The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 75 - Barbecue

March 13, 2025 Oyen 0 Comments

Happy Reading~

Chapter 75: Barbecue

 

Ji Ling met the young man's dark eyes and, for some reason, felt a little nervous. He thought about it—maybe it was because Ning Kehan seemed nervous, and it had rubbed off on him…

 

When a classmate’s uncle asks for your name, you can’t just ignore him. Ji Ling obediently replied, “Hello, my name is Ji Ling.”

 

As soon as the words left his mouth, the young man’s expression suddenly became terrifying. His sharp gaze locked onto Ji Ling, as piercing as a blade, as if he were trying to see right through him!

 

Ji Ling instinctively tensed up, but in just the blink of an eye, the young man’s expression returned to calm, as if that terrifying look had been nothing more than Ji Ling’s imagination.

 

Something about this man felt strange. Ji Ling glanced at Ning Kehan for help.

 

Ning Kehan quickly spoke up. “Uncle, we’ll head out now so we don’t disturb you.”

 

Once they were outside, finally free from that oppressive gaze, Ji Ling let out a quiet breath and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “That guy just now… he’s your uncle?”

 

Ning Kehan nodded.

 

Ji Ling marveled, “Your uncle looks really young.” He seemed only about twenty-four or twenty-five…

 

“Yeah,” Ning Kehan chuckled. That was true. Her uncle was the beloved youngest son of the family patriarch, spoiled since childhood and treated like a little tyrant. No one dared to provoke him. Ning Kehan feared no one—except her uncle. In fact, this villa belonged to Ning Yue, but since he didn’t like living here, he had let her stay while she attended university. Then, out of nowhere, he announced a few days ago that he wanted to stay here for a while…She wouldn’t dare ask why.

 

Rumor had it that he had recently returned from abroad. Maybe he was just bored and wanted some peace and quiet?

 

To outsiders, Ning Yue was difficult to get along with—cold, ruthless, unpredictable—but as long as you didn’t provoke him, nothing would happen. But there was no need to explain all this to Ji Ling. After all, it wasn’t like they’d ever run into him again.

 

Ning Kehan blinked and changed the subject. “By the way, they’re grilling over there. Let’s go join them!”

 

Ji Ling grinned. “Sounds great!”

 

………………

Ning Yu watched as the boy disappeared from sight, and then slowly closed his eyes. That fleeting moment when their gazes met replayed in his mind—every subtle shift in expression, every flicker of emotion.

 

So similar… really, eerily similar.

 

And on top of that, they had the same name.

 

It was difficult to convince himself that this was just a coincidence…

 

Suddenly, Ning Yu recalled that evening when the sky was falling. Back then, he had already been secretly watching the boy for days, but he never revealed himself—because he knew, deep down, that their positions, their identities, meant they could never be together.

 

From the moment the boy walked past him, through the flames of war, heading toward Jing Sui without looking back, their paths had been set.

 

So Ning Yu had never expected the boy to give him an answer. And he couldn't just abandon the people who had placed all their hopes on him. He only wanted to see the boy one last time—then leave.

 

Until the moment when the satellite in the sky, the one meant to protect the planet, turned its weapons against it. In that instant, when the boy's life was on the brink of ending, Ning Yu still stepped forward.

 

Even though he knew he never should have.

 

Just like every other time—knowing he shouldn’t interfere, shouldn’t get closer—yet unable to stop himself… from reaching for someone he was never meant to hold.

 

And in the end, people must pay for their recklessness.

 

When the war reached its final, decisive moment, Ning Yu made his choice. He knew that if he wanted to survive, he should stay out of the battle between Brandon and Carlos. Only by letting Carlos hold them off could he escape. But he still chose to throw his life away to end the war—choosing to join forces with Jing Sui to kill Carlos.

 

Even knowing that, after Carlos fell, he would be next.

