Gold Cage - Chapter 27

After confirming Lan Mo's pregnancy, the Lan family approached the Mu family to discuss the matter. Mu Yunting received them warmly. Not long after, Mu Hanxiao also arrived at Bibo Hall. With him was one of the protagonists of this time, Mu Yu.

Mu Yunting spoke in a casual tone, while Mu Yu simply smiled and said he'd been out playing. He hadn't fully recovered from the harsh treatment by Mu Hanxiao and was barely keeping up his energy. As they all sat down together, Lan Mo smiled at Mu Yu, called him "brother," and moved to sit beside him.

Lan Mo's mother frowned. "No manners at all. Come sit back here."

Mu Yunting laughed. "Why bother with formalities between lovers?"

Lan Mo quietly remained seated next to Mu Yu as Mu Yunting remarked, "So it's true then—there really is a baby on the way."

On the table lay Lan Mo's medical report, which showed she was four weeks pregnant. Mu Yu picked up the report and studied it carefully, momentarily bewildered by the black-and-white evidence. He looked at Lan Mo, but she kept her eyes downcast, lost in thought.

Mu Hanxiao was the last to examine the report. He studied it for a long time, his expression unreadable. Eventually, he set it back down. "We can schedule a DNA test for next month.”

Lan Mo's parents immediately agreed it was necessary. Mu Yunting said, "These kids are still young and acted impulsively. I'll have a serious talk with Mu Yu later. Fortunately, Lan Mo isn't showing yet. Maybe we should have them get married sooner and speed up the wedding arrangements."

Mu Yu realized his palms were sweaty. Without looking at Mu Hanxiao, he spoke up. "Dad, Uncle, Auntie—could Lan Mo and I talk privately for a moment?"

They agreed, and Mu Yu quickly led Lan Mo upstairs to a guest room. Once inside, he closed the door and turned to face her. "Is that report real?"

Lan Mo lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers. "...Yes."

Mu Yu stared at her in disbelief. "Whose child is it?"

Lan Mo remained silent. "Did someone hurt you?" he pressed.

"No, brother," Lan Mo replied, looking up with a smile. "No one hurt me. I did this willingly. Don't worry."

"But I thought you liked girls?"

"Brother, please don't ask," she murmured. "I do like girls—I wasn't lying about that. But I also wanted a child. I've wanted one for a long time and have been preparing for this. It was my choice. I originally..."

Her words trailed off, and she changed the subject. "...After I came back, I heard Lu Hao and A’yin were looking for you. I tried to reach you but couldn't. Xia said the last time he saw you, you were with Brother Hanxiao, but Brother Hanxiao ignored us. So I thought... if I told your family I was pregnant, maybe I'd get to see you. I'm just glad you're finally here and safe."

"What kind of plan is that?" Mu Yu was exasperated. "This child can't possibly be mine. How are you going to explain this lie later?... Lan Mo, do you really want a child this badly?"

Lan Mo nodded, gently touching her stomach. "I know my thoughts are strange, and no one would understand. Brother, you're the only one I'm telling this to. Please don't tell anyone, okay?"

Mu Yu instinctively softened his voice. "Then what will you do after the baby is born?"

"I'll handle it, I have a way." Lan Mo said earnestly, "Brother, how have you been lately? We were all worried when we couldn't reach you for so long. Did Big Brother Mu... do anything to you?"

Mu Yu had originally thought Lan Mo's pregnancy was just a pretense, but it turned out to be real. Now both sets of parents were convinced about their marriage—how was this going to be resolved?

An idea quickly formed in his mind. Confirming that Lan Mo would later return to her apartment alone and go to work as usual, he asked her to give him a ride. As they left the guest room and went downstairs, Mu Yu said to the group still chatting in the parlor, "Sorry everyone, Lan Mo and I have a date, so we'll be leaving now."

Mu Yunting said, "Still in the mood for dates? Get your marriage certificate in the next couple of days—don't waste the young lady's time. The wedding will be arranged as soon as possible, so be prepared."

Mu Yu obediently replied, "Understood."

He glanced at Mu Hanxiao, who returned his gaze with deep, calm eyes. Mu Hanxiao said mildly, "Have fun."

Mu Yu coldly averted his eyes.

What an excellent actor.

