Gold Cage - Chapter 28

As soon as Mu Yu stepped out of the office building, a car was already waiting for him. Phil emerged from the driver's seat and opened the door for him.

"The boss requests your return to Yunhai," Phil said.

Though Mu Yu had fired this man, he now nominally served as Mu Hanxiao's chef and driver, but in reality, he mostly attended to Mu Yu.

For over a month now, Mu Yu had been "requested" back to Yunhai daily, to the point where the mere sight of Phil annoyed him. But since Phil was no longer his employee, Mu Yu couldn't fire him again. He forced a fake smile instead: "Quite the versatile employee, huh? Mu Hanxiao must be paying you well."

Phil stood there like a block of wood, completely immune to Mu Yu's sarcasm. With a cold expression, Mu Yu got into the car, and the tall man closed the door behind him before driving off to Yunhai.

Lately, the company had been swamped with work. Mu Yu often stayed late with Huo Shiyin and Xie Ming or traveled frequently for business. The Lan family was searching the world for Lan Mo, and Liu Shuyan was nearly frantic with worry—Mu Yu had to occasionally play along, pretending to help with the search.

Mu Hanxiao didn't stop him from running around, but he had to return to Yunhai to sleep every night. Mu Yu had resisted angrily before, only to be dragged back and locked in Yunhai's basement, where that bastard of an older man reduced him to tears and pleas until he was too wrecked to even get out of bed, only then carried back upstairs.

After just one or two attempts at resistance, Mu Yu gave up. The man was terrifying in bed, and he had to admit he was somewhat afraid. At least if he pretended to comply, Mu Hanxiao wouldn't lock him up—it seemed he really treated him like a caged bird. If he behaved, the cage door would open, letting him flutter around the house; if not, he'd be locked inside with a blackout cloth thrown over it.

Mu Yu seethed with hatred, burying it deep where it wouldn't show. Back at Yunhai, dinner was prepared by Phil—tailored to Mu Yu's tastes and nutritionally balanced, which slightly improved his mood. After the meal, he sat alone on the garden swing chair reading, cushioned by soft blankets and pillows, with a warm drink placed on the nearby table by a servant as the garden lights flickered on.

The swing chair was spacious. Nestled inside with a thin blanket over his legs, Mu Yu was engrossed in his book when he heard a car pull into the front yard. Moments later, footsteps approached—Mu Hanxiao walked through the garden and stopped before him.

Mu Yu didn't even look up. "Don't bother me while I'm reading."

The man leaned down to grasp the hanging vines of the swing chair, his approach carrying a faint scent of alcohol mixed with an overwhelming masculine heat. Frowning, Mu Yu glanced up to see Mu Hanxiao looking down at the book in his hands, his tall frame casting a shadow over him.

"The Thorn Birds," Mu Hanxiao murmured.

Mu Yu scoffed. "So the great CEO Mu actually reads books."

Mu Hanxiao released the vines and lifted Mu Yu from the swing chair. Startled, Mu Yu instinctively tried to struggle, but the man's arms locked around him with unyielding strength, making escape impossible. Pressed against Mu Hanxiao's chest, Mu Yu caught a stronger whiff of alcohol—he must have just returned from a business dinner. Who knew how sober he was right now?

Ignoring his protests, Mu Hanxiao carried him back to the room. Mu Yu flushed with embarrassment as passing servants averted their eyes. "I can walk by myself!" he snapped.

Unmoved, Mu Hanxiao replied, "You always used to trip."

Mu Yu froze. He was referring to his childhood self—the boy who rarely went out, preferring to play in the family garden. Lush and maze-like, the garden had claimed several falls from him, each time sending him tearfully running to Mu Hanxiao for comfort.

"You bringing that up now to disgust me?" Mu Yu said coldly.

