I Became a Heartthrob After Marrying in My Sister's Place - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

That night, Sang Yu did not sleep a wink, while Ming Huaizhi lay in his warm quilt and had a good night’s rest especially after receiving the phone call from Father Ming reporting his safety.

The next morning, Ming Huaizhi woke up earlier than Sang Yu. His fever had broken, and he felt much more energetic.

Today he was going to Sangli to record the variety show, so he had to be there at six in the morning to prepare.

While eating breakfast, the butler noticed Ming Huaizhi was in a good mood. He poured him a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice and said slowly, “What time will Master Ming be back tonight? Whatever you’d like to eat, just send me a message on WeChat.”

Ming Huaizhi nodded while biting into a milky-scented piece of bread. “Thank you, Uncle.”

At this hour, Sang Yu was not yet awake; only Ming Huaizhi and the butler were in the dining room.

The chirping of morning birds echoed through the estate. Sitting in the dining room, one had an unobstructed view of the beautiful backyard.

Ming Huaizhi asked the butler, “Uncle, in such a large house, doesn’t Sang Yu get lonely being by himself all the time?”

The old butler smiled faintly. “It’s alright. The Eldest Young Master likes peace and quiet, and plus, he’s busy with work, so he doesn’t find it boring.”

Ming Huaizhi wore a clear, bright smile. “I’m starting to admire Sang Yu more and more now.”

Butler: “Oh?”

Ming Huaizhi said, “Before marrying him, they all said Sang Yu had a bad temper. But I think Sang Yu is quite gentle. He’s tall, handsome, and a very good person.”

The butler suppressed a smile. “I didn’t expect Master Ming to think that way.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled blankly and held up his plate. “Uncle, I’d like one more sausage.”

The butler’s eyes were kind. “Alright, right away.”

After Ming Huaizhi finished eating and left, the butler began arranging today’s breakfast for Sang Yu.

Sang Yu looked very listless. He took a casual sip of coffee but had no appetite.

During the meal, the butler repeated Ming Huaizhi’s words to Sang Yu exactly as they were said, adding, “Master Ming is very well-behaved and cute. The rumors must be mistaken.”

Sang Yu ignored the last sentence; his attention was entirely focused on the butler’s recital of Ming Huaizhi’s words.

“He really said I’m tall, handsome, and super amazing?”

The butler nodded. “Yes, he admires you very much.”

The after-effects of staying up late hit again, and Sang Yu’s head throbbed painfully. If someone else liked him, he could just reject them directly and never meet again.

But clearly, he couldn’t do that with Ming Yantang.

He felt quite troubled and picked up his coffee again.

No wonder Ming Yantang had so many ex-boyfriends; it turned out he fell in love with every person he saw.

If this old fellow doesn’t change partners frequently, who does?

…

On the other side, Ming Huaizhi had already finished his makeup at the studio and was preparing to head to the Sangli Group headquarters.

During this time, Chen Ruofu kept staring at him, looking like she had something to ask. Finally, on the nanny van, she asked quietly, “Xiao Tang, is the neighborhood where I picked you up today your newly bought home?”

Ming Huaizhi lowered his eyelashes, feeling a bit guilty. “Mm.”

Xiao Xia beamed. “Man, it seems like the houses in that area aren’t even for sale to the public. They rank number one among luxury homes nationwide.”

Ming Huaizhi smiled softly and didn’t continue the topic.

The company they were “joining” was an APP developed by Sangli Media, a subsidiary of Sangli Group. The target audience was the current younger generation; it was a large-scale “utopia” integrating art, food, reading, photography, and music, constructed as a beautiful and ideal spiritual world for young people.

Their job was to be responsible for the promotion before the APP’s official launch.

“Brother Ming, besides Lu Zilin and Xie Jingsheng, the guests this time include Jing Lan and Gu Ci. Jing Lan is a girl who’s easy to get along with, but you need to be careful with Gu Ci and Lu Zilin.”

Ming Huaizhi silently counted on his fingers.

It wasn’t just Gu Ci and Lu Zilin.

Last time, he had offended Xie Jingsheng too.

Of the four new colleagues, he had offended three. They had enough for a game of “Fight the Landlord.”

“Xiao Tang, what are you carrying in your bag?” Chen Ruofu suddenly asked.

She had been looking at the white backpack Ming Huaizhi was wearing for a long time, wondering what was inside.

Ming Huaizhi replied, “Some stationery and essentials for work.”

Chen Ruofu nodded and didn’t say anything more.

For this recording, managers and assistants were strictly forbidden from following the shoot; the celebrities had to enter the company alone.

At the entrance, the other celebrities and assistants had already arrived. The program crew’s equipment was in place, waiting for the official start.

