Chapter 12: Third Lord of the Fu Family

Chapter 12: The Third Master of the Fu Family

That day, Chu Yan did get his fill of meat, though the process was too mortifying to recount, and the aftermath left him bedridden for two full days. In any case, it was better left unsaid.

As for the "model" who had been dubbed a plumber, after subjecting his little patron to a series of playful "punishments," he finally managed to swallow his pride, albeit reluctantly. Fine, call him a model, call him a plumber. Only that little idiot dared to treat him this way, and yet, he found himself inexplicably enjoying it. So, what else could he do but endure?

Recalling the conversation between Chu Yan and his agent that he had overheard in the bathroom, Fu Junhang's eyes darkened. He then pulled out another phone and dialed a number.

"Hello? Th-Third Brother? Is this for real? Has the sun risen from the west today? It really is you! I... I haven’t done anything unforgivable lately, have I?"

"Oh no, oh no, my Third Brother is actually calling me first. I’m dead, I’m so dead..."

"Shut up."

The other end of the line erupted into chaos, giving Fu Junhang a headache. He had no idea how the old man had managed to sire such a motormouth.

"Shut it if you want to live."

Finally, peace was restored.

On the other end was Fu Zeyu, the Fourth Master of the Fu Family and the youngest son of the old patriarch. Like Fu Junhang, he was a child born in the old man's later years. The old man had been a notorious womanizer; setting aside his illegitimate children, he had four acknowledged sons in total, and Fu Zeyu was the youngest.

Being both a late-life child and the youngest, he had inevitably been spoiled beyond measure. Adding to that, he happened to be born when the old man was sixty, making him especially favored. As a result, Fu Zeyu had grown up as a fearless little hell-raiser—arrogant, domineering, and utterly unrestrained. He was infamous in elite circles as a notorious playboy. A few years ago, purely for fun, he had ventured into the entertainment industry, dabbling in acting, singing, and even directing. There was nothing he hadn’t tried if it caught his fancy.

Blessed with striking looks, he had actually managed to thrive, becoming an A-list star. Yet, even in the entertainment industry, he remained an uncontrollable brat—a prima donna through and through, refusing to bow to anyone. Few in the industry knew his identity as the Fourth Master of the Fu Family, but his arrogance was common knowledge.

However, no one knew that Fu Zeyu had one person he feared—his Third Brother, Fu Junhang.

"Th-Third Brother, what can I do for you?"

Fu Zeyu spoke cautiously, swearing that his obedience to his Third Brother was absolute, body and soul. He could defy their father, but never his Third Brother. That said, Third Brother rarely sought him out, so he was now shaking in his boots. Steeling himself for the worst, Fu Zeyu was left utterly baffled by what his Third Brother said next.

"Little Four."

"Yes, Third Brother?"

"I hear you’ve been quite idle lately?"

Fu Junhang’s tone was casual, but Fu Zeyu’s heart pounded in response.

Idle? He had just finished shooting a movie. To ensure authenticity, the crew had spent two grueling months in an actual desert. After enduring wind and sun, he had practically wasted away to nothing. Finally done, he had planned a lavish yacht party with his usual band of misfits before his next project began. And now, Third Brother was calling to ask if he was free?

"Free, Third Brother. If you say I’m free, then I’m free."

"In that case, I’ve got a little job for you. Interested?"

"What job?"

Fu Zeyu’s heart leapt to his throat. Third Brother made it sound like he was being sent to his doom. But then...

"There’s a variety show called *Rebirth Challenge*. I think it suits you perfectly. If you’ve got nothing better to do, why not join as a guest?"

"Huh? That’s it?"

Fu Zeyu was totally baffled. The Fu Family did own an entertainment company, but Third Brother never involved himself in family affairs, let alone the entertainment industry. So why was he suddenly being asked to join a variety show? Was Third Brother planning to enter the film industry? Wouldn’t that put him in conflict with the Fu Family?

And what was so special about this show that it had caught Third Brother’s eye?

Muffling the phone, Fu Zeyu quietly asked his friends if they’d heard of *Rebirth Challenge*, but none of them had. He was completely mystified.

"Third Brother, can I ask why you want me on this show?"

"Oh," Fu Junhang replied casually, "I invested 100 million yuan in it."

"That’s all?"

Fu Zeyu was stunned. So it was just because he’d put money into it? Was Third Brother really entering the entertainment industry? Did their father know? Did their eldest nephew know?

"What else?"

"Understood, Third Brother. Mission accepted."

Regardless of anything else, with Fu Zeyu’s celebrity status, *Rebirth Challenge* was guaranteed to be a hit the moment he appeared.

Meanwhile, Zhu Ye, who was driving, did a double take. Since when had the boss shown interest in variety shows? And when had he invested 100 million yuan in one?

As Fu Junhang’s personal assistant and bodyguard, Zhu Ye never dared to speculate about his boss’s affairs. But overseeing everything, big and small, for the boss was his job. Normally, even minor investments like this would be delegated to him. However, there had been an exception recently—the scandal surrounding the fake young master of the Chu Family. The boss had barred him from getting involved, and every mention of it left Zhu Ye confused. So was this...

As Zhu Ye mulled it over, Fu Junhang’s voice came from the back seat.

"You’ll handle this."

