Chapter 31: What Husband Punishes His Wife Like This!

Two days later.

On the Revival Board of "I Am a Singer," Qin Haiyu stood firmly at the top with an astonishing 16.37 million votes! The runner-up lagged far behind, with only 8.93 million votes, and the next four contestants trailed even further. With four hours left before voting closed, it was already clear that congratulations were in order for Qin Haiyu; her victory seemed assured, utterly unchallenged and devoid of suspense.

Because of this, many viewers and fans, seeing the overwhelming numbers, lost interest in sending more text votes. The gap between her and the second place was simply too vast—there was no chance for an upset.

At this point, the show's producers began to approach Qin Haiyu. In the beginning, Yu Zhile had paid the production team to invite Qin Haiyu as a challenger singer; now, the producers themselves were offering even more money to have her participate in the finals. It felt like the wheel of fortune had truly turned!

Yu Zhile found the situation amusing, but it also showed the producers' shrewdness. They recognized that Qin Haiyu's popularity had rebounded, now rivaling that of Chen Yuzhong and Ye Fei, the two top pop singers. So this time, they extended a direct offer, inviting Qin Haiyu to the finals with a substantial appearance fee, rather than simply informing her to show up for the recording.

Previously, Yu Zhile had spent a million yuan to secure Qin Haiyu’s challenger spot—half a million per episode. Now, the producers offered a three-million-yuan appearance fee for Qin Haiyu. For her current status, this was a considerable sum; at three million per episode, over thirteen episodes in a quarter, the fee would total thirty-nine million yuan!

Before marriage and motherhood, at the height of her fame, her appearance fee had been about the same, so Qin Haiyu accepted the invitation to the finals without bargaining. After all, she owed much of her career’s rise to this program. When she competed in the sixth season of "I Am a Singer," she only took second place, but her popularity and name recognition soared far above the champion’s.

With the producers showing such sincerity, there was no need to raise the price—better not to leave people with the impression that she was acting like a diva upon her return.

Qin Haiyu asked, "Honey, which song should I sing first?"

Yu Zhile replied, "Start with 'Sakura Grass.' It’s a beautiful song, but it might not lead in votes. For the final blow, you’ll need something that really resonates emotionally with the audience."

"Alright, I’ll follow your advice. I’ll sing 'Sakura Grass' in the first half," Qin Haiyu said, linking her arm through Yu Zhile’s and comforting him, "Honey, you’ll have to take care of the baby by yourself again."

Yu Zhile smiled gently. "Silly, you’re the one who works the hardest—always getting up in the middle of the night to change diapers and care for the baby, while I sleep like a log!"

Qin Haiyu replied with a sweet smile, "Thanks to you sleeping so soundly. If we both woke up every night to the baby’s cries, we’d be exhausted during the day, and neither of us could take turns caring for her."

Yu Zhile laughed, "Sounds like we’re the perfect husband-wife team—raising the baby isn’t so hard!"

"That’s not true—I’m exhausted!" Qin Haiyu pouted, "Honey, shouldn’t you pamper me a bit, give me a massage, rub my back?"

"Alright, alright, Madame, lie down and I’ll massage your back!" Yu Zhile obediently began kneading her back. "How’s this, dear? Is it comfortable?"

"Very comfortable! You’re the best!" Qin Haiyu lay on the bed, happily kicking her feet.

Yu Zhile asked, "Are you really not going to rehearse tomorrow? This is the finals—I think you should, just in case."

Qin Haiyu said, "It’s fine. Didn’t I do the same the last two times? As long as I practice the songs thoroughly at home, rehearsal isn’t essential. As long as the band doesn’t mess up, I’ll be fine."

Yu Zhile kneaded her shoulders, saying, "Then practice well these next couple of days, rest up, keep your energy and state fresh. I’ll take care of the baby. Your top priority is to bring home a championship trophy for me, otherwise..."

With that, Yu Zhile suddenly slapped Qin Haiyu’s bottom and teased, "Otherwise, I’ll have to punish you!"

Qin Haiyu asked curiously, "How will you punish me?"

Yu Zhile, turning her own words against her, said, "You’ll have to kneel on durian, kneel on a keyboard, kneel on instant noodles!"

"..."

Qin Haiyu protested, "Isn’t that how wives punish husbands? Since when do husbands punish wives like that?"

Yu Zhile gave her another playful slap and said seriously, "You promised to bring back a championship trophy for me! If you don’t, prepare to be punished. And don’t think that acting cute, rolling around, or pleading will help!"

"Honey, you’ve changed!" Qin Haiyu said pitifully, "You used to be so gentle—now you’re willing to punish me!"

Yu Zhile massaged her back, laughing, "Stop acting, my drama queen! I’m immune now—your performance doesn’t work on me anymore!"

...

Her husband was so annoying!

Qin Haiyu felt she needed to revise the family rankings again—so the baby returned to first place!

...

Thursday arrived.

On this day, Qin Haiyu was off to record the show again. The finals were split into two episodes—the first round was eight contestants down to four, with the true finals for the top four later.

So this recording would take longer. Qin Haiyu left in the morning, expecting not to return until dinnertime.

As she reluctantly headed to the TV station, Yu Zhile began packing up, pushing the baby in her stroller out the door.

"Be good, baby!" he adjusted the seat, secured the stroller in the car, and gazed lovingly at the little one with a pacifier in her mouth. He pinched her cheek, saying, "Let’s go, off to see Grandpa!"

...

An hour later.

"Dad, here’s the formula, diapers, and bottles! I’ve got work to do—please take care of your granddaughter for a day!"

Yu Zhile checked the time; he needed to hurry! Recording started at eleven, and it was already ten—getting to the TV station would take at least an hour. If his wife drew the first slot, he might miss her opening performance.

His father grumbled, "You brat! I told you I’m busy!"

Yu Zhile paid no heed. "Dad, don’t take her fishing or play chess today! Just stay home and bond with your granddaughter. I’ll be back later!"

As Yu Zhile turned to leave, the baby suddenly burst into tears.

His heart softened; he turned back, picked up the baby and soothed her, handed her to his father, but as soon as he turned again, the little one wailed once more.

"Dad! Look—your granddaughter won’t even let you hold her and doesn’t like you. Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Yu Zhile was helpless; the baby hadn’t fussed all the way, but now suddenly was crying.

His father, rocking the baby, said dryly, "Go on, take care of your business! All kids are like this—a little crying and they’ll be fine!"

"Alright."

Yu Zhile looked back every few steps, finally steeling himself and driving away. Yet, somehow, the baby’s cries echoed in his mind, making it impossible for him to settle down.

"Sigh!"

Yu Zhile sighed, then turned at the next intersection, heading back...