Gold Cage - Chapter 3

The engagement banquet for the Mu and Liu families took place on a radiant, sunlit day.

Mu Zeju drove to pick up Mu Yu, and they arrived at the venue together. Mu Yu wore a tailored suit, his snow-white shirt collar pristine, the jacket cinching his slender waist. For once, he'd combed his hair neatly, revealing his forehead and striking features his appearance drew immediate attention as he stepped out of the car.

Mu Yu didn't much resemble the Mu family. All three Mu brothers shared their father's sharp, classically handsome Eastern features, with the eldest, Mu Hanxiao, exuding particularly intimidating authority.

But Mu Yu's looks were delicate. His mother hailed from northern snow country, once a minor screen siren. His mixed heritage showed in faint emerald flecks in his pupils, a narrow nose, thin crimson lips, and lashes long as bird feathers. Yet his eye sockets weren't deep—retaining the soft, moist elegance of Eastern features.

Standing on the grass in his exquisite suit, black-haired and pale-skinned, Mu Yu looked like a sunbeam made flesh. Accepting champagne from a waiter, he turned toward the chapel where Mu Hanxiao and Liu Shuyan stood—hand-in-hand on the steps, conversing with guests.

Liu Shuyan truly lived up to her reputation as a recognized beauty. She looked absolutely stunning today her custom-made white gown accentuated her graceful waistline, her long hair was elegantly pinned up with snow-white diamonds, and her delicate profile was simply exquisite. Standing beside the tall and handsome Mu Hanxiao, she exuded an ethereal, fairy-like aura.

Mu Zeju and Mu Yu approached to greet them. Mu Hanxiao's gaze lingered on Mu Yu for a brief moment, but Mu Yu pretended not to notice. Instead, he smiled and gave Liu Shuyan a light hug, complimenting, "Sister Shuyan, you really are as heavenly as the rumors say— absolutely breathtaking."

Liu Shuyan laughed, "Little Yu, you've grown up so much. Who taught you to be such a sweet talker? I doubt it was Hanxiao."

"It's just basic gentlemanly manners, and I'm merely stating facts," Mu Yu replied.

Mu Hanxiao interjected, "Gentlemanly manners don't include glib flattery."

Liu Shuyan shot him a playful glare, while Mu Zeju smoothed things over, "Big brother, don't be so serious today. Little Yu specially prepared a gift for Sister Shuyan and from what I hear, it's quite something."

Liu Shuyan's eyes lit up with surprise, "What kind of gift is it?"

With a flourish, Mu Yu produced a small blue velvet pouch from behind his back. The pouch looked somewhat worn, and Mu Hanxiao's gaze flickered almost imperceptibly at the sight of it.

Mu Yu placed the gift in Liu Shuyan's hands and smiled sheepishly, "It's really nothing extravagant. I figured no expensive gift could impress Sister Shuyan anyway, so I thought something meaningful would be better."

Liu Shuyan said gently, "Anything from you, Little Yu, I'll love. May I open it now?"

"Of course."

Liu Shuyan carefully opened the pouch and took out a small square box. Inside was a diamond necklace.

"This is exquisite," she gasped. "It's so uniquely beautiful."

Mu Zeju recognized the necklace too and was momentarily speechless, casting a puzzled glance at Mu Yu. Mu Yu grinned carelessly, "Sister Shuyan has a good eye. This was my mother's dowry, passed down from my grandmother. Then my mother gave it to me. It's said to be a royal heirloom, so it's quite old."

Mu Yu's background was something of an open secret among those who knew him well. Liu Shuyan was momentarily stunned and glanced uncertainly at Mu Hanxiao.

Mu Hanxiao's deep, inscrutable eyes fixed on Mu Yu, as always revealing nothing of his thoughts.

"You're giving this necklace to Shuyan?" Mu Hanxiao asked, his voice steady, betraying no emotion.

Mu Yu replied, "I think it suits her perfectly. Of course, if Sister Shuyan minds my mother's background..." Liu Shuyan quickly interjected, "Of course not."

Mu Zeju remained silent, seemingly waiting for his elder brother's response.

After a long pause, Mu Hanxiao finally said calmly, "It's my younger brother's heartfelt gesture. Accept it."

Liu Shuyan had no choice but to accept the diamond necklace. To show her appreciation, she immediately put it on. Mu Yu enthusiastically fastened the clasp for her and lavished praise, "This necklace was wasted sitting in my possession, but on you, sister, it's truly living up to its fullest potential."

Liu Shuyan smiled helplessly, defeated by his sweet talk. Noticing guests waiting to approach, Mu Zeju didn't let Mu Yu continue his performance, finding an excuse to drag him away instead.

