I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

In the quiet tea room, Aunt Yu and Ming Huaizhi looked at each other after the video ended.

She slapped the tea table in fury: “I knew he was up to no good. He really is an ungrateful white-eyed wolf.”

Ming Huaizhi rubbed the edge of his phone with his thumb: “Aunt Yu, I told you about this because I can see you are a sensible person who truly cares for Grandma.”

Aunt Yu felt both sentimental and angry: “Yes! I’ve seen everything Sang Lin has done over these twenty years. His acting is truly incredible; the mistress never believed what he was really like behind her back!”

Ming Huaizhi patted Aunt Yu’s back, signaling her not to get too upset. After all, the elderly are prone to high blood pressure.

“Should we tell Grandma? Will she disbelieve us?”

Aunt Yu was a straightforward person: “I’ve mentioned things to the mistress before, but she didn’t believe me without proof. But this time, the evidence is ironclad.”

Ming Huaizhi voiced his concern: “Will Grandma blame me for secretly filming? After all, it’s not exactly an honorable thing to do.”

Aunt Yu said with frustration: “Silly child, you are saving her. If we keep letting that wolf run wild, who knows what might happen.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded gently: “Okay.”

Aunt Yu thought for a moment: “I’ll go with you to show the mistress.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Thank you, Aunt Yu.”

Grandma Sang was watching TV in her bedroom. Seeing Ming Huaizhi enter after such a long time, she smiled and said, “Linlin just told me he’s busy and won’t be staying for dinner. Did you fail to find him?”

Ming Huaizhi: “I found him.”

Aunt Yu cut in sarcastically: “Young Master Lin definitely wouldn’t stay for dinner. The roses in his car haven’t been given away yet; they’d wither if he stayed too long.”

Grandma Sang was stunned for a moment, then smiled casually: “He has business; it’s normal not to eat here.”

“Yes, coming to see you reeking of alcohol who knows what banquet he came from. Is it so casual to have meetings nowadays?” Aunt Yu continued.

Grandma Sang knew Aunt Yu disliked Sang Lin and reminded her: “Alright, Xiao Tang is here with me, let him go.”

Aunt Yu almost rolled her eyes: “Just now you asked Young Master Ming to find Young Master Lin, but he couldn’t. So I went with him, and we ended up hearing some things we shouldn’t have.”

Grandma Sang smiled at Ming Huaizhi: “Child, what did you hear?”

Aunt Yu grabbed the conversation: “I advised Young Master Ming not to get involved. After all, Sang Lin is your precious darling; maybe you’d even blame him for overstepping.”

Grandma Sang’s expression turned serious: “Aunt Yu, what exactly happened?”

Aunt Yu looked at Ming Huaizhi, who handed the phone to Grandma: “I didn’t plan to record it, but I sensed something was wrong, so I filmed it secretly to show you.”

Grandma Sang held up the phone, and the video began to play.

The fifteen-second video wasn’t long, but the amount of information made Grandma Sang’s elderly face tremble with shock and heartbreak.

Aunt Yu said: “You loved him so much, but it turns out you’re worthless in his eyes.”

Watching the corner of Sang Lin’s clothes in the video, Grandma Sang leaned weakly against the bedside, holding her forehead in silence for a long time.

That embroidered pattern on the hem of his clothes was something she had sewn stitch by stitch, symbolizing peace and prosperity. She never imagined the grandson she had doted on for twenty years had never given her a single piece of his heart.

The phone slowly rolled onto the bed. Grandma Sang stared powerlessly at the ceiling, her heart feeling as though it were being brutally carved by a knife.

Ming Huaizhi sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking Grandma Sang’s chest: “Grandma, Sang Yu told me that what Sang Lin has been doing all these years isn’t honorable. Although he didn’t state it explicitly in the video, you can probably guess the gist of it.”

Grandma Sang was heartbroken: “How could he be so foolish!”

Aunt Yu mocked: “Mistress, if we don’t stop him now, when trouble comes, it won’t just be him; the entire Sang family will be dragged down. The family business your sons and grandsons worked so hard to build will be completely ruined.”

Grandma Sang closed her eyes, and two trails of tears slid down her face.

