The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 74 - Party
Chapter 74: Party
Ji Ling was wearing headphones and scrolling through short videos on his phone. Maybe because the seat was just too comfortable, before he knew it, he drifted off into a drowsy sleep...
In the haze of slumber, it felt like someone was calling his name.
Ji Ling’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he instinctively let out a soft ‘mm.’ He cracked his eyes open just a sliver—only to find himself face-to-face with the man, his features so close at hand. He stared blankly into the depths of the man’s eyes, where a sorrow as deep as the sea resided. His brain instantly froze. What’s going on?
Jing Sui seemed slightly lost in thought as he gazed at the boy's confused expression. The two locked eyes—
Then suddenly, Jing Sui removed his coat and, with a natural motion, draped it over Ji Ling. Straightening back up, he said casually, “I saw you fell asleep and didn’t want you to catch a cold.”
Ji Ling: “...”
Jing Sui turned away and returned to his seat, lowering his head to focus on his documents, as if he had really just walked over to cover Ji Ling with his coat—nothing more. From start to finish, his actions and expressions remained completely normal.
Ji Ling sat on the sofa, his fingers clutching the edge of the man’s suit. The thick and luxurious fabric still carried his warmth and the refreshing scent of pine and bamboo. Ji Ling’s face felt slightly hot, and it took him a while to return to his senses, his mind in complete disarray.
He cautiously stole a glance at the man working at the desk. If not for the concern of maintaining his image, he might have stood up and smacked himself—Stop thinking nonsense!!!
For a split second just now, he had actually thought of Jing Sui and mistakenly assumed the man was about to kiss him. How utterly embarrassing!
This was just a normal, well-mannered CEO, merely offering him a coat out of concern. And yet, here he was, thinking such indecent thoughts, suspecting the man of having improper intentions toward him. How filthy-minded could he get?!
Ji Ling hurriedly averted his gaze, lowering his head, not daring to look at the man again.
To think he had fantasized that his mother’s boss liked him! He, a proud and upstanding young socialist, had actually developed such an inappropriate thought about a man just because of a small act of kindness. His mind had been tainted! Boohoohoo...
He needed to shift his focus immediately.
Ji Ling no longer dared to sleep. He pulled out his phone to continue watching videos, but for some reason, the content that had previously engrossed him now failed to hold his attention. He couldn’t concentrate at all—his thoughts were a jumbled mess.
Even though he told himself not to look at the man, he still found himself sneaking glances. His heart pounded faster…
Not to mention, the man’s serious and composed demeanor while working—just thinking about the way he had looked at him earlier… there really was a resemblance to Jing Sui.
No! That couldn’t be right! He was just overthinking…
Don’t scare yourself!
The Emperor of the Interstellar Empire had a perfectly good life ruling his domain. How could he possibly be here? Even if, by some absurd chance, he was here, his entire persona would be completely different, right? Ji Ling hadn’t forgotten how proud and ruthless Jing Sui was.
Ji Ling started to feel like every second dragged on forever.
He checked the time—his mother’s meeting should be ending soon. Maybe he could find an excuse to leave and wait for her outside? But what kind of excuse would work? Something that wouldn’t seem suspicious or impolite?
So hard!
The moment Yang Wei walked out of the meeting room, she spotted Shen Zhuoming waiting outside and asked curiously, “What is it? Do you need something?”
Shen Zhuoming replied, “Ji Ling came to see you.”
Yang Wei smiled. “Oh, he’s here already? Where is he?”
Shen Zhuoming’s tone grew heavy. “In President Fu’s office.”
Yang Wei: “...”
She hurried to Jing Sui’s office, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor. Knocking on the door, she waited until she heard the man’s low voice say, ‘Come in,’ before pushing it open. The first thing she saw was her son sitting cross-legged on the boss’s sofa, headphones on, staring at his phone. Meanwhile, the boss’s expensive, custom-tailored suit jacket was casually draped over the sofa’s armrest, with one sleeve even touching the floor, seemingly having slipped down by accident…
Yang Wei sucked in a sharp breath. Sure, society was all about equality now, but basic workplace hierarchy still mattered, right? Even if Jing Sui weren’t her boss, it still wouldn’t be appropriate for her son to behave so casually in someone else’s office. Not everyone would be so indulgent toward him… Even if Jing Sui hadn’t said anything, who knew if he secretly minded?
