Chapter 52: He’s So Cute

Chapter 52 He’s Adorable

"What did you want to talk about, Big Brother?"

Chu Yi, however, took his time.

"Xiao Yan, what would you like to drink?"

"No thanks, Big Brother."

Chu Yan shook his head. Chu Yi's attitude confused him, but he had no interest in getting involved with the Chu family again.

Yet Chu Yi ordered the waiter to bring over a delicate slice of cake.

Chu Yan was surprised.

Chu Yi smiled.

"At Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet last time, I noticed you seemed to enjoy these. Try it and see if you like it."

He felt a pang of guilt—Chu Yan had been raised in the Chu family for eighteen years, yet Chu Yi had never known what he liked to eat. It wasn’t until the Fu family event that he noticed Chu Yan quietly polishing off two cakes by himself in a corner, and then another while listening to him gossip about Third Master Fu.

Chu Yan himself might not have realized it, but Chu Yi, who had been observing him closely, saw everything clearly. Especially when Chu Yan stood beside him, listening with great interest to the gossip about Third Master Fu while munching steadily.

Unconsciously, Chu Yan’s cheeks puffed up slightly, like a cute little hamster nibbling on food.

At that moment, Chu Yi thought, eating with Chu Yan would surely be a pleasant experience.

Chu Yan, however, didn’t notice the unreadable look in the man’s eyes.

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Chu Yan didn’t eat it—he had drunk too much earlier and was too full—but he hated wasting food.

"Can I take it with me later?"

Chu Yi paused, surprised. The way Chu Yan’s eyes lit up at the cake was so pure, his expression of conflicted desire so amusing, and the way he unconsciously swallowed while pursing his lips was so vivid.

For some reason, Chu Yi felt his throat tighten.

So this was what it felt like to have a dutiful little brother.

"Of course."

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Admittedly, Chu Yi was quite attentive. Rumor had it that Chu Yan had been pestered by a stalker recently—what rotten karma.

But Chu Yan was rather looking forward to seeing what would happen if such a reserved and aloof man like Chu Yi got entangled with a flamboyant creep. The thought alone was somewhat darkly amusing.

The amusing image almost made Chu Yan snort, so he quickly lowered his head to hide his amusement.

"Big Brother, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Yet Chu Yi was once again stunned by his reaction.

He had clearly been trying to hold back laughter just now—was he really that happy over just a piece of cake?

Just how neglected had Chu Yan been in the Chu family all these years, to be so easily satisfied? A mere slice of cake could bring him such joy? Had he once waited just as cautiously, hoping Chu Yi might bring him a small gift or treat him with kindness like this?

A surge of guilt spread through Chu Yi’s heart, and his gaze gradually softened as he looked at Chu Yan.

"That statement severing ties—were you serious about it?"

At this, Chu Yan’s expression turned frosty.

"Yes, it was a decision I made after careful consideration. Is Big Brother also here to pressure me to apologize and admit fault?"

The sudden chill in Chu Yan’s tone made Chu Yi feel slightly uncomfortable, but he plowed ahead.

"Xiao Yan, you shouldn’t be so stubborn. I’ve told you before—as long as you toe the line, the Chu family won’t cast you out."

*Even if the Chu family did, I wouldn’t,* Chu Yi added silently in his heart.

"You’ve caused such an uproar this time—everyone is mocking us. I told you before, I could send you abroad. Why drag yourself into such a desperate situation?"

"I know you’re trying to redeem yourself through that *variety show*, but you’ve seen it yourself—one wrong move, and it’s a point of no return."

"Lu Zhaoyang is a case in point."

"And so is Li Wenzhang."

Chu Yi was a businessman, a man of power. Information beyond the reach of ordinary people was easily accessible to him, and truths obscured to others were transparent to him.

"Don’t think he’s escaped unscathed, let alone grown even more popular. The higher he climbs now, the harder he’ll fall later."

"That show is using all of you as scapegoats. Do you understand?"

Chu Yi wasn’t exaggerating—he just wanted Chu Yan to back out while he can. But in his words, Chu Yan caught another implication.

Chu Yi was suggesting that Li Wenzhang was lying. His instincts had been right—that man really was problematic.

Seeing Chu Yan’s silence, Chu Yi assumed he was considering his words and continued.

"Xiao Yan, I just want you to know—the outside world is complicated. Without support, it’s hard to go far. If you’re willing to come back, I’ll welcome you anytime."

"With me here, you don’t need to push yourself so hard. You could easily continue living as a pampered young master."

Chu Yi spoke with such sincerity, yet Chu Yan’s heart remained untouched.

"So, Big Brother, do you also think that man earlier was my sugar-daddy?"

Chu Yan suddenly let out a mirthless laugh, the coldness in his eyes making Chu Yi flinch.

"No!"

Chu Yi’s voice rose sharply—whether he was denying the question or the idea of Chu Yan having a sugar-daddy wasn’t clear.

Though they seemed the same, there was a fundamental difference. He simply couldn’t accept the thought of Chu Yan being with another man.