Aunt Yu continued: “In twenty years, he hasn’t remembered a single bit of your kindness, only your assets. If you keep indulging such a person, I fear he will one day do something to hurt you.”

Grandma Sang took a deep breath, her eyes swollen: “Call Sang Yu here. I have something to say to him.”

Aunt Yu beamed and signaled Ming Huaizhi to call Sang Yu immediately.

Forty minutes later, Sang Yu arrived in a hurry. Outside, Ming Huaizhi was waiting for him.

“What’s going on? I just saw the video you sent.”

“I filmed it secretly. He was too happy about the ports and became careless.”

Sang Yu stared at him: “Are you okay? Did he find out you were filming?”

Ming Huaizhi shook his head: “I don’t think so.”

Halfway there, Sang Yu took his hand and stopped.

“Does anyone else know about the video besides you, me, and Grandma?”

“Aunt Yu knows too.”

Sang Yu’s brows knitted slightly: “Aunt Yu can be trusted, but besides the four of us, do not mention this to anyone.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Okay, don’t worry.”

Before entering Grandma Sang’s bedroom, Sang Yu knocked. Grandma Sang slowly looked up: “Come in, Xiao Yu.”

Sang Yu walked to her side: “You called for me.”

Grandma Sang clutched her chest, her voice weak: “Tell me, what kind of work exactly is Sang Lin doing?”

Sang Yu looked at Aunt Yu, who whispered: “The ginseng soup is almost ready, I’ll go check on it.”

With that, Aunt Yu closed the bedroom door.

Sang Yu sat in the chair by the bed and told Grandma Sang about Sang Lin’s business: “On the surface, he deals in red wine. Privately, he deals in human trafficking and smuggling various contraband.”

Grandma Sang’s breathing suddenly became rapid: “How long has he been doing this?”

Sang Yu: “Based on the evidence I have, about two years. But the full chain of evidence is incomplete, so I’m not sure exactly how long.”

Grandma Sang’s eyes were filled with grief, her voice rising: “How could he do such a thing! Did his father have a part in it?”

Sang Yu: “As for Second Uncle, I’m not sure.”

Grandma Sang closed her eyes again: “Go draft a contract. I’m transferring all the ports to you now. The documents are in my study; have Aunt Yu get them. There are 105 in total.”

Sang Yu was surprised: “Wasn’t it 87?”

Grandma Sang’s voice was hoarse: “Those 87 are small ports of little significance. The extra 18 ports are in vital locations across various provinces; those 87 combined couldn’t compare to them.”

Sang Yu looked at Grandma Sang but ultimately didn’t ask the question he wanted to. As he walked to the door, Grandma Sang said slowly: “Those 18 ports were originally meant for your branch of the family anyway.”

Sang Yu froze, hand on the doorknob. After a long silence, he hummed in response and walked away quickly.

Only two people remained in the bedroom. Grandma Sang took Ming Huaizhi’s hand and placed it on her chest: “Child, today’s events were sudden and the procedures are complex. Regarding the ports I promised you, have Sang Yu transfer them to you privately.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled: “No need. As long as you and Sang Yu are on good terms, I’m at peace. Those ports are useless to me.”

Grandma Sang gave a pale smile: “How are they useless? With those ports, you wouldn’t have to do anything; you’d get a lot of money in dividends every year.”

“What would I do with so much money?” Ming Huaizhi patted his pocket: “I have enough.”

Grandma Sang looked at Ming Huaizhi with a complex gaze, wanting to say something but wanting to wait for him to tell her himself.

A short while later, Sang Yu returned with several contracts. After Grandma Sang pressed her thumbprint, she said, “Handle Sang Lin’s matter. Whether you suspend him or report him, it’s up to you.”

Sang Yu looked at Ming Huaizhi: “Grandma, don’t tell Sang Lin about the video. I’m worried he might retaliate.”

“He wouldn’t dare!” Grandma Sang’s voice trembled: “Is he even human? To commit such violence so openly?”

Sang Yu nodded: “As far as I know, he is currently collaborating with Chairman Bai’s group. Chairman Bai’s small foundation isn’t capable of such large-scale illegal business. I’m worried he has an overseas company backing him and might retaliate against you and Xiao Tang.”

Grandma Sang was clearly frightened: “Then what should we do?”

