Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapter 278, Section 279: Lin Xiao's Bold Proposal

Liu Liyun is a person of great wisdom.

So even though she was somewhat affected by her ex-husband's situation, she quickly waved it off and returned to her usual nonchalant self.

Lin Xiao naturally didn't need to put too much effort into persuading his mother-in-law.

He looked up at the building.

His wife, who hadn't left the house all day, was the one he needed to win over and appease.

He took a deep breath, went upstairs, and entered their master bedroom.

The bedroom is quite large, about 20 square meters, and also has a balcony of about 7 or 8 square meters.

It is currently 5 p.m.

In the early summer twilight, the setting sun was brilliant and intense, bathing the entire room in a holy glow.

Right in the center of the image.

Xixi sat next to the crib, leaning against the headboard.

One hand hung naturally at her sides, while the other rested on the crib frame. Her head was resting on her arm, and her eyes were fixed on the sleeping baby in the crib.

Golden light spread across her body, like an oil painting.

Hear the door open.

Xi Xi didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she paused for a moment before leisurely straightening up and turning her head to look at the door.

When their eyes met, she gave Lin Xiao a gentle and serene smile, her long, black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall.

This scene made Lin Xiao's heart skip a beat.

Despite the unpredictable and turbulent nature of the outside world, and despite the rampant rumors circulating online about their family.

But at this moment, Lin Xiao felt a surge of happiness from the bottom of his heart.

The slight turmoil in my heart throughout the day was completely soothed at this moment.

He grinned and responded to his wife.

I walked slowly to the crib, gently stroking Xixi's back with my palm, while looking at the little baby sleeping soundly in the bed.

Lin Xiaoxi slept soundly.

Although the little chubby girl is only three months old, her weight has more than doubled, and her whole body is swollen like it has been inflated.

Ms. Lin proved with her actions what it means to "have seedlings and they will grow tall".

Lin Xiao felt a sense of comfort: This kid is only cute when he's asleep; when he's awake, he's a real devil!

"What are you doing alone in the room?" Lin Xiao asked softly.

"Why is it just one person? There's another one!"

Xixi gestured towards the crib.

Lin Xiao laughed: "Right, right, I always forget that she's also part of our family, little chubby girl!"

Upon hearing this address, Xixi immediately frowned.

"Are you even our real father? Giving your daughter such an awful nickname!! Don't call us that!!"

"Okay, okay, I won't call anymore, I won't call anymore..."

Lin Xiao grinned, having not gotten down since entering the room. "She's asleep, what are you still doing sitting here? Just let Auntie watch her!"

Xi Xi said gently, "I'm just killing time anyway... My daughter is so cute, I never get tired of looking at her!"

Lin Xiao nodded and watched with her for a while.

Xi Xi then turned around and asked him, "Why did you leave work so early today?"

Lin Xiao pursed his lips and shrugged.

"Yeah, you know, I'm famous now, and with fame comes trouble. My boss is jealous, my colleagues are ostracizing me, and they kicked me out of the company. Sigh..."

"???"

Xi Xi looked at him like he was an idiot.

It took her a while to squint her eyes, then she naturally placed her hands on his shoulders, smiling affectionately and gently: "Honey, you don't need to act silly to comfort me, I'm fine!"

Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Really?"

Xi Xi replied casually, "Of course!"

"Then why didn't you go out or come downstairs all day?"

"Well... I was indeed a bit frustrated this morning. I was caught off guard by this sudden trending topic and didn't know what to do."

Xixi spoke frankly and calmly, "But after playing with Xiaochu for a while, I forgot about it. Then I coaxed her to sleep, and after she fell asleep, I sat here watching her, and before I knew it, I had lost track of time..."

As Xixi spoke, her eyes grew increasingly gentle and loving, a feeling she had never experienced before giving birth.

“Don’t underestimate our daughter just because she’s so young. Looking at her, I feel full of energy, and all the rumors online seem insignificant. I have a loving husband, my own baby, good health, and a happy family. I’m already a big winner.”

Xi Xi smiled brightly, "Life doesn't have a perfect score. I already have so much, so being criticized or ridiculed by netizens is nothing. I'll just consider it a balancing force in my life. After all, I can't have all the good things to myself, hehe~"

My wife shrank her neck and laughed, her expression playful yet with a hint of mischief.

