I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

In the darkness of the night, a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan pulled up at the renowned Weilanfang in Bian City.

Ming Huaizhi, having successfully executed his “beauty trap,” stood beside Sang Yu, following him step by step as they toured the scenic hanging gardens outside the nightclub.

Ming Huaizhi was impressed; it was no wonder Sang Yu thought highly of this place. The environment was fantastic, the outdoor colorful “starry sky” ceiling alone was a rare sight, and the interior decor was sophisticated. The lighting wasn’t a dizzying blur like in TV dramas, but a tasteful blend of red and blue.

“How is it here?”

“Beautiful.”

The two simple, unadorned words made Sang Yu chuckle. With his right hand casually in his pocket, he tilted his head, observing the other’s words and actions.

He must have been possessed by a ghost today to agree to bring Ming Huaizhi here. His friends would likely use this to tease him again.

He took note of those eyes filled with curiosity. Sang Yu couldn’t help but feel suspicious. That expression and demeanor didn’t look like someone who frequented such places at all; even when encountering uneven steps, the boy was cautious, as if afraid of falling.

No matter how well someone could “pretend to be good,” it was nearly impossible to perfect every single detail. Sang Yu even began to wonder if the person standing before him wasn’t Ming Yantang, but perhaps a twin brother.

…

Taking the elevator, the two reached the fourth floor. A waiter led them toward the private booth Shang Chen had reserved.

As they passed one booth, two tall men stepped out. One of them was speaking but still found himself distracted by Ming Huaizhi.

As soon as Sang Yu and Ming Huaizhi entered their booth, the friends inside turned their gazes toward them. This time, besides the familiar faces of Shang Chen and Zhong Xian, there were several strangers.

Sang Yu introduced him first: “He was free today, so I brought him along to hang out.”

A blonde man opening champagne gave a low laugh: “Finally, a chance to meet the big star.”

Ming Huaizhi curled his lips into a smile: “I’m very happy to meet everyone.”

A young man beside the blonde man was looking down playing a game, but he looked up immediately upon hearing Ming Huaizhi’s voice. In that instant, the young man’s gaze held obvious hostility.

The blonde man was named Xie Rui, the eldest young master of the Xie family. Beside him was his younger brother, Xie Yun.

Sang Yu glanced at Xie Rui and Xie Yun, not quite understanding why Shang Chen and the others had invited the Xie brothers today. Although he had no grudge against them, he wasn’t close to them. Moreover, he had a stubborn quirk: he never drank with people he didn’t know well.

However, the Xie brothers held the initiative in the Jiujiang case; it was normal for Shang Chen to want to build a good relationship with them.

The temperature inside was much higher than outside. Ming Huaizhi intended to take off his white coat, but the garment he was wearing underneath was quite form-fitting, and with his right arm being inconvenient to move, he couldn’t get the coat off for a while.

Sang Yu watched for a moment, muttered “dummy,” and reached out to help him pull the coat off.

Ming Huaizhi was amused by the word “dummy” and talked back while holding his clothes: “I’m not a dummy.”

Sang Yu felt an unexpected surge of amusement: “Shameless.”

To the others, their interaction was indistinguishable from flirting. Shang Chen, holding a cocktail, frowned: “You two have had enough. Are you bullying everyone here for being single?”

Sang Yu tossed an orange at him: “Shut your mouth.”

Just as they sat down, Xie Yun raised an eyebrow at Ming Huaizhi: “Yantang-ge and I ‘didn’t know each other until we fought.’ Meeting here today must be fate; let me offer you a toast.”

A year ago, Ming Yantang had a dispute with him in a bar because of a friend. In front of everyone, Ming Yantang had punched him, making him lose face completely. Since then, Xie Yun, who worked in film and television investment, had secretly placed many obstacles in Ming Yantang’s way to vent his anger.

Ming Huaizhi was slightly stunned, not expecting to encounter someone here who had a grudge against his “brother” and that the person was also a friend of Sang Yu’s.

Xie Yun had already walked up to him with a large glass of gin, casually handing him another. He said: “Drain this cup, and our past grievances will be wiped clean.”

Ming Huaizhi wasn’t clear on the “past grievances,” but worried about blowing his cover, he could only nod slightly and didn’t dare say much.

However, he was allergic to alcohol. Gin was a high-proof spirit; if he drank this, it would likely cost him his life.

Xie Yun drained his glass in one gulp.

After receiving the heavy glass of spirits, Ming Huaizhi gripped it with both hands, hesitant to move.

Xie Yun raised an eyebrow: “What? Does Brother Tang feel that our unpleasant past can’t be put behind us?”

Ming Huaizhi’s expression was troubled: “I’m sorry, I’ve been taking traditional Chinese medicine recently and can’t drink.”

He knew his brother drank, and most people likely knew it too. If he suddenly claimed to be allergic to alcohol, he would definitely be exposed.

Xie Yun clearly didn’t believe him: “It seems Brother Tang isn’t giving me face.”

“He said he’s taking Chinese medicine.”

Sang Yu was already unhappy about the gathering with the Xie brothers. Seeing the guy forcing Ming Huaizhi to drink right in front of him made his temper flare up instantly. His face went expressionless.

