Chapter 22: Breakup

Chapter 22: The Broken Engagement

"Good heavens, does Third Master have a vendetta against Old Master Fu?"

"I heard he's pure evil, like a demon reborn."

"The Fu family is truly cursed. I even heard he's a hyper-aggressive deviant—arson, murder, the whole nine yards."

"Just hearsay, but I heard he has a hereditary mental illness. Terrifying when he loses it."

"Please, I heard he eats people—cannibal feasts, you know, like in the West…"

...

Amidst the rising chorus of whispers, the black-clad bodyguard on stage solemnly held the egg-laying turtle. This scene, a stark and absurd contrast to the priceless birthday gifts from other guests, was both comical and explosive.

Old Master Fu’s vision swam, darkening repeatedly. If not for Fu Jingye and his brother rushing to support him, he would have surely fainted from sheer rage.

"You rebellious son! You utter disgrace!"

The turtle could have been presented privately, but who knew Fu Junhang was in such a foul mood?

Besides, gifting a turtle for his father’s birthday to wish him longevity—perfectly reasonable, right?

Old Master Fu gritted his teeth. "Are you determined to infuriate this old man to death?"

"All these years, and you're still going strong, aren't you?" Fu Junhang said nonchalantly. "Such a lively occasion, yet no one informed me. Ah, it seems I truly am the superfluous one in this family."

"Or… perhaps you've forgotten you even have a son like me?"

Fu Junhang seemed to possess an innate talent for vexing people. As a child, he was always cold and distant, yet every word he uttered could cut someone down. Now grown, he was less aloof, but his words still carried an aura that could instantly devastate anyone, even without seeing them. Just hearing his tone over the phone was enough to drive one half-mad with anger.

"Third Brother!" Fu Jingye couldn't bear it any longer. Their father was gasping for breath, and Fu Jingpeng, that useless coward, dared not speak. So, as the eldest, he had to intervene. "Today is Father's birthday. You need to stop."

"What exactly did I do that warrants 'stopping'?" Fu Junhang feigned innocence.

"You claim no one informed you—when have we ever *not* informed you? But did you ever come? For years, you've sent turtles, each time leaving Father bedridden with rage. Fine, those were private family gatherings. But today is his 80th birthday, with so many guests, and you deliberately humiliate him—even sending a turtle that lays an egg on the spot! Are you trying to kill him? Or make the Fu family a laughingstock?"

Every guest present was a person of influence. How could the esteemed Fu family maintain its standing among the elite after this?

Yet, on the other end of the phone, Fu Junhang seemed to hear nothing but the words "turtle laying an egg," and burst into laughter.

"Excellent! This year's turtle is truly superb—buy one, get one free! Oh, and don't discard that egg. It might just hatch into a baby turtle. Consider it next year's birthday gift, delivered in advance."

This absolute menace!

The old man, who had just barely recovered, felt his vision swim again. The turtles this scoundrel had sent in previous years were still being kept—not because he wanted to, but because refusing would invite even worse torment.

What sin had he committed in a past life to be cursed with such a scoundrel of a son?

This man was truly his nemesis.

Old Master Fu took several deep breaths before he could finally compose himself.

"The gift is received. If there's nothing else, hang up."

This public display of gifting a turtle was clearly Fu Junhang's aim: to make the Fu family, and him personally, a laughingstock. Now that his goal was achieved, Fu Zhonghai was simply afraid of this rebellious son. After all, being laughed at was far better than the things he used to do.

However, Fu Junhang didn't hang up. Instead, he inquired about something he had never cared about before.

"I heard my eldest nephew is getting married soon. Shouldn't I, as his uncle, present him with a generous gift?"

The three Fu men were momentarily stunned. Fu Jingye, in particular, felt an inexplicable alarm bell ring—was Fu Junhang targeting his son, Hongan? Was he finally making a move on the Fu family''s power?

Their expressions were a sight to behold. Fu Hongan, suddenly named, stiffened inexplicably. Not long ago, his third uncle had suddenly returned to the old mansion and inexplicably claimed a nightclub. He still hadn't figured out the reason for his third uncle's return, nor why he was suddenly interested in a nightclub.

As for his own marriage, he believed his third uncle genuinely didn't care. So what was his third uncle's sudden motive for bringing it up?

Their gazes exchanged, and finally, the Old Master answered, "Hongan's engagement was called off, just moments ago."

