I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“Mm…”

As time passed, Ming Huaizhi lost almost all his strength to speak. He leaned into Sang Yu’s embrace, his body limp and his heart rate gradually accelerating.

“I… I noticed powder in the glass, so I made an excuse to go to the restroom and managed to escape.”

Sang Yu had navigated the business world for years; he could guess exactly what kind of drug Chairman Bai had given Ming Huaizhi.

A healthy person might just wait for the effects to wear off, but Ming Huaizhi was physically weak and had taken traditional Chinese medicine for years. If a bad reaction triggered a systemic allergy, it could be fatal.

The bodyguards were waiting at the door. He scooped Ming Huaizhi up by the waist, carrying him in his arms, and strode hurriedly to the exit: “Prepare the car immediately. Go to my private hospital.”

The bodyguard nodded: “Yes, sir.”

The sky outside was pitch black. To make Ming Huaizhi more comfortable, Sang Yu rested the younger man’s feet on the seat while his upper body leaned against Sang Yu’s chest.

The drug’s peak was clearly hitting now. Ming Huaizhi’s breath was hot and labored, more and more sweat poured from his skin, and even his neck was burned a bright red.

“Just wait a little longer, we’re almost there.”

Ming Huaizhi could no longer distinguish what Sang Yu was saying. He only knew he was in extreme distress; his throat felt tight and painful, and his entire body was in a state of collapse.

He was restless, desperately craving something but unable to articulate this complex sensation. Every tiny sound or movement felt magnified to him; his senses were abnormally sharp.

“Sang…”

He uttered a single syllable like a kitten, gently rubbing his head against Sang Yu’s chest. The climbing body temperature made him almost lose consciousness…

Cough, cough.

Cough, cough.

The side effects of the unknown drug began to set in. Ming Huaizhi couldn’t stop coughing, his eyes turning bloodshot.

Sang Yu cupped his face with his right hand and shouted to the driver: “Drive faster! Fast!”

The bodyguard in the passenger seat replied urgently: “Almost there.”

Seeing Ming Huaizhi in such pain, Sang Yu wanted to go back to the Skyscraper Hotel immediately, corner that man surnamed Bai, and tear him limb from limb.

“The Skyscraper Hotel send people to guard it. Don’t let that man Bai leave. Wait for me to get there personally!”

The bodyguard said: “Understood.”

“Cough, cough.” Ming Huaizhi’s coughing worsened, his brow furrowed tightly.

As Sang Yu anxiously searched for a way to make him comfortable for a moment, his finger was suddenly bitten by two soft lips.

His spine stiffened, and he looked down slightly.

What met his eyes were those amber eyes and pale pink lips.

This method actually worked to stop Ming Huaizhi’s coughing.

But Sang Yu’s heart began to beat faster and faster.

His finger didn’t move; he left it quietly in Ming Huaizhi’s mouth. But he could feel Ming Huaizhi’s small tongue swirling around his finger.

Fine beads of sweat dropped from Sang Yu’s forehead. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and when he looked at Ming Huaizhi again, the other had fallen asleep.

By the time they reached the hospital, Ming Huaizhi’s consciousness was completely blurred. Despite Sang Yu’s desperate calling, there was no response.

Fortunately, they reached the hospital successfully three minutes later. The medical team already in place swarmed forward, pushing Ming Huaizhi into the emergency treatment room.

Sang Yu noticed that Ming Huaizhi’s pupils had dilated. Beside himself with worry, he ran in with the doctors. Since this hospital belonged to Sang Yu, the doctors didn’t stop him, though the nurses eventually persuaded him to step out so as not to add pressure to the medical staff.

The emergency room became a hive of activity.

Sang Yu took one last look at Ming Huaizhi and turned to leave.

Just then, Chen Ruofu’s incoming call flashed repeatedly.

Sang Yu took Ming Huaizhi’s phone and answered: “Hello.”

Chen Ruofu went silent instantly. A terrifying realization hit her, and her voice trembled: “Who are you? Where is Xiao Zhi!”

Sang Yu said slowly: “He’s been sent to the hospital.”

