I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Two days flashed by, and the weekend came to a hurried end. Aside from needing to apply some blood-circulating and stasis-removing ointment on a schedule, Ming Huaizhi’s arm mostly just needed careful rest.

He had many allergens and contraindications for various medications. After finding this out, Sang Yu consulted several doctors and finally selected a traditional Chinese patent medicine for him to try as a topical compress.

Today, the program continued its recording.

Chen Ruofu had sent a message over the weekend telling him that the results of the last live broadcast were excellent. Many netizens remarked that watching him eat gave them an appetite, and the negative comments had decreased significantly.

Ming Huaizhi felt very relieved about this. He specifically stuffed a lot of snacks from home into his small backpack, preparing to use them as extra treats during lunch.

Walking to the dining room, he originally thought Sang Yu had already left for work. To his surprise, after finishing his meal, the man hadn’t left yet but was working at the dining table with an iPad.

“Good morning.”

Ming Huaizhi was running a bit late and hurriedly grabbed a sandwich. “I’m heading out first.”

“What’s in your backpack?” Sang Yu’s eyes were sharp, catching a glimpse of a food brand logo peeking out of the white backpack.

“Oh, potato chips and nuts.” Ming Huaizhi checked the time on his wrist again and obediently turned the backpack toward Sang Yu. “You take some to try.”

“I don’t eat those things.” Sang Yu frowned. “Does the company food not fill you up?”

Ming Huaizhi shook his head. “It’s not that it doesn’t fill me up, it’s just too bland, and the money on the meal card isn’t enough. Unless I skip dinner at the company, but I’m afraid of working overtime, so I don’t dare spend it.”

Although he spoke in a plain, factual narrative, it sounded somewhat aggrieved to Sang Yu’s ears.

Sang Yu knew Ming Huaizhi was a carnivore. He casually zipped up Ming Huaizhi’s backpack. “Are you allergic to the medicine I got for you yesterday?”

Ming Huaizhi shook his head. “No allergies.”

“Mhm. Go on then.”

“Sang Yu, bye-bye~”

Watching Ming Huaizhi’s departing figure, Sang Yu slowly leaned back in his chair, fastening a cufflink with one hand. After a long while, he placed a call to the General Manager of the subsidiary.

“The celebrities recording the show over there? Is the money on their meal cards very low?”

The General Manager hadn’t expected Sang Yu to inquire about such a trivial matter and said hurriedly, “Their standard is even lower than the company interns. This was requested by the production team themselves, saying it’s for the ‘show effect’.”

Sang Yu gave a small “mhm.” “Fine.”

Hanging up the phone, the General Manager felt both nervous and puzzled. He didn’t expect this matter to actually catch the attention of the head office.

In the dining room, the butler elegantly tidied the plates while wearing a faint smile.

When Sang Yu looked up and noticed the smile, his expression shifted slightly. “If word gets out about this, it won’t be good for the group’s reputation. People who don’t know better will think we mistreat our staff. How would we attract elite talent in the future?”

The butler smiled. “You consider things for the long term.”

Sang Yu had a new project to inspect shortly. He glanced at the servants busy in the courtyard. “Remember to arrange a proper patient’s dinner for Ming Yantang tonight.”

The butler nodded. “Don’t worry, sir.”

“Actually, why don’t you send him lunch as well,” Sang Yu suddenly suggested, but after careful consideration, he negated it. “Never mind.”

The other was on a live broadcast; if he ate meals delivered from home, he would surely be criticized.

The butler naturally knew what Sang Yu was worried about. “Your relationship with Young Master Ming is getting better and better.”

Sang Yu started. The incident of falling from the horse was still fresh in his memory, and his heartbeat accelerated unknowingly.

In his mind’s eye, the image of Ming Huaizhi acting like a “little turtle” automatically surfaced.

His expression flickered. “It’s just average.”

