The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 53 - Protect

December 19, 2024 Oyen 0 Comments

Happy Reading~

Chapter 53: Protect

 

Ji Ling gazed at the submissive silver-haired man before him, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

 

Although he had planned this with Wen Yan in advance, Ji Ling wasn’t sure they’d succeed. Wen Yan, while formidable and one of the notable villains in the story, was ultimately outclassed by both Carlos and Jing Sui in terms of power and influence. In the rigid hierarchy of the Empire, the gap determined by birth was nearly impossible to overcome through effort alone.

 

However, Wen Yan was adept at playing to his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses. Knowing he couldn’t confront Carlos head-on, he teamed up with Brandon to rescue Ji Ling. Brandon distracted Carlos, while Wen Yan took advantage of the chaos to sneak Ji Ling away. It was a carefully calculated plan.

 

After all, Wen Yan hadn’t risen from being a commoner to becoming the first Speaker of the Empire by sheer luck.

 

Wen Yan respectfully looked at Ji Ling and said apologetically, “You’ve endured a lot during this time. I’ve already prepared a safe place for you. I’ll take you there immediately.”

 

Ji Ling nodded and replied, “Alright.”

 

Wen Yan had deliberately staged the kidnapping to draw Carlos’s wrath away from Ji Ling, considering every angle thoroughly.

 

Even though Wen Yan had indeed helped him today, Ji Ling remained cautious. He wouldn’t naively see Wen Yan as a loyal subordinate. Wen Yan was simply skilled at patience and deception. With his omniscient perspective, Ji Ling was well aware of Wen Yan’s ruthless nature. In some ways, Wen Yan and Carlos were very much alike. 

 

If Ji Ling had another choice, he would never have turned to Wen Yan.

 

Thinking of this, Ji Ling sighed sadly.

 

For their escape, Wen Yan had selected an advanced, compact spaceship capable of spatial jumps and excellent at concealing its presence.

 

However, the spaceship was small and space-limited. Maintaining his guard against Wen Yan, Ji Ling stayed in his cabin almost all the time, leaving only for meals.

 

His paranoia wasn’t without cause—none of these people were normal. They all seemed like characters from an overly dramatic romance novel, each secretly coveting him! Thankfully, he’d landed in a Jinjiang-style story; otherwise, he’d have been ‘conquered’ countless times by now!

 

Over time, Ji Ling realized that even when they were alone, Wen Yan remained as respectful and well-mannered as ever, showing no inappropriate behavior. This notorious Speaker and villain seemed inexplicably obsessed with acting the role of a servant…

 

Ji Ling was puzzled.

 

Having grown up in a modern society valuing equality and mutual respect, he found Wen Yan’s willingness to lower himself to the dust baffling. If Wen Yan were just another ordinary commoner brainwashed by the Empire’s rigid social structure, it might make sense. But Wen Yan clearly wasn’t the type to accept his fate!

 

Wen Yan had climbed the social ladder through ruthless means, showing no sense of inferiority toward the aristocracy. On the contrary, he harbored contempt for the nobility, his hands stained with their blood…

 

So why, when no one else was around, and with Ji Ling unable to resist him, did Wen Yan continue to feign subservience?

 

Was it because he liked him?

 

Ji Ling found himself recalling his past life, trying to figure out what he could have done to make Wen Yan so enamored. Yet, no matter how much he thought about it, nothing stood out.

 

For example, during his second time through the story, he had once stood up for Wen Yan when Lord Richard tried to humiliate him. However, even if Ji Ling hadn’t intervened, Lord Richard wouldn’t have dared harm Wen Yan and might’ve even gotten himself killed instead. Back then, Ji Ling had acted arrogantly, treating Wen Yan as inferior. If the roles were reversed and someone told Ji Ling, ‘Don’t bully the dog without considering its master,’ Ji Ling wouldn’t have felt grateful—he’d probably lash out instead. Yet… Wen Yan saw this as kindness?

