The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 62 - Identity Exposed

February 01, 2025 Oyen 0 Comments

Bonus chapter for today, happy reading~

Chapter 62: Identity Exposed

 

Ji Ling stared at Wen Yan in shock, but Wen Yan had already lifted his head, looking at him with calm and gentle black eyes, as if he had said nothing at all.

 

Ji Ling paused briefly, then suddenly realized—Wen Yan must have already found a way to call for help! Ji Ling’s thoughts spun rapidly. Though he wanted to ask more, he remembered Carlos was still waiting outside and chose to leave instead.

 

At the doorway, he saw Carlos standing silently.

 

The man’s figure was partially cloaked in shadow, his deep and chiseled features accentuated by the interplay of light and dark. His tightly pressed lips and the subdued, cool gleam in his deep brown eyes resembled the quiet glow of a moonlit night.

 

Ji Ling’s steps faltered. Though he was typically quite dense when it came to emotions and often oblivious to matters of affection, he couldn’t help but feel a strange, inexplicable sensation as he looked at Carlos at that moment.

 

Could Carlos… be heartbroken?

 

The thought struck Ji Ling as utterly unbelievable.

 

Someone like Carlos—could he really feel sadness or pain over something? Ji Ling couldn’t even understand why Carlos liked him. He had made his disinterest crystal clear, repeatedly rejecting him. Yet Carlos never seemed to care about rejection and always acted indifferent, as if it didn’t matter to him.

 

Carlos’s obsession, his brutality, his cruelty, and his entirely different worldview all made it impossible for Ji Ling to feel connected to him.

 

To Ji Ling, this world and the people within it felt like NPCs that didn’t belong in his real life. Their irrational and incomprehensible actions only deepened his detachment, making it difficult for him to form any genuine emotions beyond his desire to escape.

 

But in this moment, Carlos made Ji Ling feel as though he was hurting a real, living person—someone who could also feel sadness and vulnerability.

 

Ji Ling stared at Carlos in a daze…

 

But the next second, Carlos abruptly turned and walked away.

 

Ji Ling watched the tall figure retreating into the distance and let out a soft sigh of relief. What had just happened? Was he really starting to feel pity for Carlos? That must have been an illusion, right?!

 

Hurriedly shaking off those thoughts, he quickly followed behind.

 

When they returned to his room, the realization that tomorrow was the wedding made Ji Ling a little anxious. He cautiously glanced at Carlos, thinking he would probably leave soon. Carlos hadn’t stayed over these past few days, after all…

 

But just as Ji Ling turned around, he suddenly felt his wrist seized. With a gentle pull, he was drawn into the man’s embrace. Startled, Ji Ling raised his eyes to protest, but when his gaze met Carlos’s, the words got stuck in his throat. He found himself unable to speak.

 

Carlos looked down at the boy in his arms.

 

Those blue eyes held surprise, confusion, and a hint of unease. He was always like this when facing Carlos—ever since the lies of their previous life had been exposed and the cruel truths revealed. Ji Ling had never again looked at him with trust and dependence, never once smiled at him without reservation.

 

No matter how much effort Carlos put in, it only seemed to push Ji Ling further away.

 

Carlos thought of the scene earlier when Wen Yan kissed Ji Ling and of Ji Ling’s forgiveness and understanding toward Wen Yan. A wave of jealousy surged within him—jealousy that Wen Yan could be forgiven, could be loved, while he himself could not…

 

He was the only one who could not.

 

Once, he thought he wouldn’t care. He was used to taking whatever he wanted by force, used to achieving his goals through schemes and coercion. The process didn’t matter; only the result did. Even when it came to the one person he loved, his instinct had been to rely on manipulation to obtain them.

 

Deception, blackmail, control—

 

These were the methods he excelled at. He had exhausted every means, except for one: earning forgiveness with sincerity.

 

Perhaps, in the end, he was the most cowardly of them all.

 

From the beginning, he had never dared to easily offer up his heart. It was wrapped in layers of armor, locked away in the safest place, keeping everyone out. Over time, even he believed he had no heart.

