Chapter 348: Chapter 348: Sister-in-law is so cute!
Huo Tingdong was persistently in a bad mood when suddenly his phone ringtone sounded.
He glanced at the screen, and it was actually a call from Ji Xiuyuan.
As the saying goes, don’t talk about people during the day and don’t mention ghosts at night.
No sooner had he mentioned Ji Xiuyuan than he made the call.
Ji Xiuyuan was usually busy with work, his schedule and appearances almost always fully booked, and since his personal contact details were never consistent, Huo Tingdong rarely took the initiative to contact him; it was usually Ji Xiuyuan who called him.
No sooner had the phone connected when Ji Xiuyuan excitedly said on the line: “Tingdong! I’m on vacation! My agent approved a week off for me!”
Huo Tingdong responded coolly, “Congratulations, congratulations.”
He remembered that the last time they met was several months ago.
After that, Ji Xiuyuan said that he was going to join a film crew, and then he went silent for several months.
Ji Xiuyuan said, “I just wrapped up filming, and all my scheduled appearances have been cleared for a while. The agent granted me a break, and it’s been quite some time since I’ve had a proper rest. So… Mr. Huo, are you free tonight? I want to treat you to dinner.”
Huo Tingdong said, “No, I have plans.”
Ji Xiuyuan: “Cancel them.”
Huo Tingdong: “Can’t cancel.”
Ji Xiuyuan: “Jerk! Are you seeing another man behind my back?”
Huo Tingdong: “I have to accompany my wife to a colleagues’ dinner. Will you come? If you do, I’ll reluctantly bring you along.”
Ji Xiuyuan: “A colleagues’ dinner? For a man like you who seems above the ordinary world, to actually deign to attend such a common and down-to-earth event…”
He stopped mid-sentence as if he had bitten his tongue: “Wait! You said, your wife? You…”
Huo Tingdong raised an eyebrow: “Oh, I forgot to tell you, I’m married now. My wife is also your fan.”
Ji Xiuyuan was even more shocked: “What!? I’ve only been away filming for a few months, and you’ve secretly gotten married?”
Huo Tingdong laughed: “Secretly? Do I need to sneak around to get married? It’s just that I didn’t feel the need to specifically inform you about it!”
Ji Xiuyuan asked, “Who is your wife? Have I met her before?”
Huo Tingdong replied, “You definitely haven’t met her. Are we done chatting? I’m about to hang up.”
Suddenly excited, Ji Xiuyuan blurted out: “I’ll go! I’ll go! Take me with you, I want to see with my own eyes which celestial being has descended to capture Huo Tingdong’s heart!”
To be able to win over Huo Tingdong’s heart in such a short time, she must be quite the remarkable woman!
Huo Tingdong said, “You can come, but please don’t reveal your true nature. My wife is a fan of yours; don’t drop your idol persona. I’m afraid it’ll shatter her fan filter.”
After Ji Xiuyuan became famous for his role in a period drama, he recorded many variety shows. The persona his management company created for him in front of the camera was that of the cold and handsome Chi Junxi. The private Ji Xiuyuan, aside from having a face that’s to die for, has the personality of a straightforward steel man.
The only thing inconsistent with his public image was that Ji Xiuyuan’s sense of humor was easily triggered. If he heard some lame jokes, he would erupt into laughter, and coincidentally, his voice was like Huo Tingdong’s, a deep bass. Normal conversation was fine, but once he started laughing, he’d emit a “ge ge ge ge ge” barbell-like laugh, looking like a fool.
So the thing his management company was most worried about was his idiocy-tinged laughter causing his persona to collapse during variety shows, leading to an absurd mandate: he was never to show his teeth when laughing on camera!
Qi Lichuan and Ji Xiuyuan were quite familiar with each other. They used to get along really well, but ever since Ji Xiuyuan’s breakout role in a BL adaptation, Qi Lichuan started finding him disagreeable.
After work, Huo Tingdong went straight to the project team.
Lin Qi also happened to clock out from work.
After picking her up, Huo Tingdong they headed for the restaurant.
Ji Xiuyuan also texted him, stating he was about to depart.
Huo Tingdong asked Lin Qi, “If you’re having a birthday dinner for your colleague, can I bring one more person?”
Lin Qi said, “Let me ask.”
Huo Tingdong said, “Tell your colleague that I’ll pick up the tab for tonight.”
Lin Qi put down her phone, “Actually, there’s no need to ask.”
Huo Tingdong: “…?”
Lin Qi said, “My colleague never imagined you’d do us the honor of attending. Just the thought of you going has her over the moon.”
After all, for an ordinary employee, having a high-profile executive like Huo Tingdong attend a birthday party was bragging rights for a whole year.
Lin Qi asked, “Who do you want to bring?”
Huo Tingdong said, “A friend of mine, you should know him.”
Lin Qi said, “Do you have many friends? I’ve known you for so long, but besides Qi Lichuan, I haven’t seen you with many friends.”
She had always thought her husband was a loner, with a small social circle and not many buddies.
Huo Tingdong: “…”
The car stopped in front of the restaurant.
Huo Tingdong received a call from Ji Xiuyuan: “I’m at the entrance, where are you?”
Huo Tingdong said, “I just got to the restaurant entrance, I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
Ji Xiuyuan said, “Alright, I’m on my way!”
After hanging up, Huo Tingdong led Lin Qi to the lobby entrance and only waited a few minutes before Lin Qi saw a tall man approaching the lobby entrance.
He was fully geared up, his collar turned up high, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, with the brim pulled down low. At first glance, you couldn’t see a bit of his natural skin tone.
It wasn’t until the man got close and Ji Xiuyuan came to a stop in front of Huo Tingdong that Lin Qi realized who her idol was.
Ji Xiuyuan greeted Huo Tingdong, and then promptly turned his head, staring straight at Lin Qi.
So this is the legendary sister-in-law!
Ji Xiuyuan and Huo Tingdong had been like brothers from childhood, and among their young peers, they were the last two bachelors in their circle.
Unexpectly, Huo Tingdong suddenly announced he was married. All the way here, Ji Xiuyuan was imagining what kind of woman could marry the god-like Huo Tingdong!
At first glance, Lin Qi wasn’t the type of stunning beauty that takes your breath away instantly, but her features were great: bright eyes, white teeth, a hint of makeup—and she stood out as a distinctive beauty even among ordinary people.
Ji Xiuyuan, trying to contain his excitement, greeted her with some restraint: “Hello, sister-in-law.”
Lin Qi tugged at the corner of her mouth, feeling a bit awkward: “Hello… may I ask… who you are…?”
Ji Xiuyuan said, “I’m a close brother who grew up with Tingdong, my last name is Ji, and my first name is Xiuyuan. What’s your name, sister-in-law?”
Lin Qi said, “I’m Lin Qi.”
Ji Xiuyuan looked at Huo Tingdong, then back at Lin Qi.
Seeing Lin Qi for the second time felt different!
Lin Qi’s features were the kind that grew more appealing and attractive the more you looked at them, the type that grows on you!
No wonder Huo Tingdong fell for her, the sister-in-law is so cute!!