Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Lin Yi didn't run away, but he was deeply shocked and couldn't find the words to speak.

What had Huo Jihan just said?

He actually said he liked him?

The key was that Huo Jihan's confession was different from others. Others simply expressed their feelings, but Huo Jihan not only expressed his feelings but also asked if Lin Yi could accept them.

When Huo Jihan treated someone well, he truly went all out. Even in expressing his affection, he sought the other person's opinion, showing utmost respect.

Lin Yi looked at Huo Jihan before him, his mind momentarily blank.

He had never thought about love and romance, at least not in connection with Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan was usually calm and restrained, like someone without emotions. Could such a person fall in love?

It wasn't that he hadn't noticed that Huo Jihan treated him differently from others, but he assumed it was because they lived under the same roof, so Huo Jihan showed him some favoritism.

Never did he expect that Huo Jihan actually liked him.

At this moment, Lin Yi and Huo Jihan were very close, and every breath carried the scent of the other, making his thoughts hazy.

He tried to compose himself and then said, "Sorry, I haven't thought about these things."

Huo Jihan, upon hearing this, didn't back down but said, "I know."

He knew Lin Yi had never considered matters of love, which is why he chose to be direct.

Only by being straightforward could Lin Yi start viewing their interactions from a new perspective.

Lin Yi didn't expect Huo Jihan to be so prepared and not mind that he hadn't thought about love.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, he added, "I might not be able to give you an answer right now."

Huo Jihan accepted this gracefully, looking at him with soft eyes and saying, "I know, I won't pressure you."

He gave Lin Yi complete freedom.

He didn't force Lin Yi to give him an immediate response.

Lin Yi didn't expect Huo Jihan to be so understanding and felt relieved.

His tense body relaxed slightly as he said to Huo Jihan, "Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll head home now."

He had come here to check if anything had happened to Huo Jihan, and since there was nothing major, he didn't need to stay long.

However, how could Huo Jihan let Lin Yi go so easily?

They had just entered a new phase in their relationship, and if he let Lin Yi leave now, what if Lin Yi calmed down and decided to run away?

Huo Jihan didn't step back, still trapping Lin Yi between himself and the door, and casually mentioned, "Didn't you say you like playing games? I recently bought a new computer. Want to try it out?"

Lin Yi was slightly tempted upon hearing this.

Huo Jihan bought a new computer?

Knowing that Huo Jihan always got top-of-the-line equipment, playing games on it would undoubtedly be smooth sailing.

But Lin Yi felt it wasn't appropriate to stay with Huo Jihan for too long after his confession.

He needed time to cool off.

Thinking this, he declined, "No, maybe next time."

Huo Jihan continued to look at him intently, his deep voice taking on a slightly coaxing tone, "The game you've been playing recently requires buying props and skins, right? I'll buy them for you, the whole set."

Lin Yi's eyes widened slightly.

The whole set of props and skins?!

No gamer could resist such an offer.

With this money, he could become the top spender in the game.

Still, Lin Yi hesitated, about to say something.

At this moment, Huo Jihan directly said, "Play here. If you encounter any tedious tasks, I'll handle them for you."

It was just a matter of writing a few small programs, which was easy for him.

Hearing this, Lin Yi was truly tempted.

If he could rely on Huo Jihan for any gaming tasks, the experience would be incredible!

Lin Yi's last bit of hesitation vanished, and he said, "Alright, I'll play here."

Huo Jihan's lips curved slightly, and he stepped back.

As Huo Jihan moved away, the intensity of his presence lessened.

Lin Yi's mind cleared up a bit.

But then he realized something: Huo Jihan had said he wouldn't pressure him, but his actions seemed otherwise.

While using games to lure him wasn't exactly forcing him, it still felt a bit odd.

Before Lin Yi could think it through, Huo Jihan said, "It's already past three o'clock. I'll have my secretary bring you some food. Eat first, then play."

Lin Yi nodded, appreciating the delicious food: "Sure."

Huo Jihan quickly opened the door and left.

Lin Yi then went to the sofa area in the office, lounging lazily on the sofa as he waited for the secretary to bring him some snacks.

Soon, a secretary entered with drinks and pastries, offering a standard eight-toothed smile: "Mr. Lin, please enjoy."

Lin Yi smiled back: "Thank you, you're too kind."

The secretary hurriedly replied: "Not at all. If you need anything else, just let me know."

