After the Secrets of the Passerby Were Leaked, He Was Cherished by the Entire Family of Antagonists-Chapter 97

Qin Yao had promised him that if he ever had any questions, he could ask him anytime.

But this time, Qin Yao didn’t answer. He stared at **L1** with a resentful gaze for a while before finally looking away and saying in a soft voice, “I’m upset.”

**L1** became even more confused, and for the first time, a sense of unease crept in.

Why was Qin Yao upset?

Just moments ago, Qin Yao had been hugging him excitedly, so why the sudden change…?

**L1** furrowed his brows, and a suspicion formed in his mind, though he hesitated to say it.

Huo Mom had once explained to him that human affection comes in many forms.

Some affections are long-lasting, and this type of affection has another name—it’s called love.

Other affections are fleeting, like a short-lived flower that quickly withers. This is called novelty.

“Is it that your novelty in liking me has faded…”

Before **L1** could finish speaking, Qin Yao reached out his hand without warning.

The young man’s hand was large and warm, enveloping **L1**'s hand entirely. His fingers gently stroked **L1**'s, before threading through them, interlocking tightly.

**L1** felt a tickling sensation as his fingers were stroked, and he instinctively tried to pull back slightly, but Qin Yao quickly tightened his grip, holding on firmly.

The sensation was strange, but unexpectedly not unpleasant.

**L1** stopped struggling and looked at Qin Yao with a bit of confusion.

Qin Yao sighed softly in his heart.

He didn’t know why **L1** appeared so bewildered or why he seemed to have forgotten what he had said before, but the uneasiness was written all over **L1**'s face.

Originally, Qin Yao had wanted to tease him a bit more, hoping to make **L1** worry about him.

But in the end, Qin Yao couldn’t bear it himself.

Qin Yao’s voice was low and husky, filled with tenderness: “How could I ever lose my sense of novelty?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he uttered two names full of deep affection: “Yaoyao, I like you. I really, really like you. I was upset earlier because you said you didn’t come here entirely for me—I got jealous.”

**L1** felt as if there was a small brush gently sweeping across his heart. When Qin Yao called him “Yaoyao,” his heart would flutter, and when Qin Yao said he liked him, his heart would flutter even more. Upon hearing Qin Yao explain that he had been jealous, **L1**'s heart began to race uncontrollably.

Thump, thump, thump—

The sound was so loud that it echoed clearly on the quiet balcony.

**L1** pressed his lips together slightly and let out a soft “Mm.”

Qin Yao chuckled. “I think…”

Before he could continue, **L1** reached out and covered Qin Yao’s mouth without thinking. “No more talking!”

The slanting sunset bathed the young man’s face, turning his fair skin into a color as warm as the sunset itself.

**L1**'s voice trembled slightly, though he hadn’t noticed it himself. “You… you can’t tease me like that anymore.”

Qin Yao’s smile widened. Without hesitation, he nodded. “Alright.”

It wasn’t until the sun had completely set below the horizon that the heat on **L1**'s flushed cheeks finally began to subside.

That night, under **L1**'s guidance, Qin Yao made him another cup of oatmeal milk.

The rich milk, wrapped around the oats, slid smoothly across his tongue, and the familiar taste made **L1** squint his eyes in satisfaction.

Seeing this, Qin Yao asked, “Does it taste good?”

**L1** replied, “Yes, it’s good.” After a brief pause, he added, “I really like the milk you make for me.”

Qin Yao laughed softly. “If you like it, I’ll make it for you every day from now on.”

**L1** smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

**L1** knew that Qin Yao would keep his promises, including helping him change everyone’s fate.

Even though this matter had nothing to do with Qin Yao, he still agreed to help **L1** without hesitation. By the next day, Qin Yao had already drawn up a series of plans.

**L1** quickly scanned through Qin Yao’s plan. It was thorough and well thought out, but **L1** still had some doubts in his heart. He looked at Qin Yao and couldn’t help but ask, “Will this really work?”

Qin Yao saw the doubt in **L1**'s eyes and smiled gently. Sitting close beside him, he said with a grin, “Shall we give it a try?”

“How?” **L1** asked.

Qin Yao replied, “Isn’t Huo Yan bringing his partner home tomorrow?”

**L1** was surprised. “So you mean—”

“Yes.” Qin Yao nodded without hesitation.

Seeing Qin Yao’s confidence, **L1** temporarily suppressed his doubts.

After all, if Qin Yao’s plan didn’t work, **L1** could always step in himself.

