Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 37

The return motorcade passed through the suburbs, where people were setting off fireworks in the open fields, filling the air with a sense of peace and harmony.

The trip to the Pei ancestral home had lacked any real New Year atmosphere. The fact that the Pei family had managed to become the leaders of their industry was closely related to how “united” this family was. Elder Pei had many children, but Pei Jichuan’s uncles and aunts were all stationed in other regions; they usually only sent their regards via phone during the holidays. As for the New Year, whoever happened to be in City A would accompany the patriarch. For the past few years, it had been Pei Jichuan’s immediate family spending the holiday at the ancestral home.

After all, Pei Jichuan worked in City A, and his father, having been ousted, had nothing to do but stay in the city as well. The entire family had a lukewarm interest in holidays or anniversaries; they were a group of workaholics who rarely gathered. The last time they had all been together was several years ago when the old matriarch passed away.

Gu Nian leaned against the car window, watching the fireworks in the sky. All of these combined couldn’t compare to the display Pei Jichuan had set off for him previously. Those multicolored fireworks had been dazzling, the starlight hanging in the sky like a waterfall, pouring down after every explosion. He had never seen such grandeur.

“The fireworks last time were developed by Country C. It takes time to transport them. Wait a few more days,” Pei Jichuan said suddenly. He was like a stowaway in Gu Nian’s mind, easily seeing through his thoughts.

Gu Nian turned his head hesitantly and asked, “Will it be very expensive?”

Pei Jichuan gave a doting smile. “As long as you like it.”

That night, Gu Nian sat up quietly. Beside him, Pei Jichuan was fast asleep. He headed to the bathroom, connected his device, and sent a message to Zhou Yi:

‘Investigate Pei Ji’an. He seems to know some inside information.’

Gu Nian paused before sending another:

‘Something about a video.’

A response came almost instantly, once again a single, simple word:

‘Yes.’

Zhou Yi’s efficiency always put his mind at ease; he was an exceptionally capable subordinate. After finishing, Gu Nian crept back to bed. In his sleep, Pei Jichuan sensed the familiar presence approaching and extended a long arm to pull him into his embrace. Gu Nian leaned against the man’s chest, let out a yawn, and fell into a deep sleep.

Pei Jichuan had said it would take a few days, but the very next evening, brilliant fireworks exploded in the sky again. At that time, they had already finished washing up and were reading in their room, preparing for bed. The sudden noise startled Gu Nian. He froze for a moment before walking quickly to the window.

The sky outside was already painted with fireworks—this time, it was a rain of blue light. The radius was massive, seemingly illuminating the entire sky. Gu Nian watched in silence. In the distant horizon, the fireworks looked like the Milky Way pouring down.

Pei Jichuan moved to stand behind him at an unknown moment. Gu Nian felt a warm body press against his back, followed by hot breath against his ear. Pei Jichuan wrapped his arms around Gu Nian, lowering his head until his chin rested on Gu Nian’s shoulder. The room was at a comfortable temperature, yet Pei Jichuan seemed feverish, his breath scalding.

He kept his eyes lowered, the small mole behind Gu Nian’s ear coming into view. Gu Nian’s ear grew red under the heat of that breath.

Outside, the fireworks seemed endless, a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors intertwining in a breathtaking display. The lights in the room had been turned off the moment Gu Nian reached the window so he could better appreciate the view.

“I thought it would take a few more days?” Gu Nian asked blankly.

“For what you want, the sooner the better,” Pei Jichuan replied, his voice low and elegant like the sound of a lute. After returning the night before, he had ordered an expedited delivery. They had rushed the transport, finally arriving this afternoon.

Gu Nian turned around, the light of the fireworks illuminating Pei Jichuan’s face. It was still the kind of handsome that made one’s breath hitch. Pei Jichuan gazed at him silently, and Gu Nian saw only his own reflection in those eyes.

He could truly feel Pei Jichuan’s affection. The man was naturally cold and distant, yet he made an exception solely for him. Whenever his gaze landed on Gu Nian, the glacier melted, and his icy majesty transformed into a tender devotion.

Pei Jichuan cupped Gu Nian’s face. Since that day he woke up, everything had been moving in a positive direction; the other’s attitude toward him had clearly improved. As another firework erupted, Pei Jichuan’s breathing grew heavy as he looked at his own reflection in Gu Nian’s eyes.

To possess him; to cherish him; to make his eyes hold only me. This had always been Pei Jichuan’s goal.

“In a few days, we’ll leave for Country F to get married, alright?” Pei Jichuan whispered, his voice raspy and urgent.

“Alright,” Gu Nian replied without a second thought, his eyelids fluttering.

Under the fireworks, they drew closer to each other. Gu Nian’s softly closed eyes undoubtedly emboldened Pei Jichuan. His movements no longer held any hesitation; tenderness and madness intertwined as they held each other tight.

A single firework explosion could reach a radius of nearly a thousand meters; half of City A could see them.

Crack—

A glass tumbler was crushed in a hand, shards flying. Many fragments embedded themselves in a palm as wine slid down the skin, merging with the glass on the floor. Zhou Yi watched the fireworks outside the giant displays developed by Country C. To set these off for an entire night would cost tens of millions at least.

His expression was grim. Before coming to Country Z, he had known exactly where these fireworks were destined.

They are confessing and kissing under a sky full of fireworks.

Gu Nian hadn’t refused; he had even agreed to the request. They were to leave for Country F to marry in a few days. Gu Nian hadn’t mentioned a word of this to him.

He couldn’t control his thoughts; he couldn’t stop wondering: Why can’t it be me?

Why can’t the person standing by Gu Nian’s side be me…

Blood slowly seeped out, yet he seemed unable to feel the pain. He clenched his palm tighter, allowing the glass shards to sink deeper into his flesh. Loneliness gnawed at him; it seemed only pain could keep him awake.

“Look, A-Nan. Such beautiful fireworks. One doesn’t often see the giant fireworks developed by Country C.”

Xiao Tingbai propped himself up, his breathing heavy and his chest heaving violently. His hidden residence was situated on a mountain, overlooking City A. One side of the room featured a wall of one-way glass facing a cliff, offering a perfect, unobstructed view of the brilliant fireworks circling over the city.

The multicolored lights illuminated the room, but Xiao Tingbai’s words were destined to go unanswered.

The shackles on Gu Congnan’s hands were tightened, his wrists pinned above his head, leaving him unable to move. He heard only fragments of Xiao Tingbai’s words; his brain had lost the ability to process information. His face was turned to one side, his pupils vacant and out of focus.

Xiao Tingbai didn’t get angry. He leaned down and straightened the man’s face until his own reflection appeared in Gu Congnan’s eyes. He whispered into the man’s ear: “The fifth year has begun. Happy New Year, A-Nan.”