Xie Yun was visibly taken aback. He wanted to say something more, but Xie Rui stopped him with a look. He had heard that the marriage between the Sang and Ming families made Sang Yu very resistant. He had brought up the past on purpose, wanting Sang Yu to discipline Ming Yantang after they got home.

But Sang Yu’s attitude seemed different from the rumors.

“President Sang, I know you’re a reasonable person. Last time, Yantang and my brother had a very unpleasant falling out; my brother was even sent to the hospital by Yantang. He has no ill intentions tonight; he just wants to ‘smile and forget the enmity’ with Yantang.”

Sang Yu’s expression softened slightly as his gaze landed on Ming Huaizhi’s eyes. The boy was looking at him worriedly; his timid appearance made it impossible for Sang Yu to associate him with someone who could beat someone into a hospital.

“That matter is in the past. Are you bringing it up today because you want to retry the case?”

“You misunderstand. I just want to facilitate a reconciliation. If Yantang really doesn’t want to drink, then forget it.”

After Xie Rui finished, Xie Yun wore a look of helplessness: “It doesn’t matter that I got beaten up, but it seems Brother Tang still holds a grudge.”

The atmosphere in the booth fell silent for a moment. Sang Yu leaned back against the leather sofa with his long legs crossed, seemingly having no intention of entertaining the Xie brothers.

Shang Chen stepped in to smooth things over: “We’re just here to gather tonight; there’s no need to bring up unpleasant things.”

Xie Rui gave a gentle smile: “Mhm. It was meant for their own good, I didn’t expect it to backfire. I heard Yantang’s next movie is invested in by Xiao Yun; if your relationship is good, the movie will be a success.”

The wine was still held in Ming Huaizhi’s hands. He could tell that while Xie Rui’s words were gentle, every sentence was loaded with subtext. Moreover, the other still thought his inability to drink was just an excuse.

“I really am taking medicine.” Ming Huaizhi lowered his eyelashes, looking at the bubbles swirling in the alcohol. “I understand your intention, and I also hope we can get along well in the future. Can I just take one sip?”

Having said that, he slowly raised the glass, intending to take a symbolic small sip. This person seemed powerful, and he didn’t want to cause further trouble.

Suddenly, the glass was snatched away from him.

Sang Yu’s expression was indifferent as he tilted his head back and drained the glass in one go. The concentration of the spirit was extremely stimulating. Sang Yu hadn’t eaten dinner, and there was nothing in his stomach; although he had a good tolerance, it wasn’t comfortable.

Seconds later, Sang Yu held up the empty glass and placed it on the glass table with a thud.

“Satisfied?”

Xie Rui smiled: “President Sang is indeed straightforward.”

Shang Chen hadn’t expected Sang Yu to do this. Thinking it over, he guessed Sang Yu was worried Xie Yun would give Ming Yantang a hard time in the future.

Sitting beside Sang Yu, Ming Huaizhi gently tugged at Sang Yu’s hem. When Sang Yu turned to look at him, he didn’t know what to say, only whispering a soft “thank you.”

Sang Yu didn’t say anything, but stood up and walked out: “I’m going to take a call.”

Ming Huaizhi watched him closely, his eyes full of worry.

…

On the open-air balcony, Sang Yu lit a cigarette and discussed matters regarding the board of directors’ reshuffle with a vice president. Once everything was handled, he leaned against the wall, quietly gazing at the dark night sky, intending to finish his cigarette before heading back in.

Actually, it wouldn’t have mattered if he smoked inside, but Ming Huaizhi would cough at the slightest thing because he was quite delicate.

Suddenly, Sang Yu found his own thoughts a bit strange. Whether Ming Huaizhi’s respiratory tract was sensitive or not, what did that have to do with him?

At that moment, footsteps sounded from one side of the corridor. He turned his head and saw that Ming Huaizhi had followed him out at some point.

“What’s wrong? Can’t go a few minutes without coming to find me?” Sang Yu stubbed out the cigarette and raised an eyebrow.

Ming Huaizhi looked down, fumbling in his pocket, and then handed a small bag of bread and a ham sausage to Sang Yu.

“I just bought these from downstairs. Does your stomach hurt?” After saying that, he began to slowly peel an orange he had “stolen” from the booth. “You didn’t eat dinner and drank such high-proof alcohol; your stomach must be uncomfortable.”

Sang Yu gave a huff: “It’s fine.”

The orange was peeled into the shape of a flower; Ming Huaizhi held it out: “Hurry up and eat.”

Sang Yu didn’t touch the bread or the ham, but reached out to take a segment of the orange and put it in his mouth. He clicked his tongue: “Sour.”

Ming Huaizhi frowned slightly: “That shouldn’t be right; the book said oranges of this shape are very sweet.”

“The book is lying to you.” That said, Sang Yu took another bite: “Only you would believe that.”

Ming Huaizhi still wouldn’t accept the fact that he’d been cheated, so he broke off a piece for himself: “It’s very sweet!”

Seeing his lie exposed, Sang Yu laughed.

Ming Huaizhi thought about it and finally realized Sang Yu was tricking him: “Oh, I see, you were just lying”

“Xiao Zhi? You’re back in the country?”

At that moment, a man appeared behind Ming Huaizhi. Sang Yu looked up and realized this person seemed to be the one they had just bumped into at the entrance of the booth.