The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 55 - Reunion

December 26, 2024 Oyen 0 Comments

Merry Christmas and happy reading~

Chapter 55: Reunion

 

Massa wailed in agony, blood pouring from his right hand, staining the ground. Yet, when he met Wen Yan's cold eyes, the screams caught in his throat. Fear paralyzed him, rendering him incapable of responding.

 

He had seen death. For over a decade, he had dominated Luanshui City with his ruthless ways. Though he had encountered other evolutionary before, his caution had always kept him alive…

 

But today, he knew luck was no longer on his side.

 

He had provoked someone he should never have crossed. And a mistake like this left no room for redemption.

 

Just as despair consumed him, the terrifying man suddenly curved his lips into a faint smile. In a voice so gentle it was almost soothing, he asked, “If I let you go today, will you come back to cause trouble?”

 

Massa stared blankly at Wen Yan, his heart leaping with hope. Could it be that this man did not intend to kill him after all?

 

Wen Yan looked at him steadily, as though waiting for an answer.

 

Massa dared not dwell on his severed hand. Enduring the pain, he hurriedly promised, “I swear, I will never come back. You have my word!”

 

Wen Yan continued, “But her father took 10,000 star coins from your people.”

 

Massa hastily replied, “That was her father's doing! It has nothing to do with her. We swear we won’t trouble her again!”

 

Wen Yan seemed satisfied with his understanding and finally stepped aside. “Leave. Don't let me see you again.”

 

It was as if a death sentence had been lifted. Massa abandoned his severed hand, leaning on his companions for support as they fled in disgrace.

 

Ji Ling and Judy stood to the side, stunned by the scene.

 

After a long moment, Ji Ling snapped out of his daze, looking at Wen Yan with a complicated expression. If Wen Yan hadn’t arrived in time, he might have died inexplicably.

 

Wen Yan gazed at the boy's pale face, his eyes filled with concern. His voice was hoarse as he said, “I noticed you hadn’t come home yet and came to check. Fortunately, I did. Otherwise, I can’t imagine the consequences.”

 

Ji Ling stammered, “Y-yes.”

 

The situation earlier had been terrifying. He had thought he could drive them away and had even felt a little smug. But he had underestimated their cruelty and despicable methods. He had nearly paid the price.

 

At this thought, Ji Ling hung his head, dejected.

 

Dark emotions flickered in Wen Yan's eyes as he recalled the perilous moment. If he hadn’t followed out of concern, Ji Ling might not have survived. How could he let those villains off so easily?

 

The only reason he spared Masa was to shield the boy from witnessing his darker, more ruthless side.

 

Suppressing his bloodthirsty instincts, Wen Yan once again addressed Ji Ling gently, “Let’s go home.”

 

Judy finally recovered her senses. Though her face was still pale with grief and shock, she sincerely said, “Thank you for today.”

 

Wen Yan smiled faintly. “It was nothing.”

 

Judy appeared uneasy, her demeanor reserved. While Wen Yan had helped her, she still found him intimidating. Unlike with Ji Ling, she could not feel at ease in his presence.

 

Wen Yan held Ji Ling's hand and guided him to the carriage, taking him back to the City Lord's residence.

 

Both were unusually quiet on the way back.

 

Wen Yan personally escorted Ji Ling to his room.

 

Ji Ling hesitated, afraid Wen Yan might worry, and said, “I’m fine. You don’t need to—”

 

Before he could finish, Wen Yan suddenly grabbed his hand. His expression was one of distress, and his voice was low as he said, “Let me treat your wounds.”

 

Ji Ling was startled. Looking down, he noticed for the first time that his knuckles were lightly bleeding, likely scraped during the fight. With his C-grade physique, he wasn’t impervious to injury. But his heightened tension earlier had made him oblivious to the pain…

 

Oh dear, I actually got a scratch! Seeing Wen Yan like this, if I don't let him take care of it, he'll definitely overthink it. Ji Ling thought for a moment, then obediently sat down in the chair, letting Wen Yan tend to his wound.

