The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 48 - Break Off
Chapter 48: Break Off
Jing Sui looked at the boy in front of him. The words were light as a feather, yet each one landed in his ears like a hammer, easily plunging him into an abyss.
How could he forget those words?
He would never forget them.
No, it couldn’t be true. It mustn’t be…
Jing Sui forced himself to speak, his voice hoarse: “What... did you say?”
Ji Ling looked coldly at Jing Sui.
He had been a law-abiding young man, respecting elders and caring for children. He hadn’t even had a single relationship before he died. Fortunately, heaven had given him a second chance, and he cherished it deeply. He devoted himself to completing his mission, hoping that one day he could go home.
But you... all of you... opposed me at every turn. Not only did you refuse to follow the script, but you also wouldn’t leave me alone. I’ve never even held a girl’s hand, yet you lunatics are forcing me into this!
Love should be mutual! Do you not understand my rejection?
You just can’t help but like me?
Fine. Then let’s start over.
Now, I remember everything. I know everything. Can you still claim to love me so casually?
I’ll make sure you all understand that I, Ji Ling, can also be cold and ruthless. Hmph!
Jing Sui stared at the boy’s cold, determined, and emotionless gaze. His heart sank lower and lower, though he still struggled desperately. In a choked voice, he said, “I don’t understand what you mean...”
Ji Ling laughed slowly and mercilessly. “Then let me remind Your Majesty of the last words I said to you in my previous life.”
He fixed his gaze on Jing Sui, watching as the man’s expression grew increasingly grim. Then, word by word, Ji Ling said: “I said, I won’t cling to you anymore. You and Ning Yu... should live well together.”
The blood drained from Jing Sui’s face. From the moment Ji Ling opened his eyes, Jing Sui had suspected something, though he refused to believe it...
But now, all illusions were shattered.
The boy finally remembered everything—his cold indifference in their past life and why Ji Ling had died.
Every one of his mistakes was laid bare, exposed to the youth. There was no way to hide the truth or pretend it never happened. He could no longer greedily hold on to a clueless Ji Ling, selfishly trying to win his perfect, untainted love.
Jing Sui closed his eyes in anguish. At this moment, he didn’t know what to say or how to justify himself.
Because any words would be meaningless.
Finally, he opened his mouth and, in a hoarse voice, said, “I love you. That’s true...”
Ji Ling looked at him with a cold smile, a hint of self-mockery in his eyes. “I used to wonder why you liked me. That’s why I listened to Carlos’s words. But now, I believe you. You don’t need to use me or give the title of Empress to someone you don’t like. I just can’t believe it... you actually love me.”
As he spoke, a trace of sadness flickered in his eyes. “I loved you so deeply in my previous life, but it wasn’t enough to make you look back at me. And now, in this life, you’ve fallen in love with me. Isn’t that the most ironic thing?”
Jing Sui’s lips moved. “I...”
Ji Ling chuckled softly, but his expression was as cold and lifeless as a frozen river. “But so what? I don’t like you anymore.”
Jing Sui stared at him, unable to believe what he was hearing.
Ji Ling remained calm. “It doesn’t matter if it’s guilt or a sense of repayment. I don’t need your compensation. Really.”
Jing Sui firmly said, “It’s not compensation. It’s because I love you.”
Ji Ling replied, “Is that so?”
“Then all the more reason I don’t need it...” He looked Jing Sui in the eye, his voice emotionless and resolute. Slowly and steadily, he said, “Because from the moment I died, I already let go. Don’t forget—it was you who exiled me so heartlessly, you who trampled on my feelings time and time again. I was foolish enough to believe my sincerity would eventually move you. But I was wrong...”
“Until the very moment I died, I never saw that day come.”
“I’ve already given you everything I had to give: my love, my life. Now, there’s nothing left for me to offer you.”
“The person who loved you existed only in the past life. He will not return.”
“Do you understand?”
Jing Sui’s hands clenched tightly.
The boy was right before him, yet it was the first time he felt such a vast, unreachable distance.
He had countless dreams of reunion in his previous life, imagining how he might make amends and beg for forgiveness... But now, he knew the truth. Even if the youth were alive, he could never reclaim what had been lost.
Ji Ling’s love burned passionately, consuming itself like a moth to a flame. When he let go, it was clean and absolute.
He would never forgive him.
And he would never love him again.
This was the truth—cruel and inescapable.
As he immersed himself in the illusion he had constructed, he never thought that one day, all the lies would be exposed and all the truth would be revealed.
Even if he was given another chance, he couldn’t get back the person he’d already lost.
