Chapter 102

Chapter 102

When Lin Yi walked out of the bedroom, he ran into Huo Mengyan.

This girl seemed to have undergone a complete transformation after waking up from her hangover.

Today, she was wearing a gemstone blue suit. The top was an elegantly styled jacket, and the bottom was a short skirt. Additionally, she had on a dazzling necklace around her neck.

Just by standing there, she exuded the air of a wealthy heiress.

Most importantly, the recent Huo Mengyan often seemed lost in thought, occasionally frowning as if trapped in the throes of love. Now, she was confident and beautiful, once again becoming the straightforward and cheerful third miss of the Huo family.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "What's this about?"

Huo Mengyan explained with some indignation, "I just woke up and remembered that scumbag took so much of my money! I can't let it go like that. Besides, the house he lives in and the car he drives are all mine! I can't just give them away!"

After saying this, her almond eyes filled with anger, and she clenched her fists, looking as if she wanted nothing more than to beat the scumbag up herself.

Seeing Huo Mengyan like this, Lin Yi felt quite relieved.

Sure enough, after leaving the scumbag, this girl's intelligence had skyrocketed.

But Lin Yi thought of something, "Are you going alone?"

Now a smart young lady, Huo Mengyan decisively said, "No way! What if he gets desperate and attacks me when I try to get back my things? I'll bring a few bodyguards. If he dares to lay a hand on me, I'll have the bodyguards pin him down and give him a beating!"

Lin Yi nodded encouragingly, "Good, go ahead."

It seemed he didn't need to worry about what would happen next.

Huo Mengyan left immediately, eager to reclaim what was rightfully hers from that scumbag.

Before leaving, she looked at Lin Yi with deep gratitude, "Sister-in-law, thank you so much for helping me this time, and for drinking with me last night."

She even sniffled and tried to hug Lin Yi.

Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh and dodge, "We're family, no need to be so formal!"

Huo Mengyan didn't seem discouraged at not getting a hug and winked mischievously, "Sister-in-law, are you afraid my big brother will get jealous if he sees us hugging?"

Lin Yi teased her, "I'm not afraid of your big brother, but I think you should be."

Huo Mengyan: "..."

That was true.

Every time she saw her big brother, her legs turned to jelly—it was an innate fear she could never shake off.

Honestly, Huo Mengyan was afraid that staying longer might lead to running into her big brother.

So she stuck out her tongue playfully and went downstairs in her heels.

Soon, Huo Mengyan called a few bodyguards and stormed out the door.

Seeing this, Lin Yi felt completely reassured.

In the morning, Lin Yi spent some quality family time with Huo Mianmian.

Lin Yi sat on the sofa, legs crossed, happily playing with his phone.

Huo Mianmian sat close beside him, watching cartoons on TV.

His beautiful eyes blinked repeatedly, completely engrossed in the cartoon. When he got excited, he would wiggle his chubby little feet.

When the children in the cartoon started making pastries, his stomach rumbled.

Lin Yi heard his stomach growl and turned to ask with a smile, "Mianmian, are you hungry?"

Huo Mianmian rubbed his little tummy, "A bit hungry."

It was already eleven in the morning, and seeing the food in the cartoon naturally made his stomach rumble.

Lin Yi glanced at the cartoon and noticed the characters were making a type of pastry that didn't look too difficult.

He asked Huo Mianmian, "Do you want to make the same pastry? We can do it ourselves."

Huo Mianmian's joy was evident; his eyes sparkled, "Really?"

Could he really eat the food from the cartoon?

Lin Yi smiled, "Yes, it doesn't look too hard."

A few minutes later, Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian started making the pastry together.

First, they peeled and washed the taro and purple sweet potatoes, then placed them in a steamer to cook.

While Lin Yi did this, Huo Mianmian leaned on the countertop, watching with his big black eyes, like a well-behaved little kitten.

Lin Yi felt a warmth in his heart at the sight.

After a while, the taro and purple sweet potatoes were cooked.

Lin Yi took them out of the steamer and placed them in a large bowl.

Huo Mianmian immediately pleaded, "Dad, I want to help too."