 

Wen Yan fetched alcohol and bandages from the next room. “This will sting a little. Please bear with it,” he said hoarsely.

 

Ji Ling nodded. The alcohol stung slightly on contact, but it was tolerable. He frowned slightly, biting his lip to avoid making a sound.

 

Wen Yan's movements were gentle and meticulous, as if handling a precious treasure. After some time, he finished dressing the wound. Looking up, his eyes brimmed with guilt. “I failed to protect you. This is my fault.”

 

Ji Ling shook his head. “This isn’t your fault. Who could have predicted this? If anything, I should thank you for saving me today.”

 

Wen Yan gazed into the boy's clear eyes, feeling a surge of warmth and affection. His teenager was so kind and understanding, but Wen Yan couldn't forgive himself.

 

He couldn’t forgive himself for his mistake. Even though Ji Ling didn’t mind, Wen Yan knew it was his fault.

 

These were things he should have anticipated and taken precautions against, but he had been careless... leading his teenager to witness such a dark side and even face a life-threatening danger.

 

Such a mistake would not happen again.

 

Wen Yan stood, bowing slightly. “I’ll take my leave.”

 

Ji Ling, unaware of the weight in Wen Yan's heart, casually nodded. “Alright.”

 

He was tired and wanted to rest. The day’s events had inevitably dampened his spirits…

 

The implementation of gene evolution agents was originally a good thing, but it inevitably brought disaster to some people.

 

As Wen Yan turned to leave, he paused, then said in a deep voice, “Where there is sunlight, shadows are inevitable. Shadows exist because of the light, and no one can change that. You don’t need to be sad about it... at least the night isn’t endless, right?”

 

Ji Ling blinked, startled, then looked at Wen Yan in awe.

 

Oddly enough, he felt comforted. Wen Yan was surprisingly philosophical.

 

Indeed, the world will always have places untouched by sunlight, and dark corners that persist. But as long as things were improving, wasn’t that enough?

 

After leaving Ji Ling’s room, Wen Yan’s expression darkened.

 

Perhaps the world will always have its shadows. But letting the boy see them? That was unacceptable.

 

………………

His companions helped Massa back to their base. When they reached the leader, Bector, Massa's face twisted with malice. “Boss, there are other evolutionary in the city—at least D-level or higher. When we tried to take Judy, they injured us. I wasn’t their match, and both my hands are useless now. They clearly don’t respect you. Only you can deal with them.”

 

Bector frowned at Massa’s sorry state, deep in thought.

 

Compared to the likes of Masa, who had only used low-grade evolution agents and hadn’t even entered the realm of true evolution, Bector was a genuinely evolved individual.

 

Having once served in the Empire’s military, he had been gifted a genetic evolution agent by a noble patron. His naturally robust physique and high aptitude had allowed him to become a C-level evolutinary. A formidable figure, he had established his own faction in Luanshui City, earning even the City Lord’s respect.

 

Having seen a bit of the world outside, he knew that while he could act as he pleased within Luanshui City, in the wider world, he was insignificant. There were countless powerful individuals capable of crushing him effortlessly. Could it be that some bigshot had come to Luan Shui City?

 

But if someone important had arrived, how could he have heard nothing about it?

 

Bector pondered for a moment before speaking gravely to Massa, “Describe their appearance and how they defeated you in detail.”

 

Massa eagerly embellished his story as he recounted the events.

 

Bector’s frown deepened as he listened. A thin, frail-looking youth and a refined young man—neither dressed as nobles—were clearly powerful evolutionary. Why were they disguising themselves as ordinary people?

 

The boy might simply be an inexperienced young noble, but the young man was unfathomable and should not be underestimated. He defeated Massa with ease, yet from Massa’s description, Bector could not discern the man's true strength.

