Tycoon Stepdad's Popularity (Part-1)

62 (ii)

Lin Yi doubted the sincerity of this answer.

But he never pried into others' affairs.

If someone didn't say anything, it meant they didn't want to talk about it. Why push for details?

Soon, the car brought them back to the villa.

Lin Yi and Huo Shi entered the villa together.

Huo Shi clearly hesitated slightly upon returning here.

Just before stepping into the villa, he paused.

Lin Yi turned to look at him, "What is it?"

After a long pause, Huo Shi replied, "Nothing."

Then he walked in.

The Steward was surprised to see both of them enter together but then joyfully welcomed them, "Second Young Master!! You're finally back!!"

Huo Shi nodded and greeted him, "Uncle Wu."

The Steward was so excited he could barely contain himself, "That's great! Now that you're back, I'll make sure the kitchen prepares a grand feast tonight to celebrate!!!"

Huo Mianmian also tilted his head, observing Huo Shi curiously.

He had vague memories of Huo Shi, knowing that this person seemed to be his second uncle. He must have met Huo Shi when he was younger, but the memories were not very clear.

The servants also came forward one by one to greet Huo Shi.

It was evident that Second Young Master Huo was well-liked in this household.

Huo Shi didn't say much and wasn't overly enthusiastic, responding calmly to everyone.

Time quickly passed until evening.

Dinner time arrived.

As promised, the Steward had the kitchen prepare a table full of dishes, each one a delicacy.

Lin Yi sat down with Huo Mianmian on one side of the long table.

Huo Shi sat across from them.

The seat of honor, of course, was reserved for Jihan.

A few minutes later, accompanied by the greetings of the servants, Huo Jihan arrived home.

Moments later, Huo Jihan appeared in the dining room.

Dressed in a well-tailored black suit, he walked in with a steady pace, exuding an innate aura of authority.

Huo Shi, who had been sitting properly at his seat, instinctively stood up upon seeing his brother and respectfully called out, "Brother."

Huo Jihan paused, his dark eyes coldly locking onto Huo Shi.

Huo Shi lowered his head, no longer daring to meet his brother's gaze.

The atmosphere in the dining room suddenly froze.

Lin Yi, standing nearby, maintained a composed demeanor, observing the scene before him.

He now understood why Huo Shi would feel both reverence and fear when mentioning his brother; it was clear that Huo Jihan held significant authority over Huo Shi.

Fortunately, after a while, Huo Jihan finally shifted his gaze away from Huo Shi and proceeded directly to the dining table, taking his seat at the head.

Huo Shi remained standing, not daring to move.

Huo Jihan picked up his chopsticks and said, "Sit down and eat."

Huo Shi visibly relaxed and took his seat.

The meal began, but the atmosphere was much more serious than usual.

After finishing the meal, Huo Jihan coldly instructed Huo Shi, "Come to the study with me."

Huo Shi did not dare disobey and quickly followed Huo Jihan upstairs to the study.

Downstairs.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian were completely at ease.

Father and son lounged comfortably on the sofa, enjoying post-dinner fruits while watching television.

After some time, Huo Shi descended the stairs.

Lin Yi heard the movement and looked up, noticing a bruise on Huo Shi's temple.

Because Huo Shi had fair skin, any mark was quite visible.

Lin Yi slightly straightened his posture, surprised, "What happened...?"

Huo Shi nonchalantly replied, "Got hit by some files; couldn't dodge them."

Lin Yi was momentarily at a loss for words.

After all, he knew nothing about the situation and didn't want to pass judgment.

He simply asked, "Do you need to apply some medicine? There's a first-aid kit there."

Huo Shi remained calm, "It looks worse than it is; my brother didn't use much force."

Lin Yi: "...Alright then."

He believed Huo Jihan had a sense of control.

Throughout their conversation, Huo Mianmian sat quietly beside them, not making a sound, just blinking his big black eyes at Huo Shi.

At this moment, Huo Shi approached Huo Mianmian and grabbed his cheeks, saying, "Mianmian, why didn't you greet me? Did you forget I'm your second uncle?"

Huo Mianmian's face felt soft and comfortable to pinch.

But being shaken up and down like that by Huo Shi was another matter entirely.

Huo Mianmian's eyes widened immediately.

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!! QAQ!!

Seeing this, Lin Yi swiftly slapped away Huo Shi's hands, freeing Huo Mianmian's face, and chided, "Can't you be gentler? You're too rough!"

Huo Shi shrugged, "How fragile can he be? I used to get roughed up all the time when I was little."

Lin Yi retorted, "Not everyone has thick skin like you. Our Mianmian has delicate skin; he needs to be treated gently."

As he spoke, he realized something and asked Huo Shi, somewhat puzzled, "Who roughed you up?"

Huo Shi was the second young master of the Huo family; surely no one dared treat him disrespectfully?

Huo Shi revealed the answer, "My brother."

Lin Yi: "..."

It made sense now.

Everything suddenly fell into place.

Lin Yi sighed softly, "Truly hard work."

Huo Shi responded, "It's okay; I've been beaten by my brother since childhood..."

Lin Yi interrupted, "I meant your brother worked hard."

Someone like Huo Shi clearly grew up being a troublemaker.

I bet Huo Jihan spent a lot of effort trying to keep this younger brother in line, right?

Huo Shi: "..."

Lin Yi didn't care about Huo Shi's reaction. He turned and started gently rubbing Huo Mianmian's cheeks, comforting him, "Honey, how are you? Does it hurt?"

Huo Mianmian obediently shook his head. "It doesn't hurt."

Lin Yi continued, "Next time Uncle Jihan pinches your face too hard, just bite him back, okay?"

Huo Mianmian blinked, looking confused.

Huo Shi: "??"

Then, Huo Shi stood by and watched as Lin Yi spoke to Huo Mianmian.

For some reason, this ordinary scene gave off a warm and relaxing feeling.

It was as if they had truly returned home.