I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

In his entire life, no one had ever called Sang Yu “baby,” let alone acted so lovey-dovey with him in front of so many people.

He cleared his throat, his expression looking somewhat unnatural. On the other hand, Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were clear and bright; his sincere expression suggested he wasn’t even aware he had said anything wrong.

After a brief pause, Sang Yu strode over to him on his long legs, his handsome sword-like eyebrows arching slightly. “Why are you acting so spoiled?”

His gaze shifted downward, landing squarely on Ming Huaizhi’s beautiful, calm eyes. He lowered his voice, but the words of reproach he intended to say simply wouldn’t come out.

“Don’t call me something so mushy next time.”

Ming Huaizhi explained to him slowly, “I was afraid of blowing our cover.”

Sang Yu felt quite awkward. “Let’s go.”

Watching the two of them walk away side-by-side, the remaining people looked on with interest.

“At first, when Grandmother wanted Sang Yu to enter a marriage alliance with the Ming family’s young master, I was a bit skeptical. But now, it seems the two of them have a good relationship.”

“Yeah.” The second cousin pulled out a cigarette. “I actually thought Sang Yu liked girls.”

…

Old Mrs. Sang’s name was Chen Jinhui. Her marriage to the old Master Sang had been a family alliance, a union of two powerful clans that caused the foundations of the Sang and Chen families to grow even more prosperous.

This garden villa, located halfway up the mountain, was originally the home of Old Mrs. Sang’s parents. After Old Master Sang passed away, she moved here and had it renovated.

Walking on the pebble path, Ming Huaizhi made no effort to hide his love for the scenery. “Sang Yu, your home is really beautiful.”

Sang Yu replied, “It’s alright.”

“When I have money in the future, I want to build a house like this and bring my whole family to live in it.”

At that time, his maternal grandparents would live in one courtyard, his parents in another, and he would live in one with his brother, sleeping together at night.

Also, a kennel would have to be built for little Kitty.

Thinking of these things, Ming Huaizhi’s mood brightened.

Although he was physically weak and had been recuperating at home, he had his own career. His maternal grandfather was a famous calligrapher who often held him and taught him how to write when he was a child. Later, when he had time, he would write calligraphy and sell his works.

Of course, the works were signed with the new name his grandfather gave him: Ming Weizhi.

Additionally, his major at school was Artificial Intelligence research. During his studies, he accumulated many of his own scientific research results, which provided a certain amount of income every month after being sold to enterprises. However, his private savings were still a long way off from being able to buy a house like this.

Noticing the longing look in Ming Huaizhi’s eyes, Sang Yu asked casually, “I remember… you have a younger brother?”

Ming Huaizhi instantly became nervous. “Yes, he lives abroad year-round and doesn’t return to the country.”

Sang Yu didn’t pay much attention. “Mhm.”

As they reached the entrance of the main garden, the sound of laughter drifted out from inside. From quite a distance away, Ming Huaizhi could already hear Sang Lin’s name being mentioned.

Standing outside, Ming Huaizhi earnestly adjusted his clothes. “What does Grandmother usually like to do?”

Sang Yu replied, “Listening to opera, drinking tea, and appreciating paintings.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded. “My maternal grandmother likes those things too. I often stayed with her when I was little.”

“Go in. The servants will bring in the gifts for Grandmother.”

The moment Sang Yu and Ming Huaizhi entered the room, dozens of gazes shot toward them in unison.

Sitting in the center, a kind-looking elderly woman’s eyes instantly lit up upon seeing “Ming Yantang.” “Tangtang is here!”

Ming Huaizhi had just raised his hand to offer a greeting when Grandma Sang trotted over with steady steps.

“Tangtang?”

“It’s really Tangtang in person.”

Grandmother’s eyes crinkled; her excitement was beyond words.

Looking at the kind old woman, the tension in Ming Huaizhi’s heart eased slightly. He didn’t seem quite so afraid anymore.

He bowed politely. “Hello, Grandmother.”

Grandma Sang held her hands out and tentatively took Ming Huaizhi’s hand. “How has my Tangtang become so thin?”