 

Why would such mysterious and powerful evolutionary sneak into a place like Luanshui City and go to the trouble of hiding their identities?

 

This behavior didn’t align with the usual arrogance of noble lords or evolutionary. It was more like they were avoiding something...

 

Bector’s eyes gleamed. He sensed something was amiss. Direct confrontation was unwise without knowing their full background. If they were afraid of revealing their identities, then perhaps their identity was their Achilles' heel.

 

After a moment’s thought, he instructed his subordinates, “Bring that old gambler, Judy’s father, here. I have some questions for him.”

 

Within ten minutes, his subordinates dragged Judy’s father into the room.

 

The man, a red-nosed drunkard dressed in filthy, reeking clothes, was trembling with fear as he was thrown in front of Bector. Stammering, he pleaded, “Lord Bector, I... I only sold Judy for ten thousand star coins. I really didn’t ask for much…”

 

Bector sneered at him, coldly replying, “I didn’t summon you to ask about that.”

 

Judy’s father looked puzzled. If not about that, then what?

 

Bector continued, “Judy has a friend—a black-haired, purple-eyed youth—who has an older brother. Both of them are staying at the City Lord’s residence. As her father, do you know anything about their identities or background?”

 

Judy’s father, who spent his days wandering aimlessly and ignoring his daughter’s well-being, had no idea who her friends were. He quickly responded, “I don’t know them.”

 

Bector’s expression turned icy as he lowered his gaze. “You’d better think carefully. Those two injured my men to protect Judy. If you can’t give me any useful information, should I assume you’re playing games with me? Selling Judy to us and then letting your daughter’s friends nearly cost my men their lives?”

 

Terrified, Judy’s father went pale as a sheet. He broke into tears, swearing, “No, no, I wouldn’t dare! I really don’t know them... If I’m lying, may I die a horrible death!”

 

Bector chuckled coldly. “It seems you’re not being honest.”

 

As he spoke, he gestured to his subordinate.

 

The man stepped forward, cracking his knuckles and flashing a cruel grin. “Old man, if you remember anything later, be sure to speak up.”

 

Then came a brutal beating.

 

Judy’s father truly knew nothing about Ji Ling and Wen Yan. Completely bewildered, he curled up on the ground, not daring to resist. Despair and fear consumed him as he babbled pleas for mercy, his voice growing weaker until he could barely whisper, “I... I really don’t know…”

 

Bector watched the scene coldly. When Judy’s father was half-dead, he signaled for his men to stop. His frown deepened; it seemed the man genuinely didn’t know their identities.

 

If that was the case...

 

Bector’s eyes flickered with calculation. Perhaps it was best to report this matter to the defense forces of the Mohr Star System's main planet. Someone would surely investigate.

 

He paused, about to issue orders, when the door creaked open. The locked metal door swung effortlessly outward as though it had never been secured.

 

Bector’s pupils contracted sharply as he rose from his chair, staring intently at the doorway.

 

A black-haired, purple-eyed youth strode gracefully into the room, glancing around before offering a composed smile. “Apologies for the intrusion,” he said softly.

 

Massa’s face filled with terror as he recognized Wen Yan.

 

How did he find this place?

 

How was this possible?

 

Hadn’t he let him go?

 

The ominous sense of impending death returned, sending chills down his spine.

 

Bector, noticing Massa’s fear, grew even more serious. Turning to Wen Yan, he said in a low voice, “It’s you.”

 

Wen Yan smiled faintly and nodded. “It’s me.”

 

Bector’s mind raced. He had underestimated the man’s terrifying capabilities. Though inwardly seething with anxiety and malice, he forced a hearty smile and said apologetically, “Today’s events were a misunderstanding. I have no intention of becoming your enemy. Had I known someone of your caliber was in Luanshui City, I would have visited you long ago to pay my respects.”

 

Wen Yan’s gaze swept over the half-dead Judy’s father lying on the floor. The corners of his lips curled up. “Is that so?”