"Sure." Lin Yi put the bowl in front of him and handed him a large spoon, "Crush the contents of the bowl."

Huo Mianmian eagerly took the spoon and got to work.

That little expression was so serious, just like a skilled little chef.

Lin Yi leaned against the counter nearby, arms crossed, watching him.

Today, Huo Mianmian wore a white bunny suit with a hat and a short, chubby tail at the back.

From the side, he looked entirely like a little rabbit that had come to life and run into the kitchen to work.

But this little rabbit spirit was tiny, unable to reach the stove, so he had to stand on a small stool to operate everything.

Not only that, this little rabbit spirit was also clean, soft, and made one want to bite his chubby little cheeks.

Lin Yi admired the adorable scene of the human cub for quite a while before continuing his work.

He took out several different fruits from the fridge, peeled them, and cut them into small pieces.

At this time, Huo Mianmian had already mashed the bowl of taro and purple sweet potato and mixed them together.

Now the entire bowl was filled with a light purple dough-like substance, looking very pretty.

After finishing his task, Huo Mianmian put down the spoon and gently exhaled twice.

Finally done. If he continued, his hands would have ached, showing that work wasn't an easy thing.

At this moment, Lin Yi, seeing the situation, smiled and fed him half a strawberry.

Huo Mianmian: "Mmm..."

He chewed and said in a sweet tone, "Delicious~"

"If it's delicious, have some more."

Lin Yi fed him the remaining half of the strawberry.

Huo Mianmian puffed up his little cheeks, chewing away like a little rabbit munching on grass, his mouth moving continuously.

Lin Yi ate two strawberries himself.

After swallowing the strawberry in his mouth, Huo Mianmian asked Lin Yi, "Dad, what are you going to do with these fruits?"

Lin Yi explained, "We'll wrap them in pastries later."

As he spoke, he took out two pairs of disposable gloves, handing one to Huo Mianmian and keeping one for himself.

After putting on the gloves, he gestured to Huo Mianmian, "Look, first grab a bit of the mashed dough, then knead it into a ball, and wrap the fruit inside like stuffing."

Huo Mianmian watched Lin Yi's movements intently for a while, then mimicked him and wrapped one himself.

Looking at what he held in his hands, he suddenly thought, "This looks like a tangyuan."

Lin Yi: "Yes, but we'll coat it with coconut flakes and press it into a mold to get the pastry like in cartoons."

Upon hearing this, Huo Mianmian became enthusiastic.

He kneaded several balls of dough and added different fruits inside.

Like strawberries, mangoes, dragon fruits...

Lin Yi brought out a specialized pastry mold, rolled the fruit-filled dough in coconut flakes, and pressed it into the mold to set its shape.

Instantly, a petal-shaped pastry emerged.

The pastry was light purple overall, covered with coconut flakes resembling snowflakes, making it look incredibly appetizing.

After making two, Lin Yi handed one to Huo Mianmian, "Here, try it."

Huo Mianmian stopped his actions, happily accepted the pastry, and took a bite.

His pastry was mango-flavored. With one bite, he tasted the sweetness of mango, the flavors of taro and purple sweet potato, and a hint of coconut.

In short, it was delicious.

Huo Mianmian jumped happily, and the two bunny ears on his head wiggled along.

Lin Yi chuckled and reminded him, "Slow down, little bunny, be careful not to fall off the stool."

Huo Mianmian, accepting the role of a little rabbit, tilted his head and said, "Rabbits don't fear falling."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

Huo Mianmian thought for a moment and said, "Because rabbits can hop around."

Lin Yi nodded, "Alright, since you're a rabbit, I think you're right."

The little rabbit immediately became proud, shaking his head slightly.

In the end, Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian made a whole plate full of pastries.

They ate some themselves and stored the rest in the fridge.

After finishing everything and leaving the kitchen, Lin Yi received a call from Zhuang Che.

Here's what happened.

That rich second-generation kid, Sun Ye, started provoking again.

After all, Zhuang Che's sudden ambition was quite unusual in their circle of rich kids.

