The Rich Stepfather Became Popular After Slacking Off - Chapter 22

That day, the show arranged for the guests to go catch crayfish.

The crayfish pond was located behind the farmhouse on a nearby hill.

All the guests set off soon, and after walking for about half an hour, they arrived at the designated spot.

When they arrived, they found a large pond. The pond had flowing water from both upstream and downstream, so the water was exceptionally clean.

Even better, the pond was filled with a field of lotus flowers.

The green lotus leaves stretched out in all directions, and between them, elegant and delicate lotus blossoms swayed. It was absolutely stunning.

Everyone was enchanted by the sight.

The live stream viewers also began commenting.

【Now this is true countryside scenery.】

【So beautiful—just looking at it, you can tell the area’s unpolluted.】

【I really want to visit this farmhouse!】

Lin Yi also looked around in awe.

In his previous life, he was born in the city, and after growing up and working, he spent most of his time in offices, so he rarely got to experience nature.

Seeing this picture-perfect scenery now made him feel relaxed and refreshed.

After admiring it for a while, he spotted something even more interesting. There were lotus pods in the pond!

He took a few steps closer to the edge, leaned forward, and plucked a pod.

The other guests followed suit and picked one too.

Holding the lotus pod, Lin Yi walked over to Huo Mianmian and began explaining, “Mianmian, this is a lotus pod. You can eat it.”

It was Mianmian’s first time seeing one. He stared at it with wide, focused eyes.

After watching for a bit, he curiously reached out and poked at the pod.

Lin Yi chuckled, “You can eat the seeds inside. I’ll peel one for you.”

Mianmian stared intently as Lin Yi plucked a lotus seed, carefully peeled it, and even removed the bitter green core before offering it to him. “Here, try it.”

Mianmian opened his little mouth, took the seed, and chewed.

His watery eyes immediately lit up.

“Is it good?” Lin Yi asked.

Mianmian nodded brightly.

Seeing that, Lin Yi broke the pod in half and handed one part to Mianmian. “Here, peel them yourself.”

Mianmian took the pod and started peeling.

Lin Yi also peeled a seed and popped it into his mouth.

The seeds were moist, crisp, and sweet—absolutely delicious.

He ate several in a row before casually glancing at Mianmian.

To his surprise, Mianmian was just sitting there, quietly peeling the seeds, but hadn’t eaten any himself.

Curious, Lin Yi asked, “Why aren’t you eating, Mianmian?”

He thought maybe the kid wanted to gather a handful before eating them all together.

Then Mianmian looked up with his little hand full of peeled seeds and said, “For you, Xiao Ba~”

Turned out he’d been peeling them for Lin Yi all along.

Lin Yi was touched. “Mianmian, you’re such a good boy.”

He reached out and gave the soft, chubby cheeks a gentle rub.

Mianmian smiled sweetly, dimples appearing on his face.

【Ahhh! I want to eat the seeds Mianmian peeled too!】

【Another day of being jealous of Lin Yi.】

【Mianmian is just too sweet!!】

Soon, the adults got ready to wade into the pond to catch crayfish.

At that moment, a light drizzle began to fall.

While a little rain wasn’t a big deal for the adults, it could be risky for the kids. Especially since they were more susceptible to catching colds.

So the production crew picked some lotus leaves and handed them out for the kids to use as umbrellas.

Mianmian accepted one and held it up over his head as he crouched by the pond, quietly watching Lin Yi in the distance.

He sat there, small and bundled up like a little sticky rice dumpling.

He wore a soft pink hoodie today, which contrasted beautifully with his pale skin. Combined with the lotus leaf over his head, he looked even more adorable.

【Aaaahhh what’s the point of life if I can’t have a Mianmian??】

【I just want to scoop him up and run.】

Lin Yi rolled up his pants and waded into the pond with a bucket and a small net.

He scanned the water, searching for crayfish.

Shen Feng, who was terrified of anything with sharp claws or pincers—just like when he was scared of chickens on the first day—was now afraid of the crayfish too.

