The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 87 - Apology

April 18, 2025 Oyen 0 Comments

Happy Reading~

Chapter 87: Apology

 

Ji Ling’s eyes felt slightly sore. By the time he snapped out of it, Ning Yu had already let go of his hand and taken a step back.

 

Just then, Yang Wei walked out of the kitchen. Ning Yu smiled at her and said, “Thank you for your hospitality. It’s getting late, so I should be heading back.”

 

Yang Wei smiled. “Alright, be careful on the way.”

 

Ning Yu nodded, gave Ji Ling a deep look, then turned and left.

 

Yang Wei retracted her gaze and smiled at Ji Ling. “Be honest with me. Are you dating that guy’s sister?”

 

Ji Ling: “...No.”

 

Yang Wei: “Her brother came to visit, and you’re still saying no?”

 

Ji Ling: “...I really didn’t!”

 

Embarrassed, he turned and bolted, hopping his way back to his room before slamming the door shut.

 

Yang Wei let out a helpless smile. This kid… He’s clearly in a relationship but just won’t admit it.

 

Lying face-down on the bed with a flushed face, Ji Ling stared blankly at the ceiling. After a long while, a smile surfaced in his eyes, and he mouthed silently: Thank you.

 

Thank you for telling me that.

 

……………………

Since Ji Ling had twisted his ankle and couldn’t move around easily, he decided to take a few days off and stay home, spending time with his parents. His father, being busy with work and often traveling, left again after just a few days.

 

Yang Wei usually ate at the company cafeteria, but since Ji Ling was recovering at home, she came back every day to cook.

 

Fortunately, the company wasn’t far, so the commute was convenient.

 

Ji Ling’s injury wasn’t serious to begin with, and after a few days, he was already much better and could walk without much trouble. Worried about his mother overworking herself, he often went to the supermarket at the entrance of the neighborhood to buy groceries in advance, steaming the rice and chopping the ingredients, so she only needed to cook when she got home.

 

Ning Yu and some other friends would message him from time to time, asking how he was doing. Ji Ling always replied that he was fine and told them not to worry.

 

That afternoon, Ji Ling was curled up on the sofa playing a game when he received another message from Ning Yu.

 

Ning Yu: When are you coming back to school?

 

Ji Ling waited until he finished his match before slowly opening WeChat to reply: Monday, I guess.

 

Ning Yu replied almost instantly: Were you playing a game just now?

 

Ji Ling thought, Wow, aren’t you sharp? But I’m not going to let you guess right, so he typed: Nope, I was sleeping.

 

Ning Yu: I was in that game too. I saw you online.

 

Ji Ling froze. Just as he was about to ask how he knew, another message came.

 

Ning Yu: Wang Yixin gave me your account. Also, just so you know, the teammate you played with earlier, ‘Xiao Jia,’ was me.

 

Ji Ling: …

 

No wonder that Xiao Jia played so smoothly, with such skilled maneuvering, felt like a pro, and even looked after him without saying much… Wait a minute, you knew all along, didn’t you? And you seriously call yourself ‘Xiao Jia’ with a straight face?

 

I have never seen anyone so shameless. :)

 

Ning Yu: I can tell you play for fun. That’s a great mindset.

 

Ji Ling: ?

 

Why did that feel like an insult?

 

Hmph! This baby’s upset. Not talking to you anymore!

 

Ji Ling huffed and put his phone down. Looking at the time, he figured his mother wouldn’t be home for another hour, so he got up and went out to buy groceries.

 

The supermarket was right at the entrance of the neighborhood. The area had a nice environment with beautiful gardens, and at this hour, most people were at work, so the streets were almost empty.

 

After buying some vegetables, Ji Ling carried the bags and walked back along a tree-lined path. Midway, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

 

Ahead of him, a tall man in a gray suit stepped out of a car and walked in his direction.

 

Ji Ling froze. Oh no—why is Jing Sui here now? Did that even need an answer? Of course, he was here… for him!

