Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Huo Jihan noticed Lin Yi's movement, and his body tensed for a moment.

Clearly, Lin Yi's action had taken him by surprise.

He cautiously lowered his head to look at Lin Yi, his dark eyes filled with an indescribable sense of astonishment.

Outside the eaves, the heavy rain continued unabated, as if playing a passionate and romantic symphony.

Under the eaves, it felt like they were in a separate enclosed space, each gaze, heartbeat, and breath filled with unparalleled tension and pull.

After Lin Yi hugged Huo Jihan briefly, he withdrew his hand.

But Huo Jihan didn't intend to let this moment pass easily. He looked intently at Lin Yi, his voice low and hoarse: "Your behavior just now can't be ignored, can it?"

To be honest, Lin Yi's emotions were far from calm at that moment.

His heart was beating loudly, almost drowning out the sound of the heavy rain.

When he met Huo Jihan's dark eyes, his mind went a bit hazy and uncontrollable, and a natural smile appeared on his lips: "It seems indeed it can't be ignored."

There was also a hint of a smile in Huo Jihan's dark eyes. He held Lin Yi tightly without letting go, then asked: "Lin Yi, can I take this as your acceptance of my pursuit?"

Huo Jihan's voice was magnetic and pleasant, especially since they were so close that Lin Yi could feel the vibrations in his chest.

Lin Yi felt light-headed, as if he were standing on soft clouds. He joked: "What if I give a negative answer right now?"

The smile in Huo Jihan's eyes deepened: "Then I don't mind using some coercive measures."

Lin Yi wasn't scared at all; his eyes sparkled, and he feigned a sigh: "Ah, so Mr. Huo is this kind of person."

Huo Jihan played along: "Mm."

But clearly, he was more concerned about another matter: "So, what's your answer?"

Lin Yi smiled: "Since you put it that way, I seem to have no other choice."

His answer was already clear.

Everything happened naturally, without any surprise.

When Lin Yi said those words, Huo Jihan's eyes flashed intensely, revealing the depth of his emotional turmoil.

He looked at Lin Yi ardently: "You said it yourself."

Lin Yi nodded with a smile: "Mm, no regrets."

At that moment, the rain under the eaves grew even louder, splashing water mist everywhere.

The last sliver of light in the sky gradually faded away.

For a while, it seemed as if the whole world was left with only the two of them.

They stood under the eaves, embracing each other, gazing into each other's eyes without blinking, their intense emotions overwhelming.

Their breathing, heartbeats, and thoughts were all disordered, focused solely on the person in front of them.

After a while, Huo Jihan released Lin Yi, then slid his hand down Lin Yi's slender waist and grabbed his hand.

Lin Yi hadn't yet realized what Huo Jihan was doing.

In the next second, Huo Jihan took out a ring box from his coat pocket, opened it, and took out a men's ring.

Lin Yi looked at the ring, his eyes widening slightly, and asked instinctively: "You've been carrying a ring with you?"

Huo Jihan's voice was low and pleasant, filled with obvious affection: "I've been waiting for this day."

Waiting for Lin Yi to agree, and then putting a ring on Lin Yi's finger.

Lin Yi hadn't expected Huo Jihan to be so thoughtful and was momentarily speechless. He silently watched as Huo Jihan placed the ring on his finger.

Huo Jihan took the ring out of the box and gently slipped it onto Lin Yi's left ring finger.

This was a custom-made men's wedding ring.

No one knew when Huo Jihan had prepared it, but it fit Lin Yi perfectly.

The ring was designed by a top designer and was strikingly beautiful. Coupled with Lin Yi's slender, fair fingers, it complemented him perfectly, making it hard to look away.

Looking at the ring on Lin Yi's hand, Huo Jihan seemed finally relieved: "Now you can't leave me."

Lin Yi also looked at the ring on his hand.

Although it was just a small circle, its significance was immense, as if wearing it meant a lifelong commitment.

This ring marked a change in identity and a close connection with another person.

Lin Yi found it difficult to describe his feelings at that moment.

