TRSBPASO 46

The airport interior was spacious and bright.

Lin Yi held Huo Mianmian’s hand as they walked in and casually found a row of seats to sit down.

The flight wouldn’t take off for another hour, so they could sit and rest for a bit.

Shen Feng, of course, sat down right next to Lin Yi.

After sitting, he crossed his legs, pulled out his phone, and said to Lin Yi, “Come on, come on, while the plane hasn’t taken off yet, let’s play a game together.”

Lin Yi replied, “I’m not playing with you.”

Shen Feng immediately frowned. “Why not?”

Lin Yi said with disdain, “Because you suck at gaming.”

He had seen Shen Feng play during the last show taping. Shen Feng was the typical kind of player, he had terrible skills but was overly enthusiastic. In one round, he could die over a dozen times.

Shen Feng hadn’t expected to be looked down on by Lin Yi and immediately tried to defend himself. “I’m the official ambassador for this game, okay? Do you have any idea how many people would love to team up with me?”

And yet Lin Yi still wouldn’t play with him even when he asked directly?

Lin Yi gave him a lazy glance. “I don’t care how many people want to play with you. I’m not one of them.”

Shen Feng: “…”

He was momentarily speechless but playing alone wasn’t fun either, so he kept pestering Lin Yi, “Just two rounds, come on. Otherwise, aren’t you bored by just sitting here?”

Lin Yi answered calmly, “I’m not bored.”

Shen Feng: “…”

Unable to win the argument, Shen Feng resorted to shamelessness. “I don’t care! If you don’t play with me, I’ll keep talking in your ear nonstop until I drive you crazy!”

This time, Lin Yi was the one left speechless.

What kind of grudge was this?

Left with no choice, Lin Yi pulled out his phone. “Fine, let’s do it.”

Shen Feng immediately perked up. “Quick, log into the game, I’ll invite you.”

In this match, besides Lin Yi and Shen Feng, there were three other random players. Once the five-person team was complete, the game started.

Once it began, Shen Feng finally understood why Lin Yi had been so dismissive of him.

Because Lin Yi’s skills were insane. At least compared to the other four of them, he was like a gaming god.

The key was that Lin Yi was calm the entire time, casually controlling the game without the slightest hint of tension or emotional fluctuation.

In the end, Lin Yi led the entire team to a spectacular win.

Shen Feng was dumbfounded. He turned to look at Lin Yi. “Why are you so good at this?”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. “I play every day. How could I not be good? I even have a dedicated gaming room at home.”

A gaming room?

Every guy hearing that would probably be tempted.

Shen Feng was no exception. He immediately asked, “Can I come over sometime? In return, you can visit my place too!”

Lin Yi flatly refused. “No.”

Shen Feng didn’t expect to be rejected again and jumped up. “Why not?”

Lin Yi replied, “Because I don’t want to go to your place. So there’s no exchange.”

Shen Feng: “…”

Such unshakable logic, he had no idea how to argue back.

After a brief conversation, they started a second round.

This time, Shen Feng started recording the screen from the beginning, planning to post a video of him and Lin Yi gaming together on Weibo.

On one hand, it would show that he, the game’s ambassador, wasn’t slacking and was taking time to practice. On the other hand, he wanted to show the world that he and Lin Yi had a good relationship—they even gamed together.

Not long after, Shen Feng uploaded the freshly recorded video to Weibo and tagged Lin Yi.

Shen Feng had a lot of followers. Despite his hot-tempered rich-boy personality, plenty of people liked that about him and followed him.

His fanbase was also unique, constantly roasting him while still liking him. A rare combo in the industry.

So as soon as he posted, the comments started pouring in.

【Is Shen Feng playing a game with Lin Yi?】

【Wow, after one show, their relationship has really improved—they’re even playing games together.】

【Ahhh! My two faves are collaborating, I’m freaking out!】

【Lin Yi’s skills are insane. He totally crushed Shen Feng.】

【Honestly, how does someone as bad as Shen Feng find anyone willing to team with him? Lin Yi is clearly an angel.】

【Shen Feng: You fake fans, unfollow me now!】

【LOL, sorry! Our bad! We’ll do it again next time!】

【Why are these two suddenly gaming together? Is the parenting show starting again?!】

【To the sis above—yes! Season two is filming soon! The show’s official account already announced it!】

【Ahhh I need to camp the livestream!】

At the airport.

Another guest from this city was arriving—He Nian.

He Nian maintained his usual “pure and innocent” persona, entering the airport with a smile while holding Haohao’s hand.

When he saw Lin Yi and Shen Feng sitting together, he was momentarily shocked. Why were they together? Did they arrange this in advance? When did their relationship get so close?

