Chapter 45 Don't Steal My Wife!
Chi Zhao, knowing that Xiao Huai attracted bad people, was still worried and drove to the hotel early to wait for him.
After waiting for a while, the crew members gradually came out.
Lin Huai and the other male actors huddled together, talking with their eyes downcast.
He was tall and handsome, and used to have a slightly aloof personality. Except when filming, he always had a cold face and a sense of distance. Few male actors dared to get close to him. Even if someone mustered up the courage to talk to him and ask him for advice, he would teach them, but his tone would not soften in the slightest, as if he disliked them. He also always avoided any physical contact, treating men and women equally. Gradually, no one dared to associate with him anymore.
But Lin Huai seems a little different now than before.
Although he usually seems a bit aloof, when you talk to him, his tone becomes much gentler, and his usually wary eyes relax and become warm and bright.
He was already a very famous star, and other male actors were eager to get closer to him.
They started chatting after a while.
Some of the bolder ones are asking right now, "Hey, Brother Huai, is your boss Chi coming to pick you up today?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the gossip radars around them went off. The laughter paused for a moment before quickly resuming. On the surface, everyone seemed indifferent, but in reality, they all pricked up their ears, waiting to hear more.
Lin Huai lowered his head slightly, embarrassed, looking at his left fingertips pinching his right fingertips. His face was slightly red as he whispered, "President Chi said she would come, but she may not be here yet. I'll wait for her a little longer."
As soon as she finished speaking, a luxury car slowly pulled up in front of them. The window rolled down, revealing a beautiful profile. She turned her head and nodded slightly to the others, then gestured with her chin towards Lin Huai, who looked somewhat surprised, and said, "Get in."
Lin Huai was overjoyed to see his girlfriend as soon as he got off work. He smiled and greeted the others, "Then I'll be going now."
When President Chi came to pick them up, no one dared to hold them back. One after another, they obediently responded, "Well, President Chi and Xiao Huai, you should go back first."
"Have a safe trip, Mr. Chi."
Lin Huai obediently sat in the passenger seat, fastened his seatbelt, and waved goodbye to the others.
Compared to when he was constantly worried about being sexually harassed, he now looks much brighter and more cheerful.
"Mr. Chi, have you eaten?"
"Yes, I ate it."
Soothing music filled the carriage, and Lin Huai leaned back in his seat with a sense of satisfaction.
"Shall we go home now?"
"Yes, I had someone send over a few sets of clothes. Try them on in a bit."
"Oh, why did you suddenly think of buying me clothes again?"
He already has so many clothes; he takes up most of his wife's wardrobe.
Why are you buying him clothes? Does CEO Chi like him that much? Hehe.
"I'm having dinner with my mom tomorrow, and wearing old clothes would make me seem less serious."
The carriage fell into a deathly silence. Lin Huai thought he had misheard. He opened his round eyes, which seemed to be filled with doubt, like a cautious kitten, and asked tentatively, "Who are you having dinner with?"
Chi Zhao found his reaction amusing, a wide smile curving her lips. Instead of teasing him, she spoke bluntly, “I’m having dinner with my mom. She wants to meet you, and I’ve already promised her I’ll take you back after you finish filming.”
Lin Huai: !!!
Meet, meet the parents!
He suddenly felt a little short of breath, and his face turned red.
After a long pause, still bewildered, she hurriedly asked, "Then, Mr. Chi, did you put in a good word for me with my aunt?"
He was terrified that his girlfriend's mother would dislike him, because that would make him very sad, extremely sad.
Chi Zhao, who had actually forgotten what he hadn't said at all: ...
Without changing his expression, he said, "Yes, I told you, my mom likes you a lot."
Upon hearing that his aunt liked him, Lin Huai's dark eyes lit up again, and he asked repeatedly, "Does Auntie really like me?"
He received affirmative answers from all of them, which finally made him smile with satisfaction.