Just as Lin Yi had said, a group of rich second-generation kids led by Sun Ye, who didn't bother to learn anything themselves, couldn't stand others striving.

So Sun Ye, in order to strike at Zhuang Che, directly laid down the challenge: within three months, if Zhuang Che could earn ten million on his own, Sun Ye would give him a one-million-yuan collectible. Otherwise, Zhuang Che would have to give him something worth one million yuan.

Sun Ye was certain that Zhuang Che was nothing more than a useless fool who couldn't accomplish anything significant.

On the phone, Zhuang Che said to Lin Yi somewhat dejectedly, "This Sun Ye is too annoying; he's always trying to pick fights with me."

Lin Yi, however, was unperturbed. "Since he's offering you something worth a million yuan, there's no reason for you to refuse."

Lin Yi's tone clearly indicated his belief that Zhuang Che would be the ultimate victor.

Zhuang Che was touched. "Are you so sure I can win?"

After all, almost everyone around him, including his parents, didn't believe in him.

His parents loved him but didn't think he had the capability to achieve great things.

Lin Yi smiled. "Didn't I tell you long ago? You're the seed I've chosen."

Lin Yi's calm and composed voice, transmitted through the static of the call, had a soothing effect.

Zhuang Che's restless heart was instantly calmed.

He rubbed his eyes, which were sore from staring at the computer screen for too long, and said firmly, "I won't let you down!"

Lin Yi replied in the same calm tone, "Good. I'm waiting for your good news."

With that, he hung up the phone.

Zhuang Che, now rid of his fatigue, continued his efforts.

This time, he wasn't fighting alone; he carried Lin Yi's expectations.

In the afternoon, Lin Yi had nothing to do.

Huo Mianmian, on the other hand, was taking a nap.

Children need plenty of sleep to grow quickly.

Lin Yi, having nothing better to do, packed the pastries they made that morning into a box and headed to the Huo Group.

He was going to visit.

However, Lin Yi's timing was unfortunate.

As he approached Huo Jihan's office, he heard someone inside speaking ill of him.

The office door had soundproofing, so only faint voices could be heard. Lin Yi leaned against the wall and listened casually.

Inside the office, Huo Jihan sat behind his desk, holding a document and reading it intently without looking at the person standing opposite him.

That person felt slightly awkward but, relying on their status as an elder in the Huo family, became more assertive. "Jihan, I don't mean to meddle, but your Lin Yi is really too undisciplined. How could he become a shareholder in Zhuang Entertainment so publicly? Your cousin is also investing in an entertainment company, which happens to be a rival of Zhuang Entertainment. Isn't Lin Yi undermining your cousin's efforts?"

Huo Jihan turned a page of the document, showing no reaction.

The elder felt even more awkward.

However, the Huo family was large, and such attempts to sow discord were not uncommon.

Those who relied on Huo Jihan for survival were eager to gain more benefits from him.

After all, the Huo family was under Huo Jihan's absolute control; whatever he said went.

Seeing no response from Huo Jihan, the elder tried again. "Jihan, are you listening to me?"

Finally, Huo Jihan lifted his dark eyes to look at him.

The elder was momentarily stunned by those empty black eyes and regretted coming.

But since he had already spoken, he continued, "Jihan, I'm not criticizing you, but you're being too lenient with Lin Yi. Zhuang Entertainment took him in as a shareholder because of his connection to the Huo family. If you keep indulging him without any restrictions, who knows what he might do in your name."

Huo Jihan's expression turned cold. "Finished?"

The elder shuddered, hesitating whether to continue. After a moment, he forced himself to say, "We're all family, sharing the same blood. I'm just giving you honest advice."

Implying that Lin Yi was an outsider.

Huo Jihan spoke coldly, "Uncle Five, you seem overly concerned lately. Why don't you retire abroad?"

Uncle Five's face paled with fear.

Retiring abroad was essentially exile. There were precedents where those who offended Huo Jihan were exiled to troubled regions, living a miserable life.

Uncle Five dared not speak ill of Lin Yi anymore and hastily changed his tune. "Actually, I think it's fine for you two youngsters to get along well. I'm old, so I won't meddle anymore."