A flood of thoughts raced through He Nian’s mind, but he didn’t show any of it. He just smiled and walked over to them.

When he reached them, he greeted Shen Feng first but Shen Feng didn’t even look up, he just gave a perfunctory “mm.”

Shen Feng hated fake people like He Nian, who always acted like they were wearing a mask. No way he would give him the time of day.

He Nian felt a bit awkward but was used to maintaining his perfect image. He quickly brushed it off and greeted Lin Yi, “Cousin.”

Lin Yi responded flatly, “Mm. You’re here.”

He Nian smiled. “Yeah, got held up a little on the way, almost didn’t make it.”

Lin Yi said nothing more.

He didn’t want to talk to He Nian anyway.

At this moment, He Nian glanced around and then asked, seemingly casually, “Cousin, is it just you and Mianmian who came? Who brought you here?”

He was hoping it was the one he’d been obsessing over.

Even though he didn’t want to use Lin Yi to get closer to Huo Jihan, it seemed there was no other way.

He had once mustered the courage to wait outside Huo Corporation’s building. After a long wait, he finally saw Huo Jihan exit with a group of executives.

At that moment, all He Nian’s thoughts were focused on Huo Jihan. He couldn’t think of anything else, and rushed forward, calling out, “President Huo.”

Huo Jihan turned toward the voice.

In that instant, He Nian felt like his breath stopped.

Huo Jihan just gave him a cold glance, eyes pausing for less than a second before turning away again—like He Nian didn’t even exist.

He Nian hadn’t expected to leave zero impression on Huo Jihan, especially since they had met two or three times before.

He tried to approach again, but Huo Jihan had already walked off with the executives, leaving behind only his cold and distant back.

He Nian was crushed.

He quickly picked himself up and reassured himself that for someone at Huo Jihan’s level, persistence was necessary. He was willing to keep trying.

Thinking of this, He Nian asked Lin Yi again, “Cousin, was it President Huo who brought you two?”

He wanted to bring up Huo Jihan.

Too bad Lin Yi, still playing his game, lazily glanced at him and said, “What’s it to you?”

He Nian choked, then quickly waved it off. “Of course nothing. We’re family, just concerned about you.”

Lin Yi gave a flat, “Oh.”

And that was the end of it.

He Nian had been hoping to get more info about Huo Jihan, but Lin Yi clearly wasn’t playing along.

“Cousin…” He Nian was about to try again.

Then Shen Feng, from the side, clicked his tongue impatiently. “Can you not? Don’t you see we’re playing here? Why do you have so many questions?”

Shen Feng had always been like this—never hiding his displeasure. He already disliked He Nian.

He Nian was once again shut down.

Shen Feng came from a powerful family—he wasn’t someone He Nian could afford to offend. So He Nian could only swallow his anger and sit silently in the nearby seat.

Just then, a few fans nearby raised their cameras toward them and started snapping pictures like crazy.

Seeing this, He Nian finally felt a little better.

At least his popularity in the industry was still solid. He was a bona fide top-tier star.

Lin Yi could never compete with that. His current popularity was just temporary. Sooner or later, He Nian would crush him again—after all, that’s how it had always been for the past twenty years.

He didn’t know what had suddenly made this useless cousin so hard to deal with, but there was no way he’d allow Lin Yi to surpass him.

With that in mind, He Nian adjusted his clothes and posed, aiming to give fans his most photogenic angle.

But then, one of the fans who was blocked by his posture lowered her camera and said, “Sorry, can you move a bit? I want to take pictures of Linlin.”

He Nian immediately turned red.

She wanted to take pictures of Lin Yi?

Was she blind?

She ignored him and chose Lin Yi?

He thought of himself posing just now—he must’ve looked like a total clown. His breath caught in his throat.

Since he always maintained his “nice guy” image in public, even though he was cursing internally, he still smiled and moved aside for the fan.

As soon as he stepped aside, the fans went wild snapping pictures of Lin Yi—some solo shots, some with Shen Feng.

Once the photos hit the internet, they immediately blew up.

【Ahhh! Lin Yi still makes my heart race!】

【That face—those eyes, nose, lips—Nuwa really was biased when molding him!】

【Now I get why people say someone can look good even in a potato sack—Lin Yi’s just wearing a plain white tee, but he’s still the most dazzling person in the crowd.】

【Glad everyone shares my taste.】

【What’s Lin Yi doing? Playing games with Shen Feng?】

【Looks like it. Didn’t Shen Feng just post about them gaming together?】

【These two look so perfect together. I’ve already got a CP name for them—“Yi Qi Feng” (Going Crazy Together)!!】

【LOL, “Yi Qi Feng”, I love it!!】

【What game are they playing? I want in!】

【Where’s the game’s official account? Perfect promo opportunity!】

【Bet the game company will show up in the comments soon.】

An hour later.