This expression reminded Lin Xiao of the girl he was in love with, not the new mother full of maternal instincts she is now.

His anxiety, which had lasted all day, instantly subsided.

"So, you've completely come to terms with it?"

"I've come to terms with it!"

"Even if this trending topic involves you, me, and your dad all being criticized together, aren't you afraid?"

"Hmm... I'm not afraid, I'm just worried about affecting you... and him!"

"You don't need to worry about the two of us!"

Lin Xiao said casually, "Your father is about to be transferred back to Ninghai. Before this trending topic, he had already decided to step down as mayor of Yizhou. Although I don't know if his job transfer is related to that photo, things can't get any worse now. When I saw him last time, he was fully prepared, so you don't need to worry."

"I wasn't worried at all..."

Xixi hasn't reconciled with her father yet, so even though she's worried about him, she's still being stubborn.

Lin Xiao didn't expose her, and affectionately stroked her long hair.

"As for me, you don't need to worry about me at all... You know I'm being transferred to a remote mountain town to be the town mayor, right?"

"Know it……"

Xi Xi rolled her eyes as she said this, and then added, "So that night when we were taking a walk, you told me you had something to say, but in the end you pulled out a safety lock. Actually, what you wanted to say was about your exceptional promotion and transfer, right?"

Lin Xiao grinned guiltily, "My wife is so smart, come here, give me a kiss..."

The plump lips moved closer.

Xi Xi pushed him away with a look of disgust.

Don't give me that!

She rolled her eyes and said, "The whole country knows about my husband's job transfer, but I, as his wife, am the last to know! Is that reasonable?"

Lin Xiao scratched the back of his head, realizing that it was indeed outrageous.

"Uh...hehe, hehe!"

"What are you chuckling about? Be serious!"

"Oh!"

Lin Xiao immediately sat up straight and became obedient.

Xi Xi almost burst out laughing, but then forced a serious expression and said, "I'm asking you, why didn't you say what you wanted to say that night? Was it because I mentioned that I wanted to make a comeback and do variety shows, and you didn't want me to have any worries, so you didn't mention your transfer?"

"Uh, yes."

"So what were you thinking? You were going to keep it from me, and then wait for the transfer order to come down so I could go film a variety show, you could go to your new post, and leave Xiao Chu at home?"

"no!"

Lin Xiao hurriedly said, "I didn't tell the truth at the time. I decided to find your father and refused to be transferred to Mashan County. I called him the next day, but I couldn't get through. Then, in the afternoon, people from the Municipal Organization Department came to investigate. I didn't even have a chance to react. Then, the matter became a trending topic and caused a huge uproar. I didn't even have a chance to explain to you... and that's how it ended up like this."

As Lin Xiao continued speaking, his voice became less and less confident.

Clearly, even if the incident was sudden and understandable, he felt that he bore the primary responsibility for the current situation.

On the other side, Xixi's expression calmed down after hearing the whole story.

"Is it all the truth?"

"100% authentic, I swear!" Lin Xiao raised his right hand solemnly.

Han Xixi slapped his hand away.

"Alright, stop swearing. I believe you."

"hey-hey……"

"Don't chuckle yet! Now there's no need to worry. Our family situation has escalated so much that the deal with Tencent Video, which was going well, has fallen through. I don't need to make a comeback; I can continue being a stay-at-home mom!"

Xi Xi said helplessly, "I'll take care of Xi Xi. You can transfer to another position if you need to... You don't need to worry about anything!"

These words made Lin Xiao feel even more ashamed.

He grasped his wife's hand and hurriedly said, "Xixi, wife, baby... this situation is really not what I initially thought. It can only be said that man proposes, God disposes! I never meant for you to sacrifice your career and return to the family. The reason I asked you to fade out of the entertainment industry before was simply because I felt that this industry was too dirty and not suitable for you."

"But seeing how hard it is for you to give birth and raise the child, I've changed my mind. As long as you want to work, I will absolutely support you 100%. On the contrary, I don't actually have a strong ambition for my career. After having Xiao Chu, I'm even more willing to stay at home to take care of her."