…

On the other side, Ming Huaizhi had already begun the work of selecting costumes. Jing Lan was in charge of logistics and was supposed to manage this, so she went to the costume warehouse with Ming Huaizhi to assist.

A cameraman followed the two of them. Jing Lan noticed that today’s Ming Huaizhi was a bit different from a few days ago; his right arm was carefully hanging at his side, not daring to lift it.

“Brother Yantang, are you injured?”

Ming Huaizhi: “I accidentally strained it while playing over the weekend. It’s no big deal, it’ll be fine after a few days of rest.”

Jing Lan’s tone was concerning. “An injury to the bones and tendons takes a hundred days to heal. You must rest well.”

Despite saying that, the warehouse doors were thick and heavy. Ming Huaizhi still walked at the front, using his left arm to push them open with effort. Holding the door, he said to Jing Lan, “Please, come in.”

Jing Lan’s heart warmed, and she hurried inside. “Your arm is inconvenient; I’ll handle the door when we go out.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled and shook his head. “It’s okay, I can do it.”

In his eyes, this was basic politeness for a guy.

[Hiss, someone woke me up. Why do I think Ming Yantang is actually quite nice? Are those black materials about him actually true?]

[He’s just playing a persona, don’t take it seriously.]

[He’s probably learned to be smart; he knows this kind of persona attracts fans.]

[Oh ho, the great top-tier Ming is starting to compromise and learn Lu Zilin’s persona.]

The clothes in the warehouse were overwhelming, covering an area of 400 square meters and including all types of garments.

Jing Lan murmured, “So many clothes, how long will it take us to find them?”

“Not too long.” Ming Huaizhi pulled out a pre-prepared clothing location spreadsheet. “Five outfits I’ve pretty much matched them already. We just need to find them according to the ID numbers.”

Jing Lan was surprised. “Ah? But how do you know their ID numbers?”

“I asked the Director for the Excel sheet of all the clothes here over the weekend. I picked some out at home based on the shooting themes.”

Jing Lan admired him sincerely. “You’re amazing.”

Ming Huaizhi gave her a shy smile. “Thank you for helping me.”

[Out of the five people, only Ming Yantang is actually treating this recording like a real job.]

[I really didn’t expect Ming Yantang to be this kind of person. In my eyes, him overshadowing everyone on the red carpet, scolding staff, and acting like a big shot to snatch resources was a daily occurrence.]

[As a fan of Ming Yantang for six years, I can responsibly tell you that besides having a blunt temper, Brother Ming is a great person in private. None of those black PR articles are true.]

[Ming Yantang’s fans are taking the chance to whitewash him.]

In the bullet comments, the anti-fans were still hopping around happily.

For the entire morning, Ming Huaizhi and Jing Lan organized all the clothes and headed back. Just as they entered the room, a rich aroma of food wafted over.

Ming Huaizhi noticed that the rest area had already been set up with bowls and chopsticks, and exquisite dishes filled the entire round table.

“President Sang is treating us to lunch today. Wash your hands and come eat.” Gu Ci, who had been slacking off all morning, stretched his limbs.

“President Sang.”

Ming Huaizhi repeated the name in a voice only he could hear. Coming to the table, he noticed that about half of the dishes were light, nutritious “patient meals,” while the other half were all his favorites.

Now he was even more certain of his guess and secretly curled his lips into a smile. Sang Yu was so good to him.

Xie Jingsheng had been staring at him. “Look how happy Yantang is; he gets to eat meat today.”

A layer of bashfulness covered Ming Huaizhi’s eyes. He sat down gently and, after everyone started eating, he secretly took a photo.

“President Sang really has taste; the dishes are basically all healthy and nutritious. He must know we have to be on camera and can’t eat anything too salty.” Gu Ci was full of praise for the lunch.

Lu Zilin smiled gently. “Indeed.”

At this moment, a hint of mockery inadvertently showed on Xie Jingsheng’s face. It was only because this meal was ordered by Sang Yu. If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn’t even spare it a glance.

