I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Almost subconsciously, Sang Yu’s gaze followed the azure water downward, where two blurry leg shadows were exposed just ahead of him.

Realizing something was wrong, he immediately averted his eyes.

Ming Huaizhi was truly terrified this time. Tears silently traced paths down his cheeks, mingling with the pool water. Droplets clung to his damp hair, and his nose was flushed red; he looked like a victimized kitten.

Yet, the more Ming Huaizhi looked like this, the more Sang Yu felt an urge to tease him.

“If the trunks are gone, they’re gone. Just get out, put on a bathrobe, and have the butler bring you another pair.”

Ming Huaizhi bit his lip, wanting to cry but finding no tears left.

He clung tightly to the swim ring, his voice small and feline: “But… I’m not wearing underwear under the trunks.”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow slightly, his voice laced with amusement: “I didn’t realize you were that kind of person.”

Hearing this, Ming Huaizhi grew even more ashamed, wishing he could dive straight to the bottom of the pool. He secretly blamed himself for being too playful; otherwise, he wouldn’t have failed to notice the rubber bands snapping.

“We’re both guys anyway. I won’t look, just be brave and get out.”

Ming Huaizhi furrowed his brows, his entire body radiating resistance. He almost scratched through the surface of the swim ring he was clutching.

After a long silence, he sniffled his reddened nose and looked up with pleading eyes: “Sang Yu, please… help me find them.”

Sang Yu stared at him lazily: “Fine, I’ll help. But I have to dive to the bottom, so stay away from me.”

“Okay.” Ming Huaizhi obediently paddled toward the edge of the pool, clinging to the rim and waiting timidly for Sang Yu to take action, terrified that the other man might change his mind.

Sang Yu put on his goggles and dove into the pool.

The swimming pool was large. Sang Yu searched carefully in the vicinity for a while but saw no sign of the trunks.

Coming up for air, he broke the surface only to be met with Ming Huaizhi’s wet, expectant eyes.

In truth, he was curious how Ming Huaizhi managed to lose his trunks without noticing. However, once he found them, he understood instantly.

These trunks could fit two Ming Huaizhis.

Seeing Sang Yu emerge with the trunks, Ming Huaizhi’s heart finally settled. A smile finally blossomed on his pale cheeks as he took them: “Thank you, Sang Yu.”

“Why did Uncle Li find you such a large pair?” Sang Yu asked.

“These were prepared for you. I used rubber bands to tighten them so I could swim, but I didn’t expect them to come loose.”

Ming Huaizhi intended to put them back on immediately. He moved his swim ring away from Sang Yu, lifted his slender, straight legs slightly, and successfully slid the trunks back on.

Although Sang Yu deliberately averted his gaze, he still caught a glimpse of the other’s waistline as Ming Huaizhi turned.

The curve was beautiful, the skin as white as porcelain.

“Let’s end it for today. Go back and sleep.”

Sang Yu looked away, braced himself against the edge of the pool with one hand, and vaulted onto the deck. Ming Huaizhi, meanwhile, walked up the steps like a little turtle, holding onto the waistband of his trunks.

Sang Yu opened a bottle of warm milk from the thermal box and handed it to him: “Put on your robe. Go upstairs after you finish drinking.”

“Thank you.”

Ming Huaizhi sneezed, wrapped himself in a towel, and sat beside Sang Yu, slowly sipping the milk.

His slender Adam’s apple bobbed rhythmically.

The poolside was so quiet that the sound of the milk being swallowed was audible.

Sang Yu leaned back on the lounge chair and poured himself a glass of wine, waiting for Ming Huaizhi to finish so he could accompany him back up.

…

The night was very deep.

After showering, Ming Huaizhi secretly wrote in his diary in bed.

He listed the swimming incident as the “Number One Most Embarrassing Event of My Life” and used a significant amount of space to record the glorious deed of Sang Yu helping him find his trunks.

Although Sang Yu is always fierce on the surface, he has always cared about me.

At the end, Ming Huaizhi looked at the calendar and realized that this colorful life was passing by in a flash.

135 days left until the agreement ends.

Propping up his chin, Ming Huaizhi thought for the first time about his future plans after leaving this place.

He would likely go to work at his grandfather’s cultural center; the atmosphere there suited him.

…

A new work week began, and the celebrities continued their tasks.

Yesterday, the name of the new app, “Island,” along with the first promotional MV and posters, began appearing during prime-time slots on major platforms. Lu Zilin’s fans were out in force, acting as if their idol was already the official spokesperson.

