TRSBPASO 31

The next day, Lin Yi packed up with Huo Mianmian and headed for the private mountain resort.

He finished packing their suitcase and changed into a black hoodie and casual pants, looking relaxed and laid-back.

Meanwhile, Huo Mianmian was still in his Pikachu pajamas.

Lin Yi asked him, “Mianmian, we’re about to leave. What do you want to wear?”

Huo Mianmian glanced at Lin Yi’s outfit and decisively pulled out his own black hoodie.

It was clear that after matching panda loungewear yesterday, he had become very enthusiastic about wearing matching outfits with Lin Yi.

He held up his tiny black hoodie for Lin Yi to see, his little face full of anticipation.

Lin Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “You want to wear this one, huh? Sure.”

Soon, the two of them were dressed and headed downstairs with their suitcases.

Both had incredibly high face value, and walking down the stairs together in matching black hoodies, they were a feast for the eyes.

Lin Yi’s hoodie was more minimalist in style, while Huo Mianmian’s had a cute little cat face printed on the front.

It wasn’t just his clothes that were adorable—Huo Mianmian himself was adorable.

He didn’t ask Lin Yi for help but dragged his own small suitcase, toddling step by step down the stairs with his short legs, looking so obedient and well-behaved.

The butler, worried they might get hungry or thirsty on the road, handed Lin Yi a bag full of drinks and snacks. “Mr. Lin, take these for you and the young master on the road.”

Lin Yi was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful he was and took the bag with a smile. “Thanks, Uncle Wu.”

The butler quickly waved it off. “It’s my duty,” Then he added, “Mr. Lin, the weekend’s coming up, and Mr. Huo won’t be going to the company. Why not wait and go together with him?”

The intention behind his words was clear—he was trying to matchmake Lin Yi and Huo Jihan, giving them more time together to build a relationship.

Too bad his good intentions were destined to be wasted.

Lin Yi just wanted to enjoy a few relaxing days at the resort with the little cub. A full-on family vacation? No thanks.

So he replied, “Mr. Huo is too busy. Let’s not waste his time,” Then he called out, “Come on, Mianmian, let’s go!”

Huo Mianmian immediately followed along with his little suitcase.

The butler could only sigh and give up.

Lin Yi took Huo Mianmian to the garage.

He had picked up a Porsche key from Huo Jihan the night before, and today was the perfect chance to take it out for a spin.

To his surprise, when they arrived at the garage, they ran into Huo Jihan, who was on his way to the group.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, Huo Jihan stood not far away, speaking on the phone.

He didn’t say much and just calmly issued brief instructions.

His aura was so strong it felt cold, like a chill radiated from him, making anyone nearby instinctively feel frozen.

Soon, he finished the call.

The driver had already brought the car over.

Just as Huo Jihan was about to open the door and get in, he spotted Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian.

Across the few meters between them, Huo Jihan looked at Lin Yi and said, “Drive safe.”

Lin Yi smiled. “Got it.”

Huo Jihan nodded, then looked at Huo Mianmian. “Listen to your Xiao Ba.”

Huo Mianmian nodded obediently.

He always felt a bit reserved in front of Huo Jihan. His dad seemed too powerful and distant. He’s someone to admire but not approach.

After giving his brief instructions, Huo Jihan got into the car.

The black Bentley soon drove out of the garage.

Lin Yi turned to Huo Mianmian. “Let’s get in too.”

In front of Lin Yi, Huo Mianmian was much more relaxed and cheerful. He tucked his suitcase away and got into the car with Lin Yi.

Lin Yi drove the Porsche onto the road.

To be honest, this was his first time driving a Porsche and it didn’t disappoint. Everything about the experience—handling, performance—was far superior to any regular car.

Lin Yi was in a great mood as he drove.

Huo Mianmian sat in the back, strapped into the child seat, occasionally glancing at Lin Yi, then looking out the window.

It was his first time going out with Lin Yi alone, so he was especially excited. His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

They soon left the city behind, and the scenery opened up.

The weather was beautiful—blue skies, white clouds, sunshine and breeze. It was perfect for a trip.

After a stretch on the highway, they turned onto a winding mountain road. At the end of the road was their destination.

