The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 68 - Let Go
Chapter 68: Let go
Jing Sui stood atop the battleship, coldly gazing downward, watching as the relentless tide of steel reduced everything below to ruins.
The ground caved in, and people fled in panic.
Suddenly… Jing Sui narrowed his eyes and fixed his gaze ahead.
Amidst the wreckage and debris, a boy slowly appeared. He lifted his head, revealing a strikingly vivid face, looking toward the sky. Even from hundreds of meters away, Jing Sui could see his every expression with perfect clarity. A flicker of emotion rippled through his golden eyes.
Ji Ling had arrived on the battlefield.
The massive starship in the center stood like a steel fortress. Ji Ling assumed Jing Sui was there, so he looked up.
Although he had already decided to step forward, the surrounding battlefield, the scorching heat waves, and the biting winds made his face sting. He worried he might not even make it to Jing Sui before meeting his end—after all, stray bullets and blades had no eyes…
But he had already put on this act, so he had to see it through.
Standing amidst the ruins and corpses, Ji Ling maintained an indifferent expression, letting the wind blow against him. He felt like he was exuding an overwhelming presence, as if he were a legendary master.
He wasn’t sure if Jing Sui had actually noticed him yet. Just as he was wondering if he should make himself more noticeable, everything around him suddenly… froze. It was as if someone had pressed pause on the entire battlefield.
The imperial army and mechas ceased their movements. The resisting rebels, who had been fighting desperately, exchanged glances before quickly retreating.
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned, then he steadied himself and remained still.
Jing Sui had seen him.
The massive starship’s entrance opened, and a squad of imperial soldiers descended. Leading them was a tall man with black hair and golden eyes, clad in a black military uniform. His face was cold and sharp as he strode toward Ji Ling.
Step by step, Jing Sui approached the boy he had been yearning for.
Though they hadn’t been apart for long, it felt like a lifetime.
Ever since that day when Brandon took Ji Ling away from the palace, he hadn’t seen him again. Not because he didn’t want to—but because he couldn’t. Now, standing here, he didn’t know what he could say or do.
It had taken him a long time to accept the painful truth—Ji Ling no longer loved him.
And how was he supposed to face someone who no longer loved him?
He wasn’t ready.
Then he had learned that Ji Ling had been abducted by Wen Yan, and tossed around from one place to another. Then Ning Yu’s true identity was exposed, and Carlos had gotten to Ji Ling first…
Jing Sui could no longer remain silent. He remembered the torment Ji Ling had suffered the last time he was taken. He recalled how ‘Gabriel’ had manipulated and hurt him. He couldn’t bear to imagine the innocent boy falling into that man’s hands again. The thought tormented him, keeping him awake night after night.
Who would have thought… that Ning Yu was Gabriel all along?
Jing Sui sneered at himself. In his past life, he had prided himself on his intelligence, yet he had never noticed the shadow lurking right beside him.
Was Ning Yu tormenting Ji Ling now as revenge for his humiliation and suppression in their past life?
Jing Sui didn’t know.
He stared at the boy before him, countless emotions surging in his heart. He wanted to step closer, comfort him, and ask if he was alright… But when he met those indifferent blue eyes, he realized—though they stood so close, he could never truly close the distance between them again.
Jing Sui was silent for a long time before he finally spoke. “I’ve come to take you back.”
Ji Ling gazed at him calmly and lifted the corners of his lips. “Alright. But I have one condition—you must withdraw your troops from here.”
Jing Sui’s expression finally changed. Shock and pain flickered in his golden eyes. Ji Ling… was protecting these rebels? Had he forgotten how they had tortured and tormented him?
These people deserved to die!
Jing Sui took a deep breath. “Why?”
Of course, Ji Ling had already prepared an excuse. He knew Jing Sui liked him, but asking him to withdraw his army was no small matter. Without a strong enough reason, Jing Sui wouldn’t agree. He had to strike with a decisive argument that Jing Sui couldn’t refute!
Ji Ling looked him in the eye and spoke clearly, “In my past life, when I fell into the hands of the rebels, when I was at my most terrified, most desperate, most helpless… when you had completely abandoned me and even publicly announced my death…”
Jing Sui’s pupils contracted sharply as he stared at him.
Ji Ling enunciated every word. “It was him who saved me.”