At worst, he could create a new system program and implant it into Huo Yan’s mind, revealing Su Rui’s true nature.

He had done this once during the second timeline reset, so he was certain he wouldn’t mess it up again.

To be fair, **L1**'s considerations were indeed very thorough.

But in the end, **L1** was still a system that had only recently begun to understand human emotions. His knowledge of the world was shallow compared to Qin Yao’s experience.

Thus, the next day, **L1** followed Qin Yao to the Huo family’s house and promptly learned a valuable lesson in human interactions.

Qin Yao and the Huo family had always been in contact, and Qin Yao and Huo Yan were old acquaintances. However, since this was the day Huo Yan was bringing his partner home, Qin Yao couldn’t just show up unannounced. So, he orchestrated a “chance encounter” with Huo Jing and suggested they discuss business together.

As for **L1**...

Qin Yao smiled as he introduced, “This is **L1**, my... assistant.”

**L1** quickly picked up on the signal and smoothly followed up, “Yes, I’m Qin... President Qin’s assistant. Hello, Mr. Huo.”

Huo Jing nodded slightly and didn’t ask any further questions, leading both of them to the Huo family’s house.

Upon seeing the familiar surroundings and being warmly welcomed by Huo Dad and Huo Mom, **L1** couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of displacement, as though a long time had passed. His eyes felt slightly sore, and he was momentarily overwhelmed by an uncomfortable feeling.

Worried that his emotions might be noticed, **L1** forced himself to suppress his feelings.

Since Huo Yan had not yet returned with his partner, Qin Yao truly did go to the study with Huo Jing to talk business.

This left **L1** alone in the living room, where Huo Dad and Huo Mom warmly entertained him.

They sat across from **L1**, chatting with him and asking about his age and life.

Whatever they asked, **L1** answered, though all the responses were based on the identity he and Qin Yao had fabricated the night before.

Huo Dad and Huo Mom didn’t suspect anything, nodding along as they listened.

Towards the end of the conversation, Huo Mom couldn’t help but say, “I don’t know why, but from the moment I saw you, I just really liked you. That’s why I’ve been chatting with you so much. I hope you don’t mind?”

**L1** felt his heart clench even more. He smiled and shook his head. “Of course not.”

He didn’t feel uncomfortable or offended at all. In fact, he found this feeling somewhat joyful—something he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

He liked it.

As the three of them continued to chat, Huo Yan finally arrived with Su Rui.

Upon seeing a stranger in the room, Huo Yan was momentarily surprised. He smiled and asked Huo Mom, “Who is this young man? He looks familiar.”

Huo Mom chuckled immediately. “Oh, so you think he looks familiar too?”

Huo Dad played along, “Why don’t you guess?”

Huo Yan stepped closer, standing across from **L1** and studying him carefully for a while. After some time, he shook his head and said, “I really can’t figure it out. Come on, stop teasing me—introduce him.”

Huo Mom smiled warmly, taking **L1**'s hand and formally introducing him to Huo Yan.

After hearing Huo Mom’s introduction, Huo Yan furrowed his brow. “That’s strange. I’m sure I haven’t met him before, so why does he seem so familiar?”

Both Huo Dad and Huo Mom chuckled.

Huo Dad said, “I haven’t met Little Yao either, but for some reason, he just feels like an old friend.”

Huo Mom nodded in agreement. “Yes, I even feel like adopting Little Yao as my godson…”

The family continued to chat happily together.

As for Su Rui, who had come with Huo Yan, she was completely ignored.

She stood off to the side, her expression growing more and more unpleasant.

But she couldn’t just interrupt their conversation directly. All she could do was cough lightly a couple of times to remind Huo Yan of her presence.

But at that moment, Huo Yan was too focused on asking about **L1**'s job to notice her coughing.

Su Rui’s expression darkened even more.

No one else seemed to notice.

But as a system, **L1** picked up on it.

For some reason, **L1** suddenly found it amusing.

At that moment, he finally understood what Qin Yao had meant the day before—

So this is what it means to enjoy watching someone else get embarrassed while happily enjoying the drama.

**L1** found this feeling quite enjoyable, even as a system. It made him feel oddly satisfied, so he enthusiastically kept the conversation going.

Huo Dad, Huo Mom, and Huo Yan already liked **L1**, and seeing how warmly he responded to their questions only made them happier.

The happier they were, the more Su Rui coughed, until her throat practically burned, but still no one paid her any attention.

Huo Yan even muttered under his breath, “Who in the house has a bad throat? Mom, maybe you should give them a few days off.”

