The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 59 - Choice

January 16, 2025 Oyen 0 Comments

Happy Reading~

Chapter 59: Choice

 

Ji Ling gripped Duan Xingxing's hand tightly, keeping his head low as he hid among the crowd. Taking a deep breath, he slowly calmed himself.

 

He had hidden in such a remote corner of the galaxy, yet Carlos had still managed to find him.

 

Ji the straight man Ling could not fathom such pathological and obsessive love!

 

Was being a grand duke too boring? Was wealth and power not entertaining enough?

 

Was life too comfortable, leaving him chasing after ‘true love’ for kicks?

 

What a lunatic!

 

Couldn’t he just treat me like a passing fart and let me go?

 

Ji Ling felt a headache coming on. If he were gay, he wouldn’t mind engaging in a dramatic romance of life and death with Carlos, even letting Carlos and Jing Sui tear each other apart. But the problem was, he didn’t want to be with a man!

 

This whole ‘emperors, grand dukes, and the whole galaxy falling in love with me’ scenario could only happen in these nonsensical, brainless romantic fantasies. In the real world, such people didn’t exist! 

 

He missed his own world even more. QAQ

 

Carlos’s arrival had plunged this peaceful and idyllic little planet into a state of fear and trembling in an instant.

 

The town lord, Duan Hongshen, quickly came out to greet him respectfully. The expressionless soldiers clad in iron armor took over the lord’s mansion, effectively replacing the rightful owner.

 

Ji Ling was eager to find Wen Yan, hoping he’d have a solution. After all, it was Wen Yan who had helped him escape from Carlos last time. Ji Ling didn’t realize he had subconsciously begun to trust and rely on Wen Yan.

 

Taking Duan Xingxing along, Ji Ling quietly snuck in through the back gate of the lord’s mansion. Fortunately, their residence was in a remote rear courtyard where no one had ventured yet.

 

He entered the house and looked around, only to find Wen Yan was not home.

 

Ji Ling paced back and forth anxiously. Wen Yan had likely gone out, but he must have seen the situation unfolding outside. He would surely return to find him. It was best for Ji Ling to stay put and avoid any unexpected dangers or accidentally missing Wen Yan.

 

With this in mind, Ji Ling closed the door and whispered to Duan Xingxing, “Take the candy and stay here quietly, okay?”

 

Duan Xingxing pouted, his eyes welling up with tears. “I want my dad.”

 

Ji Ling said, “Your dad is busy right now. Be good. I’ll take you to find him later, alright?”

 

Duan Xingxing started bawling. “I want my dad now!”

 

Ji Ling rubbed his temples. He hadn’t expected the usually bratty kid to crumble under pressure. Then again, Ji the Coward wasn’t in any position to look down on Duan the Coward—they were two sides of the same coin.

 

Sighing, Ji Ling tried to coax him, “Just wait a little while. I’ll take you to your dad soon, okay?”

 

He had other things to take care of first. He needed to tidy up his room so that if Carlos’s men showed up, they wouldn’t find anything suspicious. Without further delay, he darted into the house, shoving all the overly luxurious items into the cellar.

 

After double-checking to make sure there was nothing linking him to the Imperial Star, he turned around—and his expression changed.

 

Where was Duan Xingxing?!

 

The candy was tossed carelessly on the sofa, but the child was nowhere to be seen.

 

Did he go to find his dad?!

 

Ji Ling groaned inwardly, blaming himself for not keeping a closer eye on the kid. Right now, Duan Hongshen was surely dealing with Carlos. If Duan Xingxing went there, it would be extremely dangerous. Gritting his teeth, Ji Ling, who was now in disguise, chased after him.

 

Not long after, he heard the sound of crying ahead.

 

Ji Ling rushed forward to find Duan Xingxing sitting on the ground, sobbing. In front of him stood a soldier in a black uniform and metallic helmet, looking down at him coldly and barking, “Get out of the way.”

 

Ji Ling scooped Duan Xingxing into his arms and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry. We’ll leave right now.”

 

But Duan Xingxing continued wailing, refusing to give up. “I want to find my dad! Why won’t they let me? I want my dad!”

 

The soldier, with a gloved hand resting on his laser weapon, said in an icy mechanical tone, “His Excellency Carlos is ahead, conducting official business. Anyone who approaches without permission will be executed on the spot.”

 

Ji Ling broke out in a cold sweat. He had no doubt the soldier meant what he said. To them, the lives of civilians here were as insignificant as ants. This wasn’t a threat; it was a plain statement of fact.

