I Truly Never Intended to Have a Contract Marriage with a Big Shot - Chapter 2

Enemies truly cross paths on narrow roads. When Sheng Mingzhi took off from Haicheng International Airport, he happened to be on the same flight as Qiao Yan.

Huo Yuzhe was also with Qiao Yan. The three of them came face-to-face in the first-class cabin, their expressions each telling a different story.

Huo Yuzhe, having once milked a “CP” (couple) marketing scheme with Sheng Mingzhi and worked with him before, was about to speak to break the silence.

Unexpectedly, Qiao Yan was faster. With a laugh, he sat in the seat adjacent to Sheng Mingzhi and leaned into Huo Yuzhe’s arms like a legal spouse: “What a coincidence, Sheng Mingzhi.”

The Best Newcomer trophy was placed prominently on the table.

The crystal material refracted the warm yellow lights of the first-class cabin, its presence impossible to ignore.

Faced with such childish provocation, Sheng Mingzhi internally rolled his eyes in silence.

Qiao Yan looked at his face. Inside the cabin, Sheng Mingzhi’s features were draped in a soft glow, looking as exquisite as a porcelain work of art.

Qiao Yan grit his teeth, hating Sheng Mingzhi’s superior face to the core. His tone sharpened: “I thought you would have left long ago. After all, the Film Festival awards ceremony had nothing to do with you today. I spent over half an hour just staying behind to give my acceptance speech. I’m exhausted.”

Sheng Mingzhi didn’t get angry. He took off his headphones, and the entertainment commentary video he was watching blasted through the cabin:

“The person Qiao Yan needs to thank most for winning this award is Yu Gong. If Yu Gong hadn’t been arrested for drug use, how would we ever have had the chance to appreciate Qiao Yan’s ‘wooden block’ acting? Even a dog could enter the industry if that wins Best Newcomer! If Qiao Yan didn’t pay for this, I’ll chop my head off and use it as a soccer ball!”

Yu Gong was the pre-determined winner of the Haicheng Film Festival’s Best Newcomer award, but right before the ceremony, he was exposed for drug use and taken into criminal custody.

Sheng Mingzhi leisurely paused the video and added his own commentary: “Of course, I think besides thanking Yu Gong, you should also thank the iron fist of the Party and the righteousness of the people. If the public hadn’t reported him, how would you be sitting in first class right now complaining about being tired?”

Qiao Yan’s face turned beet red: “You!”

Seeing Qiao Yan so angry his features were twisting, Sheng Mingzhi felt exceptionally refreshed. He stood up to use the restroom.

Just as he finished washing his hands, he looked up and saw Huo Yuzhe standing behind him.

“Let’s talk.”

Sheng Mingzhi couldn’t be bothered with him.

Huo Yuzhe whispered: “Did you block me on WeChat?”

His voice was deep, and when lowered, it sounded like those “bubble voices” popular online, giving Sheng Mingzhi goosebumps.

“Why? Keep you for the New Year?” Sheng Mingzhi sneered. “I’ve been slapped in the face so hard by you little lovers, and I still shouldn’t block you? Am I a grand philanthropist?”

Huo Yuzhe wanted to say more, but Sheng Mingzhi said rudely: “Move aside if you have any shame. Use this time to care for your boyfriend. I don’t need a punch-in machine telling me ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ every day.”

Huo Yuzhe’s face stiffened.

Sheng Mingzhi ignored him, leaving behind a cold silhouette.

________________________________________

Two hours later, the plane landed at Yunjing International Airport.

Coming out of the VIP channel, Sheng Mingzhi immediately saw a flashy pink Maserati parked at the entrance. The woman in front of the car wore exaggerated twelve-centimeter Barbie-pink heels. She was decked in luxury from head to toe, looking like she wanted to staple the words “I am rich” to her forehead. Even her ten fingernails were encrusted with diamond chips.

This was his childhood friend, Shen Ling.

As Sheng Mingzhi’s only close friend, Shen Ling’s family background wasn’t bad either. The older generation was in politics, and her father’s generation started doing business in Hong Kong before moving back to Yunjing after the reform. She was a well-known socialite in Yunjing’s high society.

“Baby!”

Shen Ling threw herself into Sheng Mingzhi’s arms with dramatic flair. The scent of her perfume was overwhelming; Sheng Mingzhi pushed her away in disgust.

“Stay away from me. I don’t want rumors tomorrow saying I’m being kept by a sugar mommy.”

Shen Ling rolled her eyes internally. Please, you’re an 18th-tier flop; even if your ‘house’ collapsed, there wouldn’t be any casualties.

However, to protect Sheng Mingzhi’s fragile glass heart, Shen Ling considerately kept some distance.

Having not seen each other for a long time, the two immediately headed to West Yunjing Road to a hot spring spa open only to members.

In the misty VIP lounge, Sheng Mingzhi took off his contact lenses. His body, tired from the day, finally relaxed. While gossiping with Shen Ling about various parties and fashion shows, he used his main Weibo account to “stalk” his own fan-tags.