“They keep coughing like that—what if they end up giving Little Yao the flu?”

Huo Dad and Huo Mom quickly called the family doctor to come over.

Seeing this, Huo Yan didn't bother comforting Su Rui and simply patted Su Rui's hand, saying, "Xiao Rui, please understand."

Su Rui: "???"

Understand what?

Wasn't this his first time visiting?

What was wrong with this whole family?

Ignoring him was bad enough, but who exactly was this **L1**? Why was Huo Yan so concerned about him?

A strong sense of injustice surged within Su Rui.

Without thinking, Su Rui blurted out, "Of course, I understand. It's just... I see he's already an adult, so why is he acting like a child? Is it because he doesn’t like me that he’s acting this way?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Huo Yan’s brows furrowed instantly.

The entire Huo family went silent for a moment.

Qin Yao leaned toward **L1**'s ear and whispered, "Do you know how to fake cry?"

Of course, **L1** didn't know, and he wasn’t sure what Qin Yao was planning, but **L1** decided to cooperate.

Worried that his "acting" might not be convincing enough, **L1** quickly spent some points in the system's shop to purchase an acting buff. In an instant, he began sobbing uncontrollably in Qin Yao's arms.

“Wah... I didn’t... President Qin... Wah... I wasn’t throwing a tantrum, and I don’t dislike him... Wah... Who... who even is he? I don’t know him... I... I’m really not feeling well... Wah...”

The acting buff worked so well that even **L1** was shocked. Tears streamed down his face, and his eyes turned red.

Huo Mom had already taken a liking to this well-behaved child from the moment she first saw him. Hearing Su Rui’s provocations made her feel a surge of anger.

**L1** didn’t even know Su Rui, and yet he had the audacity to say such shameless things!

Seeing **L1** cry so heartbrokenly, Huo Mom’s heart ached even more, and her eyes turned red too. "I know, I know, Xiao Yao, don’t cry anymore..."

Huo Dad also sensed the meaning behind Su Rui’s words, but since Su Rui was a guest, he couldn’t reprimand him directly. Instead, he shot a furious glare at Huo Yan.

Huo Jing’s expression turned cold, and he said in a stern voice, “Who are you? Why are you in my house?”

Su Rui: "..."

Su Rui’s face flushed red with anger.

Although **L1** was crying, deep down, he was laughing.

Hahaha, this is too funny! Huo Jing even asked Su Rui who he was and why he was here, hahaha—

**L1**'s body began trembling slightly, but his tears flowed even more fiercely.

Huo Yan had initially been concerned about Su Rui, but upon seeing **L1** cry so sorrowfully, with his body trembling, Huo Yan’s gaze toward Su Rui suddenly carried a hint of reproach.

However, Su Rui was still his boyfriend, so Huo Yan only furrowed his brows slightly and let go of Su Rui's hand. He introduced him, saying, “Dad, Mom, Big Brother, this is Su Rui, he’s the one…”

Mentioning Su Rui’s name was a mistake. As soon as his name was spoken, the entire Huo family’s expressions changed.

Huo Dad’s face darkened, and he said nothing.

Huo Jing turned away.

Huo Mom didn’t even glance in Su Rui’s direction.

The reactions were so obvious, it was as if they had written the words “dislike” all over their faces.

How could Su Rui bear this?

His eyes reddened with anger, but at least he still knew to restrain himself. He turned to Huo Yan, voice filled with grievance, “Since your family doesn’t have time today, I’ll just leave.”

With that, Su Rui turned and walked out.

Huo Yan furrowed his brows, feeling that Su Rui was being unreasonable. Still, he knew it was his oversight that had caused Su Rui to be neglected. So, Huo Yan grabbed Su Rui’s arm and began to explain, “Xiao Rui, listen to me...”

Under Qin Yao’s reminder, **L1** began crying even louder.

Huo Yan paused, lowering his voice, “Please understand, Xiao Yao is still just a child.”

Su Rui was so furious he could barely contain himself.

A child? He’s over six feet tall!

Not to mention, **L1** clearly looks like an adult!

At that moment, Huo Mom suddenly spoke up, “Wait, let Su Rui come back and sit down.”

Huo Yan quickly added, “Xiao Rui, don’t be angry anymore, just for my sake…”

Su Rui gritted his teeth. How could he not be angry?

But he knew he couldn’t leave now. If he really fell out with the Huo family, his relationship with Huo Yan would be over, and then what would happen to his child?

