I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

After the words fell, a temporary silence descended upon the bedroom.

The distance between the two was so close that the light around Ming Huaizhi abruptly dimmed.

He even still had a piece of pig’s trotter clamped in his chopsticks.

After a moment, those amber eyes lifted slightly. Ming Huaizhi set down his chopsticks, and with a gentle tug of his slender white wrist, he pulled the white sock off his foot.

Sang Yu raised an eyebrow slightly. “Mhm?”

Ming Huaizhi tensed his foot and lifted it gently. “I looked at your back, so I’m letting you look at my instep.”

This turn of events struck Sang Yu as somewhat absurd. He couldn’t control his expression: “Ming Yantang, I’ve realized you’re actually quite clever. You’re very good at playing the pig to eat the tiger.”

Ming Huaizhi lowered his foot and sat upright. “That’s right.”

For a moment, Sang Yu was speechless.

He made a gesture toward Ming Huaizhi as if to say ‘I’ll give it to you, you’re good,’ then withdrew his body. “I’m going to shower. When you’re finished eating, clear the table. I don’t like the smell of food in the bedroom.”

“Okay.” Ming Huaizhi quickened his pace, striving to finish the meal by the time Sang Yu finished his shower.

That night, the storm swept across the mountains. By late night, a thick mist surged around them.

The heating inside was sufficient, so Ming Huaizhi didn’t feel cold at all. Sang Yu, on the other hand, would occasionally steal a glance at the sofa, worried the other person might catch a chill.

It was already midnight, and Sang Yu was still working.

It seemed that with a large family and a large business came great responsibility.

The sound of rain hitting the ground was extremely healing. Before long, Ming Huaizhi, wrapped in Sang Yu’s thick quilt, began to emit long, even breaths.

Leaning back on the sofa, Sang Yu cast a glance at him. He noticed Ming Huaizhi was wrapped up tightly, save for a single foot resting on the edge of the bed. Compared to his own, Ming Huaizhi’s foot was much smaller and lacked any fat.

The Chinese-style sofa was inherently hard, making sitting uncomfortable. At this moment, Sang Yu began to doubt his decision to give up the bed to Ming Yantang.

That was Ming Yantang, after all.

He still hadn’t forgotten the piercing words Ming Yantang had used when they quarreled in the past.

Arbitrary, tyrannical, and overbearing.

In Ming Yantang’s words, he was worthless.

Irritated, Sang Yu shut his laptop and lay down on the sofa, intending to make do for one night. Regardless, this was a one-time thing; it wouldn’t happen again.

…

The next day, Sang Yu took Ming Huaizhi to bid farewell to Grandma Sang, preparing for the return journey.

Grandma Sang was naturally reluctant to part with Ming Huaizhi, holding him with lingering affection. Before they left, she gave him a piece of high-quality jade Guanyin.

Seeing this gift, Sang Yu was quite surprised.

This jade Guanyin was Grandma Sang’s treasure.

“Grandmother, I appreciate your kindness, but this jade Guanyin is meant to attract blessings and ward off disasters. It’s better kept by your side to protect your health,” Ming Huaizhi said obediently.

Grandma Sang smiled and shook her head. “I simply want to give it to you. It’s dangerous for you to be running around all the time. This gift represents me giving something to my grandson-in-law, and it also represents me giving something to my idol.”

Ming Huaizhi looked up at Sang Yu. Sang Yu said, “Accept it; it’s Grandmother’s wish.”

Ming Huaizhi held it up with both hands. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

Seeing this from the side, Sang Lin’s smile gradually faded. He exchanged a look with his father, and his prejudice against Ming Huaizhi deepened considerably.

At this time, Sang Mingshan walked up to Sang Yu, his smile carrying the kind concern of an elder: “Xiao Yu, I heard my sister-in-law was reassigned to the group? Previously, she was the assistant to the Financial Director. Did she make a mistake recently? If so, tell me, and I’ll speak to her when I get home.”

“She didn’t make a mistake.” Sang Yu buttoned his windbreaker. “The group’s promotion and reassignment system has always been open and transparent. If one’s ability isn’t up to par, they naturally go down.”