So he didn’t dare to act on his own and followed Lin Yi step by step.

That would’ve been fine if he’d stayed quiet but he didn’t stop talking.

“Lin Yi, did you catch any yet?”

“Why do crayfish have such huge claws? If one pinched me, wouldn’t it swell for days?”

“Lin Yi…”

After two days of this, Lin Yi had a very clear understanding of how annoying Shen Feng could be.

He finally turned and said, “If you’re really that scared, why not just go wait on the shore?”

Shen Feng, never one to back down, lifted his chin and scoffed, “You think I’m scared of a few little crayfish? I just don’t feel like catching them myself, that’s all.”

Lin Yi: “…”

He was starting to think Shen Feng’s mouth was the hardest part of his body.

Without saying more, Lin Yi dipped his net into the water and scooped a few times. Then, suddenly, he raised the net right in front of Shen Feng’s face. “Look! Crayfish!”

“AAAAHHHHH!!!”

Shen Feng leapt three feet into the air, nearly scared out of his wits.

Lin Yi burst out laughing. “Didn’t you say you weren’t scared?”

Shen Feng: “…”

He’d been tricked just for fun?!

Clearly humiliated, he glared. “Lin Yi, you’re so childish!!”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Not really. Just a little.”

Shen Feng: “…”

He was suffering but couldn’t say anything.

【Whoa, Shen Feng didn’t even get mad?】

【As a Shen Feng fan, I’m telling you—if anyone else had done that, he’d have snapped.】

【Lin Yi has Shen Feng completely wrapped around his finger. No resistance at all.】

Lin Yi kept wading through the pond and managed to catch quite a few crayfish.

They were all plump, fresh, and lively—excellent specimens.

It was Lin Yi’s first time catching crayfish, and he found it both novel and fun.

After a while, he had a good dozen.

He brought the bucket full of crayfish to the shore and said to Mianmian, “Zai, keep an eye on these. I’m going to catch some more.”

Mianmian nodded seriously, clearly taking the task to heart.

Lin Yi smiled and went back to the pond.

Mianmian crouched by the bucket, holding the lotus leaf in one hand and peering curiously at the crayfish inside.

It was his first time seeing these creatures up close, and his face was full of awe. He stared for a long while.

Suddenly, one energetic crayfish started climbing the side of the bucket, looking like it might escape.

Mianmian’s eyes widened.

He instinctively reached out to push it back in, but paused. Then he broke off a piece of the lotus stem and used that to poke at the crayfish.

As he gently poked it, he murmured, “You’re not allowed to run. You have to stay in the bucket.”

This was his little dad’s mission. He had to protect it well.

Finally, the escaping crayfish fell back into the bucket.

Mianmian’s expression relaxed a bit.

To prevent any more from escaping, he now stood guard with the lotus stem like a little soldier.

【Our Mianmian is so clever—he knows not to touch crayfish with his hands.】

【He’s quiet, but he’s super smart.】

【Excuse me, where can I get a baby this cute?】

【Go to sleep. Maybe you’ll dream of one.】

The rest of the group continued catching crayfish in the pond, while Shen Feng stubbornly followed Lin Yi everywhere. From time to time, a crayfish would pop out unexpectedly, making Shen Feng scream.

Lin Yi glanced over and asked, “Do you know what you look like right now?”

Shen Feng instinctively felt that Lin Yi was going to say something unpleasant, but his curiosity got the better of him. “What?”

Lin Yi said slowly, “A squeaky toy chicken—jumping up and down, screaming nonstop.”

Shen Feng: “…”

Was it too late to file a friendship termination form?

【Hahaha, squeaky chicken is such a perfect comparison!】

【I’ve been thinking it all along but didn’t dare say it.】

【From now on, Shen Feng’s new nickname is officially Squeaky Chicken.】

After a long effort, the guests finally filled their buckets with crayfish and headed back home.

Well, except Shen Feng.

Even though he had waded into the pond, he hadn’t caught a single crayfish.

His nephew, Song Yutao, couldn’t take it anymore and looked at him in disgust. “You didn’t catch even one, did you?”