The thought was irrational—and unsettling.

Chu Yi didn’t dare linger on it.

"I didn’t think that. I know you know better."

This much was true. Ever since Old Master Fu’s banquet, Chu Yi had known—Chu Yan wasn’t a simple person. Someone as clever and controlled as him wouldn’t let himself fall into such disgrace.

He was nothing like that idiot Second Chu.

"So, big brother is still worried about that marriage scam," the truth about the Chu family's fraudulent marriage, "worried I might reveal it?"

Chu Yi shook his head again, but it was indeed a potential ticking time bomb.

"Big brother, don't worry. You gave me 50 million, and I keep my promises."

"As for returning to the Chu family," Chu Yan smiled, "I think I'm good where I am now. I won’t go back to the Chu family, but you’ll always be my big brother."

Just don’t provoke me or push me too far.

Seeing his firmness, Chu Yi opened his mouth but could only sigh in the end.

"Alright."

"But if you ever face difficulties in the future, you can always come to me."

Chu Yan nodded with a smile, but inwardly, he found it laughable.

Weren’t his difficulties caused by the Chu family in the first place?

How hypocritical.

After the variety show livestream, Chu Yan's popularity skyrocketed, and Liao Jian became extremely busy. The company assigned Chu Yan an assistant, Xiao Cen, who was responsible for picking him up today.

Xiao Cen was waiting outside now.

Just as Chu Yan turned the corner, he saw Fu Hongan standing there.

It seemed like he had been waiting deliberately.

Today must have been an unlucky day. Resigned, Chu Yan stopped as the Male Lead walked toward him.

He really wanted to pretend not to know him.

"Chu Yan, I’m sorry. I acted impulsively earlier."

Chu Yan raised an eyebrow, surprised that this man had come to apologize.

"What does Young Master Fu want now?"

Fu Hongan’s expression was complicated. Seeing another man holding Chu Yan’s hand earlier had made him lose his rationality, leading to his rude remarks.

Afterward, he immediately had his assistant investigate the man and learned that the middle-aged man was the head of the Angel Foundation. The reason he met with Chu Yan was because Chu Yan intended to donate 50 million as a special fund and promised long-term contributions.

Fu Hongan was still reeling from the shock of this revelation.

Chu Yan had lost everything—he had broken off the engagement with Fu Hongan, severed ties with the Chu family, and even had his contract with Chu's Entertainment terminated, reportedly leaving him with tens of millions in breach penalties. Yet despite such dire circumstances, he could still generously donate 50 million to charity.

What kind of generosity and courage was this?

He remembered how Chu Yan had asked for 60 million to break off their engagement, and how he had treated him in return. In the end, the Fu family had given him 50 million, but Chu Yan, willing to bear the slander and risk ruin by appearing on that lowbrow variety show, had donated every cent to charity.

Fu Hongan couldn’t understand how Chu Yan could go to such lengths.

It seemed he had never truly known the person who had uncomplainingly pursued him for fifteen years.

Now, Fu Hongan felt a mix of emotions—regret for his past indifference, regret for never trying to understand Chu Yan.

If he had known Chu Yan better, perhaps they wouldn’t have reached the point of breaking off the engagement.

But regret was useless. They had already come this far, and now he had Xiao Yi.

"Chu Yan," Fu Hongan’s voice was hoarse, "withdraw from *Rebirth Challenge* and come with me to *Love and Romance*."

Chu Yan was baffled.

If he remembered correctly, *Love and Romance* was the dating show Fu Hongan and Chu Xiuyi were set to appear on. It was rumored to start filming next week, with Fu Hongan making a surprise appearance as a guest to partner with Chu Xiuyi.

The two would flaunt their affection throughout the show, which was tailor-made for them, even publicly announcing their relationship on the program.

But whether in the original story or now, this show had absolutely nothing to do with Chu Yan.

"Fu Hongan, have you lost your mind?"

"Stop being stubborn."

Chu Yan: ???

"I know you’ve always wanted to be on *Love and Romance*. Now, I’m giving you this chance."

Before Chu Yan arrived in this world, the original host had indeed wanted to join this dating show. He had begged the company multiple times but was rejected for various reasons—his poor acting, his low status, simply not being qualified enough.

But the main reason was Fu Hongan, the investor, refusing to allow it.

The show was originally Fu Hongan’s exception for Chu Xiuyi. He invested in it solely for him, and his only demand to the production team was Chu Xiuyi’s participation.

In the original story, Chu Xiuyi faced criticism for being the lowest-status and least-qualified guest, but he ultimately skyrocketed to fame through the show, gaining countless fans.

The original host had been driven mad with jealousy. He begged his eldest brother, who said he didn’t interfere with subsidiary decisions.

He went to his second brother, only to be mocked from head to toe by Chu Shuo before he could even speak, then scolded harshly and told not to embarrass himself.

