

It all started when Huo Shi decided to drop out of school to play esports. Naturally, Huo Shi's parents tried to stop him, leading to a family conflict. Later, Huo Shi stubbornly left home to compete, disappearing for more than two years without any contact. During this period, both his parents passed away...

Thinking about this, Lin Yi slightly furrowed his brow.

So, Huo Shi must be feeling incredibly guilty, believing he was unfilial for not seeing his parents before they died.

That was also why he had asked Lin Yi what to do if he regretted something but couldn't make amends.

However, Lin Yi didn't feel comfortable making too many judgments about these matters.

Life is full of regrets, and even if one regrets something deeply, there is no way to make up for it.

After successfully lecturing Huo Shi, Third Uncle saw Huo Shi with his head bowed, looking pained, and felt satisfied.

He couldn't lecture Huo Jihan, but he could lecture Huo Jihan's younger brother and Huo Jihan's... other half.

Lin Yi was lost in thought when he noticed someone staring at him.

He looked up and found Third Uncle staring at him.

The next second, Third Uncle asked, "Are you Lin Yi?"

Although he had never met Lin Yi in person, he had heard about the kind of partner Huo Jihan had chosen.

In response to Third Uncle's question, Lin Yi replied indifferently, "I am Lin Yi. So what?"

Third Uncle continued, "I heard you've been in the entertainment industry but haven't made a name for yourself?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, "So what?"

Third Uncle huffed, "I never thought that someone as capable as Huo Jihan would have such poor taste in choosing a partner."

There was a reason for Third Uncle's indignation.

He had once personally visited Huo Jihan to introduce a marriage proposal, which Huo Jihan rejected without hesitation, completely disregarding his efforts.

This had been weighing heavily on his mind, almost becoming a source of distress.

Before Lin Yi could respond, Huo Shi, who had been bowing his head, suddenly looked up at Third Uncle and warned coldly, "Stop talking."

His eyes were still red, but his tone had regained its composure.

While he remained silent when Third Uncle criticized him, he wouldn't tolerate criticism of Lin Yi.

Third Uncle was taken aback by Huo Shi's direct defiance and struck the floor with his cane, "Huo Er, what tone is that? Have you forgotten respect for your elders?"

The sound of the cane hitting the floor was loud, drawing the attention of many people.

Third Uncle could not allow himself to lose face in public and raised his voice, "As an elder, what's wrong with me saying a few words about Lin Yi? He comes from a lowly background and doesn't match our Huo family. Am I wrong? Besides..."

Huo Shi interrupted him again, "I said, stop talking."

When Huo Shi stared at someone like this, he looked like a wild wolf ready to pounce, making others fear he might explode at any moment.

Third Uncle was momentarily frightened.

But he quickly continued, "What, are you going to turn against me for an outsider? What's so special about this outsider that..."

"Bang!"

A sharp sound interrupted Third Uncle's words.

Huo Shi had somehow picked up a fruit knife and slammed it into the coffee table, warning Third Uncle word by word, "Say one more word and see what happens."

The sight of the shiny fruit knife startled everyone around.

Third Uncle was so frightened that his heartbeat became uneven, pointing at Huo Shi: "Y-you, you've gone too far..."

At this moment, someone else noticed the tension and came over to mediate.

"Alright, what's going on here? We finally got together, and now you're arguing?"

"Huo Shi, quickly apologize to Third Uncle; he is your elder after all."

Someone else chimed in directly: "Huo Shi, Third Uncle has heart problems. If you scare him into something serious, who will take responsibility for that?"

"I will."

Suddenly, a cold and oppressive voice echoed through the room.

Everyone turned their heads, and in the next second, the entire hall fell silent.

Huo Jihan, dressed in black, walked steadily into the hall.

His eyes were as dark as night, covered with a layer of ice, coldly scanning everyone present.

For a moment, there was not a sound in the hall.

If anyone had dared to try bullying Lin Yi and Huo Shi before, no one would dare to provoke Huo Jihan now.

Because the consequences would be unbearable.

Everyone held their breath, some even trembling uncontrollably.

Third Uncle, upon seeing Huo Jihan, lost his earlier bravado, and his heart seemed to ache more from nervousness.

But he felt compelled to say something, so he forced out a shaky voice: "Y-you came just in time. Take care of your brother."

Huo Jihan's dark eyes turned to Huo Shi.

Huo Shi trembled slightly, an instinctive reaction when facing his brother, as he always seemed to make mistakes in front of him.

He was used to being criticized by his brother.

But this time, Huo Jihan slowly said: "You did well."

Just five simple words.

But they carried great weight.

Huo Shi looked up at Huo Jihan, disbelief in his eyes.

For a moment, his eyes were subtly moistened.

He wasn't sure if it was because he rarely heard praise from Huo Jihan or because seeing Huo Jihan arrive made him feel like a bullied child seeing a parent, assuring him that everything was alright.

Either way, his tense emotions relaxed, and more feelings welled up, making his eyes moisten involuntarily.

At this moment, Huo Jihan turned to Lin Yi: "Are you okay?"

Lin Yi nodded: "Yes, I'm fine."

Huo Jihan said, word by word: "That's good."

That's good.

Three simple words, but they clearly conveyed Huo Jihan's attitude—since Lin Yi was unharmed, he wouldn't pursue the matter further.

Everyone couldn't help but speculate.

What if Lin Yi had given a different answer? What would Huo Jihan have done then?

Regardless, everyone present understood one thing.

This Lin Yi was absolutely someone they couldn't afford to offend, as Huo Jihan had made it clear he would stand up for Lin Yi.