Ming Huaizhi gave a shy smile. “I’ve had a cold recently, so I lost a bit of weight.”

“That’s more than just ‘a bit’.” Grandma Sang looked at Ming Huaizhi thoroughly. “You are much thinner than you appear on TV; you’re practically a paper-thin person.”

“Stars only look good on camera if they are thin.”

The person speaking was a handsome young man with particularly lively eyes. Walking to Grandma Sang’s side, his gaze fell on Sang Yu. “Brother Sang Yu, you seem to have lost weight too.”

Sang Yu only gave Sang Lin a token glance. “Mhm.”

“Xiao Yu must be working too hard.”

“Yes, I heard the group’s performance rose by 15% last year. It’s clear how much effort Xiao Yu put in.”

As they spoke, the relatives in the room stood up one after another.

Even though they were Sang Yu’s elders, the current chairman of the group was already Sang Yu. They still had to be polite to him and didn’t dare to act with the arrogance of elders.

Grandma Sang was very happy today, holding Ming Huaizhi’s hand for a long time without letting go. She glanced at Sang Yu beside them and said with a hint of politeness, “Xiao Yu has worked hard.”

Sang Yu’s tone was flat. “Hello, Grandmother.”

Grandma Sang’s smile was tinged with a bit of disappointment, which Ming Huaizhi sensitively caught.

After taking their seats, Sang Lin and Ming Huaizhi sat on either side of Grandma Sang, while Sang Yu sat opposite them.

The relatives had all arrived and were sitting around Grandma Sang according to their closeness.

Grandma Sang’s entire focus was on Ming Huaizhi, as was everyone else’s.

“Tangtang, I’ve always wanted to see you in person, but they all watch me and say my health isn’t good and won’t let me leave the house. I’ve been a fan of yours for six years, yet I never had the chance to meet you.”

There was a bit of grievance in Grandma Sang’s words.

Seeing her sadness, Ming Huaizhi felt a bit at a loss. He quickly made a serious promise: “If you want to see me next time, just call me, and I’ll come to find you.”

Grandma Sang raised her eyebrows. “That won’t do. You’re so busy, and you have to film.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were very bright, as if he were seriously considering this problem. After a moment, he said very sincerely, “Then I’ll come to see you whenever I’m free.”

The more Grandma Sang looked at Ming Huaizhi, the more she liked him. From the moment he entered the room, she hadn’t let go of his hand.

“See that? This is my Tangtang. I’ve never seen anyone so good-looking, and the key is that his acting is so good.” After addressing the relatives, she turned back and cradled Ming Huaizhi’s face in her hands as if she couldn’t bear to let go. “But I didn’t expect you to be so well-behaved in private. Tangtang, are you often bullied in the entertainment industry? That Lu Zilin… I hate him to death. They all bully you!”

Looking at Grandma Sang’s angry yet pained expression, Ming Huaizhi felt a sourness in his heart. It was clear that Grandma Sang truly loved his brother.

To comfort Grandma Sang, he lightly rubbed his cheek against her fingertips, his gaze very gentle. “I haven’t been bullied. Please don’t worry.”

Grandma Sang was full of pity. “Don’t worry. Now that you’ve married Sang Yu, he will protect you.”

Noticing that the corners of Grandma Sang’s eyes were a bit wet, Ming Huaizhi took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped them for her, bit by bit.

Watching this scene, Sang Lin exchanged meaningful glances with the other relatives. He had heard about Ming Yantang’s exploits and had even educated the other relatives on them. He could only say that celebrities were very good at pretending; the old lady must be blind to take a liking to someone from such a minor family.

Besides, Ming Yantang was romantic and casual. Who didn’t know that?

The other relatives of the Sang family naturally looked down on Ming Yantang as well. They merely viewed this scene as a tragic play just a means for a small family to cling to a wealthy one.

Taking advantage of this moment, Sang Lin quietly scrutinized Sang Yu, only to find that Sang Yu’s attention was entirely on Ming Huaizhi.

“Grandmother, it’s your birthday today. You can’t cry.” Sang Lin’s gaze fell on the purple clay tea set on the table. “Everything is ready. We can prepare to drink tea.”

