Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Huo Mianmian had recently become obsessed with an animated series about sea creatures.

Every day, he would sit in front of the television, his chubby hands supporting his round head, watching the little fish, shrimp, and shells on the screen.

Whenever the cheerful melody from the cartoon played, he would sway his small head along with it.

Lin Yi had observed this scene several times.

The next time he saw it, he simply sat down beside Huo Mianmian and asked, "Mianmian, do you really like this cartoon?"

Huo Mianmian smiled happily, his voice filled with joy. "Yes, I do~"

Lin Yi chuckled. "How about we recreate an underwater world like this one?"

Huo Mianmian immediately perked up, sitting straight on the sofa, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Lin Yi. "Can we?"

Lin Yi nodded. "Of course we can. We can buy a large aquarium, fill it with stones and aquatic plants, and set up an underwater scene."

"Great, great!"

Huo Mianmian was delighted, his dimples deepening on his cheeks.

Lin Yi pulled up some aquarium design pictures online and showed them to Huo Mianmian, asking, "Son, which one do you like best?"

Huo Mianmian glanced at the pictures and finally chose one. "This one."

Lin Yi smiled and ruffled his hair. "I like this one too. We truly have a connection, father and son."

Huo Mianmian laughed sweetly, his eyes curving into crescents.

The picture they chose was beautiful.

It showed a large aquarium.

The background of the aquarium was deep blue, while the bottom was filled with various green plants and corals, along with some decorative rocks.

Several small fish swam around inside, and there were shells at the bottom.

The entire aquarium was colorful and vibrant, resembling a real underwater world.

Lin Yi wasted no time and quickly contacted an aquarium seller, explaining his requirements and asking them to deliver the necessary materials to their villa.

In the afternoon, the seller sent over the aquarium and other items like aquatic plants.

Lin Yi got up from the sofa to inspect them.

Huo Mianmian eagerly followed behind him.

After checking the goods and signing for them, the delivery staff left.

The aquarium delivered was a large rectangular one made of transparent glass, measuring several meters long.

Huo Mianmian leaned against the side of the aquarium, his eyes wide with curiosity.

He looked at the aquarium for a while and then asked Lin Yi, "Dad, are we going to set up an underwater scene in here?"

Lin Yi replied, "Yes."

Then, he rolled up his sleeves and said to Huo Mianmian, "Son, let's start setting up the aquarium."

Huo Mianmian nodded vigorously. "Okay!"

Thus, father and son began creating the underwater scene.

Their roles were clearly defined: Lin Yi handled the setup within the aquarium, while Huo Mianmian assisted by passing him tools and materials.

First, Lin Yi had the helpers place the aquarium in a corner of the living room and secure it. Then, he started working.

He placed a deep blue sheet of paper at the back of the aquarium to give it a deep blue hue.

Next, he added the decorative rocks, which were crucial components due to their size and prominence. Once positioned, they provided a foundation for placing other decorations.

After arranging the rocks, he spread a layer of fine volcanic stones.

These volcanic stones served an important purpose, as some aquatic plants would be planted directly in them.

Then, Lin Yi began planting the aquatic plants.

Planting the aquatic plants was a joyful process; using tweezers, he carefully planted clusters of plants into the volcanic stones.

Throughout this process, Huo Mianmian remained glued to the aquarium, watching intently without taking his eyes off the scene.

Lin Yi smiled at his son, who was observing him closely, and continued setting up the aquarium.

There were many types of aquatic plants, ranging from dark to light shades, each with its own unique color.

Following the design they had chosen, Lin Yi methodically planted the various aquatic plants.

Soon, the aquarium setup was complete.

Lin Yi added water, turned on the filtration and carbon dioxide systems, and switched on the aquarium’s top lighting.

In an instant, a beautiful large aquarium appeared before them.

This fish tank was deep blue, with shimmering water.

Inside, there were all kinds of aquatic plants and corals, as well as beautifully shaped stones, making it look like a mysterious underwater world.

Huo Mianmian stared at the fish tank, his eyes wide open, and exclaimed with his small mouth agape: "Wow!"

Lin Yi smiled and asked him, "How does it look? Pretty?"

Huo Mianmian nodded vigorously. "Pretty!!"

Lin Yi said, "Once we add some fish, shrimp, and shells in a couple of days, it will be even prettier."

Hearing Lin Yi's description, Huo Mianmian's little face lit up with anticipation.

He could see an underwater world just like in cartoons!!

After setting up the fish tank, father and son went to rest on the sofa.

A servant brought them a fruit platter filled with various fruits.

There were peaches, bananas, star fruits...

Huo Mianmian immediately spotted the star fruit in the platter.