It had been fifteen days since his last post.

However, upon opening Weibo, his reply count and private messages were still substantial—not at all the level of engagement an 18th-tier flop should have.

Of course, most of them were cursing him.

Ever since Sheng Mingzhi liked a post saying his visuals “crushed” all the top idols in the industry, he had been under constant attack from the fans of the “Big Eight” idols for six months straight.

Sheng Mingzhi showed zero remorse, continuing to do as he pleased and acting like a “flop menace,” driving the idol fans into a frenzy of powerless rage.

But because his selfies were of such high quality, the fans’ style gradually turned weird.

Sheng Mingzhi scrolled through a few:

• [“Damn it, are you dead? You haven’t posted in a month. Even a donkey at a production team wouldn’t rest this much.”]
•
• [“I need a new WeChat profile pic. Don’t use an old one, take a new one now. No makeup.”]
•
• [“You there? Don’t put on airs. Flops who don’t work should get out of the industry.”]
•
• [“I set up an ‘Anti-Hate’ fan station for you. We’re short-staffed. I DM’ed you the login info. Join it yourself later. Don’t be embarrassed; work is important.”]
•
Sheng Mingzhi checked his DMs. Sure enough, the password was there. The name of the Anti-Hate station was: Are You Retarded? You Actually Believed This?

Sheng Mingzhi: “…”

He blocked the user immediately.

After blocking a dozen more haters jumping around in his comments, Sheng Mingzhi casually took a selfie.

In the photo, his hair was half-damp, his fox-like eyes slightly wide, looking up at the camera. His skin was slightly flushed from the water, giving him an air of innocence. He didn’t look feminine; only his eyes held a natural charm. When playing innocent, he looked like a harmless, handsome puppy.

Also, in the frame were a custom Vacheron Constantin watch on the table and Shen Ling’s Birkin bag.

His “show-off” intentions were crystal clear.

Seconds after posting, the comments reached the hundreds. He picked a few to reply to:

“Dammit, you finally posted. I camp here every day to insult you. I’m more punctual with this than sending ‘good morning’ to my boyfriend!”

[SMZ: Don’t look for trouble.]

“Is Huo Yuzhe your dad? Can you stop clinging to him?”

[SMZ: I’m your dad. I have many forms.]

“Elementary schoolers show off with more class than you. Remember to return that borrowed Hermes when you’re done.”

[SMZ: Get lost. (Heart Emoji)]

“Sheng Mingzhi can’t sing or dance (Heart). Sheng Mingzhi acts with his feet (Heart). Sheng Mingzhi is a flop menace (Heart). (PR comment script: 0.50 cents per post. DM for payment.)”

[SMZ: If you’re really that bored, go find a job at an electronics factory.]

“Wife, so pure yet so sexy (Drool emoji)”

[SMZ: ?]

________________________________________

After a brief meetup with Shen Ling, Sheng Mingzhi finally boarded the private Cayenne sent to pick him up.

Lu Jiayan’s assistant had already called twice to rush him, asking when he’d be home. It annoyed Sheng Mingzhi so much that he silently cursed his “cheap husband’s” ancestors for eighteen generations.

Who are you trying to impress? If you’re really in such a hurry, why don’t you call yourself instead of having an assistant do it?

What does he take me for?

Sheng Mingzhi sneered. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, so he simply blacklisted Lu Jiayan’s phone number.

Even though their relationship was “plastic” and there was no need to act lovey-dovey in private, Lu Jiayan’s perfunctory attitude had clearly pissed him off.

The atmosphere in the Cayenne was deathly silent. The driver didn’t dare breathe loudly, fearing he’d provoke the notoriously spoiled young master. As soon as he dropped him at the old estate, he fled to the parking lot.

Lu Jiayan’s assistant was waiting at the door. Seeing Sheng Mingzhi, he led him inside.

Sheng Mingzhi spoke expressionlessly: “Grandpa’s gift is still in the trunk. Go get it for me.”

The assistant whispered: “Second Young Master, President Lu has already prepared a gift. He said you two can just give one together.”

“His is his, mine is mine.” Sheng Mingzhi raised an eyebrow, speaking out of spite: “Do you not understand what I’m saying?”

The assistant froze. Seeing the Young Master’s temper again after three years, it seemed to have grown even fiercer. He could only complain inwardly as he hurried to carry Sheng Mingzhi’s gift.

The moment he stepped through the door of the Lu family estate, Sheng Mingzhi’s face changed instantly. He put on an elegant, proper smile, becoming the kind of child elders love most.

Even though he was unhappy with Lu Jiayan, both of them put on a great show in front of the elders.

Grandpa Lu hadn’t seen him in a long time and missed him dearly, coming to the door with his cane. Sheng Mingzhi hurried to meet him, sweetly calling out “Grandpa.”

The old man was overjoyed but couldn’t help feeling bad for him: “Why so late? I told Jiayan to pick you up. He could have brought you back on his way.”

