The Rich Stepfather Became Popular After Slacking Off - Chapter 21

Lin Yi began collecting the matsutake mushrooms.

He squatted down and picked them one by one, carefully placing each into his basket.

Shen Feng still hadn’t fully processed what was happening, he was frozen in place as he watched Lin Yi harvest mushrooms in stunned silence.

Somewhere else…

Huo Mianmian had found a fascinating mushroom.

It grew from the soft soil, medium in size and pure white in color.

What made this mushroom unique was the fluffy and skirt-like veil that hung from the cap, obscuring the stem like a lacy curtain.

Mianmian crouched curiously in front of it, then reached out and gently pulled it from the ground.

He held it up, turning it over in his hands with wide-eyed interest, even poking at the gauzy skirt with a finger.

His tiny face was filled with wonder throughout it all.

【Haha, looks like Mianmian doesn’t know what that is—it’s called bamboo fungus.】

【Honestly, I acted just like Mianmian the first time I saw fresh bamboo fungus. I stared at it for ages.】

【He’s so cute, crouched there studying it like a little biologist.】

Mianmian was naturally quiet, so whatever he did, he did it with focus and patience.

He just stayed there, crouched in the grass, examining that one mushroom for ages.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi had picked all the matsutake mushrooms in the area. It was seven or eight in total.

These mushrooms were rare and precious, especially in such a large amount.

For a moment, even the basket seemed to glow with golden light.

【Ahhh! Share one with me please!!】

【Lin Yi’s luck is off the charts!!】

【That basket of matsutake is blinding me!】

After standing up, Lin Yi spotted Mianmian crouched nearby, focused on something in his tiny hands.

Curious, Lin Yi walked over and asked, “Mianmian, what are you looking at?”

Mianmian turned around, holding up the mushroom and asking with wonder in his eyes, “Why is this mushroom wearing a skirt?”

Lin Yi recognized it as bamboo fungus, but instead of explaining directly, he played along. “Yeah, why would a mushroom wear a skirt?”

Mianmian tilted his head, thinking seriously, then said, “Maybe it wants to look pretty too.”

Lin Yi was amused by his innocent logic and patted his head. “I think so too. You’re so smart, Mianmian.”

Mianmian smiled shyly with lips pressed together.

Seeing how much Mianmian liked the bamboo fungus, Lin Yi said, “If you like it, you can take it home and keep it.”

Mianmian nodded and gently placed the mushroom into his little basket.

【So heartwarming. Every time I see these two together, it feels like the world becomes a better place.】

【Of course, they’re the best father and son pair!】

【Children really live in such a beautiful world. ‘The mushroom wants to be pretty’—so sweet.】

【I hope Mianmian always stays this innocent and pure.】

Just then, the other three teams finished their mushroom hunting and made their way down the mountain to join Lin Yi’s group.

Among them, He Nian walked with the most swagger.

He had worked hard and managed to fill his basket to the brim. It was more than anyone else.

In comparison, Zhou Ke and Zhao Jin only had about a third of their baskets filled.

He Nian was feeling confident and proud, certain that victory was his.

He still hadn’t forgotten that he had left Haohao behind earlier. Planning to smooth things over on camera, he headed toward the boy.

Yet when he approached, Haohao nervously leaned away toward Lin Yi.

He Nian’s face darkened immediately.

Was this kid deliberately making him look bad?

With so many cameras focused on them, He Nian couldn’t lash out. He pretended not to care.

Still, with his basket so full, he couldn’t resist checking out Lin Yi’s haul.

Lin Yi was casually scanning the surroundings for more mushrooms when He Nian walked over.

Lin Yi glanced at him, then looked away without a word, clearly unimpressed.

He Nian seethed.

Then he peeked into Lin Yi’s basket and froze. There were only a few mushrooms?! Compared to his own overflowing basket, it was pathetic.

He almost laughed.

The competition was about who could sell their mushrooms for the most money, but with Lin Yi’s tiny haul? No way he could compete.

He Nian was so pleased with himself, he couldn’t help but ask, “Cousin, that’s all you picked?”

Then he added with exaggerated surprise, “No way, right?”

Lin Yi didn’t bother responding.

He Nian kept looking at his basket and went on. “Cousin, your mushrooms are all covered in dirt and look kind of rotten. Maybe you should toss them, I can give you a few of mine. Don’t cheat just to win by stuffing random bad mushrooms in there. That’d be embarrassing if someone noticed later.”