Grandma Sang sniffled. “Mhm, let’s drink tea. This tea set was specifically auctioned and sent to me by Mingshan.”

Sang Mingshan—Sang Lin’s adoptive father and Grandma Sang’s second son.

Other relatives chimed in: “I heard this tea set was quite expensive. Mingshan is truly thoughtful.”

Grandma Sang loved drinking tea, and her home contained countless precious tea sets. When the younger generation gave gifts, they often catered to her interests. The 12 pieces of the tea set on the table opposite had not been moved yet. On such occasions, Sang Lin usually brewed the tea for Grandma Sang.

“Brother Ming, today Grandmother only has eyes for you. Why don’t you help Grandmother brew the tea?” Sang Lin said dejectedly, “Grandmother isn’t even looking at me anymore.”

Grandma Sang teased him, “You’re even getting jealous.”

“Yantang is a star. He probably doesn’t like something as refined as tea, does he?”

“Is Yantang interested in tea?”

The relatives all joined in to help Sang Lin speak.

Sang Yu’s gaze fell on those 12 pieces of tea set, then slowly moved to Sang Lin. His eyes held a bit more deep thought and scrutiny. He gave a mocking laugh and spoke quite bluntly: “In the past, you were the one scrambling to serve personally. Today, the sun must have risen from the west.”

Sang Yu’s words were clearly protecting Ming Huaizhi. None of the other relatives dared to help Sang Lin speak.

Sang Lin gave a gentle smile. “Brother Yantang is here; I can’t compete for favor.”

Sang Yu glanced at Ming Huaizhi and prepared to stand up. “I’ll do—”

“I’ll help Grandmother brew the tea.” Ming Huaizhi stood up, his clean eyes extremely sincere. “It’s Grandmother’s birthday today; it’s only right to brew tea for her.”

Having said that, he walked over to the tea set and slowly sat down.

Sang Yu watched him, the sternness between his brows gradually softening.

“When this tea set was made in 1995, it was very rare. Its aura is powerful, and it has been collected by many collectors.” Ming Huaizhi lightly crushed the tea cake and placed it into the tea bowl. He lifted his wrist and picked up the teapot, preparing to pour in the hot water.

His method was the standard Whisked Tea (Dian Cha) technique, which originated in the Song Dynasty. It requires exquisite tea art skills; the water must be poured and stopped abruptly, or it is very easy to fail.

Ming Huaizhi had a quiet nature. Since he was a child, he had learned about tea and paintings from his maternal grandmother, so he was quite well-versed. Actually, there were two sets of this tea set when they were originally made; the other set was superior in terms of craftsmanship, detail, and jade material.

That other set was the tea set he had used to drink tea when he was little.

Usually, Sang Lin only simply followed the steps taught in tea art classes to brew for Old Mrs. Sang. He had never learned a high difficulty tea ceremony like Whisked Tea.

With Ming Huaizhi being so skillful, Sang Lin felt he was losing face.

The morning sun was very bright, spilling into the already spacious and bright room, casting a delicate layer of warmth over this spring day.

Ming Huaizhi was positioned sideways toward the door. Golden light hit his profile; his thick, long eyelashes curled slightly, and his facial contours were exquisite and deep.

Every step was completed perfectly.

Sang Yu stared at Ming Huaizhi’s long, fair fingers for a long time before finally looking away.

Once everything was ready, the look in Grandma Sang’s eyes toward Ming Huaizhi held a bit more worship and appreciation.

Ming Huaizhi carried the first cup of tea to Grandma Sang’s side. “I wish Grandmother happiness, prosperity, and eternal life.”

Grandma Sang took it happily. “Thank you, Tangtang.”

Sang Lin laughed at this point. “As expected, just looking at this tea set makes it different from others. Tea brewed from cheap tea sets is far inferior in both taste and color.”

“My maternal grandmother told me when I was little that the most important thing when drinking tea isn’t whether the tea set is expensive.” Ming Huaizhi’s tone was gentle, as if he were recounting a simple memory.

