Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapter 307, Chapter 308: Gardenia-Scented Mini Cream Puffs
With Lin Xiao's efforts to explain.

Han Xixi finally put aside her worries and believed that the current situation of being universally criticized and condemned was not as bad as it seemed.

It's even something to be happy about.

"People online cannot represent everyone..."

Xi Xi pondered those words, a different kind of radiance blooming on her face. "Brother, I never thought of that before... Compared to you, I feel so childish..."

Lin Xiao's eyes widened.

He went on and on just to keep his wife from worrying about him; he had no intention of putting her down.

“It’s normal for you to be naive!” Lin Xiao said.

"Ok?"

Xi Xi frowned, thinking her husband would comfort her, but to her surprise, he agreed.

No, I don't need your consent!
"Why is it normal for me to be childish?" Xixi said irritably.

"Because you're young, only 24 years old. You're perfectly entitled to be an innocent young girl!"

Lin Xiao said formally.

Xixi was about to say something indignant, but after hearing her husband's reply, she swallowed it back down.

Uh, okay.

Since you complimented me on how young I am!

"Okay, I understand what you're saying."

Xi Xi smiled calmly, then her expression turned serious. "But brother, with netizens bombarding you with insults, aren't you angry at all?"

Lin Xiao shrugged nonchalantly: "Let them curse. The harsher they curse, the more I earn!"

Xi Xi frowned in disbelief.

"Don't believe me? Open Tencent Music and check the new song chart!" Lin Xiao put his hands behind his head, leaned against the headboard, and looked confidently in control.

Xi Xi opened the app with some skepticism.

Although she understood the logic that the more negative something is, the more popular it becomes, she felt that since no one liked the song, no matter how much it was discussed, the song's performance wouldn't be very good.

However, upon clicking in, one can see...

"Wow, it's third on the new song chart!!" Xixi couldn't help but scream.

Keep in mind, it's only 8:30 pm.

It had only been half an hour since "Little Apple" was released.

Even with a week of high-profile recommendations on the Tencent Music homepage, achieving such results in just half an hour is beyond description as simply "popular".

This is absolutely defying the heavens.

Lin Xiao looked satisfied, but still felt it wasn't enough.

He held up one finger: "In an hour, this song will reach number one on the new song chart, and a day later, it will top the hot song chart. Do you believe it?"

Xixi's eyes widened in surprise.

It's no longer a question of whether to believe or not, but whether he can maintain his status as the biggest star artist at "New Rural" music company.

"You're terrifying!" Xixi suddenly exclaimed.

"fear?!"

Lin Xiao was so startled that he quickly sat up straight. His wife's expression didn't seem like she was joking.

He quickly dropped his smug and irritating expression, grinned, and pulled his wife to his side.

"I was just showing off a little, nothing more, hehe~"

"Humph!"

Xi Xi pouted, "Come on, from your performance at the last press conference to the release of 'Little Apple' this time, I've figured it out!"

Lin Xiao was a little flustered.

"What do you understand?"

"I see now, you're a complete and utter liar!"

"What?"

"You fooled everyone all by yourself."

Xi Xi was quite indignant, counting on her fingers, "Before our blind date, you were carrying a secret. You were the one who took the photos of me and my dad shopping, but you kept it to yourself until I got pregnant. You kept it a secret from me, my dad, my mom, and our whole family!"

"Later, when the matter was exposed, you orchestrated that press conference that went down in the history of the entertainment industry. Without consulting me, you suddenly announced your resignation and retirement from the industry at the press conference, fooling netizens across the country, leaders at all levels in Nanzhou Province, and even me, who thought you were really going to resign."

"Then there's the matter of 'Little Apple' this time. You clearly know that netizens won't like this song, and your target audience for releasing the song isn't these people, yet you still allowed the company's publicity team to promote it extensively."

"The current backlash from netizens is actually orchestrated by you. If you had released the song secretly, people would have just made a few complaints, but there wouldn't have been such a massive and concentrated reaction... Did you do this to generate buzz for 'Longing for Married Life'?"

Lin Xiao, realizing his thoughts had been guessed, awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Well, that's right!"

"Look at you, you're a cunning, shrewd, and cunning old fox..."

"..."

Lin Xiao could only manage a wry smile. "Although I'm five years older than you, I'm not that old, am I?"

Xi Xi glared at him, signaling him to be serious.

Lin Xiao quickly sat up straight and resumed his serious expression.