On the surface, he sounded concerned but every word was laced with accusation, suggesting Lin Yi was willing to cheat just to pad his numbers.

【Is He Nian stupid?】

【Did he just call matsutake mushrooms ‘rotten’??】

【That’s actually painful to hear.】

【He’s mocking Lin Yi for picking a few mushrooms, but those matsutake are worth way more than dozens of regular ones.】

Still not done, He Nian added, “Cousin, maybe next time don’t sleep in. If you got up early like I did, maybe you wouldn’t have to pick rotten—”

Before he could finish, Lin Yi gave him a blank look and cut him off coldly. “Can you stop talking near me? You’re noisy.”

A simple line, but brutal.

He Nian’s face turned red with embarrassment.

He hadn’t expected Lin Yi, clearly about to lose, to be this calm.

He was still determined to maintain his “gentle and considerate” image, so he forced a smile and said, “Cousin, I just wanted to help since your mushrooms looked spoiled but if you don’t appreciate it, then forget it.”

His fans echoed the sentiment:

【Lin Yi’s so ungrateful.】

【Exactly—our Nian Nian was just trying to help.】

The production team soon gathered everyone to calculate the mushrooms’ value.

They had a digital scale and had also consulted local mushroom prices to make things accurate.

They started with Shen Feng.

His result: tragic.

Since he’d spent the whole time following Lin Yi, he hadn’t picked much at all.

He shrugged and said, “I didn’t get any.”

Not wanting to embarrass the rich young master, the director peeked into his basket and saw two ridiculously tiny mushrooms.

Trying his best to save face, the director said, “Well, look at that, you did get something!”

He reached in to pick them up, but as soon as he did, one broke from the breeze.

Director: “…”

He cleared his throat and said, “Well, clearly, Shen Feng put in some effort.”

Shen Feng: “…”

You should’ve just said nothing.

【Hahaha, props to the director for trying.】

【Shen Feng is so annoying, but I can’t stop liking him—help.】

Next up were Zhou Ke and Zhao Jin. Their results were average.

Zhou Ke’s haul could sell for about 30 yuan while Zhao Jin’s around 40.

Then it was He Nian’s turn.

He raised his head proudly, ready to show Lin Yi who was boss.

He even cast Lin Yi a smug, challenging look.

Lin Yi didn’t even notice.

He Nian: “…”

Fine. Keep pretending.

The director looked into He Nian’s basket. “Wow, He Nian got a good haul!”

He Nian modestly replied, “It’s alright. I just like to do everything to the best of my ability.”

His fans filled the chat with praise:

【Nian Nian is a true role model!】

【I’ve followed him for years. He’s always positive and hard-working.】

【He’s amazing.】

【Some people should stop pretending they can compete.】

The staff began sorting He Nian’s mushrooms, but quickly realized something was wrong.

Most of the mushrooms were either poisonous or had already gone bad.

They exchanged glances, then one of them said honestly, “Most of these mushrooms are unfit for consumption, I’m afraid…”

He Nian, who’d been waiting to bask in his victory, froze.

Unfit?!

Sure, he’d known some weren’t perfect, but he didn’t think the crew would actually say it on camera.

Trying to save face, he said calmly, “Could you double-check?”

Staff: “…”

This was a live broadcast. They couldn’t lie on camera.

So they did the math and announced: He Nian’s mushrooms were worth just over 20 yuan.

He Nian’s expression darkened instantly.

He hadn’t even beaten Zhou Ke and Zhao Jin—only Shen Feng!

Shen Feng hadn’t even tried!

He was furious but comforted himself with the thought that as long as he beat Lin Yi, it didn’t matter.

Then it was Lin Yi’s turn.

At first, the staff thought his basket looked pretty empty and didn’t expect much.

Then they looked closer and froze.

It was all matsutake.

High-quality matsutake.

Easily worth over a thousand yuan.

They were speechless.

Others gathered around, curious.

Anyone who recognized matsutake mushrooms had their eyes go wide.

【Haha, I knew this would happen.】

【When I first saw that basket, I couldn’t shut my mouth either.】

The room fell quiet.

Lin Yi remained calm, standing off to the side.

He Nian, unable to hold back, broke the silence. “Why is everyone so quiet? Did my cousin pick something problematic? I mean, they’re all dirty and kind of look like spoiled king oyster mushrooms…”

Everyone gave him a strange look.