"So, I've thought it all through. If the result of this trending topic is that the organization cancels my promotion, that would be even better. I'll continue in my current semi-reclining, semi-parenting mode, while you should make a comeback. Even if you lose this variety show, you'll definitely have other job opportunities."

"If my promotion still stands... we'll just move our whole family to Mashan County!"

Xixi was deeply moved by his heartfelt words.

Having been married to Lin Xiao for so long, she knew her husband's character well and trusted him completely.

Therefore, even though this trending topic came suddenly, there are still many details in the online discussions that I am not aware of.

She wasn't angry at all.

Because she knew that Lin Xiao had his reasons and difficulties for not saying those things.

Now, listening to his explanation, I don't doubt anything, but rather I can feel his overflowing love from his anxious tone and sincere voice.

However, this affection abruptly ended with the last sentence.

Xi Xi was dumbfounded.

"Move...move to Mashan County?"

"Yup!"

Lin Xiao said seriously, "I've thought about it. Anyway, Xiao Chu is still young, so we don't need to worry about her education. Before she starts kindergarten at three, it doesn't matter where she is raised. Mashan County has beautiful mountains and clear waters and good air quality, which is actually good for a child's growth. Especially since she has had prickly heat and skin allergies since birth, the doctor also said that she should get closer to nature."

Xi Xi was speechless for a moment.

Because what Lin Xiao said was indeed the truth. Lin Xiaoxi had always been healthy since birth, except that she often got rashes all over her body.

At first, I thought it was eczema, but no matter whether I used prickly heat powder or eczema cream, the rash just wouldn't go away.

Later, after seeing a doctor, I was told that it was a kind of internal heat toxicity, which many children born in cities have.

You need to spend more time in nature and breathe fresh air to gradually recover.

Han Xixi, of course, believed the doctor's words.

However, her understanding of getting close to nature is simply going to parks and getting more sunshine, not going to the mountains to live in seclusion.

So when she heard Lin Xiao's words, she couldn't quite understand them.

Lin Xiao continued, "Our family isn't short of money, so we can bring the nanny or housekeeper directly. We can just raise their wages, they'll definitely be fine. Your mother hasn't retired yet, but my mother is fine, she can come with us without any problem."

He paused, met his wife's gaze, and smiled, "As for you, a big star like you is never home anyway. Coming back to Ninghai from out of town is the same as coming back to our beautiful Mashan County. It'll just take an extra two or three hours..."

Upon hearing this, Xixi's initial surprise turned into quiet contemplation.

She couldn't accept it at all.

But now, I suddenly feel... it might not be a bad idea!

Seeing his wife's expression, Lin Xiao knew that she had taken his words to heart.

He tried even harder to persuade them: "Actually, there's another reason for going to Mashan County."

Xi Xi asked seriously, "What?"

Lin Xiao sighed and said, "After this trending topic passes, I will officially go public! No matter how this matter ends, one thing is undeniable: my husband and I will become the focus of attention across the internet, and our popularity will not be any less than that of top-tier celebrity couples."

"With this level of attention, our daughter will also become the object of media and netizens' scramble for exposure. There's a high probability that Xiao Chu will grow up in the spotlight like a child star. But I don't want that, at least not when she should have a carefree childhood."

"Settling down in Mashan County, although it's to accommodate my job, can also protect Xiao Chu in a way. After all, that place is very remote, you could even call it a poor backwater. It can largely isolate Xiao Chu from online disputes and real-world attention, allowing her to grow up healthily like an ordinary child!"

These last words made Han Xixi's eyes light up.

She spent the whole day thinking about the current situation, the direction and outcome of this trend, but all she could think about were her father, her husband, and herself.

She completely forgot that her daughter would also be affected by this online exposure.

Realizing this, she panicked instantly.

Lin Xiao immediately understood his wife's worries and quickly grabbed her hand, saying, "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm only talking about the worst-case scenario. But no matter what trending topics or issues there are, they will all pass. As long as we protect our little chubby girl well, she will definitely grow up safely and healthily. Don't worry!"

After this reassurance, Xixi's expression quickly calmed down.

Then she frowned: "Why are you calling us 'little chubby girls' again? I've already said, we're not chubby girls!"

Xixi was very serious and earnest.

Seeing this, Lin Xiao inexplicably felt that his wife was like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and he couldn't help but laugh.