Sang Mingshan hadn’t expected Sang Yu to give him so little face. He pulled back his smile. “Xiao Yu, but she has contributed significantly to the group over the years. By directly moving her to a ‘retirement’ position, the drop is too large for her.”

“It is precisely because of her hard work for the group and hearing that her health isn’t great that I moved her to an easier position. You don’t need to thank me.” Sang Yu adjusted his coat and reminded Ming Huaizhi: “Button your clothes. Let’s go.”

Ming Huaizhi waved to Grandma Sang: “Bye-bye, Grandmother.”

After the two left, Sang Mingshan’s expression was very poor. He let out a cold snort: “Mom, our people are almost all being fired from Sangli by Xiao Yu. You should do something about him.”

Grandma Sang: “The group’s affairs are too complicated; I don’t understand them well. We are all one family; you and Xiao Yu should talk it out properly.”

With a dark face, Sang Mingshan picked up his car keys and left.

…

It had rained last night, so the mountain air this morning was very fresh. Ming Huaizhi opened the car window just a crack, leaning against the side to admire the spring mountain scenery.

“Sang Yu.”

Ming Huaizhi suddenly remembered something: “Can I ask why your relationship with Grandmother wasn’t great?”

With both hands on the steering wheel, Sang Yu looked straight ahead: “When I was little, my parents went abroad for seven years to work for the group, leaving me to be raised at Grandmother’s house. At that time, Grandmother was also raising Sang Lin. Because Sang Lin’s parents were busy and his siblings bullied him for being adopted, Grandmother cared for him personally. About half a year later, Grandmother’s health declined, and she couldn’t care for both me and Sang Lin at the same time.”

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes flickered, as if he had guessed something.

“She chose to care for Sang Lin and sent me home.” Mentioning this memory, Sang Yu’s mood clearly slumped.

At this moment, Ming Huaizhi didn’t know what to say. His fingertips gripped his clothes tightly as the color drained from them.

He looked at Sang Yu, his eyes full of heartache.

Sang Yu glanced at him: “Don’t pity me. It was fine that no one looked after me.”

Ming Huaizhi didn’t speak again, but a prickling soreness spread through his heart.

Sang Yu looked at him strangely, as if the other person were the one who had been wronged.

…

An hour later, the car reached the foot of the mountain.

Ming Huaizhi asked, “From now on, do I need to live with you?”

Sang Yu turned the wheel with one hand. “We are married in the eyes of the public; of course we have to live together.”

Ming Huaizhi thought for a moment. “I haven’t packed my luggage yet; I might not be able to move in today.”

Actually, Sang Yu wasn’t in a great rush for Ming Huaizhi to move in, but every year after May, Grandma Sang would come down the mountain to stay for a short while at Sang Yu’s residence in Chen Palace.

Chen Palace had a total of 18 residents and offered excellent privacy. The average plot size was 5400㎡, making it a premier residence in the country. This very project was developed personally by Sang Yu when he took over as Chairman three years ago.

There were only three days left until May. Sang Yu was worried Grandma Sang might come early to see Ming Huaizhi, so he decided to have him move in as soon as possible.

“How about the day after tomorrow? Can you finish packing by then?”

“I should be able to, but I won’t be home that day because I have to do some promotions. However, my studio isn’t far from your company.”

While speaking, those gentle amber eyes were masked by an imperceptible layer of anticipation.

When Sang Yu turned his head, he met his gaze.

“You want me to pick you up?”

The tips of Ming Huaizhi’s ears turned slightly red. “If you’re busy, I’ll have the butler uncle pick me up from the studio and take me over. I’m worried that if my manager takes me, they’ll find out about us.”

Sang Yu was silent for a moment. “Seven o’clock in the evening. I’ll pick you up. Wait for me at the studio.”

Ming Huaizhi curled his lips into a light smile.

“My studio is on the third floor of the white building next to the Orange Flag branch. Don’t forget to pick me up.”

“Thank you, Sang Yu.”

…

After setting the time, the two parted ways. Ming Huaizhi returned home and began packing his personal belongings.