Lin Yi and the others boarded the plane, and it took off.

After a smooth takeoff, the plane rose higher and higher.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian sat side by side.

This was Huo Mianmian’s first time flying. As the plane climbed, his eyes widened in awe.

Lin Yi kept an eye on him and asked, “Mianmian, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?”

Huo Mianmian shook his head, eyes still full of wonder as he looked at Lin Yi. “Xiao Ba, we’re flying!”

Lin Yi smiled. “Yep, we’ll go even higher soon—close to the blue Sky and white clouds.”

Huo Mianmian tilted his head, full of innocence. “Then… Did we grow wings like birds too?”

Lin Yi chuckled at the childlike question. “You can feel your back to see if wings have sprouted.”

Huo Mianmian actually reached back and felt around, then told Lin Yi, “I don’t think any grew.”

Lin Yi burst out laughing. “Hahaha!” After laughing, he told Huo Mianmian, “Then you’ll have to keep trying!”

Huo Mianmian nodded seriously. “Okay!”

And so, with that sweet father-son exchange, the plane continued toward its destination.

They landed at an airport first, then needed to take the show’s vehicle into the desert.

Just as they got off the plane, the show’s livestream began—officially kicking off the second season.

As soon as the stream went live, thousands of eager viewers flooded in, and the number kept climbing.

【AHHHH!!】

【Finally! My wait paid off!!!】

【Lin Yi! Mianmian! I’m here for you!!!】

【Why am I crying seeing my wife and son again?!】

【So happy I get to watch livestreams with everyone again!】

【This is my favorite show to watch while eating.】

【They’re going to the desert this time? So excited!】

【Never been to a desert—can’t wait to see it with my Lin Yi wife!】

Lin Yi held Huo Mianmian’s hand as they walked off the plane.

Mianmian had napped a bit before landing, so he was still a little drowsy.

As he walked, he rubbed his eyes with his small hand.

He wore a white bunny onesie with a hood, revealing only his chubby round face. While rubbing his eyes with his head lowered, he looked just like a little bunny doing the same.

The internet exploded with cuteness overload.

【I just want one sniff of this bunny baby Mianmian!!】

【This level of cuteness should be illegal.】

【I don’t even know whether to be more jealous of the dad or the son.】

After deplaning, Lin Yi and the others ran into Zhou Ke and Zhao Jin, who had arrived 30 minutes earlier on a different flight and were waiting.

Zhou Ke was still as socially anxious as ever. When he saw Lin Yi and the others, he wanted to run, but of course he couldn’t. He stiffly said, “H-hi everyone.”

Zhao Jin, the trainee dad, had gotten more comfortable.

This time he came prepared, with giant lollipops for every kid.

The lollipops were huge. It was big enough to cover a child’s face.

When Huo Mianmian got his, he politely said, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Though it was a soft voice, he actually spoke.

Zhao Jin was touched. “Whoa! Did Mianmian just talk to me?”

Last season, Huo Mianmian had never initiated a conversation. Even when spoken to, he would just nod or shake his head.

Lin Yi looked down at Mianmian and smiled.

His little boy had really made big progress.

He had watched Huo Mianmian slowly open up, step by step.

Lin Yi had heard bits and pieces from the butler that Mianmian wasn’t born shy. Something happened that made him withdrawn, something psychological.

The butler either didn’t know or didn’t want to say what exactly happened so Lin Yi didn’t push.

He was determined to help Mianmian play more, see more of the world, and become more open.

Since it wasn’t a congenital issue, that meant it could be changed.

At that moment, all the guests had arrived, and the director began speaking. “Welcome to the second season of our show! This time we’ll be living in the desert for a while. Hope everyone has fun!”

Soon, the guests boarded the show’s vehicle and headed toward the desert.

Outside the window, the scenery kept changing from lush green trees to sparse, low shrubs…

When they reached their destination and stepped off the vehicle, everyone was stunned.

Words couldn’t describe the view.

Endless desert stretched before them, rolling dunes shaped smoothly by the wind. It was nature’s masterpiece.

You had to see it with your own eyes to feel that awe.

Lin Yi had never been to a desert before and stood still for a while, admiring it.

Huo Mianmian’s round eyes darted around curiously.

Then he spotted a cactus.

He tugged at Lin Yi’s shirt. “Xiao Ba, cactus.”

Lin Yi followed his gaze and saw a green cactus.

Cacti were amazing—able to survive in such dry heat. A symbol of resilience.

