The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 76 - Sketch
Chapter 76: Sketch
Ji Ling stared blankly at Ning Yu, and suddenly, his face turned red and hot. He stammered, “N-No, it’s nothing…”
He wished he could just smash his head into a wall. How deaf had he been to mishear Ning Yue’s Yue (越) as Yu (é’°)?! It must have been because Ning Yue spoke too fast and too lightly, and the background noise was too loud—yeah, that’s why he misheard!
It was his fault for not speaking clearly! And why did the pronunciations have to be so similar?!
Even though he knew it was just a misunderstanding and he had scared himself for no reason, Ji Ling still couldn’t shake off a strange feeling when looking at Ning Yue again. Something just felt…off. Not only did this person’s name sound similar to Ning Yu’s, but even his demeanor, his mannerisms, and the way he spoke were eerily alike…
Ning Yu gazed steadily at Ji Ling, watching him hesitate and struggle before finally revealing an expression of sudden realization—as if he had convinced himself this is just a coincidence, it’s definitely not you. After a moment, Ning Yu sighed softly.
Ji Ling didn’t dare look at Ning Yue anymore. He felt uncomfortable all over and took a step back, just about ready to escape when Ning Kehan suddenly returned.
After hearing what Ning Yu had said earlier, Ning Kehan had gone to check with her classmates, only to find that none of them had been looking for her. They hadn’t even seen Ning Yu. That’s when she realized she had been tricked—Ning Yu had only said that to get rid of her. So, she immediately turned back.
And the moment she returned, she saw Ning Yu standing beside Ji Ling, his eyes carrying a faint trace of helpless indulgence, while Ji Ling’s face was completely flushed, looking awkward and flustered.
Ning Kehan was shocked!
For a brief moment, a ridiculous thought popped into her mind—could it be that her uncle was interested in Ji Ling?! But Ji Ling was a guy! When did her uncle start liking men?!
Thinking back carefully, though, she realized her uncle had never actually said he liked women. He always seemed frivolous yet distant, eccentric, and cold, never letting anyone—man or woman—get close to him, and he was always too lazy to entertain others.
This was the first time she had ever seen him treat someone so gently. There was no way she could believe he had no interest! No way! Alarm bells rang in Ning Kehan’s mind. She wasn’t sure what her uncle was thinking yet, but she had taken a liking to Ji Ling first!
Even if he was her uncle, he couldn’t just swoop in and steal her crush!
Ning Kehan walked over and stood beside Ji Ling, giving Ning Yu a fake smile as she said meaningfully, “Uncle, I just went over, and my classmates said everything’s fine.”
Ning Yu smiled at her calmly, his expression completely at ease, showing no sign of embarrassment at being exposed. Instead, he raised an eyebrow slightly and chuckled. “Oh? By the way, are you settling in well here? Last time, big brother asked me to visit your school when I had time. He was worried you might cause trouble there. I told him not to worry, that you’ve grown into a sensible young lady.”
His last sentence carried a deeper meaning.
Ning Kehan’s smile froze on her face. She instantly snapped back to reality… She remembered how she had caused a huge commotion at school not long ago by injuring a senior. And then she thought about how she was living in her uncle’s villa, driving the sports car he gave her, and still needed him to cover for her in front of the family…
A person should know their place.
Miss Ning lowered her head in humiliation and let out a stiff, awkward laugh. “T-Thank you.”
Ji Ling glanced between the two of them, feeling like there had been some invisible exchange of swords just now. But he wasn’t sure if he was just imagining things.
After thinking for a moment, he tentatively said to Ning Kehan, “Should we head over there now?”
Before Ning Kehan could respond, Ning Yu suddenly spoke, smiling slightly. “I’ll go with you guys. I’m a little bored anyway, might as well kill some time.”
Ji Ling’s heart tensed. He was sure that Ning Yue still suspected he and Ning Kehan were secretly dating, which was why he wanted to follow them. This guy is such a difficult guardian! But Ji Ling didn’t dare refuse, so he could only force a smile and say, “Sure.”
On the other side, Wang Yixin and a few other guys were barbecuing with some pretty girls. These guys, who could talk so smoothly in front of Ji Ling, suddenly became tongue-tied and clumsy in front of the girls. Instead, the girls teased them, making them blush. But they didn’t give up! They eagerly volunteered to serve the beauties!
