Chapter 65 Canary's Cage
The word "OK" was like an invisible shackle that completely handcuffed Su Yan's soul.
From that moment on, he no longer tried to avoid Huo Shen's gaze, nor did he make any subtle, willful movements. He became unusually quiet, unusually obedient. If Huo Shen asked him to sit down, he would never stand; if Huo Shen told him to rest, he would immediately return to his room. Like a finely programmed artifact, he meticulously executed his master's every command, even his eyes lacking the stubborn energy of the past.
Huo Shen seemed very satisfied with his "transformation". The feeling of being in control of everything returned, even stronger than before, because this time, he was sure that he was in control not only of Su Yan's body, but also of his heart that was forced to submit.
He began to bring Su Yan with him more often, not just to the apartment, but occasionally to private clubs or places under the Huo family that didn't involve core confidential information. He seemed to be showing off his most proud collection to everyone - look, this little bird that once tried to resist, with sharp claws, is now completely tamed, with smooth feathers and gentle eyes, singing only for him.
Su Yan played his role cooperatively. Amid the probing or envious gazes of others, he always lowered his head slightly and quietly followed Huo Shen half a step behind him. Occasionally, when Huo Shen looked at him, he would raise his eyes and reveal a just-right smile that was filled with dependence and timidity.
No one knows the emptiness and numbness beneath those drooping eyelashes.
Huo Shen fulfilled part of his promise. The news coming from the Su family was no longer all bad. The accusations against the Huo family had gradually subsided under Huo Shen's strong management. Although the Su family was still seriously damaged, it had at least temporarily avoided the fate of immediate collapse. Su Chen also seemed to have temporarily stabilized the mess in Southeast Asia, although the cost was huge.
Su Yan pieced together this information from the fragments of Assistant Zhou's occasional reports to Huo Shen. He knew that this was Huo Shen showing him his "gift" and reminding him to remember the price of the deal.
Assistant Zhou remained a ghost, omnipresent. His attitude toward Su Yan seemed unchanged, still respectful yet distant. But Su Yan could sense that the gaze he cast upon him was deeper, more... colder, than before. The USB flash drive incident was like a thorn, not removed, merely temporarily suppressed. Su Yan knew that Assistant Zhou had never given up his suspicions of him.
That evening, Huo Shen took Su Yan to a small private dinner. During the dinner, a CEO who had a good relationship with Huo Shen said to him jokingly, "Boss Huo, your little beauty is becoming more and more lovable. She's so well-behaved that it makes me feel distressed."
As he spoke, the man actually reached out and wanted to touch Su Yan's face.
Su Yan's body stiffened instantly, and he subconsciously wanted to hide, but he stopped abruptly a second before he could move. He remembered his "identity" - an object that could not have its own emotions and could only be determined by its owner.
Just before the hand was about to touch Su Yan, Huo Shen moved.
He didn't even look at the boss. He just casually picked up the napkin on the table and wiped his hands. His tone was calm, but it carried an unquestionable pressure: "Boss Li, did your hand slip?"
Mr. Li's hand froze in mid-air, and he sobered up instantly. A hint of embarrassment and fear flashed across his face, and he quickly withdrew his hand with a smile: "Yes, yes, I drank too much, and my hand slipped. Don't be offended, Mr. Huo."
Huo Shen ignored him and instead pushed the small plate of shrimp he had peeled in front of him in front of Su Yan.
"Eat something." His voice was not loud, but loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.
This action is both a protection and a clearer declaration - this is my property, and others have no right to covet it.
Su Yan lowered his head, scooped up the crystal shrimp with a small spoon, and mechanically put it into his mouth. It tasted sweet, but he could not taste anything.
After the dinner, they returned to the apartment. Huo Shen seemed to be in a good mood. He leaned on the sofa, looking at Su Yan who had silently put away his slippers for him, and suddenly said:
"There's a charity dinner next weekend. Please come with me."
This is not a discussion, it is a notification.
Su Yan nodded meekly: "Yes, sir."
He knew that he would be taken to another occasion as a gorgeous ornament, showcasing Huo Shen's supreme power and control. His cage never disappeared, but only became more sophisticated and ubiquitous.
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