The star fruit, shaped like a five-pointed star.

At three years old, he was naturally curious about everything.

So he reached out his small hand and picked up the star fruit.

He observed it for a while, then leaned close to Lin Yi and asked curiously, "Dad, why does the star fruit look like a five-pointed star? It's so pretty!"

Lin Yi lazily leaned back on the sofa, smiling. "Do you think it's pretty?"

Huo Mianmian nodded seriously twice.

Lin Yi said, "Then the star fruit grows into a five-pointed star shape just so you can praise it."

Huo Mianmian's eyes sparkled with surprise. "Really?"

Lin Yi teased the little one effortlessly. "Really."

Hearing this, Huo Mianmian looked down at the star fruit in his hand again.

After a moment, he lifted his head and said to Lin Yi, "Dad, I won't eat the star fruit."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

Huo Mianmian had a serious little expression. "Because the star fruit is too cute, and it's waiting for me to praise it, so I can't eat it."

He even patted the star fruit with his other hand, as if comforting it.

Lin Yi laughed out loud. "Hahaha!"

It was hard to tell who was cuter.

By now, it was already past three in the afternoon.

Huo Mianmian was still a child, prone to drowsiness. After holding the star fruit for a while, he started blinking his eyes, his head nodding slightly.

Soon, the star fruit was about to slip from his hand, but Lin Yi caught it quickly.

Huo Mianmian was startled, half-awake, trying to open his eyes.

Lin Yi gently patted him. "It's okay, sweetheart, go back to sleep."

Huo Mianmian closed his eyes again after being patted by Lin Yi, falling sound asleep.

Seeing this, Lin Yi carefully laid him down on the sofa and covered him with a thin blanket.

After doing this, Lin Yi went out to the swimming pool.

It was summer, and the thought of soaking in the cool water instantly refreshed him.

Lin Yi came to the edge of the pool, did some warm-up exercises, and then jumped in with a splash.

The cool water enveloped him, lifting his spirits.

He swam a few laps joyfully, then lay back floating on the surface of the water.

He didn't move, letting the waves carry him.

This carefree feeling made his mind completely empty.

He floated on the water, looking at the blue sky, white clouds, and the occasional flying birds.

Until a moment later, his peripheral vision detected someone standing by the poolside.

Curious, he turned his head and saw Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan, dressed in a black suit, stood nearby, watching him with a smile in his eyes.

Lin Yi was surprised. Wasn't it only three o'clock? Why was Huo Jihan home so early?

Thinking this, he turned around and swam towards the poolside.

Lin Yi reached the edge of the pool, rested on the side, and then looked up, smiling at Huo Jihan. "Mr. Huo, why are you back so early?"

At this moment, Lin Yi looked very different from usual.

He floated in the water, his entire face wet, his brows and eyes drenched, the strands of hair on his forehead dripping with water, giving him a fresh and clean appearance.

Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi and said, "There wasn't anything important this afternoon, so I came back early."

Primarily because he had someone on his mind, making him eager to return home.

Lin Yi joked, "This is leaving work early; you'll get docked pay."

Huo Jihan smiled and nodded in agreement: "Mm, fair criticism. I'll correct it next time."

Lin Yi didn't expect Huo Jihan to be so cooperative and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Huo Jihan asked him, "Are you going to keep swimming?"

"No, I'm done for now," Lin Yi replied, then swam a short distance to the side and climbed out of the pool along the steps.

After swimming, Lin Yi was completely soaked, wearing light gray swim trunks that revealed his arms and impossibly long legs.

His skin was very pale, and with droplets of water clinging to it, it seemed almost blindingly white.

Just then, Ji Yunchuan's voice suddenly came from nearby: "Wow, Sister-in-Law just finished swimming?"

Lin Yi lifted his gaze and saw Ji Yunchuan and Qin Ling.

These two likely found out that Huo Jihan had returned home from the company and rushed over here.

At this moment, Huo Jihan glanced at his two friends.

In the next second, he picked up a towel, walked over a few steps, and draped it around Lin Yi.

Lin Yi: "? ?"

He looked at the towel that had appeared on him and then at Huo Jihan: "What's wrong?"

Huo Jihan explained, "You just finished swimming, be careful not to catch a cold."

Lin Yi: "Ah?"

The sun was warm, and he didn't feel cold at all.

Huo Jihan insisted, "Keep it on, and change your clothes when we get back."

Although Lin Yi felt that Huo Jihan's reason was a bit far-fetched, he still nodded: "Oh, okay."

Ji Yunchuan, who had walked over: "..."

Wasn't Big Brother Huo's possessiveness a bit too much?

His Sister-in-Law had just finished swimming, but she was fully dressed in her swimsuit! What could they see?!

