The Rich Stepfather Became Popular After Slacking Off - Chapter 23

The first season of the parenting reality show soon came to an end.

On the final day, to give everyone a proper send-off, the production team arranged a banquet, setting out a huge table filled with dishes to treat all the guests.

As the guests sat down, they were visibly surprised.

Lin Yi casually glanced at the spread in front of him.

The dishes were all flavorful regional specialties—like stir-fried cured pork with garlic shoots, braised pork belly with preserved vegetables, lotus root and pork rib soup, sautéed seasonal greens, and so on.

They weren’t particularly expensive dishes, but each one was rich in the warmth of home-cooked meals and looked incredibly appetizing.

Shen Feng stared at the feast and muttered, “Wow, can’t believe the stingy crew finally decided to act like humans for once.”

Since he didn’t know how to cook, he suffered quite a bit during filming. Naturally, he had been holding a grudge against the production team, and now he took this opportunity to vent.

The director and crew standing nearby: “…”

We’re right here, you know.

But since Young Master Shen had always been blunt and unfiltered, no one dared argue with him. They just pretended not to hear.

【LOL, Shen Feng and that mouth of his—truly relentless.】

【No joke, I started stanning him back in the day because he was the only celeb in the industry who dared speak the truth.】

【He even dropped major tea about the industry once, more detailed than any tabloid.】

【Shen Feng, you better stay in showbiz. Without you, where would I get my daily dose of joy?】

Lin Yi served himself a steaming bowl of rice, then added a slice of cured pork stir-fried with garlic shoots and mixed it into the rice.

Just as he’d expected, it was delicious.

The smoky flavor of the cured meat, paired with the aromatic garlic shoots, elevated the dish to a whole new level.

He was eating intently when Shen Feng scooted over to him with a look like he wanted to chat seriously. “Where do you think we’ll be filming the next season?”

Lin Yi looked at him in surprise. “You’re actually looking forward to filming the next season?”

He still remembered how Shen Feng had reacted on the first day. He looked like he couldn’t stand being at the farmhouse for even one second.

And now, here he was, actively discussing the next location?

Shen Feng seemed flustered at being called out, and his ears turned slightly red. He immediately raised his voice, trying to sound tough, “I—I’m just curious, okay? Can’t I be curious?”

The truth was, he really didn’t mind the show anymore.

Mainly because Lin Yi was on it.

If he had known earlier that Lin Yi would be part of the cast, he wouldn’t have resisted so much at the start.

Lin Yi noticed the way Shen Feng suddenly raised his voice, clearly trying to cover something up. He chuckled, “Ever heard of the phrase ‘there’s no silver buried here’?”

Shen Feng: “…”

Crap.

Did Lin Yi just read his mind? Or was he baiting him?

Unable to tell, Shen Feng blurted awkwardly, “What’s your problem? I’m just being nice, trying to talk to you, and you’re spouting nonsense!”

Lin Yi said lazily, “Alright, alright. Let’s talk seriously then.”

For some reason, that casual, laid-back tone of his was incredibly flirtatious.

Shen Feng immediately looked away, not daring to meet his eyes.

Crap! His ears were really turning red now!

【Hahaha, where did Shen Feng’s fiery temper go?】

【He’s totally acting like a dumb, flustered husky.】

【I kind of want to ship these two—is that allowed??】

Maybe the emotional whiplash was too much. After that, Shen Feng stopped talking and just sulked quietly over his bowl of rice.

Lin Yi let him be and continued eating in peace.

Shen Feng didn’t stay quiet for long. A few minutes later, he leaned in again. “Hey, when we head out for next season, let’s go together?”

He had intended to keep his distance for a while but he couldn’t hold it in.

Lin Yi didn’t even glance at him, replying calmly, “We’re not going the same way.”

Shen Feng frowned. “How do you know? I didn’t even say where I live.”

Lin Yi replied, “If I say we’re not, we’re not.”

There was no way he would ride with Shen Feng. That guy would talk his ear off the whole way.

Shen Feng quickly realized Lin Yi was just brushing him off and immediately protested, “Hey! So you do hate me!”

Why else would Lin Yi avoid him like this? Was there anything not good enough about him?

Lin Yi sighed, “Can you just let me eat in peace? You’ve been yapping the entire meal.”

Shen Feng: “…”

So he really is being hated on!!

He turned back around, sulking with a dark cloud hanging over his head.

Despite being handsome and typically arrogant, right now he looked like a dejected husky caught in the rain. He was completely pitiful.

【Never thought I’d see Shen Feng make that face.】

【Is this even the same Shen Feng we know??】

【Hahaha, it’s like Lin Yi is the one holding Shen Feng’s leash.】

【Stop teasing the puppy, Lin Yi. He’s about to cry!】

At the table, everyone began sharing their thoughts on filming the first season.

Zhao Jin said he had learned a lot about childcare and looked forward to applying it.

He also mentioned he was especially excited about the child his wife was carrying, and said he hoped the baby would be just as well-behaved as Huo Mianmian.

