Chapter 103

Chapter 103

After Lin Yi received half of Huo Jihan's shares, the attitudes of those in the Huo family changed instantly.

Now, they could no longer criticize Lin Yi for his background, as he now held a higher status and wealth than any of them.

Therefore, during the latter part of the dinner, people frequently came to toast Lin Yi, their attitudes markedly different from before.

At first, Lin Yi drank a couple of glasses, gradually becoming slightly tipsy.

Seeing this, Huo Jihan stepped in to shield him from further toasts.

Those people naturally did not dare to insist, so they drank on their own and left.

In a corner,

a man grumbled, "I don't know what my cousin was thinking, giving half of his shares to an outsider."

Someone next to him said, "You only dare to say that behind his back. Why don't you voice your opinion to his face?"

The man choked, "..."

If he dared to voice his opinion directly, would he be in the position he is now?

He was merely a distant relative of the Huo family with no real say, and could only vent privately.

In fact, there were quite a few others who shared his dissatisfaction, but most feared Huo Jihan and dared not oppose him, so they chose to remain silent about it.

By nine o'clock in the evening, Lin Yi and the others left the Huo family mansion.

Slightly drunk, Lin Yi opened the car window to let the cool breeze blow in as soon as he got in.

Seeing this, Huo Jihan leaned over to fasten his seatbelt and gently touched his cheek, "Drunk?"

Lin Yi's face felt hot, and the cool touch of Huo Jihan's hand was very soothing.

He raised his hand to hold Huo Jihan's, not letting go, and even leaned his head against the broad palm.

Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi, who resembled a small animal, and a faint smile appeared in his dark eyes. He let Lin Yi nuzzle his palm for a while before asking, "Thirsty? Want some water?"

Lin Yi kept his face pressed against Huo Jihan's hand until it warmed up from his body heat. Then he released Huo Jihan's hand and shook his head, "Not thirsty."

"Alright." Huo Jihan nodded and started the car.

Soon, the black Bentley moved forward.

Lin Yi let the cool breeze blow in through the open window for a while before closing it slightly. Turning to Huo Jihan, he said, "About the half-share thing, do you want to reconsider?"

Earlier at the Huo family mansion, he couldn't say anything in front of everyone, but now he could bring it up.

Huo Jihan replied, "I've made my decision, and there's nothing to change."

Lin Yi insisted, "It's not final yet. You can think it over again. I won't say anything if you change your mind."

Huo Jihan's half share in the Huo Group was too astonishing, with unimaginable value—far more than giving Lin Yi a black card or even a small island.

Lin Yi felt that although he was with Huo Jihan, he had no reason to accept such a significant benefit all at once.

Hearing Lin Yi's words, Huo Jihan's gaze darkened slightly, and he glanced at Lin Yi, "Are you being so formal with me?"

Lin Yi laughed, "This isn't about formality."

If it were something less significant, he would have accepted it, but the impact of half the shares was too profound.

Huo Jihan countered, "If not formality, then what is it?"

Lin Yi couldn't come up with a suitable response.

At this moment, Huo Jihan continued, "Besides, I have my reasons for giving you half the shares."

Curious, Lin Yi asked, "What reasons?"

Huo Jihan said deliberately, "To tie you down."

Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh, "You're tying me down with your shares? Are you sure you didn't say it backwards?"

It was the first time he heard of someone using their own assets to bind another person.

Huo Jihan spoke in a low voice, "With half of my shares, you'll never think of leaving me, because our interests are deeply intertwined."

Lin Yi couldn't stop laughing, "Hahaha!"

After laughing enough, he said, "So, Mr. Huo, you lack confidence in yourself?"

To think of binding them together in this way?

Did Huo Jihan think he might break up one day?

Just then, a red light appeared ahead.

Huo Jihan stepped on the brake and turned to look deeply into Lin Yi's eyes, "I just want to ensure everything is foolproof."

He was always in control of everything except Lin Yi.

Loving someone too much inevitably led to insecurity.

His approach was to create conditions where Lin Yi couldn't leave him, ensuring Lin Yi stayed by his side forever.