 

“Of course!” Bector hastily replied. “This is Judy’s father. The old gambler sold his daughter for ten thousand star coins. I’m willing to hand him over to you and forgo the money—consider it a gesture of friendship.”

 

Wen Yan suddenly laughed, his lips curving slightly upward as he spoke in a cryptic tone. “You’re quite adept at survival; it’s no wonder you’ve lived this long. However—”

 

He lifted his hand and lightly stroked the silver ring on his finger. With a flick of his finger, a silver thread flashed through the air.

 

Bector’s head silently slipped off his neck and tumbled to the ground. His lips moved as though to ask, “However, what?”

 

Those were his last words before he froze, eyes wide open, lifeless.

 

Judy’s father, sprawled on the floor, came face-to-face with Bector’s rolling head. He let out a blood-curdling scream. “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”

 

Massa bolted for the door. Bector’s other men wore varying expressions of shock, fear, fury, or resolve—some readying weapons, others drawing laser guns.

 

But the chaotic scene froze as though time itself had stopped.

 

Seconds later, their bodies and weapons crumbled silently to the ground in pieces. In the blink of an eye, only one living person remained in the room.

 

Judy’s father panted heavily, staring at Wen Yan in abject terror, unable to utter a single word.

 

It was the most horrifying sight he had ever witnessed in his life.

 

The elegant, refined young man before him had casually snapped his fingers, reducing these seemingly invincible villains to piles of flesh. This terrifying demon hadn’t even given them a chance to plead or resist.

 

He hadn’t come to negotiate or reconcile. He had come to kill.

 

Wen Yan bent down to look at the filthy gambler, a faint smile playing on his lips, though his gaze was as cold as an abyss. “Do you know why I spared you?” he asked slowly.

 

Judy’s father stared at him in terror, choking on his words. “I... I…”

 

Wen Yan's phoenix eyes lifted slightly, his voice husky and gentle: “Even if you do this, if you die, Judy will still be heartbroken. And if she’s heartbroken, Young Master will be unhappy.”

 

“So…” Wen Yan asked gently, “You'll be a good father from now on, right?”

 

Judy's father didn’t dare utter a single word of dissent. He nodded vigorously, trembling as he said, “Y-yes, absolutely…”

 

Wen Yan showed a satisfied expression, then produced a small silver syringe and sighed, “Using such an expensive thing on you feels like such a waste.”

 

Judy's father, confused, asked, “What is that?”

 

Wen Yan slowly explained, “This is a gene disruptor. It's even more expensive than the typical low-grade gene evolution agents. It has only one effect: once injected, you'll become a cripple. No matter what kind of gene evolution agents you use after, it won’t work. It ensures you’ll never yearn for things you shouldn't have… After all, I never trust the word of a gambler. Instead of relying on your promises, I'd rather make you give up completely. Don’t you think that’s reasonable?”

 

Judy's father stared blankly at the young man in front of him.

 

The young man’s eyes carried a hint of a smile, his demeanor polite and warm. Yet—he was the most terrifying demon Judy's father had ever encountered.

 

After Wen Yan finished everything, he left the room and closed the door behind him. His footsteps were unhurried as he returned to the City Lord’s residence.

 

From start to finish, not even a speck of dirt stained the hem of his clothes, as if he had merely taken care of a trivial errand.

 

Earlier in the afternoon, he had let Massa go, simply because he didn’t want to kill someone in Ji Ling's presence and frighten or disgust him. From the start, he had never truly intended to let those people off. He wasn’t one to make the naive mistake of mercy that would backfire on him.

 

These vermin living in the shadows originally had nothing to do with him. He didn’t want to get involved. But they had disturbed his beloved youth, and that was unforgivable.

 

His youth deserved to live a life of happiness and light. Since Wen Yan was by his side, how could he allow such filth to tarnish his gaze?

 

There was no need for Ji Ling to know about these matters. Wen Yan would take care of everything cleanly and thoroughly.