Sang Yu: “I’ll arrange more bodyguards for you. Don’t mention the matter of the ports until I have all the evidence.”

Grandma Sang frowned: “Okay.”

By nightfall, Grandma Sang was in poor spirits and fell asleep early. After settling her in, Sang Yu and Ming Huaizhi went home together.

Chen Palace was vast. Although Sang Yu’s and Grandma Sang’s manors were only separated by No. 4, it was still a bit of a walk.

The moonlight was lovely tonight, and it wasn’t hot; the scent of an outdoor BBQ from the neighboring manor wafted through the air.

Ming Huaizhi’s appetite was whetted. He looked up at Sang Yu: “Sang Yu, did I do well this time?”

Sang Yu tilted his head: “Not bad.”

Ming Huaizhi gave a dazed smile and asked, mimicking Sang Yu’s old style: “Then, do I get a reward?”

Sang Yu let out a soft sound and flicked his forehead: ” I’ve noticed you’re becoming more and more like me.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled, his dimples appearing faintly: “I caught it from you.”

Sang Yu ruffled his hair again: “Is your birthday coming up in a few days?”

Ming Huaizhi thought for a moment: “In less than a month.”

Sang Yu’s eyes were deep: “On that day, I have a surprise for you.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes lit up: “Really?”

Sang Yu: “When have I ever lied to you?”

Ming Huaizhi secretly calculated the time until his brother’s return; there wasn’t much time left for him and Sang Yu.

Sang Yu caught the slight change in his expression and asked curiously, “Why did you suddenly become sentimental?”

Ming Huaizhi chuckled: “Because I finished the task you gave me. I’m happy.”

“Who said you’re finished?” Sang Yu started acting like a rogue, black-hearted boss. “This isn’t over yet. What if Sang Lin wants to retaliate against me? Shouldn’t you protect me?”

Ming Huaizhi thought seriously: “I would protect you if an accident happened, but you have bodyguards too. Will it take a long time to fully catch Sang Lin?”

Sang Yu wrapped a long arm around him, pulling Ming Huaizhi into his embrace: “It won’t take long. Once I have authority over the ports, I can investigate him thoroughly.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded: “Okay, stay safe.”

…

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

Ming Huaizhi has been in a great mood lately. On one hand, Ming Yantang’s recovery was going well, and on the other, Grandma Sang had quickly recovered from the incident with Sang Lin. Although she wasn’t as playful as before, she was finally willing to eat.

His luggage was basically packed. Once Ming Yantang returned, he would go home first and then visit with his parents to apologize.

As the time remaining with Sang Yu grew shorter, Ming Huaizhi frequently went to Sang Yu’s bedroom next door to chat.

Unfortunately, Sang Yu was in meetings every time and looked extremely busy. Sometimes Ming Huaizhi would sit on the sofa and accompany him through the meetings; other times he would leave quietly to avoid disturbing him.

Gradually, opportunities for them to have dinner together dwindled as Sang Yu often returned home very late.

At 9:00 PM that night, Sang Yu finally finished his meeting. His assistant brought him a bowl of soup to soothe his stomach: “President Sang, the day after tomorrow is your grandfather’s birthday. I’ve prepared the gift for you.”

Sang Yu picked up the soup: “How is the investigation into Sang Lin going?”

The assistant replied: “The people behind him are very meticulous; we haven’t caught any definitive leverage yet. However, we’ve found enough of his other dirty laundry.”

Sang Yu: “Those things would put him away for ten years at most.”

The assistant hesitated: “This morning, Sang Lin’s assistant went to the ports to process some paperwork, but we rejected the application. I expect it won’t be long before Sang Lin realizes these ports are already under your name.”

Sang Yu’s eyelid flickered, and he immediately called Ming Huaizhi. After a long wait, a gentle, soft voice came from the phone: “Sang Yu, what is it?”

Sang Yu glanced at the assistant: “Did you see Sang Lin today?”

Ming Huaizhi: “No.”

Sang Yu: “I see. I’m coming home right now.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Okay, stay safe.”

Hanging up, Sang Yu felt energized. While putting on his watch, he asked, “How is the engagement ring coming along?”

Assistant: “It should arrive from abroad in about a week. It will definitely be here a week before the Chairman’s wife’s birthday.”