 

His entire life had been dedicated to a single purpose. He had long forgotten how he had crawled out of the mud, step by step, how he had become the hope of so many people. By the time he realized it, he could no longer take off the mask of ‘Gabriel,’ nor let go of the mission he carried.

 

So, at that moment, he made what he believed to be the most rational decision: to sacrifice himself to end the war as quickly as possible. Even if that path was still paved with blood, sacrifices, and prolonged unrest… it was the best solution he could think of.

 

What he had not expected was that—just as Jing Sui was about to kill Carlos—the boy stepped forward.

 

Using his own life as the price, he ushered in the beginning of a new world.

 

The boy didn’t want anyone to die. Not even Ning Yu. Not even Carlos. He still cared. He still had compassion.

 

That was the best solution of all—better than anything Ning Yu had planned. Except… it came at the cost of the boy’s life alone. But the one who should have died… should have been me…

 

Ning Yu raised his hand, gently covering his eyes.

 

So… you saved me again.

 

I once told you—if you don’t love someone, don’t save them again and again. But you just couldn’t help yourself.

 

That day, Jing Sui took the boy’s body away, allowing him and Carlos to leave Emperor Star.

 

Ning Yu returned to the rebel base, where people lived in constant fear—haunted by terror, consumed by hatred. Some wanted to flee, others wanted to fight to the death… But they all believed the Empire’s forces would soon wipe them out.

 

Only Ning Yu knew they would be safe. Because Jing Sui and Carlos would no longer hunt them down.

 

From the moment the boy died, the war was already over.

 

Ning Yu led the rebels away, to bases on other planets. They were never pursued again. Jing Sui and Carlos were too busy cleaning up the aftermath. And Ning Yu told his people—You can go now. Go where you want. Start a new life.

 

He decided to disband the Rebel, a decision that was met with much criticism.

 

People accused him of being an imperial lapdog, spat at him for abandoning his ideals and beliefs. Some even believed that he had been tempted and controlled by the nobility and that this was all a ploy to betray them. No one understood him.

 

As their leader, he was expected to fight the Empire to the death.

 

They called him a coward, a traitor.

 

None of this mattered to Ning Yu. He was simply doing what had to be done. Hatred never brought hope—only destruction and suffering. Rather than making meaningless sacrifices driven by resentment, paying pointless costs, it was better to let go and start anew. There were still many innocent civilians here, and they too had the right to live under the sun, to lead happy lives, instead of constantly hiding in fear, risking their lives in a futile struggle against the Empire.

 

He knew that letting go of hatred was never easy.

 

So Ning Yu was willing to bear all the blame alone, to be the traitor in their eyes—because this was the best way for everyone to survive. It was also the burden he had to carry as ‘Gabriel.’

 

Jing Sui would create a better world and be a ruler of tolerance and mercy.

 

Rebel was no longer necessary.

 

From beginning to end, Ning Yu had always sought to create a better world with the least possible sacrifice.

 

He was doing his best to protect everyone.

 

Even if he would never be understood or appreciated.

 

With Jing Sui's tacit approval, Ning Yu settled the last group of civilians and then chose to leave.

 

He had fulfilled his duty, done what he had to do. From now on, none of this had anything to do with him. Everyone had their own lives to live—he couldn't and wouldn't be responsible for them all. He wasn't a god, just a man.

 

Finally, he could take off the mask of ‘Gabriel’ and live for himself.

 

He still had one last wish.

 

Ning Yu had never forgotten the last thing Ji Ling said before he left: ‘Don't be sad. I'm just going home.’

 

At first, he thought it was just a comfort, a kind lie from the boy at the end of his life. But later, as he replayed that moment countless times in his mind, he began to doubt his own judgment—because in that instant, the boy's eyes didn't look like he was lying. And there was no need for him to deceive him anymore.

 

He started to wonder—maybe the boy really had just gone home.

 

But where was your home?

 

Ning Yu traveled across almost every corner of the universe, searching for any trace of the boy, hoping that one day, somewhere, they might meet again by chance. That the boy would turn back, smiling, and say: “See? I didn't lie to you. I really just went home.”