Shen Feng shamelessly replied, “Who said I had to catch any?”

Young Master Shen, raised with everything he ever wanted, had developed a particularly arrogant and willful personality.

Song Yutao muttered, “So what are we eating for lunch then?”

Shen Feng didn’t back down, “Oh, so it’s okay for you not to catch any, but I’m the one getting blamed?”

Song Yutao: “…”

He was five, okay? What kind of five-year-old could catch crayfish?

Another day of wanting to swap out his uncle.

The two of them bickered the entire way home.

【Hahaha, these two argue every single day.】

【Honestly, I’ve gotten so used to it. If they don’t argue, I feel something’s wrong.】

【Can’t believe Shen Feng puts this much effort into arguing with a literal child.】

【Classic Shen Feng behavior!】

Soon, everyone made it back to the farmhouse.

Lin Yi didn’t really know how to cook crayfish but in today’s internet era, learning to cook was easy.

He immediately pulled out his phone and started watching tutorials on how to make crayfish.

Soon, he had them cleaned and prepped, and started cooking.

He decided to make two flavors—spicy mala and garlic—since those were the most common.

And to his credit, Lin Yi was actually pretty good at it.

After spending so much time cooking during the show, he’d gradually picked up some real skills.

Before long, the kitchen was filled with the delicious smell of two pots of steaming crayfish.

Then he had a sudden idea. He separated out the spicy crayfish and left behind the rich, fragrant broth. Into that, he added a packet of instant noodles.

With the savory, spicy, aromatic broth soaking the noodles and infused with the flavor of shrimp, the dish was incredibly appetizing.

Looking at his creation, Lin Yi raised an eyebrow and said, “Huh, cooking’s really not that hard. If I ever lose my job, I’ll just open a restaurant.”

Then he remembered. Jobless or not, he’d be fine.

After all, his rich husband wired him five million in pocket money every month.

Actually… wasn’t it almost time for the next transfer?

The thought made Lin Yi nearly laugh out loud in front of the camera.

【Help! I’m drooling!!】

【Wait, is Lin Yi secretly a cooking pro now?】

【I can’t believe this man can do everything while I still burn toast.】

【Wait wait wait, why is he smiling like that? Did something good happen??】

【Tell us!! We want to know too!!】

Soon, Lin Yi brought out the two plates of crayfish and the noodle dish to the table.

The moment Huo Mianmian smelled the food, his little tummy growled. Without needing help, he climbed onto a little stool and sat there waiting obediently.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of chilled beer.

After all, you couldn’t eat crayfish without beer.

As he walked back to the table with the beer, Mianmian’s eyes lit up instantly.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, “Kids can’t drink beer, you get milk.”

He placed a glass of milk in front of Mianmian.

Though a bit disappointed he couldn’t drink the same thing as his little dad, he was still happy with the milk.

He picked it up and took a small sip.

It was sweet. Delicious.

He took another sip, and it was like he exuded a warm, milky aroma.

【Ahhh I’ve swallowed my saliva like five times already.】

【Seriously, is this a parenting show or a mukbang??】

The father  and son sat at the table and began their lunch.

The crayfish were fresh, meaty, and delicious.

Both the spicy and garlic versions were excellent. 

Lin Yi and Mianmian dug in happily.

The food smelled so good that it naturally attracted others.

Shen Feng and Song Yutao were especially tempted, since they hadn’t brought back any food for lunch. Now they were hovering dangerously close to starving.

Shen Feng stared at Lin Yi’s table, visibly swallowing his drool.

He was just about to shamelessly wander over when He Nian spotted him and immediately tried to seize the opportunity.

If he could invite Shen Feng to share a meal, maybe he could get closer to him.

After all, Shen Feng was just as famous as he was in the industry, maybe even more, thanks to his “special” personality. Making friends with Shen Feng was definitely in his best interest.

With that in mind, He Nian put on a friendly smile and started walking over.

Just as he opened his mouth, “Shen Feng, why don’t we—”

Before he could finish, Shen Feng walked right past him and headed straight toward Lin Yi.