Clearly, he’d grown very fond of Mianmian.

Zhou Ke, who had a stutter, wasn’t used to expressing himself, so he only blushed and said a few short sentences.

He was genuinely happy. He’d thought his personality would make it hard to connect with others, but instead, he felt respected and welcomed by the group.

He especially enjoyed being around Lin Yi, those moments were when he felt most relaxed.

After everyone had spoken, they went back to their rooms to pack.

As soon as Lin Yi entered his room, He Nian followed him in.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. “You want something?”

Before the cameraman arrived, He Nian quickly said, “Cousin, once you go home, Mr. Huo should be back too, right?”

Lin Yi found it amusing.

This guy really wasn’t giving up?

Did He Nian think he was stupid enough to help him chase after Huo Jihan? Even if his marriage to Huo was just a contract, there was no way he’d help someone chase his own spouse.

Seeing Lin Yi stay silent, He Nian got nervous and hurried to explain, “Don’t misunderstand, Cousin. I just want to offer my congratulations. After all, I didn’t get the chance when you two got married.”

Truthfully, He Nian had fallen for Huo Jihan the first time he caught a glimpse of him.

He’d tried everything to get his contact info through the industry’s connections but came up empty.

He couldn’t even get a phone number, let alone meet the man himself. 

So even if he resented Lin Yi deeply, his only chance to approach Huo Jihan was through him.

Lin Yi listened, then said flatly, “You done? If so, get out. I need to pack.”

He Nian frowned, a little aggrieved. “We’re family. Isn’t this a bit cold?”

He waited for Lin Yi to respond so he could continue playing the victim card, a tactic he’d used with great success in the past. Play weak, gain sympathy, and criticize from a moral high ground.

Lin Yi didn’t take the bait. He just nodded. “Mm.”

Then he turned away and started packing, not saying another word.

He Nian: “…”

He had prepared a whole speech! Just one word from Lin Yi and it all went to waste.

Then the cameraman walked in.

Instantly, He Nian put on his gentle, friendly face. “Cousin, I’ll get going. Let’s keep in touch, okay? We’re family, after all. We should help each other out.”

His fans immediately chimed in on the stream.

【Aww, Nian Nian values family so much!】

【He’s always so kind-hearted.】

But a wave of opposing voices quickly drowned them out.

【???】

【Is He Nian seriously just a weasel wishing the chicken Happy New Year?】

【Ugh, can he stop being so fake? It’s nauseating.】

【Also… has anyone noticed how his fans have thinned out a lot lately? They used to flood the stream, but not anymore.】

【Serves him right. After screwing up so many times, his fanbase finally ran out of patience.】

【Finally—something worth celebrating!】

Half an hour later, it was time to leave.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian were the first to go.

Before they left, the other three kids surrounded Mianmian, chatting with him.

“Mianmian, let’s play again next time, okay?”

“I’ll bring you watercolor pens since you like drawing.”

Though Mianmian had signs of social anxiety and didn’t like contact, he’d grown used to the other kids after these few days.

So, for once, he opened his mouth and spoke to someone other than Lin Yi. “Bye-bye, everyone.”

His voice was soft and sweet, like cotton candy melting in your ears.

The other kids were stunned by how cute he sounded and grew even more excited, chattering nonstop.

Lin Yi stood nearby, watching with pride.

Clearly, Mianmian wasn’t as resistant to socializing anymore. This is a big step forward.

Slow and steady, one day Mianmian would be just like any other cheerful, lively kid.

When Mianmian finished saying goodbye to his little friends, Lin Yi took him and left the farmhouse.

Before leaving, Lin Yi said a few parting words to Zhao Jin and Zhou Ke, then casually waved to a sulking Shen Feng. “We’re off. Bye!”

Shen Feng had been feeling down, but Lin Yi’s farewell instantly perked him up like a droopy seedling watered by rain.

He huffed and said, “At least you remembered to say bye.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. “Want me to take it back?”

Shen Feng immediately jumped up. “What kind of person takes back a goodbye?!”

Lin Yi replied nonchalantly, “Mm.”

“You…”

Lin Yi didn’t want to waste more time. He pulled his suitcase and left with Mianmian.

Shen Feng shouted after them, “Hey! Say it properly before you go!”

Lin Yi didn’t look back, he just raised a hand and waved.

Shen Feng watched that wave and, inexplicably, felt comforted. He snorted to himself, “That’s more like it.”

【Wait—so now it’s “more like it”?】

【Haha, Shen Feng is totally self-brainwashing. Lin Yi just waved and he’s already imagining feelings.】

At 3 p.m., Lin Yi and Mianmian returned to the villa.

The butler and a team of staff were already waiting at the door.

As soon as they stepped inside, the butler said warmly, “Welcome home, Mr. Lin and young master.”

The staff all smiled.

Lin Yi returned the smile. “Thank you!”

Ah—home sweet home.

If nothing else, he missed the villa’s chef.

