CHAPTER 123: I LIVED IN A CAGE

AN: Taking a break tomorrow. I will be back the day after. Happy reading.

Hearing this, Yu Xi’s heart ached, his chest tightening as his eyes reddened. The guilt weighed on him like chains. He wished he could have protected his brother better. He wished he had left with him that day, shielded him from the loneliness and terror that must have consumed him. The thought of Xiaobao wandering alone, frightened and desperate, tore at him.

"I am sorry," Yu Xi whispered, his voice breaking. "I am sorry... I shouldn’t have left you alone."

Xiaobao wiped her tears quickly, shaking her head. "Don’t apologize. I should be the one to apologize. I didn’t try hard enough to find you. But now that I have, we can go back together. You can see where Mum grew up, and you can meet Grandpa. He really wants to meet you."

Yu Xi pursed his lips, his heart twisting at her excitement. He wanted to meet his grandfather, truly he did, but he couldn’t go with Xiaobao. His place was here. His choice was Jian Ci.

"I can’t," Yu Xi said softly.

Xiaobao’s face fell, her heartbreak plain. "Why not? Are they threatening you, Xi-ge? Grandpa will help you. He is truly powerful."

Yu Xi smiled faintly, brushing away the tear at the corner of her eye. "Do I look like I am being threatened?"

Xiaobao hesitated. "No... but Xi-ge, is it worth staying here, working for those brothers?"

Yu Xi creased his brow, his mind racing. How could Xiaobao know such things? Her words carried weight, secrets that only someone deeply tied to Jian family could reveal.

"Grandpa knew their mother very well," Xiaobao said softly, her eyes shimmering. "There is a blood contract, isn’t there? A mandated blood oath, right?"

Yu Xi’s curiosity deepened. Who exactly was their grandfather, and how could he know so much about Seraphyne’s methods? "When can I meet him?" Yu Xi asked, his voice low but urgent.

"Whenever you want," Xiaobao replied, her tone hopeful. "Just go home with me."

Yu Xi reached out, stroking her hair gently. "Xiaobao, you know your brother will do anything for you, right?"

She nodded, her heart swelling. She knew it too well.

"I love you," Yu Xi continued, "and I will do anything for you—just not this. I am staying here for myself... I need this."

Xiaobao’s confusion was plain. Yu Xi could have a life free from turmoil, far from the political circles and the inevitable fight for the throne. He could live happily, without worry. Yet he chose to remain with the brothers, bound to their struggles.

"I respect your choice," Xiaobao said, though her voice trembled, "but then I will stay with you."

Suddenly, her communicator buzzed. A holographic image flickered into existence. Yu Xi’s breath caught. That face—it was familiar but how was that possible? His heart pounded as recognition dawned. How could it be?

Yu Xi had read about Eros countless times in the archives—his name etched into the empire’s history as one of the most powerful figures to ever live. The stories spoke of his unmatched psychic strength, his victories in battles that shaped Orion Drift, and the mysterious disappearance that left the empire searching for him for decades. No one had seen him in years, and most had already assumed he was long dead, a legend fading into myth.

Yet here he was, standing before Yu Xi. Granted, it was only a holographic projection, but the presence was undeniable. This man was his grandfather.

Eros studied him with piercing eyes. "I take it, with that expression, you must have recognized me."

Yu Xi swallowed hard. "You are Eros."

Eros nodded slowly. "I am also your grandfather. I would have much preferred meeting you in person, but it’s... inconvenient."

Yu Xi shook his head. "No, I understand." His mother had spoken of her own mother, but rarely of her father. Their relationship had seemed distant, as though he had been absent more often than not.

"Your mother..." Eros began, his voice faltering.

Yu Xi said softly, "She talked about you. And grandmother."

Eros’ expression shifted, the weight of sorrow etched into his face. He had not only lost his daughter but also the love of his life.

"Yu Xi," Eros said, his tone heavy with urgency, "you know why you can’t stay here. Come back with Xiaobao, okay?"

Yu Xi understood why Eros was saying all of this, but it wasn’t what he wanted for himself. His grandfather’s words carried weight, spoken with sincerity and care, but Yu Xi’s heart was already set.

"Your life would be much better further from all this turmoil," Eros insisted. His voice was heavy, filled with the kind of conviction only a man who had lost too much could carry. Yet even as he spoke from the heart, he could see it in Yu Xi’s eyes—he would not be convinced.

Yu Xi shook his head gently. "I understand what you are saying, but I am fine where I am right now. As long as Xiaobao is safe, I don’t care for anything else."

Eros’ expression darkened. "Do you think Jian Rui will let the matter go once he finds out who you are related to? Jian Rui acts weak and useless in front of that bastard in the palace, but I know how ambitious he is. To him, I am an obstacle."

Yu Xi’s gaze was steady. "He won’t find out unless you want him to."

Eros leaned forward. "Is it because of the mandated blood oath? I can get it broken. It will take time, but I can do it."

Yu Xi’s voice softened, though his words were firm. "I know you are doing this because you think it’s best for me. But all my life, I lived in a cage, and I was ready to die there."

Xiaobao’s hand tightened around his arm, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Xi-ge..." she whispered, seeing the pain etched deep within him.

Yu Xi’s voice was steady, though his heart trembled beneath the words. "When they rescued me, I got a second chance at life, and I want to live it how I want. I will stay where I am, and if I change my mind, I will let you know."

Eros exhaled deeply, the weight of generations pressing on his shoulders. "I understand," he said, though his tone carried resignation more than agreement.