Before packing, he placed the jade Guanyin in Ming Yantang’s bedroom and whispered a prayer for his brother’s health.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

Early in the morning, Ming Huaizhi’s father accompanied him as he put his suitcases into the car, filled with mixed emotions. Sensing his father’s worry, Ming Huaizhi comforted him softly: “Dad, Sang Yu is a super good person. When I stayed at his house, he gave me the bed and slept on the sofa himself.”

The elder Mr. Ming was a bit surprised: “Really?”

Ming Huaizhi gave a bright smile: “Yes.”

His father’s brow was still uneasy: “That’s good then. If you’re bullied, you must tell me.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded: “Don’t worry.”

Shortly after, Chen Ruofu picked up Ming Huaizhi to go shoot an advertisement. Regarding the two suitcases, Ming Huaizhi made up a random excuse that didn’t arouse suspicion. Once they arrived at the studio, they quickly began applying makeup to prepare for the shoot.

This was a perfume advertisement. To fit the theme of “gentleness,” the photographer specifically dyed Ming Huaizhi’s hair light brown and curled it slightly, creating the image of a warm, refined prince.

During the shoot, Ming Huaizhi was very cooperative. Combined with his study of Ming Yantang’s expressions and mannerisms these past few days, those who weren’t familiar with him couldn’t see a single flaw.

The photographer praised him while editing: “I’ve worked with so many stars, but Yantang’s features are the most perfect.”

Chen Ruofu smiled and cast a look of approval toward Ming Huaizhi in the distance.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Sangli Group, the air in the Chairman’s office was thick with smoke.

Scattered documents covered the floor. Sang Yu’s expression was serious, while on the black leather sofa opposite him, Sang Mingshan sat composed, holding a cup of coffee.

“This new assistant to the director has such poor business ability. How could there be such a large oversight on the accounts?”

Sang Yu’s face was dark. “It indeed shouldn’t have happened. The HR department will speak with him later.”

“Old acquaintances are still more convenient to use.”

Looking like he had won a battle, Sang Mingshan slowly sipped his coffee: “Let my sister-in-law come back and fill in for now. Her illness is nothing.”

Sang Yu held back a hint of displeasure: “Mhm.”

Sang Mingshan nodded: “Thank you, Xiao Yu. I’ll head out now. You continue working.” As he spoke, he checked the time. “It’s already dark. Health is important; remember to go home early for dinner.”

The heavy wooden door shut gently. Almost instantly, Sang Yu’s friend Shang Chen emerged quietly from the office lounge.

“That uncle of yours has eight hundred schemes. If he saw me here, he’d go whisper to my dad again about how to stir up trouble.”

Sang Yu massaged his brow: “It’s fine. Within expectations.”

Shang Chen was worried for him: “What do you plan to do?”

Sang Yu flipped through a document: “The error in the finance department was arranged by me.”

Shang Chen realized: “Holy crap, this is a setup?”

Sang Yu leaned back leisurely in his chair and gave him a look of distaste: “You should go. I still have work.”

Shang Chen frowned: “Don’t be like that. Zhong Xian is hosting a banquet at the Sandalwood Palace just waiting for you. Won’t you even give him that much face?”

Sang Yu asked the assistant nearby: “Do I have any other itineraries today?”

The assistant answered quickly: “No.”

Sang Yu stood up and walked to the cloakroom, taking off his business watch and replacing it with a sapphire mechanical watch, and changed into a clean windbreaker: “Let’s go.”

Shang Chen grumbled: “No one can spruce themselves up like you can.”

…

Night fell. By the time Sang Yu and Shang Chen arrived at the Sandalwood Palace, it was already 9:00 PM. As soon as they entered, Zhong Xian walked over to greet them: “I say, it’s one thing to be late, but I’m celebrating my new house. Is it right for you to come here empty-handed?”

Sang Yu didn’t pay much attention, walking straight in and leaning tiredly on the sofa with his long legs crossed.

“The two new yachts at the Konglong Port are yours.”

Zhong Xian’s eyes lit up: “Brother Yu is domineering!”

With Sang Yu’s arrival, the meal officially began.

At this time, Zhong Xian asked casually: “Are you and Ming Yantang still having a wedding?”

Shang Chen was quick to answer for Sang Yu: “What wedding? Sang Yu gets a heart attack just seeing Ming Yantang. They’ll probably be divorced in a year.”