 

He didn’t know how to love. All he knew was how to make others submit in fear.

 

And so, when he finally longed for someone’s love, when he finally wanted to be loved, he found himself unable to obtain it. Even a single tender glance from that person seemed an unattainable dream.

 

And so, he kept telling himself he didn’t care. He didn’t need those things. As long as he could have this person, it would be enough…

 

But was that really true?

 

Probably not…

 

Carlos raised a hand to gently caress the boy’s face. Looking into his eyes, he slowly, in a low, hoarse voice, said: “Xiao Ling, I will treat you well. I won’t hurt you. I can even be like him… So, will you be my lover?”

 

I can change for you, become someone you like… So, can you show me a little mercy?

 

Ji Ling stared at Carlos in a daze.

 

For the first time, he saw something akin to vulnerability in this powerful and ruthless man’s eyes.

 

No matter when or where, Carlos had always been strong, cold, and unfeeling. Ji Ling had seen cruelty, indifference, and mockery in his gaze, but he had never seen this side of him—had never imagined Carlos would ever plead with anyone.

 

A trace of confusion slowly surfaced in Ji Ling’s eyes. The words of refusal that had been on the tip of his tongue seemed to get stuck in his throat, as though speaking them out loud would make him unbearably cruel.

 

What was happening to him? Was he really softening toward Carlos? Did he really believe he could hurt Carlos?

 

Ji Ling silently cried inside, feeling he must have gone mad.

 

His lips trembled slightly. After a long pause, he bit down on them, turned his head away, and stepped back to break free from Carlos’s hand.

 

He couldn’t bring himself to say the words of rejection. He didn’t know how to face this situation, but… he couldn’t agree to Carlos either.

 

He didn’t want to deceive him.

 

Carlos felt his hand empty as the boy’s warmth left. Watching Ji Ling biting his lip and looking down, avoiding his gaze, a bitter smile slowly curved on Carlos’s lips, and the light in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by cold silence.

 

Of course, he should’ve known this was nothing but wishful thinking.

 

Some mistakes couldn’t be undone. Even if he laid bare his heart, it would still not be wanted.

 

If a single plea could earn forgiveness, if repentance could spare one from punishment… the world wouldn’t be filled with so many regrets.

 

Everything that happened now was nothing but his own doing.

 

Deserved consequences.

 

Carlos lowered his hand and turned to leave.

 

………………

Early the next morning, the noise outside woke Ji Ling up.

 

He lay on his bed like a salted fish, listlessly venting to the system: [I’m getting married.]

 

System: [Are you inviting me to the wedding banquet?]

 

Ji Ling: [Are you giving me a gift?]

 

System: [...]

 

Ji Ling: [I’m about to get married, and you won’t even spare a gift? You’ve disappointed me. I can’t call someone like you my friend!]

 

The system thought about it and, surprisingly, felt a little guilty: [I’m sorry, I don’t have any money…]

 

Ji Ling: [If you could speed up the approval on my application, I might forgive you :)]

 

System: [...] Fell right into the trap again.

 

Lina entered the room with a cheerful smile. “Young Master, I’m here to help you change.”

 

Ji Ling sighed deeply and resigned himself to getting out of bed. Distracted, he let Lina help him dress and fix his hair.

 

His gaze was unfocused, and his mind wandered. Even though Wen Yan had said someone would come to save him, now that the wedding was imminent, he couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

 

This was the Sosa System, Carlos’s long-established stronghold. Rescuing someone here—would it mean starting a war?

 

Thinking about it made his feelings complicated. He wasn’t even that excited about being rescued anymore.

 

Would he actually become such a troublemaker? If he told anyone about this back home, they’d laugh at him for being ridiculous. Just imagining it made Ji Ling cringe. He decided he’d never tell anyone about what happened in this world. Never!

 

Too embarrassing!