In reality, once the promotional materials for all five stars were released, Ming Yantang’s name sat at the top. His data crushed the other four. To quote a “Ming fan”: The person is beautiful; no matter how you shoot, it looks good.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zilin flew into a rage and gave Ming Huaizhi a cold shoulder during the reality show filming.

There was another heavy task this week. On Friday, they needed to hold an important meeting with the heads of several promotional platforms to discuss investment matters. Consequently, the team spent almost the entire day discussing the protocols for business receptions.

Ming Huaizhi didn’t understand much of this, so he took notes in his book, planning to ask Sang Yu when he got home. As they clocked out, Xie Jingsheng followed Ming Huaizhi. Once the others had left, he called out in a low voice: “Yantang, do you know President Sang?”

Ming Huaizhi remembered being harassed by Xie Jingsheng before: “You should know exactly how I met President Sang, shouldn’t you?”

Xie Jingsheng smiled: “But I feel like you and President Sang are old acquaintances. Otherwise, why would he have taken you away that day?”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t want to continue the discussion: “I’ve already said we only met once. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”

Haunted by the previous shadow, Ming Huaizhi nervously quickened his pace until Xie Jingsheng was out of sight.

…

By the time he got home, it was very late. Dinner was ready, but Sang Yu had been waiting for Ming Huaizhi without eating.

Seeing this scene, Ming Huaizhi felt his heart fill with soft feathers.

“Why didn’t you eat first?”

Sang Yu propped his head on his hand and looked at him: “Not hungry.”

It was already 8:30 PM; how could he not be hungry?

The feeling of being waited for and remembered by “family” was truly wonderful.

Ming Huaizhi curled his lips and proactively handed Sang Yu a pair of chopsticks: “Let’s eat.”

Sang Yu took them and informed him: “Tomorrow night, a friend’s club is opening. He invited me.”

In fact, Sang Yu’s first instinct upon receiving the invitation was to decline, but thinking that Ming Huaizhi liked wandering around, he agreed.

Ming Huaizhi instantly perked up, chopsticks in hand: “Can you take me with you?”

Sang Yu’s smile deepened: “Depends on your performance.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t quite understand: “What counts as a ‘good performance’?”

Sang Yu had only intended to tease him, but seeing the serious look in the other’s eyes, he didn’t know how to answer.

“Just teasing. I’ll take you.”

Ming Huaizhi squinted and laughed: “Thank you.”

…

The next afternoon arrived.

Ming Huaizhi chose a slightly formal outfit and went with Sang Yu. Sang Yu dressed very casually in a black short-sleeved shirt and light-colored casual pants, carrying nothing but his phone.

At the club, Ming Huaizhi looked at Sang Yu’s empty hands and, after hesitating for a long time, asked: “Did you prepare a gift?”

Seeing the worry in his eyes, Sang Yu said nonchalantly: “No.”

Ming Huaizhi’s voice was small, his expression extremely serious: “Your friend is opening today. Is it appropriate for us to come empty-handed?”

Sang Yu continued to tease: “It’s fine. We just need to have thick skin.”

Ming Huaizhi pinched his own cheek; it felt very thin.

He tentatively suggested to Sang Yu: “Should we go out and buy something?”

Seeing that he really cared, Sang Yu said with a smile: “I already sent someone to deliver a gift ahead of time.”

Ming Huaizhi sighed with relief: “That’s good then.”

“But it’s signed with my name, not yours.”

Ming Huaizhi slowly looked up, his eyes curving: “It doesn’t matter. We are family.”

Sang Yu: “Vain. Who’s family with you?”

Since there were many eyes here, Ming Huaizhi followed Sang Yu’s request and linked his arm with Sang Yu’s, walking side-by-side.

Passing rows of exquisite flower baskets, Ming Huaizhi caught sight of Sang Yu’s name. Next to the name “Sang Yu” was the name “Ming Ming.”

Ming Huaizhi skipped over excitedly and pointed at it with a laugh: “Sang Yu, is ‘Ming Ming’ me?”

Seeing that he had discovered it, Sang Yu intentionally raised an eyebrow: “Who else would it be? Who else has the surname Ming?”

Although Ming Huaizhi didn’t know why Sang Yu called him “Ming Ming,” he was very happy.

Today was the opening day of the club. All the guests were friends of the owner, Si Mingchen; outsiders were prohibited.