The two left Bibo Hall. With Lan Mo driving, Mu Yu borrowed her phone from the passenger seat to call Mu Zeju.

Mu Zeju was in the middle of a video conference at home and was startled to hear Mu Yu's voice: "Where the hell have you been, kid? Everyone's been looking all over for you!"

"Ge, come downstairs to pick me up in half an hour."

Mu Zeju was baffled: "Pick you up? What are you coming to my place for?"

Mu Yu dropped two words: "Taking refuge." Then hung up.

Half an hour later, Mu Zeju stood frowning with crossed arms at the entrance of his building, watching as Mu Yu got out of the car. Lan Mo waved goodbye, and Mu Zeju had no choice but to nod at her.

After exchanging a few words with Lan Mo, Mu Yu watched her drive off before turning to Mu Zeju empty-handed. Mu Zeju eyed him suspiciously: "What exactly have you been up to lately?"

"I haven't done anything." Mu Yu stepped inside naturally to change his shoes. "Ge, mind if I crash at your place for a few days? Also, could you help me buy a new phone and SIM card?"

Mu Zeju took a deep breath: "Mu Yu, are you messing with me?"

Mu Yu spread his hands: "Mu Hanxiao threw my phone away."

Mu Zeju froze, his expression shifting. Seeing his reaction, Mu Yu said, "I know you won't believe me even if I tell you. Just help me get one, okay? It's urgent."

Surprisingly, Mu Zeju didn't argue this time. With a complicated look, he turned away, casually tossed Mu Yu his spare phone, then walked to the balcony to call his assistant, instructing them to deliver a new phone and SIM card as soon as possible.

Once he had the phone, Mu Yu first called Huo Shiyin, who had been frantic searching for him. She and Lu Hao had berated Fan En mercilessly for losing him, even filing a missing person report though it led nowhere. Fortunately, Xia Ge later showed up to inform them that Mu Hanxiao had taken Mu Yu away. Both she and Lu Hao figured that, being blood brothers, Mu Hanxiao wouldn't actually harm him.

"What exactly is going on between you and your brother? Does the Mu family have to be so harsh on you?" Huo Shiyin said over the phone. "It's just attending a slightly extravagant party, was this really necessary?"

"A’yin, listen to me carefully. There's something very important you must remember—don't get angry yet." Mu Yu soothed the girl's agitation. "If I suddenly go missing like this again in the future, call Mu Yunting immediately. If you can't reach him, contact Zhao Mengling and tell her her eldest son is causing trouble again."

Huo Shiyin sounded confused. "Your stepmother would stand up for you?"

Mu Yu chuckled. "She won't defend me, but she'll rein in her own son. Just do as I say, understand?"

Huo Shiyin persisted. "No! How can there be a next time? I need to see you right now-where are you?"

"In a few days. I have other matters to deal with now. I promise I'll come to the company. Tell Lu Hao and Fan En not to worry."

After much coaxing, he finally managed to convince her before hanging up.

Returning the phone to Mu Zeju, who took it and asked, "Does big brother know you're at my place?"

Mu Yu replied, "Is there anything he doesn't know?"

Mu Zeju blocked Mu Yu's path, frowning. "Mu Yu, what's really going on between you two?"

Their relationship wasn't close enough for Mu Yu to reveal that Mu Hanxiao had imprisoned and assaulted him in the basement. The only reason he'd sought refuge with Mu Zeju was because, as Mu Hanxiao's biological brother, his home and person were guaranteed safe havens. "I'm tired." Mu Yu distrusted Mu Zeju and avoided the question. "Brother, I need to rest."

Mu Zeju fell silent. Mu Yu entered the guest room alone, shutting himself inside to sit blankly on the bed.

Faint red marks still lingered on his wrists, reminders of that absurd, frenzied space beneath Yunhai's surface—and of its creator, who'd lost all reason yet maintained the composed facade of a gentleman.

Mu Hanxiao's kisses had burned like wildfire across his body, melting him with their heat. There was a time he'd desperately craved those kisses, nearly to madness. Even if the man's love was violent, his own had never been gentle.

Once, he would have accepted everything from Mu Hanxiao.

But now it was all too late.