The program crew had clearly spent a fortune; they had dropped 100 million in pre-promotion alone, building up massive hype. It was now 8:00 AM, and there were already 1 million viewers online in the livestream room waiting for the broadcast to start.

The guests were all one-in-a-million choices because this reality show didn’t just look at popularity, but also at educational background.

Sangli Group was a premier comprehensive business group in the country and a dream for many graduates. If they sent celebrities with poor academic abilities to participate in the recording, it would likely cause many jokes.

Among the guests this time, Jing Lan and Gu Ci both graduated from top domestic universities. Xie Jingsheng and Lu Zilin were also returnees from top foreign institutions. Ming Yantang went without saying; when he entered the entertainment industry in his second year of high school, he managed to get into a top-3 domestic university while filming, earning a huge following of “career fans.”

When Lu Zilin saw Ming Huaizhi, coldness instantly surged in his eyes. At the last red carpet ceremony, the other had made him lose face, causing many fans to leave the fandom.

This grudge had yet to be avenged.

Actually, the reason he hated Ming Yantang so much besides fame and resources was mainly due to his ex-boyfriend, Shao Yang.

Back then, he had secretly flipped through Shao Yang’s WeChat and personally witnessed Shao Yang’s confession to Ming Yantang.

If it weren’t for the fact that Ming Yantang hadn’t replied, he would have even wanted to screen-record it and make the chat logs public.

In his eyes, everything was Ming Yantang’s fault. If Ming Yantang hadn’t intentionally seduced him, how could Shao Yang have done such a thing?

Beside them, Gu Ci greeted Ming Huaizhi at this moment: “As expected, Brother Ming is always the last to arrive.”

Ming Huaizhi was unhurried. He first greeted the program crew staff politely, and finally looked at Gu Ci: “If arriving half an hour early is considered being late, why not just move the appointment time earlier?”

Gu Ci was choked into silence and said no more.

The reason they arrived early was because they heard news that the Chairman of Sangli Group, Sang Yu, would be coming to Sangli Media at eight today for a report meeting. If he had time, he might cooperate with the program crew to record a promotional video.

Originally, Gu Ci thought the chairman of such a large group would surely be old and ugly, but he only learned from his manager that the grandson of the former chairman had officially taken over three years ago.

He heard that Sang Yu was only 27 this year.

Unfortunately, news just came from the subsidiary that the Chairman’s plans had changed, and it was unknown when he would be able to come.

Gu Ci was very frustrated to miss the chance to meet such a figure.

“Alright, we are officially starting the recording.”

After handing out the celebrity work badges, the variety show officially began.

As soon as clear images emerged in the livestream room, the bullet comments began to scroll busily. It was clear that Ming Yantang had the highest popularity; half of the comments were from the “Ming Family Army.”

666, usually workplace variety shows have celebrities as guests, but this time they are directly workplace rookies?

These are all top students; the program crew knows how to play.

Man, first time seeing Ming Yantang on a reality show. Will it turn into a ‘catfight’ show?

Hahaha, possible. With Ming Yantang’s temper, if you make him work overtime, he’ll probably blow the roof off.

Ming Yantang, Lu Zilin, Gu Ci hahaha, several factions that are like fire and water in the industry are gathered together.

Sigh, in my opinion, Ming Yantang should just stick to filming movies. With his personality, isn’t going on a reality show just asking for hate?

At this time, the stars had already clocked in and arrived at their workstations. This was an office specially prepared for them. The independent office space at the very back belonged to their boss Cheng Shian, the Director of Promotion for Sangli Media.

Cheng Shian introduced them, stating that their positions were Level 12, the lowest level in the group. Every day, there would be 20 yuan on their meal cards to be used at the first-floor restaurant.

At this point, Gu Ci said: “20 yuan? Is that for one meal or three?”

Cheng Shian nodded: “Three meals. However, the company has good benefits and will give you additional subsidies. The prices are very cheap, so don’t worry about not having enough to eat.”

Gu Ci’s expression was subtle, and he said no more.

Hilarious. 20 yuan isn’t even enough for a Starbucks. Can these artists handle it?

Speaking as a corporate slave, 20 yuan is actually okay. If there’s a meal subsidy, it’s pretty sweet.

They must be getting the intern meal subsidy. Regular Sangli employees eat for free. It’s a buffet every day.

Next, everyone was given some time to tidy up their workstations. Ming Huaizhi’s station was at the very back, next to Jing Lan and opposite Lu Zilin.

Jing Lan had a relatively lively personality. Seeing Ming Huaizhi carrying a white backpack, she asked curiously, “Is everything you need inside?”

Ming Huaizhi nodded. He took several pens from his pen holder and gave them to Jing Lan: “For you.”