 

What do I do? QAQ

 

Jing Sui walked toward him step by step, stopping right in front of him and gazing down at the boy’s face.

 

Ji Ling looked surprised, embarrassed, and a little nervous.

 

He didn’t smile at him like before, shyly calling him ‘Mr. Fu.’ Instead, his eyes held wariness and distance—an expression Jing Sui was all too familiar with. Because in that other world, this was always how the boy looked at him.

 

Does he regret it? Acting on impulse to expose Carlos’s identity, only to hurt the enemy by a thousand and himself by eight hundred, even losing the chance to get close to Ji Ling.

 

Jing Sui’s lips slowly curled into a self-deprecating smile.

 

But really, there was nothing to regret. The truth would have come out sooner or later. There are no eternal secrets in this world.

 

Might as well face it head-on.

 

Ji Ling looked at the man’s cold expression, those dark eyes, and the indifferent smile on his lips. His instincts screamed at him to retreat, but just as he moved, the man suddenly grabbed his arm and pressed him against a tree behind him. The grocery bag slipped from his grasp and landed at his feet. Jing Sui lowered his head, his lips curling up as he spoke in a low, husky voice: “Where do you think you’re going?”

 

Ji Ling almost burst into tears.

 

Back in Dubai, he had wondered why Mr. Fu liked him. At the time, he couldn’t figure it out no matter how much he thought about it. Now, he finally understood why he had said he liked him.

 

Not only had Jing Sui come to this world as well, but he had also become his mother’s direct superior. This was a disaster… Could things get any more ridiculous?!

 

Ji Ling stammered anxiously, “N-no, I wasn’t going anywhere…”

 

A domineering CEO falling for his female subordinate’s son—was this a moral failing or a loss of ethics?! What should he do? He needed help, urgently!

 

Jing Sui looked into the teenager’s panicked eyes. His reaction was expected, but… there was still a trace of disappointment and unwillingness. Had he not done enough? Had he not changed enough?

 

And yet, you’re still afraid of me.

 

You have no idea how cold, unfeeling, and hurtful your response is.

 

I used to think that if I kept trying, I could make it up to you. But my efforts only pushed you further away. Back then, I thought it was because I had hurt you too deeply… Now I finally understand that making amends is meaningless—because it was never what you needed.

 

You never loved me. Perhaps you never even—blamed me.

 

You were just afraid of me, that’s all.

 

Jing Sui’s chest rose and fell, a chill spreading through his veins. Slowly, he curved his lips into a wry smile, his voice low and hoarse with a hint of mockery. “That day, when I came to see you, you said you didn’t have time to listen to me…” He leaned in slightly, whispering beside Ji Ling’s ear, “I wonder… do you have time today?”

 

His deep voice resonated in Ji Ling’s ears, dangerously close, striking against his heart. Though his tone was calm, Ji Ling instantly panicked!

 

His heart pounded violently. He told himself to stay calm—not to panic!

 

Although their identities had been exposed, Jing Sui might not know about the novel. As long as he didn’t know about that, there was still hope. After all, in that world, Jing Sui had loved him and wouldn’t hurt him. 

 

He must not know about those things; that’s the only reason he would still say he likes me…

 

He must not lose his composure.

 

Ji Ling took a deep breath, his eyelashes trembling. He lifted his eyes to look at Jing Sui, feigning confusion. “W-what do you want to talk about…”

 

Jing Sui looked into the teenager’s fearful, uneasy eyes. So, you’re really that afraid of me finding out the truth… Even though I feel pain and disappointment, I never once thought of revenge. But you probably wouldn’t believe that…

 

Jing Sui’s thin lips parted slightly, his gaze sharp as a blade. He spoke lightly, “I just wanted to ask… isn’t it something to be happy about, not having to pretend to like someone anymore?”

 

Ji Ling’s pupils contracted sharply. He stared at Jing Sui in shock, fear finally surfacing in his eyes.

 

Jing Sui… he really knew.