Ming Huaizhi didn’t join their conversation but held his bowl and ate silently. Since Sang Yu had ordered the nutritious meal for him, he had to eat some of everything.

Taking advantage of the other guests not paying attention, he quietly sent the photo to Sang Yu, accompanied by an emoji of a cat making a heart.

Sang Yu was currently entertaining overseas partners. Seeing Ming Huaizhi’s emoji, his expression underwent a subtle change.

Is he being this blatant now?

…

In the bullet comments, the viewers were chatting heatedly.

[Ming Yantang eats so heartily! You can tell he’s a real foodie!]

[I just went to Baidu to search for Sang Yu. As expected, he’s a low-profile tycoon daddy.]

[These dishes look so delicious, especially that braised rib it’s making me drool.]

[Tangtang eats like a little squirrel; the contrast with the overbearing ‘Prince’ he plays in TV dramas is too big.]

After eating, it was the turn of a few people to tidy the table. Gu Ci lightly wiped the corner of his mouth. “We’ll have many more group meals in the future; let’s take turns cleaning up.”

Lu Zilin glanced at Ming Huaizhi. “Sure.”

Gu Ci scanned Ming Huaizhi. “Then how about we go in the order we clocked in today?”

Lu Zilin remembered Ming Huaizhi was the first to clock in this morning, so he quickly agreed. “That works.”

Soon, the staff pulled up the clock-in order. The result showed that Lu Zilin was the first.

Lu Zilin looked at Ming Huaizhi in surprise. Despite having great doubts, he ultimately didn’t ask.

Xie Jingsheng stood up. “Then thanks for the hard work today, Zilin.”

Lu Zilin couldn’t go back on his word and could only reluctantly put on disposable gloves.

[I remember Ming Yantang was the first to arrive today.]

[Exactly! Is there some inside deal? The production team is teaming up with Ming Yantang to bully our Linlin.]

[So disgusting, blacklisting Ming Yantang for life.]

[A bunch of brainless fans. Anyone who followed Ming Yantang’s live stream this morning knows there was a glitch when he clocked in, and it was updated later.]

[A passerby here: Lu Zilin’s fans are really ruining my impression of him.]

Now, Ming Huaizhi and Jing Lan were preparing to go out for a walk. Lu Zilin looked at the two with dark eyes, suddenly having an idea.

“Brother Tang, I hurt my right finger just now when binding documents. I can’t let it touch water. Can you take my turn once? Next time it’s your turn to clean up, I’ll definitely help you.”

This speech was delivered with exceptional sincerity.

Actually, he knew the other would definitely not agree and might even snap at him. That way, he could arrange for his manager to buy PR articles, implying Ming Yantang was ungrateful—eating his braised pork but refusing to help when he was injured.

Jing Lan was just about to mention Ming Huaizhi’s injury, but unexpectedly, Ming Huaizhi nodded and turned to take out a professional medical kit from his workstation.

The medical kit looked heavy; it was something Ming Huaizhi had brought on the first day. He carried it over to Lu Zilin. “If you’re injured, we should disinfect it quickly.”

Actually, Ming Huaizhi knew this person didn’t get along with his brother, but the other had bought him Dongpo pork last time. By returning the favor this time, they could be considered even.

Lu Zilin panicked in an instant. “No need, it’s just a minor injury.”

Ming Huaizhi had already taken out Band-Aids and various disinfectants. “Don’t be polite, come on.”

Lu Zilin clenched his right hand. “I’m really fine.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were puzzled. “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’ll be very gentle.”

“Let Brother Tang help you disinfect it.” Jing Lan also chimed in from the side.

With so many cameras pointed at him, Lu Zilin was caught in a trap of his own making. Helplessly, he slowly lifted his right hand and gave a vague wave in front of Ming Huaizhi.

“It seems fine now. I’m allergic to disinfectant, so I won’t apply it.” Turning around, he suddenly said, “Wow, there are gloves here. I’ll wear them to clean up.”