He hadn't been in a relationship in his previous life, and in this life, he had been indifferent to love. But at that moment, he felt that love truly was a wonderful thing.

Otherwise, why would his heart beat faster and faster, unable to stop?

Subsequently, Huo Jihan also put on his own ring.

His fingers were long and strong, capable of stirring up storms in the business world. No one had ever imagined such hands would wear a matching wedding ring.

All the coldness and authority of someone in a high position changed because of this ring, as if it revealed a touch of warmth in Huo Jihan.

It was just that this sole warmth was reserved for one person alone.

The sky grew darker, and without any lights under the eaves, it gradually became difficult to see clearly.

Lin Yi was about to ask Huo Jihan if he wanted to go inside.

But before he could speak, someone came out of the house.

Zhuang Che stumbled out like a lost fawn, looking for Lin Yi.

When he saw Lin Yi, his mouth quivered as if about to speak, but he was startled by the man beside Lin Yi and instinctively took two steps back.

Huo Jihan, dressed in a black coat, had reined in the rare tenderness on his face due to the presence of an outsider, reverting to his usual indifferent expression.

His tall and upright figure exuded a powerful aura, and even standing there silently, a mere glance at Zhuang Che made him tremble.

Zhuang Che had no experience with business matters and did not recognize Huo Jihan, but seeing him awakened an instinct in him—a realization that this man was someone he should not provoke.

But why was Lin Yi with such a man?

What was their relationship?

Seeing Zhuang Che come out and stand there dumbfounded without speaking,

Lin Yi couldn't help but ask, "Is something the matter?"

He knew that Zhuang Che had come out looking for him.

After hearing Lin Yi's voice, Zhuang Che finally regained some courage, as Lin Yi gave him a great sense of security.

Still trembling slightly, he looked at Lin Yi pitifully and said, "Why have you been outside for so long without coming in? The rain keeps pouring, and I'm so scared."

Earlier, Lin Yi had told Huo Mianmian a story about clouds moving rainwater, which had somewhat calmed him down. But once Lin Yi was out of sight for too long, he started to worry again.

They were deep in the forest, with heavy rain pouring down, and Zhuang Che, being naturally delicate, was struggling.

However, regardless of Zhuang Che's own thoughts, to others, it appeared that he was very clingy and couldn't be apart from Lin Yi for a moment.

Huo Jihan glanced at Zhuang Che briefly before quickly shifting his gaze back to Lin Yi, his eyes distant and profound.

Lin Yi: "…"

Hadn't he done anything wrong?

Under Huo Jihan's ambiguous gaze, Lin Yi felt a chill run down his spine.

He hurriedly turned to Zhuang Che and said, "There are still many other people inside. You can stay with them."

Zhuang Che's expression turned teary again as he said to Lin Yi, "Are you not going to take care of me anymore?"

Lin Yi: "??"

What are you talking about?!

Huo Jihan's gaze towards Lin Yi darkened even more.

Lin Yi dared not meet his gaze and continued addressing Zhuang Che, "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Go back inside; it's safe in there."

Zhuang Che looked at him pitifully, "What about you? Aren't you coming in?"

Lin Yi quickly replied, "I'll be there soon; you go in first."

He just wanted to get rid of this troublesome kid.

After all, this person always spoke without thinking, who knows what shocking words might come out next.

With Lin Yi's assurance, Zhuang Che finally went back inside, but he kept turning around every few steps, as if he couldn't bear to leave Lin Yi.

Lin Yi: "…"

Exhausted, let it end.

Finally, Zhuang Che shuffled into the house, disappearing from view.

Lin Yi finally found an opportunity to say something to Huo Jihan.

But before he could speak, Huo Jihan asked, "He seems quite reluctant to part with you?"

This question was delivered coldly, mixed with the chilly wind in the air.

Lin Yi: "…"

Feeling wronged, he tried to explain, "This kid is a new guest who arrived recently. I've helped him a few times, so he's grateful. That's all."

