Chapter 8: He’s So Good!

Chapter 8: Oh, He's *So* Good at This!

"Chu Yan, that's enough!"

Chu Shuo shot up from the sofa, eyes wide, pointing at Chu Yan. "What's with the passive aggression? So you *do* admit you're stupid?"

"If you weren't so dense, Xiao Yi wouldn't have been drugged by that scumbag!"

Chu Xiuyi clenched his jaw. So, he was drugged because Chu Yan was stupid? No, Chu Yan had *clearly* set him up deliberately, trying to ruin him.

But Chu Shuo didn't notice the shift in Chu Xiuyi's expression. He was still unleashing his fury on Chu Yan.

"And you *dare* blame Fu Hongan for cheating? If you weren't so useless, you two would've been married ages ago. You've been his *supposed* fiancé for years and still got nowhere, and now someone else climbed into his bed. And you *still* have the gall to play the victim? I'd *die* of shame if I were you."

"Chu Yan, how are you *this* pathetic? All these years, the Chu family has shamelessly built you up, even at the cost of our reputation, and yet Fu Hongan still despises you. He'd rather sleep with some random trash than touch you. Just how worthless are you?"

Chu Shuo's rant was relentless, but he failed to notice the increasingly grim expression on Fu Hongan's face beside him—until the man looked ready to collapse.

Chu Yan couldn't help but mentally applaud Chu Shuo. *Keep talking—the more, the merrier.*

The reason the engagement between the original host and Fu Hongan had become public knowledge was *all* the Chu family's doing. The original host's obsessive pursuit of Fu Hongan might have only earned him mockery in elite circles, but the Chu family had turned it into a *public* circus—all to curry favor with the Fu family.

*Pfft. 'Shamelessly built you up'? More like shamelessly used the original host to cling to the Fu family. How *generous* of them.*

Chu Shuo, as always, was using Chu Yan's humiliation—being despised by Fu Hongan—to vent his anger for his precious younger brother. Too bad he didn't realize that the person Fu Hongan had cheated with, the "nobody" he'd *slept around with*, was none other than his beloved brother, Chu Xiuyi.

Fu Hongan and Chu Xiuyi's *thing* had begun before the truth about their identities came to light, but they'd only *gone all the way* that night at Qingxin Club. Chu Xiuyi had always known about Fu Hongan's engagement to Chu Yan—*the whole world* knew—which was why he'd restrained his feelings for so long. Even after that night, when Fu Hongan assured him that he'd never acknowledged the engagement, that he'd never had feelings for Chu Yan, Chu Xiuyi was *still* grossed out.

*Damn right* anyone would. Especially with Chu Yan *gunning* for him, even resorting to such vile methods to frame him, almost *ruining* him.

So *of course* he hated Chu Yan.

But while Fu Hongan denied the engagement, the Chu family had been milking it *dry*, desperate to *leech* off the Fu family. Chu Xiuyi knew this. Even if the engagement was *fake*, he refused to be the *other man*. That's why he refused to let anyone know about his relationship with Fu Hongan—not until the engagement was officially broken off.

Because of this, the Chu family *thought* that Chu Yan, out of jealousy, had set Chu Xiuyi up—drugging him at Qingxin Club, almost *robbing* him of his innocence. They *thought* Fu Hongan had just stepped in time to prevent disaster. They didn't know the two had already been involved long before Chu Xiuyi was brought back into the family. They had *no* idea *what* Fu Hongan had *really* done that night. And of course, they had no idea that Chu Xiuyi and Fu Hongan were now a couple.

"Second Brother!" Chu Xiuyi finally *had* enough and grabbed Chu Shuo's arm. Biting back his anger, he shook his head. "Enough. Since Chu Yan has already apologized, let's just drop it."

"Xiao Yi, being softhearted isn't always a good thing," Chu Shuo frowned disapprovingly, then softened with concern. "Does that *snark* sound like an apology to you? *You're* my *actual* brother, the true young master of the Chu family. What's *he*? For nineteen years, he lived in luxury while you suffered outside. You're *kind* enough to let it slide, but as your brother, I won't stand by and watch him bully you."

"Besides, everything I said is true. He's *good for nothing*—just a pretty face. After chasing Fu Hongan for years, he's still treated like garbage. Our family *wasted* everything on him. He's *pathetic*, a total disgrace!"

"He *earned* that scorn. He deserves to be cheated on. Fu Hongan would rather sleep with a beggar than touch him—it's exactly what he's earned. *Don't* you *dare* feel sorry for him."

Chu Yan: "You're *absolutely* right. I *asked* for this."

Chu Xiuyi's fists *shook* from how hard he clenched them.

Chu Shuo patted his shoulder reassuringly. "*Thank God* you're my real brother. Otherwise, I'd be sick to my stomach."