Xi Xi said with a puzzled and serious expression, "Lin Xiao, the things you've done lately have really surprised and astonished me. I'm so surprised that I don't even recognize you anymore!"
When I first met you, I thought you were a simple, steady, and honest young man who gave people a sense of security and reliability, making people want to get closer to you.

"But now, I feel that you are mysterious and unpredictable, in control of everything, and have a... a dangerous aura about you. I don't dare to be around you anymore!"

Xi Xi looked flustered and sighed.

Lin Xiao was shocked to hear his wife's heartfelt words.

The sudden revelation of his true identity was something he had never expected, and he is still struggling to adapt to it.

While adapting, they also had to deal with all sorts of strange and unsavory characters online and in real life.

Lin Xiao appeared calm and collected, but in reality, he was somewhat lacking in ability.

He had to rack his brains to convince himself that "since it's already been exposed, I might as well make the best of it."

And based on the principle of "since it's already been exposed, why not make the most of this massive traffic and popularity", he confessed his secret to his parents-in-law and planned to use his popularity as a key, a sharp arrow, and a guiding light to lead the people of his hometown to prosperity.

The road was not easy, and he was groping his way forward in the dark.

While overcoming numerous obstacles, he also had to take care of his family, fearing that his wife, who had just given birth, would be affected by online harassment and have it impact his own emotions.

After all, my daughter is only five months old.

Xixi has only recently finished her postpartum confinement period, and if she experiences excessive stress, postpartum depression may still develop late.

Lin Xiao was determined not to allow this to happen.

That's why he spent so much time explaining to his wife after the release of his new song, just to convince her that being criticized by netizens was nothing to worry about.

How could nothing be wrong?

Even the most rational person wouldn't go out of their way to invite insults, much less simply swallow their pride.

Lin Xiao's way of controlling his emotions was simply to force himself not to look at the comments online; it was a form of self-deception—if I don't look at them, they don't exist.

He is self-consistent.

But he never expected that in the past few months, he was so focused on digesting his sudden fame that he didn't realize how quickly things had changed and how much his wife, Xixi, had fallen behind.

The couple almost fell apart, which could have led to a major disaster.

Very risky.

Lin Xiao was very glad that his wife was not the type to keep things bottled up inside.

Now that she has raised her doubts, things are much easier to handle—if there's a problem, just solve it! That's the secret to a lasting marriage!

Lin Xiao quickly took his wife's hand and sat down on the edge of the bed, facing her intently.

"Wife, are you doubting my feelings for you?" he asked seriously.

"Um……"

Xi Xi hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "No."

Lin Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.

"So you suspect that when I started dating you, it wasn't just because I liked you, but because I had ulterior motives?"

"Then there's even less chance!"

This time, Xixi answered very quickly and said seriously, "With your talent and ability, whether in the system or the entertainment industry, achieving success would be a piece of cake. In fact, if you hadn't distracted me and had focused solely on your career, you would have already achieved even greater success... I have nothing for you to gain!"

Lin Xiao curled his lip.

"Who said that? I have a lot more to offer than what you have!"

"Huh? What?"

"You are such a person!"

Lin Xiao spoke in a light tone, but his expression was very serious.

Xixi almost couldn't help but laugh, but she was too embarrassed to laugh, since the conversation seemed quite formal.

Lin Xiao continued, "Do you know when I fell in love with you?"

Xi Xi tilted her head; the topic seemed to be getting further and further off track.

"When?"

"When we first met!"

"Huh??!" Xi Xi was completely shocked.

Lin Xiao nodded shamelessly, meaning you heard me right, it was the first time!
"But... how is that possible?"

"Why not! If I hadn't been attracted to you at first sight, do you really think I would be so enthusiastic as to risk being exposed and ruining my reputation by getting a fake marriage with you after only meeting you for the first time?"

"Uh……"

Looking back on this incident now, Xixi does indeed find it outrageous.

But at that time, I was desperate and would try anything, so I didn't have time to think things through.

Later, when she found out that her husband was the one who caused her marriage to fall apart, she guessed that he had agreed to the fake marriage because he felt guilty.

However, it seems that this argument is not tenable now.

After all, Teacher Lin Xiao is the incredibly talented Master Ma Yao, a powerful figure in the music industry.

If you want to atone for your sins, just write a song specifically for Han Xixi.

In fact, that's how he released his first two songs, which successfully helped him regain popularity and become a hit again.

There's absolutely no need to get yourself involved.

After all, the risks of a fake marriage are too great, and it could be exposed at any time. He, on the other hand, is a rare person in this world who wrote "Later" but refused to reveal his real name and was determined to live in seclusion in the bustling city!
This logic just doesn't make sense.