Jing Lan was very happy. Because she had the lowest status here, she was worried the others wouldn’t want to talk to her. She didn’t expect that Ming Yantang, who had the worst reputation, would be the friendliest to her.

At this moment, Lu Zilin chuckled from the side: “Brother Ming is so well-prepared. I only brought the water bottle I designed myself a few days ago.”

Wow, Lin-Lin can design too?

So impressive. Lin-Lin really is a top student.

Is Lu Zilin really this excellent?

“But why does this water bottle of yours look so much like the Christmas bottle I grabbed online for one yuan?” Ming Huaizhi furrowed his brows slightly and spoke slowly.

Lu Zilin’s expression became serious: “One yuan? Brother Ming speaks as if he’s seen it before.”

“Yeah.” Ming Huaizhi pulled a water bottle out of his bag. “I grabbed it for one yuan four years ago. It was very cheap.”

When Lu Zilin looked, his own water bottle’s pattern was indeed identical to the other’s. Feeling a bit guilty, he put the bottle away: “The color scheme is just similar.”

Damn, they really are alike.

Don’t hide it! I want to compare and see who plagiarized whom.

Sigh, this attempt at flexing, haha.

Ming Yantang uses a one-yuan water bottle? It’s unexpectedly frugal?

Xie Jingsheng’s workstation was at the very front, far from Ming Huaizhi. During this time, he kept observing Ming Huaizhi; the events of that day resurfaced in his mind.

Those men in black looked quite terrifying.

Just then, the Director walked over: “After you finish tidying up, let’s go to the conference room for a brief meeting.”

Cheng Shian looked very young, probably around thirty, with the air of a workplace elite and a rigorous temperament.

“It is our honor that you can come to Sangli Media for an internship. Next, I will explain your future work system and the PK system.”

As Cheng Shian explained, Lu Zilin rested his chin on his hand with a gentle smile, his eyes closely following the other.

Ming Huaizhi sat upright at the furthest end, shorthand recording all the key points.

Besides the morning and evening work schedules being important, there was one especially unique rule.

The five celebrity interns would form one team. Tasks would sometimes require cooperation and sometimes competition. The celebrity with the highest final evaluation score would serve as the first spokesperson for this APP, with the added bonus of homepage promotion channels for all websites and APPs under Sangli Media.

This temptation was a massive resource even for top-tier stars. Not only could they establish a connection with Sangli, but they could also increase their popularity and earn ten million in endorsement fees. Why not?

“Your first task is to be responsible for the first advertisement for the new APP. One person from the group will handle each role: on-camera appearance, costume, planning, music, and logistics.”

Xie Jingsheng frowned slightly: “Only one person on-camera?”

Cheng Shian nodded: “Yes, but the others will have individual promotional posters released alongside the video.”

Lu Zilin was determined to get the promotional video but still asked the others generously: “Let’s discuss it and try to be fair.”

Gu Ci clearly wanted to compete: “Only one person for the video while everyone else is behind the scenes? That’s a bit cruel.”

Lu Zilin smiled gently at Cheng Shian: “We should see whose overall temperament matches the APP. Let’s consider the big picture.”

Jing Lan nodded in agreement: “Brother Lu is right.”

Seeing that Ming Huaizhi hadn’t spoken, Cheng Shian asked him: “Do you have any thoughts?”

Ming Huaizhi rested his chin on his hand and said seriously: “I’m waiting for you to tell us the concept of the promotional video.”

Cheng Shian laughed in spite of himself: “Thank you for the reminder, Xiao Tang. I forgot.”

Lu Zilin glanced at Ming Huaizhi and looked at the big screen with a fake smile.

[I see the desire to conquer in everyone’s eyes. Tsk tsk tsk.]

[They are all so good-looking; no one wants to be subordinate to others.]

[Yeah, who wants to work behind the scenes?]

[Is the catfight starting? I want to watch it!]

Soon, after Cheng Shian finished introducing the concept “Light,” it was time for lunch.

As a return gift, Jing Lan gave Ming Huaizhi four pieces of chocolate.

Ming Huaizhi’s eyes curved into a smile: “The shape is very cute.”

Jing Lan raised an eyebrow slightly: “Internet-famous chocolates. When you put two together, they form a small heart.”

Ming Huaizhi was hungry and ate two, finding the taste quite good. He tucked the remaining ones quietly into his pocket, planning to bring them home for Sang Yu.

…

In the cafeteria, everyone had already finished getting their food. Ming Huaizhi stared at the two vegetarian dishes that didn’t have a trace of meat, lowering his eyes and sighing secretly.

During his time at Sang Yu’s house, his palate had been pampered. Suddenly returning to “poverty,” he was a bit maladjusted. The other stars didn’t mind much; after all, they were used to diet meals, so eating vegetarian was just right.