Ming Huaizhi had heard the name Si Mingchen once from his father’s assistant; he was Sang Yu’s iron-clad best friend.

While Ming Huaizhi was admiring the koi in a pond, a tall, cool-looking man approached.

Si Mingchen greeted Sang Yu: “You’re here.”

Sang Yu: “Yeah, bring him along.”

Si Mingchen’s gaze fell on Ming Huaizhi: “I hope you both have a pleasant night. Wen Wen asked me to say hello to you.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t know who Wen Wen was. He tensed for two seconds before quickly recovering his composure: “Thank you.”

After Si Mingchen left, Sang Yu guessed that Ming Huaizhi didn’t know Si Mingchen’s wife was Ming Yantang’s best friend. He reminded him: “You’ve known Wen Zhi for over ten years, right?”

Ming Huaizhi nodded like a little chick pecking at rice: “Yes.”

Sang Yu chuckled. He received a phone call and, noting the noise level, reminded Ming Huaizhi not to wander off before heading to a quiet spot in the backyard.

There were many people here, and most passersby gave Ming Huaizhi a glance. He kept Sang Yu’s words in mind and sat obediently on a stone bench to wait.

Just then, a group of people approached from ahead.

When Ming Huaizhi saw them clearly, his pupils constricted.

Sang Lin was actually walking with Xiang Yi?

When he encountered Xiang Yi at the bar last time, he hadn’t told him the truth. Xiang Yi was his teacher and would definitely recognize him. If Sang Lin found out…

Ming Huaizhi quickly scanned his surroundings. There was only one path forward, and it was blocked by Sang Lin and Xiang Yi.

Left with no choice, Ming Huaizhi fled toward the backyard.

He found that the storefronts there hadn’t opened yet; all the shops were locked, making it impossible to hide inside.

Seeing the two getting closer and closer, he panted as he continued to look for a hiding spot.

The more anxious he became, the more difficult the path ahead seemed.

Then, he finally saw a thick scholar tree. Just as he was about to run toward it, he bumped into a familiar figure.

“What are you doing here?” Sang Yu had just finished his call and was about to head back when he saw Ming Huaizhi running in a panic.

Seeing Sang Yu, the unease in Ming Huaizhi’s eyes intensified. In his view, there was a wolf in front and a tiger behind, being exposed in front of either was a dead end.

His heart beat wildly, and his face was as pale as paper.

“During the bidding, just watch my lead.”

Sang Yu was drawn by Sang Lin’s voice. Seeing Xiang Yi nearby, he understood instantly.

The group was only a few meters away from them.

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were full of terror. He already imagined Sang Yu’s anger and disappointment upon being deceived.

Suddenly, he was pulled into a powerful embrace.

Then, a broad, warm hand cradled his head, letting him nestle against the other man’s chest.

All his anxiety vanished in that instant.

A gentle palm quietly rested against his cheek.

He could feel the thin callouses on Sang Yu’s fingertips, yet he felt entirely safe.

Sang Yu whispered in his ear: “Acquaintances. Let’s show some affection.”

Ming Huaizhi paused, then gently raised his arms to circle Sang Yu’s waist. All his fear disappeared completely.

“Okay.”

As Sang Lin, Xiang Yi, and their group walked past, they noticeably slowed down.

Especially Sang Lin and the executives from the Sangli branch following him. In their eyes, Sang Yu had always been meticulous, cold, and aloof someone who would never show public affection.

Xiang Yi knew Sang Yu and guessed the person hidden in his arms must be Ming Yantang’s brother.

However, he didn’t expect Ming Yantang to be this thin as well.

In such a moment, no one dared to disturb Sang Yu. Sang Lin simply gave Sang Yu one more look before leaving with Xiang Yi.

When Sang Yu released Ming Huaizhi, the younger man’s hands were no longer cold. He looked up at Sang Yu gratefully, his eyes filled with an unspeakable smile.

To him, Sang Yu was like a hero.

“Why are you staring at me?” Sang Yu asked.

Ming Huaizhi gave a dazed smile and looked down awkwardly: “If you need to show affection in the future, you can hug me anytime.”

Sang Yu chuckled: “Dream on.”

…

The interlude passed quickly. Sang Lin was seeing Xiang Yi out, so Sang Yu didn’t feel the need to take Ming Huaizhi away.

The gaming room was very lively. Usually, Sang Yu would play a few rounds of Texas Hold’em with his friends.

