I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 18.1

Chapter 18.1

The sun had already risen over Biancheng.

The chirping of early summer cicadas added a touch of liveliness to the morning.

While eating breakfast, Ming Huaizhi noticed that Sang Yu hadn’t come downstairs, so he grabbed his sandwich and prepared to go up and call him. When he reached the second floor, the butler stopped him: “Young Master Ming, Mr. Sang had urgent business and has gone on a business trip.”

“Oh, okay.” Realizing it must be truly urgent, Ming Huaizhi was very understanding: “He left that early? Which country did he go to? Will he be able to rest well on the plane?”

The butler smiled warmly: “Don’t worry. A flight route was urgently applied for in the early hours; Mr. Sang is traveling by private jet, so it will be more comfortable. As for the country, I heard it’s not far.”

“Then I’m relieved.” Ming Huaizhi bit into his sandwich, hoisted his small white backpack, and prepared for work.

…

Meanwhile, the plane had already landed in Singapore.

Ever since Sang Yu received that file, he hadn’t spoken a word. He could now almost recite all of Ming Huaizhi’s information from the past 24 years by heart.

He could even blurt out the exact date Ming Huaizhi had adopted a little kitten.

In addition to text, the records included many photos covering almost the entirety of Ming Huaizhi’s growth.

When he saw a photo of Ming Huaizhi in elementary school, a hazy memory from twenty years ago gradually surfaced.

The child who saved him… it should have been Ming Huaizhi.

Comparing it to the time Ming Huaizhi went away, it matched perfectly.

The “Ming Yantang” in his memory was exactly like this.

A small, thin thing, with skin so white and eyes so beautiful as well-behaved as a porcelain doll.

That day, after being pulled out of the water, he had thanked Ming Huaizhi and expressed his guilt. At the time, Ming Huaizhi was coughing so hard his eyes were red, yet he still obediently told him it was no trouble and reminded him to stay warm.

Thinking about it, the two of them were destined.

No wonder he always felt that this “Ming Yantang” had a temperament that suited him; it turned out everything was meant to be.

Sang Yu originally had no interest in opening the other file on Ming Yantang, but since he still didn’t know the reason why the brothers had swapped places, he decided to take a look.

When he saw that Ming Yantang had frequently sought medical treatment for his heart over the past two years, he seemed to understand.

The real Ming Yantang was likely abroad receiving secret treatment.

“Mr. Sang…”

At that moment, his assistant asked cautiously from the side, “We’ve arrived in Singapore.”

Sang Yu didn’t look up: “Fly back.”

“…” The assistant was speechless.

Seeing that there was no response for a long time, Sang Yu finally deigned to put down the documents: “Is there a problem?”

Assistant: “We have to wait a few hours; we need to re-apply for the flight.”

Sang Yu frowned slightly: “Is there any other way?”

Assistant: “If you’re in a hurry, you can take a commercial flight back on another airline.”

Sang Yu was a VIP for all major airlines; taking a first-class seat back on short notice wasn’t difficult, though the conditions certainly wouldn’t be as comfortable as a private jet.

The assistant was terrified Sang Yu would blame him, but Sang Yu was in an exceptionally good mood today.

“Fine.” He glanced at his watch; it was already 8:00 AM. In that case, it would only be afternoon by the time he returned home.

Without further thought, he said, “You handle the branch office matters for me. I’m going back now.”

The assistant, who had been woken up in the middle of the night: “…Understood.”

After getting off the private jet, Sang Yu was in a great mood. Aside from keeping two bodyguards with him, he gave everyone else seven days of leave on the spot, with all expenses in Singapore on his tab.

Just thinking about how much Ming Huaizhi liked him yet was secretly hiding such a huge secret and didn’t dare reveal his true feelings made his heart feel both warm and pained.

While waiting to board, Sang Yu passed by a toy store where many teenagers were picking out stuffed animals.

His gaze shifted to the bright window, where a Ragdoll cat plushie was on display. The kitten was very cute, with misty eyes that looked exactly like Ming Huaizhi’s.