Mu Hanxiao deposited him onto the bed, the book tumbling from his arms. A kiss landed on the nape of his neck as Mu Hanxiao pinned his waist from behind, stripping off his outer clothes. The half-hard length pressed insistently against his cleft through the fabric. With his wrists restrained, Mu Yu could only writhe helplessly as his clothes were torn away, lips scorching a path down his neck and shoulders until his skin flushed with traitorous arousal. After so many forced encounters, he knew resistance was futile. Panting slightly, he sneered, "Mu Hanxiao, can't even find a bed partner after marriage? Or did my sister-in-law reject you so thoroughly you can't even get laid at home?"

The phone Mu Hanxiao had tossed aside earlier rang. Ignoring it, Mu Hanxiao continued his assault, leaving Mu Yu breathless against him. The caller ID flashed Liu Shuyan's name.

Fingers digging into the man's arm, Mu Yu gasped, "You're not even going to answer your wife's call—"

Mu Hanxiao crushed their mouths together, a hand roaming possessively over his body. Gritting his teeth, Mu Yu turned his face away as the ringing persisted. Just as Mu Hanxiao reached to decline the call, Mu Yu snatched the phone and answered.

"Hanxiao?" Liu Shuyan's voice came through.

Defiant, Mu Yu provoked him openly. Mu Hanxiao said nothing, his actions unrelenting as he instead nipped at Mu Yu's ear, drunken heat heavy in every exhale that left Mu Yu no room to evade. Over the line, Liu Shuyan sounded weary. "Hanxiao, I'll be away for a few days. There's too much at the company I can't postpone. I might need your help—"

Mu Yu moaned as fingers teased his inner thighs, his laughter uneven. "Sister-in-law, busy hunting down my fiancée?"

The phone line went silent. Mu Hanxiao, whether truly drunk or simply indifferent, kissed Mu Yu with deep passion, his large hands kneading the pale flesh of his buttocks until they seemed ready to bruise. His firm hips pressed tightly against Mu Yu, thrusting forward. Mu Yu immediately clenched his teeth, frantically trying to push the man away, but Mu Hanxiao held him too tightly. His thick, swollen cock slammed into Mu Yu's body, causing his thighs to tremble uncontrollably. Mu Yu hadn't expected Mu Hanxiao to actually dare to go this far. The penetration was too deep, and he couldn't suppress his moans, biting down hard on the blanket as his face flushed red, tears welling in his eyes.

He whimpered as quietly as he could, but Mu Hanxiao pinned him down right beside the phone and fucked him relentlessly. On the other end, Liu Shuyan remained silent for a long time, her breathing heavy. When she finally spoke again, her voice was strained. "Mu Yu?"

The man's cock pounded into him with brutal force, leaving Mu Yu unable to form a single coherent word. Each deep thrust tore broken moans from his throat. He fumbled for the phone and hung up, only for Mu Hanxiao to immediately push him into the mattress and fuck him even harder. Mu Yu clutched the sheets, crying out uncontrollably as the bed creaked loudly under their movements. Mu Hanxiao leaned down, his voice rough in Mu Yu's ear. "So you like playing these kinds of risky games, huh?"

"N-no—ah! Ah!"

"St-stop... ngh—ah!"

Mu Yu was fucked into a daze, his mind blank as he sobbed and begged for mercy. The man held him too tightly, his scorching kisses burning through his skin and bones. The phone was carelessly knocked to the floor. Mu Yu's sensitive spots were relentlessly assaulted, and in the midst of this rough yet tender lovemaking, he was pushed over the edge again and again. His erect cock spilled over his own thighs, and he nearly blacked out.

When Mu Yu woke, his body had been cleaned, and Mu Hanxiao was no longer beside him. A servant quietly waited nearby, urging him to get up as breakfast had been brought to his room. His body ached as if it had been taken apart and put back together, the marks of passion hidden beneath his pajamas. He forced himself through his morning routine and ate breakfast.

Work still awaited him that morning. At the office, Mu Yu downed a cup of coffee to steady himself, but after a while at his computer, he couldn't resist asking Huo Shiyin for a cushion to support his lower back. Only then did he feel somewhat comfortable again.