 

Could he be… a masochist?

 

But if Wen Yan truly liked him, why did he betray him in the previous life?

 

Despite acting the same way in both lives, Wen Yan now interpreted his actions as love? Or had Wen Yan been infatuated with him since his previous life?

 

It was a chilling thought.

 

It was like realizing that a random passerby you’d never noticed had been scheming against you all along!

 

Ji Ling sighed deeply and complained to the system: [These villains are too complicated. I really can’t figure them out.]

 

System: [......]

 

Regardless, since Wen Yan didn’t bring up the past and was willing to continue pretending to be a loyal subordinate, Ji Ling wasn’t about to expose him. Although Wen Yan had betrayed him in his previous life, Ji Ling’s actions weren’t entirely blameless either. Both parties bore some responsibility, and everything had unfolded as expected within the storyline. Claiming deep resentment would be ridiculous. As long as Wen Yan didn’t attempt anything inappropriate and kept being a competent subordinate, Ji Ling was content to maintain this amicable façade!

 

In fact, since his second run, Wen Yan had been the most reliable of them all. Aside from occasionally trying to assert his presence, he never caused trouble, acted recklessly, or created problems. At critical moments, he was even willing to risk everything to save Ji Ling.

 

It was a strange, inexplicable sort of affection.

 

………………

After half a month of spatial jumps, the spacecraft finally arrived at its destination: the Northpeak Star in the Mohr Star System.

 

The Empire was vast, spanning hundreds of star systems, each with many planets. Located in the southwestern part of the Empire, the Mohr Star System was relatively impoverished, with underdeveloped resources and technology. However, it had many habitable planets and a sizable population. Within the powerful Empire, it was a backward region, largely inhabited by commoners, where aristocrats rarely ventured.

 

It was an excellent place to hide. 

 

Far from the Empire’s center of power, the area was vast and densely populated, making it incredibly difficult to track someone down.

 

Northpeak Star was a nondescript planet within the Mohr Star System, primarily focused on agriculture, exporting grain to neighboring planets.

 

As they were about to disembark, Wen Yan respectfully suggested, “To avoid suspicion, we should alter our appearances and claim that I am your elder brother. Would that be acceptable?”

 

Ji Ling didn’t mind such a minor detail and nodded, accepting the disguise device Wen Yan handed over.

 

The small metallic chip adhered behind his ear, covered by a layer of synthetic skin, making it nearly undetectable. In the blink of an eye, Ji Ling was transformed into a black-haired, violet-eyed, delicate-looking young man.

 

Wen Yan’s silver hair turned black, his eyes violet, and his sharp, elegant features became plain and unremarkable.

 

The two disembarked and arrived at the city lord’s mansion in Luanshui City.

 

The city lord, Duan Hongshen, was a rugged middle-aged man who had clearly been expecting them. He stood waiting at the entrance and respectfully welcomed Wen Yan and Ji Ling inside. Once alone, Duan Hongshen bowed to Wen Yan and said, “Sir, I’ve prepared accommodations for you at my home.”

 

Ji Ling absentmindedly took in his surroundings, wondering how Wen Yan had found this place…

 

This was nothing like the Emperor Star. Even the city lord’s mansion seemed modest... almost shabby.

 

Ji Ling realized he might have become spoiled, as his time in the Emperor Star had raised his standards to the point of finding this place lacking!

 

Wen Yan didn’t exchange many words with Duan Hongshen, merely nodding and saying, “Lead the way.”

 

“Of course, please follow me,” Duan Hongshen replied.

 

After saying that, he led the two of them outside.

 

The city lord’s mansion, though far from luxurious, covered a sizable area. Duan Hongshen led them to a courtyard with a few wooden houses. He hesitated slightly before saying apologetically, “I built these temporarily on short notice, so they might seem crude. However, the environment is quiet and undisturbed.”