Ji Ling was still absentmindedly scrolling through his phone, trying to think of an excuse to slip away. Before he could come up with anything, his mother had already arrived. He immediately jumped up from the sofa, surprised and delighted. “Mom, your meeting’s over?”
Yang Wei: “…Mm.”
She sighed, pulling her son up by the hand and giving Jing Sui an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, my son is a bit thoughtless. I hope he hasn’t disturbed you.”
Jing Sui had already stepped out from behind his desk. His expression was calm and gentle, his voice slightly hoarse as he said, “It’s fine. He’s very well-behaved.”
Seeing that Jing Sui didn’t seem upset, Yang Wei relaxed a little. Despite being younger than her, this man’s abilities and decisiveness commanded her utmost respect. His authority wasn’t something his age diminished. Jing Sui was never one to mingle with his employees, his personality was both strict and somewhat aloof. Though his arrogance was justified, it meant that Yang Wei had never formed any personal rapport with him outside of work.
Yang Wei kept her tone polite. “Thank you. We’ll be leaving now.”
She turned to take Ji Ling with her.
Ji Ling also breathed a sigh of relief and was already thinking about where to eat later. But just then, he saw Jing Sui leisurely pick up his jacket, drape it over his arm, and then calmly say, “Since we happened to run into each other, let me treat you both to a meal.”
Ji Ling: “…?”
Yang Wei: “…Oh, no, that wouldn’t be necessary. We couldn’t possibly trouble you.”
Jing Sui looked at her and smiled slightly, saying, “Ji Ling was injured in the car accident because of me. You've had to take care of your child while juggling work during this time, which must have been exhausting. Treating you both to a meal is the least I can do, Manager Yang, no need to be so polite.”
Yang Wei quickly said, “I've already told you, it was just an accident. How can I blame you? Besides, President Fu, you've just recovered from your own injuries. I appreciate the gesture, but there's really no need to go through the trouble.”
Jing Sui said slowly, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, there are some work matters I’d like to discuss as well.”
With the boss being so insistent and even bringing up work, refusing again would seem too deliberate, as if she were unhappy with him. Yang Wei thought for a moment and smiled. “Alright then.”
Ji Ling had been too shocked to think about food ever since Jing Sui mentioned the car accident. So… this person was also injured in the same accident as him? He had only known that a car from the opposite lane had crashed into him, but he had no idea who the other party was.
What a coincidence...
So they were actually in the same unfortunate situation...
Huh, why did he suddenly feel like this domineering CEO was a little closer to him now? No matter how rich he was, he was still just a mortal body, getting into a car accident just like him.
Mr. Fu is just an ordinary person—there’s no way he could be Jing Sui!
………………
Jing Sui had his driver take the lead while Yang Wei drove with Ji Ling following behind.
Now that her boss was no longer around, Yang Wei finally asked her son about what happened, looking at him with helpless concern. “Why did you run off to President Fu’s office? You don’t even know him, yet you just followed along?”
Ji Ling said aggrievedly, “I thought he was just your colleague…”
Yang Wei: “...” Well, technically, that’s not wrong.
Ji Ling blinked and grinned. “Mom, don't worry! President Fu is really nice. He even had Brother Shen buy me bubble tea.”
Yang Wei looked at him in shock, falling into silence. I wasn’t that worried before, but now that you say this, I’m actually concerned...
This isn’t normal. It’s really not normal.
If she didn’t know President Fu’s background and character, Yang Wei might have suspected that he had some ulterior motive toward her son. Given President Fu’s usual indifference, the fact that he was so considerate and attentive to Ji Ling didn’t make any sense! Even the most warm-hearted person in the office, Old Zhao, wouldn’t go this far…
With a mix of uncertainty and apprehension, Yang Wei arrived at the restaurant Jing Sui had booked.
Jing Sui had arrived earlier. He first asked if Yang Wei and Ji Ling had any dietary restrictions or preferences before ordering and having the waiter submit the order.
Carrying doubts in her heart, Yang Wei kept observing Jing Sui closely, but she couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. The man was polite, well-mannered, and carried himself with elegance. His expression remained warm and courteous, and his concern for Ji Ling seemed natural.
Besides, Yang Wei believed she could tell if someone had bad intentions.