 

That thought kept him going, day after day, year after year.

 

But no matter how much he searched, he could never find him. As time passed, a new doubt crept into his mind—perhaps the boy's home was never in this world at all. But if that were the case, then where was your world? And how could I ever reach it?

 

Or perhaps… you never wanted us to find you, so you never told us the truth.

 

Now, in your world, we no longer exist.

 

Are you happy?

 

If this is what you wanted, then I won't force it. I hope you got your wish.

 

I believe you really did go home.

 

And if one day, I am fortunate enough to reach your world and see you again…I want to tell you—your sacrifice was not in vain. This world has become as beautiful as you wished.

 

I, too, am doing well.

 

………………

Ji Ling and Ning Kehan arrived at the garden, where the aroma of barbecue filled the air. Ji Ling's eyes lit up as he quickened his pace, reminded of the days in Luanshui City when he fished and grilled food with Duan Xingxing every day.

 

That kid was probably doing well now, right? He wondered if Duan Xingxing ever thought about him.

 

Feeling an itch to cook, Ji Ling eagerly volunteered, “I'll do the grilling!”

 

Ning Kehan laughed. “Great!”

 

She pulled up a chair and sat beside Ji Ling, resting her chin on her hands as she watched him focus on grilling the fish. To her surprise, his skills were actually quite impressive. Looking at the burnt food her other classmates had cooked, she grew even more expectant.

 

Such a cute and skilled boy—really makes me want to take him home.

 

Ji Ling was aware of Ning Kehan watching him from the side and felt a little nervous. He focused intently on the fish, and before long, it was perfectly grilled. He sprinkled a layer of cumin on top—perfect!

 

Turning around, he handed the fish to Ning Kehan with a shy smile. “Here you go.”

 

Ning Kehan's eyes curved with delight as she reached out to take it—But just then, a long, slender hand suddenly appeared from above, snatching the fish right before it landed in her hands.

 

Ning Kehan instantly fumed. Who had the nerve to steal from her?! Did they think she, the great Miss Ning, was a pushover?! She looked up furiously—only to meet Ning Yu's sharp and imposing face. She froze on the spot, the words she was about to spit out stuck in her throat, nearly making her choke.

 

Ning Yu smiled slightly and looked at her calmly. “I'm hungry. Can I have this one?”

 

Ning Kehan: How am I supposed to say no to that…

 

Ning Yu added, “I heard your friend calling you just now. It seemed like they were looking for you. You should go check.”

 

Ning Kehan hesitated, then stood up. “Alright.”

 

Although she was a little disappointed about missing out on the fish, she decided to deal with it later. Who was looking for her, anyway…?

 

Ning Yu watched as Ning Kehan left, then naturally sat down in the chair she had just occupied. He took a bite of the freshly grilled fish and turned to Ji Ling with a smile. “It’s delicious.”

 

But this wasn’t grilled for you! You’re really shameless, even snatching food from your own niece.

 

Ji Ling blinked and said, “Oh.”

 

Fine, I’ll let you have one since you’re my classmate’s uncle, but don’t think just because you say it’s tasty, I’ll grill more for you. We’re not even that close.

 

Ning Yu gazed into the boy’s dark, moist eyes. Though Ji Ling appeared obedient, there was a hint of playful cunning in his gaze, along with curiosity about him… and suddenly, Ning Yu was reminded of that time at the base when the boy, despite his reluctance, still shared a fish with him. Struggling, conflicted, and adorable—just enough to stir something in his heart.

 

Ji Ling had done so much for him yet never said a word, never sought recognition.

 

Ning Yu lowered his eyes slightly and took another bite of the grilled fish. The tingling flavor spread across his tongue and teeth, seeping into his heart, gently stirring a memory he had deliberately suppressed in the deepest part of his soul.

 

When he first arrived in this world, he had felt a brief moment of confusion, but he quickly accepted everything with calmness.