 

He should never have held onto that sliver of hope…

 

Jing Sui watched the fear in Ji Ling’s eyes, the self-mocking smile on his lips deepening. What was I hoping for? That he’d tell me he didn’t mean to do it? That he had his reasons? That maybe, just maybe, he cared about me a little?

 

How ridiculous…

 

Even now, I’m still clinging to self-deceptive fantasies.

 

But now, everything is laid bare. Can you finally see the truth?

 

Other than his fear, I will never get anything from him…

 

No matter how much I’ve done, you never believed my love could withstand any storm. Or perhaps, you never cared about my love to begin with.

 

If you never held it in your heart, why would you even try to believe in it?

 

This feeling…It’s like cutting out my own heart, placing it before you—only for you to trample on it again and again, without even sparing a shred of pity.

 

Jing Sui reached out, pinching the teenager’s trembling chin. He masked the pain in his eyes with a teasing smile and said softly, “No, actually, you stopped pretending to like me long ago. Probably from the night Carlos found his way into the palace… that was when you stopped pretending, wasn’t it?”

 

Back then, you had already told me you didn’t like me. You saw the truth more clearly than anyone else.

 

I was the fool—stubbornly believing you had just been deceived by Carlos.

 

You actually gave me a chance to walk away, but I didn’t take it.

 

Because I loved you.

 

So I was unwilling to see the truth. I hoped you loved me too. I hoped all the misunderstandings between us were just small hurdles before a happy ending. I hoped we would have our happily ever after.

 

But if we were never lovers, how could we ever have that ending?

 

Jing Sui let out a hoarse, bitter laugh.

 

Ji Ling looked at him, feeling a complicated mix of emotions. Yes, he was scared—because he didn’t know what Jing Sui would think, whether he would be unable to accept the truth and spiral into darkness. But he also felt guilty and sorrowful. After all, he had deceived him and hurt him. That was an undeniable fact. After a long silence, Ji Ling spoke softly, “So… you know everything…”

 

“Yes.” Jing Sui looked at him and asked slowly, “Do you have anything you’d like to say to me?”

 

At that moment, Ji Ling felt an unprecedented clarity. He knew exactly what he should say to best protect himself. He could say he had no choice, that he was helpless, that he never wanted to deceive him…

 

He could tell the truth and earn Jing Sui’s forgiveness. That was probably the answer Jing Sui wanted to hear.

 

But… he couldn’t say it.

 

Rather than letting you remain trapped in the past because of this, I’d rather you see me as just a liar. Because I am a liar. I was never worthy of your love. I don’t want you to keep suffering. Even if you hate me, that’s fine.

 

This truth is indeed difficult to accept, but right now, you are still a living, breathing person, and you have the right to live your own life.

 

Not just as a character in a novel, loving someone who is destined never to love you back.

 

So, I’m sorry—I can’t give you any explanation.

 

Ji Ling’s gaze flickered for a moment before he softly said, “I’m sorry.”

 

I’m sorry for deceiving you.

 

No matter the process, no matter the cause and effect… I owe you an apology, and this is the only answer I can give you.

 

Jing Sui’s grip on Ji Ling’s wrist tightened slightly, and the pain in his eyes resurfaced, a flash of hostility passing through.

 

You really know exactly where to cut into someone’s heart.

 

Ji Ling’s face turned pale from the pain, but this time, he didn’t try to dodge or escape. Instead, he stubbornly and resolutely met Jing Sui’s gaze.

 

Even if you hate me or blame me, I can’t give you a dishonest answer. That would be truly irresponsible, wouldn’t it?

 

Jing Sui’s voice carried a hint of cold indifference as he smiled faintly. “You’re being very honest this time… But aren’t you afraid that I might get angry and take it out on your mother?”

 

Ji Ling was actually terrified—his legs were trembling—but he still answered seriously, “You wouldn’t do that.”

 

Jing Sui arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And why wouldn’t I?”

 

Ji Ling’s eyes were clear and bright. “Because I know you wouldn’t.”