 

Lina finished dressing him, carefully combing his soft golden hair. The boy’s flawless, glowing features needed no embellishment to be breathtakingly beautiful. She couldn’t help but say, “Young Master, you’re so stunning.”

 

Ji Ling stared at the mirror, lost in thought.

 

This face was indeed stunning. Back in the real world, he was pretty good-looking too, but still within the range of normal. Here, though, his appearance was unrealistically perfect. In fact, most people in this world, especially the nobles, all looked like they’d come back from some foreign plastic surgery clinic.

 

And the protagonists—they looked like characters straight out of a painting. Ji Ling had seen so many pretty faces that he was starting to develop face blindness.

 

It was horrifying!

 

With the advancement of future technology, perhaps the only thing that could make someone unattractive was poverty…

 

Snapping back to reality, Ji Ling said, “I guess…”

 

Lina sighed quietly as she watched Ji Ling’s distracted expression. For the first time, she felt a bit resentful toward Carlos. Was this really necessary? Forcing someone who didn’t love you to stay by your side…

 

But then again, this time Carlos was serious, wasn’t he? Otherwise, why go this far?

 

Still, no matter what she said, he wouldn’t listen.

 

Smiling, Lina said to Ji Ling, “Young Master, let me help you put on your shoes.”

 

Ji Ling felt embarrassed and was about to refuse when a man’s footsteps approached, and a tall shadow loomed over them.

 

Ji Ling looked up in surprise.

 

Carlos had already taken the shoes from Lina’s hands. “I’ll do it,” he said lightly.

 

Ji Ling: “…”

 

He was so shocked that he forgot to refuse. He stared blankly as Carlos knelt on one knee, lifting his foot and carefully putting the shoe on for him.

 

After a moment, Carlos rose, calm and composed. “Let’s go.”

 

Ji Ling, still dazed, hesitated for a moment before following him out. Things had come this far—what was he supposed to do? Cry and throw a tantrum? That’d be ridiculous.

 

The palace had already been decorated with flowers, exuding a festive atmosphere. The cheerful mood was like a celebration of the New Year.

 

Ji Ling: [There are so many people here. They’re all looking at me!]

 

System: [Of course. Who else would they be looking at?]

 

Ji Ling: [Wow, even Marquis Roland is here. Working through an injury to show loyalty—how admirable!]

 

System: [...]

 

Ji Ling: [What kind of flowers are those hanging over there? I’ve never seen them before.]

 

The system was silent for a long time before it couldn’t help but say: [Don’t tell me you’re nervous?]

 

Ji Ling: [...Haha, why would I be nervous? I don’t even like him!]

 

System: [...]

 

After a while, Ji Ling let out a melancholy sigh: [I was just thinking... I’m getting married without even telling my family. And the partner is an old man. If Mom and Dad knew, I wonder if they’d beat me to death. I’ve always been such a good kid before…]

 

The system suddenly fell silent.

 

It understood Ji Ling wasn’t talking about his parents in this world, but his real parents from the distant world he came from.

 

No matter how long he stayed in this world, what he missed was still his real home.

 

Ji Ling followed Carlos to the main hall ahead. The grand, resplendent palace was far more luxurious and magnificent than any foreign royal courts he had seen on the internet back on Earth. Standing there, under the attention of countless eyes, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

 

Presiding over the wedding was a local governor, a ruler of the region. But even he was cautious and deferential in Carlos’ presence, exuding utmost respect.

 

Ji Ling followed Carlos up to the platform. At that moment, the system's voice suddenly rang in his ears: [You’ll definitely make it back home.]

 

Ji Ling paused for a moment but didn’t reply. He raised his head and looked at the man before him.

 

The man’s hair was meticulously combed back, and his mature, refined features were deep and striking. His brown eyes focused intently on Ji Ling. Today, he wore a white ceremonial suit, his gloved hands exuding elegance and nobility.

 

The governor respectfully looked at Carlos and announced in a booming voice: “His Excellency Carlos, do you take Mr. Ji Ling as your lawful and devoted partner, to love and cherish until the end of your life?”