Having said that, he lowered his head and started cleaning.

Ming Huaizhi nodded slowly. “Alright then.”

[Where is Lu Zilin’s wound?]

[Good heavens, is it almost healed already?]

[Suddenly realizing Lu Zilin has so much drama.]

[Emm, Lu Zilin is a bit hard to describe.]

[Who said Ming Yantang has a bad temper? Isn’t he quite nice?]

This episode soon ended. Today’s recording went smoothly, and they finished work an hour earlier than last time.

When Ming Huaizhi returned home, he found Sang Yu’s car was also there. He quickened his pace, the name “Sang Yu” already leaving his lips.

The butler said with a smile, “Mr. Sang is in the bedroom.”

Ming Huaizhi was like a frolicking little sea lion, trotting to the door of Sang Yu’s room.

“Sang Yu, Sang Yu, are you there?”

“Are you calling for a ghost?”

Sang Yu had just finished bathing and came out wearing a bathrobe.

Seeing Sang Yu, Ming Huaizhi’s whole spirit became cheerful. “Sang Yu, did you treat us to lunch today?”

“No.” Sang Yu stood lazily at the door, water droplets from the bathroom still lingering on his collarbone.

“I don’t believe it; it must have been you.” Ming Huaizhi held up the photo of the lunch. “They were all things I like to eat.”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow and walked slowly back into the bedroom. “How was the taste?”

Ming Huaizhi smiled radiantly. “The taste was already delicious, but since you sent it, it became even better.”

“Little flatterer.”

Just as Sang Yu finished speaking, his phone rang. It turned out to be Shang Chen and the others drinking at Weilanfang, inviting him over to join them.

After hearing their conversation, Ming Huaizhi asked, “Is Weilanfang a place to eat?”

Sang Yu said leisurely, “A bar.”

“Is it fun there?”

“It’s fun; it has everything.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes lit up. From childhood until now, he had never been to a bar. Even on the night of university graduation when his friends invited him to play at a bar, he had been firmly refused by his grandmother on the grounds of alcohol allergy.

Seeing his interest, Sang Yu looked at him slowly. “What? Is your heart itching after not going for a long time?”

Ming Huaizhi tilted his head up slightly. “Sang Yu, can I go?”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow and refused. “No. What if bringing you along causes trouble for me?”

Ming Huaizhi was a bit disappointed, acting like a little tag-along, following Sang Yu as he wandered around the room. “Sang Yu, I promise I won’t cause trouble.”

Sang Yu was drying his hair. Looking at Ming Huaizhi in the mirror, he curled his lips slightly. “I don’t believe you; you’ve been pretending to be good with me all along.”

Ming Huaizhi’s delicate eyebrows knit slightly. “Sang Yu, then what kind of person do you like?”

“What kind?” Sang Yu put down the hair dryer and leaned lazily against the cabinet, a sense of mischief arising within him. “Me? I like those who are truly well-behaved.”

Ming Huaizhi stood in place, seriously digesting these words.

Then he walked over slowly, standing in front of Sang Yu with clear eyes. “Then I’ll become the kind of person you like. Will you take me then?”

Sang Yu’s fingers suddenly clenched the cabinet behind him, and a dark shadow couldn’t help but rise between his habitually proud brows.

Ming Huaizhi stared up blankly and suddenly noticed a stray hair hidden between Sang Yu’s brows.

He took a small step forward, lifted his slender white wrist, and stood slightly on his tiptoes.

The golden sunset spilled over him; his profile was as beautiful as a porcelain doll crafted by the most skilled master.

The moment he touched Sang Yu’s skin, he clearly noticed the tall man’s body sway slightly.

“There’s stray hair; don’t let it prick your eyes.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled at Sang Yu, his amber eyes so gentle they seemed capable of melting all ice and snow.

Sang Yu’s Adam’s apple bobbed with difficulty: Today it’s a ‘beauty trap’.