Becoming the Caged Canary of a Forced Love - Chapter 47

Pei Jichuan had never given it much thought before. For instance, “Lin Nuo” never used to eat spicy food. He used to drink milk before bed to help him sleep. He was always quick to smile. Whenever he was deep in thought, he would instinctively touch his jaw. He didn’t like desserts.

And… he never ate apples.

Pei Jichuan’s gaze lingered on the apple in Gu Nian’s hand. They had once shared a period of peace, and back then, Lin Nuo had told him, “Apples are the most boring fruit in the world.” Then there were the emergency first-aid measures for the wound… Even a squad of professional bodyguards hadn’t reacted as quickly as he had. Considering Gu Nian’s recent obsession with books, was it possible he had learned it all from reading?

While Pei Jichuan was lost in thought, Gu Nian finally finished peeling a perfect apple. The long spiral of peel remained unbroken, swirling down to rest on the floor. Gu Nian casually shoved the peeled apple into Pei Jichuan’s hand and began taking photos frantically with his phone.

Pei Jichuan held the apple, letting out a startled laugh. The small mole behind Gu Nian’s ear bobbed in his line of sight, dispelling all of Pei Jichuan’s lingering doubts. Although the boy had changed, he felt more and more like the Lin Nuo who had saved him in their childhood.

The mercenaries maintained a tight perimeter, even positioning snipers at high vantage points to monitor the area around the hospital room. A few more days passed, and Pei Jichuan’s condition improved significantly. With the help of medication, the wound had begun to scab over, and the pain pump was removed. After a bit more rest, they prepared to depart for Country Z. During this time, several of Pei Jichuan’s close friends called to offer their regards.

The VIP ward was more like a large studio apartment, complete with beds, sofas, coffee tables, and even a freezer. Gu Nian had requested an extra bed so he could sleep by Pei Jichuan’s side at night.

Gu Nian looked out the window. The room was on the second floor; below the window, Jeff and Ethan took turns standing guard. Ethan was a child who had been kidnapped at the same time as Gu Nian; they used to fight constantly as children. Though Ethan was physically massive, Gu Nian could always find his weakness and win through agility. Later, Gu Nian had taken over Gu Congnan’s position as an instructor and maintained secret contact with them, eventually overthrowing the Gu family in a single stroke.

Ethan was one of his most trusted confidants, similar to Zhou Yi, but Ethan’s intelligence seemed to have all gone into his height. He possessed a hulking frame and the aura of a soaring eagle, but he was truly hopeless at managing finances. Consequently, Gu Nian could only set him to training mercenaries.

Sensing a gaze from behind, Ethan looked up and locked eyes with Gu Nian at the window. He took only a single glance before quietly looking away, acting as if he didn’t recognize the person at all. Gu Nian rested his chin on his palm and curled his lips into a smile.

Pei Jichuan turned Gu Nian’s face toward him from behind. “What are you looking at?”

“That mercenary is so handsome, and his physique is amazing,” Gu Nian said mischievously.

His words drew a look of dissatisfaction from Pei Jichuan. Pei Jichuan took Gu Nian’s hand and placed it on his own abdomen. Although he had been lying in bed for several days, the muscle lines beneath Gu Nian’s palm remained clearly defined. Gu Nian couldn’t help but touch him several times.

“My physique is decent too, and you can touch it whenever you like,” Pei Jichuan whispered into his ear.

Gu Nian didn’t dare lean into Pei Jichuan’s embrace for fear of aggravating the wound. He straightened up to look at the man; after several days of recuperation, Pei Jichuan’s complexion was much healthier. Gu Nian licked his lips and leaned in, and Pei Jichuan met him halfway. They shared a kiss under the moonlight.

Outside the window, Ethan’s posture turned to stone. He had just stolen a covert glance. Half of Gu Nian’s face was obscured by Pei Jichuan, but over the man’s shoulder, Ethan could see Gu Nian’s eyes. They snapped open, casting a dark, heavy gaze toward him. Ethan spun around instantly, not daring to look back again. He thought of Zhou Yi and his face fell. Brother Zhou is going to be miserable.

A few more days passed, and the assistant finalized the travel arrangements. The private jet was waiting at the airport. At the crack of dawn, they headed out. The mercenaries’ mission concluded once they escorted the group onto the plane; they were unable to enter Country Z.

The flight lasted over ten hours before finally landing. A reception team was already waiting, along with the Pei family’s old butler, Liu. He had been sent by the patriarch to personally ensure Pei Jichuan was unharmed. Elder Pei was quite advanced in years and rarely left the ancestral home, with his last appearance being the time Pei Jichuan ousted his father from the company.

Gu Nian helped Pei Jichuan down the stairs. Butler Liu stepped forward, inspecting Pei Jichuan thoroughly and sighing in relief once he was sure the man was safe.

“President Pei, your trip to Country F was far too risky,” Butler Liu said seriously. “In Country Z, those rats in the gutters don’t dare move against you, but once you go abroad, they dare to play their tricks in the shadows.”

Pei Jichuan lowered his head. “I know, Uncle Liu. I was too rash this time. However, it wasn’t without its gains. When you return, tell Grandfather that I’ll visit the ancestral home for a detailed talk once my injuries are better.”

His purpose for going to Country F hadn’t been solely for the wedding. A dark glint flashed in Pei Jichuan’s eyes. Gu Nian, supporting the man’s arm, felt a slight hesitation in his movement. It seems the trip to Country F truly wasn’t as simple as it appeared. Even though they were practically inseparable, he hadn’t received a single hint of another agenda.

Is Pei Jichuan also guarding against me? Gu Nian lowered his gaze to hide his thoughts. Gu Congnan had once taught him that a person’s eyes were the greatest betrayers of their thoughts, so Gu Nian always observed the eyes of those he spoke to. But in Pei Jichuan’s eyes, he could only ever see a fervent, intense love.

After the inquiries, Butler Liu drove away. They couldn’t return to the manor just yet; they had to go to the hospital for a check-up. No matter how good the medical care in Country F had been, it wasn’t their own turf—it was better to be safe.

They headed toward Xiao Yuan’s hospital. Gu Nian felt as if everything had come full circle; first, he had gone to Xiao Yuan for his own check-up, and now he was bringing Pei Jichuan. Gu Nian sat in the car with an expressionless face, hoping Xiao Yuan would be a bit more reliable this time. He hadn’t actually witnessed the man’s medical skills, but he always felt that the doctor radiated a sense of total unreliability.

He thought it, and he voiced it. Hearing his words, Pei Jichuan was briefly stunned. “Though he usually looks unreliable, his medical skills are beyond question.”

The Xiao family was a medical dynasty, and they certainly wouldn’t tarnish their reputation by opening back doors for relatives. Xiao Yuan had studied medicine from a young age and was sent to study in Country D—where graduation requirements were notoriously strict—only returning to join the family hospital after passing all certifications. While they were in Country F, Xiao Yuan had called frequently, insisting they come for a check-up immediately upon return to prevent any long-term complications.

Familiar roads, familiar gates. Their car entered the VIP passage through the back entrance. As soon as they reached the doors, Gu Nian spotted Xiao Yuan waiting.

Something seemed off. As the car came to a halt, Gu Nian took a closer look: one side of Xiao Yuan’s face was red and swollen, and he was currently holding an ice pack against it. Pei Jichuan was also clearly surprised.

The car door opened. Gu Nian stepped out first, then helped Pei Jichuan out. Xiao Yuan trotted forward to meet them.