"Hehe, that's good. Should I bring Auntie a gift?"
"No need, just go there yourself."
His girlfriend said it wasn't necessary, but Lin Huai felt it wouldn't do. He felt uneasy if he didn't buy something for his aunt, fearing she would think he was impolite.
Therefore, they rushed to the jewelry store and dragged Chi Zhao there.
I selected some better ones at my own expense.
Jade bracelets and gold necklaces are all available; wow, so many! This little star has really spent a fortune.
Although he had spent most of his savings, Lin Huai didn't feel any regret at all!
As long as he can please President Chi's mother, he'll do anything she asks.
The next morning, Lin Huai got up early to groom himself, applying various products to his face without stopping.
Chi Zhao also went over and applied some more. After they were both tidied up, Lin Huai was still nervous and his face was slightly pale.
She reached out and touched him; his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out of his chest.
So timid.
Chi Zhao was helpless. "Because of what happened today, I went along with you yesterday and didn't want you anymore. You're in a good state now, so what are you afraid of? My mom will be your mom from now on, your own mom, so there's nothing to be afraid of."
"I...I'm just nervous, I can't control myself..."
Lin Huai felt increasingly aggrieved as he thought about it, and a shallow mist welled up in his eyes.
Chi Zhao:......
"What's there to be nervous about? You're such an idiot."
As she spoke, she leaned in and pulled him into her arms, then found those soft lips and kissed them repeatedly with her eyes lowered.
Surrounded by the gentle breath, he actually relaxed a little.
"Ugh... Stop kissing me, or my skin will get swollen."
Once her mind had completely calmed down, the person in her arms struggled and pushed her away with her small hands.
The crimson tip of his tongue licked the sweet lips one last time. Chi Zhao looked innocent and shrugged. "It's already swollen."
Lin Huai: !!!
He panicked and let go, then took out a mirror from his pocket and looked at himself. Sure enough, it was swollen! That bastard Chi Zhao!
How can he face anyone after this?
Lin Huai was filled with shame and indignation, glaring angrily at his girlfriend.
Chi Zhao was amused. "Staring at me won't help. It's already swollen."
"Hmph, I'm not going to talk to you anymore."
"He's ignoring me again."
Xiao Huai has a childish temper and always says "I'm not talking to you anymore" at the drop of a hat.
But it's actually not dangerous at all, because it can't last very long.
"Yes, I won't talk to you until I see your aunt!"
Lin Huai puffed out his cheeks, crossed his arms, and said angrily.
They're even cuter now.
"Alright, alright, I deserve this punishment for bullying Xiao Huai."
Chi Zhao softened her tone, her words even carrying a hint of pitifulness. Lin Huai stared blankly, but quickly recovered and angrily scolded her, "Don't pretend to be pitiful, it's all your fault!"
His lips are swollen now, and anyone can tell what he's done. How can he face anyone now?
Of all days, on such an important day as meeting the parents!
Lin Huai was so ashamed and indignant that he almost died.
Chi Zhao was surprised. Oh, this trick didn't work.
All right.
So she had no choice but to change her words, her voice filled with the tenderness she showed to her husband, "Okay, it's all my fault, it's my fault, don't be angry."
"You're so mean! You bullied me again. I'm punishing you by making you praise me in front of Auntie later!"
He knew that no matter how he performed, it would never compare to a word of praise from his aunt's own daughter. So Chi Zhao had to praise him, absolutely had to praise him. If she didn't, he would throw a tantrum!
Hmph hmph hmph.
Still acting like a child, Chi Zhao suppressed the laughter churning in his throat and readily agreed.
Lin Huai was finally happy and sat down comfortably, using his phone to edit what he should say to President Chi's mother when he met her later.
Oh dear, I'm so worried. He's afraid he won't perform well.
The Chi family's ancestral home wasn't that far away, and despite Lin Huai's hesitation, the car still made it there.