Chu Yan: *"...Lucky me."*

"And you," Chu Shuo turned back to Chu Yan, his face *twisting* again. "Even though Xiao Yi is generous enough to let this go, if you ever dare to pull such a dirty trick on him again, don't blame me for *not holding back*."

"I understand, Second Brother. You're absolutely right to scold me. I'll *think about what I've done*."

Chu Yan was *weirdly* obedient, his *act* so convincing that even Chu Shuo found it hard to keep berating him.

"Second Brother, I was *young and dumb* in the past. I know I've enjoyed everything that should have been Xiao Yi's for years. Now that he's back, it all belongs to him. If he wants it—even if it means giving him my fiancé—I'd *hand him over* willingly."

*This bastard!*

Chu Xiuyi was *furious*. The old Chu Yan would have just raged impotently in front of him, looking like a clown. But now, every word of his "apology" was a knife to the heart. *Give him?* Fu Hongan never liked Chu Yan—he *loathed* him. What right did he have to "give" anything?

Fu Hongan had said Chu Xiuyi was his first love, the first person he'd ever truly cared about. That meant Fu Hongan was *his* from the start. What did this despised, rejected fiancé mean by "giving" him away?

Chu Xiuyi was seething—but he couldn't lash out.

"At least you have some self-awareness."

Chu Shuo, however, was satisfied with Chu Yan's response.

Today's Chu Yan was *too* well-behaved. Chu Shuo's anger hadn't been fully vented, and even his original plan to beat Chu Yan up had been derailed. It left him feeling… strangely stifled.

"Then, Second Brother, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Leave?"

Chu Shuo was stunned again. Despite Chu Yan's unpopularity, they'd lived together for nineteen years. This was their home—even after Chu Xiuyi's return, Chu Yan's room had been kept. And it was so late. He hadn't expected Chu Yan to *volunteer* to leave.

Shouldn't he be shamelessly trying to curry favor? Shouldn't he be making excuses to stick around, like pretending to learn acting? Shouldn't he be cautiously trying to get closer or begging to be taken on set?

"Yes, Second Brother. I know how unwelcome I am here. I won't disturb you and Xiao Yi any longer."

With that, Chu Yan turned and hurried away. He couldn't hold back anymore. He'd just sarcastically roasted the *male lead* of this world—left the darling of the heavens speechless. Look at him, trembling with rage! Was he going to get struck by lightning?

And that vase he'd broken earlier—would they make him pay for it? Better run while he could.

*Why couldn't he control his damn mouth?* He'd sworn he wouldn't provoke the two male leads. *Stupid mouth!*

Watching Chu Yan rush off—as if afraid they'd see him break down—Chu Shuo was momentarily dazed. He'd clearly seen Chu Yan struggling to hold something back. His reddened eyes—was he holding back tears? After nineteen years as his brother, Chu Shuo felt an unexpected pang of… something. Why was he feeling soft now?

"Butler," Chu Shuo suddenly called out. "Go bring him back. It's too late for him to be running around. He has no sense of propriety."

"Second Brother?"

Chu Xiuyi was shocked. Hadn't they agreed to kick Chu Yan out for good? Was *this* how Chu Shuo was standing up for him?

Chu Shuo didn't know what had come over him either, so he salvaged his pride with, "I'm just worried he'll embarrass the Chu family. If word gets out that he was thrown out in the middle of the night, people will say we're heartless."

Chu Xiuyi said nothing, his gaze searching, but he knew better than to push further.

To Chu Shuo's surprise, however, the butler returned alone.

"Young Master has already left."

"Could he even get a cab here?" The area was full of mansions and luxury cars—no ordinary taxis would come near.

"Oh, the car that brought him earlier never left. The driver was still waiting."

So the idiot *really* hadn't planned to stay? Chu Shuo was baffled.

*Of course he wouldn't stay. Chu Yan was afraid of being struck by lightning.*

By the time Chu Yan returned to his apartment, it was nearly midnight. After a quick wash, he collapsed into bed, exhausted.

He picked up his phone and saw a message from the male model he'd recently hired.

Three Million: "Goodnight, patron."

Hmph. "Three Million" was Chu Yan's nickname for him, a constant reminder not to slack off—after all, he had a three-million-a-month male model to support.

Chu Yan: "You're very professional."

Chu Yan had assumed the other man was already asleep, but to his surprise, the reply came instantly.

Three Million: "Of course. Young master spent nine million on me. I have to make sure you get your money's worth. I'll take care of you, head to toe, until you're completely satisfied."

Three Million: "So, anytime, anywhere, if my young master needs me, I'll be there. Guaranteed premium service."

Body and soul? *Cough.* Unbidden, some decidedly X-rated thoughts flashed through Chu Yan's mind, and the tips of his ears turned red without him realizing.

Chu Yan: "Since you're still awake, how about we finish our unfinished business?"