After the meeting, Mu Yu received a long-distance call from Fan En. Ever since Mu Hanxiao had abruptly taken him back from the U.S., Fan En had initially thought he'd been kidnapped. Even after learning it was his older brother who had taken him, Fan En remained unable to reach him, leaving him deeply puzzled. Though they eventually reconnected, Mu Yu's promised work stint in the U.S. had fallen through. Witnessing the extent of the Mu family's control, Fan En was highly dissatisfied with such excessive restraint.

"I have some good news for you," Fan En said over the phone. "That person you asked me to look into—I might have actually found him. A week ago, there was a shooting incident in Jackson Town. The shooter was a Chinese man, and after his arrest, the police uncovered more of his criminal history. They're still holding him, but he has a lawyer, and someone's trying to bail him out. Just giving you a heads-up in case."

Mu Yu's heart skipped a beat. "How did you find him?"

"You're asking me to find someone with just a photo and a name? Guess it's time for me to show off my skills," Fan En joked. "I reached out to my police friend. Figured since this guy dares to smuggle and carry guns in your country, he must be quite the troublemaker. I'll send you the photo my friend gave me—see if it's him."

Mu Yu received the photo from Fan En and carefully compared it with the one he had—originally provided by Li Bing during her investigation. He confirmed, "That's him. His real name is Zhao Zuo, with a scar near his eye."

He hadn't expected to locate the missing bar owner so quickly—Fan En's connections proved invaluable. After a moment's thought, Mu Yu said, "Don't alert him. Find out who bailed him out, what he's been up to, and who he's been associating with."

Fan En drew out an "Ohhh" in mock suspicion. "Isn't he related to Ms. Zhao? What are you planning, Helkin?"

Mu Yu chuckled. "Don't ask. You'll find out soon enough."

He didn't have time to explain further to Fan En. That same day, he packed his bags and left on a business trip with Lu Hao. His swift departure was partly for work, partly to avoid someone. During the week-long trip, he secured a crucial partnership with Lu Hao. On the final day, just as they were about to dine with their collaborators, Mu Yu unexpectedly received a call from his father—Lan Mo had been found and was on her way back to Yu City.

Mu Yunting's voice carried reproach over the phone. "You kids are always causing trouble, treating marriage like some kind of monster. Running away from a wedding? You're giving us adults nothing but headaches."

His father's tone was relatively calm, likely dismissing Lan Mo's actions as a childish tantrum over marriage. But Mu Yu sensed something more serious. He immediately sent Lu Hao to the dinner and rushed back to Yu City, heading straight to the Lan residence. As his car approached the villa's gates, another black car pulled up from the opposite direction. A man stepped out first—Lan Mo's father—followed by Lan Mo herself. Her hair obscured her face, hiding her expression.

Without warning, the man turned and struck Lan Mo hard across the face. The force sent her slender frame crashing into the car door, nearly knocking her to the ground. Dr. Lan, who usually maintained a refined and gentle demeanor in public, had caught Mu Yu completely off guard with that slap. The man seemed to be threatening Lan Mo about something when Mu Yu stepped out of his car and called out sharply from a distance, "Mr. Lan!"

The man immediately lowered his hand and turned. Recognizing Mu Yu, his hostile expression vanished, replaced by a warm smile. "Ah, Mu Yu! Perfect timing. I was just about to take my wayward daughter to your family to apologize— "

Lan Mo kept her head down, clutching her cheek in silence. Mu Yu subtly positioned himself halfway between them and said politely, "That won't be necessary. I don't blame her."

"Ah, you don't understand—this girl has always been too free-spirited, and it's only gotten worse as she's grown up. Pregnant and still running around like this! If I don't discipline her properly now, she'll become completely lawless!"

"Uncle Lan, this is my fault. Please don't be harsh with her," Mu Yu said gently. "I lost my temper and argued with her that day, and she left in anger. She's still carrying a child—no need for scolding. Let me take her back and talk things through properly. Would that be alright?"

"Of course! You're her future husband after all. As parents, we shouldn't interfere in your marital affairs. It's just this wedding…"

The man's smile was laced with false warmth and a hint of sycophancy. In that moment, Mu Yu's mind raced, but he answered earnestly, "Uncle Lan, rest assured, the wedding will be held as soon as possible."