Sang Lin asked back, “Then what is the most important?”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes were focused and bright. “It is the state of mind at the moment. It is the sincere heart of the children and grandchildren getting along harmoniously today to celebrate Grandmother’s birthday.”

Sang Lin’s expression turned somewhat sour. “No wonder you’re a star; your mouth is truly sweet.”

Grandma Sang thought for a moment. “I agree with what Tangtang said. Your grandmother taught you truly well.”

Ming Huaizhi crinkled his eyes. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

“Pfft.” Sang Yu slowly peeled an orange and put it into his mouth. Looking at the frustrated expressions of Sang Lin and Sang Mingshan, he faintly curled his lips.

As expected, Ming Yantang had been playing dumb with him these past few days. Dealing with these people was something Ming Yantang found easy.

At this time, someone brought over the gifts from Sang Yu and Ming Huaizhi. It was a pair of paintings titled Pine and Crane for Longevity. The two cranes were depicted extremely elegantly, radiating brilliance; they were painted by a famous Tang Dynasty artist.

Grandma Sang couldn’t put them down. “The painting Tangtang chose is truly good.”

“Actually, I don’t understand these things very well. Sang Yu was the one who carefully helped me pick it.” Ming Huaizhi looked at Sang Yu quite openly. “He prepared for a long time for Grandmother’s birthday.”

Grandma Sang gave Sang Yu a surprised look. “Thank you, Xiao Yu.”

Sang Yu looked at Ming Huaizhi and nodded slightly.

At this time, Sang Yu’s father, Sang Huaiqing, whispered to him, “The Ming family young master is not as terrible as the outside world says. I see he is more outstanding than everyone else here.”

Sang Yu didn’t argue; he crossed his legs and handled matters on his phone.

…

Soon, the birthday banquet was about to begin. While heading to the dining room, Sang Yu said to Ming Huaizhi, “I didn’t think you were actually quite smart.”

Ming Huaizhi tilted his head and smiled. “That’s right.”

Sang Yu walked beside him, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t be proud. Keep working hard.”

During the meal, Ming Huaizhi sat beside Grandma Sang to chat with her. Because Grandma Sang’s diet was very strict and low in oil and salt there were special dishes placed in front of them.

Looking at the braised pig’s trotter, soy sauce pig’s hand, and red-roe hairy crabs in the distance, Ming Huaizhi tasted a bite of stir-fried flat mushrooms. He lowered his eyelashes with a hint of disappointment and slowly looked away.

The meal lasted until the afternoon, which was also when the first spring rain of Bianjiang City arrived.

The rain made the roads slippery, and mountain roads are difficult to navigate, so everyone simply stayed there for the night.

Lunch had been eaten late, and the younger people didn’t eat dinner to control their figures, so the evening meal was made very light, a full vegetarian banquet.

Ming Huaizhi only tasted two bites and didn’t eat much more.

Seeing that he had no appetite, Grandma Sang frowned. “Tangtang is uncomfortable?”

Ming Huaizhi shook his head. “No, I just eat very little for dinner.”

Seeing his thin frame, Grandma Sang said painedly, “I saw you ate very little at lunch too. No wonder you are so thin. If you keep this up, you’ll easily become malnourished.”

In fact, Ming Huaizhi was malnourished when he was a child. It had taken many years of piled-up supplements and tasteless nutritional meals to finally nurse him back to health.

At night, Sang Yu took Ming Huaizhi to say goodbye to Grandma Sang. Compared to others, Sang Yu’s room was the largest and on the same floor as Grandma Sang’s.

The wind and rain roared outside. Since they were halfway up the mountain, the temperature was very low. Ming Huaizhi was very sensitive to the outside air and temperature; after taking two breaths of cold air, he began to cough incessantly.

Sang Yu took off his jacket and closed the window.

Sitting on the sandalwood sofa, Ming Huaizhi felt a bit constrained. The bedroom’s decoration style was unified with the garden basically restoring an elegant Suzhou garden style. The furniture was mostly made of sandalwood and rosewood.

There were only the two of them in the bedroom; such an extremely private space made the atmosphere between them suddenly a bit subtle.