The two bodyguards saw Sang Yu staring blankly at a toy shop and exchanged glances.

Their boss doesn’t seem to have any kids.

Five minutes later, Sang Yu walked out holding a kitten plushie that didn’t quite match his status or aura.

Seeing the curious looks on the bodyguards’ faces, he explained calmly: “Since I’m abroad, I should bring back a souvenir for the family.”

“…” The bodyguards were silent.

…

Ming Huaizhi’s work today wasn’t complicated; he just needed to coordinate and practice Ode to the Red Cliff with the photographer and the instructor. The dance studio was located in Room B on the first floor. After changing into loose sportswear, he went over to correct the details of his movements with the teacher.

The teacher found that Ming Huaizhi indeed had a foundation in dance, and he hadn’t just learned the flashy parts. He was very serious during practice, lacking the arrogance of a top star and showing great respect to his teacher.

Although Ming Huaizhi’s health was much better now, continuous dancing was still a bit much for him. The morning practice was already heavy, and after another hour of practice in the afternoon, he was drenched in sweat. The stray hairs at his temples were wet, and at the final moment, he sat on the floor, exhausted, his small face turning slightly pale.

[Is Ming Yantang’s health not good?]

[Tangtang has a heart condition, but he said it wasn’t particularly serious.]

[Although it’s unethical to say this, I have to say, this “fragile beauty” vibe really hits me!]

[When he did that kick earlier, his physique was amazing! The shape of his butt is so nice!]

[Are there still haters saying my Tang uses a double? Even though it’s just practice, you can tell my Tang dances well.]

Because it was so hot, Ming Huaizhi was only wearing a form-fitting white short-sleeved shirt. As the sweat soaked his thin back, his fair skin was faintly visible. In particular, the droplets of sweat on his neck gradually slid down into his collarbone, looking pure yet alluring.

“Yantang.”

Just then, a familiar face appeared at the door.

The viewers in the livestream room went wild at the sight.

[It’s a Movie Star Song!! It’s Song Yi!]

[Holy crap! The ex-boyfriend~]

[Why is Movie Star Song here?!]

[Ahhh! My Song-Tang CP dreams are fulfilled!]

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes showed a hint of surprise when he saw Song Yi.

[Tangtang is shy!]

[Can these two get back together!]

[They really look good together; I was so heartbroken when they broke up.]

“Why do you look so pale?” Song Yi walked to Ming Huaizhi’s side and crouched down, his expression full of worry: “Where does it hurt?”

In fact, ever since Song Yi had bumped into him at the charity gala, he had been sensing something was off. Especially after watching the livestream of these two episodes of the reality show, the doubt in his heart grew deeper.

Others might not see it, but he had dated Ming Yantang; the man’s private demeanor and expressions were very different from this.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Ming Huaizhi had caught his breath, but his body was still weak and limp. Seeing him try to use the dance barre to stand up, Song Yi reached out his arm: “Lean on me.”

Ming Huaizhi froze. He didn’t dare look Song Yi in the eye, and with damp eyelashes lowered, he used the barre to stand up.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

It was nearly 6:00 PM. Since they were getting off late today, the cafeteria had prepared dinner for them.

Ming Huaizhi and Song Yi left the practice room and walked toward the cafeteria together.

“The app you’re making invited many stars to record entry videos; I came here to record today.”

Even though Ming Huaizhi hadn’t asked, Song Yi proactively told him.

Although Song Yi wasn’t as tall as Sang Yu, he was still 185 cm. He always lowered his head slightly when speaking so Ming Huaizhi could see him.

“So that’s how it is.” Ming Huaizhi smiled, but his focus was on the food. “Then you should have a better lunch; the cafeteria only has staff meals.”

Song Yi nodded: “It’s fine, I can eat anything.”

Hearing this, Ming Huaizhi’s eyebrows knit slightly.

What a pity orz.

The wind in the hallway was strong. The sweat on Ming Huaizhi’s body hadn’t completely dried, and the fine beads of sweat around his ears were still damp.