 

Back on the Emperor Star, he had been a lofty noble. Whether others were sincere or merely pretending, they had at least treated him with friendliness and respect.

 

At that time, he was favored by the Emperor and the Grand Duke.

 

But now, he was nothing. He couldn’t afford to take any risks.

 

Out of the corner of his eye, Ji Ling caught sight of Carlos approaching. His heart raced as he covered Duan Xingxing’s mouth and quickly turned to leave.

 

This place was too dangerous!

 

Under Duan Hongshen’s groveling reception, Carlos entered the lord’s mansion.

 

The man’s back was nearly bent double as he stammered, “I-I don’t know what brings His Excellency Carlos here, but I will do everything in my power to serve you.”

 

Carlos lightly tapped his cane on the ground, his expression indifferent. In his brown eyes, a faint chill flickered.

 

Since Ji Ling’s abduction by that despicable Wen Yan, a hidden force on the Emperor Star had begun extending its reach, searching for any trace of Ji Ling.

 

Who could it be?

 

Besides himself and Jing Sui, who else was searching for Ji Ling?

 

The two of them worked simultaneously, following the trail and finally uncovering the person hidden behind the scenes—a figure neither of them had expected: Ning Yu.

 

What exactly was Ning Yu's true identity?

 

The answer became clear after their encounter with Ning Yu. For someone to escape from both him and Jing Sui, there could only be one answer:

 

The mysterious leader of the Rebel—Gabriel.

 

Who would have thought that the man manipulating storms from the shadows, striking fear into countless nobles, had been right by their side all along? Not only that, but he had been living openly on the Emperor Star as a beloved idol of the commoners.

 

What an audacious plan. What unparalleled courage.

 

Reflecting on everything from the previous life, Carlos now realized that when he captured Ning Yu to threaten Jing Sui, Ning Yu had intentionally allowed himself to be caught. From beginning to end, Ning Yu had never displayed power beyond an S-rank, even at the risk of his own life. He had fallen into Carlos' hands without exposing his true identity.

 

This man was patient, calculating, ruthless, and intelligent—deceiving everyone completely.

 

As Gabriel, he used cold-blooded and brutal methods to intensify the conflict between commoners and nobles, pushing Jing Sui further toward his determination for reform. As Ning Yu, he had built momentum for the commoners, even going so far as to forge a marriage alliance with Jing Sui, climbing to the center of imperial power step by step. Through his dual identities, he worked openly and covertly to transform the lives of commoners.

 

He lived in the shadows yet stood in the sunlight.

 

He was hunted yet worshipped.

 

And in his previous life, no one ever discovered his true identity—not until now, when he made a move against Ji Ling.

 

Carlos' eyes grew cold.

 

So, Ji Ling's abduction had been orchestrated by him. The first time, on Xianyun Star, he had framed Carlos. The motive was now clear: to use Ji Ling to tarnish Carlos' reputation, giving Jing Sui an excuse to suppress him. The second time, the intent was the same—to provoke a conflict between Carlos and Jing Sui, leading to mutual destruction so he could benefit from the chaos.

 

Or perhaps Gabriel had also been reborn, quietly watching everything unfold from the shadows with ruthless calm.

 

Carlos had once dismissed the lowly commoners as insignificant—weak, ignorant, and laughable, like uncivilized savages.

 

But he now had to admit that Gabriel was a worthy opponent.

 

However, you should not have touched Ji Ling.

 

This time, I will kill you, no matter the cost.

 

Carlos lowered his gaze to the trembling city lord beside him and said indifferently, “I am here to track down a rebel.”

 

Duan Hongshen's face turned deathly pale as he stammered, “A-a rebel? Here?!”

 

This was a taboo no one dared to be associated with. A rebel that Carlos himself was hunting could not be an ordinary insurgent. If a rebel were truly hiding here, even the suspicion of collusion could spell doom for everyone in the city.

 

Carlos' cold gaze bore into him. “As the City Lord of Luanshui City and Beifeng Star, you should be fully aware of the state of your territory. So tell me—are there rebels here?”

 

Duan Hongshen nearly collapsed to his knees. “I-I'm sorry! I’ll order a thorough search immediately!”

 

Pathetic.

 

Carlos waved his hand, summoning his subordinates. His voice was icy. “Search the entire city. Find him at all costs.”

 

Ignoring the cowering man beside him, Carlos suddenly heard a faint commotion ahead. He frowned and glanced in the direction of the noise.