With all the Mu family present at the engagement party, Mu Zeju left Mu Yu to his own devices after pulling him aside, abandoning him without a second glance. Mu Zhiye had been waiting for his second brother from afar, casting a distant glance at Mu Yu filled with nothing but irritation and impatience.

Mu Yu knew he was unwanted. His father Mu Yunting and Zhao Mengling sat chatting with others on the white chairs at the front. They must have known he was there, yet neither showed any intention of acknowledging him—not even a glance back.

More carefree than ants on the ground, his gift delivered and mission accomplished, Mu Yu left on his own.

He had arrived in his second brother's car but now walked alone, slowly descending the slope along the church's outer wall. Melodious music drifted from the church garden, where roses spilled over the fence. The deserted path was dappled with sunlight as warm breezes ruffled Mu Yu's hair.

Huo Shiyin called to ask where he was, and Mu Yu gave his location.

Fifteen minutes later, a car pulled up slowly behind him. The window rolled down to reveal Huo Shiyin resting a slender cigarette between her fingers on the sill, teasing him, "Boss Mu, with your busy schedule, you still find time for a stroll?"

Mu Yu got in, and the car sped off. On the way, his father called to ask where he'd gone.

"Dad, I have things to attend to, so I left early."

Mu Yunting's voice was calm over the phone. "Coming and going without a word to anyone you're grown now, yet still lack basic manners."

Mu Yu chuckled. "My mistake."

"Your eldest brother's wedding is next month. Don't be so casual about it."

"Understood."

The call ended. Mu Yu leaned his elbow against the window, watching the scenery pass. After finishing her cigarette, Huo Shiyin asked, "Heading to the office?"

"Yeah."

"Xiao Yu, it feels like you haven't been happy since returning home."

Huo Shiyin, a year older than Mu Yu, liked to call him "Xiao Yu" in private, as if he were her younger brother.

Mu Yu feigned surprise. "You noticed?"

"Mhm."

Wind rushed into the car as Mu Yu rested his head against the window, murmuring almost to himself, "Actually, I kind of regret coming back."

Huo Shiyin laughed. "You're the boss now, responsible for a whole team's paychecks. No room for regrets."

Mu Yu smiled too. "You're right."

He spent the afternoon at the office with Huo Shiyin handling work matters. She invited him to dinner at her place that evening, and Mu Yu had just cheerfully agreed when his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen and answered.

"Eldest Brother wants me back for dinner?"

"Seriously? Today's his and his fiancée's engagement—I don't want to third-wheel."

"Why didn't he call me himself?"

Whatever the person on the other end said, Mu Yu dropped his teasing and eventually agreed.

Hanging up, Huo Shiyin asked, "Your brother?"

"His chef, relaying the master's orders."

"He hasn't cared about you for years," Huo Shiyin said curiously. "Why suddenly invite you home for dinner today?"

Mu Yu shrugged, didn't linger in the office any longer, grabbed his coat and left.

At six in the evening, Mu Yu's car stopped by the lakeside of Yunhai. He sat inside smoking, faint tendrils of smoke dissolving into the night as wind rustled through the trees.

The Yunhai residence was under Mu Hanxiao's name once his frequent lodging in Yushi, and once Mu Yu's "home." Zhao Mengling couldn't stand the sight of her husband's illegitimate child, so Mu Yunting never brought Mu Yu back to Bibotang, instead sending him to Yunhai. Though its owner was seldom home, at least it had proper facilities and staff.

Having gone through the trouble of bringing a child back, one couldn't just abandon him in a corner. Whether out of pity for his own flesh and blood or not, Mu Yunting occasionally showed Mu Yu some compassion.

After finishing his cigarette, Mu Yu started the car. Yunhai was built along the water, with scattered trees and sparse rooftops, exceptionally quiet at night. Driving through the gates of Mu Hanxiao's estate, he entered the passcode—regularly updated, but given to him by Mu Hanxiao and stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit, like walking into a castle flickering with candlelight. Mu Hanxiao's home exuded classical elegance and privacy, much like the man himself—revealing no secrets, discussing no personal matters, his cold gaze like the walls of a cage.

When young Mu Yu first arrived here, he hadn't been afraid. Instead, he'd felt the thrill of exploration. His home by Baiha'er Lake was similar, full of darkness and mystery when unlit at night. His mother would sit on the couch telling him ghost stories, a plate of stale, damp biscuits and a glass of cold milk always on the table.

But it had been too long since he'd last been here. The castle felt foreign now.

A man sat at the dining table. An elaborate dinner was laid out the chef must have prepared it and left. Yet as Mu Yu glanced around, he didn't see his soon-to-be sister-in-law.

He removed his suit jacket, still wearing his daytime shirt, a delicate collarbone chain glinting under the light. Approaching the table, he casually asked, "Where's sister-in-law?"