Chi Zhao got out of the car with a leisurely air, walked around to the other side, opened the car door, and helped her boyfriend out.
The old butler was already waiting outside, and upon seeing this, he quickly invited the young lady inside.
Lin Huai had just steadied himself, holding his girlfriend's hand, when he was stunned by the scene before him. Before this, the largest villa he had ever seen was President Chi's, which was already frighteningly empty, but this one was even more...
Wow, that's huge! How much would it cost?
No, that's not true. You probably couldn't buy a house that big even if you had the money.
Lin Huai was lost in thought when someone slapped him on the head. "What are you daydreaming about? Go inside."
"oh oh."
A wave of tension washed over him again, making it hard for him to even breathe.
In the living room, many people sat on the sofa and talked to the woman in the middle, whose hair was gray but whose clothes were neat and tidy.
The other party was clearly in a very good mood today, speaking with a smile throughout. This kind smile reached its peak after the butler told her that the fourth young lady had returned.
Chi Zhao was her last daughter, born late in life. She was exceptionally talented and capable from a young age and was the undisputed heir to the Lanka family. She certainly made a name for herself because of this daughter.
In addition, Chi Zhao's father married her when he was very young and died still looked young and beautiful, which made Chi's mother have a very positive view of her youngest daughter.
As soon as she saw the two walking towards her from the doorway, she quickly stood up, her smile amiable, but her eyes gleamed as she sized up the man beside her daughter even before they got close.
While looking him over, he nodded to himself. Hmm, good height. His granddaughter will definitely be tall, have a good figure, and be beautiful. The private investigator said he hasn't had any plastic surgery and is naturally good-looking, so the genes must be good.
The only thing that makes people hesitate is that Lin Huai's parents don't seem to be doing well.
The elderly mother is a little worried that the disease might be passed down to her granddaughter.
But she didn't show it on her face. Instead, she beckoned to Lin Huai and said, "Little Huai, right? Come here and let Auntie take a look."
Even though he had thought of many opening lines on the way, when the incident actually happened and he faced the composed and imposing old lady, Lin Huai's mind went completely blank.
It was only after Chi Zhao gently nudged him from behind that he realized what was happening and quickly went over to stand straight and obediently in front of the old lady.
His voice stammered, and he said haltingly, "Ah, Auntie, hello, my name is Lin Huai, and I am an actor."
Chi's mother nodded, her smile widening. "Oh, I know you. I've seen several of your TV dramas."
Her daughter is exceptionally talented; the only flaw is her unwavering commitment to remaining single.
Now that I've met this man, even the slightest imperfection has been made up for.
Chi's mother became more and more satisfied as she looked at it.
Since Chi Zhao's father passed away, she has not remarried. Now, she suddenly feels like a father-in-law looking at his son-in-law, and the more she looks, the more satisfied she becomes.
"Is that so?"
Hearing his aunt say that she had seen the TV series he acted in, Lin Huai was surprised and a little shy, his cheeks turning bright red.
Seeing the attitude of Old Madam Chi, the people around her also expressed their liking for Lin Huai. Some even took off a large jade bracelet and insisted on giving it to Lin Huai as a gift.
These are all collateral branches of the Chi family, who usually live off the dividends given by the main family.
They are also very good at reading the host's mood.
Upon seeing the beautiful and translucent jade bracelet, Lin Huai suddenly seemed to remember something, snatched several bags from his girlfriend's hands, and said with a slightly shy expression, "This is a gift I prepared for you."
"We're family, no need to be so formal. Don't buy anything next time, it's enough that you're here."
The old lady didn't say it, but she was very pleased.
The smile on his lips looked more genuine.
A few people who hadn't come to greet us were standing by the sofa, their expressions more strained than the others.
After Chi Zhao led her boyfriend over, she nodded awkwardly.
Chi Zhao looked around and laughed. Wasn't that her second sister, her brother-in-law, the female lead Chi Yue, and Chi Yue's boyfriend Shen Yize?