Song Yi shifted his gaze from Ming Huaizhi’s ear and took off his coat to drape it over him: “Don’t catch a cold.”

His voice was characteristically warm and magnetic.

Like a startled deer, Ming Huaizhi immediately refused: “No need”

“I’m not cold—”

Song Yi helplessly took back his coat: “Alright then.”

In the comments, many “Song-Tang” fans were still feeling the angst.

At the other end of the hallway stood a tall man. Although he had been on a plane for over ten hours, his well-tailored black suit was still perfectly pressed. From the black diamond cufflinks to his watch, every detail showed the man’s high standards for fashion.

Sang Yu recognized Song Yi.

The person chatting and laughing with Ming Huaizhi in the elevator that day was him.

His dark gaze stayed fixed on the direction in which the two had left.

How did Song Yi have the nerve to try and put that ragged coat of his on our Azhi?

Sang Yu readjusted his collar and cuffs and slowly walked toward the cafeteria.

…

The cafeteria was very lively.

In addition to the five stars, the rarely-seen Movie Star Song was also there.

Many employees were fans of Song Yi and gathered outside the cameras, whispering and gossiping.

The other guests knew about the history between Song Yi and Ming Yantang. But no matter how much Lu Zilin envied Ming Yantang, he didn’t dare trip him up in front of Song Yi.

He had heard that Song Yi’s family background was unfathomable, and Song Yi clearly still had feelings for Ming Yantang.

Lu Zilin hid the resentment in his eyes.

He didn’t understand why Ming Yantang was so popular with men.

“Yantang, I remember you like oyster mushrooms; have my dish.” Song Yi ignored his manager’s frantic hints and handed his dish to Ming Huaizhi.

[Are they really going to get back together?]

[I think so, otherwise why is Song Yi being so good to Ming Yantang? Usually, stars who break up never speak to each other again.]

[But I feel like Ming Yantang’s behavior doesn’t suggest he wants to get back together.]

Ming Huaizhi didn’t like eating vegetables, especially mushrooms. Just as he was worrying about how to reject Song Yi, a deep voice echoed through the large restaurant.

“Everyone has worked hard lately.”

Hearing this, everyone in the restaurant turned toward the door in unison.

[Wow, who is this handsome guy! A model? He’s so good-looking!]

[Dressed in a suit, he looks very wealthy.]

[From the tone, he sounds like a leader?]

[Could it be the heir to Sangli Media? Hhh, he looks like that, he could be a star.]

Aside from the viewers in the livestream, the other stars didn’t recognize Sang Yu either.

Only Ming Huaizhi’s eyes quietly lit up with a smile.

Just as everyone was wondering, the general manager of Sangli Media ran over to introduce him: “This is Mr. Sang, the Chairman of the parent group.”

[Holy sht! Holy sht! CEO!]

[Finally seeing a Chairman who actually looks like a CEO!]

[He’s so young! Chairman of the parent group??]

[For real? I thought he was some model or actor. Someone with these specs only exists in novels, right?]

[He’s so handsome! Sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, tall and upright, a standard super-hottie.]

Almost everyone in the restaurant had stood up.

Lu Zilin had already started straightening his clothes, his eyes almost glued to Sang Yu.

Gu Ci had long heard that Sang Yu was handsome and young. Initially, he thought it was just a “rich guy” filter, but the man’s actual aura was incredible.

“To thank everyone for your hard work these days, I’m inviting everyone to dine at Huilingyuan next door.”

[Quickly search for Huilingyuan on Dianping.]

[Darn, Black Pearl four diamonds, average 6,000 RMB per person.]

[I only care if they can livestream it for us.]

[Yay, Tangtang can eat meat again!]

[Dining with a top billionaire, tsk tsk. Look at Lu Zilin’s eyes; they’ve turned to water.]

[Who knows, maybe they’ll hit it off and someone will marry into a wealthy family. It’s not impossible.]

After some communication, the dinner segment continued to be livestreamed.