The man immediately agreed. Without wasting any more time, Mu Yu accompanied Lan Mo back to her home to meet her parents, and that very night, he took her to his apartment. Lan Mo seemed to be in terrible shape—her face was pale as she followed Mu Yu inside, sitting silently on the sofa. Mu Yu poured her a glass of warm water, and she accepted it with a trembling hand.

They sat facing each other, the silence stretching between them. Mu Yu spoke first, "Does your father often treat you like that?"

His tone was gentle, and Lan Mo seemed to gradually regain her composure, finally accepting the reality that she had been caught and brought back.

"Not... not all the time," Lan Mo murmured, her lips dry as she took a sip of water. "Most of the time, they don't even notice me. I might as well not exist in their eyes. But when Father gets angry, he... he hits hard. So I actually prefer it when he ignores me."

Mu Yu asked, "Then why did you lie to me and say your parents treated you well?"

Lan Mo was like a different person now—no longer the innocent, sweet girl Mu Yu had first met. Her eyes were filled with exhaustion and disillusionment. "I've told too many lies, Brother. Besides, doesn't everyone wear a mask to survive in this world?"

A long silence settled between them before Mu Yu finally spoke again, calm and resolute. "Things have already come this far. Running away again is out of the question. Lan Mo, I have an idea."

"What?"

"Let's get married." Mu Yu met her gaze. "Stay by my side and give birth to the child safely. That's the best way to protect you."

Lan Mo took a deep breath. "Brother... you know as well as I do that marriage between us is..."

"I know you could've left much earlier," Mu Yu interrupted. "You didn't have to come back and claim the child was mine, did you?" His voice softened. "You wanted to find me. And you knew this was the only way to force both our parents to bring me back into the picture."

Lan Mo stared at him before forcing a weak smile. "Brother Mu's influence is too vast. No one could track you down. And I... I'm not clever enough to think of a better plan, so..."

"Then consider this my way of making it up to you." Mu Yu had seen the cruelty of Lan Mo's father firsthand. If he let her return now, who knew what torment awaited her? "If you want this child so badly, then focus on bringing it into the world safely. We'll figure out the rest later."

"Brother... aren't you going to ask me why I want this child?"

"If you don't want to talk about it, I won't pry."

Mu Yu thought for a moment before adding, "How about we treat this as an alliance between friends?"

At that, Lan Mo finally let out a quiet laugh. Her hand rested on her abdomen, her gaze distant, lost in thought.

Soon after, the paternity test results arrived, confirming that the child in Lan Mo's womb was indeed Mu Yu's. With Lan Mo's pregnancy still not showing, both families moved with startling efficiency—within a month, all wedding arrangements were finalized. Due to Mu Yu's sensitive status, the ceremony was kept small, attended only by close relatives and a handful of friends. Zhao Mengling didn't even bother to show face, citing official duties as an excuse to skip the event. As a result, Mu Zhiye didn't attend either.

The wedding followed the Mu family's tradition with a Chinese-style ceremony. Lan Mo's waistline hadn't changed yet, so she wore a Ming dynasty-style phoenix coronet and ceremonial robe, her crimson dress trailing on the ground, her powdered face and vermilion lips making her stunningly beautiful. Having woken up early, she was feeling tired and was resting in her room while touching up her makeup, waiting for the banquet to begin. Mu Yu was also dressed in red, which made his skin appear even more pale and translucent. Standing beside him were Lu Hao and Huo Shiyin.

Lu Hao said, "You didn't let Fan En come, so he made a fuss over the phone, saying you don't treat him as a brother."

Mu Yu replied casually, "No need for him to make the long trip. We'll invite him to celebrate when the company goes public."

Huo Shiyin asked quietly, "What's really going on with you? This marriage is just too absurd."

Mu Yu smiled, "Haven't I done plenty of absurd things before?"

"Mu Yu!"

Just then, a staff member hurried over, "Mr. Mu! Please take your position with Ms. Lan."

Mu Yu agreed and said to Huo Shiyin, "I'll explain everything to you all later. Go ahead."

