The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 88 - Guardian
Chapter 88: Guardian
On Monday, Ji Ling left home early after saying goodbye to his mother. As soon as he reached the entrance of his residential complex, he saw an off-road vehicle parked under a tree by the roadside. The car window rolled down, revealing Ning Yu’s handsome face. From a distance, he curved his lips into a smile.
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned before walking over and saying, “Why are you here…”
Ning Yu tilted his head slightly and smiled. “Get in, I'll take you to school.”
Seeing Ji Ling still standing there dazed, a hint of amusement appeared in Ning Yu’s dark eyes. He tapped his slender fingers on the steering wheel and sighed. “Your foot just healed, so don’t push yourself to catch the bus. You should focus on recovery.”
Oh, that actually made a lot of sense…
Ji Ling pondered for two seconds before calmly opening the car door and getting in.
Noticing that the boy deliberately looked out the window, avoiding his gaze, Ning Yu suppressed the smile at the corners of his lips with difficulty and drove Ji Ling to school.
Ning Yu was very focused while driving and didn’t say anything.
At first, Ji Ling felt a bit tense, but he gradually relaxed. More than an hour later, the car stopped at the school gate. Just as Ji Ling was about to get out, Ning Yu finally spoke, his voice warm with a hint of teasing. “Be careful on the road. Don’t trip again.”
Ji Ling’s face flushed. He wasn’t an idiot—how could he just randomly trip? Seriously!
He didn’t look at Ning Yu again and turned away swiftly.
That morning, Ji Ling happened to have class. He arrived just in time, with only a few minutes before the lecture started. Wang Yixin, who already knew Ji Ling would be coming today, had saved a seat for him in advance and was excitedly waving at him. It had only been five days since they last saw each other, but to anyone unaware, it might have seemed like they had been separated for ages.
Ji Ling smiled and sat down.
Wang Yixin blinked and asked, “Are you okay now?”
Ji Ling replied, “Yeah, it's not a terminal illness. I won’t die.”
Wang Yixin chuckled awkwardly.
Soon, the professor arrived. The lecture was on modern art history, and Ji Ling listened attentively. The morning passed in the blink of an eye. After class, Wang Yixin said, “To make up for it, I’m treating you to lunch today.”
Ji Ling had lost count of how many meals Wang Yixin had treated him to since starting school. He didn’t refuse but thought he should invite this guy out for a few meals sometime. Although their friendship was strong and the cost of a few meals wasn’t a big deal, always accepting without reciprocating felt a bit awkward.
The two chatted and laughed as they headed to the cafeteria. As soon as Ji Ling stepped inside, he instinctively glanced toward the corner where he used to sit frequently. There, he saw Wen Yan sitting alone. His steps faltered slightly.
So much had happened recently that he had nearly forgotten how Wen Yan always waited for him here. Even though they had never explicitly agreed on it, it had become an unspoken routine.
He had simply considered Wen Yan a friendly senior back then. He had refused to trust his intuition even when he vaguely sensed something. But now, he couldn’t deny it anymore.
Ji Ling remained silent for a moment before withdrawing his gaze and heading toward the other side of the cafeteria with Wang Yixin.
He could no longer act as if nothing had changed, continuing to interact with Wen Yan as before, pretending not to understand his feelings and deceiving himself.
Wen Yan sat there alone. When he lifted his eyes, his gaze met Ji Ling’s for a brief moment. But then, Ji Ling quickly looked away and walked to the other side with Wang Yixin.
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It seemed as if he hadn’t seen him at all.
Wen Yan’s grip on his chopsticks slowly tightened. Ji Ling was clearly avoiding him.
So, you really don’t want to see me…
To you, my feelings must be a burden. Even in that world, you never accepted them. I was the foolish moth drawn to the flame.
Wen Yan lowered his eyes and let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh.
Ji Ling knew Wen Yan was sitting not far behind him, but he didn’t turn around. Other than making his stance clear, he didn’t know what else he could say to Wen Yan.
Wang Yixin, being a rather oblivious person, didn’t notice Ji Ling’s unusual silence. He chattered on excitedly, enthusiastically sharing the news of his new relationship. He finally had a girlfriend! He spoke endlessly about her, completely immersed in the joys of young love.
Ji Ling found it amusing and gave him an encouraging look.
Simple love really was nice.
After lunch, there were still two hours before the afternoon classes. Ji Ling and Wang Yixin walked back together, planning to rest in the dormitory. Suddenly, Wang Yixin looked ahead and said, “Senior Yu.”
Ji Ling paused and looked up, meeting Wen Yan’s deep black eyes. He pursed his lips and stopped walking.
Wen Yan smiled politely at Wang Yixin, then turned his gaze to Ji Ling and said in a soft voice, “I have something to talk to you about. Do you have time now?”
Ji Ling was silent for a few seconds before quickly making up his mind. Since avoidance wouldn’t help… it was better to have a proper conversation. He nodded. “Alright, let’s talk over there.”
Handing his books to Wang Yixin, he said, “Take my things back. I’ll return later.”
Wang Yixin, oblivious to the tension, grinned and said, “Sure!”
Ji Ling turned and walked away, stopping in a secluded corner. He took a deep breath, looked at Wen Yan, and said, “You’ve known about my identity for a long time, haven’t you? Since that art exhibition.”
Wen Yan nodded, not denying it.