Lin Yi parked the car and stepped out with Huo Mianmian.

The private resort was located halfway up the mountain, sprawling across a vast area with various buildings nestled among lush greenery.

The air was fresh, the scenery gorgeous and each breath felt cool and refreshing, lifting their spirits.

They walked toward the entrance of the resort.

The main gate was built of stone, with orchids planted around it.

Inside, the buildings were also made of stone and wood, with gazebos, rock gardens, and bamboo groves. It gives a poetic and tranquil atmosphere.

Lin Yi decided on the spot to enjoy these two days to the fullest.

Just then, a staff member came up to them with a smile. “Welcome. Please follow me.”

As they walked, the staff introduced the resort’s amenities. There was horseback riding, a shooting range, and hot springs.

Lin Yi had already looked up most of this before coming, but seeing it in person, he found the descriptions hadn’t been exaggerated at all.

The price was high, but it was worth it.

A few minutes later, the staff brought them to their lodging.

Unlike the rest of the resort, their place was fully made of solid wood.

Bright and spacious, the room carried a faint woody fragrance.

A vase of orchids on the windowsill gave off a gentle and sweet scent.

The bed was extra wide and soft. Just looking at it made you want to curl up and sleep.

After explaining the layout of the room, the staff said, “If you need anything, just let us know.”

Lin Yi nodded. “Thank you.”

Soon, the staff made Lin Yi a cup of tea and poured a glass of milk for Huo Mianmian, then left.

Once it was just the two of them, Lin Yi kicked off his shoes and flopped onto the bed. Huo Mianmian mimicked him and bounced onto the bed like a little dumpling.

Lin Yi ruffled his hair. “Isn’t this place fun?”

Huo Mianmian nodded.

It was fun and even better because he was with his little dad.

Lin Yi teased him with a smile. “Since it’s so fun, how about we live here forever?”

Huo Mianmian nodded without hesitation.

Lin Yi laughed. “Really? What about your dad?”

This kid was Huo Jihan’s biological son. Wasn’t it a little heartless to leave him behind?

Huo Mianmian still nodded and said, “I want to be with my Xiao Ba~”

Then he scooted closer on the bed and snuggled into Lin Yi’s arms like a little animal.

Lin Yi looked at the cub in his arms.

Huo Mianmian was incredibly soft and cute. He has silky black hair, bright gem-like eyes, and chubby cheeks that were softer than jelly.

Having such a little one cling to you—it was impossible to be in a bad mood.

So Lin Yi pinched his cheeks and said, “Alright, let’s not want your dad anymore. I’ll steal you away, and it’ll just be us.”

Huo Mianmian nodded quickly, his eyes practically spelling out—

Steal me! Steal me now!

Lin Yi burst out laughing.

Having a soft little human cub to tease was just too fun!

Then Lin Yi picked up the tea, handed the milk to Huo Mianmian. He sipped the milk, tiny mouth sipping slowly. A little milk mustache was soon formed, and the scent of sweet milk seemed to float off him.

Tidy little Mianmian, with his neat-freak tendencies, couldn’t allow himself to be messy. He immediately grabbed a tissue and carefully wiped his mouth clean.

Back to being neat, white, and soft as usual.

Lin Yi took a sip of tea.

He wasn’t a tea connoisseur, but he could tell this was a good one. It was fresh, fragrant, and left a lingering taste.

After drinking the tea, he leaned back lazily and put a children’s watch on Huo Mianmian’s left wrist.

He had bought it on the way here.

Since it was just him watching over Mianmian, and it might be hard to keep an eye on him at all times, the watch would let them call each other in case they got separated.

As he fastened it, he explained, “Mianmian, with this watch, you can call me. If you can’t find me, just give me a call, okay?”

Huo Mianmian stared curiously at the new gadget on his wrist.

Once Lin Yi finished setting it up and saving his number, he taught Mianmian how to make and answer calls.

Then he said, “Alright, let’s test it out. Give me a call.”

Though usually quiet, Mianmian was a quick learner. He tapped the screen a few times, and soon Lin Yi’s phone was ringing.