He tried his best to hold back and quickly admitted his mistake: "I won't bark anymore, I'll never bark again, if you bark again I'm a dog!"

"That's more like it... Wait, no! If you're a dog, then Xiao Chu becomes a puppy, right?"

"Uh……"

"Lin Xiao! Can you please stop ruining your daughter's life?!"

Xi Xi stood with her hands on her hips, panting heavily with anger.

Lin Xiao shrank back and chuckled awkwardly, then simply stopped talking.

It's confirmed that she has the lowest status in the family.

……

While Xixi hasn't objected to the idea of ​​relocating the whole family to Mashan County, she hasn't immediately agreed either.

After all, this is a huge deal.

Especially for Chinese people who are attached to their homeland, moving is just as important as starting a family and building a career.

We must plan and strategize carefully.

Moreover, the storm in the online world is still ongoing, and they can't think that far ahead yet.

The most urgent task is to address the current difficulties.

However, as the parties involved, there is actually only so much they can do.

If it's just a celebrity, then they should clarify and handle the public relations issues.

That goes without saying.

But Lin Xiao and Han Haijun are not celebrities; they are proper cadres, especially the latter, who is a high-ranking cadre.

This identity dictates that this matter is not their family affair, nor is it gossip to pass the time online, but a major issue involving the government's credibility.

The higher-ups naturally wouldn't ignore it.

So, a day after it became a trending topic.

Nanzhou Province then established an investigation team and dispatched it to Yizhou City to investigate the issues that had sparked heated discussions across the internet, such as Han Haijun taking his daughter to a luxury store a year and a half ago and whether Lin Xiao's promotion complied with procedures and regulations.

The investigation team was established and issued an announcement on the government's official WeChat account on the same day.

This move naturally received enthusiastic support and praise from all netizens, who left comments eagerly awaiting further developments.

During the investigation.

Lin Xiao's promotion and Han Haijun's transfer have both been suspended.

Five days later, the investigation concluded.

The investigation team released a 6000-word summary report, which was detailed and sincere.

At this time, the trending topics about Han Xixi's family had just begun to subside.

The release of this investigation report immediately attracted widespread attention online, with its popularity rivaling that of when the various inside stories were first exposed.

The report is divided into two parts.

The first part is about Han Haijun taking his daughter to a luxury store to buy a bag a year and a half ago, as well as his integrity during his many years in office.

The second part details Lin Xiao's performance since joining the workforce, as well as whether his two promotions complied with regulations.

Both parts fully reconstruct the events that netizens are concerned about, and even proactively "reveal" some details that have not appeared online.

For example, Han Haijun took Han Xixi to a luxury store to buy a bag in order to choose a birthday gift for his wife who was about to turn fifty.

For example, the head of the neighborhood where Lin Xiao works is Liu Liyun, Han Xixi's mother, and it was through Liu Liyun's matchmaking that he met Han Xixi and they got married in a flash.

All of this inevitably dragged in another important member who wasn't initially on the trending topics list—Liu Liyun.

The investigation report's conclusions are also divided into two parts.

First, the South Korean Navy has been in service for many years and no cases of illegal activities, corruption, or bribery have been found.

However, although his purchase of designer bags for his daughter was a voluntary act and the consumption was within the reasonable range, as a leading cadre, his failure to set an example of hard work and frugality marks the beginning of a decline in his ideals and beliefs, and the organization will deal with it seriously.

Secondly, Lin Xiao performed excellently in all three of his previous positions, and his promotion was entirely in line with the principles of democratic centralism. However, when he was first promoted to deputy section-level cadre, he had already registered his marriage with Han Xixi and had a legal kinship with Liu Liyun, the then director of the street office.

However, Liu Liyun did not proactively explain this to the organization during Lin Xiao's promotion and evaluation process, raising suspicions of abusing her position for personal gain. After comprehensive consideration, the organization will take serious action against her.

As the main person of concern in this online incident, Comrade Lin Xiao's work performance and attitude were thoroughly reviewed by the organization. His performance during his work period was recognized, especially during his tenure in Chaobai Town last year, when he promoted the revitalization of rural cultural tourism in Chaobai Town through his personal efforts, and various economic data doubled compared with the previous year, which was an outstanding achievement.