Then Shen Feng deadpanned, “You might want to get your eyes checked. Calling matsutake ‘spoiled king oyster mushrooms’? The only thing spoiled here is your brain.”

He Nian’s eyes widened.

Matsutake?!

Lin Yi picked matsutake?!

He hadn’t seen one in real life, but he’d heard of them. Now his face turned pale.

He had mocked Lin Yi’s mushrooms on camera. Now he had been completely humiliated.

Finally, after everyone finished gawking, the director said, “Even conservatively, Lin Yi’s mushrooms are worth over a thousand yuan. I declare him the winner of today’s competition!”

Lin Yi wasn’t particularly excited. He’d only entered to let Mianmian experience mushroom hunting, like he had promised.

While Lin Yi remained relaxed, He Nian stood in stunned silence.

He’d planned to crush Lin Yi, only to be crushed himself.

Worst of all, he’d just proven to everyone that he didn’t even recognize matsutake.

Normally, that wouldn’t matter, but he’d always pretended to be cultured and knowledgeable. Now it was all crashing down.

【Hahaha, finally some justice! Look at He Nian’s ghost-white face.】

【Didn’t he act so smug earlier? Why so quiet now?】

【LMAO, he always claimed to be bookish and cultured. Now this?】

【No one cares if he knows mushrooms, we just hate how arrogant he was about it.】

【Where are his fans now? Come clean this up!】

【They probably ran off already.】

【He’ll probably start buying bots to save face next.】

And so, the mushroom-picking contest came to a close.

Shen Feng lazily turned to the director. “Hey, you made us do all this. There’s gotta be some kind of prize, right? Especially for first place.”

He was clearly speaking up for Lin Yi.

Even if Lin Yi’s win meant he’d have to call him “dad,” he still wanted Lin Yi to get his reward.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, surprised Shen Feng would stick up for him.

Shen Feng met his gaze and shot back a proud look that said, “You better thank me.”

Lin Yi: “…”

The director chuckled. “I was just about to say, our show recently partnered with the local government to select a pair of guests to serve as city ambassadors. They’ll also film a promotional video. Since Lin Yi won, he and Mianmian will represent the city.”

Shen Feng nodded, satisfied, as if he’d won the prize himself. “That’s more like it.”

Lin Yi hadn’t expected this bonus. Grateful, he gave a few words of thanks.

【Whoa! Congrats to Lin Yi on becoming the city ambassador!!】

【That’s my hometown—can’t wait to welcome Lin Yi!】

【Adding this city to my travel list immediately.】

Zhou Ke and Zhao Jin congratulated him too, genuinely happy for their friend.

Only He Nian stood awkwardly to the side, out of place.

He hadn’t expected the prize to be so huge and it should’ve been his!

Now it was Lin Yi’s.

He stared at Lin Yi with unconcealed resentment.

【Whoa, He Nian’s glare is terrifying.】

【You lost, bro. Maybe reflect on that instead of hating others.】

【He Nian is too much.】

At noon, everyone returned to the farmhouse.

Time to cook lunch.

Lin Yi brought all the matsutake mushrooms to the kitchen, turned on the tap, and began rinsing them.

He planned to make a big pot of mushroom soup. It would be delicious for sure.

Mianmian carefully placed his bamboo fungus in their bedroom, then came to the kitchen and watched quietly as Lin Yi cooked.

He was too short to see clearly, so he tiptoed with his little hands gripping the counter, eyes fixed on Lin Yi.

Lin Yi chuckled. “Mianmian, are you hungry?”

Mianmian nodded.

Lin Yi said, “Just wait a little longer. I’m going to make a super yummy mushroom soup for you.”

Mianmian nodded again, even more eagerly, with eyes glued to Lin Yi’s hands.

Just then, Shen Feng came in for a drink and noticed the mushrooms being washed.

He had a bad feeling. “You’re not seriously going to eat those matsutake now, are you?”

Lin Yi replied, “Why not?”

Was he supposed to pray to them first?

Shen Feng gawked. “You’re seriously just… going to eat them?!”

Lin Yi: “…”

He raised a brow. “What do you suggest I do?”

Shen Feng looked horrified. “At least show some respect! Put them on display or post a photo online or something!”

It wasn’t that matsutake were sacred, it was just that getting so many at once was rare.