Ming Huaizhi looked at the large bed opposite him, then at the hard sofa, and asked Sang Yu in a small voice, “Can you help me find a set of bedding?”

Actually, Ming Huaizhi being so conscientious wasn’t because he was afraid Sang Yu wouldn’t let him have the comfortable large bed, but rather because he felt this was Sang Yu’s bedroom. He was a guest, and it would be impolite to just sleep on the bed.

Of course, Sang Yu certainly wouldn’t give him the bed anyway.

His father’s assistant had said that the eldest Young Master Sang never lifted a finger for chores; he probably had never slept on a sofa.

Sang Yu sat on the other sofa. “There’s some in the cabinet. Get it yourself.”

“Sang Yu, can I borrow a set of your pajamas?” Because he hadn’t planned to stay overnight originally, Ming Huaizhi hadn’t prepared any. “It would be best if I could also borrow a pair of underwear.”

“There’s an underwear dryer in the bathroom. The pajamas on the far left of the cabinet are new.”

“Oh, thank you.”

After finishing his medicine, Ming Huaizhi held Sang Yu’s clothes and walked sluggishly toward the bathroom. He was both hungry and tired today, and his head felt heavy; he wanted to go to sleep quickly.

“Can I use the body wash and shampoo in the bathroom?”

“You can.”

The sound of pitter-pattering water came from the bathroom. Sang Yu leaned back on the sofa, handling company matters.

At this time, Sang Lin’s voice sounded from outside his bedroom door: “Brother, I saw you didn’t eat much tonight, so I made you some bone soup with oil residue and taro puree.”

Sang Yu didn’t move, still sitting on the sofa. “You made it?”

Sang Lin was still outside the door. “I had the kitchen make it.”

“I’m not hungry.” Sang Yu’s refusal was very thorough. “Don’t come at me with that; it doesn’t work on me.”

Sang Lin’s voice was humble. “Brother, at least have a taste. Grandmother’s room is right opposite; if she sees that our relationship isn’t good, she’ll be sad.”

Sang Yu suddenly laughed. He typed on his computer and said mockingly, “There’s no need for me to have a good relationship with you.”

Holding the soup, Sang Lin finally stopped speaking.

After a while, Ming Huaizhi walked out from the bathroom. Sang Yu’s clothes were draped over him, exceptionally baggy. The long hem almost reached his knees, and the trouser legs had to be rolled up many times to barely keep them from touching the ground.

Sang Yu lifted his gaze, which landed on his slender, white ankles. Following the trouser legs upward, his calves were so thin they looked malnourished.

He frowned slightly, scrutinizing the person in front of him again.

The soft tips of his hair were constantly dripping water, which flowed down his slender, fair neck and finally disappeared into the collar. The other party’s clean, amber eyes were full of purity.

While tidying the sofa, Ming Huaizhi coughed twice and couldn’t stop. He hadn’t adjusted the water temperature in the bathroom correctly at the start, and it was a bit cool. If he didn’t crawl into the blankets soon, he would likely get sick.

Compared to the huge quilt, Ming Huaizhi looked very small. He wasn’t very handy while tidying the bedding.

Sang Yu looked at the cold sofa, then stood up and stepped forward to take the bedding.

Ming Huaizhi tilted his head to look at him. “What is it?”

Sang Yu: “You sleep on the bed. I’ll sleep here.”

Ming Huaizhi gave a blank smile. “No need.”

“Go.” This sentence held a tone that allowed no argument. Sang Yu tidied the bedding in a few quick movements. “You’re sick. If I let you sleep here, it’ll make it look like I’m bullying people.”

Seeing Sang Yu say this, Ming Huaizhi obediently gave the bed to him and sat on the large bed with his lips pursed.

Sang Yu was very tired today; he was half-lying on the sofa still handling work. He inadvertently looked up and found that because Ming Huaizhi’s hair was wet, he was lying on the bed seriously propping up his chin and looking out the window.

His two feet on the bed were slightly tilted up, and the rolled-up trouser legs fell down, revealing a fair section of his calves.

