Chapter 13: Fu Family Banquet

Chapter 13 The Fu Family Birthday Banquet

Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet arrived in the blink of an eye.

Speaking of this old master, he was nothing short of a legendary figure. Not only did he take charge of the Fu Corporation in his youth, propelling it to the forefront of elite society with his iron-fisted methods, but his romantic exploits alone could fill volumes.

Fu Zhonghai, Old Master Fu, was a playboy in his youth, and his amorous nature never faded with time. Over the years, he was never without female companionship, though he only officially married three times.

His eldest son, Fu Jingye, and second son, Fu Jingpeng, were both born to his first wife. Currently, the head of the Fu Group is his eldest son, Fu Jingye, while the second son, Fu Jingpeng, also holds a high-ranking position within the Fu Corporation. However, the first wife passed away thirty years ago.

Old Master Fu then married his second wife, who bore him his third son.

But strangely enough, the second wife was an enigma. Not only was she unknown to the outside world, but even among the elite circles, few had ever seen her. Many didn’t even know of her existence.

The rumors flew thick and fast—some said she was a common woman beneath his station, merely a fleeting fancy for the old master; others claimed their marriage was short-lived, lasting only until she gave birth to their son; and still others insisted there was no second wife at all, just an excuse the old master used to legitimize his illegitimate child.

In short, she remained a mystery, with countless theories surrounding her.

Then came the current wife.

She was once a top star in the entertainment industry, with a dazzling career and boundless prospects. Yet, at the peak of her fame and youth, she chose to retire and marry into the Fu family.

At the time, Old Master Fu was nearly sixty, marrying a star forty years his junior—a scandal that rocked high society. Later, she too bore him a son: Fourth Brother Fu, Fu Zeyu.

It was said that Fu Zeyu was born just in time for the old master’s sixtieth birthday, which thrilled him to no end. Over the years, the old master doted on this mother and son pair.

The Fu family also had many grandchildren, among whom the eldest grandson, Fu Hongan, was the most outstanding. He was the old master’s chosen successor to lead the Fu Corporation.

Tonight was the old master’s eightieth birthday. Business magnates, scions of wealthy families, and even high-ranking political figures gathered to celebrate, along with numerous celebrities who had also been invited.

Originally, someone like Chu Yan wouldn’t have had the qualifications to attend such an event. But thanks to his two problematic connections, he managed to secure an entry.

When Chu Yan arrived at the Fu family estate, the villa grounds were already packed with luxury cars and famous faces. Yet Chu Yan had arrived by taxi. He ignored the curious stares and pointed looks, figuring if he didn't care, then others could be the uncomfortable ones.

He found an empty corner and waited.

However, the original Chu Yan had been notorious in elite circles for his arrogance and domineering behavior. Now, with the scandal of the true and fake young master, he was thrust into the spotlight. Such juicy gossip spread like wildfire, so even as Chu Yan stood quietly in the corner, countless eyes still lingered on him.

Some were malicious, others merely curious. Some whispered among themselves, some openly mocked him behind their hands, and a few even approached him directly to sneer and taunt—among them were several young heirs who had clashed with the original Chu Yan.

“Tsk tsk, isn’t this the impostor from the Chu family? What, got kicked out? Don’t tell me you can’t even get through the Fu family’s front door?”

“Oh no, oh no, didn’t your beloved Hongan come to pick you up?”

The original Chu Yan had often bragged about his engagement to Fu Hongan, making himself the laughingstock of society as a notorious sycophant—though he remained blissfully unaware. In truth, everyone had been mocking him behind his back, though many had held back out of respect for the Chu family’s status. Now they felt free to mock him openly.

“Hilarious. His so-called ‘beloved Hongan’ probably wishes he’d drop dead outside so he wouldn’t have to deal with this parasite exploiting a debt of gratitude.”

“Exactly. Young Master Fu must’ve had the worst luck to be saved by this parasite. Burdened with him for years, unable to shake him off—the sheer audacity!”

“My god, Chu Yan, are you here to beg at the Fu family’s doorstep?”

“...”

