Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 22

“The Xiao family really is a tangled mess. Has Xiao Yuan sent you any word yet?” Pei Jichuan asked coldly.

“He has. It’s quite surprising, actually—his father is certainly a man of considerable means,” He Yunting replied, his tone laced with hidden meaning.

“However, there is one more thing Xiao Yuan mentioned to me. Do you really intend to take Lin Nuo to the banquet? Jichuan, it’s fine to keep a little pet for entertainment, but bringing him out in public… that seems a bit inappropriate.” He Yunting’s voice carried a hint of mockery.

Pei Jichuan shot him a displeased look.

“Didn’t Xiao Yuan tell you? Lin Nuo will be my wife and the future half-owner of the Pei family estate. Once I’ve settled things here, I’m taking him to Country F to get married.”

He Yunting was stunned by the man’s serious demeanor. He paused to rephrase his thoughts. “I didn’t believe it when Xiao Yuan said it, but shouldn’t you reconsider? This decision brings you nothing but trouble.”

As if suddenly remembering something, He Yunting weighed his words carefully before speaking again: “Regarding that incident with his parents…”

Before he could finish, Pei Jichuan interrupted him ruthlessly. “That matter is in the past,” he said sternly. “Besides, it seems someone else was involved. Your older brother is already investigating it.”

With that, Pei Jichuan checked the time. It was nearly noon—lunchtime.

“I won’t keep you any longer. It’s time for lunch, and I need to accompany Lin Nuo.” Pei Jichuan adjusted his lapels and slowly stood up.

He Yunting rose to leave as well, grumbling, “Honestly, I finally come back and I don’t even get a meal.”

Outside, Gu Nian cautiously retreated to the top of the stairs, feigning as if he had just arrived. He came face-to-face with the man who had been speaking with Pei Jichuan.

The man had his coat draped casually over his shoulder. He possessed a pair of flirtatious “peach blossom” eyes that carried a bit of roguish charm. His gaze swept over Gu Nian, flickering with a faint trace of disdain. He didn’t bother to acknowledge Gu Nian, simply nodding a brief goodbye to Pei Jichuan before departing.

His parents… there is definitely something strange going on, Gu Nian thought. Fortunately, Zhou Yi is coming next week. I have to find a way to contact him.

Parents, traitors, Xiao Tingbai, Lin Nuo… there are so many things to settle.

Gu Nian let out a yawn and followed Pei Jichuan down to lunch.

Xiao Tingbai was the second son of the Xiao family patriarch. Years ago, he had a falling out with his family over his choice of marriage partner and moved to Country F alone. No one knew he had been working for Tianyu.

Though he was getting older, he maintained himself well. His aura was restrained and refined, making him look like a gentle, kind-hearted gentleman.

Because his identity was a secret, he rarely needed to show his face at Tianyu’s offices. Having finished his work, he returned to his estate in Country F. The security here was exceptionally tight; bodyguards patrolled the grounds in an orderly fashion, ensuring not even a fly could enter unnoticed.

As Xiao Tingbai stepped out of his car, the butler hurried forward to whisper a few words. Xiao Tingbai looked slightly surprised. He quietly ordered the butler to heighten security and gave strict instructions that no one was to approach.

The layout of his room was peculiar—it was a three-room suite. The outermost layer was the study, leading into a small private sitting room. Inside the sitting room was another door, which led to the bedroom.

Zhou Yi was currently sitting in the lounge with his legs crossed, waiting for Xiao Tingbai. Since no one was permitted to enter this room, there wasn’t even anyone to serve him tea.

The bedroom door was secured with a fingerprint lock. The door itself was made of the same material used for bank vaults, guaranteed to withstand even a bomb blast.

Zhou Yi stared silently at the bedroom door lock. The light in the room was dim, making his eyes appear deep and inscrutable.

Xiao Tingbai pushed the door open and entered. Zhou Yi’s cold gaze shifted toward him.

“To what do I owe the honor of President Zhou’s visit?” Xiao Tingbai’s voice matched his refined temperament.

The moment he said “President Zhou,” the faint sound of clanking metal came from behind the bedroom door. However, neither man was surprised; they remained unmoved.

“I have a favor to ask,” Zhou Yi said, casting a cryptic glance toward the bedroom. “Accompany me to City A in Country Z to pick someone up.”

Xiao Tingbai sat down composedly, looking somewhat surprised. “It actually succeeded? But why do you need me to go?”

“His current identity is a bit tricky. I might not be able to take him away from Country Z smoothly on my own.”

Zhou Yi opened a file and handed it to Xiao Tingbai. As Xiao Tingbai skimmed the contents, his expression turned grim.

“How did he get mixed up with Pei Jichuan? This could be quite a hassle.”

Zhou Yi frowned. “There’s something even more troublesome.” He handed over a photograph.

Xiao Tingbai took the photo, looking confused.

Zhou Yi spoke directly: “That is what he looks like now.”

Xiao Tingbai looked at the photo again, his eyes filled with disbelief. “Are you sure you didn’t grab the wrong one? This… this is identical.”

“I’m sure. I suspect it’s his twin brother. Since this body is connected to Pei Jichuan, he will definitely want to investigate everything. He won’t come back with me easily, so I need your help.” Zhou Yi sat upright, his tone bordering on a plea.

“You realize you’re running out of time…” Xiao Tingbai said hesitantly.

“I know. That’s why I have to trouble you. If I run out of time, I hope you can continue to help him. This is my final wish.”

Zhou Yi stood up and bowed deeply. “I’m counting on you.”

Xiao Tingbai immediately moved to support him. “Fine. I’ll make arrangements and head to Country Z immediately. Consider it repayment for the help you’ve given me.”

Xiao Tingbai let out a helpless sigh. After seeing Zhou Yi out, he instructed the butler to prepare for the return to Country Z.

Once the chores were handled, he sat on the sofa and stared at the bedroom door. He was somewhat hesitant about Zhou Yi’s request; after all, a sudden move could lead to unforeseen complications…

Xiao Tingbai stood up and walked to the heavy door. The password was incredibly complex, followed by an iris scan.

However, behind this high-security door was merely a plain, unremarkable bedroom.

The sound of clanking metal rang out again. Xiao Tingbai closed the door and walked inward.

“Did you miss me?” Xiao Tingbai said softly. His question met no response.

It was a strange bedroom. The windows were made of bulletproof glass that couldn’t be opened and was treated for privacy. The simple furniture was bolted to the floor, and every sharp corner had been rounded off.

There were no electronic devices in the room. The only jarring thing was the large bed in the center of the room and the man upon it.

A thick black chain extended from beneath the blankets to the floor, where it was firmly anchored.

The man was silently reading a book. His skin, having not seen sunlight for years, possessed a sickly pallor. His hair was somewhat long, the crimson strands spilling across his back and framing his strikingly beautiful face.

Xiao Tingbai walked to the bedside, reached out, and snatched the book away, tossing it aside. The man turned his face away in displeasure, but Xiao Tingbai grabbed his chin and forced him back.

He increased the pressure of his grip, causing a dull pain in the man’s cheeks.

“Be a good boy, A-Nan.”

Xiao Tingbai smiled wordlessly.