Chapter 75

Chapter 75

After Huo Jihan had explained everything to Lin Yi, he asked Lin Yi, "So, is this matter considered settled?"

He wanted to clearly understand Lin Yi's current thoughts.

Lin Yi nodded: "Yes, it’s settled."

To be honest, when he first learned about Qu Jing, there was indeed a subtle feeling in his heart. However, with Huo Jihan's clear and thorough explanation, he no longer harbored any resentment.

Seeing that Lin Yi genuinely did not care about the matter anymore, Huo Jihan finally felt relieved.

He then asked Lin Yi, "Where’s your phone?"

Lin Yi pointed to his jacket on a nearby stone: "Over there."

As he spoke, he realized something: "Did you call me just now?"

Huo Jihan nodded: "Yes, but it’s fine now."

He did not mention the panic of not being able to reach Lin Yi earlier, not wanting to add any psychological burden to Lin Yi.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi indeed thought it was just a casual inquiry and did not take it to heart.

Shortly after, Huo Jihan had other matters to attend to and left first.

Lin Yi continued catching fish.

About ten minutes later, a staff member came with a fishing net for Lin Yi: "Mr. Lin, Mr. Huo asked me to bring this over so you can catch fish more easily."

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback, not expecting Huo Jihan to have thought of this for him.

In fact, he had thought of it himself but was too lazy to go back and find the tools.

Now it was perfect.

With the net, Lin Yi caught fish much more efficiently, quickly catching two or three large ones.

He smiled at Huo Mianmian: "Kid, we can have lots of fish tonight!"

Sitting by the shore, Huo Mianmian responded enthusiastically: "Great! I love eating fish!"

At this moment, Lin Yi noticed what Huo Mianmian was doing.

Huo Mianmian was holding several grass leaves, carefully cutting out shapes like triangles and hearts, and then placing the cut leaves into the stream, letting the water carry them downstream.

Curious, Lin Yi asked Huo Mianmian: "Kid, what are you doing?"

Huo Mianmian answered with childlike innocence: "I’m making little boats out of leaves. Little Dad, will someone downstream find my little boats?"

Lin Yi didn’t expect such innocence and romance from a child, and laughed: "Definitely."

After all, Huo Mianmian had made such obvious marks on the grass leaves. When they floated downstream, someone playing by the water might pick them up and marvel at the patterned leaves.

It was a scene straight out of an anime, beautiful and enchanting.

Encouraged by Lin Yi’s words, Huo Mianmian became even more enthusiastic about making leaf boats.

He picked many grass leaves, cut different patterns on them, and placed them in the stream, waiting for someone else to discover them.

Lin Yi caught a total of six or seven fish.

They were of various sizes, but enough for a dinner.

Carrying the bucket, he went ashore and sat down next to Huo Mianmian, waiting for the water droplets on his body to dry.

By then, the sun had touched the horizon, about to set completely.

The golden sunlight turned the clouds in the sky red.

The sunset was mesmerizing and beautiful.

Lin Yi sat relaxedly on the grass, hands supporting his body on either side, leaning slightly backward, enjoying the cool breeze.

Huo Mianmian knelt beside Lin Yi, still diligently making his leaf boats.

The golden glow bathed father and son, creating a moment of utter peace.

Lin Yi sat lazily for a while until the sun disappeared completely below the horizon, and the last light faded away.

Night was approaching.

Finally, Lin Yi stood up, put on his shoes, and draped his jacket over his shoulders.

He lifted the bucket and called to Huo Mianmian: "Kid, let’s go back."

Huo Mianmian replied sweetly: "Okay."

He stood up, brushed off the grass leaves, and took Lin Yi’s hand.

Lin Yi carried the bucket in one hand and held Huo Mianmian’s hand with the other, heading towards their previous small wooden house.

A staff member was already waiting at the wooden house. Seeing Lin Yi return, he greeted them: "Mr. Lin, do you need anything?"

Lin Yi handed over the bucket: "Could you please make fish soup with these fish?"

The staff member nodded: "Sure, please wait. Dinner will be served shortly."

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian waited inside the wooden house for their dinner.

Outside the window, the night sky hung low, with stars twinkling incessantly.

Lin Yi sat casually on the carpet, eating cherries from the small table.

These cherries were large and round, each one sweet and juicy.