Lin Yi picked it up, playing along. “Hello, who’s this?”

Huo Mianmian, wide-eyed and curious, softly replied, “It’s Mianmian.”

Lin Yi teased, “How do I know you’re Mianmian?”

Huo Mianmian blinked. “Um… I… I can’t prove it but I’m Mianmian!”

Lin Yi burst out laughing.

Human cubs really were the most entertaining creatures!

After a while of playing around, Huo Mianmian started getting sleepy, rubbing his eyes and wobbling like a weeble on the bed.

Little kids loved their naps, and Mianmian was no exception because he needed a good chunk of rest every day.

Seeing that he was tired, Lin Yi gently coaxed him to sleep.

Huo Mianmian was soon curled up under the blanket, fast asleep.

Lin Yi wasn’t sleepy, so he left the room and closed the door behind him.

He tipped the staff member a little extra to keep an eye on Mianmian and to notify him when the boy woke up.

Then he headed for the shooting range.

The shooting area was downstairs.

On the way down, Lin Yi noticed there was more than just shooting—there were pool tables, an arcade… basically everything.

This resort had truly thought of everything, with entertainment to suit every guest.

Still, Lin Yi was only interested in the shooting, so he went straight there.

The shooting hall was pretty large.

Guests could each get a toy gun and take shots at a platform ahead, trying to knock down the little targets.

Coincidentally, the resort was hosting a shooting competition today.

To thank their guests, the owner had put up a landscape painting he once bought at auction as the prize. Whoever placed first in the competition would win it.

The hall was already filled with people.

Some had come specifically for the painting, others—like Lin Yi—were just there for fun.

Lin Yi took a toy gun and tested it.

He hadn’t handled a toy gun since grade school. Back then, every boy in his class had one and played like crazy during breaks.

Lin Yi, the class leader, was always at the center of the action.

His happy childhood had shaped his playful, outgoing nature, and he was popular in school, always leading the fun but once he hit middle school, he focused more on studying.

He came from a well-educated family, and he gradually developed a deep interest in learning. He set ambitious goals for himself.

In the end, he got into one of the country’s top universities, then joined a prestigious investment firm but endless overtime and pressure led to his sudden death…

That’s just how unpredictable life is.

Luckily, Lin Yi had a great attitude and took everything in stride.

He accepted all of life’s ups and downs calmly.

Of course, it helped that he’d transmigrated into someone who got five million in monthly allowance so why wouldn’t he lie flat?

Had he landed in the body of someone dirt poor, would he mope and complain about fate?

Definitely not.

In that case, he would’ve simply dusted off his investment banking skills and made a new life for himself because that’s who Lin Yi was—easygoing and confident, able to roll with whatever life threw at him.

He aimed the toy gun and fired at a distant target.

Missed.

Each target was only palm-sized, and they were thirty meters away.

His hands were rusty.

He tried a couple more times and finally hit one, gradually getting the hang of it.

Just then, a group entered the shooting hall.

Leading them was someone in head-to-toe designer clothes, head slightly raised, and full of arrogance. It was Su Bai surrounded by a few sycophants, all trying to please him.

Su Bai’s powerful sugar daddy always had his back and handed him endless resources.

Everyone envied him and hoped to gain some favor.

“Bai Ge, I heard your dad got you a male lead role in a big movie? He really spoils you!”

“Of course. Bai Ge comes from privilege. Not something the rest of us can dream of.”

“Hey Bai Ge, think you could pull some strings and get me into that movie?”

Su Bai basked in their flattery.

Though that “dad” wasn’t his real father—just a rich benefactor he called godfather—and he wasn’t even the only one.

So what? He kept it a secret, and no one knew.

He just enjoyed the praise.

Suddenly, Su Bai glanced around and spotted Lin Yi practicing alone.

His face darkened.

Why was Lin Yi here?

He had never taken Lin Yi seriously and always considered himself far above him but he still brooded over losing the beverage endorsement to him.

How humiliating it is to lose to someone so “low-tier.”

The bootlickers noticed Su Bai’s expression and followed his gaze. Spotting Lin Yi, they instantly launched into mockery to please Su Bai.