Sang Yu gave the assistant a deep look: “Good.”

…

Meanwhile, Sang Lin was in a frenzy. For half an hour, he had been standing outside the door, crying out: “Grandma, why won’t you see me? Linlin doesn’t know what he did wrong to make you unhappy. Have you misunderstood me?”

The household servants stood behind Aunt Yu: “Sister Yu, if Young Master Lin keeps shouting like this, the mistress won’t get any sleep tonight.”

Aunt Yu: “Let him shout. It’s the mistress who doesn’t want to see him, it’s not like we’re blocking him on purpose.”

Sang Lin glared fiercely at the watching servants: “Brother Sang You stopped half of my business. I heard them say you gave the ports to him. In just three days, I’ve lost over thirty million. If this continues, I might as well jump in the river.”

Grandma Sang lay in bed, tossing and turning.

“Grandma, please help me. If you don’t help me, I can only go see my grandmother in the afterlife.”

Grandma Sang panted, struggling to get up as she looked out the window. Just then, Aunt Yu came in with medicine.

“It seems Young Master Lin hasn’t truly considered you his grandmother after all these years; he clearly distinguishes between ‘you’ and ‘me’.”

Grandma Sang sighed: “Close the window.”

That night, despite Sang Lin shouting for two hours, Grandma Sang did not go out to see him.

Sang Lin wiped his tears, his expression turning vicious the moment he turned to leave.

“Send me the information on the Ming brothers. Have our people check the specific transfer time of the ports.”

“Yes, Young Master Lin.”

Two days later, it was Grandfather Sang’s birthday. Although the old man had passed away, the Sang family members returned to the old residence every year to accompany Grandma Sang in honoring his memory.

On the way to the old residence, Ming Huaizhi noticed Sang Yu looked drained, clearly having worked through the night.

He asked with concern: “Are you feeling unwell?”

Sang Yu pressed his temples: “Yeah, a headache.”

With an hour’s drive left, Ming Huaizhi asked, “Do you want me to give you a massage?”

Sang Yu opened his eyes and looked at him meaningfully: “Pitying me?”

Ming Huaizhi nodded: “Mm. Lie on my lap.”

Sang Yu looked at Ming Huaizhi’s legs and said with mock disdain: “They’re so thin, will I crush them?”

Ming Huaizhi pursed his lips: “I will not.”

Glancing at the driver ahead, Sang Yu cleared his throat and slowly lay on Ming Huaizhi’s knees, looking straight up at him.

“I’ve realized you look quite good from this angle.”

In the soft sunlight, Ming Huaizhi felt a bit flustered, his eyelashes distinct and his red lips beautiful and inviting.

“Is this angle different from usual?”

Sang Yu: “Of course. When have you ever been ‘above’ me?”

Ming Huaizhi lifted his fingers and pressed precisely on the acupuncture points of his head: “Don’t work so hard; it’s bad for your health.”

Sang Yu didn’t take it seriously, saying nonchalantly, “I get off work so early every day; if I don’t work, I’m just idle.”

“You could go out with friends,” Ming Huaizhi said without thinking.

Sang Yu perked up, suddenly feeling like teasing him: “Do you know how messy the places they go at night are? There are many beautiful boys in those venues…”

Ming Huaizhi: “Is there anyone you like?”

Sang Yu: “Yeah, there is.”

Ming Huaizhi asked curiously: “Then why haven’t you dated yet? Or are you tricking me?”

Seeing he wasn’t upset, Sang Yu continued slowly: “Didn’t I know in advance that I’d meet your brother? I wanted to save my first love for him.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled: “You’re always talking nonsense.”

Sang Yu stared at his small nose, gradually becoming dazed: “Xiao Zhi.”

Ming Huaizhi: “Hmm?”

Sang Yu: “When this is over, I’m going on a world tour.”

Ming Huaizhi was very interested: “That’s great! Remember to take lots of photos and post them on your feed.”

Sang Yu looked at him: “If you beg me enough to go with you, I might consider taking you.”

Ming Huaizhi’s voice softened, his tone suppressed with a hint of a choke: “If you invite me, I’ll go.”

Sang Yu closed his eyes: “Mm.”