Lin Yi ate quite a few of them.

Huo Mianmian, exhausted from playing all day, was already leaning his head to the side, sleeping on the table.

Lin Yi was worried that it would be uncomfortable for him to sleep like this on the small table, so he carefully picked him up and carried him into the bedroom, placing him on the bed.

If Huo Mianmian was already soft and adorable when awake, then asleep he looked even more like a little angel.

His eyes were closed, his long and thick eyelashes resting peacefully. He slept soundly, his chubby cheeks slightly flushed.

Lin Yi couldn't resist gently poking his cheek, each poke feeling like touching soft jelly.

Lin Yi poked him several times, finally feeling satisfied, then walked out of the bedroom and closed the door.

Lin Yi returned to the small table, sitting down and continuing to eat cherries.

At that moment, footsteps could be heard outside.

Then, there was a knock on the door of the small wooden cabin.

Lin Yi, still munching on cherries, said nonchalantly, "Come in."

The next second, the door opened, revealing Huo Yun at the entrance.

Lin Yi was somewhat surprised to see Huo Yun.

Why was Huo Yun here?

Huo Yun stood at the door, a gentle smile on his delicate face. "May I come in?"

Lin Yi nodded casually. "Sure."

After all, this was just a temporary cabin, nothing private.

Upon hearing this, Huo Yun stepped inside.

Lin Yi was still puzzled about why Huo Yun was here.

Huo Yun seemed to have noticed and explained, "I came here following an elder from the Huo family. Some other members of the Huo family are also here, discussing changes in the family's businesses."

As a bastard son of the Huo family, he naturally had no right to participate in such activities.

Though nominally a member of the Huo family, he was always an outsider living in the shadows.

Lin Yi nodded understandingly upon hearing Huo Yun's explanation.

No wonder Huo Jihan had been busy and hadn't returned yet; it seemed there were many issues being discussed this time.

At that moment, Huo Yun asked Lin Yi, "What about you? Don't you want to participate in these discussions?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Participate in what?"

Huo Yun: "In some of the Huo family's affairs."

Lin Yi asked, confused, "Why should I participate?"

What did any of this have to do with him?

Huo Yun was about to say something else when another unexpected visitor appeared at the door.

It was Huo Yiping.

Huo Yiping first peeked through the window, confirming that both Lin Yi and Huo Yun were inside, then walked in with a casual stride, smiling insincerely. "Turns out you're both here. I've been looking for you for ages."

Lin Yi looked at Huo Yiping coldly. "Did I invite you in?"

Huo Yiping paused, then tilted his head, pressing his tongue against his cheek, looking rebellious and menacing. "Trying to show off your power now?"

He was, after all, a member of the Huo family, and wherever he went, people fawned over him. Over time, this had bred a sense of arrogance deep within him.

Therefore, he was very displeased with Lin Yi's attitude.

Moreover, he had suffered a defeat at Lin Yi's hands last time.

That night, he was kicked into the lotus pond and spent the entire night there, almost becoming incapacitated. It took him a month in the hospital to recover.

With old and new grudges combined, Huo Yiping looked at Lin Yi with burning anger.

Yet Lin Yi sat calmly, showing no reaction, only staring back coldly.

Huo Yiping nodded with a sneer, saying viciously, "Good, very good."

His words were polite, but his expression suggested he wanted to tear Lin Yi apart.

However, he was wary of Huo Jihan, who stood behind Lin Yi, and didn't dare to do anything rash. Instead, he lifted his head and said to Lin Yi, "What's the point of pretending here? Let me tell you something. There's someone else in this villa today, her name is Qu Jing. This Miss Qu is recognized by the elders of the Huo family as a potential daughter-in-law. Do you think you can still stay by Huo Jihan's side once she arrives?"

Lin Yi smiled indifferently upon hearing this. "How coincidental, I've actually heard about Qu Jing too."

Huo Yiping was taken aback. "What?"

Lin Yi looked at him calmly. "And I learned about her from Huo Jihan himself. So, do you think I should believe Huo Jihan or you?"

Huo Yiping: "…"

Damn it! He didn't see this coming!

Huo Jihan actually took the initiative to talk to Lin Yi about Qu Jing? What's his game?

Huo Yiping's mind was limited, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure out the reason.

The more he couldn't figure it out, the angrier he became.