 

他的少年，只需要像以前一样无忧无虑就好了。

All Ji Ling needed to do was to live as carefree and worry-free as before.

 

………………

Ji Ling stayed home, though the events of that day still lingered in his mind. He was worried that those people might say one thing but do another, returning to trouble Judy again. Yet, after several days, Judy remained unharmed.

 

Although Judy seemed a little downcast, she appeared to be doing well. When Ji Ling expressed concern, she said, “They haven’t come back. And... my father even came to apologize to me.”

 

Ji Ling was taken aback. “Really?”

 

A man who could even sell his own daughter suddenly repented so easily? It didn’t feel real.

 

Judy nodded with a hint of emotion, then hesitantly added, “Also, I’ve heard rumors lately... Supposedly, an anonymous hero eradicated Bector’s entire organization. Everyone in the organization is dead, so no one will trouble me anymore.”

 

Ji Ling asked in shock, “All dead?”

 

Judy observed Ji Ling's expression. It didn’t seem like he was pretending to be unaware. Could it not be his doing? She paused and then said, “Yes, not just Bector’s group. All the criminal gangs in Luanshui City were wiped out overnight. Now everyone in town is grateful to this anonymous hero. He brings justice to the city but never reveals his identity. Do you... know who he is?”

 

Ji Ling: “...I have no idea.”

 

Seeing Ji Ling's response, Judy didn’t press further. Instead, she smiled and said, “It doesn’t matter. Regardless of who it is, it’s a good thing. No one has to fear them anymore!”

 

Ji Ling nodded. After Judy left, his expression turned thoughtful.

 

He had spent the past few days idly at home, yet someone had conducted a sweeping anti-crime campaign in Luanshui City. Could it have been... Wen Yan?

 

The thought startled Ji Ling. Wen Yan... doing something like this?

 

It was too absurd.

 

Ji Ling's expression twisted as he muttered to his system: [System, do you think it was Wen Yan?]

 

The system was silent for a moment before replying: [Eliminate the impossible, and whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.]

 

Ji Ling: [......]

 

Wen Yan, a cunning, ruthless, and utterly heartless villain, had started moonlighting as a superhero?!

 

What else in this world was impossible?

 

Absurd. Completely absurd!

 

At dinner, Ji Ling couldn’t stop himself from sneaking a few glances at Wen Yan. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he cleared his throat and said, “Recently, the city’s criminal gangs were eradicated, and Judy’s father even apologized to her. Do you know anything about this?”

Wen Yan raised an eyebrow and said, “Oh?”

Ji Ling: “......”

Fine, fine, you don’t want to talk about it. I won’t force you!

Seeing Ji Ling drop the subject, Wen Yan lowered his gaze and exhaled quietly. He didn’t want Ji Ling to know about his dark and ruthless side, nor did he want to ruin the image Ji Ling had of him.

Most of all, he didn’t want his beloved youth to fear or distance himself from him.

………………

The crime rate in Luanshui City plummeted, and the people were jubilant, their doors unlocked even at night.

Ji Ling’s days became peaceful once again.

A week later, Judy happily invited Ji Ling to a local event. It was a significant festival on Northpeak Star, where everyone would gather at the largest square for a bonfire party. Young men and women would use the occasion to invite their crushes and confess during the gathering.

Ji Ling knew nothing about this tradition.

He happily accepted Judy’s invitation and casually asked if Wen Yan wanted to come along.

Wen Yan readily agreed.

Judy had initially only wanted to invite Ji Ling, but seeing how quickly Ji Ling extended the invitation to Wen Yan, her expression became awkward for a moment. In the end, she said nothing. After all, there were plenty of activities at the event, and leaving his brother alone at home didn’t seem kind. Who knew? Maybe Wen Yan would meet someone he liked at the festival.

Judy stopped overthinking and cheerfully headed with the group to the largest square in Luanshui City.