Chen Ruofu: “Which hospital? I’ll bring Xiao Zhi’s family and come over right now.”

Sang Yu’s brows furrowed slightly.

“Wait for notification. There’s no need to come for now. I am Sang Yu; I will take care of him.”

With that, he hung up.

Chen Ruofu stood stunned, remembering that Sang Yu and the Ming family were relatives, so she temporarily calmed down.

…

 

In the hospital, there was still no news from the emergency room. However, the hospital director personally came to reassure Sang Yu, telling him that Ming Huaizhi had only ingested a stimulant and had no unusual reactions for the time being.

Sang Yu sat in the hallway, his phone displaying all the information on Bai Moulin.

This man was a recent real estate upstart who used his abundant resources to engage in many shady dealings. Coincidentally, he had very close business ties with Sang Lin.

Sang Yu radiated coldness. The low pressure around him made several bodyguards stand a bit further away.

An hour later, the emergency room doors opened.

The doctor said to Sang Yu: “Don’t worry, Mr. Ming is fine now. Give him the medicine every three hours, and the remaining drugs in his body will be flushed out automatically.”

Staring at Ming Huaizhi’s pale face, Sang Yu confirmed repeatedly: “Are all his bodily functions really okay?”

Doctor: “Yes, but Mr. Ming’s body is very weak. He needs a few days of quiet rest and cannot overexert himself.”

Sang Yu frowned: “I see. Thank you for your hard work.”

The doctor smiled: “There are still some drug residues in Mr. Ming’s system, so it’s normal for him to be a bit excited or disoriented tonight.”

Sang Yu personally pushed Ming Huaizhi’s hospital bed: “I understand.”

By the time they were settled, it was nearly midnight. Sang Yu sat by the bed, planning to watch over Ming Huaizhi all night.

The other’s current state was decent. Although his breathing was a bit fast, the color of his skin was no longer as terrifying as before and was gradually returning to normal.

With nothing to do, Sang Yu opened his laptop to work. But as he tapped on the keyboard, his peripheral vision caught a pair of bright, sparkling eyes.

Sang Yu turned his head and met Ming Huaizhi’s gaze.

“You’re awake?”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t speak. He continued to stare intently at Sang Yu, even reaching out his small palm toward him.

Seeing the liveliness in his eyes and estimating he was out of danger, Sang Yu reached out and gently brushed against the other’s palm.

Ming Huaizhi immediately grabbed Sang Yu’s right hand, slowly placed it under his own head, and rubbed against it affectionately.

Sang Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly, remembering the doctor’s instructions.

“Do you know who I am?”

Ming Huaizhi blinked innocently and propped himself up on his arms, trying to sit up. Sang Yu went to support him, only for Ming Huaizhi to take the opportunity to fall into his arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around Sang Yu’s waist and pressed his cheek against him.

Sang Yu’s body stiffened, but he didn’t refuse.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked again.

After a long while, Ming Huaizhi whispered: “I don’t think I do.”

Sang Yu laughed in frustration. He lowered his head and gently pinched the other’s chin with his left hand: “You don’t know who I am, yet you’re clinging to me?”

Ming Huaizhi looked up blankly and then broke into a wide grin.

Sang Yu felt somewhat relieved seeing him like this; at least his life wasn’t in danger. It was just that his mind hadn’t quite recovered yet.

Then, Ming Huaizhi used his ear to rub against Sang Yu’s abdominal muscles through the fabric of his shirt, staring blankly ahead.

Sang Yu said casually: “One rub costs a hundred million. Remember to settle the bill with me later.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t understand, but he giggled.

Standing there dryly was quite tiring, but Sang Yu didn’t move, letting Ming Huaizhi hug and rub against him aimlessly.

“Your clothes are soaked in sweat. Do you want to change?”

Ming Huaizhi understood this sentence. He looked up at him obediently, seemingly waiting for something.

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow: “What? You want me to change you?”

Ming Huaizhi blinked and laughed blankly again.

“Just like a little dummy.” Sang Yu reached out and flicked his nose. Noticing a set of hospital pajamas under the pillow, he helped Ming Huaizhi change.

While changing him, he deliberately averted his gaze, but the other’s snowy-white, smooth neck and shoulders still made his heart quiver.

This was quite different from their “honest encounter” on the day they went swimming.

After the change, Sang Yu sat on the bed. Ming Huaizhi still refused to let go, resting his head on Sang Yu’s lap. His two slender white legs crossed and swung relaxedly; he was in high spirits.

Sang Yu teased him: “The drugs really make a difference.”

Ming Huaizhi hummed snatches of popular songs. He turned his face toward Sang Yu, found a comfortable position, and soon fell asleep holding Sang Yu’s arm.

Sang Yu leaned against the headboard. After tucking him in, he slowly closed his eyes.

…

 

In the blink of an eye, the next morning arrived.

When Ming Huaizhi woke up, Sang Yu was working at the desk across the room. Looking at the room that was part-hospital, part-hotel, he moved his dry lips: “Sang Yu?”

Sang Yu looked up: “Awake?”

“Mhm.” Ming Huaizhi, wearing loose pajamas, prepared to get out of bed. Looking at the bright, warm sunlight by the floor-to-ceiling window, he walked over to Sang Yu, scratching his head with a slender wrist. He couldn’t remember anything from yesterday.

Sang Yu leaned lazily against his chair: “Remember what happened yesterday?”

Ming Huaizhi: “I don’t remember.”

As expected.

Sang Yu crossed his long legs, propping his head on his hand comfortably: “Last night, you held onto me and wouldn’t let go. What kind of behavior is that? You were in danger, I rushed to the Skyscraper Hotel to save you regardless of everything, and as a result, my entire night was wasted. You clung to me so much I didn’t close my eyes once.”

Ming Huaizhi looked bashful, clutching the hem of his hospital shirt: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Sang Yu put on a relentless front and suddenly leaned in close to Ming Huaizhi: “You… don’t happen to like me, do you?”

Ming Huaizhi took a hurried step back, his speech stumbling: “I… I don’t…”

Sang Yu continued to press the issue: “If you don’t like me, why were you hugging my waist and my arm yesterday? Thinking about it now, it turns out you’re a ‘scumbag’ (playboy).”

Ming Huaizhi’s ears turned red with anxiety, but he was defenseless; he simply couldn’t out-argue Sang Yu.

However, according to the behavior Sang Yu described, he really was a bit of a “scumbag.”

Immersed in the conclusion that he was a scumbag, Ming Huaizhi looked guilty, his watery eyes on the verge of tears.

Ming Huaizhi had just recovered, and Sang Yu couldn’t bear to see him cry, so he said leisurely: “Just teasing you. You were quite well-behaved yesterday.”

Ming Huaizhi was stunned, looking at Sang Yu blankly: “Really?”

Sang Yu’s voice was lazy: “Yeah. Like a porcelain doll.”

Ming Huaizhi finally felt at ease: “That’s good then.”

Sang Yu ruffled Ming Huaizhi’s messy hair: “If you’re fine, let’s go home. The doctor came by this morning and said your vitals are fine and the drugs are out of your system.”

Ming Huaizhi let out an “oh,” and wearing slightly oversized slippers, he went to pack his things with a patter-patter sound.

On the car ride home, Ming Huaizhi sat like a kindergarten child with both hands on his knees.

Even though he hadn’t “troubled” Sang Yu last night, Sang Yu rushing to the restroom to save him must have taken a lot of effort.

His mind had been somewhat clear then, but he had no strength. If he hadn’t hidden by the door with his legs tucked up while Chairman Bai’s men searched the restroom, he would have been caught long ago.

“Sang Yu, thank you.”

“Be more careful next time. Don’t get tricked again.”

“Mhm, definitely.”

…

 

Back home, Grandma Sang heard about Ming Huaizhi being hurt and rushed over to see him.

Seeing the large bruise on Ming Huaizhi’s small face, Grandma Sang was both anxious and angry: “That man Bai, we absolutely cannot let him go!”

Ming Huaizhi hurriedly smoothed Grandma Sang’s back: “Don’t be angry, it’s just a superficial injury. It’ll be better in a few days.”

The old lady’s eyes were full of heartache: “You’re hurt like this, and you still say it’s fine.”

Sang Yu sat to the side, not saying much. Seeing the two of them start gossiping about the online drama they watched last night, he smiled helplessly, stood up, and left.

The communication with Chen Ruofu had been handled by Sang Yu’s assistant.

The bruise on Ming Huaizhi’s face would take at least a few days to fade, and since the doctor ordered rest, he took a few days off from the program.

By evening, the old lady was preparing to leave. Ming Huaizhi wanted to continue staying with her for the night, but she wouldn’t hear of it, insisting he stay home to rest.

Ming Huaizhi stole a glance at Sang Yu: “Grandma, why don’t you stay here with us?”

Grandma Sang was stunned: “Forget it, I should go back.”

Ming Huaizhi linked his arm with hers and looked at Sang Yu: “We can have dinner together, then watch dramas and eat late-night snacks, and sleep in tomorrow.”

Grandma Sang was clearly wavering but felt a bit awkward since this was Sang Yu’s home.

“Stay,” Sang Yu said slowly.

Grandma Sang looked at Sang Yu with surprise: “Alright, then I’ll sleep with Tangtang tonight.”

During dinner, Sang Yu received a call from the company. He had to go to a branch office in a neighboring city for an emergency meeting. Although it wasn’t far, he likely wouldn’t be back until tomorrow.

Sang Yu instructed the butler: “Take good care of the elderly and the ‘child.’ I’ll be back tomorrow.”

The butler nodded: “Yes, sir.”

Ming Huaizhi leaned toward Sang Yu worriedly: “Stay safe.”

“Mhm.” Sang Yu stood up, went upstairs to get his laptop, and left hurriedly.

Ming Huaizhi picked up his phone and suddenly saw something.

While Sang Yu hadn’t gone far, he told Grandma Sang he was going out for a moment, then ran out carrying a trench coat Sang Yu often wore.

Sang Yu’s car had already driven a distance when he heard someone calling his name and told the driver to stop. Seeing it was Ming Huaizhi chasing him, he hurriedly got out of the car.

“Didn’t the doctor say you should rest? Why are you running so fast?” Sang Yu frowned, his tone urgent.

Ming Huaizhi, panting, handed him the coat: “I just checked the weather forecast on my phone. There’s heavy rain in the neighboring city tonight and the temperature will drop. Take this coat, otherwise it’ll be cold when you get out of the car.”

Sang Yu took the coat with a frown, staring at the bruise on Ming Huaizhi’s face, his tone softening: “Even if it’s cold, I could buy one there. Why run out like this? What if you fainted?”

Ming Huaizhi laughed: “I’m not that fragile. And even if you wanted to buy one, it’ll be so late when you arrive no shops will be open. You’d catch a cold.”

Sang Yu sighed and flicked Ming Huaizhi’s forehead.

“Fine. I’ll bring you a gift when I get back.”

Ming Huaizhi mistakenly thought Sang Yu thought he only did this for a gift, so he shook his head: “I didn’t do it for a gift. I was afraid you’d be cold.”

Sang Yu chuckled. He raised his hand toward Ming Huaizhi’s ear, hesitated, then lowered it without touching.

“I’m leaving. Have fun with Grandma.”

Ming Huaizhi gave a cheerful “OK” sign.

…

 

That night, Grandma Sang stayed in Ming Huaizhi’s bedroom. To avoid being found out, Ming Huaizhi specifically said: “My room is opposite Sang Yu’s. I usually use this one when I’m practicing my lines, so I don’t disturb him.”

Grandma Sang looked at Ming Huaizhi’s downcast, guilty eyes and smiled faintly: “They usually control me and won’t let me eat river snail rice noodles (luosifen). I want to order takeout tonight Tangtang, do you mind the smell?”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes lit up: “I don’t mind at all! It’s best to add a fried egg and soft, chewy pig trotters.”

Grandma Sang was in total agreement: “OK, we’ll order it for our late-night snack.”

And so, the two of them played until the early morning before preparing for bed. Before sleeping, Ming Huaizhi specifically found a set of pure cotton sheets to put down for Grandma Sang. He used ice silk sheets, which were a bit cold and probably unsuitable for an elderly person.

Grandma Sang watched Ming Huaizhi’s busy figure and took the chance to ruffle his hair.

The next day, the two didn’t wake up until the sun was high in the sky.

After seeing Grandma Sang off in the afternoon, Ming Huaizhi was bored alone, browsing Weibo and WeChat, waiting for Sang Yu to return.

His dance promotional video had officially been released on the platform. According to Chen Ruofu, the views had exceeded 90 million, and he gained 2 million followers overnight.

Ming Huaizhi was very happy and called his mother.

According to Mother Ming, his brother’s current state was decent; he could be conscious for an hour a day and was recovering bit by bit.

Although Ming Huaizhi was a bit disappointed he couldn’t talk to his brother while he was awake, his mood improved at the thought that his brother’s recovery was ahead of schedule and he might return to the country early.

Just then, the sound of a car engine echoed outside.

Ming Huaizhi hurriedly ran barefoot to the window and saw that it was indeed Sang Yu back.

Sang Yu clearly saw him too. Standing downstairs, he said: “Wait for me, don’t come down.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled sweetly, realized he was barefoot, and ran back to bed to hide his feet.

When Sang Yu entered Ming Huaizhi’s room, he was carrying something. Meeting Ming Huaizhi’s expectant, curious eyes, he deliberately didn’t mention the gift, instead asking leisurely: “How was your day?”

Ming Huaizhi withdrew his gaze from the gift: “It was good. Grandma left after finishing lunch with me.”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow: “Mhm. I heard you and Grandma ate snail rice noodles last night?”

Ming Huaizhi felt a bit guilty: “Yeah. Although it’s a bit smelly, it’s really fragrant. If you want to eat some, I’ll treat you tonight too.”

Sang Yu: “No thanks. I can’t stand the smell of that stuff.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded slowly, his eyes drifting back to the gift: “Sang Yu, what is that you’re holding?”

“This?” Sang Yu placed it on the floor. “A gift I bought.”

Ming Huaizhi peeked again: “Who is it for? Can I see?”

Sang Yu avoided the topic, standing up to look around Ming Huaizhi’s room.

Although he had been in many times, he had never looked this closely. The Ragdoll cat plush he gave Ming Huaizhi was placed in a transparent cabinet, alongside some limited-edition dolls.

It seemed Ming Huaizhi really liked these things.

Just then, Ming Huaizhi’s phone rang.

Sang Yu didn’t pay it much mind, continuing to look at the dolls with his back to Ming Huaizhi.

But after a long time, Ming Huaizhi hadn’t answered.

Sang Yu turned around curiously: “Not going to answer?”

Ming Huaizhi’s expression held a trace of panic: “I am.” With that, he quickly covered his right ear, pretending he was wearing a Bluetooth earphone: “I was just playing a game and had my Bluetooth earphone on; it wasn’t adjusted properly.”

Sang Yu hummed in response and didn’t press further.

When Sang Yu turned away again, Ming Huaizhi quietly took a Bluetooth earphone out of the drawer and put it in his ear.

This call was from his brother. If he went out to answer it abruptly, Sang Yu would definitely be suspicious, but he couldn’t bear to hang up. This was the first time his brother had called him since waking up.

After the phone connected, the sound on the other end was very noisy, and Mother Ming’s pleading voice could be heard nearby.

Ming Yantang’s breath was clearly weak, but anger still made his voice forceful: “Baby, did you marry that bastard Sang Yu?”

Ming Huaizhi stole a glance at Sang Yu’s back: “Mhm.”

Ming Yantang grew frantic: “What were Mom and Dad thinking? How could they let you enter a fake marriage with Sang Yu? Don’t they know Sang Yu is a businessman who eats people without leaving bones? Hurry up, protect yourself, pack your things and come home. I’ll handle the rest!”

The hand Sang Yu used to pick out gifts paused slightly. Then, he turned around slowly, staring intently at Ming Huaizhi.

What a little dummy. He didn’t even realize the Bluetooth hadn’t connected.