Heh, that workaholic Lu Jiayan would put down his work to pick me up? The sun would have to rise in the west first.

Sheng Mingzhi grumbled internally but quickly put on the image of a considerate, devoted spouse: “Grandpa, Brother Lu just returned to the country and the company is busy. I’m not tired from taking a private car back.”

Nice! As expected of Superstar Sheng Mingzhi, perfect acting!

Grandpa Lu: “Even if he’s busy, he can’t ignore you. Running off abroad the day after the wedding was already ridiculous enough…”

Sheng Mingzhi wore a fake smile: “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Brother Lu came back to see me often. Didn’t I send you photos of us together?”

Heh, Photoshopped photos.

Grandpa Lu’s 80th birthday wasn’t a massive public event, but almost all the younger generation of the family was there. Besides the Lu relatives, some of Sheng Mingzhi’s family were there too, including his sister, Sheng Xue.

They were fraternal twins. They looked almost identical as children, but as they grew up, Sheng Xue became more delicate and charming while Sheng Mingzhi became handsome and sharp. Yet, they still looked very much alike.

After the siblings chatted for a while, Sheng Mingzhi began to look around the hall absentmindedly. Since he wasn’t wearing his contacts, to someone with 5.0 diopters of myopia, anyone more than five meters away was indistinguishable.

The lights and shadows were blurry, clothes were fragrant, and glasses clinked. Soon, Sheng Mingzhi heard someone call his name.

“Mingzhi.”

Sheng Mingzhi subconsciously turned around. A tall man stood before him, looking about seventy or eighty percent like Lu Jiayan’s recent photos.

His heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t entirely sure if this was Lu Jiayan. After three years, his “cheap husband” felt so foreign it was awkward.

But to call his name so affectionately in this setting—who else could it be but Lu Jiayan?

The man couldn’t help but smile: “Long time no see. What, can’t recognize me?”

Sheng Mingzhi hesitated: “Brother Lu?”

The man paused, not denying the address: “Mm.”

It really is Lu Jiayan?

Dammit.

Why did you get uglier?!

Sheng Mingzhi stiffened for a moment. A big part of why he agreed to this business marriage was because the guy was handsome, okay?

“You… you seem to have gotten darker.”

Not having seen him in three years, Sheng Mingzhi awkwardly searched for small talk and ended up cringing at himself.

The man chuckled lowly: “Mingzhi has always been very fair, and you’ve grown even more handsome.”

You’re overacting, bro, no one is even watching us here.

Sheng Mingzhi’s lip twitched. If you want to compete with me in acting, I’m not afraid.

Who doesn’t know how to play a loving couple?

Sheng Mingzhi sneered inwardly and affectionately linked his arm with the man’s: “What are you saying, hubby? It’s been so long, I missed you! =3=”

Hope this disgusts you to death.

Just as the words left his mouth, distinct footsteps came from behind him.

Expensive leather shoes clicked against the floor—tap, tap, tap—getting closer until they stopped right beside him.

Sheng Mingzhi looked over. A man suddenly entered his vision, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit. He was noble and cold, a few centimeters taller than the “Lu Jiayan” he was holding. His hair was a bit long but looked soft.

The man was very pale. On his ring finger, he wore a platinum wedding ring identical to Sheng Mingzhi’s. He had stunning “peach blossom” eyes, a high bridge to his nose, and thin lips that gave him a slightly cool, detached look.

The moment Sheng Mingzhi saw his face clearly, he froze.

If he had been doubting whether he recognized the guy earlier, the appearance of the “Official Version” Lu Jiayan, his actual cheap husband confirmed it.

This was Lu Jiayan. As expected, “getting uglier” was just a hallucination. Three years later, this monster had actually gotten more handsome.

Sheng Mingzhi stood rooted to the spot, showing a rare moment of helplessness. His ears turned red instantly, and he let go of the other man’s arm as if he’d been electrocuted.

Holy sht.*

The embarrassment is making my scalp tingle.

Sheng Mingzhi’s stiffness was impossible to hide. To make matters worse, a passing waiter slipped. Before Sheng Mingzhi could dodge, the tray tilted, champagne spilled, and a large portion of it splashed right onto his shoulder.

The faint scent of alcohol filled his nose. Lu Jiayan seemed to look over. His pupils were very dark—a pure, deep black. When those peach blossom eyes looked at you, they gave a flickering illusion of being both affectionate and casual.

Sheng Mingzhi’s fingers curled slightly. I think I can explain.

Then he thought: You know we’re just a plastic couple, so your expectations of me shouldn’t be that high, right? 😀

However, Lu Jiayan’s gaze bypassed him and landed directly on Sheng Xue’s face.

After a long pause, Lu Jiayan spoke. His voice was cool, the end of his sentence slightly hooking, and the corner of his mouth quirked up with an inexplicable laziness.

He looked at Sheng Xue.

And said, slowly:

“It’s been so long. Did you get plastic surgery?”