Mu Hanxiao reclined in his chair, fingers loosely interlaced, elbows resting on the armrests. This was his usual posture—relaxed in demeanor, yet his towering frame and the commanding presence of someone long accustomed to authority instinctively made those before him tense.

The man replied, "Business at the company. She left earlier."

Mu Yu raised an eyebrow, grinning as he pulled out a chair. "Today's your big day, and Sister Liu is this busy? Can't let this feast go to waste—I won't hold back."

Two place settings were arranged. To his surprise, Mu Yu spotted beef bourguignon his favorite. Mu Hanxiao's chef certainly knew his tastes.

The good food lifted his mood. Humming, he poured himself wine and boldly struck up conversation: "When did you and Sister Liu get together?"

Mu Hanxiao sat at the head of the table, two seats apart. The man seemed entirely disinterested in chatting, nor did he appear inclined to share the meal. Silently, he flicked open a lighter and lit a cigarette.

"None of your concern," Mu Hanxiao's voice was deep.

"Can't even have a family dinner conversation?"

Mu Hanxiao glanced up at him. Mu Yu smiled innocently, "You've known Sister Liu since childhood, yet you contact each other less than twice a year. Now you're suddenly getting married—it's hard not to suspect this is an arranged marriage."

The cigarette smoke obscured half of Mu Hanxiao's expression. He tapped the ash at the edge of the tray, "And how do you know we only contact twice a year?"

Mu Yu stared at Mu Hanxiao, his eyes momentarily clouded with icy shadows. After a few seconds, his expression softened as he murmured, "You're right. What right do I have to know anything about you?"

He picked up the glass and downed the alcohol in one gulp, then casually tossed the cup onto the table.

"If we're not close, sitting together for dinner is just awkward. I'm leaving."

The glass rolled away with a clatter. Mu Hanxiao said coldly, "Who taught you to speak like this?"

Mu Yu carelessly put on his coat, "My apologies. Raised without discipline since childhood—just a wild child."

With a cold expression, he headed for the door when suddenly Mu Hanxiao spoke, "Next week, you'll meet Uncle Lan's youngest daughter. Starting now, rein in your temper."

Mu Yu froze, then burst into disbelieving laughter, pointing at himself, "You're arranging a blind date for me with a girl?"

The man didn't respond, but Mu Yu inexplicably grew intrigued. He turned back to the dining table, "Brother, you haven't forgotten I like men, have you?"

Mu Hanxiao's cigarette was nearly finished. He stubbed it out in the ashtray, his face openly displaying disgust, "You will marry a woman."

"Why?"

"Rules."

Mu Hanxiao's expression was exceptionally cold. He seemed to have reached his limit tolerating this illegitimate brother just one step away from telling Mu Yu, "Get out of this family."

But Mu Yu deliberately pretended not to understand. Feigning surprise, he said, "Are these rules left over from the Qing dynasty into the 21st century? Or did our esteemed Patriarch Mu make them up himself?"

"Your rules—why should I follow them?" Mu Yu leisurely paced before Mu Hanxiao, clearly enjoying provoking the man, "Mu Zeju obeys you, Mu Zhiye obeys you why should I? Am I even your real brother? No we don't even share the same mother."

Mu Hanxiao sat in his chair watching him, his dark eyes unfathomable, his tall frame like some restrained beast lying in wait. Mu Yu tilted his head with interest as light spilled from above them, scattering in quiet luminescence.

"After you marry Sister Liu, will you dictate every step of her life too? Sister Liu will be the future CEO of Hongfeng—I doubt she'll obediently stay home bearing your children."

Mu Yu was far more audacious than most people imagined. He reached out to stroke Mu Hanxiao's black tie, lightly flicking the tie pin as he looked down at the man from above. His slender, pale fingers deliberately brushed against the man's chest.

Leaning down, he whispered in Mu Hanxiao's ear in a hushed voice: "What a shame. If I were a woman, I'd be more than willing to bear your children."

His voice was sweet and intimate, like a wisp of drifting cloud: "Brother, I'd have as many as you wanted me to."

With a loud crash, the chair toppled over, the heavy rosewood slamming onto the floor. Mu Yu was flung far away, landing hard on the ground.

Mu Hanxiao stood by the table, his face dark as an approaching storm. He yanked off his tie and threw it onto the dining table as if the personal item Mu Yu had touched disgusted him. His cold gaze swept over Mu Yu on the floor, showing no concern for his obvious pain as he issued his command: "Get out."

Mu Yu saw stars from the impact, his bones nearly rattling apart. Mu Hanxiao strode over, hauled him up from the floor, dragged him to the door, and threw him out.

Stumbling, Mu Yu collided with a pillar outside before the front door slammed shut behind him with a thunderous bang.

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