The last time they met, her second sister disapproved of Chi Yue and Shen Yize being together, yet today she was able to appear at the family banquet.
That's quite a tactic.
Having been suppressed several times, Chi Yue is now more obedient and no longer dares to openly oppose Chi Zhao. She just forced a smile.
Lin Huai knew Shen Yize. When he first debuted, he was called "Little Lin Huai" because people said they looked a bit alike.
Hmph, it's clearly not like that at all. I'm going to ask my wife tonight where it's similar!
In Lin Huai's eyes, after meeting the parents, his girlfriend should be upgraded to the wife!
Moreover, Lin Huai didn't like Shen Yize. When he saw him being sexually harassed by a drunk investor, he stepped in to help, but almost got himself into trouble. And Shen Yize didn't even ask anyone to save him!
This caused Lin Huai some indelible psychological damage.
The entertainment industry is indeed a big melting pot.
When Shen Yize saw Lin Huai, his eyes lit up, and he called out "Brother Huai" very affectionately, which made people feel uncomfortable.
Lin Huai pursed his lips slightly and nodded in acknowledgment. The other person acted as if he couldn't see that he wasn't in a good mood and leaned over to take his hand, but was stopped by Chi Zhao.
Chi Zhao dislikes neither the male nor female lead.
"I'm sorry, Xiao Huai is shy."
Shen Yize paused his outstretched hand, then awkwardly withdrew it. "I... I was just thinking that since both Huai-ge and I are actors, and I come here more often than Huai-ge, we can look after each other and chat for a while."
Chi Zhao glanced at her mother, who felt guilty and coughed before saying, "I was originally going to see Xiao Huai first, but didn't you say that Xiao Huai is busy filming? And Xiao Shen from Yue'er's family keeps saying he wants to come and see me, so I agreed. It's okay, it's okay, we can talk things out. We're all family."
As Chi's mother gets older, she also starts to dream of family harmony. Knowing that her second daughter's family and her youngest daughter's family had a bad relationship after their last argument, she specially invited her second daughter's family over today, hoping to resolve their differences on this auspicious day.
Upon hearing this, Chi Yue's face stiffened even more. Before coming here, her mother had reminded her to humble herself before Chi Zhao today and to be more patient, which she had accepted. But now, in front of everyone...
Her pride prevented her from uttering humble words.
Shen Yize, however, quietly observed everyone's expressions and suddenly stood up, saying, "Brother Huai, are you blaming me for not finding someone to rescue you that day? But I was sick that day too, and I even ended up in the hospital that night. I really didn't have the strength..."
He suddenly made his point clear, and even if Lin Huai was really unhappy, he couldn't say anything in front of the old lady, since the aunt had just said that they were family...
Lin Huai could only purse his lips and shake his head behind his wife.
Chi Zhao was unhappy. He glanced at his second sister's family and was already considering the possibility of leaving halfway through.
The young husband could naturally sense his wife's emotions and silently tightened his grip on her fingers.
This was his first time meeting his parents, and he took it very seriously.
Lin Huai smiled slightly, "It's alright, it's all in the past. If it weren't for that accident, President Chi and I wouldn't be together."
He was perceptive and naturally noticed the change in President Chi's attitude towards him.
"Really? Then congratulations to President Chi and Brother Huai."
Lin Huai keenly noticed that the other person's gaze lingered on his wife for a moment, and he instantly became alert. My wife is beautiful, has a great figure, and is also very charismatic. What man wouldn't like her!
Why did he have to look at my wife even once?
Could it be that he's taken a liking to my wife?!
Damn it, I can accept you bullying me, but you can't have your eye on my wife!
Lin Huai suddenly squeezed forward, blocking his wife's path, and nodded with a fake smile to smooth things over, "Yes, yes, President Chi and I are very much in love now."
He was trying to scare off his competitors by showing off his relationship!
