After dropping off Ju Jingyi, the rest of the journey home was uneventful; he arrived safely, greeted at the main entrance by a spirited Butler Fu.
As soon as the car stopped, he quickly approached, directing someone to take the luggage from the trunk, while he stood by the car door, opening it with a smile on his face and concern in his eyes.
"Young Master, welcome home!"
"...Mm, is there anything to eat at home? I'm a bit hungry."
When Yi Xing got out of the car, he glanced at the people around, acknowledging Butler Fu's address of "Young Master." The other party had indeed followed his command to only call him Xiao Xing in private, so he didn't say much more.
"I'll have someone arrange it right away."
Butler Fu took out a phone from his pocket, skillfully opened a chat app, found the chef responsible for cooking, and sent a voice message: "The Young Master wants something to eat; make some desserts."
Yi Xing was stunned by this series of actions. Last year, when he came back, the family was still using walkie-talkies to communicate and give notifications. It hadn't been long, and they had already upgraded.
And looking at his skilled movements, he didn't at all resemble a middle-aged or elderly person dealing with electronic products. After a moment, he asked, "Where's my mom? Is she not home?"
"Madam went shopping with a few neighbors. Looking at the time, she should be back soon."
"Okay, I understand. I'll go back to my room first. Just send the desserts up directly when they're ready. When my mom gets back, remember to let me know."
Yi Xing instructed Butler Fu behind him as he went upstairs, then returned to his room, took out his laptop from his suitcase, found the registration website for "Who is the Last Man Standing," filled in the relevant personal information, and submitted it.
He had seen various knowledge quiz shows on international video websites, and coincidentally, there was one in China as well.
He wanted to see if he could join and play during his vacation, hoping to be successfully selected. Otherwise, he wouldn't mind using a little "cash" power.
After successfully registering, he leaned back in his chair, with the latest episode of "Who is the Last Man Standing" playing on his computer.
Since he decided to go, he needed to have a certain understanding of it, at least knowing the segments, understanding the rules, and learning the answering pace of others.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Butler Fu's voice: "Xiao Xing, Madam is back. She's in the living room now. Also, the desserts you wanted were intercepted by Madam and are also on the table in the living room."
"I know, I'll be right down." Yi Xing pressed the spacebar, paused the video, got up, and left the room, heading downstairs.
Shen Wanqing was sitting on the sofa, eating the freshly made desserts. Hearing footsteps from behind, she turned around and saw her son, whom she hadn't seen for almost a year. She immediately put down what she was holding and rushed towards him.
"When did you get back? I wish I had known, I wouldn't have gone shopping with them."
"It's fine, Mom, I just got home not long ago myself."
"Are you going to travel around the country again this year, just like last year?" Shen Wanqing held Yi Xing's hand, pulling him to sit on the sofa beside her, her eyes full of concern and affection, wanting to know his specific holiday plans for this year.
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I signed up for a show online, but I don't know if the production team will approve my application."
"What show?"
"Who is the Last Man Standing," Yi Xing answered truthfully, reaching for a cookie on the table and putting it in his mouth.
"Never heard of it."
"It's okay... you... have... now..." He didn't forget to catch his mother's words while eating.
"Is it that delicious?"
"Of course! Haven't you noticed I've gotten a bit thinner? I've really suffered through the hard life abroad; there's basically nothing that suits my taste."
"I only have one more year until I can come back. Finally, I won't have to stay abroad anymore. I miss you all so much, and I miss all sorts of delicious food in China."
Yi Xing's emphasis was mainly on the latter part. He could video call his parents if he missed them, but there was nothing he could do if he missed good food.
Shen Wanqing listened, feeling both distressed and amused. She gently patted Yi Xing's hand and said, "Oh, you've really had it tough. I'll make sure to nourish you well these next few days. Remember to tell the chef whatever you want to eat!"
"I will."
——————
Today was the fifteenth day, exactly half a month, since Yi Xing returned home. He received a message from the production team of "Who is the Last Man Standing."
It notified him to go to the Jiangning City Radio and Television Building for an interview in three days, bringing his ID card. Upon receiving this text message, his first action was to have Butler Fu send someone to check if it was indeed the production team's phone number, just in case he was being scammed.
After repeated confirmation, it was indeed a genuine number. He couldn't suppress his excited emotions, letting them take control of his mind.
After the excitement, he fell into deep thought. If he wanted to appear at the recording site, he would need a unique highlight to stand out from the crowd.
During dinner, he announced the good news to Yi Ming and Shen Wanqing at the dining table, though their expressions were quite different.
One was happy for him going for an interview, while the other had a gloomy face, lost in thought.
"Dad, if you don't want me to participate in this show, just say so. There's no need to make such a scary face."
"I actually don't really want you to go."
"Can you tell me the specific reason? Why don't you agree?"
"Because I've already paved the way for you. As soon as you graduate, you'll directly join my company as general manager, then handle some matters for me. There's no need to go on that show and make a spectacle of yourself like a clown."
Yi Ming put down his chopsticks, his tone serious, his eyes revealing an unyielding determination.
"You always try to make me follow the path you've planned. Every school I attended as a child was according to your arrangements."
"After the college entrance exam, I also studied abroad according to your wishes. Now I'm an adult. Can I make my own decision for once?" Yi Xing felt a surge of defiance, responding with a frown.
"You little brat, what do you know? I'm doing all this for your own good! I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice. The path I've planned for you is the most stable and the one that will help you avoid the most detours. Don't you understand?!"
"I understand, but my future should be created by myself, not by someone else pointing fingers. That wouldn't be my future, but that person's second future."
At this point, both father and son were somewhat agitated. After exchanging glances, they both turned their heads away, sulking and refusing to look at each other. Shen Wanqing, as the mediator, was overwhelmed, trying to persuade both sides.
Under her gentle persuasion, Yi Ming's expression finally softened a little. He cleared his throat, his tone still somewhat serious as he said,
"Since you're so insistent, then go. But if anything happens, don't think about coming to the family. I won't clean up your mess."
"Don't worry, I won't let that happen."
The argument at the dinner table ended with Yi Ming conceding a step, which also made him understand his son's true current thoughts.
Thus, the series of plans he had arranged for a year later would likely be useless. The child had grown up and had his own ideas. As a father, he still had to stand behind him and provide support, and his harsh words were just words.