"Understood, Boss." So it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

"Make sure my identity isn’t leaked. I don’t want anyone to know I’m the investor—especially not that silly little fool."

*Silly little fool*? What an affectionate nickname. The boss was pampering him silly.

Case closed—this was definitely about the fake young master of the Chu Family.

Zhu Ye thought to himself that this fake young master must truly have curried the boss’s favor. At the very least, he had never seen the boss care so much about anyone before.

Meanwhile, Fu Junhang was just thinking that he needed to make sure his little patron earned enough money. Otherwise, how else would his little patron afford to keep him?

Wondering if Fu Zeyu’s loose lips would be enough, Fu Junhang dialed another number.

"Third Master?"

"Yes, it’s me."

"Did the sun rise from the west today? You’re actually calling me? How rare."

The voice on the other end was calm but tinged with surprise, along with a hint of good-natured ribbing.

Fu Junhang smirked. "Enough joking. I need a favor."

In a lavish office, Zhou Xiangchuan, seated in his executive chair, suddenly sat up straight, his expression turning serious.

"Shoot. If it’s within my power, I’ll do everything I can."

As the head of the Zhou Family, one of the major elite clans, Zhou Xiangchuan was one of the few young power players in their circle, renowned for his no-nonsense leadership. His brows furrowed slightly, and the authoritative presence of a leader unconsciously radiated from him. He was also one of the very few people in their circle whom Fu Junhang counted as a friend.

He couldn’t imagine what kind of issue would be so significant that even Fu Junhang couldn't resolve it. Yet, when Fu Junhang spoke, he was just as confused.

"I remember you have a younger brother who's an actor?"

At that moment, Fu Junhang leaned back casually, his legs habitually crossed. Even in the cramped backseat, his relaxed yet commanding presence was impossible to ignore. However, the topic of conversation between these two figures—each capable of shaking the entire nation with a mere step—was completely baffling.

Zhou Xiangchuan was puzzled. "Yeah, why do you suddenly ask?"

"How’s his reputation?"

"Pfft," Zhou Xiangchuan relaxed considerably. "About the same as your Fu Zeyu—utterly reckless, a useless punk. Wait…" He suddenly caught on. "Don’t tell me that brat offended you?"

Fu Junhang merely smirked. "Reckless, huh? Perfect."

The more unruly, the better. With a bunch of "trash" gathered together, their little benefactor would undoubtedly be the purest one.

"What do you mean?" Why was recklessness a good thing?

"Here’s the deal. I found a particularly interesting show called *Rebirth Challenge*. Look into it later—I invested a hundred million. It’s perfect for your brother. Get him on it."

Zhou Xiangchuan: "...Seriously?"

"Mm."

"Third Master, are you short on cash?"

"No."

"Then why suddenly get into TV shows?"

From what he knew of Fu Junhang, though the man held a unique position in the Fu family, he had his own ventures—70-80% of which were overseas. His domestic interests were limited, and entertainment wasn’t among them, though the industry was undeniably lucrative.

"Just felt like it."

Fu Junhang spoke casually, but the corners of his lips curled unconsciously at the thought of a certain someone’s amusing expression after making bank from the show.

"Alright, I’m curious what kind of show could pique your interest."

"If it’s something Third Master Fu fancies, I might as well toss in another 100 mil."

"Whatever."

After hanging up, Fu Junhang was in an excellent mood. No matter what, his sugar baby should have enough to "keep" him now.

Zhu Ye glanced at his boss’s visibly good mood through the rearview mirror and couldn’t help but smile. Working up the nerve, he spoke up.

"Boss, next Tuesday is Old Master Fu’s 80th birthday. The invitation has been sent here. Will you… be attending?"

Fu Junhang’s expression instantly turned cold. "No."

"What about a gift?"

"You handle it," Fu Junhang replied distractedly, toying with his phone. "Same as previous years."

That old man had plenty of heirs—one more or less wouldn’t matter. Besides, his presence would only make everyone uncomfortable.

"Understood."

Meanwhile, Chu Yan also received notice of Old Master Fu’s birthday celebration.

That was the true elite patriarch of high society. Likely, every powerful family in the nation would be present—and not just anyone with a name could attend.

The reason Chu Yan had this privilege? His awkward identity.

So which was more embarrassing—being the "imposter heir who stole the Chu family’s place" or the "detested, leech of a fiancé that the Fu family’s eldest couldn’t shake off"?

Regardless, both identities granted him entry.

Not going? Chu Yi had commanded him to go, claiming the Chu family’s dignity couldn’t afford the blow. If he didn’t show, the family would be humiliated—so he was sent to take the fall instead?

Chu Shuo, on the other hand, warned him not to embarrass himself. But if he skipped this event, his career in the entertainment industry would be over forever, and he’d be mocked for life.

Worse yet, Fu Hongan also insisted he come, insisting on "clarifying things" before Old Master Fu and publicly calling off their engagement in front of everyone.

Bullshit. "In front of everyone" just meant humiliating him before the whole world, ensuring he’d be laughed at globally.

And if he didn’t go? It’d be spun as him clinging to Fu Hongan, unwilling to let go, still being his pathetic lapdog.

Fine. None of them cared about his dignity anyway.

So…

"I’ll go."

Of course he would. Not only would he attend—he’d do so with his head held high.

The engagement would end, but not in the way Fu Hongan discarded him like trash. He’d end it on his own terms.