Lin Yi was slightly stunned by Huo Jihan's words and looked back at him.

At this moment, headlights flashed outside the car, illuminating Huo Jihan's dark and deep eyes.

The depth of emotion in his gaze was direct and heavy, impossible to ignore.

Lin Yi momentarily forgot how to speak.

After several seconds, the traffic light turned green.

Huo Jihan withdrew his gaze, looked straight ahead, and restarted the car.

Lin Yi also retracted his gaze from Huo Jihan, feeling his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Though Huo Jihan didn't explicitly express any affection, the intensity of his feelings left one's heart unable to calm down.

Lin Yi did not mention the shares again.

After all, he was enveloped by intense emotions and couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

The matter of the shares was thus settled.

Time moved forward a few days.

On this day, they had lunch together, preparing to see Huo Shi off.

Huo Shi wouldn't stay home for long; he had only returned recently after finishing a major competition. Now, he was about to leave for the training base again.

At the dining table,

Lin Yi raised his drink and clinked it with Huo Shi's: "Train hard. I wish you another championship in the next world tournament!"

"Thanks." Huo Shi nodded, then lifted his glass and drained it in one go.

His demeanor was that of a wild wolf, full of unrestrained energy.

At this moment, Huo Mengyan took the opportunity to voice her thoughts: "Big Brother, Sister-in-Law, I'm going to be away for a while too."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow: "Hmm? Why?"

Huo Jihan also looked at his sister, his expression indifferent, revealing no particular emotion.

Huo Mengyan felt a bit intimidated under Huo Jihan's gaze but still explained: "I played a small role in a movie before, and I found that I really enjoy acting. Since I never had the chance to try it before, I want to give it a proper shot now."

She glanced at Lin Yi and Huo Jihan, unsure if they would support her decision.

Fortunately, Lin Yi gave her confidence right away: "Of course you can. Do whatever you want. If you get tired, just come back home for a rest."

These words, though ordinary, brought warmth that was hard to describe.

Huo Mengyan looked at Lin Yi with gratitude: "Sister-in-Law, you're so nice!"

Lin Yi smiled and waved his hand: "We're family, no need to be so formal."

Then, Huo Mengyan turned to Huo Jihan, her eyes filled with both apprehension and anticipation.

Clearly, she valued Huo Jihan's opinion on this matter.

Huo Jihan paused upon meeting her gaze and said: "Be careful out there. Contact us if anything happens."

This might have been the most tender thing Huo Jihan could say to her.

Huo Mengyan's expression brightened with excitement.

She had thought it would be difficult, but now she realized that taking the first step wasn't so hard.

After lunch, Huo Shi and Huo Mengyan were ready to leave, having packed their luggage.

Huo Shi put on his team uniform, zipping it up to the top, exuding his usual cold and aloof demeanor.

Huo Mengyan didn't wear a dress as she usually did, but instead wore a beige haute couture suit, with her hair tied up high, revealing her smooth forehead.

Instantly, she radiated a youthful and vibrant charm.

With her looks, entering the entertainment industry wouldn't be a challenge.

Lin Yi waved at them: "Come home when you have time."

Huo Shi and Huo Mengyan responded in unison: "Sure, Sister-in-Law."

They each picked up their luggage and got into separate cars.

The two cars drove away, one after the other.

Lin Yi stood there, watching for a while.

For some reason, he felt like his siblings had grown up and could handle things on their own.

It was a great feeling.

At this moment, Huo Jihan came beside him, covering his eyes, reminding him: "Alright, they're gone already."

Lin Yi couldn't see anything and laughed, then turned to look at Huo Jihan: "They're not your siblings, can't I watch them leave a bit longer?"

Huo Jihan: "No need."

Lin Yi laughed: "Then I'll just keep looking at you."

Huo Jihan's expression softened: "That's fine."

Lin Yi burst into laughter.

What should you do if you have a super jealous partner?

Seems like there's nothing to be done, since you like him so much anyway.

Once Huo Shi and Huo Mengyan left, the villa returned to its usual state.

Lin Yi continued his daily routine of eating, drinking, and having fun, occasionally teasing little Huo Mianmian for amusement.