Jing Sui’s fingers clenched into his palm, his knuckles turning white, his grip so tight that his bones audibly creaked. That was a regret he would never be able to forgive himself for. He knew that Ning Yu hadn’t saved Ji Ling out of sincerity—he had only done it to prevent Carlos from using him. But regardless of the reason… in his past life, when Ji Ling needed help the most, the only person who appeared to save him was Gabriel.
And he—he had abandoned him.
Perhaps that was why… Even though Ji Ling knew that Ning Yu had deceived and hurt him, he still chose to stand up for him.
Because Ji Ling was someone who always repaid debts, who clearly distinguished between love and hate, who never wanted to owe anyone anything.
And he would never harm an innocent person.
Ji Ling added, “Besides, there are many civilians here. They have never harmed me. They are innocent.”
Jing Sui stared at him in silence. Deep within his golden eyes, pain swirled like a storm.
He could understand Ji Ling’s actions, but he didn’t want to back down, didn’t want to leave, and didn’t want to let go of anyone who had harmed the boy—especially not… Gabriel.
The violence and pain in his heart pushed him to the edge of losing control.
Jing Sui slowly parted his lips, his voice carrying a chilling coldness. “Even if you save them, they won’t be grateful to you.”
Is it really worth it, for a bunch of lowly people who hate you?
“I don’t need anyone’s gratitude,” Ji Ling said indifferently. “But Your Majesty, you, on the other hand—wasting time on insignificant ants while exposing yourself to attacks from both sides and giving Carlos an opportunity—is what’s truly not worth it.”
Jing Sui’s gaze suddenly sharpened.
Ji Ling did not avoid or dodge but met his eyes directly. “Your Majesty, don’t forget your original goal. Don’t forget who your real enemy is.”
Jing Sui pressed his lips tightly together, as if trying to see through the person in front of him—or as if he was truly recognizing him for the first time.
The boy spoke calmly and methodically, yet every word struck at his weaknesses. He was reminding him that defeating Carlos and securing his rule should be his top priority. Spreading his forces and energy against the Rebel now was a mistake—one that was not worth it.
Jing Sui understood this reasoning, but it shouldn’t have come from the boy’s mouth.
Do you really not care at all about everything you’ve suffered?
Or has the pain become so unbearable that nothing matters anymore?
Jing Sui’s voice was low and firm, each word carrying weight. “You’re protecting a rebel, an enemy, someone who deceived and hurt you.”
Ji Ling slightly regretted playing his role too well before—there was no way to explain that situation. But he could still steer the conversation elsewhere! His eyes were indifferent as he let out a soft chuckle, seemingly unconcerned. “If we’re talking about hurt, haven’t all of you hurt me as well?”
Jing Sui let out a bitter laugh.
Yes… If we’re talking about harm, who among them was innocent?
He closed his eyes for a long moment before finally saying, “You’re right. I shouldn’t refuse a reasonable proposal.”
Ji Ling replied, “Your Majesty is wise.”
Jing Sui’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. Cold pain spread through his chest. He would rather Ji Ling hate him, get angry at him, resent him… but there was none of that. No gratitude. No hatred. Not even a ripple of emotion.
He had risked everything, exposing himself to enemies on all sides, just to come here.
He had let go of his hatred for him. He had compromised. He had even spared Ning Yu for him.
And in the end, all he got was a single sentence: Your Majesty is wise.
Do you even realize… that you are actually the cruelest one?
………………
The army withdrew.
They had arrived with an overwhelming presence, yet their departure was eerily silent, leaving behind only ruins and wreckage.
Ji Ling followed Jing Sui back to the starship. People greeted him respectfully, servants brought him luxurious clothes and exquisite food, trembling with fear, afraid that any misstep in their service would invoke the emperor’s wrath.
Ji Ling accepted everything with composure. Sometimes, he even felt like he had truly become a noble, as if he was slowly getting used to this life. But… he knew it was only an illusion. No matter how long he stayed here, at his core, he was still just an ordinary boy from Earth.
To avoid Jing Sui, Ji Ling stayed in his room every day, refusing to go out. Even his meals were delivered by servants.
Although he had acted quite dramatically before, now that he thought about the situation he was about to face, Ji Ling sighed and complained to the system: [I’m about to return to my lonely life, where I’m beneath only one person but above millions, with nothing but money and power to fill the emptiness.]
Ji Ling put particular emphasis on the word ‘beneath.’