Naturally, the original host had also approached Fu Hongan, but Fu Hongan ignored him, replying with just four words:

*Absolutely impossible.*

Because of this, when Chu Yan joined *Rebirth Challenge*, the Chu brothers and Fu Hongan all assumed he was acting out of spite.

But now, Fu Hongan was condescendingly offering him a spot on the dating show.

What was this? Slapping his own face?

"Thanks," Chu Yan raised his hand in an X gesture over his chest, his expression repulsed, "but no need."

Fu Hongan frowned.

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"With this show’s lineup, even a nobody could become an internet sensation just by showing their face. I’ll arrange for a top star to guide you—you wouldn’t even need to do anything to become famous overnight. Isn’t that a hundred times better than struggling to clear your name on some trashy variety show?"

Chu Yan laughed in anger. So this man knew how easily the show could make someone famous. Then why had he stood by and watched the original host struggle without lifting a finger before?

"Really, no need."

Chu Yan turned to leave, but Fu Hongan grabbed his hand again, refusing to let go no matter how hard Chu Yan tried to pull away.

"Chu Yan! Haven’t you always wanted fame? What are you playing at now?"

Fu Hongan couldn’t understand. Such a golden opportunity was right in front of him—one he had once dreamed of—so why was Chu Yan rejecting it?

Chu Yan was utterly exasperated by this absolute clown.

"Please, Young Master, *you're* the one making a scene here."

"Weren’t you avoiding me like the plague before? We already called off the engagement—we have nothing to do with each other now. Don’t you think it’d be awkward to shove us together?"

"Even if *you* don’t feel awkward, *I* do! Besides, I really like the reality show I’m on now. I won’t quit, and I absolutely won’t join your dating show."

"And another thing—what were you thinking, dragging your *ex-fiancé* onto a dating show? Have you even considered how your *current* partner would feel?"

Fu Hongan stiffened.

"So… you’re refusing because of Xiao Yi?"

Chu Yan was almost dumbfounded at the sudden spark of delight flashing in the Young Master’s eyes.

"Is *that* the point here?"

Wow, way to miss the point.

Fu Hongan gave a derisive snort. "So it *is* jealousy. I get it—you still have lingering feelings for me. But you shouldn’t throw away your future just to spite me."

Chu Yan gaped at him.

"Are you *serious* right now?"

Unbelievable. How could someone *this* delusional be the male lead?

Without another word, Chu Yan yanked his hand free and turned to leave. But for some reason, Fu Hongan was hell-bent on not letting him go today. The two grappled all the way to the doorway.

"Chu Yan, stop this tantrum! There’s a limit to being unreasonable."

"Without the Chu family backing you, you *don’t* have the luxury of acting like a brat anymore."

"I know you don’t want to see me with Xiao Yi, but think about your situation. An opportunity like this won’t come again. Are you *sure* you want to throw it away?"

"And given how badly you need money right now, if you—"

"FU HONGAN!!!"

Chu Yan finally snapped, whirling around with a furious shout, his face flushed red.

He was trembling—shaking with rage.

"God, are you deaf or just stupid?"

Chu Yan jabbed a finger right at Fu Hongan’s nose, half-tempted to crack open this lunatic’s skull and see if his brain was wired differently from a normal person’s.

Fu Hongan hadn’t expected Chu Yan to suddenly turn and yell. Instinctively, he stumbled back—only to slam into the glass door behind him. The sharp pain in his back made him suck in a breath, but he just stood there, frozen, letting Chu Yan point accusingly at his face.

Chu Yan’s fingertip was practically touching his nose, yet Fu Hongan didn’t move an inch.

Because right now, he realized—Chu Yan was radiant with anger. His mind went blank.

Meanwhile, Chu Yan was unleashing a furious tirade.

"I *told* you—no! NO!"

"What the hell is wrong with you? You and your precious darling can flaunt your love all you want—isn’t that big dating show enough for you? Why drag *me* into it? Just to make me witness your love story? Are you insane?"

"How pathetic can you get? I don’t care—not even a *little*! I don’t care about *you*, I don’t care about *him*, and I *definitely* don’t care about the two of you together!"

"You could get married *right now*, consummate on the spot, and I *still* wouldn’t care. Got it?!"

Finally, after his outburst, Chu Yan felt *so* much better.

Honestly, aside from this reason, he couldn’t think of any other explanation.

But it was *unnecessary*—completely unnecessary. He had zero interest in getting tangled up with the male lead and his love interest. There was *no need* for this kind of drama.

Having vented his anger, Chu Yan turned to leave—completely unaware that Fu Hongan, after being verbally eviscerated at point-blank range, was now thinking only one thing:

*An angry Chu Yan… is really… so cute.*

*He said he cares.*

Every word, every expression—Chu Yan was *clearly* bothered by it.

If Chu Yan could hear Fu Hongan’s thoughts right now, he’d probably cough up blood in fury.

But he didn’t know. And at this moment, someone else was *even* angrier than him.

Fu Junhang.

His gaze was fixed on his phone screen, where the image of the two men tangled together was displayed—staring at them as if they were already dead.