To Lin Yi's surprise, Zhuang Che, who used to be a crying little rich kid, had truly changed and accomplished something significant.

One day, Zhuang Che contacted Lin Yi, saying he had secured a major deal and had already set a date to sign the contract with the other party. He asked if Lin Yi could come to the scene.

Lin Yi naturally agreed.

After all, he was now a shareholder in Zhuang Entertainment, so it was necessary for him to witness such a big deal.

So at ten o'clock in the morning, Lin Yi got dressed and headed out.

The temperature was getting colder, with signs that it might snow soon.

Lin Yi dressed warmly, wearing a short white down jacket and a black-and-white plaid scarf.

When he arrived at the destination and got out of the car, tiny cold droplets were already falling from the sky.

These droplets clung to his eyelashes, wetting his thick, long lashes, making his eyes appear even darker and more refined.

Lin Yi walked into the hall of a venue step by step.

Many people would attend today's signing ceremony, including various media reporters and some figures from the entertainment industry.

After all, Zhuang Entertainment wasn't a small company; on the contrary, it was one of the top companies in the entire entertainment industry, naturally attracting many attendees.

The hall was already set up, with a stage at the front where the signing ceremony would take place, and rows of seats below.

Lin Yi found a seat and sat down.

The ceremony wouldn't start for a while yet.

With nothing else to do, Lin Yi took out his phone to play around.

At this moment, an unfriendly voice sounded beside him: "I recognize you. You're the guy who was dining with Zhuang Che at the restaurant that day, right?"

Lin Yi looked up and saw Sun Ye and his group of lackeys.

One of the lackeys whispered to Sun Ye, "Boss Ye, I found out. This guy is called Lin Yi."

Sun Ye nodded. "Lin Yi, huh? Didn't you confidently say that Zhuang Che would earn ten million within three months? Let's see if your boast holds up."

Lin Yi didn't bother talking to Sun Ye, giving him a fleeting glance before continuing to scroll through his phone.

Sun Ye: "..."

This Lin Yi actually dared to ignore him?!

Sun Ye couldn't stand it and plopped down next to Lin Yi, sneering, "Looks like you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin. I'll stay and watch the outcome with you."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Those words should be directed at yourself. By the way, I heard your bet with Zhuang Che was a million yuan, right? Did you bring the money today?"

Sun Ye and Zhuang Che had made a bet: If Zhuang Che could earn ten million on his own within three months, Sun Ye would give him a million yuan; otherwise, Zhuang Che would give Sun Ye a million yuan.

Sun Ye choked for a moment, then said, "You can't seriously believe that Zhuang Che will sign this deal today and earn ten million, can you?"

Lin Yi calmly replied, "Yes, that's exactly what I believe."

Sun Ye: "..."

Meanwhile, Zhuang Che had been busy for a long time and finally had a chance to catch his breath. He urgently searched the crowd for Lin Yi and spotted him.

His expression brightened as he approached Lin Yi. "Lin Yi, you came!"

Lin Yi smiled and nodded. "To witness your glorious achievement."

Zhuang Che, who had become more composed after recent trials, almost blushed at Lin Yi's words. "It's okay, I haven't done anything particularly great."

At this moment, Sun Ye sneered from the side, "Young Master Zhuang, you've only been independent for a few days, and you're already so arrogant?"

Zhuang Che noticed Sun Ye and instinctively explained, "I didn't see you just now."

Sun Ye gave a contemptuous laugh. "Who would believe that?"

Sun Ye was known in the circle of wealthy second-generation kids for being difficult to deal with. Once he targeted someone, they usually didn't have a good outcome.

Zhuang Che frowned and prepared to explain again.

At this moment, Lin Yi lazily retorted, "Does it matter whether you believe it or not? You don't have that much face."

Sun Ye: "..."

He gritted his teeth in anger.

Why did this Lin Yi always manage to defeat him verbally so easily?!

Seeing Sun Ye losing face, one of the lackeys quickly changed the subject, "Zhuang Che, are you really going to sign a big deal today? It better not be a bluff."

Zhuang Che replied irritably, "Why would I bluff?"