Ming Huaizhi, like a wronged little seal, silently imagined the rape blossoms were braised pork in his heart, hesitating to move.

Jing Lan, beside him, asked: “What’s wrong? Is it not good?”

Ming Huaizhi shook his head: “I like eating meat. I’m currently imagining them as braised pork.”

Jing Lan laughed after hearing this, and even Xie Jingsheng and Gu Ci nearby couldn’t help but smile.

The bullet comments were also laughing uproariously.

Lu Zilin was about to get food when he saw this scene and fell into thought. He remembered that years ago on set, Ming Yantang didn’t like eating meat. It looked like the other was trying to establish a “foodie” persona to turn his reputation around.

“I’m fasting today and don’t need to eat. I’ll treat you to braised pork.” Lu Zilin smiled quietly and used the 20 yuan on his card to buy a small portion of Dongpo pork for Ming Huaizhi.

Gu Ci was slightly surprised. He heard Lu Zilin and Ming Yantang had a very bad relationship. Why were they acting out “brotherly love” in the variety show?

Looking at the four pieces of Dongpo pork in front of him, Ming Huaizhi was a bit lost. He raised his eyes and looked seriously at Lu Zilin: “Are you really giving this to me?”

Lu Zilin nodded with a smile: “Of course, go ahead and eat.”

Ming Huaizhi whispered a thank you, picked up the rape blossoms, and began to eat with puffed-out cheeks.

Lu Zilin sat opposite him, leisurely crossing his legs: “Why aren’t you eating the meat?”

Ming Huaizhi furrowed his brows slightly: “I can’t bear to eat it yet. I want to finish the bad-tasting rape blossoms first, and save the meat for last.”

Lu Zilin maintained his smile: “Alright.”

[Hahaha, just like a kid in kindergarten.]

[Ming Yantang has the same eating habit as me; I also save the good stuff for last.]

[Look at Ming Yantang, he eats meat so heartily! It looks so appetizing!]

[Man, Ming Yantang really can eat meat.]

[Ming Yantang is like a little squirrel! I suggest he start a livestream and be a mukbang creator.]

[I’ve hated Ming Yantang for so long, but I have to say, he seems quite cute in private.]

In the blink of an eye, the Dongpo pork was finished.

Ming Huaizhi wiped the corners of his mouth: “Thank you, Zilin. I’ll treat you tomorrow too.”

Lu Zilin’s expression soured a bit: “No need. I don’t eat meat.”

After the group finished eating, they walked toward the office. At that moment, a group of people appeared in the vast corridor.

The man in the center was tall with a steady gait. Although he was backlit, Ming Huaizhi recognized at a glance that the person in the middle was Sang Yu.

Seeing this, Cheng Shian hurriedly said to everyone: “It’s the Chairman. Let’s give our greetings.”

Gu Ci’s eyes lit up. He specifically leaned in front of Cheng Shian and greeted everyone else: “Hello, President Sang.”

“Hello.”

Sang Yu cast a hurried glance at the group, his gaze finally landing on Ming Huaizhi. A flash of surprise flickered in his eyes.

Ming Huaizhi curled his lips into a smile, watching Sang Yu leave.

“President Sang, have you eaten?”

“No, work first.”

The conversation not far away reached Ming Huaizhi’s ears. He walked slowly with the others toward the office.

Cheng Shian then said they had a one-hour break at noon, and the livestream would be paused then.

At the same time, Sang Yu sat in the conference room on the first floor, preparing to listen to the quarterly report from Sangli Media.

Suddenly, his phone lit up with a WeChat message.

[Ming Huaizhi: I’m waiting for you in the men’s restroom on the first floor.]

Sang Yu frowned. The butler’s words from this morning echoed in his ears again. He felt restless, wondering what kind of trick the other was playing. He spoke to the General Manager of Media and got up to leave.

Just as he reached the door of the men’s restroom, Ming Huaizhi quietly poked his head out, his bright eyes smiling at Sang Yu.

“I’m over here.”

Sang Yu glanced behind him and walked into the men’s room: “What is it?”

Ming Huaizhi told him to open his palm. He took the two pieces of chocolate Jing Lan gave him from his pocket and placed them gently on Sang Yu’s hand.

Slender fingertips lightly brushed the other’s palm. Ming Huaizhi let out a clean smile: “I originally wanted to bring them home for you, but I heard you hadn’t eaten lunch, so I brought them to you. They are delicious. Try them to boost your blood sugar.”

After speaking, he ran off quickly, worried about being seen.

Only Sang Yu was left there.

He looked at the two lonely pieces of chocolate in his palm, his brow furrowing slightly as he moved his hand to arrange them.

When the shapes were put together, they formed a heart.

Recalling Ming Huaizhi’s bashful look just now, he murmured: “Is the hint really this obvious?”