Chapter 98
Lin Yi wondered what Zhao Yu had been up to behind the scenes.
He figured this guy couldn’t be up to any good.
Indeed, the bodyguard revealed a shocking piece of news.
It turned out that Zhao Yu wasn’t just involved with Huo Mengyan; there were two others as well, though Huo Mengyan was the wealthiest among them.
Zhao Yu, that pretty boy, believed in casting a wide net to catch as many fish as possible and then extracting maximum benefits from them.
Lin Yi listened to all this and glanced at Zhao Yu nearby, tutting twice. “Though he looks decent, the things he does are disgusting.”
The bodyguard asked, “Should we go warn Miss Third now?”
Lin Yi thought for a moment and said, “To make her give up completely, it’s better for her to catch him in the act herself.”
After all, Huo Mengyan was particularly tolerant of her first love. Today, Zhao Yu had sent flowers and played the guitar, so she might soften her heart again.
From her perspective, Zhao Yu hadn’t committed any unforgivable sins. Even if there were hints of manipulation, she would likely think it was just an issue in their relationship. This naive girl would probably still hope Zhao Yu could change and become a suitable boyfriend.
The bodyguard asked, “Should Miss Third go herself? Won’t that be too much of a blow?”
Lin Yi replied, “A big blow will leave a deeper impression, preventing similar mistakes in the future.”
Being overly protected isn’t always a good thing because without experiencing life’s harshness firsthand, one never truly grows.
At that moment, Lin Yi received a call from Zhuang Che.
Zhuang Che sounded excited, asking if Lin Yi was free today because his parents wanted to invite him for dinner.
Then Zhuang’s mother took the phone and extended the invitation as well.
Lin Yi thought for a moment and agreed.
After all, resolving Huo Mengyan’s situation would take time, and he had no interest in watching the two of them tangle. So, he decided to go for dinner instead.
He instructed the bodyguard to ensure Huo Mengyan got home safely and then left.
Before leaving, he sent Huo Mengyan a message saying he had something to attend to and reminding her to be careful.
Having done all this, Lin Yi left the university campus.
He walked leisurely to his car and drove to a dining spot based on the location Zhuang Che had sent him.
Zhuang Che’s parents had reserved a private room at a high-end restaurant, eager to treat Lin Yi to dinner.
In their eyes, Lin Yi might be the person who could transform their son, so they were grateful and hoped he would take more interest.
Lin Yi parked his car and was led by a staff member to the private room.
The Zhuang family of three was already waiting inside.
Seeing him arrive, they stood up to greet him.
Zhuang Che hurried over to Lin Yi, looking like a puppy, eagerly saying, “Lin Yi, you finally came.”
Lin Yi nodded and greeted Zhuang’s parents, “Uncle, Auntie, hello!”
He had actually declined the invitation over the phone, but the Zhuangs were so enthusiastic, especially Zhuang’s mother, who took Zhuang Che’s phone and personally pleaded with Lin Yi to come.
Given their persistence, Lin Yi couldn’t refuse and thus showed up.
Now, Zhuang’s parents looked at Lin Yi warmly, treating him like a second son: “Xiaoyi is here, please sit down!”
Both Zhuang’s parents were prominent figures in the entertainment industry, running a successful entertainment company with significant influence.
Zhuang’s father, around sixty, exuded authority in his gray suit.
Zhuang’s mother, with her hair styled up and wearing an embroidered qipao, clearly came from a wealthy background.
Lin Yi sat down and said, “You didn’t need to go through all this trouble. I haven’t done much; it was just a small favor.”
Zhuang’s mother immediately responded warmly, “How can you say that? We watched your live broadcast, and you helped Xiaoché a lot. Moreover, Xiaoché himself said you’re his closest friend in the show. We owe you this dinner.”
Zhuang’s father added, “If you continue guiding our Xiaoché towards a better path, we’ll definitely reciprocate. How about taking some shares in our company? If you’re interested, we can transfer some to you.”
Lin Yi was slightly surprised.
Company shares?
Their current entertainment company was rapidly growing, having produced two Best Actors and a Best Actress this year. It was clear that the company’s value would only increase in the coming years.
If he acquired some shares, wouldn’t he be sitting on a gold mine?
He didn’t expect the Zhuangs to be willing to invest so much.
Actually, Zhuang’s parents had considered this carefully. As businessmen, they wouldn’t make a loss without expecting gains.
They invited Lin Yi to become a shareholder for several reasons.
First, Lin Yi’s popularity was undeniable, and joining their company would bring them even greater benefits.