Qin Ling smiled understandingly without saying much more.

Soon, they all returned to the villa.

Lin Yi went upstairs to change his clothes.

Ji Yunchuan noticed the new fish tank in the living room and immediately bounded over, circling it and marveling, "Big Brother Huo, when did you set up a fish tank in the living room? And the scenery inside is so beautiful!"

This was the first time Huo Jihan had seen the fish tank.

When he arrived home earlier, before even entering the house, he heard from the servants that Lin Yi had gone to the swimming pool, so he headed there directly.

At this moment, the Steward walked over with a smile and explained, "Mr. Lin and Little Master set this up together. They spent quite some time on it!"

After hearing this, Ji Yunchuan couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister-in-Law is amazing! She made the fish tank look so pretty!! My place has two fish tanks too; maybe I should ask Sister-in-Law to help set them up someday..."

Huo Jihan interrupted him, "Better put that thought aside."

Ji Yunchuan looked puzzled: "Why?"

Huo Jihan said expressionlessly, "Don't let Lin Yi do it."

Ji Yunchuan was momentarily confused: "Why not?"

At this moment, Qin Ling, who had been silent, kindly reminded him, "Is it possible that Big Brother Huo is worried about tiring out his wife?"

Ji Yunchuan: "!!!"

Could it be?!

He turned to look at Huo Jihan, but Huo Jihan didn't explain further and instead turned to go upstairs to his study, clearly agreeing with Qin Ling's words.

Ji Yunchuan: "..."

Aaahh!!! This is unfair!!!

Does Big Brother Huo have to be so indulgent?!

Qin Ling shook his head and smiled, following Huo Jihan into the study.

He had come to see Huo Jihan today partly because they hadn't gathered in a while, and partly to discuss some business matters.

Not only were their personal relationships good, but their family businesses also had close ties.

Including Ji Yunchuan's family, they had close dealings with the Huo Group.

Although Huo Jihan was usually aloof, he would always lend a helping hand when needed.

For example, when the Ji family nearly went bankrupt last time, it was Huo Jihan who invested a large sum at a critical moment, helping to restore the liquidity of the Ji family's funds, allowing their business to continue developing. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

In the study.

After finishing their business talk, Qin Ling leaned against the desk with his arms crossed and tilted his head to ask Huo Jihan, "Have you and your Lin Yi taken your relationship to the next level?"

Qin Ling is different from Ji Yunchuan.

Ji Yunchuan usually acts all giddy, never thinking things through, only seeing the surface of matters.

On the other hand, due to family circumstances, Qin Ling developed a quiet and reserved nature from a young age, but he is very perceptive.

Although he didn't directly know about Huo Jihan and Lin Yi's contractual marriage, he had guessed a fair bit.

These two were clearly not that familiar at first, but now their gazes are inseparably entangled, indicating some change must have occurred.

Huo Jihan sat in a large leather chair, holding a document, and after hearing Qin Ling's words, he glanced at Qin Ling without saying anything.

Qin Ling continued, "Let me guess, did you say something to Lin Yi?"

At this point, Huo Jihan finally replied calmly, "I'm also waiting for an answer."

He didn't explicitly state what answer he was waiting for, but it wasn't hard to guess—it referred to Lin Yi's response.

Qin Ling didn't expect he had guessed right, smiled, and then said, "Regardless of what the answer is, would you let go?"

Based on years of knowing Huo Jihan, Huo Jihan doesn't easily take interest in anything, but once he decides to get something, he won't stop until he has it.

When Huo Jihan took over the Huo Group, he swiftly cleared all obstacles and has held his position steadily for years, demonstrating his capabilities.

Sure enough, Huo Jihan's answer matched Qin Ling's expectations: "No."

Once he decided, he wouldn't let go.

Qin Ling was momentarily stunned, then shook his head and laughed, "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be so deeply in love."

And judging by this, he's completely lost himself in it.

Qin Ling and Huo Jihan have known each other since childhood.

Even so, he had misjudged Huo Jihan, once believing that Huo Jihan would never fall in love with anyone because Huo Jihan seemed too cold, showing no reaction to anything emotional.

To be honest, sitting in his position, many people try to get close to him, including some quite capable ones, but Qin Ling had never seen Huo Jihan treat anyone differently or even speak much to them.

However, Huo Jihan has changed, as if a long-dormant part of his emotions has awakened, now fixating on someone's response.

And all these changes started with the appearance of a person named Lin Yi.

In the evening, Qin Ling and Ji Yunchuan naturally stayed for dinner at the villa.

Ji Yunchuan was still extremely satisfied with the food here.