 

Even though this man could be terrifying at times—cold, ruthless, and utterly rational—he was also proud. The kind of man who would go on a mad revenge spree over someone who didn’t love him? That wasn’t Jing Sui. Even if he lost, he would lose with dignity and grace, never like a crazed fool who had lost all reason.

 

Just like in that world, when he finally chose to let go.

 

He possessed the pride and dignity of a king.

 

Ji Ling had never doubted that.

 

Jing Sui stared at the unwavering look in the young man’s eyes, unmoving for a long time. This boy was indeed afraid of him, and he was indeed ruthless, but at the same time, he also understood him—trusted him… He made one feel pain and sorrow, yet he was impossible to hate.

 

Jing Sui suddenly chuckled.

 

You don’t want me to love you. The moment you realized I had fallen for you, you kept trying to make things clear, trying to push me away.

 

But you don’t understand—love isn’t something that can be given and taken back at will.

 

That was your biggest mistake.

 

Ji Ling watched Jing Sui anxiously. Seeing him draw closer once again, so near that it seemed like he was about to kiss him, Ji Ling tensed up completely, stiff as a board. Oh god, don’t do anything crazy! Is there anyone nearby?!

 

Ji Ling’s eyes turned red with panic, and suddenly, he looked behind Jing Sui. His face instantly changed, and he said urgently, “Let go of me, my mom is back!”

 

Jing Sui said, “You’ve already used that excuse once.”

 

Ji Ling nearly burst into tears. Damn it, people really shouldn’t lie so casually—next time, no one will believe them! Karma came too fast! He frantically blinked at Jing Sui, desperately signaling to him: ‘I’m serious this time! I swear I’m not lying!’

 

Jing Sui studied him intently before suddenly curling his lips into a smirk. “Oh? Then why don’t I just tell her directly that I want to pursue you? Maybe she’ll agree. After all, this marriage would be beneficial for her—it’s a good deal.”

 

Ji Ling was dumbfounded. I spent all this time talking, and this is what you got out of it?!

 

Saying something like that?!

 

Screw that, this is revenge! This is absolutely revenge!

 

Ji Ling truly panicked now. He glared at Jing Sui fiercely. I know you’re angry, but I already apologized! If you’ve got guts, settle this man-to-man—dragging my family into it is so low!

 

Bullying the weak! Abusing your power!

 

Shameless! I totally misjudged you!

 

Jing Sui looked at the furious young man, his expression as if he wanted to bite him to death, like a little beast baring its fangs—so fierce and alive, a side of him Jing Sui had never seen before. And strangely… he would rather see Ji Ling like this than hear him say ‘I’m sorry’ with guilt in his eyes.

 

He had never needed his apology.

 

Yang Wei, worried that her son might be hungry, had come home early since she had nothing else to do. But just as she approached their house, she thought she caught sight of Mr. Fu. As she walked closer, she realized—it really was him!

 

Me. Fu was standing there with his back to her, holding someone in his arms. The two of them were very close—intimately close… Yang Wei couldn’t see the other person’s face, but from the exposed hem of his clothing, she immediately recognized him as Ji Ling. Her heart thumped, a sense of unease creeping in. She quickly walked over and frowned in confusion. “Mr. Fu, what are you doing here?”

 

Ji Ling’s back was drenched in sweat. He looked at Jing Sui with pleading eyes, his expression pitiful, no longer daring to act fierce. He just hoped Jing Sui would leave him some dignity and not make this scene any worse.

 

Leave some room for retreat, so we can meet again in the future!

 

Jing Sui gave him a deep look before turning to Yang Wei and saying, “I had some business with you, and I happened to run into Xiao Ling. It seems like he tripped and twisted his ankle, so I helped him over.”

 

Ji Ling froze, then let out a huge sigh of relief. He looked at Jing Sui with a complicated expression.

 

There was nothing suspicious about that explanation, but Yang Wei was still skeptical. She turned to her son and asked sternly, “Is that true?”