 

That single glance landed on the figure of a young man carrying a boy, hurriedly walking away.

 

Carlos' eyes narrowed, and he stopped in his tracks.

 

That back...

 

Such familiarity.

 

His hand tightened around his cane, a flicker of pain flashing in his eyes. Ha...

 

When Wen Yan had taken Ji Ling away, it had appeared to be an abduction rather than a voluntary departure. But how could such a ruse fool him? Without Ji Ling's inside cooperation, how could Wen Yan have known to ambush Brandon outside Blue Star?

 

Recalling those moments, the boy's feigned obedience... even his agreement to marry Carlos had all been a ploy. Ji Ling had known Carlos loved him and had ruthlessly exploited that love to escape.

 

He had been willing to risk everything, abandon his identity, and leave the Emperor Star to live incognito with Wen Yan—just to avoid being Carlos' lover.

 

The depth of his hatred was clear.

 

Carlos took a step forward, his voice icy as he called out, “Stop.”

 

Ji Ling froze.

 

The moment he saw Carlos appear, he had turned to flee, but he hadn't expected to be stopped. Terror coursed through him, making his scalp tingle. He took a deep breath and slowly turned around, bowing his head to appear submissive, as if too frightened to look Carlos in the eye.

 

It's fine. He had disguised himself. Carlos wouldn't recognize him!

 

After all, even Ning Yu hadn't recognized him.

 

Duan Hongshen also noticed Ji Ling and Duan Xingxing, his face going pale with fear. Desperately trying to defuse the situation, he stepped forward and said in a trembling voice, “His Excellency Carlos, this is my son and his servant. They didn’t mean any offense. Please, in your magnanimity, forgive them.”

 

Ji Ling heard Duan Hongshen coming to his defense and pretended to be even more frightened, like a completely inexperienced commoner.

 

However, Carlos ignored Duan Hongshen entirely and fixed his gaze on the teenager before him.

 

He said, “Raise your head.”

 

Ji Ling’s fingers clenched tightly. Slowly, he raised his head and looked at Carlos with a terrified expression, stammering, “My– my Lord.”

 

Carlos stared at the boy’s face.

 

The boy had short black hair and violet eyes, an ordinary appearance, and wore a gray linen shirt and trousers. His frightened demeanor was indistinguishable from that of any other lowly commoner.

 

Carlos looked at him for a moment before withdrawing his gaze and turning to continue forward.

 

A fleeting look of self-mockery crossed his eyes. For a brief moment, he had thought this might be Ji Ling.

 

But how could that be...

 

Ji Ling stood motionless where he was, letting Carlos walk away before realizing his back was drenched in sweat.

 

That one glance from Carlos made him feel icy cold. In Ji Ling’s memory, Carlos had always been elegant and gentlemanly. Even though he was colder and more ruthless than anyone else inside, Ji Ling had never truly witnessed Carlos at his most terrifying. Even when angry with him, Carlos was always gentle and careful, never truly harming him after their rebirth.

 

Thus, while Ji Ling was also afraid of Carlos, he always saw him as an equal. His fear was no different than the unease any ordinary person would feel toward a ruthless individual.

 

This was the first time Ji Ling had seen how Carlos acted toward commoners.

 

Indifferent, merciless, aloof.

 

It made Ji Ling feel as if he wasn’t an equal, but rather an insignificant, lowly ant.

 

So this was how Carlos treated others.

 

This was Carlos’s truly frightening side.

 

Ji Ling exhaled deeply, holding Duan Xingxing as he headed back.

 

Duan Xingxing, who had been terrified, no longer dared to cry or make noise. His red-rimmed eyes stayed silent.

 

Ji Ling felt sorry for the frightened child. Not daring to be careless again, he patiently comforted him, focusing his full attention on the task.

 

After some time, familiar footsteps sounded outside. Ji Ling abruptly stood up, looking toward the man entering the door. His eyes suddenly reddened, and for the first time, he felt this person was so comforting! Wen Yan, you're finally back!

 

He had been scared to death just now!

 

Wen Yan saw Ji Ling and noticed the tears glistening in his eyes. Feeling both pity and guilt, he said hoarsely, “I’m sorry for coming back late.”

 

Ji Ling shook his head, anxiously saying, “Carlos has come here. What should we do?”

 

Wen Yan’s expression was heavy, but he didn’t want Ji Ling to worry. He said in a deep voice, “Don’t worry. He isn’t here for us; he’s here for Ning Yu.”