Now, hearing my husband suddenly admit that he fell in love with me at first sight... well, he said it was lust at first sight! But these two phrases should mean the same thing.

Han Xixi was shocked, but then suddenly felt that everything made sense.

She was speechless, feeling a little proud and smug.

Lin Xiao chuckled, "I may seem honest and serious, but I'm still just an ordinary person at heart. You're so beautiful and cute, and you timidly asked me if I wanted to get married the first time we met. You were so adorable, I'd be a Buddha reincarnated if I didn't fall for you!"

"???"

Han Xixi was speechless: I'll take that as a compliment!

"However, while lust is a physical reaction, I'm the kind of person who puts my heart into relationships!"

Lin Xiao laughed and said, "At the time, I thought that the two of us wouldn't have any contact after we got the marriage certificate, so I didn't think much about it and didn't plan to take any action."

"What I didn't expect was that we were forced to put on so many acts to keep the lie of getting married. But after getting to know each other again and again, I slowly started to fall for you..."

"This subtle feeling is happening between us at the same time; we both feel it. I don't need to explain it further, do I?"

Xixi pursed her lower lip and nodded shyly.

Actually, by this point in the conversation, her worries and fears had completely subsided, and she had even forgotten what she had been venting her anger about.

Lin Xiao dared not underestimate her, his fingers kneading his wife's palms and the backs of her hands, conveying their warmth to each other.

"Honey, I know I'm not good with words, and I rarely say 'I love you' in a serious way!"

Lin Xiao placed his wife's hand on his chest.

Both of them felt the intense heat and the powerful throbbing of the heartbeat.

Lin Xiao said emotionally, "But you must believe me. No matter what lies I tell this world, no matter how much I deceive, mislead, or exploit everyone, I will never lie to you. Because you are my wife, the only woman in my life, the anchor of my heart, the harbor of my emotions, my solid support, and my eternal shore..."

As she spoke, her voice became choked with emotion.

Xi Xi was a little frightened. The anxiety and worry in her heart were completely soothed in that instant. Her heart felt like it was floating on a green meadow on a spring afternoon, soft and gentle beyond words.

"I was wrong, honey..."

Xi Xi quickly rushed to Lin Xiao's side, her voice soft and delicate, "I... I shouldn't have doubted you, I was just... just a little scared..."

Lin Xiao rested his head on his wife's shoulder and neck, greedily inhaling the gardenia scent in her hair, feeling incredibly secure and at ease.

"I know it's because the three of us are living such a happy life now, and you're afraid that the outside world will disrupt the peace of our little family, right?"

"Hmm~"

Xixi nodded vigorously, her eyes focused intently, just like a model student diligently attending class.

Lin Xiao gently pinched her nose, smiling indulgently.

"Don't worry, it won't happen! I assure you, no matter how the world changes, no one will disturb our family, and no one will affect our daughter's safe growth!"

"Okay, then I'm relieved!"

Xi Xi smiled, her eyes narrowed.

There was silence between the two for a moment.

The young wife felt utterly humiliated by her husband's judgmental gaze, so she meowed coquettishly and snuggled into his arms again.

"Alright, alright, this is over. I'll never doubt you again, and you're not allowed to mention it again!!"

Xixi's main strategy is to take the initiative.

Lin Xiao laughed: "You're saying that only officials are allowed to set fires, while ordinary people are forbidden to light lamps!"

Xi Xi put her hands on her hips and said, "No way! Besides, you're the town mayor, and I'm just an ordinary citizen. If anyone's going to bully someone, it should be you bullying me. How could I possibly bully you?"

Lin Xiao: "???"

The man who was eloquent and persuasive at the press conference was now rendered speechless by his wife's sharp rebuke.

One has to admire: brine really is the best curd for tofu; one thing can subdue another!

"Let's not talk about it anymore, let's put it behind us!"

"Hehe, okay~" Xixi finally smiled.

"But I have a question!"

"What?" Xixi asked, somewhat wary.

Lin Xiao smiled without saying a word, then lifted a lock of her hair and took a deep sniff.

This action was so abnormal that Xixi had to try very hard to avoid being thrown over the shoulder.

"what?!"

"When did you switch back to gardenia-scented shampoo?"

Lin Xiao asked seriously.

He had just nestled into his wife's neck when he smelled that familiar scent and couldn't believe it.

After all, the scent of gardenias has a story behind it.