The night was brightly lit, with singing and dancing creating an atmosphere of pure festivity.

These were some of Ji Ling's happiest days. He enjoyed himself immensely, made new friends, and felt warmly welcomed by the people here.

Under the flickering light of the bonfire, the boy’s face glowed with a smile, radiant and dazzling.

Judy sat beside Ji Ling. Although the boy’s appearance was ordinary and simply refined, she couldn’t help but feel her cheeks heat and her heart race, finding him incredibly charming. Judy nudged the boy next to her, pulling a prepared flower branch from behind and handing it to him, saying, “I like you.”

Immersed in the joyful atmosphere, Ji Ling was suddenly stunned, staring blankly at Judy. What? What did you just say?

Being confessed to by a girl for the first time, Ji Ling was so shocked that it felt like a dream.

Seeing Ji Ling’s dumbfounded and innocent expression, Judy's smile grew even brighter. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she said loudly, “I like you. Will you go out with me?”

Ji Ling’s mouth fell open, but soon, his gaze dropped, and a trace of sadness flashed across his face. He couldn’t agree to Judy’s confession.

He was someone who would eventually go home. How could he casually involve himself emotionally with someone from this world? Besides, while he liked Judy, he had always seen her as a friend and never felt a real romantic spark. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t accept her confession.

Accepting someone’s love without truly loving them or being able to accompany them was the behavior of a scoundrel.

Ji Ling couldn’t do such a thing.

Although he felt extremely guilty, he didn’t reach out to take the flower branch. Instead, he turned his gaze aside and said, “I’m sorry, I, I…”

He barely managed to say ‘I’ before trailing off, unsure how to continue. His guilt and self-reproach were evident.

But just then, Judy smiled again. She said nonchalantly, “Ah, as I thought, you don’t like me that much. Forget it, don’t feel any burden about it.”

Ji Ling looked at her in shock.

Judy met his eyes and said, “Let’s stay friends, okay? If you avoid me because you rejected me, I’ll be angry!”

Ji Ling stood in a daze for a moment before smiling again, his eyes curving with sincerity. “I understand.”

Judy never brought up the confession again. She tucked away the flower branch and continued joking around with Ji Ling as if nothing had happened. She even brought over rice wine from the gathering and urged him, “This is our local specialty, brewed with the most fragrant rice. It’s only served today. You have to try it—it’s delicious!”

After rejecting Judy’s confession, Ji Ling couldn’t bear to turn down anything else. Blushing, he accepted the wine she handed him.

They drank, danced, and played, the hours slipping by quickly.

By the time the event ended, dawn was breaking.

Ji Ling, tipsy and dizzy, stumbled as if falling into someone’s arms, muttering dazedly, “Judy, let’s drink some more…”

Wen Yan gently held the boy, carefully wrapping him in his coat and carrying him back.

All night, while others laughed and celebrated, Wen Yan sat silently in a quiet corner, watching without interrupting.

Like a ghost without presence, he couldn’t bring himself to break that beautiful moment.

It had been a long, long time since the boy had been this happy.

But Wen Yan wouldn’t forget the fleeting look of sadness and loss in the boy’s eyes when he rejected the girl’s confession. No matter how much effort Wen Yan put in, he couldn’t erase the pain in Ji Ling’s heart or make him forget those haunting memories.

The boy he loved wasn’t ready to accept anyone yet.

Even though he had relearned how to smile and his gaze had regained its brightness, the sorrowful past remained deeply buried within him, evoking both pity and heartache.

Wen Yan gently kicked open the door, softly placing the boy on the bed. Kneeling beside him, he greedily and obsessively gazed at him. Only at this moment did he dare to look at him so brazenly.

Without fear of being loathed or scolded.

The boy’s cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, his breath sweet with a mix of intoxicating scents. It was hard to tell whether the intoxication came from the wine or the person himself.