Some people were grilling food, some were playing cards, and others were just chatting.
Ning Kehan was a little nervous about bringing her uncle along, worried that these students might act too casually and offend him. But she didn’t dare say much—after all, she was under his roof and had to keep her head down.
The worst part was that she felt like her uncle’s real target wasn’t the gathering itself—he was here for Ji Ling!
Miss Ning was very anxious.
Wang Yixin and Zheng Lin spotted Ji Ling and happily waved at him. “Come over here! We saved you a seat.”
Then, they noticed Ning Yu behind Ji Ling and looked a little confused.
Ning Kehan was about to say something, but when she met Ning Yu’s subtly warning gaze, she hesitated for a moment before simply introducing him, “Ahem, this is Ning Yue, my…relative. He came along to hang out today.”
Wang Yixin was an outgoing guy, and since he heard that Ning Yue was Ning Kehan’s relative, he immediately greeted him enthusiastically, “Hey, Brother Ning!”
Ning Yu nodded with a smile, his expression warm and approachable.
Ning Kehan immediately tensed up and glanced at him nervously. But seeing that he seemed completely indifferent, she finally relaxed a little.
Meanwhile, Ji Ling had already rushed over to his friends. He felt like he had to make sure Ning Yue didn’t keep misunderstanding things—he and Ning Kehan were really not like that! He needed to keep his distance and clear up any misunderstandings!
At first, he was worried that Ning Yue would continue questioning him, but to his surprise, Ning Yue let him go without saying anything. He genuinely seemed to be here just for the gathering, not even sparing Ji Ling another glance and instead started chatting and joking with Wang Yixin and the others.
He was witty, and well-informed, and naturally exuded a leader’s charisma. The way he spoke and carried himself unknowingly made people trust him, effortlessly earning the admiration of the newly minted-college students, who looked at him with respect.
Ning Yu casually asked, “You guys play XX Game too? You know C-God, right? He’s a friend of mine. If you’re interested, we could play a match together sometime.”
Wang Yixin: “Hell yeah!”
Zheng Lin: “Brother Ning, you're amazing!”
Chen Ming: “Long live Brother Ning!”
Ning Yu: “A friend gave me a few concert tickets for XXX. I’m not really into that kind of thing, so keeping them would be a waste. You guys can have them—take your girlfriends if you have time.” XXX was a top-tier celebrity, and tickets to the concert were nearly impossible to get.
Wang Yixin: “Thanks, Brother Ning!”
Zheng Lin: “Ah, how could we accept this… Thanks, Brother Ning!”
Chen Ming: “Thank you, thank you, Brother Ning!”
Ning Yu: “Oh, and also…”
Ji Ling sat on the side, staring in shock. This guy could talk about anything—from the heavens to the earth and back up again, like he knew everything. But he didn’t show off or make anyone uncomfortable; instead, his casual charm naturally commanded respect. A gaming legend, a famous streamer, concert tickets, sports event passes—there was nothing he couldn't get, and no one he didn’t know. He was like a real-life Doraemon with an endless supply of treasures!
And this was just in half an hour.
Wang Yixin and the others were practically ready to kneel and call him ‘Dad’ at this point!
Ji Ling had just witnessed a live demonstration of a big shot recruiting little followers. He didn't know what to feel—weren't these guys being a little too easy to win over?
Even Ning Kehan was stunned.
She knew better than anyone just how cold and aloof her uncle could be. In the city, countless people had tried to get close to him—some of them big names, powerful second-generation elites—but he never wasted his time on any of them. Yet now, he was actually making an effort to win over a few completely unremarkable college students?
And Ning Kehan wasn’t as naive as Ji Ling about this whole situation.
As someone from a wealthy family, she knew that this conversation, though seemingly casual and friendly, was actually full of skillful manipulation. Ning Yu's words seemed simple, but he effortlessly led Wang Yixin and the others exactly where he wanted them. Every expression, every move, and every sentence was calculated. Even if he didn’t know them well at first, he quickly figured out their interests and then used irresistible bait to draw them in. From start to finish, he controlled the entire conversation. If he wanted, he could easily win anyone’s favor.
Ning Kehan had never seen her uncle act so approachable before. In her mind, he was always nonchalant, arrogant, and indifferent—someone who never needed to please anyone.