He had worked tirelessly day and night, straining his eyes, finally figuring out the company's affairs and gradually taking charge. He had even managed to secure a major deal.

On the day he successfully sealed the deal, he had been so overjoyed that he cried, feeling that his long period of hard work had finally paid off.

He used to have no concept of effort, but now he could say that he had put in the work.

Another one of the guys taunted, "Oh, impressive! Young Master Zhuang is talking tough now."

They all felt resentful. As idle rich kids, why did Zhuang Che have to act so hardworking? It made their parents scold them at home, saying they should learn from Zhuang Che.

Hearing these harsh words, Zhuang Che's brows furrowed even deeper.

Was he becoming an outcast just because he started working hard?

These people were being too much.

Lin Yi noticed that Zhuang Che seemed affected and said, "Zhuang Che, you're already on the right track. Why let their jealous remarks affect you? They just can't stand seeing you succeed, so they say things like this intentionally."

Zhuang Che looked at Lin Yi, feeling calmed by his words.

Lin Yi continued, "Don't worry. Once the signing ceremony starts and you sign that big deal, they'll be even more envious and resentful. But by then, you'll be far superior to them. Don't you want to see them unable to stand your success but powerless to do anything about it? Trust me, it feels great!"

Zhuang Che's spirits lifted instantly upon hearing this.

Sun Ye and his group, however, turned pale.

A few minutes later, it was time for the signing ceremony, and Zhuang Che went up on stage.

Numerous media reporters turned on their cameras, ready to capture the moment.

However, the partner company was delayed due to traffic and would arrive a bit later.

Everyone in the venue exchanged glances.

The previously lively atmosphere froze for a moment.

Seeing this, Sun Ye and his group became smug again.

"Traffic? What a lame excuse? I bet they changed their minds and aren't coming."

"Young Master Zhuang is going to lose face big time. Will he cry?"

"Zhuang Che, get that million yuan ready. How dare he try to compete with our Wild Brother?"

"Zhuang Che is trying to build a hardworking youth image. Who gave him the nerve?"

"..."

Zhuang Che felt slightly uneasy on stage.

But remembering Lin Yi's encouraging words, he regained his composure.

While waiting for the partners to arrive, he took the opportunity to introduce the current development status of Zhuang Entertainment to the media, keeping the atmosphere lively.

Zhuang Che's parents, sitting in the audience, watched their son with pride, finally relieved.

It seemed they could entrust the company to Zhuang Che in the future.

As nearly fifteen minutes passed and the partner company still hadn't arrived,

Sun Ye looked at Lin Yi smugly, "Lin Yi, you love acting tough, don't you? Can't keep it up now, can you? Let me tell you, apologize to me now, or..."

Before he could finish, a round of enthusiastic applause broke out as the representative of the partner company arrived.

The host immediately invited them on stage.

The signing ceremony officially began.

Sun Ye was stunned, his throat suddenly tight, unable to utter a word.

Lin Yi glanced at him coolly, "What were you about to say? Go ahead."

Sun Ye: "..."

How could he continue now?

He never expected Zhuang Che to actually secure the deal.

He came here today to mock Zhuang Che, but it seemed he had become the laughingstock instead.

Just then, Lin Yi reminded him, "By the way, have you prepared that million yuan yet?"

Zhuang Che's deal was worth far more than a million, several times over.

Sun Ye had lost the bet.

Now, Sun Ye knew he was in trouble.

He thought he could earn a million from Zhuang Che, but now he had to pay a million himself.

He panicked, not wanting to part with the money.

After all, even though he was a rich kid, giving someone a million yuan for nothing would hurt.

If his family found out, they'd kill him.

Sun Ye cowered, desperately thinking of a way out.

Soon, Zhuang Che stepped down from the stage, and it was his parents' turn to speak.

As soon as he came down, he walked over to Lin Yi's corner.

Excitedly, he said to Lin Yi, "Lin Yi, I really did it! I succeeded!!"

Lin Yi smiled at him. "Yes, didn't I say it before? You're a dark horse and you were bound to succeed."

Zhuang Che was so moved by these words that he almost cried.