However, upon hearing this, the opponent merely raised an eyebrow, covered her lips, and seemed somewhat surprised. "Even though Brother Huai and President Chi are together, do you still call him President Chi like we do? It seems so distant, don't you think, Yue'er?"
Chi Yue knew her boyfriend was on her side, and she was happy to tease her aunt's boyfriend, who had recently dismissed her from his position. She immediately chimed in, "Yeah, you haven't known your aunt for very long, have you? Are you in such a hurry to come back with your aunt to meet her parents?"
This statement carried a subtle sarcasm, but those who understood it responded with shocked expressions.
Since it was disrespectful to an actor, not to her aunt, Chi Yue became much bolder.
Lin Huai was stunned. He was so angry that his eyes turned red because he was being bullied by the girl's boyfriend. He also felt that calling him "President Chi" was not intimate, but he didn't dare to call him anything else.
They were all teasing him, so he gritted his teeth, turned around, and threw himself into Chi Zhao's arms, his voice full of grievance, "Xiao Zhao, look, what they're saying about me~"
It was very inappropriate to do this in front of elders, but he didn't care, since they were bullying him right in front of the elders!
If President Chi doesn't help him, he'll feel incredibly wronged.
Helpless, Chi Zhao hugged her boyfriend, who had been criticized and then ran back to her for support.
Idiot, you still think you can block my way like that?
Her cold gaze swept over the female and male leads, causing their smiles to freeze. Just as they were about to speak, she casually added, "Since my niece doesn't want me to bring Xiao Huai back for dinner, we'll be leaving now. Mom, there are still some gifts in the car; I'll have the housekeeper bring them in for you later."
Chi Yue's expression changed slightly. She hadn't expected her aunt to have such a temper, threatening to leave at the slightest disagreement. Wasn't she afraid of upsetting her grandmother?!
At first, Chi's mother thought the child was having a friendly and amicable exchange, but by the time she sensed the tension, her daughter had already exploded. She couldn't stop her, and if she tried to stop her too much, she would get glared at.
Sensing something was amiss, Shen Yize quickly said, "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong and make Brother Huai angry? I'm sorry, I was just joking, I didn't expect Brother Huai to mind, and I didn't mean anything by it, President Chi, please don't misunderstand..."
He lowered his eyes, revealing a somewhat uneasy expression. Alarm bells rang in Lin Huai's mind: Don't steal my wife! You bad guy, don't you have a wife of your own?!
Chi Zhao patted the back of the person in his arms, who was trembling with anger, and said coldly, "Of course he should mind someone as ungrateful as you. Even your presence here is disrespectful to him."
Upon hearing this, the way others looked at Shen Yize immediately changed.
The fact that Chi Yue is the heir of Lanka has not changed. When they saw Chi Yue bring her boyfriend, they had just complimented her several times. Now that they see that Chi Zhao doesn't like this boyfriend and has publicly said that he is ungrateful, they can no longer associate with him.
Those present weren't fools; they could piece together most of the truth from their conversation and immediately cast disdainful glances at Shen Yize.
Shen Yize's face turned pale and then red, and even the old lady who usually treated him kindly because he was also an actor put away her kind expression.
Chi Yue's father even complained directly to his wife, "I told you long ago that we shouldn't bring him to this kind of occasion. He's really not presentable!"
Ignoring the chaotic family gathering that had turned into a mess, Chi Zhao grabbed Lin Huaixue's slender, white wrist, who was still worried that leaving on the spot would upset the old lady. He didn't want to leave, but he was pulled away anyway.
But I still felt sweet inside. My wife was protecting me, and she didn't get angry when I called her Xiao Zhao!
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Author's Note: I'm still a bit unfinished, but I updated over 5,000 words today! Next up is a five-day trip with Mrs. Hu Lai [shrug]. Updates will be sporadic [please]. I'll update six times a day when I get back, and I'll keep an eye on Hu Lai too!
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