As Jing Sui’s illusions crumbled, Ji Ling savored the sight of his despair. Serves you right! You all thought you could act recklessly because I didn’t know about the past. You relied on me having no reason to refuse you... But I know everything! I didn’t want to reveal it—I just wanted to complete my mission quietly. But you forced my hand!
Seeing Jing Sui’s pale face, a fleeting moment of sympathy arose in Ji Ling’s heart. But it quickly turned cold again. Feeling pity for Jing Sui would only drag himself back into the pit. This was his one chance to break free! Besides, you're the emperor. Why not focus on ruling? You used to be so much more likable...
Showing mercy to the enemy is cruelty to oneself!
Still weak from the poisonous flower, Ji Ling struggled to get out of bed. After just one step, he nearly collapsed.
Jing Sui hurried forward to support him, but Ji Ling pushed him away. He turned and coldly said, “I’ve troubled you for long enough. It’s time I go home.”
Jing Sui lowered his head, staring blankly at his hand that had been pushed away, standing frozen in place.
After a while, he looked up again, watching the boy struggle to take step after step away, so determined, so resolute, never once looking back…
He was about to lose the boy again……
This time, the boy didn’t even leave him the illusion of hope.
Ji Ling didn’t dare to look back, afraid that even one more glance might provoke Jing Sui. Despite his earlier aggressive demeanor, it was all held together by sheer willpower. If Jing Sui snapped out of his daze, who knew what uncontrollable actions he might take?
But Ji Ling was utterly weak, each step agonizingly slow.
Just as he was about to leave the palace and step out the main doors, a glimmer of relief appeared in his eyes. Suddenly, a gust of wind came from behind. Strong arms encircled his waist, lifting him forcefully, and carrying him back with long strides.
Ji Ling stared blankly up at the man’s sharp jawline. When he realized what was happening, fury erupted within him.
Seriously? He still wouldn’t let go?
Ji Ling began hitting Jing Sui, his eyes reddened with anger, his voice hoarse as he shouted, “Let me go! Don’t touch me!”
Jing Sui’s face betrayed no emotion. His deep eyes resembled a dark, bottomless abyss. Any trace of emotion seemed buried under countless layers, leaving his expression cold and his lips pressed into a tight line.
He held the struggling boy tightly. Only when Ji Ling’s strength waned and he softened in his arms did Jing Sui gently place him back on the bed. His voice was calm as he said, “Rest well. I’ll have others take care of you.”
Ji Ling’s furious eyes seemed to blaze with fire. Trembling with anger, he gritted his teeth and said, “I want to go home.”
Jing Sui appeared not to hear him. He even looked at Ji Ling with a gentle smile, his hoarse voice carrying a hint of warmth. “If you’re upset, we can postpone the wedding. I won’t touch you. Just stay here and rest.”
After saying that, he turned and walked out.
Ji Ling was on the verge of exploding. He’d already died and been reborn, and this man still wouldn’t let go. Did he not realize that forced love wouldn’t work? Ji Ling had made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t forgive him. Could Jing Sui not understand?
He wanted nothing more than to kill himself again, but suddenly several attendants filed into the room, surrounding him from all sides. They respectfully said, “Young Master Ji, please rest well. Let us know if you need anything.”
Ji Ling: “......”
He looked despairingly at the attendants. Though they appeared humble and courteous, every one of them was a powerful evolutionist capable of crushing him with a single hand.
The first time he’d managed to kill himself had been because Jing Sui wasn’t prepared. Now that Jing Sui was on guard, there wouldn’t be a second chance.
AAAAH, he was so infuriated he could scream!
Ji Ling, face pale as death: [What’s wrong with him, seriously?]
System: […]
Ji Ling: [I’ve already told him I don’t love him. Does he think keeping me here will make me change my mind?]
System: […]
Ji Ling: [Or is it that being emperor is so comfortable he’s looking for excitement by tormenting himself?]
System: […]
Ji Ling: [Definitely insane. :)]
Enraged, Ji Ling flipped the table in his room, panting with fury.
The attendants calmly cleaned up the mess and brought in a new table as if nothing had happened. They continued to stand respectfully by his side.
……………
Jing Sui rarely appeared in front of Ji Ling, but regardless of his presence, there were always at least three attendants accompanying Ji Ling wherever he went, even when he slept. Not a single moment of privacy. Ji Ling felt like he was suffocating. This was ruthless—truly ruthless.
He was starting to fear slipping up!
Though his purity was currently safeguarded, his freedom was completely gone. This level of surveillance went beyond treating him like a prisoner—it was enough to drive anyone mad.