With that, the secretary left, carrying the tray out.

Lin Yi picked up a pastry and started eating.

All the pastries here were the most expensive and delicious ones available, each bite filled with the taste of luxury. They were simply delightful.

Lin Yi savored the pastries contentedly.

At the same moment, outside the office.

Huo Jihan instructed Li Feng: "Have someone bring a new computer, the same model as my previous one."

Li Feng was surprised that Mr. Lin's arrival had suddenly changed Mr. Huo's mood. Earlier, Mr. Huo had been radiating low pressure, but now he was back to his usual self.

Regardless, the change was a good thing. The current Mr. Huo, who had returned to his normal demeanor, was far better than the cold and stern man from earlier. It was a relief for the employees.

But why did Mr. Huo suddenly ask for a new computer?

He didn't recall any issues with Mr. Huo's previous computer.

Still, despite his doubts, Li Feng wisely refrained from asking more questions.

As an assistant, sometimes it wasn't wise to be overly inquisitive.

After finishing a few pastries, Lin Yi waited a bit longer.

Soon, Huo Jihan and Li Feng returned to the office.

Li Feng carried a brand-new computer in his arms.

Once inside, Huo Jihan gestured for Li Feng to hand the computer to Lin Yi.

Li Feng approached Lin Yi and respectfully said: "Mr. Lin, please use this."

Now he finally understood why Mr. Huo had suddenly asked him to buy a computer.

And after purchasing it, he had even powered it on, completing the initial setup process to make it look used.

Their Mr. Huo was truly considerate when it came to Mr. Lin.

Lin Yi smiled as he took the laptop.

Upon opening it, he noticed the interface was quite bare, containing only some basic software.

But he didn't find it suspicious. After all, whether it was his phone or computer, Huo Jihan never had any strange apps; mostly just office software.

At that moment, Huo Jihan sat beside Lin Yi and said: "Open your game. I'll buy you some items and skins."

Lin Yi smiled: "Alright."

The game he played was a large-scale online game with stunning visuals, attracting countless gaming enthusiasts.

It also had guilds and forums, with comprehensive features.

Lin Yi had only recently discovered this game but was instantly hooked.

He quickly opened the game and entered the in-game store.

The store offered a wide variety of items.

However, the most important were the items and skins.

Lin Yi selected all the items and skins in one go, decisively and efficiently.

The feeling of buying everything at once was incredibly satisfying!

After clicking the purchase button, a payment QR code appeared.

Huo Jihan took out his phone, scanned the QR code, and completed the payment.

In the next second, the purchase was successful.

Lin Yi's personal storage was now packed full.

Looking at his storage, Lin Yi couldn't help but grin widely, his eyes crinkling with joy.

Huo Jihan watched him with a smile: "Happy?"

Lin Yi's voice was filled with excitement: "Of course!"

Who wouldn't be happy seeing such a scene?

Huo Jihan's lips curved upward: "I'm glad you're happy."

Seeing there was nothing else for him to do, Li Feng quietly left the office, closing the door behind him.

Indeed, whenever Mr. Lin arrived, Mr. Huo's mood improved, and the employees were saved.

In the following time, Lin Yi was engrossed in playing games.

He switched through several skins and smashed a bunch of props, practically dominating the entire game.

The other players were both shocked and envious upon seeing this.

Many large guilds took the opportunity to recruit him, hoping to bring him into their own guilds, as they couldn't afford to miss out on such a wealthy player.

However, Lin Yi declined all the guild invitations.

Why would he want to be constrained when he could enjoy his freedom?

At this moment, a gamer sent him a private message.

Thinking it was another guild, Lin Yi casually opened it, only to find that it was from a girl.

Moreover, the message was a voice clip, with a sweet voice saying, "Big brother, can you carry me, please~"

This unexpected voice echoed clearly in the office.

For some reason, Lin Yi suddenly felt nervous and instinctively clicked to exit the chat.

But it was too late.

Huo Jihan, who had been working at his desk, looked up from his documents and stared at him with an unreadable expression, asking, "Someone is looking for you?"

Lin Yi felt inexplicably guilty, "N-no, not really."

Huo Jihan continued to stare at him, "Hmm?"

Lin Yi: "..."

Why did he feel so guilty?

After a brief pause, Lin Yi explained, "The game has a private messaging feature, and I just received a message from a girl."