Huo Jihan nodded slightly but responded, "Is that so?"

Lin Yi: "…"

He blinked his innocent eyes at Huo Jihan, "Do I look like I'm lying?"

Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi.

At that moment, Lin Yi blinked his beautiful almond-shaped eyes, and even in the dim light, the sparkle in them was evident, stirring the heart unconsciously.

Huo Jihan's expression finally softened a bit.

Seeing this, Lin Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

But the next moment, Shen Feng walked out of the house and shouted loudly, "Lin Yi, why haven't you come in yet..."

His words trailed off mid-sentence.

Seeing Huo Jihan standing there, Shen Feng fell silent, then quietly turned and went back inside.

Lin Yi: "..."

Why does everyone happen to come looking for him at such coincidental times?

Lin Yi didn't bother explaining anything to Huo Jihan. Instead, he changed the subject by remarking, "Autumn is approaching; it's getting colder."

He wasn't lying.

The beginning of autumn was near, and even the rain felt icy. After this heavy downpour, everyone would likely need thicker clothes.

As soon as Lin Yi finished speaking, a cold wind blew, carrying some raindrops with it.

He involuntarily shivered.

Quickly, a warm coat was draped over his shoulders.

It carried Huo Jihan's unique scent.

Lin Yi felt warmth envelop him, and he found himself in a playful mood.

With a smile, he looked at Huo Jihan and said, "Our Mr. Huo isn't angry with me anymore?"

Huo Jihan helped him fasten the coat. "I wasn't angry to begin with."

Lin Yi's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh, so I can spend more time with others then..."

Huo Jihan interrupted him. "No, you can't."

Lin Yi laughed heartily, his eyes filled with the joy of a successful prank.

Huo Jihan watched Lin Yi laughing, a hint of helplessness in his dark eyes, but mostly an indulgent affection that couldn't be hidden.

After laughing enough, Lin Yi said to Huo Jihan, "Wait here for a bit. I'll go bring Mianmian out, and we'll find a separate house to rest in."

He knew Huo Jihan's identity was special and that he wouldn't easily appear in front of others.

Huo Jihan nodded. "Alright, I'll wait for you."

Lin Yi turned and walked back into the house alone.

Upon entering, he received everyone's gaze.

Everyone had their own reasons for looking at him.

Shen Feng, who seemed in low spirits, sat alone in a corner. He glanced at Lin Yi briefly before looking away again.

Zhuang Che, feeling reassured by Lin Yi's return, kept his eyes fixed on him.

The crew members were puzzled by the black coat Lin Yi now wore.

They hadn't seen him wearing it earlier, so how did it suddenly appear after he went outside?

Their confusion deepened when they noticed a new ring on his hand, leaving them wide-eyed and unsure how to react.

Facing various gazes, Lin Yi remained calm and composed. "Mianmian and I won't be sleeping in this house tonight."

He wanted to clarify this beforehand to avoid any trouble for the crew later.

The director, though unaware of what happened, readily agreed since Lin Yi's request wasn't a big deal.

Still, he asked, "Where will you be staying? We need to know where to find you if necessary."

Lin Yi replied, "In the house next door."

The director nodded. "Alright."

With that settled, Lin Yi went to find Huo Mianmian.

Huo Mianmian had been asleep in the bedroom since the afternoon.

Lin Yi entered the bedroom, approached the bed, and gently called out, "Mianmian? Wake up."

Huo Mianmian woke up quietly, rubbing his sleepy eyes with his small hands.

Lin Yi helped him sit up and put on a jacket.

After doing all this, he led Huo Mianmian out of the bedroom.

After bidding everyone farewell, Lin Yi left the house with Huo Mianmian.

The director, who was chatting with someone, noticed Lin Yi without an umbrella and grabbed his own to chase after him. "Lin Yi, you..."

The director stopped at the door.

Who was standing outside waiting for Lin Yi?

Wasn't that the head of the Huo Group?

Feeling like he had stumbled upon a huge secret, the director took a few steps back.