Emotions surged in Wen Yan’s eyes. After a long while, he carefully lowered his head and devoutly kissed the boy’s soft lips.

This was someone he had longed for across two lifetimes. Today, he finally got to kiss him.

His reason for living.

His faith.

His everything.

To have the privilege of tasting this sweetness, he would gladly give his life.

………………

Ji Ling, hungover, woke up groggily in the afternoon. His head throbbed.

Recalling the chaos of last night, he decided to take a shower. But as soon as he moved, he realized his clothes had already been changed, and his body was clean and refreshed, even his hair carrying a faint fragrance—he had clearly already bathed!

Ji Ling: [...]

System: [What’s wrong?]

Ji Ling’s lips trembled: [How did I get home yesterday?]

System: [Wen Yan brought you back, of course.]

Ji Ling: [And how were my clothes changed? How was I bathed?]

System: [Naturally, Wen Yan helped you with that.]

Ji Ling: [...]

Ji Ling’s expression twitched as he asked hesitantly: [How exactly did he... help me...?]

The system was silent for a moment. [Do you really want to know?]

Ji Ling’s face turned pale. Suddenly, he covered his face in embarrassment, saying, [No, no, I don’t want to know at all!]

He swore never to get drunk again!

………………

The days passed.

Ji Ling initially felt awkward and self-conscious around Wen Yan. However, Wen Yan remained respectful and composed, as if nothing had happened. Gradually, Ji Ling stopped dwelling on it.

Life became peaceful and warm again.

This planet truly feels like a utopia. Ji Ling thought Wen Yan was truly a master strategist. Wen Yan knew exactly what he wanted and was skilled in patience and restraint, making it impossible for Ji Ling to refuse his gestures of goodwill, even if he knew his intentions weren’t pure.

Wen Yan was different from Carlos and Jing Sui. One was a ruthless and cold-blooded grand duke, and the other was an emperor who placed himself above all others, born at the very pinnacle of the empire with everything at their disposal. For them, there was nothing they couldn’t obtain. If they wanted something, they had to have it, and they couldn’t easily accept failure.

But Wen Yan was different. He had climbed step by step from the depths of the mire. To achieve his goals, he could endure years or even decades of waiting. Bearing hardship and biding his time was second nature to him.

As for Judy, she and Ji Ling had become great friends. Their relationship wasn’t the least bit affected by her earlier confession. In fact, after clearing the air, they got along even better, more naturally and harmoniously.

Even Duan Xingxing had become good friends with Ji Ling. He often came over to fish and catch shrimp with him and no longer saw Ji Ling as a romantic rival. This kid was actually quite an adorable little guy.

One day, Ji Ling and Judy went shopping together. By the time they returned, it was already dark.

Since Wen Yan had carried out an initiative to combat crime in the area, Luanshui City’s public safety had significantly improved. There was no longer anyone who could pose a threat to Ji Ling, so even going out at night was perfectly safe.

After walking Judy home, Ji Ling carried the candies he had bought that day and started heading back. He thought these sweet-and-sour candies were delicious, so he bought extra to share with Wen Yan. After all, the man had done so much for him. Since he couldn’t give him the closeness he wanted, Ji Ling figured a bit of candy as a gesture of goodwill would suffice…

He walked along the road absentmindedly.

Suddenly, he caught a faint scent of blood in the air. Looking to the side, he saw a man leaning against a wall, staggering forward, before collapsing to the ground with a thud.

Ji Ling froze. In that fleeting moment, his gaze met the man’s green eyes… 

No way?

Ji Ling quickly rushed over, set the candies down, and crouched beside the fallen man. To his shock, it really was Ning Yu!

Why was Ning Yu here, and why did he look so gravely injured?

Ji Ling panicked, and without thinking, reached out to help him up. But suddenly, the man grabbed his wrist and slammed him forcefully against the wall. The green eyes, usually so calm and gentle, were now ice-cold and piercing, filled with... killing intent!

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