Suicide was out of the question. His only hope was to work around his meals.
Previously, Ji Ling had only pretended to refuse food, sneaking bites whenever possible. But now, to escape his current predicament, he decided to go on a full hunger strike.
He wanted Jing Sui to see his resolve.
No food. Absolutely none!
That night, after Ji Ling had thrown over his third meal, Jing Sui finally arrived.
His strikingly handsome face was cold and stern, his black hair tied behind him. His deep eyes glimmered as he walked to Ji Ling and asked in a hoarse voice, “Why aren’t you eating?”
Ji Ling glared coldly at him.
Jing Sui didn’t seem annoyed. He calmly said, “You have two choices: eat on your own or let me feed you with my mouth.”
Ji Ling: “…”
Oh no. How had he forgotten that this shameless man was also a notorious kissing maniac?!
Ji Ling’s expression froze. Though he was loath to give in, was he really going to engage in a tug-of-war kiss with Jing Sui? Knowing Jing Sui, he’d absolutely follow through. But the idea of eating someone else’s saliva was revolting…
Jing Sui repeated unhurriedly, “Have you decided?”
After a long silence, Ji Ling said coldly, “I’ll eat on my own.”
Jing Sui’s gaze softened, a hint of indulgence in his tone as he said, “Good.”
Then he sat beside him, evidently intending to watch Ji Ling eat in person.
As a matter of fact, Ji Ling had always felt guilty wasting food when he’d thrown the meals earlier. Now, since there was no choice but to eat…he might as well fill up.
And in hindsight, while he hadn’t escaped the palace, he’d resolved two major problems: food and chastity.
Though his goal wasn’t fully achieved, he’d won halfway. Feeling slightly better, Ji Ling steeled himself for the next round.
Let’s see who can outlast who!
He slowly ate his meal with a pained expression, pretending to suffer through every bite. When he was eight-tenths full, he set down his chopsticks, turned to Jing Sui, and sneered, “The person who wanted to be your empress is dead.”
Jing Sui’s face changed slightly, the perfect facade cracking momentarily before smoothing over again. He smiled faintly at Ji Ling. “Don’t say such foolish things.”
Then he got up and left.
Ji Ling laughed coldly in his heart. After finishing his meal, he lay down and fell asleep. Since he had nothing else to do, he was more than willing to take his time and see who’d outlast whom.
The two entered a tug-of-war of sorts.
Typically, Jing Sui would only appear during mealtimes. He wouldn’t eat himself, instead simply watching Ji Ling eat. Ji Ling, in turn, would eat in silence, completely ignoring Jing Sui. Occasionally, he would coldly throw out a line or two, such as:
“Your Majesty, a person's heart can die.”
“Your Majesty, even the deepest love has its limits.”
“I’ve seen through everything. I will never love you again.”
“Someone like you doesn’t even know how to love.”
Other than eating and drinking, Ji Ling spent his days brainstorming insults to throw at Jing Sui. He scoured his mind, regretting he hadn’t read enough melodramatic novels before. In just a few days, he found himself running out of ideas.
This frustrated him greatly. Not delivering a stinging retort felt like losing a round in their battle.
Ji Ling: [I can’t think of anything else to say. System, help me out!]
System: [… I’m not good at that.]
Useless system. Ji Ling sighed, realizing he could only rely on himself. He sat and stared at the sky, lost in thought. At first, Jing Sui would react visibly to his provocations, his expression darkening. But now, he seemed increasingly composed. No matter what Ji Ling said, Jing Sui's face remained impassive, and he even tried to talk to him like everything was normal. Ji Ling thought to himself: Not bad for a ruler. That kind of restraint takes skill.
That evening, Jing Sui arrived as usual.
The food was still to Ji Ling’s taste. After casually eating a bit, he gave Jing Sui a cold look, raising an eyebrow. “Your Majesty, I’m beginning to doubt if you really love me.”
Jing Sui looked at him, his golden eyes calm, his voice rich and magnetic. “Why do you think that?”
Ji Ling fixed his gaze on Jing Sui and said firmly, “If you love someone, shouldn’t you set them free?”
Jing Sui suddenly laughed. His gaze softened, carrying a hint of indulgence, as if he had heard something amusing. “Perhaps for some people.”
Ji Ling stared at him.
Jing Sui’s expression turned serious as he stared at Ji Ling. “But for me, loving someone means keeping them by my side.”
Ji Ling sneered. “When I wanted you to love me, you ignored me. Now that I no longer want it, you insist on giving it. Is that what you call love? I think you just refuse to let me go.”