The system thought to itself, So the host is actually scared, huh? It hesitated before tentatively asking: [Are you afraid?]
Ji Ling immediately exploded: [Ha! Me, afraid? A dignified man like me, afraid of something like this?!]
System: […] If you weren’t so defensive, I might actually believe you. And if we’re comparing size… I don’t think Jing Sui would necessarily lose to Carlos.
But the system was too kind to bring up such a cruel truth at a time like this, so it obediently admitted its mistake: [I misspoke. You are the bravest.]
Ji Ling: […]
He suspected the system was just humoring him, but he didn’t want to press the issue.
Sometimes, it’s better to play dumb.
………………
Ji Ling spent his days idling on the starship, indulging in a luxurious, carefree life. As expected, comfort made people lose their fighting spirit. It had only been a few days, and he already felt himself slipping.
Ji Ling: [System, how’s the discussion going with your Time-Space Management Bureau Committee? This is a huge mistake—why haven’t they given me an answer yet? At the very least, they should assign me a new mission!]
System: [Don’t rush. I’ll check again, but the result should be out soon.]
Ji Ling had no choice but to continue waiting. He figured it wouldn’t take too long—after all, the investigation was done. Now, it was just a matter of deciding his mission and compensation.
After some thought, he decided to stay by Jing Sui’s side until the results came out. If he had to choose someone, Jing Sui was actually a decent option. As the emperor of the empire, he held the most power, could protect himself, and wasn’t likely to be eliminated by other love rivals. The Emperor Star was also the safest place to be.
Even though… it did seem like he was using him.
But wasn’t this inevitable? He was really sick of being fought over again and again. A peaceful society was still better—at least it allowed for the freedom to fall in love, right? But for him, love wasn’t even a consideration right now. Choosing a partner felt like picking out cabbages at the market—utterly miserable.
What surprised Ji Ling, however, was that Jing Sui barely showed up in front of him.
Ji Ling found this strange. Jing Sui had gone through so much trouble to bring him back, yet he wasn’t even making an appearance, just letting him be. That didn’t seem logical. Could he be plotting something big again? Ji Ling couldn’t help but feel uneasy about it…
A strong sense of anxiety and apprehension made Ji Ling restless. He felt the need to go out and investigate the situation to see what was really going on.
Better than being caught off guard later.
To deal with an enemy, one must know both themselves and their opponent in order to be victorious every time!
Pfft. Even though it seemed like he had been losing all along, that didn’t dampen his fighting spirit. After all, he had managed to keep his chrysanthemum intact until now—wasn’t that a victory in its own way?
Ji Ling finally stepped out of his room.
The servant waiting at the door immediately bowed respectfully. “Do you need anything, sir?”
Ji Ling felt a little uncomfortable. With his hands clasped behind his back, he took a few steps forward, furrowed his brows, and asked, “How much longer until we reach the Emperor Star?”
The servant replied, “We’ll arrive the day after tomorrow.”
Ji Ling thought to himself, So soon? He paused, unsure of what to say next, then hesitated before asking, “What has His Majesty been up to lately?”
The servant answered, “His Majesty has been occupied discussing military strategy with the other generals. Grand Duke Carlos’ forces have already conquered two star systems, and the situation on the battlefield is not optimistic.”
Ji Ling’s expression showed his surprise. So the war had already progressed this far? Carlos really had rebelled in the end…
Ji Ling didn’t ask any further. There was no point—what could he do, tell Carlos and Jing Sui to just not fight?
No matter what, it was always the countless civilians who suffered most in war.
Call him sentimental, call him a bleeding heart, but Ji Ling truly loved Earth, loved his country, loved his home. At least there, he never had to face such disasters, such separations by life and death.
To him, life was best when it was simple and ordinary.
Having experienced everything here only made him realize how precious the things he once had truly were.
Ji Ling told the servant, “I’m just going for a walk. You don’t have to follow me.”
The servant bowed respectfully. “Understood.”
He neither stopped Ji Ling nor followed him.
Ji Ling walked along the corridor toward the edge, gazing out through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows at the endless starry sky. The vastness of the universe was breathtaking, as beautiful as a painting, captivating in its magnificence.
If not for the cruelty of this world constantly reminding him that he didn’t belong here, would he still be so resolute about going home?
Ji Ling didn’t know.
Time passed slowly.
He heard steady footsteps approaching from ahead. Turning around, he lifted his gaze and saw Jing Sui standing not far away.
