CHAPTER 247: 8.34

Fu Xiaoyuan’s outburst hit Tang Tang like a violent storm, leaving him stunned.

When Fu Xiaoyuan finally calmed down and realized he had lost control, he saw Tang Tang sitting across from him, frozen, face as pale as paper, and eyes utterly lifeless.

"I’m sorry."

Fu Xiaoyuan gave a helpless, bitter smile. He reached for a tissue, intending to hand it over, only to realize that Tang Tang’s eyes, red and dry, hadn’t shed a single tear.

He just sat there like a puppet, completely numb.

A pang of guilt struck Fu Xiaoyuan.

This was, after all, someone he had once truly loved.

When Tang Tang didn’t respond, he stood and placed the tissue beside him.

"I’m sorry." He repeated softly. "Let’s break up, Tang Tang."

"Get out."

After a long silence, Tang Tang slowly lifted his head. His red, swollen eyes stared at him coldly. One sentence. No second word.

What was the point of rebirth?

In his last life, he had liked Fu Xiaoyuan. He had pursued him shamelessly, even enduring pressure and retaliation from Fu Xiaoyuan’s fiance, Jiang Jiamian. But he never gave up.

He admitted it wasn’t honorable, falling for someone who was already engaged.

But he had believed it was true love. That Fu Xiaoyuan had been forced into that engagement by his family. That the two of them shared the same dream, the same desire for freedom.

Even when Jiang Jiamian schemed against him and his life ended in ruins, he had still clung to his love for Fu Xiaoyuan.

So when he was reborn, he thought it was fate’s gift, giving two lovers another chance to get it right.

This time, he’d make sure they stayed together. This time, he wouldn’t lose to Jiang Jiamian. He’d endure everything and grow stronger. This time, he’d make it.

But the reality?

It was worse than his last life.

In the past life, even though he ended up married to the crippled Fu Yanchen, he and Fu Xiaoyuan had at least truly loved each other, even if fate tore them apart.

But this time, things were different.

This time, Fu Xiaoyuan’s heart had changed.

So what did all of this mean?

What was the point of a second chance?

Everything he had believed in, the love across two lifetimes, was just a cruel joke.

’Instead of scheming against me, maybe consider whether he is really worth it.’

He remembered Jiang Jiamian’s calm, almost polite words to him at the banquet. At the time, Tang Tang had dismissed them with anger and pride.

But now... maybe Jiang Jiamian had already seen what kind of person Fu Xiaoyuan truly was?

Maybe if he had listened, if he had stopped before it all went too far... maybe none of this would have happened.

Three days later, Huang Family Villa.

"Mr. Fu, please don’t take offense." Said Mr. Huang. "We did consider marrying into the Fu family before. But things have changed. Our daughter is our only child, and frankly, we don’t think she’d fare well in your household."

In this modern age of legal same-sex marriage, both men and women could become sons- or daughters-in-law.

Back then, when Fu Xiaoyuan clearly favored men, it was the Jiang family, stable and capable in business, that secured the engagement. The Huang family also wanted it, but they stepped back.

Now? That was no longer the case.

After the scandal, anyone who married Fu Xiaoyuan would look like they were picking up discarded goods.

Even more importantly, Jinsheng Group had extended an olive branch to the Huang family.

Now, the Huang family no longer feared offending the Fu family. The situation had flipped.

And yet, Mr. Fu had the audacity to show up in person, bringing Fu Xiaoyuan along to propose.

Instead of the smooth discussion he expected, he was rejected. Mr. Fu’s face shifted from pale to dark blue. He had never been so humiliated.

And from a family he once looked down on!

"Dad, are you okay?"

Fu Xiaoyuan, following along, saw his father’s expression twist. His breathing turned shallow, as if he might pass out.

"Get lost! What are you standing there for? Haven’t you embarrassed us enough?!"

Mr. Fu’s rage exploded. He didn’t care that he was still in someone else’s home, he shouted without restraint.

The Huang couple exchanged a look, contempt flashing in their eyes.

So this was the legendary Mr. Fu, unstoppable in business, dignified and composed?

All they saw now was a man who screamed and cursed like a madman when things didn’t go his way.

Their daughter? Marry into this household?

She would be devoured alive.

Fu Xiaoyuan panicked and reached out to support Mr. Fu.

But Mr. Fu’s face suddenly changed again, anger fading, voice softening.

"You go wait outside. I have a few more words to say to your Uncle Huang."

Fu Xiaoyuan naturally didn’t dare to refuse, and nodded obediently, "Okay."

After he left, Mr. Fu rubbed his forehead, then returned to the sofa with a calm expression. The rage had vanished, replaced by calculation.

"Mr. Huang, I understand your concerns. But I also know your family isn’t trying to sever ties with us. After all, we still have shared business interests."

Mr. Huang nodded politely. "Of course. Our companies work well together. But even without marriage, our partnership will continue. There’s no need to rely on a wedding to keep it intact."

He had struck first, refusing gently but firmly before Mr. Fu could change tactics.

Mr. Fu forced a smile. "That’s one way to see it. But a marriage would create something far more stable. The Fu family’s protection could help the Huang family grow stronger. And your daughter would benefit from our influence too."

Mr. Huang opened his mouth to decline again.

But Mr. Fu raised a hand, motioning for silence.

"You’re worried about Fu Xiaoyuan. Understandable. He embarrassed us both. Truth is, I’m disappointed in him. I’ve been planning to replace him anyway."

Mr. Huang’s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Fu Yanchen? Impossible. He’s disabled.

There’s a third son, but never been publicly acknowledged.

"I’m talking about Fu Xiaotian" Mr. Fu said slowly. "He’ll be returning to the Fu family soon. And I intend to make him the heir. His marriage to your daughter would be... ideal."

Mr. Huang hesitated. "That’s a bit sudden. Perhaps... once you bring him home officially, we can talk more."

"Of course." Mr. Fu replied. "You’re right to be cautious. But I assure you, there’s no more honorable marriage in this city than with the heir of the Fu family."

He stood up straighter, confidence returning to his posture.

Yes. He still had a son.

Fu Xiaoyuan was a disgrace. He could be thrown away.

With Fu Xiaotian, the Fu family’s power and prestige would be restored. Families would once again scramble to marry into them.

"Take care, Mr. Fu."

Mr. Huang escorted him out with polite formality.

As soon as the door closed behind him, his wife turned to him, worried.

"Are you seriously considering this? Even with a new heir, this family is still a mess. Who’d want to marry into that chaos?"

"Shh."

Mr. Huang took out his phone and calmly dialed a number. It connected quickly.

"Mr. Chen? You were right. Mr. Fu got rejected, and immediately moved to replace Fu Xiaoyuan. I did as you suggested, acted like I was considering it. If he wants the marriage to go through, he’ll soon bring Fu Xiaotian forward."

Mrs. Huang stared at him, stunned.

"Who were you talking to?"