Jing Sui’s expression remained gentle. “You can call it whatever you like.”
As usual, their conversation ended on a sour note.
Jing Sui stood and left. From beginning to end, he neither touched Ji Ling nor approached closer than a meter.
After Jing Sui left, Ji Ling decided to take a stroll in the garden before heading to bed. Unexpectedly, he heard a commotion outside.
As he hesitated, a guard at the gate was sent flying, spitting blood as he landed near Ji Ling. Startled, Ji Ling’s eyes widened. What’s going on? Who dares cause trouble in the palace?!
Moments later, a tall, red-haired man with cold, gray eyes strode in.
He swept through all opposition with ease, effortlessly dispatching anyone who tried to stop him. Finally, he reached Ji Ling, his gaze filled with concern.
Ji Ling was taken aback. Brandon? Why is he here? Isn’t he on Jing Sui’s side? What’s he doing?
Brandon stared intently at Ji Ling. Though the youth appeared a little pale, he seemed unharmed, which allowed Brandon to finally breathe a sigh of relief.
A few days earlier, Brandon had returned from outside the palace and wanted to visit Ji Ling. To his surprise, Jing Sui refused, claiming Ji Ling was too weak to see anyone.
Initially, Brandon believed him, but after repeated denials, he grew suspicious.
If Ji Ling were truly unwell, a quick visit shouldn’t have been an issue. Why was Jing Sui barring him?
What happened? Did something happen to Ji Ling?
After being turned away again today, Brandon pretended to leave but circled back to investigate. When he arrived, he immediately noticed the heightened security. The area was swarming with guards, patrolling so tightly that not even a bird could escape. This wasn’t a palace; it was a prison.
Realizing something was wrong, Brandon grew both furious and anxious. Ignoring the guards’ resistance, he fought his way inside and finally reached Ji Ling.
Though Ji Ling looked fine, Brandon couldn’t ignore the fact that Jing Sui had essentially imprisoned him.
Brandon opened his mouth to speak, but his expression suddenly tensed. A gust of wind rushed past as Jing Sui arrived, striking Brandon and sending him flying back.
Jing Sui, his golden eyes icy, stood tall. He looked at Brandon and spoke coldly, “What do you think you’re doing?”
Brandon, caught off guard, was furious. “You’re asking me? I should be asking you—what the hell are you doing? Why are you treating him like this?”
Jing Sui’s eyes were as dark as an abyss. His voice was calm. “It’s exactly what you see. I’m just ensuring his safety by increasing security.”
“Oh, really?” Brandon’s gaze was sharp, his tone mocking. “Are you protecting him from outside threats or from himself?”
Jing Sui’s pupils contracted, his expression taut.
Ji Ling watched silently from the side, a thought forming in his mind. Maybe this is my chance. He maintained a distant, lifeless expression, watching the two men without a word.
Brandon noticed Ji Ling’s detached gaze and felt a pang of anguish. Lowering his voice, he asked, “Did he hurt you?”
Ji Ling smirked faintly, his tone icy. “Are you worried about me?”
“Yes,” Brandon replied.
Ji Ling chuckled dryly, his smile tinged with mockery. “You’re all so amusing. When I needed you, you hated me and wanted me gone. Now that I don’t need you anymore, you show concern for me…”
Brandon was shaken to the core, his heart filled with guilt and confusion.
Before he could say anything, Jing Sui stepped forward, positioning himself between Ji Ling and Brandon. His eyes were sharp and dangerous as he coldly said, “It’s time for you to leave.”
Brandon didn’t have time to analyze Ji Ling’s words but felt certain of one thing: Ji Ling didn’t want to stay. Jing Sui was forcing him. His voice seething with anger, Brandon shouted, “What did you do to him?”
Jing Sui’s expression remained indifferent. “I’m protecting him. Whatever’s between us is none of your business. You’d best stay out of it.”
That was the final straw for Brandon.
None of my business?!
The boy had clearly suffered, yet Jing Sui dared claim he was taking care of him? And now, he dared to demand Brandon leave?!
Clenching his fists so tightly his knuckles cracked, Brandon’s gray eyes filled with icy determination. He met Jing Sui’s gaze head-on and said, “I told you before: if you ever hurt him…”
“I’ll take him away from you.”
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YESSSSSSS omg it's the start of the forced coercion arc lmaoo tell me why i'm so excited i just can't wait for ji ling to re-meet everyone and throw 'em away like trash. honestly ning yu has the best chances so far but the whole forced kissing thing w/his other persona will prob make ji ling's worldview shatter lol but i still like him the best out of the villains
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