“Isn’t that Lin Yi? What’s he doing here?”

“This resort’s minimum spend is a hundred grand. How did a broke actor like him afford it?”

“He must’ve maxed out his credit just to show off or probably took out a loan.”

“Come on, maybe he found himself a rich sugar daddy?”

The moment someone said that, Su Bai shot him a cold glare.

The guy was confused. What did he say wrong?

Just then, the host stepped up with a mic. “Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down. The shooting competition is about to begin! The winner will receive a rare collectible landscape painting!”

Everyone’s attention shifted.

Someone turned to Su Bai. “Bai Ge, I heard you’ve done shooting training before. How about showing us what you’ve got?”

“Yeah! I came today just to watch you shine!”

“Come on, Bai Ge, the first place is yours for sure!”

“That painting is practically already yours.”

Once the flattery reached its peak, Su Bai finally said, “I don’t care about prizes, but if everyone wants to see, I’ll give it a try.”

“Classic Bai Ge—so cool.”

“With your wealth, of course a painting’s nothing.”

“Exactly. Your dad could casually give you a dozen like that.”

Meanwhile, Lin Yi, having gotten the hang of things, also signed up.

He wasn’t aiming to win, he just thought it’d be fun.

Since he was already here, why not?

The others immediately sneered.

“Does Lin Yi really think he has a shot?”

“Bet he’s broke and desperate for that painting. It’s a collectible, after all.”

“Right? Probably blew his budget just staying here and wants to ‘earn’ it back.”

“He’s such a schemer.”

“No worries. Bai Ge will show him what’s the real deal.”

The match began.

Each contestant had ten targets. Whoever hit the most won.

One by one, participants picked up their guns and started.

Lin Yi stood by casually, waiting.

One of Su Bai’s cronies sneered at him. “Lin Yi, you better drop out now. You’re gonna embarrass yourself.”

Lin Yi turned at the sound of the voice.

He finally noticed Su Bai’s gang was here too.

He couldn’t be bothered. He just gave them a brief look before turning back around.

To them, that glance was pure disdain.

They jumped to mock him even harder.

“Oh please, what’s so special about being at a resort?”

“Yeah, drop the act. Who’re you trying to impress?”

“Wait… maybe he snuck in?”

“Could be. Should we tell security to check?”

Lin Yi finally had enough. He turned around and said coldly, “Can you shut up? Stop spewing garbage.”

That one sentence turned their faces red. No one dared say another word.

Finally enjoying some peace, Lin Yi watched the rest of the competition.

So far, the best score was six out of ten.

Soon, it was Su Bai’s turn.

He gave Lin Yi a disdainful look before stepping up.

This time, he had to win. There was no way he would lose to Lin Yi again.

Su Bai picked up his toy gun.

The lackeys recovered and resumed their flattery.

“Go Bai Ge! You’re the best!”

“Full score incoming! It’s time to crush someone’s ego!”

“Some people should quit now while they still can.”

Su Bai began to shoot.

He had trained briefly for a drama once even though he mostly spent that time with his sugar daddy.

Still, against someone like Lin Yi, it should be more than enough.

His shots were pretty accurate and he hit nine out of ten.

Satisfied, Su Bai set the gun down.

As long as Lin Yi didn’t get a perfect score, he would win. Lin Yi hitting all ten? Impossible.

The cronies started praising him again.

“Wow, Bai Ge! You’re my idol!”

“Full marks in everything—what can’t you do?”

Now it was Lin Yi’s turn.

They started mocking again.

“Some people just don’t know when to quit.”

“Let him try. Once he loses, he’ll know his place.”

Lin Yi remained calm and confident as he stepped up.

He looked at the ten small targets.

After the earlier practice, he had completely found his rhythm.

Ten hits? No problem.

He started shooting—ten shots in a row, no hesitation, fully relaxed. No deep breaths, no tension, just pure confidence and ease.

It was a captivating sight, full of youthful spirit.

One of the lackeys was about to snark, “He’s not even aiming properly—” but the words died in his throat.

Because—

Lin Yi hit all ten targets.

Bullseye.

Every single one.

The targets clattered to the ground. Silence fell.