Mu Yu awoke from the dimness at the sound of muffled voices. He'd unknowingly wrapped himself in the blankets and fallen asleep. Someone seemed to be outside before Mu Zeju knocked. "Mu Yu?"

His recent poor rest left him groggy as he sat up. Mu Zeju opened the door, light flooding in to reveal Mu Hanxiao's tall figure standing beyond.

Clutching the blankets, Mu Yu stared coldly at the man. After a silent moment, Mu Hanxiao averted his gaze.

"I return in one week." Mu Hanxiao spoke to Mu Zeju. "Let him stay if he wishes. Starting tomorrow, Phil will handle your meals."

Mu Zeju hesitated—his household already had dedicated chefs—but sensing the tension, he remained silent. Mu Hanxiao was departing for a business trip tomorrow. This visit was merely to check on Mu Yu's presence and give brief instructions before leaving.

After getting his new phone, Mu Yu called Lan Mo. Before parting ways, they had agreed on a time and place to meet the next day to discuss how to handle their situation. Mu Yu called to give her his new number, but the call went straight to voicemail.

He remembered Lan Mo mentioning she was on emergency room duty that night—she was probably busy. Mu Yu sent her a text, set his phone aside, and didn't think much of it.

The next day, he learned Lan Mo had disappeared.

Lan Mo's parents took their daughter's wedding to the Mu family very seriously. The moment they found out she was pregnant, they urged her to contact Mu Yu, practically demanding they get their marriage license immediately. The couple took charge of wedding preparations and wanted to involve their daughter in selecting the venue, hoping to bring Mu Yu along. But Lan Mo, who had agreed the night before, suddenly became unreachable the next day.

The Lan family searched everywhere, and Mu Yu couldn't reach her either. When both sides finally met up, Mu Yu realized something was wrong.

Lan Mo had actually run away. Mu Yu rubbed his temples in frustration—was this her idea of a solution?

Three days later, a letter arrived.

It had been delivered to his company's parcel locker. Mu Yu assumed it was official correspondence from a business partner, but upon opening it, he realized it was from Lan Mo. The letter had been scheduled for delayed delivery—she had arranged it with the post office long before leaving, ensuring it would only be sent after she was gone.

After reading it, Mu Yu tucked the letter away and never mentioned searching for her again.

A week later, an unexpected visitor arrived at Mu Yu's company.

He was in the middle of work when Liu Shuyan walked in, startling everyone in the office. They stared blankly at the woman, whose expression was anything but friendly.

Mu Yu greeted her, "Sister-in-law, what brings you here? Please, have a seat."

The others discreetly excused themselves, leaving after preparing tea for Liu Shuyan. But she didn't sit. She looked exhausted, as if she hadn't slept well, and immediately asked, "Has Lan Mo contacted you?"

"No."

Gone was her usual composed demeanor—Liu Shuyan's eyes bore into him. "... Mu Yu, you know she's a pregnant woman, and she's engaged to you! How could you just let her disappear like this? Do you have any idea how dangerous this is for her?"

Mu Yu replied calmly, "Unfortunately, my hands are tied. If even all of you couldn't find her, what chance do I have?"

"She never reached out to you all this time? Didn't say anything before leaving?"

Mu Yu was surprised to see Liu Shuyan so frantic. Why was she so worried? What exactly was Lan Mo to her?

"Really, nothing, Sister-in-law," Mu Yu said, spreading his hands. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do."

Liu Shuyan fell silent, gripping her handbag tightly. She seemed on the verge of anger, her gaze icy. But in the end, she steadied herself.

"I expect you to take responsibility for your fiancée," she said slowly, "not stand by and watch her do something so reckless."

Mu Yu didn't hold back. "Lan Mo is my fiancée—of course I'll take responsibility. But I'm curious, Sister-in-law-what exactly is your relationship with her? And what gives you the right to question me like this?"

Liu Shuyan stiffened all over. She avoided Mu Yu's direct gaze and didn't answer the question. Her tall, straight figure seemed to crack with an invisible fissure, through which the invading wind scattered her usual composure and elegance.

She left Mu Yu's office. This marked their first overt disagreement, like some kind of omen—whether for Liu Shuyan, Mu Hanxiao, or the free-spirited Lan Mo.

The peace had shattered like a mirror struck in an instant, never to be restored to its original state.

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