When Huo Yiping got angry, he liked to exert violence on others.

But he couldn't touch Lin Yi.

With a fierce look, Huo Yiping suddenly grabbed Huo Yun by the collar, threw him to the ground, and kicked him several times with his leather shoes.

Huo Yiping's sudden outburst caught everyone else in the room off guard.

Huo Yun seemed accustomed to this, curling up his body and protecting his vital areas with his hands.

Lin Yi was startled and immediately stood up from the carpet, asking Huo Yiping coldly, "What are you doing?!"

Huo Yiping stopped after kicking Huo Yun twice more.

He looked at Lin Yi and grinned defiantly. "What? You're going to interfere when I beat up Huo Yun? Mind your own business!"

Lin Yi stared at him coldly. "Why do you have the right to beat someone?"

Huo Yiping acted recklessly and arrogantly. "Why? Because Huo Yun is just an illegitimate child of the Huo family. He's nothing but a dog to me, and I can beat him whenever I want!"

As he said this, he made another move to kick.

At that moment, Lin Yi reacted quickly and kicked a stool over.

The stool hit Huo Yiping's leg with a loud "bang."

A sharp pain shot through Huo Yiping, almost making him lose his balance.

He staggered back a few steps, glaring at Lin Yi with fury. "Lin Yi, you fucking..."

Lin Yi responded coldly, "What?"

Unlike Huo Yiping, Lin Yi did not have a ferocious expression, but his aura was strong enough to leave people speechless for a moment.

Huo Yiping realized once again that Lin Yi was not someone easy to deal with, especially with Huo Jihan around.

He swallowed his anger, feeling as if blood was rising in his throat.

He pointed at Lin Yi and Huo Yun on the ground. "Fine, this isn't over. You two better watch out!"

With that, he stormed out, filled with malice.

Lin Yi ignored Huo Yiping's threats and went over to help Huo Yun up. "Are you okay? There's a first aid kit in the house; I'll get it for you."

Despite being beaten, Huo Yun showed no signs of despair or pain. After all, he had lived through such days for most of his life and was used to it.

He was more concerned about something else. As Lin Yi turned to fetch the first aid kit, Huo Yun, still sitting on the ground, grabbed Lin Yi's sleeve.

Lin Yi turned to look at him. "What is it?"

Huo Yun sat there, his eyes burning with a certain madness. "Lin Yi, you saw it, didn't you?"

Lin Yi was confused. "Saw what?"

Saw Huo Yiping bullying Huo Yun?

Huo Yun appeared unusually agitated. "Lin Yi, people like us are always inferior, living in hell every day. We need to rise up and make those people taste the same suffering! Otherwise, it's too unfair, isn't it?"

Lin Yi was startled by the madness in Huo Yun's eyes, sensing that he was on the verge of losing control.

He told Huo Yun, "Yes, we shouldn't let others bully us, but we must keep our minds clear, knowing what we're doing, rather than being driven by hatred to do irrational things."

Huo Yun still held onto Lin Yi's sleeve. "Of course, I know what I'm doing. This is exactly what I've always wanted to do. Lin Yi, you should understand me, right?"

Lin Yi asked, puzzled, "Do you seem to have some misunderstanding about me?"

Huo Yun's eyes were filled with madness, looking at Lin Yi as if seeing a kindred spirit. "How could there be any misunderstanding? Lin Yi, I've heard that you also lived under great pressure in the Lin family. Those people never treated you as a human being. They bullied and tormented you, trying to squeeze every bit of value out of you. Didn't you suffer?"

Compared to Huo Yun's madness, Lin Yi remained calm. "Yes, they didn't treat me as a human being, but I treated myself as one. I am a person, so I know my limits and what I should and shouldn't do."

Only now did Lin Yi understand why Huo Yun had previously said they were the same kind.

They both had been unfairly treated, leading to deep suppression and a lack of hope in life.

However, there was a significant difference.

While the original owner would internalize all the harm, even if holding a knife, pointing it inward, Huo Yun seemed to take the opposite approach.

After hearing Lin Yi's words, Huo Yun looked at him anxiously. "What do you mean? Do you look down on me?"

His grip on Lin Yi's sleeve tightened, as if afraid Lin Yi would suddenly walk away.

Lin Yi did not leave but spoke calmly. "I don't look down on you. I just hope you think clearly and avoid extremes."