All the late nights and hard work he had endured finally paid off!

At this moment, Lin Yi reminded him, "By the way, now is the time to get your one million back from Sun Ye."

Zhuang Che turned to look at Sun Ye.

Sun Ye: "…"

Compared to his previous arrogance, he now had a completely different demeanor. "Zhuang Che, we're good brothers, right? How can good brothers talk about money?"

Zhuang Che, still inexperienced in dealing with such hooligans, didn't know what to say.

At this moment, Lin Yi reminded him again, "Don't talk about whether you're good brothers or not; even if you are, brothers should settle accounts clearly."

Hearing this, Zhuang Che became more assertive and said to Sun Ye, "Right, brothers should settle accounts clearly. Give me the money."

Sun Ye: "…"

He really didn't want to give the money, but he also didn't want to make a scene, as it would embarrass him.

In the end, he reluctantly transferred the money and then left angrily.

Zhuang Che immediately transferred the money to Lin Yi.

After all that, Lin Yi's account was one million richer.

Lin Yi was surprised. "What's this for?"

Zhuang Che smiled. "This money is yours. You've helped me so much, and I haven't even thanked you properly yet."

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback by these words.

After all, he had helped Zhuang Che because he had become a shareholder of Zhuang Entertainment and wanted to motivate Zhuang Che to earn more money for him.

However, Lin Yi had a great ability.

Even if he felt something internally, he showed no signs of it on his face, maintaining his casual demeanor. "Alright, I appreciate your gesture."

At the end of the signing ceremony, Lin Yi, as the second-largest shareholder, was invited on stage for a group photo.

Soon, this event topped the trending topics.

Countless people clicked into the topic to admire Lin Yi's looks.

"Ahhh, my husband Lin Yi looks so warm and cozy. I want to hug him."

"First time seeing Lin Yi in a down jacket, feels so new and exciting."

"Screen-capping like crazy."

"I really want to sleep with my husband Lin Yi and have him lull me to sleep."

"Hey, dreaming in broad daylight?"

"Wahhh, life without Lin Yi has no meaning at all!!!"

Finally, the entire signing ceremony ended successfully.

After having dinner with the Zhuang family, Lin Yi rushed home.

When he arrived, he found Li Feng at the villa with two suitcases beside him.

Seeing Lin Yi, Li Feng respectfully called out, "Mr. Lin."

Just as Lin Yi was wondering about this, Huo Jihan, wearing a black coat, came down from the second floor.

Lin Yi asked, "What's going on?"

Huo Jihan approached him, looking down and said, "I need to go abroad for a project inspection. It's urgent, and I didn't have time to contact you."

Hearing this news, Lin Yi was stunned for a few seconds before asking, "How long will you be gone?"

Huo Jihan: "About ten days."

For some reason, Lin Yi's mood suddenly dropped.

Ten days meant they wouldn't see each other for ten days.

But Lin Yi knew that business comes first, so he suppressed his disappointment and said to Huo Jihan, "Alright, have a safe trip."

Huo Jihan nodded. With others present, he did nothing more than give Lin Yi a light hug before letting go, his voice low. "Leaving now."

Lin Yi held back his reluctance and replied, "Mm."

Huo Jihan then stepped out of the villa.

Li Feng followed, pushing the two suitcases.

Lin Yi turned to watch them leave in the car.

After a while, Lin Yi looked away.

At that moment, he felt an emptiness in his heart.

Perhaps it was because they were in the early stages of their relationship, and Huo Jihan's sudden departure for ten days made it hard for him to adjust.

Lin Yi let out a soft sigh, suppressing the disappointment in his heart.

Then he consoled himself: It's only ten days, after all. Should go by pretty quickly... right?

As Lin Yi thought about this, he reached to take off his jacket.

Just as he touched the zipper, he heard footsteps behind him.

He turned around and saw Huo Jihan returning.

Lin Yi was quite surprised. "What? Did you forget something?"

At that moment, Huo Jihan stepped closer and leaned down to kiss his forehead, his deep, melodious voice soothing and coaxing—

"So, how about coming abroad with me?"