Su Rui couldn’t let anything happen to the baby, so with a more aggrieved tone, he said, “Alright, Yan-ge, for your sake, I’ll endure it…”

Su Rui stayed, and soon the family doctor arrived, escorted by the butler.

The butler explained as he entered, "Dr. Lin had some personal matters today, so only Dr. He is available."

Dr. He was the family doctor who regularly took care of Huo Mom’s health.

Huo Mom immediately said, “Then, Dr. He, please check on Xiao Yao first!”

If that didn’t work, they could take **L1** to the hospital later.

Dr. He nodded and hurried over to **L1**.

At that point, the acting buff **L1** had purchased was beginning to wear off.

While taking **L1**'s pulse, Dr. He asked, “Where are you feeling unwell?”

**L1** thought for a moment and made something up, “I have a headache.”

Dr. He took his pulse for a moment longer before saying, “There doesn’t seem to be any major issue with your pulse…”

**L1** pursed his lips as another tear fell. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t hurt as much now…”

Qin Yao added, “If it doesn’t hurt anymore, that’s good. I’ll take Xiao Yao to the hospital later for a more thorough check-up.”

Huo Mom quickly said, “We’ll come with you,” then glanced at Su Rui, “Oh, Dr. He, could you also check on this child as well?”

Dr. He nodded and walked over to Su Rui.

Su Rui was momentarily stunned.

Why was he being checked?

Before he could refuse, Huo Yan had already lifted his hand, “Let Dr. He check you too. You were just upset earlier, so I’d feel better knowing you’re okay.”

Su Rui was about to say it wasn’t necessary, but Dr. He had already started checking his pulse.

Suddenly, Su Rui’s heart began pounding in his chest.

He was a man, and due to certain anatomical differences, he had been able to get pregnant unexpectedly.

Even when he had gone to the hospital, it had taken a lot of effort to confirm that he was pregnant.

But traditional Chinese medicine...

Just feeling his pulse shouldn’t reveal anything unusual, right?

Su Rui tried to reassure himself, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous.

After a moment, Dr. He released Su Rui’s hand and said, “No problems. But if you're pregnant, it’s best to keep a calm and positive mindset.”

Su Rui let out a sigh of relief.

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Then he heard Dr. He continue, “The baby is four months along, everything is fine. No need to worry.”

Su Rui froze.

Huo Yan looked confused. “Four months? Isn’t it two months?”

**L1** wanted to laugh again.

Qin Yao squeezed his hand, and **L1** barely managed to hold back his laughter.

The entire Huo family’s eyes were now on Su Rui.

Dr. He said, “What do you mean, two months? This pulse indicates four months—very stable. I’ve never encountered a case of male pregnancy before, but regardless, a pregnancy’s pulse is consistent. I’m not wrong.”

Huo Yan stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. “No... No way... Xiao Rui, you—”

Qin Yao delivered the final blow: “What’s wrong? The timing doesn’t match?”

It didn’t just not match—it was off by a full two months!

Huo Yan’s mind shattered. He turned to Su Rui in disbelief. “Xiao Rui, what’s going on? You said...”

Su Rui panicked.

What the hell? Why did a traditional Chinese doctor suddenly show up?

And why did he have to take his pulse?

The doctor had even admitted this was his first time checking a man for pregnancy. How could he be so sure there was no mistake?

Su Rui hastily tried to explain, “He’s lying! It’s only been two months... I swear I didn’t lie to you, Yan-ge. The baby is yours... It's two months…”

Dr. He became furious at this, his brows furrowing tightly. He spoke with righteous indignation, “How can you doubt my professionalism? My family has practiced traditional Chinese medicine for 17 generations. I earned my doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine from the Capital Medical University, and I’ve been practicing

for over 20 years. I’ve never made a misdiagnosis! If I say you’re four months pregnant, then you’re four months pregnant. There is absolutely no mistake!”

Su Rui’s chest heaved with rage. “What nonsense are you talking about? I had a check-up at the hospital, it couldn’t be wrong! Besides, how could I lie to Yan-ge...”

Dr. He grew even angrier and began explaining passionately why Su Rui’s baby was four months along and not two months.

Throughout the entire exchange, the Huo family didn’t say a single word.

Meanwhile, **L1** and Qin Yao stood on the side, watching the drama unfold with great interest.

Huo Yan, on the other hand, was completely devastated, standing there in shock, like someone who had just been dealt a crushing blow.