 

Wen Yan said, “It’s fine. You may go.”

 

Understanding Wen Yan’s desire for privacy, Duan Hongshen left without asking questions about Ji Ling.

 

After Duan Hongshen left, Wen Yan explained, “I saved him once and settled him here. He has always been grateful. You can rest assured and stay here.”

 

Ji Ling nodded silently. Knowing Wen Yan’s intentions, he felt somewhat uneasy around him and acted reserved.

 

Wen Yan didn’t mind Ji Ling’s aloofness. He led him to the main house and respectfully said, “I’ll stay in the room next to yours. Let me know if you need anything.”

 

Ji Ling cleared his throat and looked away. “En.”

 

Wen Yan chuckled softly and thoughtfully closed the door for him before leaving.

 

Ji Ling lay down on the bed, gazing at the night sky through the wooden window. The tranquility of this place, with its fresh, clean air, was unexpectedly pleasing. Wen Yan had chosen the location well. Ji Ling appreciated his tact!

 

Now all he had to do was wait patiently. Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before he could return home.

 

Until then, he believed he could coexist peacefully with Wen Yan.

 

………………

The next day, Ji Ling rubbed his eyes as he got up, stretched lazily, and was momentarily dazed before remembering he had already left the Emperor Star!

 

He took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped out.

 

In the dining room, a young woman of about 17 or 18 was setting breakfast out of a basket. Her long, flaxen hair was tied into a braid resting on her shoulder, and her amber eyes sparkled brightly. Although her features were ordinary, her cheerful and sunny demeanor made her charming. Her complexion wasn’t the flawless porcelain skin Ji Ling was used to; her cheeks had a sun-kissed blush, her nose was sprinkled with freckles, and her expression radiated liveliness. Her smile revealed dimples that inexplicably lifted one’s spirits.

 

She wore a gray dress under a white apron, clearly a maid of the Duan family. She smiled at Ji Ling and said, “Young master, you’re up. I’ve prepared breakfast for you.”

 

Ji Ling immediately responded politely, “Thank you.”

 

Judy curiously observed Ji Ling. Yesterday, Uncle Duan had specifically called her over and tasked her with taking care of the guest in this courtyard, instructing her not to disturb him too much. She was only required to prepare three meals daily and handle his laundry. Uncle Duan also emphasized maintaining proper etiquette.

 

Judy had never seen Uncle Duan treat a guest with such caution, almost as if he were dealing with a superior. Initially, she imagined the guest must be some mysterious and intimidating figure, leaving her feeling a little uneasy. But the person who walked out of the room was a gentle and delicate young man who shyly thanked her with a smile. Judy instantly warmed up to him, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “My name’s Judy. What’s yours?”

 

Ji Ling thought for a moment and gave the alias he and Wen Yan had agreed upon. “Bai Ling.”

 

Judy exclaimed, “Your name is so nice!”

 

Ji Ling's face instantly turned red. A girl complimenting his name, even if it was fake, still made him inexplicably happy…

 

At that moment, Wen Yan came out of the neighboring room. He looked at Ji Ling warmly and said gently, “Xiao Ling.”

 

Remembering his current identity as Wen Yan’s younger brother and aware of the need to maintain appearances in front of others, Ji Ling felt a bit awkward but still softly called out, “Brother.”

 

Wen Yan watched the youth shyly avoid his gaze as he softly addressed him as ‘brother.’ A wave of suppressed emotions surged within him. He took a deep breath, turned away from Ji Ling, and nodded at Judy. “Thank you for your help.”

 

Judy thought to herself, These two brothers are so polite! They don’t seem intimidating at all. Despite being people even Uncle Duan respects deeply, they’re humble and kind—unlike those who flaunt their wealth and power outside, acting like nobles from the Emperor Star.

 

Hurriedly, she said, “It’s my duty!”

 

As she left, she couldn’t resist glancing back at the two brothers, her curiosity piqued!