What was there to feel guilty about? He hadn't done anything wrong.

Huo Jihan's eyes darkened slightly, "It seems like you're quite popular in this game."

Lin Yi: "..."

He could only say, "Not really?"

Huo Jihan gritted his teeth slightly.

Then, Lin Yi remembered something and reminded Huo Jihan, "Wait, wasn't it you who told me to play the game?"

Huo Jihan: "..."

After a moment, he said, "Yeah, I regret it now."

Lin Yi almost burst out laughing.

It was the first time he heard Huo Jihan admit to regretting something.

After a few exchanges, Lin Yi returned to his game.

Huo Jihan seemed to want to say something but couldn't find a reason to stop Lin Yi since he had suggested it himself. He occasionally glanced at Lin Yi with a complicated expression.

However, after playing for a while, Lin Yi started feeling sleepy.

His eyes were strained from staring at the computer screen for too long, and he felt a bit lethargic.

He exited the game, set the laptop aside, and decided to rest his eyes for a bit.

Unexpectedly, he fell asleep right away.

Lin Yi didn't know how long he had slept.

Then, at one point, he vaguely sensed someone approaching him.

Too lazy to open his eyes, he waited until the person got close and touched him.

Lin Yi instantly opened his eyes.

He found himself looking directly into Huo Jihan's gaze.

Huo Jihan's eyes were deep and profound, like a frost-covered lake, drawing anyone who met them in.

Lin Yi stared back at Huo Jihan for a moment before realizing what was happening and asked, "What are you...?"

Huo Jihan had been about to reach out to hug Lin Yi but withdrew his hand when he saw Lin Yi awake. He explained, "There's a resting room inside. I was going to carry you in there."

Lin Yi nodded in understanding, "Oh, okay..."

Huo Jihan then sat down beside Lin Yi, relaxing a bit more than usual, "What else did you think I was doing?"

Lin Yi shook his head, "I didn't think anything."

But Huo Jihan said, "Did you think I was going to kiss you while you were sleeping?"

Lin Yi: "!!"

To be honest, he did have that thought for a split second.

But was it really appropriate to say it so directly?!

Lin Yi, with wide, bewildered eyes, didn't know how to respond.

Huo Jihan admired Lin Yi's expression for a moment before reassuring him, "Rest assured, I didn't do it."

Lin Yi: "…"

That's better.

Why did you suddenly speak like that and scare me?

Lin Yi had just let out a sigh of relief…

When Huo Jihan added, "Although I did think about doing it."

Lin Yi: "??"

Mr. Huo, is it really okay for your words to be like a roller coaster, going up and down?

More importantly, what do you mean by 'I thought about it'?!

Lin Yi looked at Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan also looked back at him.

The two silently stared at each other for a while, as if something intangible was brewing.

The surrounding air seemed to gradually warm up.

Their heartbeats echoed loudly.

Lin Yi subconsciously moved his gaze away from Huo Jihan's and changed the subject, "Ah, it's getting dark outside, must be time to leave work, right?"

One sentence broke the inexplicable atmosphere.

Huo Jihan didn't push further but went along with Lin Yi's words, "Yes, it's past six o'clock."

Lin Yi stood up upon hearing this, "Then let's go back. Have you finished your work?"

Huo Jihan nodded, "Finished, but we don't need to rush back."

Lin Yi asked in confusion, "Why not?"

Huo Jihan: "Let's have dinner outside first. I've already informed the Steward."

Lin Yi nodded, "Alright."

After all, he hadn't eaten out in a long time, and changing the taste occasionally would be nice.

Soon, Huo Jihan tidied up the files on his desk and left with Lin Yi.

Lin Yi initially thought they would just find a random restaurant.

But who knew Huo Jihan would bring him to an aerial restaurant.

This restaurant was located on the top floor, surrounded by transparent glass, allowing one to see the stars in the night sky when looking up.

The interior was exquisitely decorated with various green plants and flowers.

Being here felt like being in a beautiful garden, with a romantic and pleasant atmosphere.

The restaurant manager seemed to know Huo Jihan and respectfully led them to their table, saying, "Please take your seats. Here's the menu."

Lin Yi suppressed his doubts and ordered the food.

Once the manager left, he asked Huo Jihan across the table, "Why did you choose to eat here?"

Eating here conveyed a sense of solemnity.