 

Carlos’ thin lips parted slightly, his deep gaze unwavering. “I do.”

 

The governor then turned to Ji Ling and asked, “Mr. Ji Ling, do you take His Excellency Carlos as your lawful and devoted partner, to love and cherish until the end of your life?”

 

Ji Ling looked at Carlos, his lips lightly pressed together. He knew he should say ‘I do.’ For lovers, those three words were a sacred vow, heavy with meaning. But for those without love, they could simply be empty words, light as air.

 

Saying it wouldn’t mean he had to take it seriously. On the contrary, it could lower Carlos’ guard, allowing Ji Ling to exploit his love and gain the upper hand—a seemingly perfect and risk-free plan.

 

Yet, he found himself unable to say it.

 

Just as he had been unable to deceive Carlos last night, he couldn’t bring himself to accept him now.

 

Carlos didn’t rush him, merely watching quietly, waiting for his answer.

 

Ji Ling’s hand slowly clenched. At that moment, a deafening boom erupted outside. The ground seemed to tremble slightly. Ji Ling froze, initially thinking it was the sound of fireworks. But the commotion inside the hall made his heart skip a beat, and he couldn’t help but turn to look.

 

What he saw left him wide-eyed in shock.

 

Countless warships had suddenly appeared in the skies above, grand and imposing, filling the heavens with their overwhelming presence.

 

Jing Sui had actually come!

 

The warships’ weapons were primed, their dark barrels aimed at the ground. Blinding beams of light were fired, only to be intercepted by a glowing blue shield that suddenly appeared, deflecting the attacks. The resulting collisions created intense shockwaves that, even from such a distance, felt scalding, as if capable of reducing everything to ashes.

 

Carlos abruptly raised a hand, cupping Ji Ling’s face. Before the stunned youth could react, Carlos leaned in and kissed him forcefully.

 

Against the backdrop of countless explosions, his gaze was focused and tender, yet fierce and unyielding.

 

This kiss carried a hint of finality.

 

In a low, deep voice, Carlos chuckled softly into Ji Ling’s ear: “You didn’t say no, so I’ll take that as your consent.”

 

Ji Ling thought, Wait, it works like that?!

 

Carlos remained composed and said lightly, “Don’t forget, you’re my spouse now.”

 

With that, he released Ji Ling and turned to walk towards the entrance of the hall.

 

He had anticipated this day and predicted Jing Sui would act today—it was the best opportunity for an ambush. But Carlos had already prepared for this. This battle was inevitable, and he had no intention of retreating.

 

Ji Ling stood there in a daze, watching Carlos leave.

 

The sky seemed to tremble and collapse.

 

The ground quaked violently.

 

War broke out, engulfing the world in fear.

 

Jing Sui and Brandon appeared simultaneously in full battle armor!

 

Ji Ling snapped out of his stupor, his heart racing as he took in the scene. Lina rushed over, grabbing Ji Ling by the arm. “Young Master, come with me. It’s too dangerous out here. We need to take shelter in the base.”

 

Mark followed closely behind Lina, shielding the two as they moved.

 

Ji Ling didn’t want to go. Jing Sui wasn’t great, but between him and Carlos, at least returning to the Emperor Star seemed better. Jing Sui wasn’t a villain and wasn’t as ruthless.

 

But Lina’s grip was surprisingly strong, dragging Ji Ling along forcefully. Slowly, Ji Ling began to realize—this girl wasn’t as simple as she seemed.

 

Seeing they were about to enter the underground base, Ji Ling knew it would be even harder for anyone to find him once he was inside. In a moment of desperation, he shouted, “Let me go!”

 

Lina remained unmoved.

 

Ji Ling's eyes flickered, and suddenly he stumbled and fell to the ground. I fell! I can't walk anymore!

 

Lina turned back, gave Ji Ling a meaningful look, and smiled sweetly. “Young Master, you—”

 

Before she could finish her sentence, her expression shifted drastically. She suddenly let go of Ji Ling and lunged forward, but a man appeared from around the corner and punched her in the abdomen, sending her flying! The solid wall cracked from the impact!