 

Ji Ling was astonished. “Ning Yu?”

 

Carlos wasn’t here for him???

 

Wen Yan looked at the boy’s shocked expression and was silent for a moment. He realized he couldn’t hide some things anymore, but he didn’t explain too much. Instead, he said, “He thinks Ning Yu is part of the Rebel, so he followed Ning Yu’s trail here.”

 

Wen Yan inwardly cursed. If not for Ning Yu coming here, there wouldn’t have been any traces for Carlos to follow.

 

Hearing that Carlos wasn’t here for him, Ji Ling felt he had panicked for nothing! However, he paused and thought. Since Wen Yan had revealed this to him, he ought to act surprised to seem reasonable. After all, Wen Yan didn’t know he had interacted with Ning Yu!

 

Thinking this, Ji Ling exclaimed in disbelief, “Ning Yu is part of the Rebel? How is that possible?!”

 

Wen Yan looked at the boy’s pale and shocked face, recalling the torment Ji Ling had endured at the hands of the Rebel... How could he bear to tell the boy that Ning Yu was actually Gabriel? Though he didn’t understand why Carlos hadn’t exposed Ning Yu’s identity, Wen Yan couldn’t bring himself to let Ji Ling suffer more. With difficulty, he managed to say, “Yes.”

 

Ji Ling said no more, acting dazed and shutting himself in his room, as if unable to accept the truth.

 

Ah, this situation is complicated, so complicated.

 

One lie always requires countless others to cover it! How was he supposed to explain to Wen Yan that he wasn’t injured and that the Rebel hadn’t harmed him? Since the misunderstanding was already in place, he could only let it continue...

 

The embarrassed Ji Ling decided to leave some things to others' imagination.

 

He sighed to his system: [Honestly, if I had known it would come to this, I might not have pretended...]

 

System: [...]

 

………………

Ji Ling stayed home, shutting himself in, appearing as if he were both recalling painful memories and avoiding Carlos.

 

Duan Xingxing also temporarily stayed with him.

 

Under these circumstances, Judy stopped visiting, and Wen Yan personally took care of all Ji Ling’s meals and daily needs.

 

Carlos’s subordinates began searching the planet, but after several days of no progress, Carlos’s patience began to wane.

 

One day, Ji Ling sat at the dining table, finding it hard to eat.

 

He glanced at the dejected little Duan Xingxing nearby, feeling pity for the poor child. His father was serving Carlos at great personal risk, constantly in danger of losing his life, and he couldn’t even see him.

 

Ji Ling’s grip on his chopsticks tightened as he struggled to find words of comfort. In the end, he sighed deeply.

 

Wen Yan watched this scene, his eyes darkening. His boy, who had endured so much, was still worried about others.

 

This meal was enveloped in an unprecedented silence.

 

Until a sudden voice shattered the stillness.

 

Ji Ling put down his chopsticks and walked out the door, only to see countless projections appearing in the skies above the planet. One projection appeared every kilometer, and everyone stepped out of their homes, gazing upwards in awe and fear.

 

A refined and dignified man rested both hands on his cane, seated on a chair. He tilted his head upward, revealing a deep and handsome face, but his gaze was cold, as though he was a heartless god.

 

He spoke indifferently, his deep and magnetic voice resonating across the entire planet:

 

“This is a member of the Rebel. He has escaped to this planet.”

 

With a wave of his hand, Carlos displayed Ning Yu's projection beside him.

 

“If I don’t see this person in three days, every single person on this planet will be dealt with as an accomplice to the Rebel.”

 

The projection disappeared in an instant.

 

But the echo of his words lingered in everyone's ears, and despair and fear spread through their hearts.

 

Ji Ling stood frozen, staring blankly upward.

 

He was paralyzed, unable to move. He could hardly believe that Carlos would do such a thing. He… he was forcing the people to hand Ning Yu over. Three days—if they failed, everyone on this planet would be buried with Ning Yu!

 

How could someone be so terrifying?

 

To threaten an entire planet over one disagreement?

 

Ji Ling’s hands trembled slightly.

 

At some point, Duan Xingxing had also come out. Lowering his small head, he no longer cried or fussed but spoke in a calm voice: “Both my dad and I are going to die. We’re all going to die, aren’t we?”

 

Ji Ling didn’t know how to answer.

 

That night, no one ate their meal.

 

Late at night, Ji Ling lay in bed with his eyes open. Suddenly, he heard a knock at the door.