He left the corridor to look for Lan Mo inside. The winding inner corridors led through several rooms, and the noise from the main hall gradually faded away. Mu Yu faintly heard Lan Mo's voice.

"...You're the one who's crazy! I just want to live quietly with my child—what's wrong with that? If you hadn't sent me that email, I wouldn't have even thought of meeting you... And this is how you treat me!"

"Do you really think you can raise a child alone and live well? A single mother—just the gossip alone would crush you and your child!"

The voice was none other than Liu Shuyan's!

Lan Mo's voice trembled with tears, "What do you care about besides face, money, and power? You never consider my feelings. I wanted to let go of everything, and yet you tricked me into meeting..."

"You're still young! You don't understand anything..."

"This has nothing to do with you anymore! Don't touch me..."

Mu Yu stepped out from around the corner to see Liu Shuyan gripping Lan Mo's arm, nearly pinning her against the wall. The tassels on Lan Mo's phoenix crown swayed lightly as both women turned to look at him.

"I was looking for Lan Mo," Mu Yu said politely. "The wedding is about to begin."

Lan Mo broke free from Liu Shuyan, straightened her clothes, and hurried over to Mu Yu, linking her arm with his. Mu Yu smiled at Liu Shuyan and said, "Sister Liu, we'll see you later."

In the vast ancient hall, the curtains fluttered gently as Lan Mo walked down the long red carpet with her father. The emcee, dressed in formal Han attire, recited blessings to the melodious music. The lights flickered across Lan Mo's eyes as she held a round fan, half-covering her face. She tilted her head slightly, gazing somewhat dazedly at the rows of red lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The curtains resembled cascading wings, dancing in her pupils.

Lately, she had been dreaming frequently of that winter day in a roadside café. In England, the winter days and nights were shrouded in icy gray-blue mist. The old wooden door swung open, letting in a rush of cold air into the warm café. Along with the chill came a figure she had never been able to forget since the first glance.

"Looks like you forgot your card."

"What would you like to drink? My treat."

Liu Shuyan wore a camel-colored coat with a light scarf, her long hair neatly tied back. One hand tucked in her pocket, her tall and slender figure turned slightly as she glanced at Lan Mo, her bright eyes curving into a faint smile.

Those days studying in England were the happiest time of her life.

Her father placed her hand into Mu Yu's palm. Lan Mo, slightly dazed, raised her eyes as she walked hand in hand with Mu Yu to the front. The lights illuminated the beautiful figures of the newlyweds. Xie Ming stepped forward holding a pair of jade geese, which Mu Yu presented to Lan Mo. Setting down her round fan, Lan Mo exchanged a glance with Mu Yu—a tacit understanding passing between them without words.

The master of ceremonies smiled and recited:

"Black silk woven into twin mandarin ducks, purple threads embroidered into paired phoenixes

May the newlyweds share harmony like swallows,

With peach blossoms ever in bloom and the moon ever full!

Now, let the couple each cut a lock of hair,

Bound by red thread to signify their union-

Husband and wife, bound in love without doubt!"

"May your hearts be forever entwined, together till old age!"

Lan Mo's mother carefully took a golden scissors and snipped a small lock of hair from each of them. The strands were tied together with red thread and placed into a small pouch embroidered with phoenix and purple patterns. After completing numerous rituals, the couple bowed to Mu Yuting and Lan Mo's parents under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, and the banquet officially began. Changing into more comfortable Hanfu, they returned to the hall to toast their guests.

The first table they approached was where Mu Hanxiao and Liu Shuyan sat. Everyone rose to congratulate the newlyweds. Mu Hanxiao and Liu Shuyan, seated together, stood and raised their glasses.

The gazes of the four met. Mu Hanxiao looked down at Mu Yu, his expression as unreadable as ever. Mu Yu, however, smiled warmly and raised his cup. "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, we'll need your guidance in the future. I'll finish this cup—you may drink as you please."

Just as he brought the cup to his lips, his hand was stopped. Mu Hanxiao regarded him coolly. "No need."