Sang Yu, who was wiping his hands with a hot towel, paused slightly.

Zhong Xian asked hurriedly: “What is it?”

Sang Yu: “What’s the date today?”

Shang Chen: “April 30th. You forgot even that?”

“I’ve had my days and nights reversed lately. I forgot about my busyness.” Sang Yu immediately pulled out his phone. “Crap, I promised Ming Yantang I’d pick him up today.”

Zhong Xian gave an “oh”: “Check if there are any missed calls? If not, the other person probably forgot too.”

The phone had been by Sang Yu’s side all day; he hadn’t missed any calls or WeChat messages. He pulled up Ming Yantang’s profile and found that their chat history was blank.

Shang Chen stole a glance: “See? That big star probably forgot too.”

Zhong Xian chimed in: “Eat first, pick him up tomorrow. Or give him an address and let him go there himself.”

Sang Yu’s friends didn’t have a good impression of Ming Yantang; they all urged him to eat first.

Sang Yu’s brow tightened slightly as he picked up his chopsticks. After a moment, he set them down again, picked up his phone, and dialed a WeChat voice call to Ming Huaizhi.

Seeing him make the call, the voices of his friends quieted down.

The call rang for a long time, but no one answered.

Shang Chen said curiously: “I reckon Ming Yantang forgot as well? Otherwise, he would have called to remind you. What time did you two agree on?”

“Seven o’clock.”

Zhong Xian said: “It’s almost ten now. Let’s eat first.”

For some reason, Sang Yu felt uneasy.

When they parted that day, the other’s instruction had been very serious; he didn’t look like someone who would forget.

Balancing his options, he made a call to Ming Huaizhi’s father.

“President Ming, is Yantang at home?”

Mr. Ming: “No. He said you were picking him up from the studio. He hasn’t come back since he finished his promotions.”

As soon as Mr. Ming finished speaking, Sang Yu had already picked up his coat and left.

Shang Chen suddenly said: “Why do I feel like the relationship between Sang Yu and Ming Yantang has softened quite a bit?”

The friends present nodded in agreement.

Zhong Xian said: “I’ll have Sang Yu bring Ming Yantang over. Neither of them has probably eaten.”

…

In the night, a Maybach sped along the highway.

Sang Yu gripped the steering wheel, his mind a mess.

His heart was quite chaotic right now; he found Ming Yantang somewhat unfathomable.

Soon, the car stopped next to the white building behind Orange Flag Entertainment. Sang Yu pushed open the car door and found that it had started to drizzle. Having no time to grab an umbrella, he took three steps in two and walked toward the direction Ming Huaizhi had specified. He stopped suddenly.

In the white building opposite, only the third floor was lit with a faint glow; the surroundings were pitch black.

On the third-floor windowsill, the Christmas decorations hadn’t been removed, and many soft plush dolls were placed there.

And in the middle of these dolls, a person was lying prone.

Ming Huaizhi’s chin was resting on his arms, his eyes focused on looking outside.

The other person had changed his style at some point; the tips of his light brown hair were slightly curled, and those clear, beautiful eyes were seriously staring at the flow of traffic on the road outside.

After a moment, he let out a yawn, and his lively eyes were tinged with a layer of mist, his soft lips appearing even more red.

At this moment, the youth was even more delicate and beautiful than the dolls beside him.

The drizzle stirred the treetops and also disturbed Sang Yu’s heart, making him feel guilty.

Despite having waited for so long, the other person’s expression showed no impatience or urgency. Instead, it carried a clean and gentle emotion that caused the rainy night to quiet down.

Suddenly, those beautiful amber eyes spotted Sang Yu and lit up with spirit.

“Sang Yu.”

Ming Huaizhi pushed open the window and poked his head out to look at him: “You’re here!”

Cold air swirled around Sang Yu, making the tip of his nose slightly red. He looked up and said slowly, “Sorry, I’m late. Why didn’t you call me after waiting so long?”

Ming Huaizhi smiled: “I was worried you might be driving if I called, and there might be a safety accident, so I wanted to wait a bit longer. Anyway, I roasted two sweet potatoes, and they needed time too. We can each have one; they’ve just finished.”

Sang Yu withdrew his gaze and ran into the white building on his long legs.