He’d been cooking for himself this whole time. How could he not long for the villa’s professional chef?

The staff swiftly took their luggage.

The butler asked, “Mr. Lin, how was your time away?”

Lin Yi nodded. “Pretty good.”

The butler’s wrinkled face lit up. “That’s great. I think the young master has even put on a bit of weight.”

Lin Yi glanced down at Mianmian’s chubby little cheeks.

Sure enough, he had gotten rounder.

Already adorable, Mianmian now looked even softer and squishier. He was perfect for cuddling.

The butler was clearly pleased.

He had always believed the young master would be happier with Mr. Lin, and seeing the child grow stronger proved it.

He nearly shed tears of joy but quickly composed himself.

“Mr. Lin, it’s perfect timing you’ve returned,” he added. “We’re planning to do some renovations around the villa. Do you have any suggestions?”

Lin Yi perked up.

Since he had transmigrated and would be living here long-term, why not make it more comfortable?

So he and Mianmian followed the butler around the estate for a tour.

This was the first time Lin Yi had seen the full scope of the villa.

To his surprise, the entire property belonged to Huo Jihan.

It spanned six to seven thousand square meters, including the main house, various outbuildings, gardens, a man-made mountain, a lawn, a golf course, and more. It was a fully equipped private estate.

According to the butler, this wasn’t even the only property of Huo Jihan. He had real estate all over the world.

Just how rich was this guy?!

Lin Yi couldn’t help but be impressed.

He was definitely settling in for the long haul!

But as they walked, Lin Yi realized something was missing.

He asked, “Isn’t there a swimming pool?”

The butler replied, “Yes, but we haven’t reached it yet.”

Lin Yi thought for a moment. “Can we build one closer to the main house?”

He didn’t want to walk far every time he wanted to swim.

Summer was coming—how refreshing would it be to float in cool water?

He imagined a lounge chair, a giant umbrella, and sipping a cold drink poolside. It would feel like a vacation every day.

The butler laughed. “Of course. You’re the master here too. You can make any suggestions you like.”

Lin Yi nodded and bent down to pinch Mianmian’s cheek. “Mianmian, we’ll have a pool soon. Excited? You can float in a swim ring, and I’ll toss in a few rubber duckies. It’ll be so fun.”

Mianmian didn’t have much concept of swimming, but the scene Lin Yi described sounded delightful.

He nodded obediently.

Lin Yi beamed. “Good boy.”

Mianmian smiled sweetly.

Yay, dad praised him again today. So happy~

The butler watched their interaction, eyes misty with emotion.

Then he said, “Oh, by the way, Mr. Lin—Mr. Huo will be returning today.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow.

What?

His walking ATM was coming home?

He still hadn’t met Huo Jihan and had no idea what the guy looked like.

Not that it mattered, what he cared about was the monthly five million. As for the man himself? Totally irrelevant.

Of course, the butler didn’t know what Lin Yi was really thinking. Seeing how close Lin Yi and Mianmian were, he wanted to play matchmaker.

“Mr. Huo will be staying for a while,” he said enthusiastically. “It’s the perfect time for you two to bond and build a relationship.”

Lin Yi chuckled dryly. “Hehe…”

The butler pressed on. “Mr. Huo’s been alone for years. I think you might bring something new to his life…”

He went on and on about how good it would be if Lin Yi and Huo Jihan grew closer.

Lin Yi just gave him a few dry chuckles and didn’t respond.

After all, it was just a contract marriage. Why bother “building a relationship”? Living their own lives sounded much better.

Surely Huo Jihan thought the same, which was why he went the contract route.

After their tour, Lin Yi and Mianmian returned to the main house.

Mianmian was getting sleepy, so the butler took him for a nap.

Lin Yi wasn’t tired. He grabbed the car keys and headed out.

He’d barely gotten to drive his new Ferrari. It was now the perfect time for a spin.

In the garage, he discovered something else. Huo Jihan had a massive collection of luxury cars, nearly all limited editions from around the world.

They were lined up in neat rows. This was a car lover’s dream.

Lin Yi admired them for a while before driving off in his Ferrari.

He cruised around for a couple of hours, indulging in speed and adrenaline. It felt amazing.

Around 5 p.m., he returned to the villa.

To his surprise, a black Bentley was already parked out front.

A man who looked like an assistant quickly stepped out, opened the back door respectfully and a man in a black suit emerged.

He was tall, close to 190 cm with a powerful aura.

His expression was cold, and those pitch-black eyes gave off an icy chill wherever they landed.

Every movement radiated the pressure of someone in absolute control.

Still seated in his convertible, Lin Yi lazily watched the man for a moment.

Based on what the butler had said, he could guess who it was.

It was the infamous, ruthless head of the Huo family, Huo Jihan.

Just then, Huo Jihan looked his way.

Lin Yi sat there in his white outfit, long legs stretched out, still carrying a hint of smugness from his drive.

Their eyes met across the space.

After a pause, Huo Jihan finally spoke, his voice low and cold.

“Lin Yi?”