The man drained his own glass in one go and set it down casually. His words carried such weight that no one dared to pressure Mu Yu to drink further, hastily finishing their own cups instead. Mu Zeju, standing nearby, felt a pang of complicated emotions. He had never imagined Mu Yu would marry so suddenly. Though he had always wished for it, now that it had happened, it felt surreal.

Clinking his cup lightly with Mu Yu's, he said, "Now that you're married, live well and stop fooling around."

"Of course, of course," Mu Yu replied with a laugh, offering no retort. Then, he and Lan Mo moved on to other tables. As the group sat back down, Mu Zeju sensed the awkward tension—his elder brother and sister-in-law had fallen silent, and their silence made everyone else uneasy. Fortunately, after a while, Liu Shuyan excused herself, citing urgent matters to attend to.

After her departure, Mu Hanxiao sat alone amidst the lively celebration, an inexplicable air of solitude surrounding him. Before long, he asked Mu Zeju for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, then stood and left the hall—presumably to smoke.

After the wedding, Lan Mo was exhausted and went home to rest first. The marriage had been arranged in haste, and there was no time to prepare a proper bridal suite. Mu Yu simply tidied up his own apartment to serve as their temporary home. In the evening, his friends invited him out for dinner. Mu Yu changed into casual clothes and joined them, staying until past ten when the gathering ended. Lu Hao, drunk and rambling, tried to keep him talking, but Mu Yu—who had woken up early and been busy all day—could barely keep his eyes open. He shoved Lu Hao away.

Lu Hao, intoxicated and persistent, slung an arm around his shoulders. "Yu, don't worry. Once I make it big, I'll buy out your family's company. I'll take you back to Baiha'er Lake and build houses all around it—you can live in whichever one you want!"

"Enough, enough," Mu Yu said helplessly, stuffing the drunken, babbling Lu Hao into his family's car and exchanging a word with the driver. Only then did he find his own ride waiting nearby. As he approached, Phil stepped out and opened the door for him.

But when he reached the car, Mu Yu froze. Inside, a man sat with long legs clad in dress pants, his well-defined hands resting on his lap, a wristwatch glinting on his wrist.

"Get in," came Mu Hanxiao's deep voice from within the car.

Mu Yu gripped the door handle, silent for a moment, before wordlessly sliding into the seat. The car was quiet. He turned his head to stare out the window, refusing to so much as glance at Mu Hanxiao. The vehicle moved smoothly, but it wasn't heading toward his apartment. After most of the journey had passed in silence, Mu Yu finally snapped. "I'm tired. I want to go home and rest."

Mu Hanxiao's tone was indifferent. "I've prepared a gift to congratulate you on your marriage."

Mu Yu's voice turned sharp. "Appreciate the thought, but your gifts are too extravagant for me to accept."

The man remained unmoved. "Your temper's getting worse."

"You're the one provoking me!" Mu Yu snapped. "I'm not going back to Yunhai. Stop the car!"

"If not Yunhai, where do you want to go?"

Mu Yu sneered. "Did you forget I just got married today? I have my own home to return to—you—!"

Suddenly, a hand gripped his jaw from behind, forcing him to tilt his head back. Mu Hanxiao's fingers held him firmly as their eyes met. "It's just a performance," Mu Hanxiao said darkly. "No one takes it seriously."

Mu Yu's voice was icy. "The act might be fake, but the marriage certificate and paternity test results aren't."

Mu Hanxiao studied him, his thumb brushing lightly over Mu Yu's cheek. "The tricks you and Lan Mo pulled on those reports were just enough to fool those idiots in the Lan family."

Mu Yu jerked away, but a strong arm wrapped around his waist, trapping him. "Let me go!" he growled.

Mu Hanxiao took his hand and slid the wedding ring off his finger. Mu Yu lunged for it, but Mu Hanxiao tossed it onto the front passenger seat without a second thought. "Phil," he said coldly, "throw that away."

Phil hesitated.

"Mu Hanxiao!" Mu Yu shouted.

"Cheap trash. It's laughable to wear it."