 

Ji Ling nodded vigorously, answering obediently, “Yes, I fell again just now. Luckily, Mr. Fu was here.”

 

Yang Wei examined her son carefully. Other than his slightly reddened eyes, there was nothing unusual about him. It seemed like he really had tripped again. She finally relaxed a little, sighing. “This child, you really never stop worrying me.”

 

Ji Ling immediately lowered his head and admitted his mistake. “I'm sorry…”

 

Yang Wei shot him an exasperated look before turning back to Jing Sui, her hostility somewhat diminished—after all, that scene just now had been too misleading. Her boss had personally come to her home—was there something urgent at work?

 

Yang Wei asked, “Mr. Fu, what brings you here?”

 

Jing Sui turned to retrieve a document from his car and spoke with a calm and even tone. “I've reviewed the employee reward plan you submitted for next quarter. Since I'm leaving on a business trip tomorrow and was passing by, I thought I'd drop off the revised version. I'll need you to work on it and send me the final version as soon as possible.”

 

Yang Wei suddenly understood. This was exactly the kind of thing a workaholic boss would do. Since it was work-related, she wouldn't refuse. “Understood, I'll get it done as soon as possible and send it over.”

 

Jing Sui nodded. “Thanks for your effort. I’ll be heading out now.”

 

Yang Wei smiled. “Alright, take care.”

 

Jing Sui calmly opened the car door, got in without sparing Ji Ling another glance, and drove off.

 

Ji Ling stood there, staring blankly as Jing Sui left.

 

Yang Wei, however, noticed nothing unusual. She picked up the groceries that had fallen on the ground and lightly knocked her son on the head. “You still won’t take better care of yourself even when you're hurt?”

 

Ji Ling lowered his gaze, remaining silent. He pretended to have twisted his ankle again and hobbled after Yang Wei back home.

 

After a long while, a complicated and guilty expression flickered in his eyes.

 

You still haven't let go, have you?

 

………………

Wen Yan sat alone in his apartment. The curtains were drawn, and the room was completely dark, devoid of any light.

 

He sat motionless on the sofa, expressionless.

 

When he had first arrived in this world and discovered that the boy he loved was also here, he had thought it was a gift from the heavens—giving him a chance to reclaim his purpose in life.

 

But he soon realized...

 

The heavens might have shown him mercy, but they were also absolutely fair. He was not the only one who had come to this world.

 

He was not special.

 

When he had watched with his own eyes as Ning Yu took the boy away, yet couldn't step forward, a dark and pessimistic thought had briefly surfaced in his mind. It had left him tormented and lost.

 

Even in this world, nothing could change? Was he still unworthy of having him?

 

Then what was the point of coming here at all?

 

No... something felt off, like he had overlooked something.

 

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure out what.

 

Wen Yan furrowed his brows tightly, clenching his hands on his knees. He looked like a prisoner trapped in a pit of despair, consumed by his own failure. The contrast between gaining hope and losing it again had left him adrift, lost in a fog he couldn't break through.

 

Just then, a ray of light suddenly cut through the darkness.

 

Wen Yan squinted slightly.

 

The door had been pushed open from the outside, letting in a rush of cool air that dispelled the suffocating gloom inside.

 

A middle-aged woman, still beautiful despite her age, stepped inside. Today, she appeared more subdued than usual, and there was an undeniable exhaustion beneath her eyes. She hesitated in the doorway, looking at him uncertainly.

 

Wen Yan thought to himself—he should really change the locks.

 

Han Yun glanced at the young man on the sofa. He was handsome yet cold, and the tension in her hands made them sweat. Ever since she had left that day, she hadn't dared return for a long time. The once timid and weak son she had known had become someone unfamiliar, someone frightening.

 

Just like now. Though he was only sitting there calmly, the faint furrow of his brow and his look of displeasure made Han Yun’s scalp tingle with fear…Even Yu Wenyan’s ruthless older brother, Yu Wensen, didn't have this kind of unsettling presence. No—forget Yu Wensen, even Old Master Yu, that shrewd and merciless man, had never made her feel this way. Yu Wenyan was like a venomous snake, coldly watching for the right moment to strike.