 

Ji Ling sat at the table, focused on his meal and avoiding Wen Yan’s gaze.

 

The breakfast was simple: vegetables, bread, and a bowl of fragrant porridge. It was evident Judy had put effort into it, but it was nothing compared to the Emperor Star’s standards. Yet Ji Ling felt an inexplicable warmth, reminding him of his time on Earth.

 

He sipped his porridge silently, his expression calm and composed.

 

Wen Yan, however, felt an overwhelming sense of guilt watching the youth eat in silence. Such plain food was a humiliation to someone like Ji Ling, who probably hadn’t eaten anything so simple in his entire life. Wen Yan’s expression turned remorseful. “I’ve wronged you,” he said heavily.

 

Ji Ling looked up, startled. “It’s no big deal.”

 

Their eyes met, and Ji Ling noticed a complex emotion brewing in Wen Yan’s deep gaze.

 

Alarmed, he wondered if he had accidentally broken the character. Technically, his persona should be outraged by such food—perhaps even by flipping the table. Nervously, he glanced at Wen Yan.

 

After a moment, Wen Yan lowered his eyes, slowly picked up his bowl, and began eating in silence.

 

There was no expression at all.

 

He didn’t say anything further, though his grip on the bowl tightened. In his heart, he berated himself. The youth I cherish deserves the finest things in the world. Yet, all I can do is take him into hiding, strip him of his identity, and subject him to this impoverished existence… The thought weighed heavily on him.

 

Ji Ling dared not speak again, afraid of slipping up. After finishing breakfast, he left to explore.

 

The estate had hills and a pond, resembling a rural farmstead on Earth. As Ji Ling wandered, he marveled at how different it was from the Emperor Star’s extravagance. 

 

Planets like North Peak were likely the norm, he thought.

 

Nobles were always the minority.

 

At first, Ji Ling was hesitant to wander far, feeling uneasy in the unfamiliar environment. But Judy’s enthusiasm quickly put him at ease. She even took him exploring, and soon, Ji Ling began to relax.

 

Life here was a stark contrast to the Emperor Star, where he was constantly on guard around powerful and dangerous people. Here, he could unwind. With a sweet and caring girl for company, Ji Ling was nearly moved to tears.

 

Ji Ling: [System, do you think Judy might like me? She’s so friendly…]

 

System: [I think it’s just her naturally warm personality.]

 

Ji Ling: [But if she didn’t like me, why would she hang out with me? She must not dislike me, right?]

 

System: [You’ve got a point…]

 

Ji Ling: [Finally, someone likes me! Back on Earth, I was quite popular, you know. Many girls were nice to me—like my senior.]

 

In this new world, however, all he’d encountered were men who wanted to dominate him!

 

The system considered this and decided Judy’s affection might be more maternal—or simply platonic—but it couldn’t bear to dampen its host’s rare moment of joy. Who’s to say this isn’t a kind of liking? it mused.

 

One day, Wen Yan returned to find Ji Ling sitting on a swing in the courtyard, his eyes rimmed red as though he was holding back tears. 

 

Wen Yan froze, unwilling to disrupt the scene.

 

With his pride, the youth surely wouldn’t want anyone to see him in a vulnerable state… Wen Yan thought. Betrayed by loved ones and forced into exile, this desolate place is his only refuge…

 

Leaving with him was nothing more than a choice without a choice for the teenager.

 

………………

Ji Ling couldn't be more comfortable here. He realized he preferred this kind of quiet, peaceful life over constantly posturing as a noble. Gradually, he even found Wen Yan more agreeable.

 

One day, Ji Ling was fishing by the pond in the backyard. Just as the fish was about to bite, a pebble suddenly flew into the water from behind, creating a splash and startling the fish away. Ji Ling turned around in surprise to see a boy, about six or seven years old, standing behind him with an angry expression, glaring fiercely at him.

 

Ji Ling was confused. ‘Where did this brat come from?’