Huo Jihan answered Lin Yi, "Because today is a special day, and I wanted to have a good meal with you."

Lin Yi was slightly stunned.

What special day was today?

Seeing Lin Yi's confusion, Huo Jihan explained, "Today is the first day I officially pursue you."

"!!"

Lin Yi accidentally choked, "Cough, cough, cough..."

Huo Jihan got up and gently patted Lin Yi's back with his broad hand, "Are you alright?"

He then poured a glass of water for him.

Lin Yi held the glass and drank half of it, finally feeling better.

He never expected Huo Jihan to be so direct after expressing his feelings, without any concealment.

Lin Yi held the glass and glanced at Huo Jihan beside him.

At this moment, Huo Jihan had taken off his suit jacket, leaving only a white shirt. The collar was unbuttoned, revealing his Adam's apple, and the sleeves were casually rolled up to his forearms.

This casual Huo Jihan, compared to his usual formal and aloof appearance, had a touch of nonchalance and an undeniable charm.

Noticing Lin Yi's gaze, Huo Jihan smiled slightly, "What is it?"

Lin Yi shook his head, "Nothing."

He certainly couldn't reveal his thoughts.

Seeing that Lin Yi was no longer coughing, Huo Jihan returned to his seat.

He didn't intend to scare Lin Yi; it was just that Lin Yi's character was too carefree. He had to make his intentions clear for Lin Yi to take their relationship seriously.

For example, before he made things explicit, Lin Yi hadn't realized that their relationship had transcended the bounds of a mere marriage contract.

Huo Jihan's intelligence was high enough to learn from experience and avoid repeating mistakes in the same situation.

Soon, the restaurant staff began serving the dishes.

The food here emphasized rarity and preciousness. Each dish was meticulously crafted by several chefs, and even the presentation required considerable effort.

Looking at these dishes, Lin Yi almost felt reluctant to disturb their exquisite shapes.

But filling his stomach was more important, so he decisively picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of one dish.

He wasn't sure what this dish was made of, but it was spicy with a hint of sourness, instantly awakening his appetite.

Lin Yi quickly took another bite of the dish.

Seeing this, Huo Jihan placed the entire dish in front of him and said, "If you like it, we can come back next time."

Lin Yi smiled brightly, "Sure."

His smile made his almond eyes sparkle like stars reflecting in the night sky, captivating anyone who looked at him.

Huo Jihan watched Lin Yi for a while before finally looking away.

By the time they finished their meal, it was already past eight o'clock.

They left the restaurant.

Lin Yi walked leisurely with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed.

Huo Jihan walked beside him, expression calm, back straight, with a black suit draped over his arm.

Despite their different auras, they appeared surprisingly harmonious together.

On the way back, Huo Jihan drove the car.

Lin Yi sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the street scenery outside.

He hadn't taken this route before and was curious, thinking about coming back to explore another day.

After all, he saw many interesting things along the way.

Suddenly, Huo Jihan stopped the car.

Lin Yi turned to look at him, "What's wrong?"

Huo Jihan said, "Wait a moment."

With that, he opened the car door and stepped out.

Lin Yi waited in the car, puzzled.

A few minutes later, Huo Jihan returned, holding a bouquet of vibrant... roses.

Lin Yi's eyes widened instantly.

In the next second, Huo Jihan placed the bouquet in his lap.

Lin Yi looked at the roses in his arms, then at Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan's dark eyes held a faint smile, his voice low, "For you."

Lin Yi stared at Huo Jihan for a while before speaking, "Mr. Huo, I have a question."

Huo Jihan raised an eyebrow, "Hmm?"

Lin Yi voiced his thoughts, "Are you sure you've never been in a relationship before?"

This step-by-step approach was almost overwhelming.

Could it be that intelligent people excel at everything?

After hearing Lin Yi's words, Huo Jihan thought for a moment and said, "Do you mean my efforts are effective?"

Lin Yi: "!!"

Wasn't that a brilliant question?

How was he supposed to answer?

Lin Yi chose to remain silent.

Huo Jihan didn't mind and continued, "How about this, teach me how to pursue someone?"

Then, he looked at Lin Yi and added emphatically, "Teacher Lin."

"..."

Lin Yi rarely blushed, but now he felt his cheeks heating up.

Teacher Lin...

Those three words somehow made his face warm.

Besides, who teaches others how to pursue themselves?!