Mianmian walked up and squatted to observe it closely.

He had only ever seen cacti in drawings, so his eyes were full of wonder.

The other kids followed him over to look too.

“So this is a cactus? It’s so flat.”

“I saw in cartoons that cacti can bloom flowers.”

“Can we eat cactus?”

“I’m too scared to try—look at all those spikes! I don’t want to stab my mouth!”

Netizens burst out laughing.

【These kids are killing me with laughter.】

【It’s fine, just try it! (devil whispers)】

【Kids really are the most healing presence.】

Mianmian kept squatting and observing, then reached out to touch the cactus.

Lin Yi warned, “Careful, it has spikes.”

Hearing that, Mianmian moved more cautiously, gently touching a spot without thorns. Afterward, his eyes lit up, clearly thrilled to finally touch one.

The other kids took turns touching it too.

Little Niangao was the complete opposite of his dad Zhou Ke—very outgoing. After touching it, he dramatically said, “Whoa, so pokey!”

Then he clutched his hand like he’d just been injured—total performer.

If they gave out kid Oscars, he would win one.

Just then, Lin Yi said coolly, “This cactus is fine where it is. If any kids misbehave over the next few days, we’ll poke them with it.”

All the kids: “…”

They froze, then collectively trembled.

Lin Yi laughed, “Hahaha!”

Nothing’s more fun than teasing kids.

【Lin Yi is evil!】

【The kids love you the most—how could you say that?!】

【If it were me, I’d just cry on the spot and see how Lin Yi handles it.】

【Lin Yi would probably say: Cry harder, and the poking gets worse!】

【LOL! That commenter really gets Lin Yi.】

After familiarizing themselves with the surroundings, they went to where they’d be staying.

The show had set up several tents in advance. That would be home for the next few days.

Lin Yi and Mianmian entered their own tent and checked it out.

The tent was spacious and it’s more than enough for the two of them. There was a soft bed inside, with two warm quilts for the chilly desert nights.

There was also a table with daily necessities for the guests to use.

Night fell quickly.

The desert wasn’t like the city—once dark, it was pitch black except for the temporary lights set up by the crew.

It also got colder at night. Since it was their first day, filming would start in earnest tomorrow.

Tonight was just to get settled.

Dinner was simple. It was tomato and egg noodles with a few greens.

Everyone was hungry and quickly finished eating before returning to their tents.

Lin Yi and Mianmian washed up, then crawled into the warm bed.

Once under the covers, their bodies relaxed.

Lin Yi leaned comfortably against the headboard, while Mianmian nestled beside him.

A small lamp by their bed cast a soft yellow glow.

The father and son lay side by side—cozy and warm.

It was only a little past eight so it’s still early for sleep.

Their tent had a clear little window through which they could see outside.

From their position, they had a perfect view of the night Sky.

The desert was peaceful at night, and visibility was excellent. They could see every twinkling star and the bright full moon.

Lin Yi gazed quietly at the Sky, letting his mind wander.

Then Mianmian suddenly called out, “Xiao Ba.”

Lin Yi snapped back and looked down at him. “What is it?”

Mianmian pointed at the moon with his little finger and asked in his soft voice, “Why are there some dark spots on the moon?”

Lin Yi started making up a bedtime story. “That’s because Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit live up there.” {T.N.: Chang’e and Jade Rabbit are legendary figures from Chinese Mythology, associated with the Moon}

Mianmian’s eyes grew even wider. Under the lamplight, they sparkled. “There are people in the Sky?”

Lin Yi nodded seriously, making it sound very real. “Of course. There’s quite a few of them. When we talk, they can hear us.”

Hearing that, Mianmian quickly covered his mouth with his hands.

He had to be careful to not let the people in the Sky hear what he said.

Lin Yi saw the gesture and nearly laughed out loud. “It’s okay. As long as we talk quietly, they won’t hear.”

Mianmian lowered his voice to a whisper and asked, “Xiao Ba, what do the people in the Sky do every day? Do they live like us?”

He was even cuter whispering so carefully.

Lin Yi was melting. “Probably. They probably eat and sleep just like us.”

Mianmian’s eyes stayed bright. “Really? Can we hear them talk too?”

“Try listening.”

Mianmian held his breath and tilted his ear, listening intently but all he heard was the desert wind outside.

After a while, Mianmian told him, “Xiao Ba, I can’t hear anything.”

Lin Yi chuckled. “Maybe they’re whispering too, and don’t want us to hear them…”

After that, the father and son kept whispering softly to each other.

The atmosphere was especially cozy and warm.

At some point, they unknowingly drifted off to sleep, both with smiles still on their faces.

They slept soundly through the night.