Whether he didn’t hear He Nian or deliberately ignored him, it didn’t matter. The result was enough to make He Nian’s face darken.

He glared at Lin Yi with clenched teeth.

Why was Lin Yi always the one people chose?

On the other side, Lin Yi was happily eating crayfish.

Suddenly, Shen Feng sat down across from him and stared at him for a long moment.

Lin Yi: “…”

If it were anyone else, they might’ve felt awkward under such a stare.

Lin Yi didn’t even blink, he just kept eating.

Shen Feng: “…”

Was Lin Yi really not going to say anything?

Wasn’t his hint obvious enough?

Time passed.

Lin Yi kept eating.

Shen Feng swallowed hard several times.

Eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore and blurted out, “Even if you ask me to eat, I’m not going to!”

Lin Yi paused mid-peel and looked up, amused. “I wasn’t planning to ask you, actually.”

Shen Feng choked.

After a moment, he said, “If you ask me later, it’ll be too late.”

Lin Yi lazily replied, “It’s fine. I wasn’t going to ask you anyway.”

Shen Feng: “……”

How was he supposed to keep pretending when Lin Yi refused to play along?!

【Hahaha! Shen Feng, you dummy!】

【Come on, just admit you want some! When have you ever won against Lin Yi?】

Finally, Song Yutao couldn’t watch anymore.

He looked at Lin Yi with pleading eyes and asked, “Brother Lin Yi, can I have a little?”

If he didn’t eat soon, his stomach might cave in!

There was no way he could rely on his useless uncle.

Lin Yi heard the sweet voice and finally relented. “Sure, join us.”

Song Yutao had been waiting for that. He quickly climbed into a seat.

Shen Feng: “…”

Why did his nephew get to eat and not him?

He actually felt a little… left out.

He sat there like a husky who’d been ignored by its owner—so pitiful.

Lin Yi, of course, found the whole thing hilarious but said nothing. He waited.

Eventually, Shen Feng gave in, “I can have some too, right?”

If Lin Yi still said no, he… Well, he wouldn’t do anything, actually.

Fortunately, Lin Yi finally showed mercy. “Go ahead.”

Shen Feng got permission and immediately dove in, eating like the food might disappear.

【Never thought I’d see the day Young Master Shen groveled like this.】

【I’ve been laughing nonstop this whole segment.】

【Same here—it’s too funny!】

After everyone had eaten their fill of crayfish, they were still craving more. So the group decided they’d go back to the pond for a second round later.

However, the pond was quite far from the farmhouse, so this time only the adults would go, and the kids would stay behind.

At least one adult needed to stay behind to watch over them, and this important duty naturally fell to the “intern dad” Zhao Jin.

Zhao Jin had been eyeing these cute kids for days. He’d always wanted to know what it felt like to be a dad, and now that he finally had the chance, he grinned so hard his face nearly split in two.

【Hahaha, Zhao Jin is cracking me up.】

【I mean, he doesn’t have kids of his own yet, so of course he envies everyone else’s cute little ones.】

【Let me take over this babysitting shift instead, please!】

【I also want to take care of these kids up close—where do I sign up?】

Before leaving, Lin Yi crouched down to remind Huo Mianmian, “Mianmian, I’m going to catch more crayfish, okay? You have to be good while I’m gone.”

He knew Mianmian’s temperament was a little special, so he was especially patient.

Mianmian’s big black eyes clearly showed he didn’t want Lin Yi to go. He tugged at Lin Yi’s sleeve with a small hand, as if asking him to take him along.

With that soft, dependent gaze, anyone would’ve caved in an instant.

In fact, Lin Yi did understand what Mianmian meant but he didn’t give in.

He had his reasons. He wanted to encourage Mianmian’s independence and see if he could manage a short time without clinging to him, and maybe interact with the others more.

So Lin Yi patted his head and said gently, “The pond is really far, and you’ll get super tired walking there and back.”

Mianmian immediately shook his little head. He wasn’t afraid of being tired.