A crew member, curious about the director's reaction, approached him. "Director, what's wrong?"

The director came back to his senses and stopped her: "Don't go out."

The staff member was puzzled: "Why?"

The director, in a panic, made up an excuse: "The rain outside is too heavy; you'll get wet."

The staff member nodded in understanding and then left.

Left alone, the director stood there with a jumbled mind.

How could Mr. Huo from the Huo Group be here?

What's his relationship with Lin Yi?

But at the moment, the director was thinking about something more important—he tried hard to recall if he had ever been harsh to Lin Yi before.

After pondering for a while, he realized he hadn't, and he let out a sigh of relief.

Otherwise, he feared he wouldn't see the sun rise tomorrow!

Outside.

Huo Mianmian rubbed his eyes and obediently followed Lin Yi.

Until he looked up and saw a familiar figure.

He tilted his head: "Dad?"

Why did Dad suddenly come here?

Huo Jihan responded: "Mm."

Huo Mianmian still found it amazing that Huo Jihan appeared here so suddenly, so he continued asking: "Dad, do you have magic? Did you appear here suddenly?"

Unfortunately, Huo Jihan's personality didn't include having innocent conversations with children, and he was about to say he didn't have magic.

He was always serious and rational, even when facing his son.

Lin Yi noticed his intention and spoke before him: "Yes, your dad does have magic."

As he said this, he gave Huo Jihan a disapproving look—why break a three-year-old's wonderful fantasy?

Huo Jihan caught Lin Yi's gaze and slightly raised the corner of his mouth without saying anything further.

Sure enough, Huo Mianmian became excited by Lin Yi's words and asked childishly: "So Dad, did you 'whoosh' appear here?"

Lin Yi nodded: "Yes, just like in cartoons, appearing out of nowhere. Isn't that cool?"

Huo Mianmian vigorously nodded: "Cool!"

In his eyes, his dad was a very powerful and omnipotent person!

Seeing the adorable interaction between Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian, Huo Jihan's eyes softened with affection.

Next, Lin Yi and the others needed to cross through the rain to reach the adjacent house.

The two houses were over a hundred meters apart, which might not seem much on a normal day, but in such heavy rain, it was quite a challenge.

Huo Jihan bent down and picked up Huo Mianmian.

Huo Mianmian nestled comfortably in his broad arms, feeling warm and secure.

Then, with one hand holding Huo Mianmian and the other holding the black umbrella he brought, Huo Jihan said to Lin Yi: "Let's go."

Lin Yi nodded and hid under the umbrella held by Huo Jihan, stepping into the rain together.

The heavy rain poured down, but the family of three remained dry under the umbrella.

Huo Jihan held the umbrella steadily, completely shielding them.

Lin Yi used his phone's flashlight to light the way.

Even though the sky was completely dark and the air was cold and damp, the family felt unexpectedly warm and safe under the large umbrella.

Several bodyguards also followed suit.

Soon, Lin Yi and the others arrived at the other house.

Once inside, Huo Jihan put down Huo Mianmian and closed the umbrella.

Lin Yi looked around the room.

This house had a similar layout to the previous one, a typical small villa.

Both houses were rented by the show's production team, allowing free access.

There were three floors in total.

The first floor had the living room and kitchen, while the second and third floors had bedrooms.

Lin Yi and the others first had dinner and then prepared to choose their bedrooms.

It was already late, and the rain outside kept pouring, so it was warmer to stay in the bedrooms.

Lin Yi led Huo Mianmian upstairs to find a satisfactory bedroom.

Huo Jihan followed them up as well.

Lin Yi opened the door to a bedroom, took a look, and found it clean and spacious—perfect for a good night's sleep.

So he decided this would be their room.

After choosing the bedroom, Huo Mianmian trotted in to explore their new space.

Lin Yi stood at the doorway and asked Huo Jihan, "Which room are you going to stay in?"

Huo Jihan stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and looked deeply into Lin Yi's eyes. "Can I apply to stay in this room with you?"