Then the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

The host was almost shouting into the mic. “Oh my god! All ten! We have a winner!!!”

Lin Yi stood there coolly, smiling, and spun the gun skillfully in his hand before setting it down.

The cheers grew louder.

Su Bai’s face went completely pale. His fists clenched tightly.

How? How did Lin Yi hit all ten?!

He actually lost to him?!

His cronies looked at each other awkwardly.

This was so embarrassing.

They had praised Su Bai to the heavens… and Lin Yi ended up winning?!

One of them tried to salvage the situation. “W-who knows, maybe he cheated?”

A bystander couldn’t take it anymore. “Are you serious? We all saw it with our own eyes. How could he cheat?”

The lackey went quiet. “…Just a possibility.”

Knowing he had no leg to stand on, he shut up for good.

The host brought out the painting and presented it to Lin Yi with heartfelt congratulations.

Su Bai stormed off with a grim face.

His cronies followed in shame.

Lin Yi looked at the painting. It was a traditional ink wash landscape with the artist’s signature. It was clearly a masterwork.

He didn’t know much about art, but it was beautiful. He would just hang it in the villa as a memento.

When Lin Yi returned to their room with the painting, Huo Mianmian had just woken from his nap.

Perfect timing.

Lin Yi tucked the painting into the suitcase and asked, “Baby, are you hungry? They’re serving roast lamb tonight. We’ll have a feast.”

He had heard about it from a staff member on the way back.

Huo Mianmian, still groggy in bed, smacked his lips at the mention of food.

He was a little hungry and his tummy even growled twice.

Lin Yi and Huo Mianmian freshened up and headed to the dinner site.

Dinner was set up on a lawn. Staff had already arranged multiple barbecue grills. Guests could cook themselves or wait for staff-prepared dishes.

Naturally, Lin Yi chose the latter.

He had zero confidence in his cooking. He could eat his own failures but what if he poisoned Mianmian?

He found a spot with two lounge chairs and called out, “Mianmian, come on! Let’s wait here!”

Huo Mianmian quickly ran over.

Lin Yi leaned back comfortably, enjoying the peace.

Night fell early in the mountains. The Sky was already dark.

Lamps lit up around them, and fireflies danced over the grass.

The breeze carried the spicy aroma of grilled meat.

Lin Yi relaxed in his chair but Huo Mianmian was busy.

The staff had brought over some grapes.

Huo Mianmian started peeling them. With his head lowered, his small hands were carefully removing the skins without damaging the fruit.

He worked quietly with his lips pursed in concentration.

Soon, he had a full plate of perfectly peeled grapes.

He brought the plate to Lin Yi and said sweetly, “Xiao Ba, eat grapes.”

Lin Yi turned and was amazed—Mianmian had peeled all those grapes?

Each one was perfect, glistening with juice.

Lin Yi praised, “Mianmian, you’re amazing!”

Mianmian smiled shyly.

They shared the grapes together.

Soon, the roast lamb was ready.

A staff member brought over a large platter of meat, plus other grilled items and salads.

“Please enjoy!”

Lin Yi sat up straight, put on gloves, and dug in.

The lamb was crispy and golden, seasoned to perfection. Each bite was delicious.

He loved roast lamb, devouring several ribs in a row.

Mianmian was eating mashed potatoes from a bowl.

The resort owner had them grown locally. It was soft, sweet, and unlike anything from the market. He ate plenty of it, plus some salad and a bowl of lamb soup.

His belly was visibly puffed up.

Lin Yi had also eaten a lot—barbecue, drinks, everything. Now he leaned back on the lounge chair, completely full.

Mianmian copied him, lying down and patting his round tummy.

Like a baby seal patting its belly. It was adorable.

Lin Yi melted at the sight and asked, “Mianmian, what did you eat growing up to be this cute?”

He was teasing but Mianmian took it seriously. He tilted his head and said, “I don’t know. I just eat food every day.”

His serious answer made him even cuter.

He blinked his big black eyes, clearly sincere.

Lin Yi felt his heart melt.

Oh my god, could such an adorable little cub really exist?

Then a sense of pride welled up in him.

Yes, he really did exist—and he was his little cub!