But now… he was trying to win over Wang Yixin and the others? Even if it was for ulterior motives, wasn’t this still a form of ‘flattery’?
Fine, she’d give him some dignity and just call it ‘recruiting underlings’ instead. But seriously—when had he ever recruited such low-tier followers?
Where was his usual high-class aura?!
Ning Kehan glanced at Ji Ling in a daze, feeling conflicted.
Ji Ling, on the other hand, had no idea what she was thinking. After a while, he turned away because he couldn't bear to watch anymore. Was this for real? Did they really have no dignity at all?
They were practically begging to be his little brothers!
But Ji Ling wasn’t the type to dwell on things too much. Since Ning Yu wasn’t bothering him, he let it go and went back to playing around with his other classmates.
The gathering was relaxed and enjoyable. Ning Yu quickly blended in with everyone, and Wang Yixin and the others, in particular, seemed to feel like they'd found their long-lost soulmate. By the time the gathering ended, everyone was enthusiastically inviting Brother Ning to come again next time. Wang Yixin and the others were even more reluctant to part with Ning Yu than they were with the girls. They practically worshiped him, repeatedly urging him to join them again.
Ji Ling: ... Weren’t you guys supposed to be finding girlfriends in your freshman year? What happened to that plan?! Bunch of single-for-life nerds.
He was too tired to even make fun of them at this point.
Soon, people started leaving in small groups. Some had their own cars and offered to give a ride to those heading in the same direction. Wang Yixin came over and put an arm around Ji Ling’s shoulder. “Let's head back together!”
Ning Yu walked over with a smile. “Are you guys going the same way?”
Wang Yixin, ever the straightforward one, answered, “Not really, but my driver can take a slight detour.”
Ning Yu said, “It's already late, and taking a detour is a hassle. How about this—you guys go ahead, and I'll give Ji Ling a ride home.”
Wang Yixin was already completely won over by Ning Yu. Whatever Ning Yu said was basically law at this point. He immediately said gratefully, “Got it! Then I'll leave Ji Ling to you, Brother Ning! Make sure he gets home safely!”
Ning Yu nodded with a smile.
Ji Ling: “???”
Just like that, he'd been handed over to Ning Yu? He wanted to say something, but before he could, a warm hand pressed lightly on his shoulder. The tall, handsome man beside him looked over with deep, gentle eyes. “Don't worry, I'll make sure you get home safely.”
Ji Ling: “......”
By the time he found himself sitting in Ning Yu’s car, he finally started thinking—wait, how did he end up agreeing to this? Why didn’t he insist on refusing a little more?
But then again… Why should he refuse?
He was just his classmate’s uncle, after all. He seemed easy to get along with. This was just a simple ride home. So why was he overthinking things...?
He’s not Ning Yu!
Ji Ling thought to himself but didn’t dare turn back to look, keeping his eyes focused on the window.
The late-night road had few cars, making it eerily quiet. Beside him, the man’s soft breathing fell into his ears, one breath at a time.
Ning Yu…
Ji Ling’s gaze wavered for a moment, his mind drifting. He wondered how he was doing in that world. After what he did in the end, Ning Yu must have been really heartbroken, right? But since he was already going home, there was no need to say anything more.
Before he knew it, the car had stopped outside his neighborhood.
Ji Ling pushed open the car door and stepped out, looking up at the warm lights shining from the residential buildings. He turned back to Ning Yue and said, “Thank you. Goodbye.”
The young man sat in the car, his long fingers resting casually on the steering wheel. His thin lips pressed together slightly as he lifted his gaze to look at Ji Ling. Then, he suddenly asked in a soft voice, “So this is your home?”
Ji Ling was slightly puzzled. Of course, this is my home. Didn’t I give you my address so you could bring me here?
Even though he felt like the question was unnecessary, Ji Ling still curved his eyes into a smile. “En.”
Ning Yu gazed at the boy’s shy and gentle smile but said nothing more.
He simply watched as the boy turned around and left, his figure gradually disappearing, step by step, into the night.
So you really didn’t lie to me…
You’ve gone home.
That’s good. Really.
………………
Jing Sui sat in his office, his expression steady and indifferent.
“This is the class schedule for Ji Ling that you requested…” Shen Zhuoming respectfully placed a document in front of Jing Sui. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “President Fu, may I boldly ask—why do you need this?”