 

At the same time, Mark sprang into action, drawing his weapon without hesitation and attacking the man in front of him.

 

But the man, holding a shield in his left hand and moving as fast as lightning, closed the distance to Mark in an instant. The towering, bear-like Mark—a powerful evolver—was pinned to the ground with a foot to his chest! His ribs caved in, and the man’s fist smashed him straight into the ground!

 

Lina crawled out of the broken wall, her hair disheveled and blood at the corner of her mouth. She lunged at the man again!

 

The man, as if anticipating her move, sidestepped without even turning his head, easily dodging her attack.

 

Though he was alone, it was as if he was fighting both Lina and Mark simultaneously, and they were clearly at a disadvantage.

 

Ji Ling sat on the ground, stunned, staring at the man in the silver mask. His face turned pale, and his legs trembled.

 

Gabriel had come again!

 

This bastard was clearly here to take advantage of the chaos and capture him. While Carlos and Jing Sui are locked in a battle over him, Gabriel is going to profit from their conflict by taking him away! This was way too much!

 

But more importantly, why did he always have to be the one this bastard targeted and used?!

 

Ji Ling scrambled to his feet and bolted out!

 

He didn’t dare to look back at all!

 

However, he hadn’t run more than a few meters when an arm wrapped tightly around his waist. His legs kicked in the air a few times before he accepted his fate, realizing he’d already been caught.

 

Ji Ling turned his head, trembling, and met the man’s cold, dark eyes beneath the silver mask. He stammered, “H-How about we talk this over? You let me go, and I’ll go convince Carlos and His Majesty that you’ve been really nice to me and didn’t do anything bad. I’ll make sure they stop chasing you!”

 

For some reason, as soon as he finished speaking, he caught a flash of amusement in Gabriel’s eyes. The man’s hoarse voice carried a mocking tone. “Oh? Do they think I did something to you?”

 

Ji Ling froze.

 

Gabriel lowered his head, leaning close to Ji Ling’s ear, and whispered, “You almost sound like you wish I had done something to you…”

 

No, no, no! That’s not it! Ji Ling’s face stiffened as he suddenly realized Gabriel must have already figured out the act he’d been putting on. Worse yet, Gabriel might even have informants within the Rebel! This was so awkward—being publicly exposed and directly called out by the one he’d falsely accused…

 

It was downright mortifying.

 

Ji Ling trembled, tears welling up in his eyes as he put on an innocent look and said, “Y-you’re the one who did such terrible things to me… No one’s ever treated me like that before…”

 

I’m pure! I’m innocent! I know nothing! You were totally out of line!

 

Gabriel stared at him for a moment before letting out a low chuckle.

 

He wasted no more words, grabbing Ji Ling and taking off!

 

Ji Ling felt as if his soul had left his body as Gabriel carried him, sprinting and leaping effortlessly across rooftops. They arrived at a massive silver mech, which deactivated its cloaking and descended to the ground. Gabriel jumped aboard, and his eyes suddenly sharpened. In one swift move, he tossed Ji Ling into the cockpit first!

 

In the distance, Jing Sui and Carlos, locked in combat, spotted Gabriel. Both of their expressions darkened, and they immediately stopped fighting.

 

Even from hundreds of meters away, Jing Sui’s golden eyes glinted as he swung his energy blade. The devastating strike sent a massive shockwave across the ground, scattering debris and sending sand flying. Gabriel quickly raised his arm to block, but the force of the attack tore his sleeve and revealed his bare skin. Slowly, he lifted his head, and a crack appeared in his silver mask.

 

The crack spread rapidly, and with a soft crack, the mask fell from his face.

 

Ji Ling, sprawled on the cockpit floor, looked up just in time to see the fragments of the mask falling to the ground with a metallic clink. His pupils constricted in disbelief.

 

Even though the man’s eyes were black… that face…

 

How could he not recognize it?!

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