 

The next moment, the boy picked up another pebble and hurled it at Ji Ling with all his might, his childish voice shouting angrily, “You bad guy, get out of my home!”

 

Ji Ling was stunned:?

 

The boy stomped over, looked up at Ji Ling, and declared furiously, “This is my territory, got it?”

 

Ji Ling asked, “Who are you?”

 

The boy puffed out his chest. “My father is Duan Hongshen, the lord of Luanshui City!”

 

Ji Ling suddenly understood. So this was Duan Hongshen's son. Duan Hongshen had always been respectful and polite to him, but he had no idea the man had a son.

 

Seeing that the pebbles failed to harm Ji Ling, the boy angrily stomped on Ji Ling's feet a few times. When Ji Ling remained unmoved, the boy, on the verge of tears, launched into a flurry of punches and kicks. Ji Ling hesitated, wondering whether he should retaliate. Suddenly, a furious voice rang out from behind him. “Who allowed you to disrespect him?”

 

Judy stormed over, grabbed the boy by the collar, and yelled at him. Faced with Judy’s anger, the boy, who had just been menacing Ji Ling, immediately wilted. Tears welled up in his eyes as he stammered, “This pond is mine—it’s mine! This is my secret base! But ever since he came, my father won’t let me come here anymore, saying I’ll disturb his guest. Now I can’t even come to my own home! And you, Sister Judy, instead of helping me fight him, you’re blaming me! You don’t like me anymore! You’re all bullying me! Waaah!”

 

Ji Ling: “...”

 

Judy looked awkward. Holding the crying boy in one hand, she said to Ji Ling, “Don’t mind him. He’s just a little spoiled.”

 

Ji Ling thought to himself that he did bear some responsibility. Feeling a bit guilty, he was about to speak when a low, slightly raspy voice interrupted. “What’s going on?”

 

Wen Yan approached slowly, his gaze cold and sharp as it landed on the crying boy. His brows furrowed slightly.

 

Judy froze under Wen Yan’s gaze, a chill running down her spine. Though both brothers had always acted polite and gentle, Wen Yan, unlike the straightforward Ji Ling, gave her a dangerous feeling—like a venomous snake hiding its fangs, ready to strike fatally if provoked.

 

It was her instinctive intuition.

 

Wen Yan glanced at Ji Ling’s dirtied pants and shoes, his expression growing even colder.

 

Unable to provide his beloved youth with a life of luxury and supreme respect was already a source of deep pain and guilt for Wen Yan. To see the boy humiliated or disrespected in any way was something he absolutely would not tolerate.

 

His eyes devoid of warmth, Wen Yan’s gaze fell on the boy. The child, who had been crying loudly moments ago, suddenly shivered and went silent, trembling in fear.

 

Sometimes, children are the best at reading a room.

 

The boy felt as though this terrifying man wanted to kill him.

 

Ji Ling was startled, noticing the coldness in Wen Yan’s expression. What was he planning to do? Why was he suddenly so angry? 

 

Hadn’t he been putting on a good façade all this time?

 

It took Ji Ling a moment to figure it out. He even tried putting himself in Wen Yan’s shoes and finally understood: Wen Yan was angry because the boy had disrespected him!

 

What was this about? A dignified villain getting upset over a child? Didn’t that seem like bullying the weak?

 

Ji Ling found it both funny and exasperating. He already felt bad enough for staying here and imposing on others. Threatening his host’s family was simply too much! Not trusting Wen Yan’s moral compass, Ji Ling quickly stepped forward, positioning himself between the boy and Judy. “It’s nothing,” Ji Ling said to Wen Yan.

 

Wen Yan stared silently at Ji Ling.

 

Ji Ling tilted his head to look at Wen Yan. Seeing that he didn’t seem inclined to back down, Ji Ling bit his lip nervously and spoke in a firmer tone. “Brother, I’m fine.”

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