This fragrance comes from Lin Xiao's first song, "Later," which contains the lyric "white petals of gardenia."

The original singer of this song is Jiang Xueying.

When the song was released, Xixi was still in high school. As soon as it was released, it became her favorite song. She liked it for many years, and even replaced all her shampoos and face creams with gardenia-scented ones.

At that time, she and Lin Xiao did not know each other, but a strange and mysterious connection had already been established.

Later, we met, got married, got together, and fell in love.

Although they are getting closer and closer.

Lin Xiao then discovered his wife's unique preferences, and they even discussed the issue at the time.

Upon learning the reason, Lin Xiao felt extremely uneasy.

At the time, Ma Yao was still using a pseudonym, so he couldn't directly admit that he wrote "Later," especially since the original singer of the song was his ex-girlfriend, which he absolutely refused to admit.

After that, everything that needed to be exposed was exposed, and everything that needed to be clarified was clarified.

Although Xixi has fully accepted the fact that "her cheap husband and her favorite female singer were ex-boyfriends and girlfriends", she still feels a little uncomfortable when she smells gardenias.

So, his long-standing hobbies were all changed overnight.

Lin Xiao was happy to see it happen.

I never expected that my wife would change it back. I have to say, the scent smells good, familiar, and reassuring.

It made him involuntarily think of the feeling of being in love.

Although the person you're dating is still the same person, marriage and dating are ultimately different.

In response to Lin Xiao's question, Xi Xi gave a playful smile.

"What, the scent of gardenias reminds you of your ex-girlfriend?"

"Hey!!"

Enraged, Lin Xiao flicked his wife's forehead.

Xi Xi felt the pain and immediately retaliated.

The couple rolled onto the bed and started playfully fighting.

Just as they were having a great time, they heard footsteps outside the door. The couple froze instantly and covered each other's mouths in perfect unison.

After a few seconds of stalemate, their eyes met.

The two laughed even harder, bending over backwards, but remained silent.

He calmed down in no time.

Lying on the bed, Xixi played with her long hair and laughed, "I use gardenia-scented shampoo because I like the scent, not because of the song 'Later,' nor because I deliberately dislike it to avoid certain people... Liking something is like a cough, you can't hide it, don't you think, honey?"

As Xixi spoke, she hooked her arms around Lin Xiao's neck, her face showing a feigned arrogance and adorable naivety.

Lin Xiao and she lay face to face.

Seeing his wife's innocent and alluring appearance, and the glimpse of her neckline after their playful fight, his pent-up desire from the past few days erupted instantly.

The young couple has been living separately ever since the mother-in-law came to visit.

It's been several days.

Yesterday, Lin Yu and Liang Tian finally passed their driving test (Part 3). This morning, they packed their bags and went on their graduation trip to Jingzhou.

Lin Xiao took them to the train station.

With the two soon-to-be college students gone, the room in the house became available, and Lin Xiao and Han Xixi were finally able to reconcile.

That's really not easy.

Now, seeing his wife's obvious provocation, Lin Xiao could no longer hold back.

He pounced on his wife like a tiger pouncing on a sheep.

The scene was incredibly bloody and gruesome!
"Let me give you a nickname!" Lin Xiao said, his voice flaring as he worked.

"Um...what..."

"Little cream puffs~"

"Ok?"

Xi Xi's cheeks flushed red, looking shy and adorable. "Such a cute name, wouldn't it be more appropriate to call her... call her our daughter?"

Lin Xiao laughed and said, "She already has a nickname, Xiao Chu. We chose it together!"

Xi Xi said "Oh," and gently placed her hands on her husband's neck, too exhausted to speak.

"Aren't you going to ask why it's called Little Puff?"

"Why...why..." Xixi answered listlessly and inattentively.

"Because you're really good at flirting with me!"

"Ok?"

Xixi perked up a bit, "What...what does this have to do with cream puffs?"

Lin Xiao laughed: "Because I'm your husband. A husband, when you flirt with me, you're 'chasing me,' which means 'chasing your husband'..."

Although he explained it very clearly.

But Xixi has difficulty concentrating on chatting right now, so it took her a long time to understand the logic.

I was so bored that I rolled my eyes.

Hmm, very good, it turns out to be a lame joke, and a pun at that.

It instantly wakes you up, making you want to get up and go to work.

Xi Xi was speechless.

Lin Xiao regretted his words as soon as he finished speaking, because in such a hot time, being distracted and trying to cool down was a big no-no.

There is no other way to remedy this but to charge forward!

(End of this chapter)