 

He even began to wonder if this was the boy’s world. Could he meet him again?

 

But the world, though seemingly small, was actually vast. Sometimes, no matter how much you want to see someone, without fate, even if you brushed past them, you wouldn’t notice…

 

He had grown accustomed to disappointment.

 

Until just now, when he walked out of the room, casually glancing around—

 

The long search, the endless waiting, finally solidified into reality.

 

The boy appeared before him just like that, exactly as he had imagined time and time again in his mind.

 

And his name was also Ji Ling.

 

Though he had a different face and identity, those bright, clear eyes, the way he occasionally spaced out, the occasional playfulness, the lively expressions… It was just like before—how the boy had always thought he was well-disguised when approaching him, yet through those very eyes, Ning Yu could see through to his true self.

 

Stripping away the arrogance, stripping away the lies—

 

Perhaps this was the real him.

 

Ning Yu had always believed himself to be rational, able to weigh the value of his own life and death in moments of crisis… But at this moment, he wasn’t sure if he was still as rational. He wasn’t sure if his suspicions were true. Nothing was certain, and there was no proof—only an intangible, fleeting instinct.

 

But he desperately hoped that he was right.

 

Ji Ling sneaked a glance at the man beside him, feeling a little nervous. This was Ning Kehan’s uncle! Why did it feel like he was meeting a parent?

 

Wait, what was he thinking?! He and Ning Kehan weren’t even in that kind of relationship! Just ordinary classmates! Why would he even think of meeting the parents?

 

But speaking of which, the genes in Ning Kehan’s family were really good. She was beautiful and generous, and her uncle was also incredibly handsome and charismatic.

 

Ji Ling’s thoughts started to drift…

 

Ning Yu’s chest rose and fell slightly as he suppressed the emotions deep in his eyes. After a brief pause, he suddenly asked, “What’s your relationship with Ning Kehan?”

 

Ji Ling snapped back to reality. Here it comes! So this was why he came to talk to me—definitely to check on his niece’s friends. He must have mistaken me for her boyfriend!

 

Ji Ling immediately sat up straight. “I’m just her classmate.”

 

Ning Yu’s dark eyes, like the unfathomable depths of the ocean, curved slightly as his lips formed a faint smirk. His voice was low and slow. “Do you like her?”

 

Ji Ling: “!”

 

How was he supposed to answer that?!

 

If he said no, would he get kicked out? If he said yes, well… he wasn’t at that stage yet! This was a total trap!

 

Ji Ling’s face turned red. His lips moved, but no words came out.

 

So awkward.

 

Why was he being so direct on their first meeting?

 

Ning Yu just looked at him. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and said calmly, “If you find it difficult to answer, then you don’t have to.”

 

Thankfully, Ning Yu didn’t push the question. Ji Ling wiped the sweat off his forehead and suddenly felt the urge to escape…

 

He stole a glance at the young man’s profile, then quickly stood up. “I—I’ll go check on Ning Kehan, see if she needs any help…”

 

Ning Yu said, “Alright.”

 

Ji Ling sighed in relief and was about to leave when—

 

“Oh, by the way…” Ning Yu suddenly lifted his gaze and spoke again, his voice casual. “Let’s get to know each other. My name is Ning Yue.”

 

Ji Ling froze mid-step, staring at him in disbelief.

 

Ning… Ning Yu?! How was this possible?!

 

He looked at Ning Yu’s eyes in shock, falling into their deep, mysterious depths. For a moment, it was as if someone had pressed the pause button on him—he couldn’t move.

 

Ning Yu slowly stood up and moved closer, his black eyes fixed on Ji Ling’s. He curled his lips into a faint smirk and enunciated each word: “Ning Yue. The ‘Yue’ as in ‘crossing mountains and rivers’—what did you hear?”

 

The author has something to say:

Ning Kehan: You stole my grilled fish.

Ning Yu: Not only did I steal your fish, but I’m also stealing the guy you have your eyes on.

Ning Kehan:???

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