For some reason, **L1** suddenly remembered a phrase he’d once read. Leaning toward Qin Yao, he whispered, “President Qin, look at Huo Yan—he looks like he’s about to shatter.”

Qin Yao smiled, his eyes full of amusement, and whispered back, “Finding out you’ve been duped into taking care of someone else’s child would crush anyone’s spirit. So, remember, no laughing out loud.”

**L1** nodded repeatedly. “Alright, I’ll just laugh in my heart!”

The whole debacle ended with Su Rui losing the argument to Dr. He’s clear explanations. Furious, he stormed out of the Huo family home, and Huo Yan didn’t chase after him, as he was too busy sobbing uncontrollably.

Between his sobs, Huo Yan cried, “It’s not mine... hahaha, it’s not my child hahaha…”

Huo Mom felt his crying was embarrassing and turned her head away.

Huo Dad sighed heavily. “Such a mess!”

Huo Jing turned to Qin Yao and **L1** and said, “Sorry you had to witness that.”

**L1** quickly replied, “It’s no trouble, no trouble at all. But... shouldn’t someone comfort him?”

He was laughing and crying at the same time—his mental state seemed unstable!

Huo Mom sighed deeply. “Leave him be. Anyway, Xiao Yao, why don’t you stay for dinner tonight?”

**L1** had missed Huo Mom’s cooking, so he nodded without hesitation.

Not long after this incident, news spread that Huo Yan and Su Rui had broken up.

Because of this experience, **L1**, an eager learner, had suddenly developed a taste for watching drama unfold.

Qin Yao noticed **L1**'s interest, and from then on, wherever there was drama, there was **L1** and Qin Yao.

In fact, to make sure **L1** enjoyed himself, Qin Yao replaced all the problematic guests on a variety show called *Let’s Travel Together* with drama-filled but morally sound ones.

Naturally, **L1** and Qin Yao joined in on the fun as well.

After one episode of filming, a heartbroken Huo Yan announced that he also wanted to join the show to relax and enjoy the drama.

Qin Yao agreed without hesitation, and thus their duo became a trio.

The only thing that bothered Qin Yao was that **L1** and Huo Yan were growing closer.

Qin Yao had expressed his jealousy to **L1** more than once.

But every time, **L1** reassured him, “I don’t like Huo Yan—I just think of him as... um...”

**L1** stumbled.

How did he see Huo Yan and the Huo family?

**L1** had never really thought about it before.

Seeing **L1**'s confusion, Qin Yao’s jealousy melted away.

In fact, Qin Yao had long known the truth. The Huo family held a special place in **L1**'s heart, and the Huo family had repeatedly told Qin Yao that they wished **L1** could stay with them forever.

Fortunately, his little system was naturally dense when it came to emotions.

And thankfully so—otherwise, the Huo family would have stolen him away a long time ago.

Qin Yao felt a bit selfish, so he didn’t point out this layer of emotions to **L1**. He decided to let **L1** figure it out on his own.

Even if **L1** got mad at him later, Qin Yao was willing to accept it.

Time passed quickly.

Before long, it was the end of August.

One morning, after waking up, Qin Yao didn’t find **L1** on the balcony, but instead, found a note he had left behind. It read: "President Qin, Huo Mom invited me over for dinner today. I’ll be back tonight."

Qin Yao stared at the note and smiled helplessly.

Well, it seemed his little system had indeed been stolen away by the Huo family.

But Qin Yao wasn’t worried, because he and **L1** had long since understood each other.

Qin Yao headed to the office to take care of some business. By the time he was finished, it was already afternoon.

Remembering that **L1** hadn’t had his milk today, Qin Yao made a cup at the office, poured it into a thermos, and set off to pick **L1** up from the Huo family home.

To his surprise, when he arrived at the Huo family home, Huo Mom said she hadn’t invited **L1** over. In fact, **L1** had come by in the morning to see Huo Yan, and they had gone to the filming set together.

Qin Yao’s brows furrowed slightly as he thanked Huo Mom and had the driver take him to the set.

He didn’t think too much about why **L1** had lied to him. Instead, he found it intriguing that his little system had learned to lie—it was quite amusing, and Qin Yao was oddly pleased.

But that amusement didn’t last long.

When he arrived at Huo Yan’s set, he didn’t need any directions. Qin Yao was already familiar with the place and made his way directly to Huo Yan’s dressing room. Before he could even approach, he overheard Huo Yan’s angry voice from inside:

“What do you mean, in order to save Qin Yao, you have to get hit by a car in his place?! I don’t agree with that!”

Qin Yao froze in his tracks.