They kept up their barrage, hurling insults at Chu Yan until he had a headache.

“Hey, mind shutting your traps? It’s annoying. If you want to yap, do it somewhere else, okay?”

“Chu Yan! You’ve been thrown out by the Chu family—what right do you have to act so high and mighty? Who do you think you are, talking to us like that? The Chu family doesn’t want you, Fu Hongan despises you—what’s the difference between you and a stray dog? Pfft, and you still have the nerve to show up here. If I were you, I’d drown myself in a ditch somewhere to spare everyone the public humiliation.”

These were all young masters who had clashed with the original Chu Yan. Before, they’d disliked him but couldn’t afford to offend the Chu family. Now that Chu Yan had fallen from favor, he was nothing more than an ant in their eyes.

Yet they hadn’t expected Chu Yan to remain as shamelessly bold as ever.

“None of your damn business.”

“Chu Yan, do you even realize your situation?”

“None of your damn business.”

“You looking to die? You’re not the Chu family’s young master anymore. The Chus won’t protect you, Young Master Fu hates you—you’re nothing now. Don’t you get it?”

“Oh. Still none of your damn business.”

Admittedly, Chu Yan’s current attitude—like he didn't have a care in the world—was even more infuriating than his past arrogance. One finally snapped and made a grab for him.

“I’m gonna beat you to death today!”

“Zhang, get a hold of yourself! Don’t cause trouble here!”

Tonight’s event was no ordinary occasion. Countless people had pulled every string just for the chance to be here. Their families had gone to great lengths to secure this opportunity, and if they caused a scene, not only would they be finished, but their families would suffer too.

Chu Yan, however, was playing with house money. He knew they wouldn’t dare make a scene, so he kept provoking them without fear.

With a shit-eating grin, he pointed at his own face. “What, scared? Come on, hit me.”

“I’m gonna kill him—let me go! Don’t stop me!”

“Come on, do it. Whoever backs down is a dog.”

“You—you’re the damn dog here! Chu Yan, you’re the most shameless bastard I’ve ever met!”

They were practically spitting nails. After knowing Chu Yan for years, they’d never realized just how infuriating he could be.

Chu Yan burst into laughter at their reactions, doubled over with exaggerated laughter. “Hahaha! Come on, Zhang, if you don’t hit me today, you’re a dog!”

It was at this moment that the Chu family’s car arrived.

Through the window, Chu Yi took in the scene: the once-arrogant Chu Yan laughing loudly in the faces of several young masters, hands on his hips, looking downright pleased with himself. The others, meanwhile, were fuming but could do nothing but seethe.

This Chu Yan was the same as before, yet different—somehow more... vibrant.

“Mom, Dad, is that... Chu Yan?”

Chu Xiuyi also spotted him. Though his expression remained neutral, his emotions were in knots. Chu Hongrun, however, darkened the moment he saw Chu Yan.

“Disgraceful.”

Madam Chu gave Chu Xiuyi’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Xiao Yi, I know this is hard for you. But he’s still engaged to Fu Hongan. If we didn’t let him come, people would say the Chu family lacks manners. Just grin and bear it for now.”

“Mom, it’s not that I don’t want to see him. You raised him for nineteen years—even a dog would’ve grown attached, let alone your own son. I understand. You don’t have to feel awkward on my account.”

The couple was torn between affection and remorse. If only their real son had grown up with them—this was their own flesh and blood, irreplaceable. Not like that thankless brat Chu Yan, who wasn’t worth the effort.

“Xiao Yi, don’t worry. You’re our real son, the true young master of the Chu family. We’ve already failed you for so long. From now on, your parents and brothers will make it up to you—we’ll make up for lost time twice over.”

Unaware of the conversation in the Chu family’s car, Chu Yan walked over as soon as he saw them arrive.

Representing the Chu family were Chu Hongrun and his wife, the next head of the family, Chu Yi, and their newly recovered youngest son, Chu Xiuyi.

As Chu Yan walked towards them, he could clearly sense the disgust and disdain in his adoptive parents' eyes, while Chu Yi remained impassive.