Jing Sui didn’t answer. His gaze fell on the class schedule, scanning it briefly. After a moment, he stood up and said, “I’m going out.”
Shen Zhuoming quickly stepped forward to follow. “President Fu, where are you going?”
Jing Sui finally looked back at him, his expression calm. “The university.”
Ji Ling didn’t have class at this time. If he went now, maybe he could run into him.
These past days, there hadn’t been a moment when Jing Sui didn’t think of that boy. Although he had no concrete evidence, his instincts told him—this was the person he had been waiting for and searching for. And he wanted to see him.
Shen Zhuoming stood frozen in place, a thousand mental alarms going off in his head. No way! President Fu just looked at Ji Ling’s schedule and immediately went to the school? If this isn’t to see Ji Ling, I’ll chop my own head off!
But… why does President Fu want to see Ji Ling?!
Shen Zhuoming was completely baffled, but as a competent assistant, he quickly regained his composure, caught up to Jing Sui, and personally brought the car around for him.
Jing Sui leaned back in the rear seat, closing his eyes as he ordered in a low voice, “Take me to Ji Ling’s dormitory building.”
Shen Zhuoming didn’t dare disobey and started the car.
Half an hour later, he pulled up to Ji Ling’s dormitory and turned around. “President Fu, we’ve arrived.”
Jing Sui slowly opened his eyes but didn’t get out of the car or even lower the window. He just sat there, staring quietly outside, motionless.
Shen Zhuoming looked outside as well—only to see absolutely nothing.
But since his boss wasn’t saying anything, he had no choice but to wait.
And so, he sat there with Jing Sui, watching. Watching and watching… Watching and watching… Until his eyes started to burn, his neck grew stiff, and his vision blurred. He discreetly reached up to massage his shoulders and stretch his neck. When he turned back, his boss was still sitting in the same position, still watching.
Shen Zhuoming: …
He had no idea how much time had passed before there was finally a subtle shift in Jing Sui’s expression.
A boy carrying a sketchpad and a bag walked up with a few other guys, chatting and laughing as they headed toward the dormitory.
Then, he entered the building and disappeared from view.
From the moment he appeared in Jing Sui’s sight to the moment he vanished, it lasted no more than a few dozen seconds.
Then, Jing Sui withdrew his gaze and said to Shen Zhuoming, “Let’s go back.”
Shen Zhuoming: …
He finally started to piece things together. So his boss had ordered him to investigate Ji Ling’s schedule and then spent over an hour waiting here—just to catch a glimpse of him?
As ridiculous as it sounded, it was the only explanation that made sense. Shen Zhuoming felt like either his boss had gone insane, or he himself had.
His brilliant, all-powerful President Fu, the tireless workaholic who was never interested in women… Could he actually be deeply closeted?! And the first time he ever liked someone, he fell this hard?! So hard it was straight out of a tragic romance novel!
Wait… Was he focusing on the wrong thing? The real issue was—President Fu had fallen for Yang Wei’s son?! Why him, of all people?! That scene earlier… If you put it nicely, it was deep affection. If you put it bluntly, it was straight-up stalking! Boss, do you realize how terrifyingly obsessive you’re being right now?! It’s creeping me out!
Ji Ling is still a kid! …Well, okay, technically he’s already an adult. But you’re a full ten years older than him! No matter how you look at it, this just isn’t appropriate!
A high and mighty CEO actually setting his sights on his subordinate’s son.
Utterly shameless!
Shen Zhuoming felt that he had to remind his boss not to make a mistake, so he said earnestly, “That's Sister Yang's son. He's only eighteen this year.”
Jing Sui's gaze finally showed a slight change—deep and dark. He slowly opened his mouth, his voice low and husky. “What are you trying to say?”
Shen Zhuoming felt an inexplicable chill at his stare and suddenly couldn't find the words to speak.
He hurriedly turned back to driving, telling himself that he was probably overthinking things. With his boss's status, personality, and self-control, how could he possibly do something so insane? Maybe he had his own reasons for acting this way. And even if, just hypothetically, the boss really liked Ji Ling and wanted to pursue him—could he stop him? Ji Ling had the right to fall in love with whoever he wanted.
In any case, there wasn’t much he could do, but he would definitely keep a close eye on his boss! If things really went off the rails, he’d report it to the police!
