Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Lin Yi wondered what Zhao Yu had been up to behind the scenes.

He figured this guy couldn't be up to any good.

Indeed, the bodyguard revealed a shocking piece of news.

It turned out that Zhao Yu wasn't just involved with Huo Mengyan; there were two others as well, though Huo Mengyan was the wealthiest among them.

Zhao Yu, that pretty boy, believed in casting a wide net to catch as many fish as possible and then extracting maximum benefits from them.

Lin Yi listened to all this and glanced at Zhao Yu nearby, tutting twice. "Though he looks decent, the things he does are disgusting."

The bodyguard asked, "Should we go warn Miss Third now?"

Lin Yi thought for a moment and said, "To make her give up completely, it's better for her to catch him in the act herself."

After all, Huo Mengyan was particularly tolerant of her first love. Today, Zhao Yu had sent flowers and played the guitar, so she might soften her heart again.

From her perspective, Zhao Yu hadn't committed any unforgivable sins. Even if there were hints of manipulation, she would likely think it was just an issue in their relationship. This naive girl would probably still hope Zhao Yu could change and become a suitable boyfriend.

The bodyguard asked, "Should Miss Third go herself? Won't that be too much of a blow?"

Lin Yi replied, "A big blow will leave a deeper impression, preventing similar mistakes in the future."

Being overly protected isn't always a good thing because without experiencing life's harshness firsthand, one never truly grows.

At that moment, Lin Yi received a call from Zhuang Che.

Zhuang Che sounded excited, asking if Lin Yi was free today because his parents wanted to invite him for dinner.

Then Zhuang's mother took the phone and extended the invitation as well.

Lin Yi thought for a moment and agreed.

After all, resolving Huo Mengyan's situation would take time, and he had no interest in watching the two of them tangle. So, he decided to go for dinner instead.

He instructed the bodyguard to ensure Huo Mengyan got home safely and then left.

Before leaving, he sent Huo Mengyan a message saying he had something to attend to and reminding her to be careful.

Having done all this, Lin Yi left the university campus.

He walked leisurely to his car and drove to a dining spot based on the location Zhuang Che had sent him.

Zhuang Che's parents had reserved a private room at a high-end restaurant, eager to treat Lin Yi to dinner.

In their eyes, Lin Yi might be the person who could transform their son, so they were grateful and hoped he would take more interest.

Lin Yi parked his car and was led by a staff member to the private room.

The Zhuang family of three was already waiting inside.

Seeing him arrive, they stood up to greet him.

Zhuang Che hurried over to Lin Yi, looking like a puppy, eagerly saying, "Lin Yi, you finally came."

Lin Yi nodded and greeted Zhuang's parents, "Uncle, Auntie, hello!"

He had actually declined the invitation over the phone, but the Zhuangs were so enthusiastic, especially Zhuang's mother, who took Zhuang Che's phone and personally pleaded with Lin Yi to come.

Given their persistence, Lin Yi couldn't refuse and thus showed up.

Now, Zhuang's parents looked at Lin Yi warmly, treating him like a second son: "Xiaoyi is here, please sit down!"

Both Zhuang's parents were prominent figures in the entertainment industry, running a successful entertainment company with significant influence.

Zhuang's father, around sixty, exuded authority in his gray suit.

Zhuang's mother, with her hair styled up and wearing an embroidered qipao, clearly came from a wealthy background.

Lin Yi sat down and said, "You didn't need to go through all this trouble. I haven't done much; it was just a small favor."

Zhuang's mother immediately responded warmly, "How can you say that? We watched your live broadcast, and you helped Xiaoché a lot. Moreover, Xiaoché himself said you're his closest friend in the show. We owe you this dinner."

Zhuang's father added, "If you continue guiding our Xiaoché towards a better path, we'll definitely reciprocate. How about taking some shares in our company? If you're interested, we can transfer some to you."

Lin Yi was slightly surprised.

Company shares?

Their current entertainment company was rapidly growing, having produced two Best Actors and a Best Actress this year. It was clear that the company's value would only increase in the coming years.

If he acquired some shares, wouldn't he be sitting on a gold mine?

He didn't expect the Zhuangs to be willing to invest so much.

Actually, Zhuang's parents had considered this carefully. As businessmen, they wouldn't make a loss without expecting gains.

They invited Lin Yi to become a shareholder for several reasons.

First, Lin Yi's popularity was undeniable, and joining their company would bring them even greater benefits.

Second, Lin Yi seemed to have deep connections with the Huo family. While they didn't know the specifics, even a slight connection with the Huo Group would yield immediate benefits. Everyone admired the Huo Group, and having a stake in it was highly desirable. Giving Lin Yi shares was a way to leverage his connections.