…

Arriving at the old residence, most of the relatives had already arrived. As Sang Yu and Ming Huaizhi were about to enter, they caught sight of Sang Lin wearing sunglasses in front of his sports car.

Sang Lin held a stack of documents and waved to them: “Brother Sang Yu, I have something to say to you.”

Sang Yu patted Ming Huaizhi’s shoulder: “Go on in first.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t move: “Do you need me to come with you?”

Sang Yu: “No.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t go far; passing through the first small courtyard, he sat on a stone bench waiting for Sang Yu.

Seeing Ming Huaizhi leave, Sang Lin said with a chuckle: “Why didn’t you let him stay? After all, you two are the masterminds behind this ‘Prince and the Pauper’ act.”

The sunlight was piercing. Sang Yu walked forward with a casual expression: “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Sang Lin grabbed the documents and chased after him: “Ming Yantang had a heart problem and went abroad for treatment. For the sake of the ports, you had Ming Yantang’s younger brother pose as him to deceive Grandma. Did you really think I couldn’t find out?”

Sang Yu kept his hands in his pockets and ignored him, continuing deep into the courtyard: “Since you’re so omniscient, why ask me? Wouldn’t it be better to just show the evidence to Grandma?”

Sang Lin followed quickly, his emotions agitated: “Aren’t you afraid of Grandma finding out?”

At the entrance of the first courtyard, Sang Yu leaned in the shade and looked at him lazily: “If showing those materials to Grandma were useful, why would you come to me? It’s because you know the ports are already mine. Even if Grandma knows the truth, there’s nothing she can do.”

Sang Lin stared into the courtyard: “True. So I want to make a deal with you.”

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow: “What kind of deal?”

Sang Lin: “I’ll keep the secret of the Ming brothers. I won’t tell Grandma or spread it in the entertainment industry. But in exchange, you give me thirty ports.”

Sang Yu stared at him and gave a ridiculous laugh: “Isn’t your appetite a bit large?”

Sang Lin: “Whether it’s large or not depends on whether you’re willing to let the Ming family be ruined, let Ming Yantang be infamous in the industry, and let yourself be labeled as a utilitarian schemer in the entire Sang family.”

Sang Yu was indifferent: “I’m willing.”

Sang Lin clearly hadn’t expected the rejection; his tone became frantic: “You really don’t care?”

Sang Yu squinted: “Twenty ports. I won’t give even one more.”

Sang Lin frowned and thought for a moment: “Deal. When will you give them to me?”

Sang Yu: “In a couple of days. The ports just came under my name; the handover hasn’t been finalized yet.”

Sang Lin’s tone was unkind: “I don’t have that much time to wait for you. Three days at most.”

Sang Yu’s tone left no room for argument: “A week.”

“You!” Sang Lin suppressed his anger: “Deal.”

As Sang Yu was about to leave, Sang Lin called him back: “In terms of looks, I’m not inferior to others. Five years ago, I flattered you in every possible way, but you just didn’t like me. Now, you’ve actually fallen for Ming Yantang and are willing to accept my blackmail for him. This isn’t your style.”

Sang Yu stood with his back to him: “You’re wrong. I don’t like Ming Yantang.”

With that, he walked away through the courtyard.

Sang Lin stood in place, then walked in the opposite direction. Now, he needed to find out why the old lady’s attitude toward him had changed and if someone was meddling.

When Sang Yu reached the empty courtyard, he intended to call Ming Huaizhi, only to have his phone ring behind him. He turned around to see Ming Huaizhi sitting on the stone bench by the door, watching him.

Sang Yu glanced at the spot where he had just spoken with Sang Lin; it wasn’t far from here. Walking to Ming Huaizhi’s side, he asked, “Why are you sitting here?”

Ming Huaizhi stood up, his voice very soft: “I wanted to wait for you.”

Sang Yu didn’t beat around the bush: “I was speaking with Sang Lin just now. Did you hear?”

Ming Huaizhi pursed his lips: “I heard a couple of lines.”

Sang Yu asked: “Which ones?”

Ming Huaizhi lowered his eyes, clutching his clothes, still haunted by their conversation. He didn’t know why, but when Sang Yu said that last line, his heart felt sour.

“From the moment Sang Lin said he liked you, until the end when you told him you didn’t like me.”