Chapter 26: Forced Termination

Chapter 26: Forced Contract Termination

Stepping through the Chu family’s doors once more, a familiar yet foreign sensation washed over Chu Yan. The familiarity stemmed from the original owner’s memories, but it was tinged with complex emotions—this home had never been a source of warmth or joy for the original host.

Coincidentally, all five family members were gathered for dinner when Chu Yan arrived. Last time, he had only seen Chu Shuo and Chu Xiuyi; this time, the entire family was present.

Chu Hongrun, as usual, presided at the head of the table, flanked by Mrs. Chu and Chu Yi. Chu Shuo sat beside Chu Yi, while Chu Xiuyi occupied the seat next to Mrs. Chu—a spot that once belonged to Chu Yan. The five of them turned their gazes toward Chu Yan in unison, not a single spare chair in sight.

It wasn't that Chu Yan had deliberately timed his arrival for dinner. On the contrary, it was Chu Shuo who had called him over for the meal.

As it turned out, the young man had ulterior motives.

When Chu Yan looked his way, Chu Shuo merely smirked, his eyes brimming with unmistakable provocation and warning—the same old childish antics.

The original host had endured countless such pranks throughout his childhood, but under Chu Shuo’s bullying, he had always suffered in silence. After all, speaking up would offer no protection; why invite further humiliation?

But Chu Yan refused to indulge him.

First, he scanned the table—no place set for him, no chopsticks or bowl. His expression visibly shifted from cheerful to crestfallen, his eyes heavy with suppressed hurt.

“Second Brother, didn’t you ask me to come back for dinner? Why didn’t you wait for me?”

All eyes snapped toward Chu Shuo.

“Wha—me? When did I ever invite you to dinner?” Caught off guard, Chu Shuo hadn’t expected Chu Yan to actually call him out. “Don’t you know your place in this family?”

Chu Yan let out a quiet “Oh.”

“I see.”

Hurt but silent, he simply lowered his head.

Chu Yi shot Chu Shuo a sharp glare, a silent promise of future reckoning.

“Honestly, no self-awareness at all. Guess you really have no shame.”

Muttering sourly but not daring to defy his eldest brother, Chu Shuo was quickly tugged at the sleeve by Chu Xiuyi. “Stop it, Second Brother.”

“Aren’t you going to get Young Master Yan his bowl and chopsticks?”

Chu Yi cast a calm glance at the butler before instructing someone to bring a chair for Chu Yan. Only then did his gaze settle on Chu Yan. “Since Xiao Yan is here, sit down and eat with us.”

“Thank you, Eldest Brother.”

Without missing a beat, Chu Yan happily accepted the utensils and tucked in. This was, after all, a wealthy family’s dinner—premium ingredients, a top chef, even the tableware was luxurious. No reason not to enjoy it.

The scene drew sideways glances from the Chu family, but no one spoke further. Throughout the meal, Mrs. Chu and Chu Shuo heaped Chu Xiuyi’s plate with food—dishes he loved, accompanied by laughter and doting affection. Even the usually reserved Chu Hongrun and Chu Yi smiled at their interactions, the family’s closeness palpable.

Though seated at the same table, Chu Yan felt an invisible chasm between them—one he could never cross. He stood out awkwardly, but having long grown accustomed to such scenes, he shrugged it off.

Suddenly, a chicken wing landed in his bowl. Chu Yan looked up to meet Chu Yi’s gaze.

“I remember you liked these.”

A pang of emotion stirred within him. Chicken wings had indeed been the original host’s favorite—a testament to Chu Yi’s attentiveness. Even without paying special attention, he knew. Yet, the original host had never been shown such kindness before. After over a decade under the same roof, this was the first time Chu Yi had served him food.

But Chu Yan didn’t like chicken wings. He preferred drumsticks.

As a child, he’d never had the chance to eat them, only drooling over advertisements. Later, while working as an extra on sets, he’d occasionally get boxed lunches with drumsticks—delicious and filling. So he’d grown fond of them.

The memory brought a moment of wistful reflection.

“What’s wrong? Don’t like it?”

Chu Yi was surprised to see Chu Yan’s eyes reddening slightly. Realizing this was his first time showing him such care—that no one in this family ever had—a pang of guilt pricked at him.

Was Chu Yan overwhelmed with emotion?

“No,” Chu Yan quickly composed himself. “Thank you, Eldest Brother. I love it.”

Chu Yi’s guilt deepened, but Chu Shuo scoffed. “Tch, acting like we’ve been mistreating you. Who’s this pitiful act for? Bet you’re just playing the victim.”

“Second Brother, don’t say that.”

Chu Xiuyi frowned. “You’re still family.”

“Family? Him?” Chu Shuo sneered. “Xiao Yi, you’re the one who’s family with us. He doesn’t deserve pity—haven’t you seen the shameful antics he’s pulled lately? We don’t need this kind of ‘family.’”

“Chu Shuo!” Chu Yi’s voice turned sharp with warning. “Enough.”