Following Sang Yu into the gaming room, Ming Huaizhi asked: “Sang Yu, if these people find out about our relationship, will they leak it to the media?”

Sang Yu said flatly: “No. Not unless they have a death wish.”

“Sang Yu, come play a few rounds.”

Si Mingchen called Sang Yu over. Ming Huaizhi said to Sang Yu: “You go play; I’ll just look around.”

Sang Yu nodded: “Don’t wander off.”

Ming Huaizhi wasn’t interested in Texas Hold’em. He had come to the club today mainly to see what was fun.

The adjacent room was the snooker hall. There were many people inside, mostly young.

Ming Huaizhi knew how to play snooker; he had learned almost all low-intensity sports. Walking to a vacant table, he picked up a cue, his fingers lightly stroking it. Memories of playing with Ming Yantang in high school surfaced.

While his snooker skills weren’t professional, he was more than capable in a casual game.

However, Ming Yantang didn’t know how to play, so Ming Huaizhi used to lose on purpose to make him happy.

“Isn’t this the big star?”

Across from him, a fashionable young man was rubbing chalk on the tip of his cue. “I didn’t expect to meet such a busy man here.”

Suddenly, everyone in the room was looking at Ming Huaizhi.

Ming Huaizhi replied politely: “Hello.”

The man was named Wang Mian, a good friend of Sang Lin’s. He often heard Sang Lin badmouth Ming Yantang.

He hadn’t had much interaction with Ming Yantang, but the daughter of the He family, whom he liked, was a die-hard fan of Ming Yantang and praised his charm daily.

Therefore, he hated this man.

He had heard from Sang Lin that Sang Yu was very dissatisfied with this business marriage and that they practically lived apart. Even Old Lady Sang, who had brokered the deal, was starting to regret it.

Over tea and meals, their friends often mocked Ming Yantang.

Ming Huaizhi could sense Wang Mian’s hostility and decided to leave.

But Wang Mian called out to stop him: “Want to play a round?”

Ming Huaizhi stopped: “You and me?”

Wang Mian gave a fake smile: “I heard from my girlfriend that your snooker is quite good—that you trained for a movie. Or was that all fake?”

Ming Huaizhi was stunned. Did his brother also know how to play snooker?

Then their previous matches…

Ming Huaizhi changed his mind and returned to the table: “Sure. Let’s compete.”

Seeing his plan succeed, Wang Mian tossed him a cue: “Let’s talk about the stakes first.”

Ming Huaizhi’s voice was clear: “You name them.”

Wang Mian thought for a moment: “The loser gives the other a yacht.”

“A yacht?” Ming Huaizhi knew how expensive yachts were; a reasonably configured one would cost seven or eight million. His remaining money couldn’t even buy a door to a yacht.

Seeing his troubled expression, Wang Mian felt he had caught him.

“What? You can’t afford a yacht, can you?”

The people in the room began laughing secretly.

“I heard long ago that the Ming family went bankrupt. It looks like it’s true.”

“Sang Yu is so rich; did he not give him any pocket money?”

Most of the people here were Wang Mian’s friends. They were naturally envious and jealous that the Ming family had suddenly climbed into a super-wealthy clan. Now that they finally had a chance, they were going to humiliate Ming Yantang.

Facing ridicule, Ming Huaizhi’s expression remained normal, and his voice was as gentle as ever: “Yes, I really can’t afford it.”

Such a sincere response left Wang Mian stunned.

He racked his brain for a long time before snapping: “You can’t afford it, but what about Sang Yu? You married him; doesn’t he give you pocket money?”

“I indeed don’t give him pocket money.”

A deep voice from the doorway caught everyone’s attention. Sang Yu walked in with his long legs, followed by Si Mingchen, Shang Chen, and the others.

“Because my salary card has already been handed over to him.”

Sang Yu had been playing Texas Hold’em when Shang Chen rushed over to warn him that Ming Huaizhi was being bullied next door.

Sang Yu hadn’t hesitated, bringing his friends over immediately.

The people entering were all the heads of their respective families. Wang Mian’s arrogance vanished instantly, and his grip on his cue weakened.

Sang Yu kept his eyes on Ming Huaizhi. He walked to his side and leaned over slightly: “Are you okay?”

Holding his cue, Ming Huaizhi shook his head obediently: “I’m fine.” Then, he whispered in Sang Yu’s ear: “You are so handsome.”