Second, Lin Yi seemed to have deep connections with the Huo family. While they didn’t know the specifics, even a slight connection with the Huo Group would yield immediate benefits. Everyone admired the Huo Group, and having a stake in it was highly desirable. Giving Lin Yi shares was a way to leverage his connections.
Lastly, they doted on their late-born son, which had led to some character issues. They lacked the heart to discipline him themselves and needed an outsider’s help. Currently, Lin Yi was the best candidate.
There was a brief silence during the meal.
Both Lin Yi and Zhuang Che’s parents were pondering the potential benefits of this exchange.
Only Zhuang Che was clueless, responsible for serving tea and pouring wine for the other three.
But he was clumsy, spilling wine outside the glass, which made him upset, muttering, “What kind of bottle is this? The design is terrible; it spills every time!”
Zhuang’s father looked at his son helplessly, feeling even more that today’s matter must reach a conclusion.
So he raised his wine glass and proposed a toast to Lin Yi, “Xiaoyi, shall we seal the deal?”
Lin Yi had also made up his mind, raising his glass to clink with Zhuang’s father’s, smiling, “Sealed.”
After all, no matter how one calculated it, he stood to gain the most.
Who wouldn’t want to become a shareholder in a rapidly rising company?
The glasses touched lightly, and thus the matter was settled.
Of course, specific details would be finalized later; for now, they had reached an initial verbal agreement.
Overall, the meal was a pleasant affair.
Zhuang’s parents were delighted, having achieved their purpose for the dinner, and drank several cups of wine.
Lin Yi stopped after two cups and enjoyed the exquisite dishes on the table.
There were over twenty dishes, each a precious delicacy from various regions, priced exorbitantly high. Not eating them would be a waste of the chef’s hard work.
Zhuang Che chattered away at Lin Yi, “Lin Yi, what do you do on days when you’re not filming shows?”
Lin Yi, while eating, answered casually, “Enjoying life.”
Even when filming, he did so as he pleased, according to his own desires.
Zhuang Che looked at Lin Yi eagerly, “Can I come find you to play? I get so bored alone.”
He wasn’t short of friends, but they all pretended to be close to him only because of his status as the young master of the Zhuang family. They were friendly to his face but mocked him behind his back, calling him an incapable fool.
Lin Yi glanced at him indifferently, “Play? This is the prime time for you to strive and work hard.”
Zhuang Che wilted instantly, “But striving is so tiring.”
Lin Yi said calmly, “But a man who works diligently is the most charming.”
Zhuang Che perked up slightly, his eyes gleaming, “R-really?”
Lin Yi affirmed, “Of course, why don’t you try working at your company for a while? You’ll transform completely.”
Zhuang Che seemed excited, “Will you cheer me on?”
Lin Yi nodded, “Yes.”
After all, if he became a shareholder in the Zhuang family’s company, Zhuang Che working there would be equivalent to working for him. He needed to encourage employees who actively contributed to the company’s profits.
Zhuang Che clenched his fists, “Then I’ll go to work tomorrow.”
Lin Yi encouraged him, “Great, you’re already taking a step towards becoming a successful person.”
Zhuang Che, hearing this, felt even more energized, eager to start working right away.
Because Lin Yi’s affirmation had ignited a surge of enthusiasm within him.
Zhuang’s parents watched their son’s transformation, mouths agape in shock.
What had happened? Why was their son suddenly willing to work?
They looked at Lin Yi, feeling even more that this deal was worth it.
After the meal, the group walked out of the private room amicably, chatting enthusiastically about various matters.
After all, they were now business partners.
At that moment, a paparazzo was lurking in the stairwell, grumbling while holding a camera.
He had originally come to catch a female celebrity cheating but left empty-handed.
However, when he stepped out of the stairwell and saw the group nearby, he quickly hid again.
The paparazzo, hiding in the shadows, thought quickly.
Isn’t that Lin Yi, who has been making waves recently?
And the other three are the Zhuang family?
How did these four end up together?
The paparazzo cautiously peeked out and started snapping photos…
By a little past four in the afternoon.
Lin Yi returned to the villa.
When he arrived, Huo Mianmian was sitting on the steps of the villa, eating candy.
Today, Huo Mianmian wore a cloak-like outfit with a large hood adorned with a ring of white fur.
The fur made his face appear even softer and whiter.
He sat obediently on the steps, like a little mushroom, munching on a bag of candy.
When Lin Yi saw Huo Mianmian, he naturally smiled and walked over, saying, “Mianmian, what are you eating?”
Hearing the voice, Huo Mianmian lifted his head instantly, delighted. “Dad!”
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