The man stood before the towering window, the endless galaxy behind him. His long black hair was tied back, his golden eyes sharp and cold. His handsome features were godlike, just as they had been the first time Ji Ling saw him in this world—always so noble, so powerful, as if he were an untouchable, indifferent deity.
But Ji Ling knew that some things had changed.
Jing Sui simply stood there in silence, watching him, neither stepping forward nor leaving.
Ji Ling looked at him for a moment before suddenly turning and walking in the opposite direction. Just as he turned, he thought he saw a fleeting sadness flash through Jing Sui’s eyes.
But his steps did not falter.
Ji Ling returned to his room and flopped onto the sofa, resting his hands behind his head as he stared blankly at the ceiling.
He didn’t know how much time had passed before he suddenly spoke: [Am I being too cruel to him?]
All this time, he had only thought about protecting himself, about escaping, about leaving… but he had never considered whether the one he left behind might also feel hurt and sorrow. After all, Jing Sui… thought he loved him.
The system was silent for a moment before replying: [If you don’t intend to accept him, then being cruel is better than giving him false hope.]
Ji Ling paused, then closed his eyes and let out a soft laugh: [You’re right.]
At least now, he no longer had to lie and say he loved him…
………………
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
That morning, Ji Ling was dressed with the assistance of the servants.
After all the twists and turns, he was back here once again.
He looked into the mirror, staring at the unfamiliar yet strikingly beautiful face reflected back at him. Taking a deep breath, he encouraged himself—You got this! You’re the best!
Ji Ling turned and stepped out of his room, walking forward along the wide metallic corridor. Golden sunlight streamed in through the entrance, reflecting off the floor with a dazzling glow, making Ji Ling squint slightly.
A moment later, he stopped in his tracks.
The black-haired, golden-eyed man stood at the exit, with no one else around—likely dismissed by his order. His tall, imposing figure exuded authority… yet there was an air of loneliness about him.
Ji Ling thought to himself, Not surprising at all. Looks like I’m heading back to the palace again…
Jing Sui watched as the young man approached him. He slightly lifted his eyelashes, his strikingly handsome face cold and rigid. In the depths of his golden eyes, there seemed to be a trace of obsession and pain. His voice was hoarse as he spoke: “You know I will never let go, don’t you?”
No one has ever defied me. Anything I desire, I will obtain.” Jing Sui’s thin lips curved slightly, carrying a chilling coldness. “Carlos will die, Gabriel will die… Anyone who covets you should die. You have nowhere to run—you can only belong to me.”
Ji Ling thought, Yep, this guy is seriously sick in the head. He raised an indifferent brow and was just about to speak when…
Jing Sui locked eyes with him. Suddenly, the coldness in his gaze faded, and the corners of his lips lifted in a self-mocking smile. “In your eyes, this is the kind of person I am, isn’t it?”
Ji Ling froze. Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite put it into words.
Jing Sui’s eyes turned cold again, and his lips carried a hint of mockery. “In your eyes, I would lose all reason, abandon my people, and go mad for love—just to possess someone who no longer loves me?”
Ji Ling was stunned, staring blankly at Jing Sui.
“You think… that’s possible?” Jing Sui lowered his head, leaning in close to whisper by his ear, his breath carrying a low chuckle. “Do you think I lack options? Every noble lady and gentleman in the empire longs for my favor. Countless people would do anything for a chance to gain my affection. Aside from your so-called love for me… what else do you have that’s worth me loving?”
“I admit, you once moved me. But what I wanted… was only the person who loved me.”
Ji Ling looked at Jing Sui in shock, as if trying to discern whether he was telling the truth. But all he saw was the emperor he had always known—aloof, overlooking everything from above, indifferent, and terrifyingly rational.
If this had happened before, he would have been ecstatic. He would be happy that his mission finally had hope and that Jing Sui had finally returned to normal.
Now that he had gotten the outcome he had always wanted, he realized… it wasn’t something to celebrate.
Happiness built upon another’s pain was never truly satisfying.
Jing Sui gazed at the young man before him, a fleeting trace of reluctance and attachment in his eyes. But after a brief pause, all that remained was cold detachment. If this is the answer you wanted…
“Then go,” Jing Sui said.
If not for our past life, I might have believed you never loved me…
But whether you did or not…
I have already fallen for you. So, I have decided to set you free.
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