Sang Yu smiled. When he looked back at Wang Mian, his expression turned as cold as ice.

Wang Mian didn’t dare look at Sang Yu, wishing he could kill the damned Sang Lin right now.

If Sang Lin hadn’t tricked him into thinking Sang Yu hated Ming Yantang, how would he have dared to be so difficult?

“Since it’s a bet, it’s better to be straightforward.” Sang Yu leaned over the table, bracing himself with his hands. “How about this: a private jet.”

“Has Sang Yu gone crazy?” Shang Chen muttered.

Si Mingchen didn’t have any strong reaction, but he was curious about Ming Huaizhi’s snooker skills.

Is Sang Yu that certain he’ll win?

When Wang Mian heard the stakes change to a private jet, the sweat on his palms soaked the cue.

A private jet costs hundreds of millions. He wasn’t the eldest brother in charge of the family estate; where would he get that kind of money?

His pocket money was only a small amount each month.

Sang Yu knew exactly what Wang Mian was worth and said mockingly: “Could it be that Young Master Wang can’t afford a private jet?”

The tables had turned. Now it was the people around them staring at Wang Mian. Wang Mian’s friends, in particular, tried to distance themselves to avoid being dragged down.

Wang Mian’s face turned pale, his previous arrogance gone: “Brother Sang, a private jet is too expensive. For my older brother’s sake, can we call off the bet?”

His face was completely lost.

But losing face was better than being skinned alive by his older brother.

Just as he finished speaking, a middle-aged man around thirty-five walked in slowly, followed by a beautiful young woman.

“A private jet is indeed a bit expensive. However, if President Sang is in the mood, I can play with you.”

Sang Yu looked over and saw that it was Wang Mian’s older brother, Wang Chaoyang.

Sang Yu knew Wang Chaoyang’s background was average. But Wang Chaoyang had once been the owner of a snooker club and was highly professional. It was because of this expertise that he dared to take up the bet.

The scene suddenly became lively. This was no longer just a simple bet between Ming Huaizhi and Wang Mian.

Shang Chen said to Si Mingchen: “He’s competed in international snooker tournaments. Isn’t this cheating?”

Si Mingchen frowned but said nothing.

Hearing their discussion, Ming Huaizhi became very worried about Sang Yu. Since the company’s reputation was at stake, Sang Yu had to win.

Sang Yu braced his hands on the table, his voice cold: “Fine.”

The news of the game spread through the wealthy circles of Biancheng, and almost everyone in the club flocked to watch.

The woman beside Wang Chaoyang was his wife, ten years his junior, lively and sweet. Seeing that they were really going to compete, she naturally kissed Wang Chaoyang on the cheek.

“Hubby, good luck.”

Almost everyone cheered at the sight.

Shang Chen reminded Ming Huaizhi: “The pressure is on you.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes paused. He realized everyone was looking at him.

Sang Yu didn’t stop them; he was leisurely chalking his cue, waiting for Ming Huaizhi’s reaction.

Ming Huaizhi certainly wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to kiss him openly.

Sang Yu tried to keep his expression neutral, looking aloof.

Ming Huaizhi stole a glance at Sang Yu, his ears getting hotter and hotter. He gripped his cue like a lifeline, his eyes suddenly misting over.

He thought Sang Yu probably wouldn’t want him to kiss him.

But now he was in a difficult position. If he didn’t kiss him, would it look like their marriage was unhappy?

Ming Huaizhi knitted his beautiful brows and thought of a way.

Wouldn’t it work if I played against Wang Chaoyang instead of Sang Yu?

Besides, Wang Chaoyang was a professional, which was unfair to Sang Yu. He was confident he could beat Wang Chaoyang.

“Sang Yu, let me do it.”

This sentence caused a commotion in the room.

“What? Ming Yantang is going to play against Wang Chaoyang?”

“Wang Chaoyang is amazing at snooker. Will Brother Sang lose?”

“I think it’s risky to take a private jet!”

Hearing Ming Huaizhi say this, Sang Yu looked into his eyes, seemingly trying to read his thoughts. When he saw Ming Huaizhi’s bright red earlobes, he understood.

Ming Huaizhi was clearly shy.

So he wanted to flip it around and let Sang Yu kiss him instead.

A clever move to turn the tables.

Sang Yu leaned in slightly and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear: “If you want me to cheer you on, that works too.”

He emphasized the words “cheer you on” heavily.

Ming Huaizhi’s beautiful eyes widened slightly…