Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 12

One side of the office consisted of a massive floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, skyscrapers stood like a forest; even though it was lunchtime, Pei Jichuan’s competitors were still tensely handling their work.

Gu Nian sat on the sofa in front of the window, his left hand propping up his chin while his right hand idly poked at the food on his plate. Pei Jichuan’s gaze remained fixed on Gu Nian, as if everything the younger man did was a masterpiece of beauty.

“For tomorrow’s class reunion, I’ll have Xiao Wang drive you. I’ll come to pick you up personally when it ends around noon.”

Pei Jichuan usually spoke with great authority, his voice often carrying a sharp edge like a blade. However, when facing Gu Nian, he spoke in soft, gentle whispers with a low cadence. It was a manner that felt remarkably tender and affectionate.

“Tell me, why do people even hold class reunions?” Gu Nian suddenly turned his head and asked in confusion.

He had never actually attended school; his version of a “gathering” usually involved brothers getting together after closing a major deal. Smoking and drinking were common, and at those parties, Gu Nian had to exert immense effort just to keep himself safe. He remembered the nauseating scenes—festering sores, frantic and crazed laughter, and even those who, after overdosing, would pull out handguns and fire wildly at nothing.

To Gu Nian, a “gathering” represented chaos, bloodshed, and violence. He had no desire to participate, but he had no choice.

“A class reunion is just a group of people who are both familiar and strangers sitting together to measure each other’s value,” Pei Jichuan replied with a smile. He had witnessed far too much ugliness in the adult world and felt nothing but disdain for such “friendships.”

“If you don’t want to go, you can decline,” Pei Jichuan added, sensing Gu Nian’s suddenly dampened mood.

If I don’t go, how will I uncover the original owner’s past?

How can there be two identical faces in this world?

The words of Instructor Gu seemed to haunt his ears again: “It was them who sold you.” It was a nightmare he could not escape.

“No, I’m going,” Gu Nian said, looking up with determination.

Night fell quickly, followed by the morning sun splitting the horizon. The bells chimed, signaling the start of a new day.

Xiao Wang was ready early to escort Master Lin. Beside him, Butler Zhao was incessantly giving instructions, insisting that he must stay close to the young master. Fortunately, the destination was on Pei family territory. An assistant had already been sent ahead to give orders, and the security detail had been bolstered.

Pei Jichuan had left for the company early as usual, leaving Butler Zhao to see Gu Nian off to the car.

The familiar scenery flashed past the window, but this time Gu Nian didn’t stare at it. His phone notifications were ringing non-stop; Li Zichen was frantically ranting about Chen Yan in their private messages. Almost everyone had already arrived, but because Gu Nian had slept until the sun was high, he was running a bit late.

Gu Nian ignored the complaints and only replied with “Coming soon” when Li Zichen asked for his arrival time.

The car came to a steady halt in front of the Imperial Court. A bellboy immediately ran over to open the door for Gu Nian. As he stepped out and stood straight, his refined temperament and extraordinary looks instantly drew the secret, appraising glances of countless people.

The Imperial Court was the largest hotel in City A. Those who organized events here were typically wealthy or influential. Seeing the Pei Corporation emblem on the license plate, combined with Gu Nian’s custom-tailored outfit by a premier French designer, they concluded that this was someone who should not be provoked. That specific designer served only the top elite; ordinary people had no means of accessing his services.

When he woke up this morning, Butler Zhao had specifically brought this outfit for Gu Nian to change into, claiming he needed to dress up so as not to lose face for President Pei. Gu Nian had been reluctant, but he couldn’t withstand Butler Zhao’s tearful plea: “If you just head out looking like anyone else, people will think the Pei family has gone bankrupt!” Gu Nian did, however, refuse all other accessories.

After getting out of the car, Gu Nian turned and saw Li Zichen tapping away at his phone near a distant pillar. He looked exactly like the man in the photos on the original owner’s phone. Gu Nian walked toward him, with Xiao Wang following dutifully behind.

Yesterday, Gu Nian had asked Pei Jichuan to find a graduation album. He had spent some time memorizing the names and faces to ensure he wouldn’t slip up.

Li Zichen was mid-type, asking when Gu Nian would arrive, when a shadow suddenly loomed over him. He looked up, saw Gu Nian’s face, and instantly jumped nearly three feet in the air before giving Gu Nian an excited hug.

“My best bro! How many years has it been? You didn’t even think to message me, and when I messaged you, you were so cold!” Li Zichen’s face was flushed with excitement.

The moment Li Zichen hugged Gu Nian, Xiao Wang reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on and forcefully pulled him away. If President Pei found out about this, the sky would fall.

Pushed by Xiao Wang, Li Zichen nearly tumbled to the ground. “Who are you? What do you think you’re doing?” Li Zichen rolled up his sleeves, ready to retaliate, but Gu Nian reached out to stop him.

“This is my driver, Xiao Wang. Just… don’t be so touchy,” Gu Nian said with a hint of helplessness.

“A driver? You’ve really made it, kid! You’ve even got a driver now. Where are you working? Don’t forget your good buddy here!” Li Zichen’s eyes sparkled with realization.

“Let’s go inside first. It’s not good to be too late,” Gu Nian said, checking the time on his phone.

“Oh, right, right! Everyone’s already here except you. Let’s go, let’s go!” Li Zichen grabbed Gu Nian’s arm and led him inside.

Upon entering the lobby, the magnificent golden decor of the Imperial Court came into view. It truly lived up to its reputation as the largest hotel in City A—intricate lighting, elegant design, and absolute luxury. As they stepped into the hall, the nearby security personnel bowed to Gu Nian, causing Li Zichen to glance sideways in surprise.

Just as Li Zichen was about to ask a question, the lobby manager, who had been waiting for a long time, hurried toward Gu Nian.

“Hello, Master Lin. We heard you are holding a class reunion. President Pei has given special instructions to arrange our largest private suite for you. Please, follow me.” The manager bowed slightly and gestured the way.

Gu Nian followed the manager, ignoring Li Zichen’s obvious desire to speak. Before they even reached the suite, they could hear the noisy sounds of flattery from within. Gu Nian stopped at the door and turned his head slightly.

“Don’t let anyone disturb us,” Gu Nian said. He didn’t look at the manager, his eyes fixed on his phone screen as he sent a message to Pei Jichuan.

“Of course, of course. I hope you have a wonderful time.” The manager bowed and left with the security guards.

“Bro, you’re incredible! Are you actually the son of some wealthy family?” Li Zichen’s mouth hadn’t closed since they entered the lobby.

“Just an ordinary person,” Gu Nian replied without looking up, waiting for Pei Jichuan’s reply.

“You have no idea—Chen Yan has been so arrogant because his uncle is a General Manager at the Pei Corporation. He even claimed this private suite was arranged as a favor to him. This is going to be a good show,” Li Zichen said gleefully.

Ding— A notification arrived. Pei Jichuan had replied.

Gu Nian put away his phone and glanced at the surveillance camera in the corner of the hallway ceiling.

“Let’s go. Let’s head in.”