Huo Yun didn't seem to hear, continuing, "You don't seem to consider me a true ally."

He had been suppressing his feelings for too long, walking alone in the darkness. Finally, a companion appeared.

But this companion seemed unwilling to walk alongside him.

This made it impossible for him to accept.

Lin Yi looked at Huo Yun and, knowing that he might be emotionally unstable at the moment, said, "Let go of me first. I'll get you the first aid kit. After you apply the medicine and calm down, we can talk."

Hearing this, Huo Yun released Lin Yi's clothes and lowered his hand.

Lin Yi turned around and went into the room to fetch a first aid kit.

Then he returned with the kit.

He opened the kit, rummaged through it, and took out a medicine for bruises and injuries, handing it to Huo Yun: "Here, can you apply the medicine yourself?"

Huo Yun hung his head, lost in thought, and after a while, he looked up: "Yes."

Lin Yi handed the medicine to him.

Huo Yun took the ointment and lifted the hem of his shirt.

Huo Yiping had kicked him hard just now, and there were now several bruised marks on his stomach.

Lin Yi frowned upon seeing this.

This Huo Yiping was being too arrogant.

Huo Yun noticed Lin Yi's concerned expression and, while applying the medicine, said, "This happens all the time; I'm used to it."

His mother passed away shortly after giving birth to him, and as an infant, he was taken back to the Huo family, ushering in a nightmare of a life.

Not only Huo Yiping but many others looked down on him as a bastard child, ordering him around and physically abusing him.

At first, Huo Yun was just afraid, but gradually, hatred began to rise in his heart.

Why?

Why should he be treated like this from birth?

What had his mother done wrong? Why was she raped, forced to give birth to him, and then left to die in misery?

Huo Yun couldn't understand it, and he never would.

But as he grew older, he learned to hide his true feelings, always smiling, whether scolded or beaten.

Because he knew that one day, he would repay them all.

What right did the Huo family have to look down on him? They should all come down and live in hell with him!

And now, Huo Yun had found a teammate.

He believed that Lin Yi was a powerful and reliable teammate.

Together, they could create their own world.

At this moment, the staff brought dinner.

Seeing this, Huo Yun stopped applying the medicine and pulled down his shirt.

Lin Yi asked him, "Do you want to join us for dinner?"

Huo Yun shook his head: "No."

He was afraid of encountering Huo Jihan.

Of the entire Huo family, he genuinely feared only Huo Jihan.

That was why he needed Lin Yi as a teammate.

Huo Yun stood up, ready to leave.

But after taking a few steps toward the door, he stopped and waved the ointment at Lin Yi: "Thanks for the medicine."

Lin Yi replied indifferently: "You're welcome."

Huo Yun nodded at him one last time and then left completely.

The staff placed the dishes on the dining table.

Lin Yi went to the bedroom and gently woke up Huo Mianmian: "Sweetheart, wake up. It's time for dinner."

Huo Mianmian obediently sat up in bed, not making a fuss, just rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Lin Yi reached out his hand: "Come here, little dad will hold you."

Huo Mianmian, like a little bundle of joy, jumped into Lin Yi's arms.

Lin Yi carried the soft little one to the dining table outside.

He placed Huo Mianmian in a chair.

Huo Mianmian, still a bit drowsy, became more alert upon seeing the food on the table.

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Are you hungry, Mianmian?"

Huo Mianmian nodded, his voice softer than usual due to just waking up: "I'm hungry."

Lin Yi served a bowl of rice in front of him: "Go ahead and eat. Be careful, it's hot."

The dinner was quite rich, with the most prominent dish being a fish soup placed in the center.

The soup was made from the fish Lin Yi had caught, with a rich white broth, enhanced by the addition of seaweed, tofu, and mushrooms...

The soup not only looked good but also emitted a rich and inviting aroma.

Lin Yi served a bowl for himself and Huo Mianmian.

He held his bowl, scooped a spoonful into his mouth, and then widened his eyes in satisfaction.

This soup had minimal seasoning, relying entirely on the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it incredibly fresh and delicious—so much so that one couldn't stop drinking it.

Lin Yi drank two bowls of fish soup before starting on the other dishes.

Just then, Huo Jihan returned.

Dressed in a black suit, he stepped inside, bringing with him a chill from the night air.