"Tsk tsk, what truly joyous news! Please congratulate my almost-niece-in-law for me—a timely stop-loss."

The Fu family members: "..." Was that even human? Who suffered a loss? Was he congratulating the wrong person?

"My nephew really made out like a bandit this time. Promised to 'repay kindness with marriage,' then reneged. He strung someone along with empty promises for fifteen years, milking their devotion, and now—oh, he's found 'true love,' so the charade ends. What a mastermind. It'd be a wonder if you weren't the heir."

"The Fu family is blessed to have you."

Was that praise? No—this was cutting sarcasm, scathing without a single vulgar word.

The birthday hall was filled with esteemed figures from prominent families, political dignitaries, and industry leaders who were business partners with the Fu family. They stood near the Fu father and sons. Though they didn't catch every word, phrases like "empty promises," "benefactor," and "found true love" were clearly audible.

Many prominent families knew about Fu Hongan's kidnapping years ago. When the Fu and Chu families announced their engagement, many were puzzled. Although the Chu family was also wealthy, it wasn't on the same level as the Fu family, especially since Chu Yan was only four at the time. It wasn't until the story of a life-saving favor circulated that everyone understood.

So, it was common knowledge that the Fu family's engagement was a repayment of gratitude. However, over the years, people had only focused on mocking the Chu family for climbing the social ladder and Chu Yan for being a sycophant. Many had forgotten that this engagement was initially proposed by the Fu family out of gratitude. Now, to call it off so abruptly—was the debt of gratitude simply being ignored?

And from what was implied, Fu Hongan had called off the engagement because he had found someone he loved. Old Master Fu had not mentioned a single word about the past incident. Wasn't this simply ingratitude?

"It seems that Chu family boy is quite pitiful. All these years, his sincerity was wasted, only to end up with a broken engagement."

"Tsk tsk, I heard he's not even a biological Chu. Could that be why the Fu family called it off?"

"The mighty Fu family, sinking to this level... tsk tsk."

"..."

Seeing everyone's reactions, Old Master Fu's vision darkened once more.

Fu Hongan's face flushed crimson. He didn't know how Chu Yan had endured all these years. Facing the pointing fingers and whispers, he felt utterly humiliated. He couldn't even make out what these people were saying; their mere gazes made his face burn.

His third uncle, truly, as always, annihilated everyone with a single opening remark.

"Enough. Hongan's affairs are none of your concern."

"I wasn't planning to concern myself. How bizarre."

Everyone: "..."

Being publicly shamed over the broken engagement left Fu Zhonghai somewhat mortified. And with the reputation of being ungrateful, who would dare do business with the Fu family in the future?

"Everyone, I hadn't finished speaking earlier."

"The two children simply lacked destiny. The engagement would only cause them distress. However, the Chu boy did save my grandson—he is the Fu family's benefactor. I hope you will all look out for him in the future."

These words were utterly hypocritical. Your family's benefactor, yet you don't look out for him yourselves and expect others to? Moreover, weren't the ones who bullied him the most your own Fu family, especially Fu Hongan? So, these words were just for show, and no one took them to heart.

However, after Third Master's scene, merely saying a few pleasantries wouldn't salvage the Fu family's reputation. Fu Zhonghai then publicly instructed Fu Hongan to give Chu Yan fifty million yuan as compensation for the broken engagement.

And so, Chu Yan unexpectedly received that fifty million in emotional distress compensation in a way he never imagined.

Shortly after, both the Fu and Chu family's official websites simultaneously issued statements regarding the engagement matter.

Finally, Chu Yan was free—no more damn fiancé.

Step one of staying away from the male lead—achieved!

Moreover, Chu Yan not only successfully dissolved his engagement with Fu Hongan but also walked away with a clean hundred million profit.

A hundred million! Chu Yan left the Fu residence gleefully, his lips curling uncontrollably from the sheer joy of sudden wealth. However, everyone assumed his laughter was the result of being utterly heartbroken, leading to uncontrolled mirth. So, he received countless sympathetic glances along the way—until he stood at the Fu estate’s entrance for a full fifteen minutes without managing to hail a cab.

Chu Yan finally regained a bit of focus from his euphoria.

Damn it. He’d forgotten to ask the driver who brought him here to wait. Now, while others drove off in luxury cars or were chauffeured by the Fu family, he had nothing. To make matters worse, there were no taxis in sight.