Sang Yu was good friends with the owner of Huilingyuan, so when they went to the restaurant, they could take a private internal route. It took only ten minutes to reach the exclusive entrance.

As Sang Yu walked, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Ming Huaizhi a few times, and finally understood why Song Yi had given him his coat.

Ming Huaizhi was covered in sweat, all damp and sticky.

Passing a rockery, Sang Yu purposely slowed his pace and walked beside Ming Huaizhi: “Is work that tiring? Why are you covered in sweat?”

Ming Huaizhi found Sang Yu’s “strictly business” tone very amusing. He curled his lips: “I was practicing dance.”

“You might catch a cold like this.” Sang Yu casually took off his suit jacket. “Put it on.”

Ming Huaizhi looked up at him: “Thank you, Mr. Sang.”

This scene stunned the dozens of people following behind.

Especially Lu Zilin, he hadn’t expected Sang Yu to be so gentle and even lend his coat to Ming Yantang.

Song Yi had originally been walking beside Ming Yantang. When he saw that Ming Yantang hadn’t refused Sang Yu’s coat, the disappointment in his heart was hard to hide.

[Oh ho ho, he’s a CEO of the people.]

[Psh, it’s for the cameras! Just for show.]

[Haha, I noticed that for the ugly ones, we call them ‘outstanding entrepreneurs,’ and for the handsome ones, we call them ‘CEOs.’]

[Ming Yantang is indeed likeable; being good-looking is an advantage.]

[Is this really not an idol drama? I feel like this scene can only exist in novels.]

Gu Ci stared ahead and secretly rolled his eyes at Ming Yantang.

“His level is indeed high.”

Hearing this, Xie Jingsheng let out a mocking smile.

Sang Yu seemed to be the person Ming Yantang had approached that day.

If he wasn’t mistaken, the two must know each other.

On the way, although Ming Huaizhi wasn’t cold, he felt lightheaded and weak.

He felt his forehead with his wrist and found he didn’t have a fever; it was probably just exhaustion from the dance.

…

After entering the restaurant, the head seat was still Sang Yu’s. But he didn’t go over immediately. Instead, he naturally walked between Ming Huaizhi and Song Yi, separating them.

This way, the two would be sitting across from each other.

The other staff were dining in the room next door; here, there were only the six stars and Sang Yu.

Song Yi nodded to Sang Yu: “Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Sang. I’m lucky today.”

Sang Yu’s words were polite: “Mr. Song is promoting our company; I should provide hospitality. There’s no talk of being ‘lucky.'”

Ming Huaizhi noticed that he didn’t have a hot towel. Just as he was about to call a waiter, two hot towels were placed in front of him simultaneously.

“Use mine.”

“Use mine.”

Sang Yu’s tone was casual, while Song Yi’s was expressionless.

[Holy crap, a battlefield!]

[Emm, Sang Yu couldn’t like Ming Yantang, right?]

[I don’t think so; it’s just politeness.]

[To be honest, I think Song Yi is weird. He was the one who announced the breakup, Ming Yantang said nothing, and when so many Song fans attacked Ming Yantang, did Song Yi ever step in? What’s with the devotion now!]

[Hmm… between Mr. Sang and Song Yi, which one should I pick? Even though Movie Star Song is handsome, Mr. Sang isn’t bad either!]

[Aside from Song Yi fans, is there really anyone who wouldn’t pick Mr. Sang?]

Ming Huaizhi was slightly confused by the behavior. Song Yi had already broken up with his brother, so why was he acting like this? He had heard from Chen Ruofu that Song Yi’s team had been very unfair to his brother.

After a moment, he took Sang Yu’s hot towel: “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Sang Yu glanced lazily at Song Yi, then asked the waiter for another hot towel and wiped his hands unhurriedly.

Meanwhile, Lu Zilin and Gu Ci were green with envy.

After dinner was served, Lu Zilin took the initiative to raise his glass: “Thank you, Mr. Sang, for treating us to dinner again and again. Let me drink this first as a toast.”