Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 35

The New Year was fast approaching, and tonight, Gu Nian was to accompany Pei Jichuan to the ancestral home to visit the family patriarch, Elder Pei. Since this was a family dinner, they didn’t dress too formally, opting instead for refined casual attire. Still, Pei Jichuan selected a low-profile wristwatch for Gu Nian to wear, specifically to conceal the scars on his wrist.

As their car pulled out of the manor, the bodyguards quickly followed in their own vehicles. The two estates were on opposite ends of City A, and they drove for a long time before finally arriving. The Pei ancestral home was a massive estate, though its design was significantly more understated and traditional than Pei Jichuan’s personal manor.

When the car stopped at the entrance, Pei Jichuan stepped out first before turning back to help Gu Nian. Their hands were tightly joined as they walked in; the estate servants all kept their eyes forward, continuing their work without a sideways glance.

“Big Brother? You finally deigned to return?”

Just as Gu Nian stepped out of the car and found his footing, a youthful voice rang out from within the foyer. Pei Ji’an walked slowly out of the hall.

Gu Nian scrutinized the man. He bore a certain resemblance to Pei Jichuan and wore a gentle smile, but the warmth never reached his eyes. It was a practiced, hollow expression. His smile is far too fake, Gu Nian thought.

“Mm.”

Pei Jichuan didn’t even look him in the eye, offering only a curt response. He focused entirely on wrapping Gu Nian’s coat tighter around him to protect him from the biting winter wind. “Let’s go. We’re going inside to see Grandfather.”

Seeing Pei Jichuan ignore him, Pei Ji’an didn’t get angry. He simply stepped aside to let them pass, then followed behind them as they entered the main hall.

Pei Jichuan scanned the room and confirmed that Elder Pei was not present. Holding Gu Nian’s hand, he headed straight for the stairs to go to the patriarch’s study. As they stepped onto the staircase, someone on a nearby sofa let out a cold snort.

“Hmph. You don’t even know how to greet your own father? How did I raise such a thing?”

Father Pei was sitting on the sofa sipping tea. Seeing Pei Jichuan walk right past him without a word, he slammed his teacup onto the table in fury.

Pei Jichuan stopped. He turned slightly, his gaze dark and somber as he looked down at his father from his higher position on the stairs. “Since when can men give birth?” he sneered coldly.

Father Pei clutched his chest, his finger trembling as he pointed at his son. His lips quivered, unable to form words. “You… you… you unfilial son! Rebellious child!”

The refined woman sitting beside him immediately began rubbing Father Pei’s chest to help him catch his breath. “Husband, don’t be angry, don’t be angry. Xiao Chuan didn’t do it on purpose.”

Pei Ji’an frowned, adding hypocritically, “Big Brother, how can you speak to Father like that?” He walked to the table and poured a fresh cup of tea. “Father, please, calm down. It isn’t good for your health to be this upset.”

His intervention only made Father Pei more livid. “Look at you! And then look at your brother!” Father Pei’s arm shook violently as he pointed at Pei Jichuan.

The woman beside him curled her lips into a tiny, triumphant smile.

“Is there anything else, Father? I’m not as ‘leisurely’ as you, now that you’ve retired. I have many company matters to report to Grandfather. I won’t stay to keep you company.” Pei Jichuan emphasized the word retired heavily. With that, he led Gu Nian up to the second floor.

Father Pei was nearly purple with rage. Everyone knew he had been ousted from the Pei Group by his own son; to call it “retirement” was just a polite way of saying he had been forcibly removed. He clutched his chest, gasping for air.

Pei Ji’an watched Pei Jichuan’s retreating back, a flash of jealous hatred flickering in his eyes.

Elder Pei was in his study reading. Father Pei’s branch of the family had arrived early, and since the Elder disapproved of his son’s lifestyle and conduct, he had simply hidden away in his study to avoid them.

Knock, knock—

A heavy sound at the door. The butler had already informed him of Pei Jichuan’s arrival.

“Enter,” a voice of steady authority called out through the crack in the door.

Pei Jichuan led Gu Nian inside. They stood before the desk, and Pei Jichuan gave a slight nod. “Grandfather,” he said respectfully.

Gu Nian stood slightly behind Pei Jichuan, stealing a glance at the old man. The patriarch’s hair and beard were stark white, his eyes slightly sunken, and his face was deeply lined by time. Though he was over seventy, his gaze remained sharp and his spirit vigorous.

“Finally deigned to return? Sit.”

Pei Jichuan led Gu Nian to the two chairs that had been prepared in advance. He patted Gu Nian’s hand reassuringly.

“This must be the Lin Nuo you told me about.”

As soon as they sat, Elder Pei’s gaze landed on Gu Nian. Gu Nian’s expression softened into one of submissive obedience. “Hello, Grandfather. I am Lin Nuo.”

Elder Pei nodded with apparent satisfaction. “A good child. If Xiao Chuan ever does anything to wrong you, tell Grandfather. I’ll teach him a lesson for you.”

“Thank you, Grandfather. He treats me very well.”

Gu Nian was surprised. He accepted me that easily? Despite his internal shock, he remained outwardly composed, sitting quietly with his eyes slightly downcast.

“I heard you plan to go to Country F for a travel wedding after the New Year? You don’t plan on having a ceremony?” The Elder withdrew his gaze from Gu Nian, took a sip of tea, and looked at Pei Jichuan.

Pei Jichuan sat with perfect posture, hands resting on his knees. “Yes. We leave after the New Year.”

“Mm. That’s fine.” Elder Pei agreed. Though he was open-minded enough to accept a male grandson-in-law, high society was another matter. Avoiding a massive wedding was probably for the best; once the news was officially out, no one would dare disrespect the Pei family anyway.

Elder Pei pressed a bell on his desk. The butler entered and gave a slight bow.

“Old Liu, take Lin Nuo to the greenhouse garden in the back. My flowers should be in full bloom by now.”

Pei Jichuan understood the hint. He turned to Gu Nian and said, “Go on. I’ll come find you in a little while.”

Gu Nian nodded and followed the butler toward the back courtyard. Pei Jichuan’s eyes followed Gu Nian until he was out of sight. Seeing this, Elder Pei let out a hearty laugh.

“Haha! Xiao Chuan, I’ve never seen you treat anyone like that.”

Once he was sure Gu Nian was out of earshot, Elder Pei’s tone shifted. “I can wrap my head around this, but don’t expect everyone else to be like your grandfather.”

Pei Jichuan withdrew his gaze and looked respectfully at the Elder.

“I don’t care what you plan to do. My Pei family is already at the summit; we don’t need a marriage alliance to bring in profit. Marry whoever you love, as long as you don’t bring shame to the Pei name.”

Elder Pei shed his kindly facade. His eyes became sharp and severe. “The Pei Group must always belong to the Pei family. I assume you understand that.”

Pei Jichuan met the gaze with steady, unwavering eyes and gave a firm nod. “Rest assured, Grandfather. I understand.”