 

Han Yun stood awkwardly at the door, unsure whether coming here today had been the right decision or a terrible mistake.

 

While she hesitated, Wen Yan suddenly let out a soft chuckle. “Come in.”

 

Han Yun froze for a moment before a look of delight spread across her face. She carefully stepped inside, watching him anxiously.

 

Over the past few days, she had been reflecting on her past mistakes. In her relentless pursuit to gain a foothold in the Yu family, she had resorted to all kinds of means, yet she had never truly succeeded. Years of frustration and resentment had made her take it out on her disappointing son—controlling and belittling him at every turn. And because Yu Wenyan had always endured it in silence, she had grown used to treating him that way, forgetting that even though he was her son, he still deserved respect.

 

Han Yun thought—perhaps she had pushed him too far, which was why he had turned into this.

 

But even so, he was still willing to let her in today. That meant he still had feelings for her, right? After all, he used to be such a kindhearted boy.

 

If she just treated him better now, maybe she could fix things.

 

That morning, she had suffered humiliation at the Yu family. Yu Wensen had mocked her relentlessly, leaving her no dignity, while Yu Yuan—the useless fool—had done nothing to defend her. He had let Yu Wensen trample over her. Han Yun had been burning with frustration. After thinking it over, she realized that the Yu family was unreliable. Her only real leverage was still her son. Even if he was useless, at least he had always been obedient…

 

So she had come here today, hoping to mend their relationship.

 

Life in the Yu family had already become difficult, and if she lost Wen Yan as well, her situation would only get worse. With this in mind, she forced a smile and said, “About that day... I was wrong. I’ve already turned down Miss Zhou on your behalf.”

 

Wen Yan’s lips curled into a mocking smile. This woman was so transparent—she wore her schemes right on her face, yet she thought he wouldn’t see through them.

 

But he didn’t blame her. And he didn’t laugh at her either.

 

Because the moment Han Yun had stepped through the door, Wen Yan suddenly realized something. He finally understood where he had gone wrong.

 

Things had changed.

 

They had all changed.

 

This was a brand-new world.

 

Here, whether it was him and Ning Yu, or Carlos and Jing Sui, they were all on equal footing. There were no insurmountable power gaps, no rigid class divides between nobility and commoners.

 

The tragedies of the past wouldn’t repeat themselves.

 

Because none of them would hurt that boy again. And that meant...The boy would be able to live a happy life.

 

As for whether he would be happy or if he could fulfill his wishes, that didn’t matter. Because from the very beginning, he had never dared to hope that he must have him. He was never the one with the greatest chance.

 

He came here to accompany and protect him, not to seize and possess.

 

Since the person he wanted to protect was still here, safe and sound, wasn’t that enough?

 

As for what the future held, who could say for certain?

 

Seeing that Yu Wenyan remained silent, Han Yun assumed he was still angry with her. She forced herself to continue, “It’s not just about Miss Zhou. If you don’t want to go on blind dates in the future, I won’t force you anymore, okay?”

 

Deep down, Han Yun still wished her son would date a wealthy woman, but she didn’t dare say it now. She had to tread carefully. Forcing a smile, she added, “It was my mistake before—I was too stubborn. I won’t interfere in your relationships anymore. No matter who you like, I’ll support you.”

 

Wen Yan looked at her, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. “Really? No matter who I like?”

 

Han Yun quickly nodded. “Of course.”

 

Wen Yan smiled.

 

For a moment, Han Yun was dazed. She had always known her son had good looks that women adored, which was why she desperately tried to set him up with someone. When he smiled, he looked truly charming. But for some reason, this time, despite how beautiful his smile was, it sent chills down her spine. A cold sensation crawled up her back, as if all her thoughts had been seen through completely—like a clown stripped bare, utterly exposed.

 

Wen Yan’s lips curved upward, his gaze deepening. His voice was calm. “Did you come to see me today for something in particular?”