He would watch him carefully!
Jing Sui seemed to know what Shen Zhuoming was thinking, but he didn’t care. He closed his eyes once again.
How could he ever hurt him again?
………………
Ji Ling had been busy with his classes lately, along with preparing for an art exhibition. The theme of the exhibition was ‘Starry Sky.’ And when it came to the starry sky, the first thing that came to Ji Ling's mind was the stunning celestial landscapes he had seen in the interstellar world—the vast and magnificent universe.
That day, he was sitting alone at the edge of the sports field, sketchbook in hand, doodling and jotting down ideas.
The pages were filled with messy drafts.
He had thought of many different starry skies but wasn't satisfied with any of them. Then he started recalling what the interstellar world looked like. Eventually, he thought of Xianyun Star.
Back then, Jing Sui had taken him on a small boat, floating above the sea of clouds. He had led him to the mountain's peak and made a promise to him there. Ji Ling had been so frightened that he ran away in panic, but he could never forget the breathtaking scenery. The starry sky of Xianyun Star was the most beautiful he had ever seen—more stunning than any painting…
He suddenly picked up his pencil again, carefully sketching that scene in his notebook.
Only, this time, he left out both himself and Jing Sui.
There was only the landscape.
As he continued drawing, he finally found his flow, and his strokes became faster. A magnificent scene gradually took shape on the paper...
Jing Sui had been coming to the school whenever he had time these past few days, just to catch a glimpse of Ji Ling from afar.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to approach him. He simply didn’t know how to face him. He was afraid that he might be wrong, and he didn’t think he could bear that outcome. So, like a man lost in the desert, he could only resort to this self-destructive solace.
After finishing a meeting today, he personally drove over. It didn’t take long for him to find Ji Ling on the sports field—he had already learned Ji Ling’s habits by now.
When Ji Ling had free time, he liked to sit in a quiet corner of the field, sketching or daydreaming.
Jing Sui simply stood in the distance.
Watching this peaceful, serene moment unfold before him...
Ji Ling had been drawing for a long time. He bit the end of his pencil, then stretched lazily. He had been so engrossed in his work that he hadn't realized the sky had started to darken, and the wind had picked up. He tucked his sketchbook under his arm and turned to leave.
Jing Sui had been watching too intently. By the time he realized it, Ji Ling had already turned around—his dark eyes unintentionally locking onto his. Jing Sui should have left, but suddenly, his feet refused to move.
In truth, he didn’t really want to leave.
Since they had already run into each other, then so be it.
Ji Ling was surprised to see him, but he quickly walked over, flashing a bright smile. "Mr. Fu, what are you doing here?"
Ji Ling thought it was quite the coincidence to run into Mr. Fu at school. It was rare.
Jing Sui looked at him silently for a moment, then slowly said, “My company sponsors a few underprivileged students. I came to check on them.”
Ji Ling’s eyes widened in admiration.
It wasn’t uncommon for companies to provide scholarships, but for the president himself to personally visit the students? That was rare. What a kindhearted and socially responsible man! Ji Ling’s impression of him improved even more. He smiled and said, “So that’s why.”
Jing Sui gazed at Ji Ling’s bright, cheerful eyes and his clean, delicate face. Unconsciously, he was drawn into his joy. His lips curved into a faint smile, and his eyes softened as he gave a quiet “Mhm.”
There were so many things he wanted to ask, so many words he wanted to say, but he didn’t know where to start.
For a moment, the atmosphere turned silent again.
Ji Ling smiled shyly and scratched his head. “Are you about to leave, Mr. Fu? I—ah!”
Suddenly, the man reached out and pulled him into his arms. Ji Ling, caught off guard, fumbled, and his sketchbook slipped from under his arm, landing on the ground. A rush of cold wind swept past his back.
A young man on a bicycle sped past them like a gust of wind! “Sorry, I didn't see you!” the cyclist called out from afar before vanishing in an instant.
Ji Ling's nose was pressed against the fabric of Jing Sui’s suit. He caught a faint scent from it, and his face turned slightly red. He quickly pulled away, flustered. “Thank you—”
But the man didn’t seem to hear him at all.
He was simply staring, motionless, at the sketchbook on the ground, where the wind had flipped open its pages.
----------
If you like my translation, please support me by buying me a coffee:
0 comments: