I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 24

Chapter 24

“You’re cheating, you bumped into me.”

Ming Huaizhi gripped the bank card with his fingers, his round deer-like eyes narrowing as he planned to argue his case with Sang Yu and battle for another round.

But at that moment, he accidentally caught a glimpse of Father Ming at the door.

His whole body froze: “Dad.”

The smile was still hanging on Sang Yu’s face as he followed the voice and looked up.

Father Ming smiled awkwardly and greeted Sang Yu: “President Sang, sorry for the sudden intrusion. I came to see Xiao Tang and brought him some medicine.”

Sang Yu stood up: “You are welcome to see him anytime. You haven’t had dinner yet, have you? Stay and join us.”

Ming Huaizhi felt somewhat uneasy, worried that Father Ming had come to take him home.

Father Ming: “I won’t eat. I have things to do tonight. I’ll just explain to Xiao Tang how to take the medicine.”

Sang Yu saw through Father Ming’s thoughts and nodded: “Alright, you two talk.”

A moment later, Ming Huaizhi led Father Ming back to his bedroom, clutching the medicine and staring at Father Ming with wide eyes, fearing that his father would take him away.

Father Ming looked around the room, hesitating to speak: “Xiao Zhi, you and Sang Yu seem to be on quite good terms.”

Ming Huaizhi looked up: “Yes, yes! I told you a long time ago, but you and Brother just wouldn’t believe it.”

Father Ming’s gaze was hesitant: “I heard just now… he even gave you his salary card?”

Ming Huaizhi explained: “He said he’s taking me out to play in a few days, so he gave me the card in case I need money then.”

At this point, Father Ming noticed some faint bruises on Ming Huaizhi’s face. They were hard to spot if one didn’t look closely, appearing more obvious only under the direct light.

“What happened to your face!” Father Ming frowned, leaning down to carefully inspect Ming Huaizhi’s injury.

Ming Huaizhi originally didn’t want to tell his family to avoid making them worry, but since the cat was out of the bag, he spoke up.

“I almost got bullied by an investor at a dinner. Sang Yu rushed over and saved me. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d worry.”

Sang Yu again.

Father Ming’s voice was full of heartache: “What was the investor’s name? Where else are you hurt besides here?”

Ming Huaizhi patted Father Ming’s hand: “I don’t know his name; Sang Yu said he’d handle it for me. The injury happened when I bumped into something while running. Everywhere else is fine.”

Father Ming sighed and held Ming Huaizhi’s hand: “It seems Sang Yu is indeed good to you normally, but you must still be careful. Don’t be so honest that you trust people completely.”

Ming Huaizhi was very unwilling to hear others speak ill of Sang Yu. He knitted his brows seriously: “I don’t need to be careful of him. He isn’t the kind of person you think he is, and he has never bullied me.”

It was the first time Father Ming had seen Ming Huaizhi like this.

He opened his mouth: “Alright, you have your own judgment. I will tell Yantang about this.”

Only then did Ming Huaizhi nod: “Okay.”

When he escorted Father Ming downstairs, Sang Yu was waiting in the living room.

“Uncle Ming, please have a meal here. It’s already prepared.”

Father Ming still declined: “You two eat. I really have things to do.”

In fact, Ming Huaizhi also hoped to spend more time with his father, but the older man was clearly uncomfortable.

Sang Yu stared at the disappointment in Ming Huaizhi’s eyes and continued to persuade: “Xiao Tang misses you very much. A meal won’t take long. If your next task isn’t urgent, please stay.”

Since Sang Yu put it that way, it would be rude for Father Ming to refuse again, so he agreed.

A few dishes were added last minute, making a total of twelve, half meat and half vegetable. Father Ming suddenly discovered that his younger son seemed to love eating meat; in just a few minutes, a large chicken drumstick was almost finished, and his eyes were already darting toward the chicken wings and braised pork.

He remembered his mother-in-law once telling him that Ming Huaizhi didn’t like meat and that his diet should be light.

“Xiao Tang, eat some vegetables.” Father Ming pointed to the baby bok choy: “The taste is good, very refreshing.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded obediently but continued as he was, not reaching for the vegetable dish at all.

Sang Yu, sitting in the center, glanced at Father Ming. Then, with a natural motion, he picked up some poached greens and put them in Ming Huaizhi’s bowl.

Ming Huaizhi looked at Sang Yu while holding his bowl, then immediately gobbled up the greens like a little rabbit.

Father Ming’s current mood was a mixed bag.

He suddenly felt that these two were the real family.

After dinner, the two saw Father Ming off.

Standing next to Ming Huaizhi, Sang Yu asked in a low voice: “What did Uncle Ming talk to you about?”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were clearly darting around: “Nothing much, just told me not to cause trouble for you.”

Sang Yu tilted his head to look at him: “The wind is picking up. Let’s go back.”

Ming Huaizhi followed Sang Yu, carrying the model sports cars back to the room trip by trip, allowing his dinner to digest a bit.

…

 

For the past two days, Ming Huaizhi had been resting at home, and the variety show was almost at its end.

Chen Ruofu told him that their final task was for each person to receive 1 million yuan in promotion fees to conduct the final publicity before the APP officially launched. Whoever had more QR code downloads would get an extra ten points on their internship score.

The doctor came to check his body yesterday. The drug residue in his system was almost zero. Although there was a slight skin allergy, it wasn’t a big problem.

Thus, Ming Huaizhi prepared for the promotion while accompanying Grandma Sang to play all over Sang Yu’s estate. Every day when Sang Yu came home, he could see the two of them playing with cats and dogs. Ming Huaizhi’s clothes were getting dirtier by the day, and his cheeks were always dusty.

That night at dinner, Ming Huaizhi said to Sang Yu: “My body is mostly better. I can officially start work next Monday. But tomorrow there’s a brand event I need to attend.”

Sang Yu saw that the bruises on Ming Huaizhi’s face had completely disappeared, but he was still a bit worried: “Can’t you take leave?”

Ming Huaizhi: “This is HW’s first brand exhibition in China. I am their spokesperson; I must show up.”

“HW, huh?” Sang Yu remembered an invitation he received not long ago, which seemed to be from the HW brand. Luxury brands like this often send invitations to Diamond VIP customers around the world, hoping they will come to the scene to appreciate the new season’s products.

Of course, usually, these VIPs would spend money.

A fashion feast like this can create hundreds of billions in sales for the brand. The brand’s spokespersons or ambassadors would likely act as displays for the clothing and jewelry to attract people to buy.

“I’ll go tomorrow too.”

Hearing Sang Yu say this, Ming Huaizhi’s eyes filled with a smile: “Really? Then do you want to buy some clothes or accessories tomorrow?”

Sang Yu looked at him: “I’m not sure yet. Why ask so suddenly?”

Ming Huaizhi felt a bit embarrassed: “My manager said my task tomorrow is to promote new clothing and jewelry. For every item sold, the brand will give me a 5% commission.”

Sang Yu propped his head up and looked at him slightly: “So you hope I’ll buy the things you promote?”

Ming Huaizhi said in a small voice: “Don’t let the fertile water flow into outsider’s fields.”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow: “Depends on my mood.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled sheepishly: “Okay, if you buy, remember to look for me.”

In the blink of an eye, it was the night of the banquet.

While Ming Huaizhi was putting on makeup in the dressing room, the brand director Jack personally selected and coordinated his accessories.

“Tang, do you like this watch? The selling price is 21 million, suitable for men around 25 years old.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Sure, I’ll follow your lead.”

Jack smiled: “Last year your sales were 150 million. The group headquarters was very satisfied with you. I wonder if you can break the record this year.”

“150 million…” Ming Huaizhi was almost frightened: “I think I’ll just do my best.”

Jack’s smile was brilliant: “Forget it, this 21 million isn’t up to your level. I want to put the most expensive pieces on you.”

Ming Huaizhi gave a gentle smile: “That’s fine, just match them as you see fit.”

Jack studied him curiously: “You’ve become gentler. I bet you’re currently in love.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Then you’ve guessed wrong.”

Jack’s radar was very accurate. Even though Ming Huaizhi said so, he still didn’t believe it: “OK, get ready to head out.”

At the HW banquet scene, many people had already arrived. Today’s interior design was inspired by a spring garden, full of a romantic artistic atmosphere. Flowers of all colors were flown in from all over the world, moving a spring feast indoors.

As the only HW spokesperson in China, Ming Huaizhi naturally attracted much attention. Dressed in a white suit, he wandered among the flowers, as beautiful as a spring elf, gentle and clean.

His arrival caused all the SVIPs at the scene to involuntarily move toward him. Especially those customers who had bought jewelry from him last year greeted him affectionately.

On the other side, around the HW brand ambassador Chen Cheng, the crowd was getting thinner. The SVIPs who were originally interested in the necklace he was wearing were all walking toward Ming Huaizhi.

Chen Cheng continued to maintain a decent smile, but in his heart, he had already cursed Ming Huaizhi countless times.

Last year, his sales were left far behind by Ming Yantang. Clearly, he had been working hard to maintain these network relationships all year, but everyone still seemed to favor Ming Yantang.

“Tangtang, how much is this ring on your hand?” a lady in her thirties asked.

Ming Huaizhi said warmly: “61 million.”

The lady smiled in surprise: “It seems HW has put all their treasure on you.”

Ming Huaizhi sensed that the lady felt the jewelry was a bit expensive and smiled embarrassedly: “If you like any particular ring, I can take you to the front to look.”

The lady was flattered: “That would be wonderful.”

The news that Ming Huaizhi was taking this lady to pick jewelry quickly spread through the venue, and more and more SVIPs swarmed toward him.

“Tang, can you help me pick a trench coat?”

“Tangtang, how about I buy a bracelet for you?”

“Tangtang, I want an emerald necklace. Do you have any recommendations?”

More and more people left Ming Huaizhi overwhelmed. Jack sighed beside him: “He’ll tire himself to death like this. In previous years, celebrities only sold the high-end jewelry they wore. What is with this ancestor this year?”

The director’s assistant said: “I’ll go remind him.”

An hour passed. Although Ming Huaizhi had sold many individual items, the total price was only 15 million. None of the high-end jewelry on his person had been sold. Conversely, Chen Cheng had already sold a set of emerald necklaces worth 50 million.

Just as Jack was feeling anxious, his eyes suddenly lit up. His expression was as if he had seen a walking bank.

“Go prepare the snacks quickly!”

Opposite them, Sang Yu, Si Mingchen, and the others had just entered. Not only the brand side noticed the arrival of these big shots; the SVIPs in the venue noticed as well.

Chen Cheng immediately checked his clothing and styling, edging forward to find an opportunity to strike up a conversation with them.

At this time, the design director of the brand headquarters personally went to greet them: “Gentlemen, why didn’t you inform us you were coming? We could have prepared to host you.”

Sang Yu: “No need, we just came to take a look.”

As they walked in, Sang Yu didn’t forget to remind them again: “You can only buy things on Ming Yantang. At least one item per person.”

Si Mingchen originally didn’t want to come, but since Sang Yu had practically dragged him here, he planned to buy one piece of jewelry before leaving.

His voice was cold: “I’d dare to buy jewelry off someone else, but if Wen Zhi finds out, he’ll definitely make a scene.”

Sang Yu mocked him: “What exactly is your status at home?”

Si Mingchen retorted coolly: “If your status is so high, why don’t you buy up all the jewelry on that brand ambassador across the room?”

Sang Yu: “Do I have a bubble in my brain to buy someone else’s? Don’t let the fertile water flow into outsider’s fields, understand?”

Zhong Xian and Shang Chen didn’t participate in their bickering and walked up to Ming Huaizhi to greet him.

“Hello, Xiao Tang.” Shang Chen grinned, showing his bright white teeth, looking cheerful.

Seeing familiar faces, Ming Huaizhi was in a good mood: “You’ve arrived. I’ll go get some snacks for you.”

Shang Chen hurriedly said: “No need, no need! How could we dare let you get snacks? Sang Yu would skin us alive if he knew.”

Ming Huaizhi quickly tilted his head to look for Sang Yu: “Where is he?”

Shang Chen and Zhong Xian exchanged looks for two seconds: “Sang Yu? He went to buy jewelry worn by someone else.”

As expected, Ming Huaizhi became disappointed, the excitement from a moment ago clearly vanishing: “Oh. Is there anything you want to buy? I can take you to look.”

Shang Chen stared at his bracelet: “I think this one is good. Perfect as a gift for my girlfriend.”

Although Ming Huaizhi was happy, he still reminded him: “This bracelet is priced at 42 million. Please consider it.”

Shang Chen endured the pain in his wallet and gritted his teeth: “It’s quite cheap. Give me a pair.”

Ming Huaizhi’s tone was light: “Okay.”

Seeing Ming Huaizhi’s clear smile, Zhong Xian held a wine glass and lamented: “This is the price of winning a beauty’s smile.”

Shang Chen complained: “Don’t flatter yourself. This beauty isn’t smiling at the two of us.”

Zhong Xian raised an eyebrow: “At least you got a pair of bracelets, didn’t you?”

The successful sale of high-end jewelry made Jack very happy. He didn’t expect that several big shots who just entered would all be at Ming Huaizhi’s side and place orders so readily.

You should know that when Chen Cheng was selling jewelry just now, he was practically sitting on people’s laps before they would agree.

Other celebrities looked at Ming Huaizhi with eyes full of envy.

After Ming Huaizhi returned, Zhong Xian took a fancy to the emerald necklace he was newly wearing.

“Xiao Tang, I want this set.”

Ming Huaizhi still reminded him: “This one is quite expensive. It’s 52 million.”

Zhong Xian nodded: “I want to give it to my grandmother.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Okay, I’ll have them wrap it up for you.”

Selling two sets of high-end jewelry in just five minutes made Jack so happy he was beaming. Even the senior management at headquarters looked at Ming Huaizhi with new eyes.

Seeing that Ming Huaizhi was quite familiar with Boss Zhong, Chen Cheng was very surprised and seemed to have guessed something.

No wonder the other’s resources were so good; his connections were actually so powerful that he even knew someone as difficult as Zhong Xian.

Sang Yu and Si Mingchen hadn’t come over yet; they were chatting with partners. By the time they reached Ming Huaizhi’s side, Zhong Xian and Shang Chen had already gone upstairs to chat and eat snacks.

Seeing Sang Yu, Ming Huaizhi’s eyes lifted slightly: “Sang Yu, President Si, you’ve arrived.”

Si Mingchen nodded slightly and quickly picked out the watch on his hand: “I want this set.”

Ming Huaizhi: “61 million. Why don’t you look at others?”

Si Mingchen: “Wrap it up. I want this one.” After saying that, he looked at Sang Yu, his eyes seemingly asking if it was enough.

After Sang Yu nodded with satisfaction, Si Mingchen left with the watch.

Jack calculated on the side: “Good heavens, Tang has almost matched last year’s total.”

The assistant next to him said: “Can’t you tell? These gentlemen all came for Ming Yantang.”

Jack was a shrewd person, how could he not tell? He said leisurely: “Don’t worry about who they came for. Being able to increase the brand’s profit means Ming Yantang is impressive.”

The assistant smiled: “Indeed.”

Not only were they watching Ming Huaizhi, but everyone in the venue was as well, including many envious gazes.

“How much have you sold?” Sang Yu stood before Ming Huaizhi, holding red wine and asking casually.

Ming Huaizhi gave a radiant smile: “150 million.”

Sang Yu looked leisurely at the other celebrities: “Your sales are quite good today. In that case, I should create some performance for your colleagues.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded gently: “Okay. Which one do you like? I can take you to see.”

Sang Yu, who thought the other would be somewhat jealous, immediately darkened his face: “I’m going to buy someone else’s things. Why aren’t you angry?”

Ming Huaizhi’s clear eyes suddenly smiled: “Why should I be angry? Your friends came to buy my jewelry, it must be because you spoke to them. I know you are good to me.”

A bit of awkwardness suddenly surged onto Sang Yu’s stiff face, and his voice clearly lacked confidence: “I didn’t speak to them. They just insisted on buying from you.”

Ming Huaizhi slowly leaned closer to Sang Yu. Taking advantage of the fact that others weren’t paying attention, he tugged at Sang Yu’s sleeve: “I suggest you don’t buy my jewelry. This last set is over a hundred million. It’s very expensive.”

Sang Yu looked down: “Let me see.”

Ming Huaizhi’s accessories were worn in rotation. Just as after Si Mingchen and Zhong Xian bought theirs, he would go back and put on a new piece.

Meeting Sang Yu’s gaze, he unbuttoned his collar, revealing a fair and slender neck: “It’s a bit expensive. I don’t dare leave it exposed, for fear of making a mistake.”

Sang Yu’s gaze gradually moved down, looking for a long time before completely focusing his attention on this set of emerald jewelry.

The color was rare, and the craftsmanship was excellent.

It was indeed a good piece of material.

“I think this necklace is quite good. It’s not impossible to buy it; it happens that I need to give a gift.”

Ming Huaizhi asked: “Then are you going to buy it?”

Sang Yu put his hands in his pockets: “But across the room, they also have this kind of emerald jewelry. You have to give me a reason to buy from you.”

Ming Huaizhi said innocently: “We are family. Isn’t that the reason?”

Sang Yu curled his lips: “Family? Then tell me, what am I to you?”

Ming Huaizhi: “My nominal wife.”

Sang Yu still didn’t let go: “What kind of family is a nominal wife? In my opinion, you should have your younger brother marry me. That way we would be a real family.”

Ming Huaizhi lowered his eyes: “Sang Yu, why are you talking about this again? My brother doesn’t want to fall in love.”

“How do you know he won’t want to fall in love after meeting me? What if he falls in love with me at first sight?”

Ming Huaizhi thought seriously: “Sang Yu, you are so confident.”

Hearing this, Sang Yu instantly exploded, his tone a bit sharp when he spoke.

“You think I’m not worthy of your brother falling in love at first sight?”

Ming Huaizhi felt that Sang Yu must not have had a smooth day at work; otherwise, he wouldn’t be like a cannon exploding at the slightest touch.

Seeing Sang Yu’s clearly displeased expression, he whispered: “Although you are tall and handsome, and you have plenty of personal charm… My meaning is, you are the type who becomes more and more fascinating after spending time together. If you and my brother fell in love over time, I would believe it very much, but love at first sight is indeed hard to say.”

Sang Yu thought about it. What Ming Huaizhi said seemed correct.

The two of them indeed fell in love over time.

“I’ll believe you for now.” Sang Yu cleared his throat, realizing he had indeed overstepped a bit just now. “Then I’ll buy this set of emerald jewelry from you. You give me some benefits.”

Ming Huaizhi’s smile was a bit dazed: “Benefits? Sang Yu, the brand doesn’t give discounts.”

Sang Yu said lazily: “Who’s asking you for a discount? I’m buying because of you. Shouldn’t you give me some exclusive benefits?”

Ming Huaizhi’s brain worked a bit slowly: “Okay, then let me think.”

After Sang Yu placed an order for 120 million worth of emerald jewelry, there was a small commotion in the venue.

The general manager from headquarters specifically walked over to express gratitude for Sang Yu’s support: “Mr. Sang, our brand has prepared a gift for you. We hope you won’t mind taking it.”

Sang Yu said flatly: “It’s fine. Supporting a friend’s business is normal.”

Jack winked at Ming Huaizhi and gave him a thumbs-up: “Sales of 280 million, double last year’s. You’re really something.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled sweetly, but in his mind, he was thinking about how to give Sang Yu some benefits.

As it was nearing the end, Chen Ruofu quietly took him into the dressing room.

“Xiao Zhi, today’s 14 million commission, after deducting the company’s share, I’ll transfer the rest to your card.”

Ming Huaizhi quickly declined: “No need. Transfer it to Brother’s card. Brother needs money now.”

Chen Ruofu felt a bit uncomfortable: “Are you really not taking any? Let me give you half.”

Ming Huaizhi still refused: “I have no place to use money. By the way, Sister Fu, I just heard a celebrity talking to their SVIP…”

Chen Ruofu: “And then?”

Ming Huaizhi said guiltily: “That SVIP said they wanted some exclusive benefits. Do you know what exclusive benefits can be given?”

Chen Ruofu gave a meaningful smile: “What exclusive benefits? I bet that SVIP likes him.”

Ming Huaizhi frowned slightly: “Really?”

Chen Ruofu analyzed it for him: “These exclusive benefits probably have two meanings. The first is a trade of money for sex. The second is that the SVIP is pursuing him, hoping to take the relationship a step further or get a kiss or something.”

Ming Huaizhi analyzed his relationship with Sang Yu. It seemed neither scenario fit.

Could the benefits Sang Yu wanted be a shoulder massage or leg rub?

“Sister Fu, do you think they could just be simple friends?”

Chen Ruofu laughed: “Tell me, how much did that SVIP spend?”

Ming Huaizhi lowered his eyes: “50 million.” (Wait, Sang Yu spent 120 million personally, plus his friends’ amounts) “120 million.”

Chen Ruofu: “If he didn’t like the person, would he spend that much? Rich people are all shrewd; no one is a sucker.”

Ming Huaizhi said slowly: “Oh.”

Chen Ruofu suddenly became suspicious: “Xiao Zhi, you’re not talking about yourself, are you?”

Ming Huaizhi hurriedly explained: “No, no one said that to me.”

Chen Ruofu reminded him: “I haven’t dared to tell Yantang about the incident with Chairman Bai. Yantang has been worried about you since he woke up and wanted to be discharged against medical advice. You must not fall for a stranger’s tricks; otherwise, I won’t be able to account for him.”

Ming Huaizhi frowned: “Okay. Please don’t tell my brother about Chairman Bai either. His emotions shouldn’t fluctuate too much right now.”

…

 

Two hours later, the HW banquet ended.

Today, Ming Huaizhi undoubtedly became the most watched star at the banquet. The brand side specifically invited Ming Huaizhi to attend an internal celebration party, but Ming Huaizhi tactfully declined, saying he had things to do tonight.

At the back door of the banquet, Sang Yu was sitting in the car waiting for Ming Huaizhi.

On their way home together, Ming Huaizhi was still thinking about the exclusive benefits.

Sang Yu saw he was preoccupied: “What’s wrong? Are you still unhappy after selling so much jewelry tonight?”

Ming Huaizhi looked up at him, his eyes bright: “I’m thinking about what benefits to give you.”

Hearing this, the driver wanted to become invisible immediately.

Sang Yu leaned lazily against the seat: “Have you thought it through? I’m still waiting.”

Ming Huaizhi sat up straight and looked at Sang Yu: “Can I ask you a question first?”

Sang Yu: “What question?”

Ming Huaizhi hesitated for a moment, then asked seriously: “Sang Yu, do you like me?”