 

He got up to open it and found Judy standing there. The girl looked frightened and haggard. She seemed consumed by guilt and unease, but she still gritted her teeth and said to Ji Ling, “We should tell His Excellency Carlos that the person is already gone. He’s no longer on Beifeng Star!”

 

After saying that, she dared not meet Ji Ling’s eyes, feeling like a traitor who had betrayed her friends. But she truly had no other choice. That person was already gone… Carlos wouldn’t find him. So even if they told him, it shouldn’t matter much, right?

 

She couldn’t give up everyone’s lives for the sake of someone she didn’t even know.

 

Of course, Ji Ling understood this reasoning.

 

He had no reason to stop Judy, nor did he want to. In fact, this was something he should have said first.

 

After all, Ning Yu was already gone.

 

Ji Ling was just about to reply when he saw Wen Yan appear silently at the door. With a calm expression, Wen Yan said to Judy, “If you know where that person is, you must tell His Excellency Carlos. That’s the only way to save everyone.”

 

Judy nodded but glanced at Ji Ling again.

 

Ji Ling, feeling guilty, said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t think he’d cause such trouble. Go ahead and tell him; it’s the only way to save everyone.”

 

Judy gritted her teeth and nodded. “I’ll go to His Excellency Carlos tomorrow morning!”

 

Ji Ling nodded.

 

Watching Judy’s retreating figure, he hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking Wen Yan in an uncertain voice, “Do you think this will work?”

 

After all, they couldn’t hand Ning Yu over, nor did they have the means to do so.

 

Could just a vague piece of information really quell Carlos’s wrath?

 

Ji Ling wasn’t sure.

 

But Wen Yan smiled faintly. Looking into Ji Ling’s anxious and uneasy eyes, he said with certainty, “Carlos’s only goal is Ning Yu. Once he gets the information he wants, he’ll leave immediately to continue tracking him. So don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

 

Hearing this, Ji Ling finally felt a bit relieved. He sincerely said, “Thank you.”

 

Wen Yan hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward to gently pat Ji Ling’s head. He added, “Although Judy’s testimony might solve this problem, it’s no longer safe for us to stay here. If someone else comes after us next time, our identities might be exposed. We’d better leave here as soon as possible.”

 

Leave?

 

Ji Ling’s eyes clouded with a hint of reluctance. He truly loved this place and its people…

 

But he knew Wen Yan was right.

 

So he said, “I’ll listen to you.”

 

Wen Yan gazed at the boy's obedient demeanor, his clear and bright eyes filled with compassion, gentleness, and kindness—qualities he deeply cherished and loved. It was impossible not to fall for him. He was so enamored with this tenderness...

 

He could sense the boy gradually letting down his guard and opening his heart to him. He deeply cherished these days, being able to get closer to the one he loved, without anyone interrupting.

 

No longer just master and servant. No longer fake arrogance or deliberate malice—just a kind-hearted, genuine young man.

 

He couldn’t bear to give this up.

 

But even more so, he couldn’t bear to let the boy fall back into Carlos’s hands.

 

I swore I would never lie to you again and would always stay by your side, but... this time, I fear I can't.

 

I have broken my promise.

 

This won't be solved so easily.

 

Judy's words will never quell Carlos' anger. Wen Yan knows Carlos all too well—he won't believe Judy, nor will he be dismissed so easily. He has already made his terms clear: hand over Ning Yu within three days, or everyone on this planet will die.

 

There is no other option.

 

But no one can hand over Ning Yu.

 

Ning Yu left over ten days ago.

 

Judy telling Carlos about this won't change the outcome—it will only confirm that the rebel Ning Yu had indeed been here and that the people of this planet sheltered him.

 

If they can't hand Ning Yu over...

 

There is only one way to stop Carlos.

 

And that would be for Ji Ling to return to Carlos' side. But... Wen Yan will never allow that to happen.

 

He wants Ji Ling to leave.

 

Wen Yan took Ji Ling to the back mountain. Gently pressing the ring on his finger, a hidden, small spaceship slowly surfaced from the water—it was the same one they had arrived in.

 

Wen Yan opened the door and motioned for Ji Ling to enter. He spoke seriously: “I’ve already set the escape route. Once it departs, it will conduct continuous space jumps. It might feel a bit uncomfortable, so you’d best stay in the stasis chamber. The AI will wake you up when you reach the destination.”

 

Ji Ling turned back, puzzled. “Aren’t you coming?”