Lin Yi’s heart melted at his sweet expression, but he still persisted, “The other kids aren’t going either. You can stay and play with them, okay?”

He wanted to help Mianmian gradually open up and get used to being around others. After all, he’d need to go to preschool eventually. He couldn’t stay attached to only one person forever.

This time, Mianmian’s little lips pouted slightly in disappointment, but after a moment, he nodded obediently.

Lin Yi felt a burst of pride. “Alright, I’ll be back soon.”

He got up and left with the others.

As Lin Yi walked away, Mianmian instinctively took a few steps to follow him but halfway there, he remembered Lin Yi had asked him to stay home, so he stopped.

He stood there, eyes fixed on the door, not moving until Lin Yi’s figure disappeared. Only then did his gaze drop, a bit dim.

He stayed standing in place for a long time, his tiny figure looking especially lonely.

His head drooped, his little thoughts clearly drifting away with Lin Yi.

【Hug our little Mianmian, poor baby.】

【Hang in there, sweetheart—your little dad will be back soon!】

【Ugh, I can’t take it. Mianmian looks so pitiful.】

【You can tell he really depends on Lin Yi. But Lin Yi’s trying to help him grow too, and I admire that.】

【Yeah, Lin Yi’s really thinking long-term about Mianmian’s well-being.】

Back inside the farmhouse, only Zhao Jin and the four children remained.

A soft, fluffy rug had been spread out in the living room.

Now the four kids were sitting on it, playing together.

Zhao Jin looked from one to the other, his whole face glowing with delight. “So this is what it feels like to be surrounded by a bunch of soft, cuddly little ones. I’m in heaven.”

【I want to swap souls with Zhao Jin right now.】

【If I were surrounded by kids this cute, I’d be dancing for joy.】

Among the kids, Xiao Niangao was the most outgoing.

Somehow, he’d found the Rubik’s Cube they were given on day one and excitedly brought it over to Mianmian. “Mianmian, can you teach us how to solve it? You finished it super fast the other day. You’re amazing!”

Mianmian had been zoning out, still waiting for his little dad to come back. Xiao Niangao’s voice snapped him back to reality. He blinked in surprise.

His eyes were big and beautiful, framed with thick lashes. When he blinked like that, it was so cute it made everyone’s heart itch.

Xiao Niangao instantly forgot what he was going to say and instead leaned in to stare at Mianmian’s lashes. “Whoa, your eyelashes are so long!”

Hearing that, Haohao and Song Yutao also leaned over to get a closer look.

Yep—long and thick!

They couldn’t help but want to touch them.

Mianmian stared blankly at the three faces suddenly crowding around him. “…”

Why was everyone staring at him??

Zhao Jin noticed Mianmian’s dazed expression and gently intervened, “Didn’t you guys want to learn how to solve the cube? Give Mianmian some space so he can show you properly.”

The kids quickly sat back.

Mianmian: “…”

Whew.

He could finally breathe.

To avoid getting crowded again, Mianmian grabbed one of the cubes and started solving it seriously.

He moved so fast that the other kids couldn’t understand a thing.

So he did it again.

Still no clue.

Mianmian: “…”

Sigh.

He let out a tiny, adorable sigh.

【Hahaha, poor Mianmian, he’s trying so hard.】

【Even his little sigh is the cutest thing ever!!】

Time flew by. The kids didn’t learn how to solve the Rubik’s Cube, but they were getting sleepy. It was nap time.

Finally, Zhao Jin could show off his “intern dad” skills.

He led the kids one by one to the bedroom, helped them wash up, and tucked them into bed.

Of course, putting kids to sleep wasn’t easy.

Xiao Niangao and Haohao were sweet and cooperative. Zhao Jin had them asleep in no time.

Song Yutao was a mini version of his grumpy uncle Shen Feng. As soon as he walked into the room, he told Zhao Jin, “Don’t come in. I can sleep by myself.”

Then—slam—he shut the door in Zhao Jin’s face.

Zhao Jin: “…”

Bro, my nose nearly got smashed.