He quickly finished one bowl of rice, indulging fully, and then asked for a second bowl.

While eating, he was moved to tears, "Wah wah wah, this food is just too delicious!!"

Huo Mianmian was eating quietly when he heard Ji Yunchuan's wailing and lifted his small head, looking at Ji Yunchuan curiously.

Noticing Huo Mianmian's gaze, Ji Yunchuan immediately said in a high-pitched voice, "Mianmian treasure, what's wrong?"

Lin Yi chuckled beside him, translating, "What else? It's obvious Mianmian was looking at you like you're an idiot."

Ji Yunchuan instantly protested, "How could that be? I've bought toys for Mianmian treasure before; Mianmian must think I'm smart, right?!"

He looked at Huo Mianmian expectantly, waiting for an answer.

Huo Mianmian: "..."

He blinked innocently.

Since he couldn't bring himself to say something untrue, he simply continued eating.

Lin Yi: "Hahaha! Look, Mianmian is disgusted with you!"

Ji Yunchuan: "..."

Ahhh!!

How could he, being so handsome and wise, be disliked?!

Ji Yunchuan feigned a hurt expression and slowly said, "I'm heartbroken, irreparably so!!"

Then, while saying he was heartbroken, he stuffed more rice into his mouth.

In the end, he ate three bowls of rice and looked at Huo Jihan with pleading eyes, saying, "Big Brother Huo, can you lend me a chef? Your chefs are top-notch, unmatched elsewhere."

Worried Huo Jihan might refuse, he quickly added, "You can't refuse; your two treasures just ganged up on me, you have to take responsibility!!"

Fortunately, his Big Brother Huo showed mercy this time and calmly said, "Do as you please."

Ji Yunchuan jumped for joy, exclaiming, "Thank you, Big Brother Huo!! Then I'll take a chef with me!!"

Finally, Ji Yunchuan left the villa happily with one of the chefs.

Naturally, Qin Ling also left.

After dinner, Lin Yi played with his phone for a while and then went upstairs to the bedroom.

But as soon as he returned to his room, Huo Jihan followed him in.

Lin Yi asked puzzledly, "Mr. Huo, is there something you need?"

Huo Jihan took out a document and said to him, "Do you remember the last time you helped me analyze a file? I thought your analysis was excellent, so I wanted to continue discussing it with you."

Lin Yi was somewhat surprised.

Last time, he had just casually mentioned a few things, never expecting that Huo Jihan would specifically seek him out again for analysis.

Moreover, the Huo Group was full of talented individuals; they certainly didn't lack people to analyze these plans, did they?

Lin Yi voiced his thoughts, "I don't think you really need my help to analyze these plans, do you?"

Knowing that he couldn't fool Lin Yi about this, Huo Jihan didn't hide it and directly said, "Alright, the truth is, I mainly wanted an excuse to spend time with you."

Huo Jihan's voice was low and deep, especially when he looked at someone with his deep, dark eyes and spoke those words, making it hard for anyone not to be moved.

Lin Yi didn't expect Huo Jihan to say it so straightforwardly and was momentarily at a loss for words.

After a brief moment of surprise, he responded with a teasing tone, "Is it still one thousand per word this time? By the way, if this continues, won't you be afraid of paying me an uncountable amount of money?"

Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi seriously, his gaze gentle, "Do you want it? Even giving you everything I have is fine."

Anyone who heard these words would find it hard to remain calm.

Lin Yi's emotions stirred for a moment before he joked, "Really everything?"

Huo Jihan nodded, "Yes, as long as you want it. However, from a long-term perspective, I suggest you consider more than just the property. This way, there will always be someone continuously earning money for you."

Lin Yi: "!!"

Those words were simply a knockout blow.

To be honest, he almost gave in on impulse at that moment.

After all, who wouldn't want someone like Huo Jihan to help them earn money?

With Huo Jihan's abilities, the amount of money earned would be immeasurable!

However, despite the temptation, Lin Yi didn't rashly respond.

He had never considered any development between himself and Huo Jihan, always seeing Huo Jihan as a distant figure to admire.

Now, suddenly being told they could get closer, even potentially developing a romantic relationship, he found it hard to adjust.

He couldn't give Huo Jihan any hasty responses without being clear about his own feelings; it would be irresponsible for both of them.

Noticing Lin Yi's silence, Huo Jihan didn't press further but instead waved the document in his hand and smoothly changed the subject, "Shall we start looking at the document now? Today's is about investing in a foreign energy project."

Lin Yi understood that Huo Jihan was giving him a way out, so he promptly started discussing the document.

But looking at Huo Jihan's non-pressuring attitude, he felt a bit guilty for some reason. What should he do?