Su Yao suddenly came closer and tried to put his arm around my shoulder. I quickly stepped back and frowned, “If you want to talk, just talk. Stop touching me.”

Su Yao’s hand froze mid-air, and his smile stiffened for a moment before he suddenly asked, “Why is our little young master suddenly so broke?”

All my allowance had been spent on hiring private detectives to monitor Chen Zhou’s foster parents, and I had to keep it secret from everyone else, so money was tight. But can I admit that?

I gave him a sideways glance, “None of your business.”

Su Yao wasn’t angry; instead, he smiled and said, “Your birthday is in three days. I already prepared a gift for you. If you want it, come find me that night.”

Idiot, as if I’d care.

When it comes to gifts, people line up to offer them at my door, hoping I’ll accept them. I walked on expressionless, “Whatever. I don’t care.”

Su Yao grinned and suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my wrist with a strong grip and whispering something in my ear before I could hit him. In the next second, Chen Zhou pushed him away.

Even after Su Yao left, I hadn’t recovered. What he had whispered in my ear was, “Fake young master, see you at ten.”

I was too nervous to tell whether he had said “fake” or “small.” Panic flooded me, spreading through my entire body like cold water.

Chen Zhou called my name a few times before I finally snapped out of it and forced myself to deal with him.
13

Everything was completely different from the original story.

At my coming-of-age ceremony, I was the center of attention, despite my unimpressive academic record. Just being the only son of the Gu family made me a prominent figure. I even received a hug from my cheap old man.

It wasn’t pleasant, but I played the part well.

In an event like this, Chen Zhou naturally had no place beside me. He stood quietly in a corner, dressed in a uniform. Yet whenever I glanced his way, our eyes always met.

But I couldn’t focus on that. Su Yao’s words hung over me like the sword of Damocles.

I received Su Yao’s call right on time.

In his usual casual tone, he said, “Little young master, you looked stunning today. Come to this place; I have a gift for you.”

I was about to refuse when he lowered his voice and added, “Gu Qing, or should I call you something else?”

Hearing his laughter made my back break out in a cold sweat.

I had to meet him alone. There was no other option.

I made up an excuse to send Chen Zhou away and armed myself with a taser.

Though I didn’t know what would happen, Su Yao’s behavior felt both unfamiliar and disgusting.

When I opened the door, only Su Yao was inside the private room.

A row of drinks sat on the table. I glanced over — perfect, Remy Martin. Not only expensive, but the bottles had thick bottoms, easy to grip.

When he saw me, Su Yao stood up with a warm expression, “It’s an honor for the young master to grace me with his presence. Here, take a look at your birthday present.”

Two paternity test reports lay on the table.

One was mine. The other was Chen Zhou’s.
14

Just seeing the names, I knew exactly what he meant. Strangely, after having nightmares about this part of the plot, now that it was happening, I wasn’t as panicked:

“So, what do you want?”

Su Yao raised an eyebrow, “The little young master sure is composed. I thought you’d be trembling with fear, maybe even clinging to me. What a shame.”

He sounded genuinely disappointed.

I didn’t move. Honestly, I was terrified, but showing weakness in front of Su Yao was out of the question. If I couldn’t even hold on to my pride, I had no right to live as a spoiled rich kid all these years.

I impatiently said, “If you have nothing else to say, I’m leaving.”

Su Yao tried to grab me again, but quickly let go with an innocent look, “Little young master, I mean no harm. You don’t need to look at me so warily. I just want to propose a deal.”

“I’ll help you get rid of Chen Zhou. Once he’s dead, along with his family, only the two of us will know your secret.”

My first instinct was to refuse, but I stayed silent and instead asked, “What do you want?”

I may not be academically inclined or skilled, but I’m no fool.

Su Yao’s eyes were full of undisguised desire, a hunger I found repulsive. He usually hid it well, but now that he had leverage over me, he wasn’t bothering to conceal it anymore.

I slapped him, hard, sending his head snapping to the side.

Su Yao sneered, “Still so arrogant, little young master. I see you won’t cry until you see the coffin. With your skills, once your identity is exposed, you’re doomed. Why not follow me now? I promise to help you clean up this mess.”

“And in what capacity would I follow you?” I felt nothing but disgust, “You’re twisted. I’m a man.”

“I know that. But you’ve got such a captivating face. Do you even realize? Every time you glare at me, I get excited.

“If you were truly the Gu family’s son, I’d be powerless against you. But luckily, you’re just an imposter.”
15

As he leaned in to kiss me, I felt a surge of revulsion and tried to push him away.

He grabbed me by the throat.

Su Yao wasn’t his usual meek self anymore. His hand clamped around my jaw as he picked up a glass of wine from the table and forcibly poured it into my mouth.

I struggled desperately, but in the chaos, I ended up swallowing several mouthfuls.

Su Yao’s gaze grew even bolder, more predatory, as he gently brushed my damp hair aside and smiled with twisted satisfaction, “So beautiful.”

Disgusting.

I fought to break free, but my body was growing weaker. My limbs felt heavy, my head spinning, and a burning heat spread through me.