Gradually, she let go of her worries. She realized she had been overthinking things. She was already at this age, yet she was still prone to wild thoughts. President Fu treating Ji Ling kindly was simply because he was a considerate and caring boss. It was her own bias, shaped by his usual cold exterior, that made her assume he wouldn’t be gentle toward others. That was unfair of her. If she looked at it from another perspective, it didn’t seem so strange.
She hadn’t expected that a car accident would allow her to see this softer side of someone she had always thought of as aloof. Yang Wei found herself seeing Jing Sui in a new light.
Jing Sui knew that Yang Wei was watching him, but his expression remained calm and unruffled. This woman was the mother of the young man in this world. Watching their interactions, they seemed so naturally close, as if Ji Ling truly belonged here and this woman was genuinely his mother. The emotions they shared were heartfelt and difficult to fake. And yet… the boy bore such a striking resemblance to the one he loved.
Two conflicting identities coexisted within this young man in a way that blended seamlessly.
It was like looking through a veil of mist, making it impossible to discern the truth.
Jing Sui lowered his gaze, hiding the complicated emotions in his eyes. Just a short distance away, the warm and joyous family scene unfolded, while he remained trapped in a cold, colorless past he could not escape.
He longed to be a part of it, to experience that warmth and happiness. But he couldn’t.
Jing Sui pressed his thin lips together. He didn’t have much of an appetite, but he couldn’t bear to leave, so he forced himself to eat a little more. Even if this warmth didn’t belong to him, he still didn’t want to walk away from it. Like a lonely soul, forever isolated from the world, indulging in an illusion while pretending that nothing was wrong.
Jing Sui refrained from looking at Ji Ling again and calmly discussed work matters with Yang Wei.
Performing the role that came with this identity.
Ji Ling never got involved in adult conversations. He focused on eating, and before long, he patted his stomach, feeling full.
He thought President Fu had great taste in food. Even though they had just met, most of the dishes he ordered suited Ji Ling’s palate. This must be fate!
Yang Wei noticed and handed him a napkin and asked him to wipe his mouth. This child should at least try to maintain some image.
Jing Sui glanced at Ji Ling, and a small smile appeared on his lips.
After the meal, Jing Sui stood up and escorted Yang Wei and Ji Ling to the entrance.
After this meal, Yang Wei’s impression of Jing Sui had improved significantly. She found him much more approachable than she had imagined, not as difficult to get along with as she had assumed. She smiled and said, “Thank you for the meal, President Fu.”
Ji Ling also felt that President Fu was a good person. He never should have let his imagination run wild. He obediently followed his mother’s lead and said, “Thank you.”
Jing Sui nodded slightly and returned a gentle smile. “You're welcome.”
Yang Wei didn’t linger. She gave Jing Sui a polite smile and said, “We’ll be heading off then.”
Jing Sui nodded.
He stood still, watching as the young man left with his mother. His steps were light and cheerful, and his figure grew smaller in the distance. Along the way, they chatted, and at one point, Ji Ling said something that made Yang Wei laugh and playfully knock him on the head…
Only when his driver pulled the car over did Jing Sui finally move his gaze, slowly opening the door and stepping inside.
The driver glanced at the man sitting in the back through the rearview mirror. His expression was silent and seemed perfectly normal, but those dark eyes carried a deep, unreadable sorrow, as if they held some kind of sadness within.
So, even rich people have troubles.
The driver sighed inwardly—money truly wasn’t everything!
………………
After eating his fill and returning home, Ji Ling stretched lazily and was just about to rest when his phone chimed with a notification. It was an invitation from Ning Kehan.
Many of their classmates had added each other on WeChat, and Ji Ling had Ning Kehan’s contact as well. She invited him to a gathering at her place tomorrow. Ji Ling recalled his dorm buddies’ eager urging and responsibly asking if he could bring friends along.
Ning Kehan agreed readily. After setting the time and place for tomorrow, Ji Ling immediately messaged Wang Yixin and the others.
Those guys were probably together because they responded instantly, promising to be there on time!
After that, Ji Ling tossed his phone aside and lay on his bed, staring absentmindedly at the ceiling… He had planned to sleep, but for some reason, he started thinking about Jing Sui again. Damn it, what was going on? What exactly about this Mr. Fu reminded him of that person?