Lin Yi's eyes widened slightly, unsure if it was because Huo Jihan was too close, disrupting his thoughts, or because he had been somewhat dazed all evening.

In any case, his mind couldn't think clearly at that moment, and his heartbeat became erratic: "This..."

Huo Jihan moved even closer, almost eliminating the space between them. He gazed intently at Lin Yi, his voice low and husky, each word carrying a hint of seduction: "Can I?"

Lin Yi's senses were filled with Huo Jihan's presence. When he lifted his gaze, he met Huo Jihan's deep, penetrating stare.

All rational thought vanished, leaving only instinct.

Feeling bewitched, Lin Yi nodded: "Okay."

That single word was enough to change everything.

Huo Jihan walked into their bedroom together, then closed the door behind him.

Hearing the door shut, Lin Yi felt a jolt in his heart, realizing he had made an impulsive decision.

He turned to Huo Jihan: "Um..."

Seemingly anticipating what Lin Yi was about to say, Huo Jihan spoke first: "I'll sleep on the sofa later."

Hearing this, Lin Yi relaxed considerably.

After all, they had just confirmed their relationship, and every time they looked at each other, his heart raced.

If there were any further developments, he felt like he might crash right there.

But then, Huo Jihan added, "However, if I sleep on the sofa, I'll need some extra benefits."

Lin Yi's heart tightened again: "What kind of benefits?"

Huo Jihan smiled slightly: "You'll find out soon."

Because of this statement, Lin Yi's mind couldn't settle.

Not knowing what benefits Huo Jihan wanted left him feeling unsettled.

Trying to steady himself, he took Huo Mianmian to wash up.

In the bathroom, he splashed cold water on his face at the sink.

But even the icy tap water didn't cool his flushed cheeks.

Lin Yi: "..."

Oh no!

Soon, Lin Yi brought Huo Mianmian back and they both climbed into bed.

With Huo Jihan present, the atmosphere in the bedroom changed, filled with an invisible tension.

Lin Yi tried not to look in Huo Jihan's direction to calm the boiling emotions within him.

At this moment, Huo Mianmian noticed Huo Jihan hadn't left and wondered, "Dad, are you sleeping with us tonight?"

Lin Yi replied, "Yeah, he's staying here too."

Huo Mianmian seemed delighted.

The whole family sleeping in one room felt so warm—it was something they had never experienced before.

His dark, lively eyes glanced between Lin Yi and Huo Jihan, and he couldn't help but smile, revealing faint dimples on his cheeks.

Huo Mianmian enjoyed this moment, then lay down and gradually fell asleep.

After all, Lin Yi took such good care of him every day, making him happy and carefree, so he easily drifted off.

Before long, Huo Mianmian was fast asleep, breathing softly.

Lin Yi sat on the bed, leaning over to tuck the blanket around him more securely.

When he straightened up after covering Huo Mianmian, he noticed Huo Jihan standing by the bed.

Instantly, Lin Yi recalled the benefit Huo Jihan mentioned earlier.

Looking up at Huo Jihan, he felt a slight nervousness.

But Huo Jihan didn't let him stay nervous for long. Standing by the bed, he said slowly, "I'm here to collect my benefit."

Before Lin Yi could react, Huo Jihan reached out and gently cupped the back of his head.

Huo Jihan applied a gentle pressure.

Lin Yi had to lift his head, and then felt a cool touch on his lips.

Huo Jihan leaned down and kissed him.

At that moment, Lin Yi's mind went completely blank, and he even forgot where he was.

It felt as if an electric current surged through his entire body, sending shivers everywhere.

Lin Yi forgot to breathe, and he forgot to think.

There was only one thought in his mind—

Huo Jihan's lips were thin and slightly cool, making the kiss very pleasant.

It wasn't until Huo Jihan deepened the kiss that Lin Yi seemed to finally regain his senses and began to breathe again.

But his breathing was erratic, and his heartbeat was irregular.

He closed his eyes.

Feeling everything Huo Jihan brought to him.

It was as if even the depths of his soul were trembling.