Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 36

The butler left Gu Nian in the greenhouse garden shortly after escorting him there, leaving him to wander aimlessly. Gu Nian knew perfectly well that Elder Pei had dismissed him on purpose. A man who had dominated the business world for decades was never as kind and gentle as his outward appearance suggested.

Gu Nian reached out to fiddle with a leaf. His thoughts drifted back to Father Pei; it seemed the rumors about the strained relationship between the father and son were not mere hearsay. It made sense no child could tolerate a father who effectively caused the death of his first wife to marry a mistress, especially one who brought along a younger brother only a few months younger than the heir.

Suddenly, Gu Nian’s ears twitched. He heard footsteps approaching from not far away. He turned back warily as a figure emerged from the vines hanging from the ceiling.

Pei Ji’an?

Gu Nian looked at him in surprise. The newcomer acted with an unearned familiarity, closing the distance between them without hesitation. Gu Nian detested close contact with others; he frowned in disgust and took a half-step back to leave, but the man’s words made him freeze.

“Now that you know the truth, how can you still be so intimate with Pei Jichuan? Or do you doubt the authenticity of the information?” Pei Ji’an finally dropped his fake smile, approaching Gu Nian with ill intent.

Because the distance was so small, Gu Nian could see the undisguised malice in the depths of his eyes.

What information?

Gu Nian possessed none of Lin Nuo’s memories, so he naturally had no idea what the man was referring to.

“How am I to know if you aren’t lying to me as well?” Gu Nian responded ambiguously, offering a cautious probe.

A flash of contempt crossed Pei Ji’an’s eyes. He gave a cold snort and smiled again. “I have a video from that time. I think you’ll find it very interesting.”

“Is that so? Perhaps I should thank you?” Gu Nian replied, following his lead.

Pei Ji’an reached out and placed his hand directly on Gu Nian’s cheek. “You should consider our deal. If you agree, I’ll hand the video over immediately. If not… well, that’s fine too.” His eyes raked over Gu Nian’s figure. He paused, his gaze turning lecherous. “Follow me, and what’s mine will be yours. I’ll give you everything.”

As he spoke, Pei Ji’an leaned in closer. The moment the man’s hand touched him, Gu Nian felt his skin crawl. A powerful surge of murderous intent rose from his chest, and he nearly lost control of his facial expression.

Gu Nian’s pitch-black eyes were filled with hostility, but Pei Ji’an didn’t notice; he was too busy ogling Gu Nian’s body. He had coveted Gu Nian for a long time—after all, such beauty was rare. He wanted to lay a finger on anything that belonged to his elder brother.

Gu Nian was already calculating in his head whether beating the man to a pulp would cause unnecessary trouble. Pei Ji’an drew closer and closer. Just as Gu Nian was about to lash out, the other man’s body suddenly went flying sideways.

Gu Nian froze. The murderous intent in his heart vanished instantly. He looked up blankly to see Pei Jichuan nearby, retracting his leg. Pei Jichuan casually smoothed the wrinkles in his clothes from the exertion, not sparing a single glance for Pei Ji’an, who had been kicked into the flower bushes.

He pulled Gu Nian into his embrace, looking down to check on him. “Are you alright?”

Gu Nian looked up at him and shook his head gently.

Pei Ji’an scrambled up from the bushes. Thorns had scratched his cheeks, and his clothes were torn in several places. Although he frequently tried to sabotage Pei Jichuan, he was still terrified of his elder brother. He stood there, shrinking back timidly, his lowered eyes hiding a deep, poisonous resentment.

“B-Big Brother…” he stammered.

“It’s best to be cautious with your words and actions. Don’t you agree, little brother?” Pei Jichuan’s tone was laced with fury. Pei Ji’an heard the blatant warning and lowered his head, not daring to look Pei Jichuan in the eye.

Pei Jichuan ignored him, leading Gu Nian away.

“Why didn’t you hit back?” Pei Jichuan asked suddenly as they headed for the main hall.

Gu Nian’s expression softened, taking on a look of submissive innocence. He quickly thought of a good excuse. “I didn’t want to cause trouble for you. He is your brother, after all.”

Pei Jichuan’s heart softened. Gu Nian’s words were clearly for his sake something that had never happened before. “If there’s a next time, just hit him. I’ll be the one to back you up.”

The biting cold wind couldn’t suppress the smile forming on his lips.

The family gathered in the dining room. Elder Pei sat at the head of the table, with Pei Jichuan and Father Pei to his left and right. The others sat accordingly; Gu Nian sat by Pei Jichuan’s side, directly across from the refined woman from earlier. She was likely Pei Ji’an’s mother. Her attire was a loud display of wealth.

Pei Ji’an had changed his clothes and sat beside his mother. He kept his head down, moving with extreme caution to avoid drawing Pei Jichuan’s attention.

Pei Jichuan frequently placed food on Gu Nian’s plate, though Gu Nian barely touched any of it. His mind was a mess, and he chewed his food mechanically. Across the table, Father Pei was still fuming, his gaze fixed on Pei Jichuan with a rage that seemed ready to explode. Pei Ji’an’s mother watched Father Pei carefully. At the entire table, only Elder Pei was seriously tasting the dishes.

Cough, cough—

Hearing the Elder’s voice, everyone set down their chopsticks simultaneously.

“Pei Xu,” the Elder began, “everyone has seen Xiao Chuan’s accomplishments in the company over these past few years. From this day forward, the Pei Group is officially handed over to him.”

Father Pei’s eyes widened in disbelief. His expression turned frantic as he shouted, “Father!”

But before he could say another word, the Elder cut him off. “Enough. Look at yourself, acting so frantic.” His sharp gaze silenced his son’s complaints. Pei Jichuan remained unmoved, watching Father Pei’s struggle with cold eyes.

“Father, I know you favor Jichuan, but what about Ji’an? He is also a son of the Pei family!” Father Pei seemed to be arguing for his other son’s rights, but Pei Jichuan knew this was merely an excuse to reclaim power for himself.

Hearing this, Pei Ji’an’s eyes lit up. He looked first at his mother, and then, after her silent encouragement, turned a hopeful gaze toward Elder Pei.

The Elder took a calm sip of tea to clear his throat. “They are grown. It is time they stand on their own. If you feel Ji’an is ready, then let him go develop our overseas subsidiaries.”

Father Pei’s mouth twisted in anger at this blatant favoritism, but before he could respond, Elder Pei stood up to leave. “Alright, you young people talk. I’m old; I need to get to bed early.” The butler stepped forward to support the Elder as he retired to his room.

Pei Jichuan helped Gu Nian tidy his appearance before turning to Father Pei. “Father, we’re leaving. I still have to go back and handle the Pei Group’s post-holiday resumption plans.”

Without another word to his father, whose mouth was twitching with rage, he led Gu Nian away.