Chu Yan had left early—the birthday banquet was still ongoing. Most people were seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network and discuss business, so the area was sparsely populated. But there were exceptions, like the group of spoiled heirs who had clashed with Chu Yan earlier. Having nothing better to do, they’d also left early and, as luck would have it, spotted Chu Yan squatting alone by the roadside, trying to hail a cab.

“Holy shit, look at this stray mutt. I knew the Fu family would dump him sooner or later—this is hilarious.”

They surrounded him with mocking laughter. Not a single one of them was decent.

“Is this loser hiding here to cry? Where’s all that cocky attitude from before?”

“Arrogant? The Chu family doesn’t want him, and neither does the Fu family. He’s an absolute nobody now.”

One of them raised his foot and kicked at Chu Yan, who was still crouched on the ground.

Chu Yan had been staring at the spinning loading icon on his ride-hailing app when suddenly, someone blocked his light, chattering and then kicking at him. Without thinking, he sprang up and kicked back before bolting while they were still stunned.

“Fuck! Chu Yan, you’re dead!”

The guy hadn’t expected Chu Yan to retaliate—let alone land a solid kick right on his kneecap. With a pained howl, he crumpled to the ground, clutching his knee. The crack of his knee was painful just to hear.

“Pin him down! I’m gonna kill him tonight!”

Cursing, they gave chase. Chu Yan cursed too—what rotten luck. In his attempt to find a cab, he’d wandered farther from the Fu estate, and now he couldn’t even run back.

“Chu Yan, stop right there!”

“In your dreams!”

Chu Yan turned his head and spat at them. The Chu Yan of his past life had been in decent shape, but he’d forgotten that his current body had lived a pampered and soft life. Soon, he was panting heavily. Then, as if fate were mocking him, a stray branch scratched his eye. Instinctively dodging, his foot landed on a loose pebble, twisting his ankle and sending him staggering and crashing to the ground.

Well, shit! His freshly acquired hundred million, and that irresistible male model waiting at home—gone before he could even enjoy them!

The sharp pain in his ankle nearly made him black out, and his scraped knee had him hissing through clenched teeth. Still, he could endure this much—but running was no longer an option.

Before he could even stand, the rich brats caught up. The moment Chu Yan tried to push himself up, he collapsed again.

Heaven wants me dead.

“Run. Why aren’t you running now?”

Young Master Zhang kicked Chu Yan back down as he struggled to rise. “Thought you were fast, huh?”

Chu Yan gritted his teeth against the pain, especially the throbbing in his twisted ankle, which sent spasms up his entire leg, his whole leg twitching uncontrollably. Discretion is the better part of valor—he’d endure.

But Young Master Zhang’s eyes suddenly lit up when he noticed Chu Yan’s injury.

“You always looked down on me, didn’t you? Tonight, I’ll make sure you’re crippled for life. Then I’ll keep you chained to my bed—play with you however I want.”

“Pin him down!” The others immediately pinned Chu Yan.

“Zhang, I’m still the Chu family’s nominal young master! The Fu family won’t just abandon me either—think carefully about the consequences!”

Chu Yan’s breathing grew frantic, but the bastard only smirked and raised his foot, aiming to stomp down hard on his leg.

“Empty threats.”

This was really the end.

Yet the expected agony never came. At the last possible second, a long leg shot out from behind Chu Yan, passing over his shoulder. A dull thud followed, and Young Master Zhang went flying like a human-shaped punching bag—high, far, and with a brutal impact that left him knocked out cold.

The other rich kids froze in shock, then a nameless terror seized them from head to toe. It was as if a demon from hell had locked onto their souls, paralyzing them with sheer dread.

Then, a deep, icy voice spoke from behind them.

“Scram.”

A single word, yet it felt like a pardon. The suffocating aura of death and mortal terror peaked in an instant, and without a second thought, they bolted like frightened animals—pissed themselves fleeing, not even daring to look back.

What kind of terrifying aura was this? Was this guy straight from hell or something?

Chu Yan slowly turned his head and saw a tall, imposing figure looming over him, silhouetted against the light, face obscured. The silhouette was striking—tall, imposing, draped in a long black overcoat that seemed even longer than Chu Yan’s height. The outline against the light was like the Grim Reaper stepping straight out of a comic book. In the cold, silent night, a faint mist seemed to wreathe around him as he advanced with measured steps.

Unbidden, an eerie supernatural soundtrack played in Chu Yan’s mind.

Damn, he’s really milking this.

But why does this figure seem familiar?