Lin Yi said, deadpan, “Sorry, I’m a science guy. No artistic sensibilities.”

Why complicate it? Just cook.

Shen Feng opened his mouth to protest again.

Lin Yi cut him off. “Just say whether you want to eat or not.”

Shen Feng immediately folded. “Eat!”

It was matsutake—who wouldn’t?

【Haha! Shen Feng flips faster than a pancake.】

【He’s never been able to hold his ground in front of Lin Yi.】

【Even if he tried, Lin Yi would still outwit him.】

【The more they bicker, the more I ship them.】

The mushroom soup was done soon. Lin Yi had added some other ingredients too.

As soon as he lifted the lid, the whole kitchen was filled with rich and savory aroma.

Premium ingredients need little cooking to shine.

Even Zhao Jin and Zhou Ke came sniffing around, drawn by the smell.

Zhao Jin eyed the soup. “Can I try some?”

Zhou Ke didn’t speak but stared at Lin Yi hopefully.

Lin Yi said generously, “Sure. I made a big pot anyway.”

Zhao Jin and Zhou Ke ran off to get their bowls, full of gratitude.

Shen Feng said, “I want some too.”

He assumed it was a given.

Lin Yi suddenly said, “Nope. You can’t have any.”

Shen Feng exploded. “Why not?! They can, but I can’t?!”

Did Lin Yi think so little of him?

Lin Yi grinned. “Did you forget? You still owe me a ‘dad’—call me that first.”

Shen Feng: “…”

【Call him! Call him! This is what we’re here for!】

【Good job, Lin Yi!】

Shen Feng was torn. He looked at Lin Yi.

Lin Yi was smiling, bright-eyed, with a teasing glint in his gaze.

Shen Feng: “…”

How was he supposed to call someone that handsome “dad”?!

He opened his mouth but couldn’t get the words out.

Lin Yi, not waiting, grabbed chopsticks and started eating.

Shen Feng looked like an abandoned puppy. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.

Just when he finally seemed ready to say it…

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow and said, “You’re really going to say it? I don’t want a son your age.”

Shen Feng, fully geared up, immediately deflated like a popped balloon.

Flustered, he blurted out, “You’re rejecting me?!”

Lin Yi blinked innocently. “You seriously want to be my son?”

Shen Feng: “…”

F***!!

He had walked right into that one.

【HAHAHAHA I can’t breathe!!!】

【These two are hilarious!!】

Shen Feng, emotionally exhausted, trudged off to get a bowl.

He might be humiliated, but he wasn’t about to miss out on matsutake soup.

Lin Yi ignored him, scooping two bowls. One for himself, one for Mianmian.

Mianmian was already at the table, legs swinging in anticipation.

The moment Lin Yi placed the bowl in front of him, he lit up.

Then, father and son dug in.

Lin Yi blew on a spoonful, took a sip, and sighed in satisfaction.

No doubt about it—matsutake made divine soup.

The flavor was rich, topped with scallions and shimmering drops of oil. One spoonful and every taste bud came alive.

Mianmian clearly loved it too.

After his first sip, his eyes sparkled and his little mouth made a soft smacking sound.

Yummy~

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, bathing the room in golden light.

The father and son sat side by side, warm and content.

【I want some too.】

【Same. Ordering a mushroom hot pot now.】

【Is it just me admiring their beauty? They look like they stepped out of a painting.】

【I’ve said “jealous” so many times I’m numb.】

Lin Yi downed two or three bowls before finally stopping, stomach pleasantly full.

It was a lazy afternoon, and there wasn’t much else to do.

He washed an apple and sat at the door, nibbling slowly.

Recently, the farmhouse hens had hatched some chicks. Tiny and yellow fluffy balls raced around the courtyard.

The delighted children each grabbed one and held them in their arms.

Mianmian too, holding a chick, gently patted it while sitting on the ground.

Lin Yi munched his apple and watched absentmindedly.

After a moment, he said, “If I’d known there were chicks, I should’ve grabbed two earlier for the soup. Chicken and mushroom, it would’ve been delicious.”

At that, the fluffy chicks all began to tremble and the children holding them froze in place.

Only Lin Yi burst into wicked laughter.

“Hahaha!”

【Help! Is Lin Yi a villain?!】

【Messing with kids is way too fun LOL】

【Honestly though, chicken and mushroom soup really is delicious.】