Begone, evil spirit! Begone!
Ji Ling shut his eyes and went to sleep.
Since the gathering at Ning Kehan’s was set for the evening, Ji Ling didn’t rush to get up the next morning.
Yang Wei had a rare weekend off and stayed home to cook for Ji Ling. She knew her son liked to sleep in, so she didn’t wake him, waiting until he got up on his own before smiling and saying, “Lunch will take a while. There’s soy milk and steamed buns over there—heat them up if you need a snack.”
Ji Ling hugged his mother’s waist and acted spoiled for a bit before going to warm up some soy milk. While waiting, he idly browsed the school forum on his phone. Ever since senior Yu Wenyan’s ‘public coming out’ last time, posts about him had flooded the forum. Countless girls were heartbroken, and many guys gloated. Occasionally, there were even malicious comments accusing him of deceiving women’s feelings, calling him a damn gay guy.
There were also plenty of gossip posts about Ning Kehan. As a social media favorite, her popularity never waned. Since the start of the semester, she had already rejected more than ten suitors and nearly beat a stalker senior half to death. She was truly a heroine among women—fierce, passionate, wealthy, and beautiful—yet guys still flocked to her, worshipping her as their goddess.
Ji Ling finally understood why Wang Yixin and Zheng Lin had acted so guilty when urging him to accept Ning Kehan’s invitation. He couldn’t help but chuckle—so that was it? Did they really think he would mind something like that?
It wasn’t like Ning Kehan had hurt innocent people.
That evening, Ji Ling told his mother he was heading out. Yang Wei looked at him with concern and said, “Alright, but be careful.”
Ji Ling paused. He knew she was remembering what had happened before, but that was all in the past now. He couldn’t just stay locked up forever. Everything was fine now.
He leaned in and gave his mother a loud kiss on the cheek. “Mm!”
Then, he grabbed his phone and headed out.
As soon as he stepped downstairs, he saw his three buddies eagerly waiting for him. Ji Ling laughed—why weren’t they ever this enthusiastic about class?
Wang Yixin: “I already booked a car.”
Zheng Lin: “I heard there’ll be barbecue, so I brought some food.”
Chen Ming: “I bought beer.”
Ji Ling waved his hand grandly. “Let’s go!”
More than an hour later, the four of them arrived at the address Ning Kehan had sent. It was a quiet villa district, and her home was the largest and best-positioned of them all.
Among them, Ji Ling and Wang Yixin came from relatively well-off families, while Zheng Lin and Chen Ming had more average backgrounds. But overall, they were all from ordinary social classes. Now, standing in front of Ning Kehan’s villa, they couldn’t help but exclaim in awe—Like commoners stepping into a mansion for the first time!
After all, this was a first-tier city. Owning such a villa here meant serious wealth.
Only Ji Ling remained unfazed. Well, at least his experiences in the interstellar world had broadened his horizons.
Wang Yixin and the others were still innocent college freshmen. Though impressed, money had yet corrupted them. Compared to wealth, they were more interested in the girls at tonight’s party. Ning Kehan was reserved for Ji Ling, but there were other beauties!
The art academy had plenty of gorgeous girls!
Ning Kehan spotted them and enthusiastically waved them over. “Come on in!”
She was as straightforward and refreshing as ever, without the slightest hint of arrogance. That made people feel very comfortable around her. Inside the villa, there were already a number of guests—aside from the beauties from the art academy, there were also students from other faculties, adding up to around a dozen people. Some were already setting up a barbecue in the courtyard, while a few girls were laughing and chatting by the pool.
Wang Yixin was so mesmerized that his eyes nearly popped out. Zheng Lin nudged him, signaling him to stay cool and not embarrass himself!
Ji Ling met Ning Kehan’s enthusiastic gaze and suddenly felt a little nervous.
He had agreed to come for his brothers’ sake, but was he really ready to accept Ning Kehan’s confession?
Ji Ling realized he might have been too hasty…
He remembered when he was in Luanshui City, where Judy had liked him and even confessed to him. Back then, he had refused her, saying he couldn’t allow himself to fall in love in that world and delay others. Now, he was finally back in his own world—but was he really ready to accept someone?
By all logic, there were no more obstacles now. But then… why was he still hesitating?