"Mom, Dad, Big Brother, Xiao Yi, you're here."

Chu Yan greeted them with a smile, feigning ignorance of their expressions.

Chu Xiuyi gave him a friendly smile in return, Chu Yi nodded faintly, while Chu Hongrun scowled.

"What are you doing here? Must you further disgrace our family?"

Chu Yan seethed inwardly but showed no sign of it on his face. "Dad, as a junior, it’s only right for me to attend Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet. Besides, I still have an engagement with Hong’an. My absence would be improper, wouldn’t it?"

'And wasn’t it you who asked me to come? Stop pretending.'

At the mention of the engagement, Chu Xiuyi’s face tightened imperceptibly, and his gaze toward Chu Yan darkened unconsciously.

Chu Yi also scrutinized Chu Yan, unsure of what he was up to.

"Since you’re here, mind your conduct. Especially tonight."

Chu Hongrun had always looked down on this youngest son, and now that he knew Chu Yan wasn’t his biological child, his disdain only deepened. If not for Chu Yan’s engagement with Fu Hong’an, he would have kicked this shameful burden out the moment he learned the truth. But as Chu Yan said, it really would be inappropriate if he didn’t show up.

"Keep to yourself, understand? If Hong’an is really annoyed by you, make yourself scarce tonight. We don’t want to be humiliated because of you."

"Xiao Yan, your father is right. Even though you’re engaged to Hong’an, everyone knows how much he dislikes you. Normally, it’s fine if you make a spectacle in private, but tonight is an important occasion—don't shame us, okay? Besides, Hong’an is the Fu heir apparent. He’ll be very busy tonight, so don’t bother him, understand?"

Madam Chu snapped impatiently.

Chu Yan sneered inwardly. 'The audacity of these people! They keep complaining and looking down on me, yet they’re the ones clinging to this engagement. Isn’t this just playing both sides? Their hypocrisy is downright disgusting.'

The Chu family was clearly emotionally manipulating the original owner.

"I understand, Mom and Dad. Don’t worry."

Chu Yan showed no trace of displeasure. Instead, he appeared alarmingly compliant. The couple exchanged a glance, slightly surprised, but they didn’t dwell on it, assuming Chu Yan was just afraid of losing his only remaining leverage.

"Good that you know. Let’s go in together then."

Just then, Chu Yan suddenly stopped Chu Yi.

"Big Brother, can I talk to you alone for a moment?"

Chu Yi arched a brow in surprise, while Chu Xiuyi beside him went rigid.

'Of course. The bond of growing up together isn’t something I, an interloper, can compare to.' He was jealous—and even more resentful.

Before Chu Yi could respond, Chu Hongrun cut in sharply, "What do you need your brother for? Don’t you realize the importance of tonight? Always so thoughtless."

"It’s something important," Chu Yan insisted, staring only at Chu Yi. "Big Brother, may I?"

He knew very well that although Chu Hongrun hadn’t fully stepped down, Chu Yi, as the heir, was now holding the reins in the Chu family. As long as Chu Yi agreed, it was settled.

Chu Yi’s expression remained unreadable, but his curiosity was piqued. He told his parents to take Xiao Yi ahead while he led Chu Yan back to the car.

"What did you want to talk about?"

'What could it be? Last time, Chu Yan took the ten million I gave him and promised not to harm Xiao Yi again. He hasn’t returned to the Chu family since, as if deliberately keeping his distance. He’s been oddly well-behaved—he hasn’t even sought out Fu Hong’an all this time. So what could he possibly want from me now?'

'Could it be like before—asking me to use the life-saving favor to force Fu Hong’an into marrying him? After all, the engagement was promised by the old master himself. If the old master spoke up, Fu Hong’an wouldn’t dare refuse.'

'That must be it. Chu Yan has lost his standing, and the only way for him to climb back up is by clinging to Fu Hong’an. Their engagement is his sole remaining claim.'

But just as Chu Yi’s thoughts raced, Chu Yan said gravely.

"Big Brother, I want to break off the engagement with Fu Hong’an."