“Eldest Brother, don’t let him fool you. He’s faking it.”

“That’s enough,” Mrs. Chu interjected. “Your second brother isn’t wrong. Why scold him?”

“Mom, you—”

“Enough,” Chu Hongrun finally spoke. “Anyone not eating can leave.”

Silence fell. Chu Yan, unbothered and cheerful, kept eating heartily. After all, their words weren’t directed at him—and they were right. He wasn’t part of this family. Their attitude was only natural.

So he focused on the feast before him. No point going hungry over their nonsense.

Chu Yi watched him, guilt gnawing harder. The way Chu Yan buried himself in eating—was he hiding his sorrow? Were there tears in his eyes?

Even Chu Shuo felt uneasy. He’d have preferred Chu Yan to argue back tearfully as he used to. This quiet, wounded act was unsettling. Who did he think he was fooling? And it wasn’t like his misery was Chu Shuo’s fault.

Yet, faced with this version of Chu Yan, he kept quiet.

Finally, Chu Yan finished his meal—full and content. And then came the interrogation.

“What’s this about you joining that lowbrow reality show? Does the Chu family starve you? Leave you homeless? Was there any need to sink this low?”

Qiu Lizhen’s face was dark. She’d learned of it from Chu Shuo, and a glance at the recent hot search had left her fuming. Thanks to this useless adopted son, she could barely hold her head up in high-society gatherings. Who knew he’d embarrass them like this?

Humiliating. Absolutely humiliating. Even if he wasn’t blood-related, the Chu family hadn’t publicly disowned him yet. His shame was hers.

“He’s doing it on purpose,” Chu Shuo sneered. When he’d spotted Chu Yan’s name on *Rebirth Challenge*’s lineup, he’d slammed the table in rage. “He wants the whole world to laugh at us.”

Just look at the other guests—adulterers, abusers, homewreckers, playboys, delinquents… a den of degenerates. They were the worst of showbiz, the rotten apples spoiling the bunch. Even if Chu Yan gained fame from the show, it’d only be infamy. What was the point?

“You’ll stoop to anything for attention. I always knew you were stupid, but this? Rubbing shoulders with trash—what good could come of it?”

Chu Shuo’s anger mounted. He was ashamed to call Chu Yan his brother. Because of him, he couldn’t face his rivals without shame.

“Chu Yan, for once in your life, think straight. How could you be dumb enough to join that show? Throwing away your reputation? Your dignity? Or do you just enjoy being mocked—want the whole world to laugh at you?”

Pathetic.

“Chu Yan, Second Brother’s right. You should reconsider. As fellow artists, we know how crucial it is to protect our image,” Chu Xiuyi said earnestly. “Once your reputation’s ruined, it’s hard to recover. And with a crowd like that? You’ll never wash off the stain.” “Xiao Yi’s correct,” Chu Hongrun said coolly. “You’ve always lacked sense. Since you’re foolish, listen to those wiser. For showbiz matters, consult your second brother and Xiao Yi. For the rest, ask your eldest brother. They won’t steer you wrong.”

Chu Yan remained silent. All their words sounded pleasant—what reputation, what feathers? He had none to begin with. Besides, in his current situation, could he even land another role? If he didn’t take this, how would he put food on the table? Reputation? He never had one to begin with. Was today his first time being ridiculed?

Chu Yan listened calmly until they finished, then asked indifferently, “So, what do you all think I should do now?”

“What else?” Chu Shuo sneered. “Of course, back out of the deal. Do you really plan to humiliate yourself?”

Chu Yan smiled mockingly. “Second Brother, we signed a contract. Terminating it without cause means paying ten times the breach penalty.”

“So pay it. It’s not a big deal.”

Chu Shuo said it as if it were obvious, and the others, including Chu Yi, shared the same attitude.

But if Chu Yan hadn’t gotten that 50 million from Chu Yi or received the Fu young master's settlement, how could he afford to pay?

No one cared.

Chu Yan smiled again. “You called me here tonight for more than just terminating the contract with the show, right?”

Chu Yi’s expression stiffened slightly. Chu Yan really wasn’t the same as before—he wasn't throwing a fit, didn’t cry or make a scene, and was even rational. It made Chu Yi feel uneasy.

Chu Hongrun raised an eyebrow. As long as Chu Yan wasn’t being downright delusional, he was willing to say a few words to him.

“Your called-off engagement with the Fu family has already had a significant impact on Chu’s Entertainment. The effects are becoming apparent, and it’ll only get worse. At this critical moment, you need to lay low.”

“The issue with the show is also due to your Eldest Brother’s negligence in oversight. How could the company agree to let you sign such a trashy reality show? The recent bad press has been damaging to Chu’s Entertainment, even affecting the entire Chu family. The best solution is to terminate your contract.”

Chu Hongrun spoke as if laying down the law—not a discussion, just a notification.

Chu Yan wasn’t surprised by this decision. He had expected it before coming, so he remained calm. Besides, if he wanted to distance himself from the two main characters—breaking off the engagement, leaving the Chu family, and terminating his contract with Chu’s Entertainment—were all necessary steps.