That ring was one Mu Yu had picked out himself at a jewelry store. Both he and Lan Mo had agreed there was no need to splurge, but Mu Hanxiao's actions were beyond insulting. Mu Yu leaned forward to retrieve it, but Mu Hanxiao yanked him back by the waist. His face flushed with anger. "Phil! Give me the ring!"

His cheeks flushed a delicate pink, that fair complexion blooming with vivid color. His dark eyes, speckled with flecks of green, grew misty with anger—stubborn and unyielding no matter how you tried to press him down. Mu Hanxiao pinned him into the narrow space between himself and the car door, lowering his head to claim his lips in a fierce kiss. Mu Yu's mouth was soft, sweet even, as if biting into it would draw out nectar. The wet sounds of their kiss filled the car as Mu Yu was thoroughly plundered, forced to tilt his head back under the onslaught of the man's scorching tongue. His breath came in ragged gasps, hands clutching at Mu Hanxiao's clothes in a futile attempt to push him away, legs kicking wildly. With one hand, Mu Hanxiao parted his thighs and pinned them down, then buried his face against Mu Yu's neck, lips and teeth leaving marks as their heavy breathing mingled. Overwhelmed by the man's hot, dominating presence, Mu Yu trembled weakly, fingers tangling in the short hair at the nape of Mu Hanxiao's neck. "Stop... Phil, pull over! Let me out... Ah—"

The car had already entered the Yunhai. Mu Hanxiao yanked Mu Yu's shirt open, pressing the disheveled young man beneath him before speaking calmly, his voice rough with desire yet leaving no room for argument. "Phil, you may leave now."

Phil, who had remained silent and never once glanced back despite the sounds from the rear, acknowledged with a quiet "Yes" before parking the car in the courtyard and stepping out. Mu Yu clung helplessly to the seat, pinned against the door as Mu Hanxiao kissed him into a dazed, panting mess. His rumpled clothes barely concealed the slender, porcelain body beneath, his soft whimpers pitiful as a kitten's, as if he might shatter under Mu Hanxiao's touch. Phil shut the door and took position a short distance away, standing guard like a silent mountain.

Mu Hanxiao's car was heavy and imposing, its tinted windows revealing nothing from the outside. At first, the vehicle remained still, but after a long while, it gave a slight shudder, then began to rock more frequently, the movements growing increasingly pronounced. The courtyard was deserted, the night deep and quiet, with fresh roses blooming along the walls and small starlike lamps strung among the flowers, casting a trail of soft light.

Inside the dimly lit car, desire burned like wildfire, the air thick with the heady scent of sweat and arousal. The man rutted into the body beneath him with rough abandon, his thick, monstrous cock slamming relentlessly into that slick heat, each thrust drawing more liquid from the swollen, reddened entrance. Mu Yu's pale thighs trembled violently, his back pressed against the door with nowhere to escape, forced to endure the brutal pace. Overwhelmed, he sobbed and screamed, fingers clawing at the leather seat until it nearly tore. Mu Hanxiao kissed him addictively, swallowing his moans as he pinned Mu Yu's legs wide open, filling him over and over until he spilled across his chest and stomach. The thick fluid dripped from their joined bodies, soaking the seat beneath them.

Mu Hanxiao lifted Mu Yu—still trembling from climax—by the thighs and thrust back in from behind. Mu Yu lay against him, back arching with each deep penetration, his reddened lips parted in silent cries. Mu Hanxiao kissed his flushed earlobe, dark eyes fixed on Mu Yu's blissed-out expression—tears clinging to his lashes, the corners of his eyes stained pink with overstimulation. With every punishing thrust, Mu Yu gasped and whimpered, his delicate tongue peeking between his teeth, glistening and tempting, enough to drive anyone mad with the urge to devour him whole.

And Mu Hanxiao had looked far more than just once.

Year after year, day and night carved themselves into his eyes like hollow pits spiraling downward in a wasteland—the deeper they went, the hotter and darker they became, until finally all sound and sight vanished completely.

Only the erupting inferno from the earth's core could engulf everything.

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