Ning Kehan was a great girl, wasn’t she?
Ning Kehan sat beside him, watching his nervous expression, and suddenly chuckled. She leaned closer and asked curiously, “Ji Ling, what are you thinking about?”
Ji Ling snapped back to reality and said awkwardly, “Nothing.”
Ning Kehan rested her chin on her hands and tilted her head. She could tell that Ji Ling didn’t like her that much—he had only come because he felt bad rejecting her and because Wang Yixin and the others had egged him on. But that didn’t bother her. Feelings could be cultivated over time, right? This adorable boy was much more appealing than those greasy guys chasing after her. As the great Miss Ning, she had seen all kinds of men before, but she liked Ji Ling’s type best.
Chasing after a guy was no big deal for her.
Ning Kehan blinked playfully and said, “Oh, by the way, the school is hosting an art exhibition next week. Have you finished preparing your entry? I’ve seen your paintings—they have a lot of spirit. I really like them.”
Ji Ling sincerely complimented her in return, “You’re really good at painting too.”
How could this boy be so cute? Ning Kehan’s smile widened. She feigned surprise and said, “Really? So you’ve noticed my paintings too? When did you see them?”
Ji Ling’s face instantly turned red. Wait—why did that sound like he had been secretly paying attention to her…?
No, this wasn’t working—Ji Ling felt like he couldn’t handle it anymore. He couldn’t help but glance off into the distance, only to see Wang Yixin and the others busy surrounding the other girls, completely oblivious to him…
Ji Ling turned back and said nervously, “I think I need to use the restroom.”
Ning Kehan struggled to hold back her laughter and pointed toward the nearby villa. “There, go inside, take a right on the first floor, and walk to the end of the hallway.”
Ji Ling fled in haste.
He didn’t actually need to use the restroom—he had just needed an excuse to escape.
Stepping into the hall, he was met with immediate silence. He patted his face, trying to calm himself down. Although he had been nervous and uneasy when Ning Kehan leaned in close just now, was that really the feeling of his heart racing?
It didn’t quite seem like it…
If it had been any other girl, he might have felt nervous too. Maybe he was just timid…
So, did he actually like Ning Kehan? Ji Ling couldn’t figure it out and stood there blankly, lost in thought.
He felt confused.
He was a passive person by nature—shy and introverted, especially when it came to relationships. He had little experience and wasn’t the type to take the initiative. The moment someone else was too forward, he instinctively wanted to retreat. Back in that other world, he had thought it was because he didn’t like men that he kept avoiding them. But now, in this world, with enthusiastic girls showing interest, why was he still backing away at the crucial moment?
Ji Ling drooped his head in frustration, feeling utterly useless.
But avoiding things wasn’t a solution either. Everyone was still outside waiting, so he should head back out…
Just then, a soft click sounded from the second floor—a door opening in the otherwise silent hall.
Ji Ling instinctively looked up and saw a young man step out of the room. He was dressed simply in a white T-shirt under a black jacket, paired with well-fitted black trousers tucked into black lace-up boots. His posture was lazy yet unruly as he looked over. The young man had sharp, handsome features, his arched brows carrying a hint of defiance. His gaze was piercing and cold, as if he could see through everything, sending an involuntary shiver down Ji Ling’s spine.
Ji Ling met his eyes and froze slightly.
Who was this?
Should he say hello, or just walk out?
Before Ji Ling could decide, Ning Kehan rushed inside, stepping protectively in front of him. She smiled nervously at the young man upstairs and said, “Uncle, you’re awake? Did we wake you? Sorry, we’ll leave right away.”
She had come in after Ji Ling, worried he couldn’t find the restroom, but to her shock, her uncle had come out. Outside, she could do whatever she wanted, but in front of her uncle, she was nothing but a newborn cub—not even worth mentioning! Her uncle was the most untouchable, lawless force in the entire Ning family!
Ji Ling was still a little dazed as Ning Kehan dragged him away. Just as they turned to leave, a cold voice sounded from the second floor. “Stop.”
Ji Ling turned back.
The striking young man leaned lazily against the railing before suddenly leaping down from the second floor in one fluid motion. He landed steadily on both feet and strode toward Ji Ling with ease. Furrowing his brows slightly, he gazed at Ji Ling and slowly spoke: “What’s your name?”
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