Lastly, they doted on their late-born son, which had led to some character issues. They lacked the heart to discipline him themselves and needed an outsider's help. Currently, Lin Yi was the best candidate.

There was a brief silence during the meal.

Both Lin Yi and Zhuang Che's parents were pondering the potential benefits of this exchange.

Only Zhuang Che was clueless, responsible for serving tea and pouring wine for the other three.

But he was clumsy, spilling wine outside the glass, which made him upset, muttering, "What kind of bottle is this? The design is terrible; it spills every time!"

Zhuang's father looked at his son helplessly, feeling even more that today's matter must reach a conclusion.

So he raised his wine glass and proposed a toast to Lin Yi, "Xiaoyi, shall we seal the deal?"

Lin Yi had also made up his mind, raising his glass to clink with Zhuang's father's, smiling, "Sealed."

After all, no matter how one calculated it, he stood to gain the most.

Who wouldn't want to become a shareholder in a rapidly rising company?

The glasses touched lightly, and thus the matter was settled.

Of course, specific details would be finalized later; for now, they had reached an initial verbal agreement.

Overall, the meal was a pleasant affair.

Zhuang's parents were delighted, having achieved their purpose for the dinner, and drank several cups of wine.

Lin Yi stopped after two cups and enjoyed the exquisite dishes on the table.

There were over twenty dishes, each a precious delicacy from various regions, priced exorbitantly high. Not eating them would be a waste of the chef's hard work.

Zhuang Che chattered away at Lin Yi, "Lin Yi, what do you do on days when you're not filming shows?"

Lin Yi, while eating, answered casually, "Enjoying life."

Even when filming, he did so as he pleased, according to his own desires.

Zhuang Che looked at Lin Yi eagerly, "Can I come find you to play? I get so bored alone."

He wasn't short of friends, but they all pretended to be close to him only because of his status as the young master of the Zhuang family. They were friendly to his face but mocked him behind his back, calling him an incapable fool.

Lin Yi glanced at him indifferently, "Play? This is the prime time for you to strive and work hard."

Zhuang Che wilted instantly, "But striving is so tiring."

Lin Yi said calmly, "But a man who works diligently is the most charming."

Zhuang Che perked up slightly, his eyes gleaming, "R-really?"

Lin Yi affirmed, "Of course, why don't you try working at your company for a while? You'll transform completely."

Zhuang Che seemed excited, "Will you cheer me on?"

Lin Yi nodded, "Yes."

After all, if he became a shareholder in the Zhuang family's company, Zhuang Che working there would be equivalent to working for him. He needed to encourage employees who actively contributed to the company's profits.

Zhuang Che clenched his fists, "Then I'll go to work tomorrow."

Lin Yi encouraged him, "Great, you're already taking a step towards becoming a successful person."

Zhuang Che, hearing this, felt even more energized, eager to start working right away.

Because Lin Yi's affirmation had ignited a surge of enthusiasm within him.

Zhuang's parents watched their son's transformation, mouths agape in shock.

What had happened? Why was their son suddenly willing to work?

They looked at Lin Yi, feeling even more that this deal was worth it.

After the meal, the group walked out of the private room amicably, chatting enthusiastically about various matters.

After all, they were now business partners.

At that moment, a paparazzo was lurking in the stairwell, grumbling while holding a camera.

He had originally come to catch a female celebrity cheating but left empty-handed.

However, when he stepped out of the stairwell and saw the group nearby, he quickly hid again.

The paparazzo, hiding in the shadows, thought quickly.

Isn't that Lin Yi, who has been making waves recently?

And the other three are the Zhuang family?

How did these four end up together?

The paparazzo cautiously peeked out and started snapping photos...

By a little past four in the afternoon.

Lin Yi returned to the villa.

When he arrived, Huo Mianmian was sitting on the steps of the villa, eating candy.

Today, Huo Mianmian wore a cloak-like outfit with a large hood adorned with a ring of white fur.

The fur made his face appear even softer and whiter.

He sat obediently on the steps, like a little mushroom, munching on a bag of candy.

When Lin Yi saw Huo Mianmian, he naturally smiled and walked over, saying, "Mianmian, what are you eating?"

Hearing the voice, Huo Mianmian lifted his head instantly, delighted. "Dad!"

He had purposely sat by the door to wait for his dad to come back.

Lin Yi chuckled and ruffled Huo Mianmian's hair.

At that moment, Huo Mianmian reached out with his small hand and pulled out a red candy from the package. "I'm eating these bear-shaped candies, Dad. Have one too."

With that, he stretched his hand to feed the candy to Lin Yi.