Saying this, he handed a document to Huo Jihan and changed the subject. "Here's a resolution unanimously passed by the board. Sign it if you have no objections."

This resolution pertained to his position within the group. Once signed by Huo Jihan, he would advance further.

Huo Jihan glanced at the document, showing no reaction.

At that moment, the office door was knocked twice.

Huo Jihan responded, "Come in."

Soon, the door opened, and Lin Yi appeared at the entrance.

Seeing Lin Yi, Huo Jihan's eyes softened, losing their icy edge.

Lin Yi carried the box and walked into the office leisurely.

On the way, he glanced at Uncle Wu.

Uncle Wu didn't expect Lin Yi to appear right after he had spoken ill of him, making him feel somewhat uneasy for a moment.

But then he thought, Lin Yi was just someone from a small family—what was there to fear? As long as Huo Jihan didn't say anything, it wasn't a big deal.

With this in mind, Uncle Wu became quite assertive, even taking on the air of an elder in the Huo family. He frowned and said unhappily, "Lin Yi, Jihan and I were discussing business. It's not proper for you to barge in like this."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi raised an eyebrow indifferently, "Is that so?"

Seeing that Lin Yi completely disregarded him, Uncle Wu grew even angrier.

More importantly, Lin Yi tilted his head and glanced at the document in Huo Jihan's hand. After a moment, he directly pulled the document away.

Strangely, Huo Jihan did not stop him, clearly allowing him to do as he pleased.

Uncle Wu's chest heaved with anger.

What kind of behavior was this!

Clearly, Huo Jihan had spoiled Lin Yi rotten.

Lin Yi casually glanced at the document, realizing it was related to Uncle Wu, and then tossed it aside as if it were trash.

Seeing this, Uncle Wu's anger flared, "What are you doing?"

This document was about his position within the company, waiting only for Huo Jihan's signature. What did Lin Yi mean by interfering?

Lin Yi replied indifferently, "No particular reason, just that it's annoying."

Uncle Wu: "..."

He immediately turned to Huo Jihan, "Jihan, you need to explain this!"

After all, he was a well-known elder in the Huo family and had never been treated like this before.

At this moment, Lin Yi opened the box he brought, revealing several pastries.

Although they were clearly meant for Huo Jihan, Lin Yi leaned against the desk lazily and said, "Feed me."

Huo Jihan complied, picking up a pastry from the box and feeding it to him.

Lin Yi bit down contentedly and chewed happily.

Uncle Wu: "..."

What kind of behavior was this!

This Lin Yi was clearly acting without any restraint, intentionally so!

And Huo Jihan was indulging him in everything!

Uncle Wu was so angry that his face turned green, and he left the office with a wave of his hand.

Lin Yi watched Uncle Wu disappear from the doorway, finally feeling satisfied.

At this moment, Huo Jihan said to him, "Why get upset with him?"

Lin Yi huffed lightly, "Didn't he start by speaking ill of me?"

Then, with a sly look like a little fox, Lin Yi added, "Besides, Mr. Huo, weren't you quite cooperative?"

Looking at Lin Yi like this, Huo Jihan couldn't help but smile helplessly.

Next, while leaning against the desk and eating pastries, Lin Yi said, "It seems many people in your Huo family don't like me much."

After all, the Huo family was the top aristocratic family in the capital, and Huo Jihan was the head of the family. While many people fawned over him, they also disliked whoever he chose as his partner. Of course, if their recommended person successfully married Huo Jihan, that would be another matter.

Huo Jihan asked Lin Yi, "Does this bother you?"

Lin Yi shook his head, "Not really, I'm just venting a bit."

After all, he was someone who didn't care about others' opinions, especially those who disliked him. There was no need to pay attention to them.

However, despite Lin Yi's words, Huo Jihan seemed to take it to heart.

After work, Lin Yi and Huo Jihan went together to the underground parking lot of the company.

The parking lot was vast, filled with countless cars.

Naturally, Huo Jihan's car was parked in the most prominent and convenient spot.