“There’s no two ways about it. Whether you want to or not, the termination will happen. Soon, Chu’s Entertainment will announce the termination of your contract and put out a statement saying that signing *Rebirth* was your personal decision, done behind the company’s back, and has nothing to do with Chu’s Entertainment.”

This meant they were forcing the termination and pinning the blame on Chu Yan for taking the job without authorization.

They only cared about preventing Chu Yan from dragging the Chu family down, but they didn’t consider that he was already drowning. If Chu’s Entertainment terminated his contract now, it would be like pouring salt on his wounds. And by labeling it as his “personal behavior,” what company would dare sign him afterward?

They were pushing Chu Yan into an even deeper abyss.

Chu Hongrun spoke as if it were nothing. None of them worried whether Chu Yan could afford the penalty fee for *Rebirth*, nor did they care if he could ever work again.

Though he had expected this, Chu Yan still felt a heavy weight in his chest—perhaps influenced by the original host’s memories.

Subconsciously, he looked toward Chu Yi, the only one who had ever shown him kindness.

“Does Eldest Brother think so too?”

Chu Yi’s gaze wavered slightly. “Xiao Yan, the entertainment industry isn’t for you. Your years at Chu’s Entertainment haven’t amounted to squat—everyone knows that. And if not for your status as the Chu family’s young master, Chu’s Entertainment would never have signed an artist like you.”

“Perhaps there’s a career better suited for you.”

“But what if I really love acting?”

“You?” Before Chu Yi could respond, Chu Shuo cut in with disdain. “Look at the trainwrecks you call acting—utter trash. How can you even say you love acting? If I were you, I’d have quit long ago. But no, you’d rather sink lower and join a show that everyone loves to hate. Your shamelessness is as thick as ever.”

“Chu Shuo!”

“It’s the truth. Why can’t I say it?” Chu Shuo shrank back under Chu Yi’s glare but still muttered, “Eldest Brother, you think so too, don’t you? You never defended him before.”

Chu Yi paused briefly before continuing to Chu Yan, “I’ll arrange for someone to negotiate with *Rebirth*. As for Chu’s Entertainment, all you need to do is sign.”

“Given the current backlash, laying low for a while is the best solution. I’ll send you abroad for a few years. The entertainment industry moves fast—maybe soon, no one will remember this. You can return then.”

Chu Yi’s plan was thorough—essentially making Chu Yan disappear for a while to avoid the storm. On paper, it made sense.

But it sounded considerate on the surface, yet it wasn’t a discussion—it was a slow blade.

“Xiao Yan, don’t worry. The Chu family raised you for eighteen years. As long as you behave, we won’t abandon you. This will always be your home, and I’ll always be your Eldest Brother.”

Chu Yi sounded sincere, but Chu Shuo’s face was full of scorn, and Chu Hongrun and his wife watched stone-faced. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the same Chu Yan they knew, so...

“Sorry, Eldest Brother, but I disagree.”

Before Chu Yi could respond, Chu Shuo exploded again.

“Who do you think you are? Does your opinion even matter? After all these years of the Chu family raising you, is this how you repay us? Listen, Chu Yan, Eldest Brother is mopping up after you. If you can’t even show basic gratitude, at least don’t be ungrateful. Quit acting so damn entitled!”

“Xiao Yan, you no longer have the leeway to throw tantrums. Listen to your Eldest Brother’s arrangements—it’s best for you and everyone.” Madam Chu said coolly.

“We raised you after all. Don’t force us to burn our last bridge. Go abroad quietly. As long as you behave, I’ll cover your allowance. But don’t expect anything more. Get this through your head—without the Chu family, you’re nothing. Forget the entertainment industry; you won’t last a week out there.”

Chu Hongrun and Chu Xiuyi remained silent observers, but Chu Yi’s expression darkened as he demanded coldly, “Reason.”

He didn’t want to sever ties with Chu Yan completely—after all, Chu Yan held the Chu family’s secrets. But after their conversation that night, he had thought Chu Yan was at least smart enough to make the right choice.

Ignoring Chu Shuo and Madam Chu’s words—from their perspective, their actions weren’t unreasonable—Chu Yan simply looked at Chu Yi.

“First, I will terminate my contract with Chu’s Entertainment. You can rest assured about that.”

“Second, I will never withdraw from *Rebirth Challenge*.”

“But don’t worry—I’ll publicly announce my severance from the Chu family online. From then on, nothing I do will involve the Chu family, so my participation in *Rebirth Challenge* won’t affect you.”

The moment Chu Yan finished speaking, the room went dead silent. None of them had expected him to suggest cutting ties himself. He had already broken off the engagement with the Fu young master, and his relationship with the Chu family was on life support. Everyone assumed he’d cling to the Chu coattails desperately—yet here he was, the one choosing to sever it.

Chu Yan was cutting off all his own lifeboats. Had he lost his damn mind?