 

Wen Yan smiled at him. In the dim night, his eyes were like ink—deep, gentle, and sorrowful. In a hoarse voice, he said, “I still have something to do. I'll follow you on another ship later, but don’t worry, I’ll catch up.”

 

Ji Ling stared at him blankly, feeling uneasy and reluctant to part with Wen Yan...

 

Being alone in space is terrifying…

 

Wen Yan noticed the boy's reliance. Closing his eyes for a moment, he suppressed the reluctance and yearning in his gaze before speaking in a low, raspy voice: “If I don’t manage to catch up, you… can return to His Majesty. He can protect you.”

 

Ji Ling’s eyes widened in disbelief, suddenly realizing what was going on.

 

But before he could speak, Wen Yan had already pressed the control switch, taking over the ship’s operations. He stood still, smiling, as the ship slowly ascended.

 

This planet was already under Carlos' control. If he left with Ji Ling, neither of them would escape.

 

He would create a distraction to draw Carlos' attention, giving Ji Ling a chance to flee.

 

Even an idiot could now see that Wen Yan was lying. That lunatic planned to stay behind to hold off Carlos!

 

Are you insane? Carlos will kill you!

 

Ji Ling frantically pounded on the cabin door, pressing every button around him, but the ship was entirely out of his control.

 

He could only watch as Wen Yan turned and walked away, his chest heaving violently. Finally, he cursed in anger: “Madman! You’re all mad!”

 

Are you an idiot? Are you out of your mind?

 

If he stayed, the worst Carlos would do was force him into submission. But if Wen Yan stayed, it was certain death.

 

You're throwing away your life just to keep me from being unhappy. Is it really worth it?

 

To hell with you! I’ve always known you weren’t normal—no sense of pride or self-respect, constantly playing your master-servant games. But how am I supposed to deal with this? Am I supposed to carry this guilt forever?

 

To let you die for something as trivial as my romantic freedom???

 

Damn it, no one is dying! Not here, not today!

 

Ji Ling coldly addressed the system: [Can you take over this piece-of-junk ship?]

 

The system, knowing it couldn’t afford to fail at such a critical moment, immediately replied: [Yes, please wait.]

 

………………

Over the Luanshui City, a previously unseen alien mech suddenly appeared.

 

Unlike the common humanoid models, this mech resembled a transformable battleship, bristling with laser weapons and capable of wide-area attacks.

 

It was a renowned product from a famous weapons manufacturer on the Emperor Star—expensive, rare, and requiring extraordinary mental strength to pilot. A formidable weapon of war.

 

But now, it suddenly appeared here.

 

Carlos looked up, narrowing his eyes at the fleeing mech, a faint smile curving his lips. “Shoot it down.”

 

The mech was indeed impressive, and its pilot was highly skilled.

 

But no matter how powerful, it was still just a mech. Against Carlos’ formidable army, it was fragile and outmatched. Within minutes, it was shot down.

 

Soldiers swarmed in, ruthlessly dismantling the mech and dragging a man from the wreckage.

 

The man, wounded from the battle, had blood streaming down his face, staining his striking features. His silver hair was slightly disheveled, yet his expression remained calm as he stood there, watching Carlos approach step by step.

 

Carlos stared back at Wen Yan.

 

The mask of gentle sophistication on his face gave way to a hint of ferocity, and his eyes glimmered with bloodthirsty cruelty. Slowly, he said, “Unexpected. Caught another little ant.”

 

He continued, “Where is Ji Ling?”

 

Wen Yan smiled faintly. “You’ll never find him.”

 

“Oh, really?” Carlos’ gaze turned icy, a blend of rage, pain, and jealousy churning within. All of it coalesced into a dark desire for destruction. He curled his lips into a cold, merciless smile. “Then you have no reason to live.”

 

He slowly raised his hand.

 

A soldier in black uniform shot Wen Yan in the knee, forcing him to kneel. Another stabbed his shoulder with a blade, blood soaking his clothes. The blade was withdrawn violently, raised high again.

 

Wen Yan gazed at the gleaming weapon, his expression unchanged.

 

His heart was strangely calm.

 

The metallic scent of blood filled the air.

 

He closed his eyes.

 

Suddenly, a clear, furious voice rang out.

 

Wen Yan's eyes snapped open.

 

Carlos turned his head.

 

A boy strode out of the crowd, his face burning with anger, his eyes practically blazing. As he walked, he tore off the disguise device behind his ear, revealing his true, golden-haired, blue-eyed, beautiful face.

 

He shouted angrily, “Stop!”

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