Lin Yi leaned down, took the candy, chewed it a couple of times, and then said, "It's really good."

Huo Mianmian beamed with joy and pulled out another candy to offer to Lin Yi.

Lin Yi accepted it again.

After feeding him the candy, Huo Mianmian enthusiastically shared his new discovery of the day. "Dad, I found a magical plant on the artificial hill."

Lin Yi played along, asking, "Really? How magical is it?"

Huo Mianmian immediately stood up from the steps and began leading the way. "Come with me, and you'll see."

Naturally, Lin Yi followed.

Soon, they arrived at the artificial hill in the villa area.

Huo Mianmian led Lin Yi up the hill for a bit, then squatted down and pointed to a patch of grass. "Dad, it's this plant. It's super magical! When I touch it, its leaves start to close!"

Lin Yi leaned forward to look and laughed.

Isn't this a sensitive plant?

Still, Lin Yi said, "Why don't you show me how it works?"

Huo Mianmian, upon hearing this, obediently touched the sensitive plant.

In the next second, the leaves of the sensitive plant indeed closed up one by one.

Huo Mianmian looked at Lin Yi with sparkling eyes. "Dad, didn't I tell you?"

Lin Yi praised him, "You're right. Our Mianmian is a keen observer, noticing even this."

Huo Mianmian smiled sweetly after being praised.

He poked the sensitive plant again and asked Lin Yi, "Dad, what kind of plant is this?"

Lin Yi replied, "It's called a sensitive plant."

"A sensitive plant?" Huo Mianmian tilted his head, thinking for a moment, then said innocently, "So this plant is very shy?"

Lin Yi couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems so."

Huo Mianmian, as if discovering something fun, kept poking the sensitive plant while saying, "Don't be shy. We can be friends, you know."

Unfortunately, the sensitive plant couldn't understand him and continued to close its leaves whenever touched.

Suddenly, Huo Mianmian realized something. "Dad, if I keep poking it, won't it get tired?"

After all, the leaves of the sensitive plant constantly opening and closing must be exhausting.

Lin Yi smiled. "Do you think it gets tired?"

Huo Mianmian thought for a moment and nodded. "It must be very tiring."

With that, he retracted his hand and stopped poking the sensitive plant.

This way, the sensitive plant wouldn't be tired anymore.

Listening to these innocent words, Lin Yi felt his heart soften.

The world of human children is truly full of childlike charm.

Meanwhile, an online revelation caught the attention of netizens.

A marketing account with several hundred thousand followers posted on Weibo, claiming to have encountered Lin Yi dining with Zhuang Che's family of three, suggesting that Lin Yi might have met Zhuang Che's parents.

Along with the text were a few blurry pictures, but it was still clear that they were indeed Lin Yi and the others.

This news caused quite a stir.

"Is this marketing account serious? What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Exactly. Do they think we haven't watched the parenting show? They're trying to pair these two up? Ridiculous."

"Which paparazzo took those photos? You're done for."

"Lin Yi is really famous now. Fame brings trouble."

"Nowadays, these marketing accounts will report anything just for traffic."

Among these rational comments, there were also some uninformed onlookers.

"The Zhuang family? Isn't that the one that runs an entertainment company? This Lin Yi has good taste."

"You know what, this odd couple isn't entirely off-putting."

"Lin Yi probably doesn't like Zhuang Che's type, right?"

"Well, who knows? Young Master Zhuang is always whining, which can actually be quite intriguing."

Just like that, the news instantly went viral, and the number of views kept climbing.

Huo Group.

Li Feng was the first to notice this, and then he came to Huo Jihan's office to report it to him.

After all, whenever anything related to Lin Yi happened, all the employees were on high alert.

Upon hearing this, Huo Jihan's eyes turned cold instantly. "Show me."

Under Huo Jihan's intimidating presence, Li Feng placed his phone in front of Huo Jihan, displaying the post from the marketing account.

Huo Jihan glanced at the content, and his aura became sharp immediately.

He instructed Li Feng, "Get rid of this post as quickly as possible."

Li Feng knew that Mr. Huo had zero tolerance for such matters, so he promptly carried out the order.

When Lin Yi found out about this, it was already evening.

He received a call from the Zhuang family, apologizing for causing such a big trouble and promising to handle it.

However, before the Zhuangs could take action, the post had already disappeared, and all the trending topics were removed.

The Zhuang family was astonished. Who could have such astonishing power?

They couldn't help but think of Lin Yi's connection with the Huo family.

After all, only the Huo family could have such capability to erase all traces in the shortest time.

In the bedroom.

Lin Yi hung up the phone.

He searched online himself but found nothing.