【Yep, Song Yutao is 100% his uncle’s clone.】

【Rip Zhao Jin. I feel bad, but I’m also laughing.】

Then it was time for the last child: Huo Mianmian.

To be honest, Zhao Jin liked Mianmian the most. He wasn’t just adorable. He was quiet and well-behaved, the perfect little angel.

Zhao Jin also knew Mianmian didn’t talk much, so he crouched beside him and used the gentlest voice, “Mianmian, Uncle will take you to bed, okay?”

Mianmian shook his head, his big black eyes staring toward the door.

He was still obviously waiting for Lin Yi.

Zhao Jin, completely charmed, tried to coax him. “Want Uncle to tell you a story?”

He used to host a kids’ TV show, so he was confident in his ability to connect with children.

Mianmian just shook his head.

Zhao Jin tried again. “How about watching cartoons together?”

All kids loved cartoons, right?

Still, Mianmian shook his head.

Zhao Jin threw every trick in the book at him—nothing worked. Mianmian just kept staring at the door, waiting.

Zhao Jin: “…”

He turned to the camera and made a dramatic “heartbroken” expression.

【Hahaha, poor Zhao Jin.】

【I feel bad, but this is too funny. Mianmian only has eyes for his little dad.】

【Lin Yi, come back soon! Your baby’s been waiting forever.】

No one knew how long it had been, but finally, voices could be heard outside.

Mianmian’s eyes lit up. He sprang up from the rug and ran toward the door on his tiny legs.

The moment Lin Yi walked through the door, Mianmian threw himself at his leg and hugged it tight.

Caught off guard, Lin Yi looked down and saw those bright eyes gazing up at him.

He patted Mianmian’s soft head with a smile. “You’re still not asleep?”

Mianmian shook his head, never looking away.

Clearly, now that Lin Yi was back, the little guy was happy again.

Zhao Jin watched from the side and sighed exaggeratedly. “I tried everything to get him to sleep, but nothing worked. Then you show up, say nothing, and boom—leg-hug. I’m jealous.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow smugly. “Well, obviously.”

He sounded completely proud and unapologetic.

Zhao Jin: “…”

Ouch. His heart shattered.

【Hahaha, Lin Yi’s smugness is real.】

【Why can’t I have a little baby who clings to me like this??】

Lin Yi then led Mianmian back to their bedroom.

Normally, once the guests were in their rooms, the live feed would end but tonight, the crew wanted to capture a sweet bedtime moment, so a cameraman quietly followed them in.

Lin Yi and Mianmian washed up and changed into cozy pajamas, then climbed into bed together.

Lin Yi leaned back against the pillows in a relaxed pose.

Mianmian immediately curled up beside him, very used to it by now.

Fresh out of the bath, he was warm and soft. His cheeks were rosy, his dark eyes glossy like black crystal.

At that moment, he looked like the softest little kitten clinging to its owner, utterly sweet and content.

【Ahhhh I want a soft baby like this to cuddle me to sleep too.】

【I’m so jealous of Lin Yi. He’s living the dream.】

Then Lin Yi looked down and asked gently, “Mianmian, let’s skip the bedtime story tonight. Want to watch a cartoon instead?”

Mianmian nodded without hesitation.

As long as he was with his little dad, he was happy doing anything.

【Hahaha, good thing Zhao Jin isn’t here, or his heart would shatter again.】

【Zhao Jin: I offered cartoons too, and got rejected.】

Lin Yi pulled out a tablet and played a popular kids’ show.

As it played, the vibe shifted a little.

Instead of Mianmian, it was Lin Yi who got more and more into it.

“Wow, this character design is great.”

“Ooh, that animal is really cute.”

“Who knew kids’ cartoons could be this good…”

Mianmian turned to glance at Lin Yi, then simply leaned in and continued watching quietly with him.

He wasn’t that into cartoons but since his little dad liked them, he liked them too.

【Hahaha, I’m losing it—who’s watching this cartoon for whom??】

【Lin Yi just wanted to watch cartoons himself and used his kid as an excuse!】

【Shhh! Don’t ruin the moment!】