At this time, a “gurgling” sound came from inside the room.

Sang Yu put down his phone and computer and looked toward the sound, only to find that Ming Huaizhi’s amber eyes were cast down shamefully.

“Hungry?” Sang Yu asked.

Ming Huaizhi nodded honestly.

Sang Yu recalled that Ming Huaizhi indeed hadn’t eaten much at the banquet and said casually, “Go have the kitchen make something for you.”

“No need,” Ming Huaizhi said in a small voice. “It would be impolite to have the kitchen make something so soon after just finishing dinner.”

“Then don’t eat. It’s just right for maintaining your figure.” For some reason, a sudden streak of mischief rose in Sang Yu. He curled his lips and continued working.

“Mhm.” Ming Huaizhi hung the towel on his head, rubbed it hard, and wrapped himself tightly in the quilt, leaning against the headboard.

Sang Yu used his peripheral vision to look at him and smiled faintly.

The current Ming Huaizhi looked very much like a pitiful little kitten.

“I’ll give you one minute. Tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll have the kitchen make it.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyelashes trembled slightly.

“I want braised pig’s trotter and poached beef slices.”

Sang Yu didn’t intend to just do a good deed like that.

He raised his eyebrows slightly. “Say a few nice things.”

Ming Huaizhi paused, clutching Sang Yu’s quilt, and called out like a little kitten: “Sang Yu, you are way too handsome.”

Sang Yu gave a sound of distaste and called the kitchen. “I want a small portion of Dongpo pig’s trotter and…”

He glanced at Ming Huaizhi. “One portion of white truffle sweet and sour crispy snowflake beef, and some ginger juice pear soup.”

Half an hour later, two dishes and a soup were delivered to Sang Yu’s bedroom.

The color of the dishes was very inviting. Ming Huaizhi picked up the chopsticks and handed them to Sang Yu first. “Are you eating?”

Sang Yu sat opposite him. “I’m not.”

The Sang family’s chef’s skills were excellent. The Dongpo pig’s trotter was dense in texture and the sauce was rich. Ming Huaizhi only tasted one bite and curled the corners of his lips slightly.

He liked eating things with such heavy flavors.

Seeing him eating happily, Sang Yu continued to keep his head down and work.

At this time, Ming Huaizhi asked, “Sang Yu, I haven’t asked you yet… do you like boys or girls?”

Sang Yu’s tone was casual. “I like those who are neither male nor female.”

Ming Huaizhi knit his eyebrows slightly, put down his chopsticks, and seriously considered this matter. “If you’re like that, it won’t be very easy to find a partner in the future.”

Sang Yu lifted his eyelids. “Probably so.”

Ming Huaizhi let out a sigh. “Keep at it.”

Looking at Ming Huaizhi’s extremely worried expression, Sang Yu gave a light chuckle, feeling that the other party seemed quite interesting.

Ming Huaizhi was eating with great relish but not quickly. The wide collar was spread wide open, revealing his slender collarbones.

From Sang Yu’s line of sight, he could see them clearly.

He withdrew his gaze, stood up, and prepared to take a shower. He walked to the wardrobe and casually lifted his shirt, preparing to take it off.

Suddenly, he saw Ming Huaizhi’s eyes following him in the full-length mirror.

Halfway through taking it off, he let go again and asked Ming Huaizhi through the mirror, “What are those big eyes of yours looking at?”

Ming Huaizhi quickly lowered his head. “I thought you were going out.”

Sang Yu turned around and looked at him leisurely. “Haven’t you heard that one shouldn’t look at things that aren’t proper?”

Ming Huaizhi argued in a small voice: “If an act is improper to see, then it shouldn’t be done so openly in front of others.”

Sang Yu walked in front of him as if to demand an explanation. “Are you saying it’s my fault?”

Ming Huaizhi half-lowered his eyes. “Anyway, you don’t like boys. Since I saw it unintentionally, it should be fine.”

Sang Yu suddenly laughed and leaned over slightly to get close to him. “Then by that logic, since I don’t like boys anyway, why don’t you also take off your clothes and let me take a look?”