But he wasn't too concerned about these things; after all, they were just tabloid speculations. Was he going to worry over them?

Lin Yi put down his phone, stretched his body, and was about to go downstairs.

At that moment, there was a knock on his bedroom door.

Lin Yi looked towards the door. "Come in."

The next second, the door opened, and Huo Jihan appeared in the doorway.

Lin Yi naturally smiled. "Mr. Huo, you're back."

Huo Jihan nodded, then walked into the bedroom and closed the door.

At this moment, Huo Jihan was still wearing his coat, indicating he had come straight to Lin Yi's bedroom upon returning home.

He usually had an expressionless face, but now there was something else, a hint of coldness.

Lin Yi noticed this.

He thought for a moment and brought it up himself. "I was also surprised by today's leak. Those paparazzi have quite the imagination."

Huo Jihan approached him step by step, looking down at him and asked, "Why did you have dinner with the Zhuangs?"

Lin Yi answered truthfully, "I helped Zhuang Che a bit before, and his parents insisted on treating me to dinner. I couldn't refuse, so I went."

Huo Jihan continued, "So your relationship with Zhuang Che has become so close?"

He vaguely remembered meeting Zhuang Che when he went to Jiang Nan to find Lin Yi. At that time, the young man seemed very dependent on Lin Yi.

After hearing Huo Jihan's words, Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh. "Are you jealous again?"

Huo Jihan didn't deny it.

He took a step forward, getting closer to Lin Yi, and then leaned down toward Lin Yi's lips.

Their lips touched, their breaths mingling, as if a deep kiss was about to follow.

However, Huo Jihan didn't kiss him fully; instead, he bit Lin Yi's lip.

Lin Yi winced in pain, covering his mouth and glaring at Huo Jihan.

Why did he bite him again without any reason?

Had he done something wrong?

At that moment, Huo Jihan pulled away Lin Yi's hand that was covering his mouth and leaned in again, this time truly kissing him.

Lin Yi couldn't resist and let Huo Jihan kiss him.

Their breaths intertwined, making one involuntarily sink into the moment.

After a while, Huo Jihan pulled back slightly and looked at Lin Yi, slowly saying, "When will you give me a title?"

Lin Yi hadn't recovered from the kiss yet. "What title?"

Huo Jihan said word by word, "Let everyone know we are together."

He no longer wanted to wait. He didn't want Lin Yi to be involved with others anymore, or the dark side of his heart would grow, wanting to hide Lin Yi away, belonging only to him.

Lin Yi finally regained some of his senses: "You mean to announce our relationship officially?"

Huo Jihan spoke with determination: "Yes."

Lin Yi, however, said: "Isn't it too sudden now?"

Mainly because both he and Huo Jihan had rather special statuses.

Although he no longer intended to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, he was still considered a public figure. As for Huo Jihan, his status was even more unique, being the head of the Huo Group, where every move could have far-reaching consequences.

Even if they were to announce their relationship, they would need to plan it out carefully. Announcing it on a whim seemed rather hasty.

Huo Jihan, sensing Lin Yi's reluctance, his eyes darkened slightly as he spoke calmly: "You don't want others to know about our relationship?"

He then fixed his gaze on Lin Yi, not missing a single expression.

Lin Yi replied: "Of course not."

Huo Jihan continued to stare at him: "Then what do you mean?"

Seeing Huo Jihan looking somewhat anxious, Lin Yi couldn't help but smile: "It's definitely not what you're worried about."

He realized for the first time that Huo Jihan actually lacked a sense of security in their relationship.

This was quite unlike Huo Jihan's usual demeanor of having everything under control.

After some thought, Lin Yi explained: "Think about it, you are the president of the Huo Group. Even a minor action of yours can trigger countless chain reactions. Announcing our relationship is such a significant matter; we should take our time to plan it properly."

Hearing Lin Yi's reasoning, Huo Jihan seemed to relax a bit: "That's not important. I have it under control."

Lin Yi smiled: "Let's wait for the right opportunity, then."

Huo Jihan frowned slightly.

Noticing this, Lin Yi blinked and said: "Is Mr. Huo still upset?"

After a moment's thought, he tiptoed and kissed Huo Jihan, then squinting his eyes, asked: "Are you feeling better now?"

Huo Jihan's frown eased a little, but he remained silent.

Lin Yi tiptoed again and kissed him once more, smiling warmly: "How about now?"

Huo Jihan: "..."

Finally, he sighed in exasperation yet affectionately, then pulled Lin Yi tightly into his embrace, saying word by word: "I'm not angry anymore. Let's do it your way."

Lin Yi smiled and wrapped his arms around Huo Jihan's waist, then said: "As an apology, how about sleeping together tonight?"