 

Han Yun snapped out of her thoughts, startled. Carefully, she said, “I wanted to ask if you’re free to come home for the family gathering this weekend…”

 

After speaking, she watched him anxiously. In the Yu family Yu Wenyan had never been valued—either bullied by his eldest brother or reprimanded by the old master. He had always disliked going back, preferring to live alone in a rented apartment. He would avoid family gatherings whenever possible. Han Yun had always known he disliked returning, but for the sake of appearances, she used to force him to accompany her.

 

But the current Wen Yan… if he refused, she truly wouldn’t dare push him.

 

Wen Yan stared at her for a moment before suddenly saying, “Alright.”

 

Han Yun’s eyes lit up in surprise. “You’ll go?”

 

Wen Yan let out a soft laugh. His dark phoenix eyes held a subtle amusement as he said, “Yes.”

 

Han Yun was overjoyed. Her son was finally talking to her again, and he even agreed to come home for dinner. Seizing the moment, she quickly added, “Oh, by the way, you’re about to graduate soon. I still hope you’ll reconsider your career path. Instead of working for some other company, why not join the family business? The starting position would be much better, don’t you think? Your father promised that if you were willing, he would arrange a position for you. I’m sure even the old master wouldn’t refuse to give us this much face. After all, you carry the Yu family bloodline, don’t you…”

 

She had spent so much effort on this. Her son was obsessed with game programming, ignoring the family business to send out resumes elsewhere. Did he really think making a name for himself was that easy? If others found out, they might assume he’d been kicked out of the family. She couldn’t afford that embarrassment!

 

Han Yun had prepared a long speech to persuade him.

 

She continued, “Don’t be so quick to reject me. I know you have issues with your father, but that’s just how he is. He does care about you—he’s just bad at showing it…”

 

Wen Yan thought humans were truly fascinating. They said things they didn’t even believe themselves but acted as if they were utterly convinced.

 

He interrupted her, “Fine. But I have one condition.”

 

Han Yun said, “I told you not to reject me so fast—wait, what? You said yes?!” She gawked at Yu Wenyan, stunned. Then, after a moment, her eyes filled with overwhelming joy, and she nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, yes! Whatever condition you have, just tell me, and I’ll agree to it!”

 

Her son was finally willing to join the company! This was a huge step forward!

 

Wen Yan clasped his hands together, his long fingers slightly curled. He said, “I’ll join the family business, but I won’t take just any position.”

 

Han Yun hesitated but quickly understood—her son was making demands. For the first time, he wasn’t just passively accepting whatever was arranged for him. That was a good thing! At least he had ambition now. It was better than being indifferent. Han Yun was so excited she nearly fainted.

 

She took a deep breath and asked expectantly, “What position do you want?”

 

Wen Yan arched a brow, his phoenix eyes glimmering with amusement. He spoke lightly, “I think Yu Wensen’s position looks pretty good.”

 

Han Yun’s expression froze. She stared at him in disbelief.

 

You—you must be crazy! That’s Yu Wensen we’re talking about! Ever since the old master stepped back, and Yu Yuan indulged in a life of debauchery, Yu Wensen had become the real power behind the company. Even if she was greedy, she had never dared to dream about taking his position. She was content just scraping whatever benefits she could from him.

 

Even if you join the company, you should lie low and gradually make your move.

 

If you go head-to-head with Yu Wensen, we—mother and son—will both meet a miserable end…

 

After a long silence, Han Yun let out a dry, forced laugh. “You—you’re joking, right?”

 

Was this just his way of refusing her?

 

Wen Yan looked at her with pity.

 

The Yu family? He had never been interested in them. But if he wanted to protect the one he loved, if he wanted to stand at his side as an equal, he still wasn’t strong enough…

 

The Yu family might as well be useful to him.

 

Wen Yan tilted his head slightly. His gaze was distant and icy, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Big Brother has been sitting in that position for too long. It’s about time he took a break, don’t you think?”

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