However, once he entered the room and saw Lin Yi, the sharp aura around him dissipated.

Lin Yi looked at him in surprise: "Finished your work? I thought you weren't coming for dinner."

As Jihan took off his suit jacket, he walked toward the dining table: "Almost done. Came to see you and Mianmian."

Without his jacket, he wore an iron-gray shirt that made him appear steady and powerful.

Lin Yi casually served him a bowl of fish soup and placed it in front of him: "Here, try it."

Hearing this, Huo Jihan picked up the spoon, scooped a mouthful, and tasted it.

Lin Yi watched him expectantly: "How is it? I caught the fish myself."

Huo Jihan responded with a compliment: "Really? No wonder it's better than usual."

Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh: "Hahaha!"

After all, who wouldn't be happy after receiving praise?

After finishing their meal, Huo Jihan stood up, picked up his suit, as if about to leave.

Lin Yi asked, "Not staying here?"

Realizing his question was silly, since there were no extra bedrooms in this small wooden cabin, it was natural for Huo Jihan not to stay.

Huo Jihan, however, smiled and teased him: "Do you want me to stay?"

Lin Yi: "!!"

When did he say that?!

He quickly replied: "I didn't say anything."

Seeing Lin Yi's flustered expression, Huo Jihan stopped teasing him and said: "Goodnight, sleep well."

Lin Yi hurriedly responded: "Goodnight."

As Huo Jihan was about to leave, he added: "Hope there'll be a chance to stay next time."

Lin Yi: "!!"

He stared wide-eyed, unsure how to respond.

Huo Jihan gave a slight smile, walked out, and closed the door behind him.

Lin Yi breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the door shut.

Spending too much time with Huo Jihan sometimes made his heart race uncontrollably.

After spending the night at the villa, the next day, Lin Yi and the others were set to return home.

Before leaving, Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian father and son took a few jars of honey and half a tree's worth of cherries, returning home fully loaded.

Once back home, life resumed its usual pace.

Lin Yi spent each day taking care of Huo Mianmian, enjoying food, drinks, and fun, living freely.

One evening, the father and son discovered a new and exciting activity.

They used the pigeons from the villa area to send messages by pigeon post.

Lin Yi was on the balcony of the second floor of the villa.

Huo Mianmian was on the lawn below.

Lin Yi wrote a message on a slip of paper, tied it to the pigeon's leg, and released it to fly towards Huo Mianmian.

Huo Mianmian followed suit, writing down what he wanted to say on the paper.

The father and son played this game enthusiastically, feeling like they were experiencing the ancient method of sending messages by pigeon.

At one point, Huo Mianmian sat on the lawn, using his watercolor pens to draw two stick figures on the paper.

The smaller stick figure was making a heart gesture towards the larger one, meaning Mianmian liked his dad.

After drawing, he carefully folded the paper and tied it to the pigeon's leg.

He then tossed the pigeon up, and it flew with its white wings towards Lin Yi on the second floor.

Lin Yi caught the pigeon, removed the paper, and his heart melted instantly.

He promptly took a blank slip of paper and wrote: "I like you very much too."

After writing the words, he also drew a heart on the paper.

Lin Yi finished his preparations and then released the pigeon downward.

The pigeon flew down with a flutter, and it should have flown to Huo Mianmian.

But at that moment, Huo Jihan just happened to return.

Then the pigeon landed steadily in his hand.

Lin Yi: "!!"

Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi, then at the pigeon in his hand.

Lin Yi quickly said, "That was meant for..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Huo Jihan had already taken the note from the pigeon's leg and unfolded it.

On the note, it clearly read—

"I like you too."

Followed by a heart.

Huo Jihan's eyes flickered slightly upon seeing the content of the note.

He stared at those few short words for a while before finally looking away.

Lin Yi: "..."

Could he still explain now?

Huo Jihan mustn't misunderstand!!

Lin Yi hurriedly explained, "That was meant for Mianmian!!"

Huo Mianmian also looked at Huo Jihan, hoping his father would give the note back to him.

Who knew that Huo Jihan directly pocketed the note and said in a steady voice, "Too late, it's in my hands now."

Lin Yi: "??"

How is this possible?!

Huo Mianmian: "..."

His dad is so mean!

Dad gave it to me! Give it back QAQ!!