In addition, Comrade Lin Xiao also performed exceptionally well during the flood prevention period. He not only risked his life to save a village from the flood, but also calmly rescued Qin Zhenggang, the then mayor, from danger when Qin fell into the water and his fate was unknown, thus saving a life.

After organizational assessment, Comrade Lin Xiao was found to have outstanding performance and ability, a positive work attitude, and excellent character and conduct. His receipt of various awards and further promotion are in full compliance with the organization's principles of commending the advanced and selecting the outstanding.

Therefore, after investigation, the team decided not to impose any punishment on Lin Xiao. The promotion process is proceeding normally, and he will be appointed as a key provincial-level outstanding cadre in the next step.

The report caused an uproar online.

At first, netizens suspected that the so-called investigation team was just a show put on because the online outcry was too great and the authorities had no choice but to respond to the concerns.

It was merely to quell public opinion and control public discourse.

To everyone's surprise, the investigation team was genuinely investigating, and the investigation progressed very quickly.

The report is not only detailed, but also reveals many details that netizens are unaware of. For example, in addition to Han Xixi, Han Haijun, and Lin Xiao, there is another key figure in the story.

This person is Han Xixi's biological mother, Liu Liyun.

She was not only the matchmaker for Lin Xiao and Han Xixi, but also the first benefactor who helped Lin Xiao start his career.

This information instantly added credibility to the report.

In particular, the credibility of this story is further enhanced by the fact that both Han Haijun and Liu Liyun are to be dealt with by the organization.

Of course, when viewers saw Lin Xiao's part, the content was completely different from what they expected.

What the hell?

The organization has acknowledged that my parents-in-law's actions violated procedures and that they will be dealt with accordingly.

But when it comes to Lin Xiao, he becomes a model young man who is promising, capable, and of good character?
Isn't this contradictory?
The internet exploded again, but this time, the number of supporters far exceeded the number of skeptics.

"If the investigation team wants to cover up wrongdoing, then let them cover it up. There's no need to punish Han Haijun and Liu Liyun at all!"

"Exactly, especially regarding Liu Liyun's affairs, which hadn't been exposed before, so the investigation team had no need to bring them up proactively. Therefore, the report's authenticity is quite high!"

"No, let's stick to the facts. Has everyone forgotten how popular Chaobai Town was last year? If it weren't for Ma Yao, how could this have happened!"

"A deputy mayor who can write songs, how interesting!"

"To be fair, Ma Yao is really talented and organized. Oh, I should call him Lin Xiao!"

"Is it possible that Han Xixi's parents saw that this young man was so capable and outstanding that they couldn't wait to marry their daughter to him and were even supporting him in his career?"

"A disgrace to the music industry! So many full-time musicians and singers can't even beat a part-time songwriter, hahaha..."

"As expected, high-quality young men are simply not available on the market. No wonder the matchmaking market is full of oddballs!"

"The favoritism and corruption are real, but so are the outstanding and upright qualities!"

"Your moral standards are too high. I think it's already amazing that even after such a thorough investigation, Han Xixi's parents didn't find any major problems. It's perfectly normal to pave the way for their son-in-law who also works in the system, especially since Lin Xiao is so capable! What parent doesn't want to think about their child?"

"So is this a plot twist? How did I suddenly become a fan of this family?"

"What I'm saying is, does Lin Xiao really have to be this official? Can't he resign and join the entertainment industry for me?"

"It proves that outstanding people shine wherever they are. That deputy mayor is doing a fantastic job, and every song he writes becomes a hit. Haha, another day proving that I'm a complete failure!"

"On a side note, Han Xixi is really lucky. Her parents are loving and her family is well-off. Her future as a singer was uncertain, but her parents managed to find her a musical genius as her husband. And he's so beautiful and has such a great voice... Nuwa spent a whole day and night creating her. Did she fall asleep when she created me?"

"Uh, is Lin Xiao a lucky star or a jinx for this family? Han Xixi's parents were doing well in their official positions, but they paved the way for him, and now they've both been punished. On the contrary, he's been promoted steadily, and now he's even been promoted exceptionally... It's hard to say!"

"Another plot twist! Boring, next one!"

"..."

The online world is in turmoil once again.

Whether this will bring fortune or misfortune remains to be seen...

(End of this chapter)