Back then, Chu Shuo had called abruptly, even threatening to ruin him, forcing Chu Yan to leave. The specifics of their deal hadn't been fully discussed, and Chu Yan had only transferred one million as a deposit—the remaining eight million was still owed. Though Chu Yan didn't care much about his reputation, since he still wanted to pursue acting like in his past life, it was best to keep this kind of thing hush-hush. Bad rep's one thing, but if it affected his ability to earn money? That would be a real problem.

Just as Chu Yan was mulling this over, another message popped up.

Three Million: "Does the young master mean that moment when your pale, delicate legs were draped over my shoulders, and I hadn't yet had the chance to discover just how smooth, soft, and delicate they were—before we got cut short?"

Chu Yan: "Sh*t sh*t sh*t!"

Three Million: "I knew the young master was craving it."

Chu Yan: "Want what? I don't! That's not what I meant. I was talking about drafting an agreement, setting some ground rules. Don't you want the remaining eight million?"

Three Million: "I do."

Damn it! Why did this guy have to phrase it like that…

Chu Yan was instantly flustered. This bastard's words had some kind of magic—vivid imagery sprang to mind unbidden. Was this even human speech? And he claimed to be a rookie? Yeah, right.

Chu Yan: "If you want it, then behave. Or Daddy might just replace you."

Fu Junhang stared at the screen, watching the flurry of furious emojis, his lips curling into a shit-eating grin. He could practically picture the dumbass' expression right now—so expressive, all horny but zero game.

Three Million: "Then, Sugar Daddy, feel free to name your terms. As long as the money's right, I'm up for anything. Even if my dear sugar daddy has some… kinks, I can accommodate."

Chu Yan: "Pfft! I'm not some dirty old man with 'special preferences.' Don't go spreading rumors!"

Fu Junhang: *You're not an old pervert—just a young one.*

Three Million: "Of course, of course. The young master is just an innocent little cutie. Delicate and soft, yet utterly adorable. Devilishly tempting, yet still a sweetheart."

Chu Yan: "Who gave you permission to flirt with your sugar daddy?! Who's the one being paid here—you or me?!"

Chu Yan was dying inside. This male model had hit rock bottom, yet he was still bringing his A-game.

Three Million: "You are, you are."

After some thought, Chu Yan sent over his three hard rules.

1. The kept party, Wang Xing, must maintain total secrecy regarding the patron's identity. The nature of their arrangement must never be disclosed.

2. Once the arrangement is established, it will last for three months unless terminated by the patron. During this period, Wang Xing must fulfill all requests from the patron at any time, anywhere (unless it's literally impossible).

Whether to renew after three months would depend on the patron's discretion.

Chu Yan couldn't bring himself to add that it also depended on his financial situation. After all, he was already on the hook for a nine-million debt. If he couldn't earn enough later, how could he afford to keep him?

3. Just sex, no strings. Their relationship was strictly business, with no interference in each other's lives beyond that.

Chu Yan: "That's all I can think of for now. If anything else comes up, I'll add it later. If you agree, we'll sign the contract, and I'll transfer the remaining payment."

Three Million: "Your wish is my command, my little patron."

Chu Yan's face burned. "You're not that much older than me!"

His inner self was a 27-year-old man, yet this guy kept calling him "sugar daddy brother" or "little patron," laced with an inexplicable fondness that made Chu Yan's skin crawl.

Three Million: "I'm 29—only ten years your senior, my little patron."

Chu Yan: "…" *I thought he was around the same age as my other self in that world.*

Well, for someone that age and still turning tricks… Jesus, that's bleak. No wonder he's so diligent.

Once the terms were settled, all that remained was for both parties to sign and fingerprint the agreement. Considering Chu Yan's quasi-celebrity situation, they agreed that "Three Million" would come to him the next day.

Three Million: "Goodnight, my little patron."

*This guy's smooth!*

And why did "little patron" keep looking like "little princess"?! So damn embarrassing!

Chu Yan finally closed his eyes peacefully—only to bolt upright the next second like he'd been electrocuted. A sudden realization struck him.

He needed to make money. He needed to build his career. He needed to support his man.

But given the original host's rap sheet and his current awkward status as the "fake young master," forget making big bucks—he'd be lucky to land even a minor gig. How the hell was he supposed to earn anything?

However, buried in the original host's hazy memories was one detail: a certain "rehabilitation" reality show for scandal-ridden celebrities had once approached him.

The show rounded up disgraced stars, using their infamy as selling points for a live-streamed spectacle. Each participant was a walking controversy—a promiscuous idol, a former A-lister embroiled in domestic violence allegations, a C-list actress exposed as a homewrecker… in short, every one of them was problematic.

But this was like the Golden Raspberry Awards—only someone with a death wish would sign up for a national laughingstock. So, the original host hadn't just refused; he'd cursed out both his agent and the show's director.

A trashy show like this wasn't even fit for dogs…

"I'll go," Chu Yan declared, thumping his chest as he faced Liao Jian. "If dogs won't, I will." Liao Jian was stunned. "Have you lost your mind?!"