It was a black Bentley.

Huo Jihan drove, and Lin Yi sat in the passenger seat.

After driving for a while, Lin Yi realized they were not heading home.

So he curiously asked Huo Jihan, "Where are we going?"

While driving, Huo Jihan responded, "Taking you back to the Huo family's old residence."

Lin Yi asked, puzzled, "The Huo family's old residence? Why?"

Huo Jihan said deliberately, "To set some rules."

By setting rules, of course, it wasn't for Lin Yi but for those in the Huo family with ulterior motives.

At the same time, at the Huo family's old residence, everyone who heard that Huo Jihan was returning gathered together, except for a few who couldn't make it, waiting for Huo Jihan.

At seven o'clock in the evening, Lin Yi and Huo Jihan arrived at the Huo family's old residence.

Inside one of the mansions, the place was splendidly lit and filled with numerous members of the Huo family.

They were somewhat uneasy, not understanding why Huo Jihan had suddenly returned. Could something major have happened?

After all, Huo Jihan rarely came back to the old residence unless there was something significant.

Lin Yi got out of the car and followed Huo Jihan inside.

When they appeared, there was a moment of silence before people came forward to greet them.

It was already dinner time, so naturally, they would eat first.

Several large round tables were set up.

Lin Yi and Huo Jihan sat at the main table.

At the main table, there were several influential figures from the Huo family.

Everyone was speculating about the purpose of Huo Jihan's return but did not dare to ask outright.

The aura around Huo Jihan was too powerful; if possible, they didn't want to face this pressure directly.

Everyone at the table looked serious, except for Lin Yi, who held his bowl and ate relaxedly.

He actually didn't know what exactly Huo Jihan had brought him here for.

But whatever, he'd worry about it after eating.

At this moment, an elder finally couldn't help but ask Huo Jihan, "Jihan, is there something important you've come back for?"

Huo Jihan then slowly said, "Indeed, I have something to announce."

As soon as he spoke, the entire hall fell silent.

Even those far from the main table perked their ears up.

In the silence, Huo Jihan spoke clearly, "Lin Yi is now my family member. I don't want to hear any negative comments about him from anyone, or else they will face consequences."

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances.

They never expected Huo Jihan to announce this so formally.

It was clear that Lin Yi's position was indeed very stable.

Lin Yi was slightly stunned when he heard Huo Jihan say this.

Like everyone else, he hadn't expected Huo Jihan to say such things.

However, despite their surprise, no one showed much emotional fluctuation.

Until Huo Jihan continued, "I plan to transfer half of my shares in the company to Lin Yi. This will be approved at next week's shareholders' meeting."

This statement was significant.

Everyone's eyes widened instantly.

Half of Huo Jihan's shares?

The value represented by this was beyond words!

One of the young men from the Huo family immediately stood up and disagreed, "Cousin, I think..."

Huo Jihan looked at him coldly.

The young man immediately fell silent, not daring to continue.

Others who hadn't spoken were also shocked.

Huo Jihan had decided to transfer half of his shares to Lin Yi?

Even though they were married, Lin Yi still bore the Lin name, not the Huo name, which was undoubtedly a bombshell for the entire Huo family.

The hall was quiet, and everyone was quickly calculating in their minds.

Once Lin Yi obtained these shares, his status and wealth would skyrocket, and no one would dare look down on him anymore. Instead, he would be the one looking down on others.

Lin Yi was extremely surprised when he heard Huo Jihan announce this.

He understood what Huo Jihan meant by "setting rules" – he wanted the entire Huo family to never dare underestimate him again.

Lin Yi was too shocked to speak.

At this moment, Huo Jihan scanned everyone present with a cold gaze, "Does anyone have any objections?"

No one in the hall dared to speak.

Who would dare to object to Huo Jihan? Those who objected would be suffering in some corner right now.

Huo Jihan waited for a moment and then said, "Since there are no objections, this matter is settled."

Decisively.

Lin Yi wanted to say something, but under these circumstances, he didn't know how to start.

He felt that Huo Jihan's decision was too significant.

Did she really go to such lengths for him?