Ji Ling felt a bit helpless. His feelings toward Wen Yan were complicated. Telling someone not to like you… somehow felt cruel. But at the same time, he couldn’t return Wen Yan’s feelings. If he hesitated because he didn’t want to hurt him, wouldn’t that be even crueler?
He didn’t want Wen Yan to continue wasting time on something impossible.
Ji Ling bit his lip and looked into his eyes, saying each word clearly, “Stop liking me.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a flash of sorrow in Wen Yan’s eyes. His face turned a little pale, and his gaze seemed deeply pained.
Ji Ling: “…” Why did he suddenly feel like a scumbag?
Just as Ji Ling was caught in a dilemma, unsure of what to do next, Wen Yan unexpectedly smiled. His voice was low and hoarse. “I already understood your meaning back in that world. There’s no need to repeat it.”
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment. “Then why do you still—”
Wen Yan spoke slowly, “The reason I hid my identity from you was because I didn’t want to trouble you with it… I wanted to be close to you, not just because I once liked you, but also because you are the only familiar person in this unfamiliar world.”
There was a hidden longing in his gentle gaze, as if he were a drowning man desperately trying to grasp his last hope of salvation. His voice was hoarse. “I’m grateful that I am not alone in this world… that you’re here with me.”
Ji Ling suddenly realized—had Wen Yan not discovered the truth about the novel?
Did he think that Ji Ling was someone like him, someone who had crossed over from that world?
That would explain his actions. After experiencing death and arriving in a strange world, Wen Yan must have thought he had found someone who shared the same fate. So, he cautiously approached Ji Ling… That must have been what it felt like when Ji Ling was alone in the interstellar world. If he had met someone like him back then, he would have wanted to get close too—
Just to feel less alone.
Or simply to have someone to talk to.
Wen Yan looked deeply into Ji Ling’s eyes, his voice tinged with a faint plea. “In this world, I can exist only as Yu Wenyan. I can just be your senior, your friend… So, please allow me to stay by your side. Is that okay?”
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned. Seeing the pleading look in Wen Yan’s eyes, his previously firm resolve began to waver.
Why did he feel like he was being so cruel? QAQ
He was someone who belonged to this world, so he had naturally adapted to everything here. But Wen Yan hadn’t. After suffering through pain and despair, he had arrived in an unfamiliar place. He had thought he had found someone like him, so he had approached Ji Ling with hope—
But in the end, it was destined to be a disappointment.
Because Ji Ling had deceived him.
He wasn’t the person Wen Yan thought he was…
Ji Ling’s throat felt stiff. “But I—”
Wen Yan lowered his gaze and said flatly, “Yu Wenyan is an illegitimate child. His father never acknowledged him, and his mother was a selfish mistress who tried to control his life and used his emotions as a bargaining chip. At school, he seemed popular, but in reality, he never even dared to choose someone he liked, rejecting every confession out of fear. And when he went home, he faced endless humiliation. But he never told anyone… because he didn’t want to be mocked and ridiculed at school as well. No matter how much he struggled, he could never get what he wanted.”
Ji Ling stared at him in shock.
Wen Yan curled his lips into a faint smile. His eyes were calm, even carrying a hint of amusement. “But compared to what I’ve been through before, this identity is nothing. I’ve endured far worse realities. In fact, Yu Wenyan is rather lucky. He lives in a good era. At least he doesn’t have to worry about being killed like a lowly commoner at any moment, don’t you think?”
Although Wen Yan’s tone and expression remained indifferent, as if he were simply narrating something trivial, Ji Ling’s heart clenched painfully. He suddenly felt deeply saddened. So, Wen Yan’s life in this world was actually this miserable…
How pitiful. QAQ
Wen Yan smiled slightly. “I’ve never told anyone these things before, but I can tell you—because you understand my past. And… back in that world, you were different from the other nobles. You always respected my existence, so I know that even if you knew, you wouldn’t mock me.”
Ji Ling’s expression was filled with sadness. His lips moved, but no words came out.
He took a deep breath and, after a long moment, looked at Wen Yan seriously. “This world is a harmonious society where everyone is equal. You… don’t be sad. Even if your current identity is a little… difficult, as long as you work hard, you will definitely find happiness! I don’t think anyone will look down on you for that.”
Stay strong and keep going!
You’ll get through this.
Wen Yan gazed at the young man, his expression gradually softening. “Thank you,” he said.
As long as I don’t say I love you, you will treat me kindly. You are willing to show compassion to everyone, to empathize with the weak… If that’s the case, then I can pretend I don’t love you. I can pretend I’ve moved on.
Wen Yan’s eyes were sincere as he once again pleaded gently, “I want to get to know you again. This time, just as your senior. Is that okay?”
Ji Ling thought to himself, this is the most pitiful villain he’s ever seen… and he’s already said this much…
Besides, they attended the same school and saw each other all the time. How could he possibly be even more ruthless? If Wen Yan was truly willing to let go of the past and start anew, Ji Ling supposed he could accept him as a friend.
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. “Senior Yu.”
He sincerely hoped that Wen Yan could integrate into this world, live his own life, and not repeat the mistakes of that past world—Where he had been a paranoid madman, willing to sacrifice everything for love, even his own life, until he was consumed by destruction.
That kind of love was so heavy it suffocated him.
It made Ji Ling feel as if he were carrying the weight of someone else’s entire life.
But fortunately, the Wen Yan before him now… Looked much more normal!
He had really changed.
Ji Ling’s emotions were complicated, but he was happy for Wen Yan. His initial anxiety gradually faded. He believed that as time passed, Wen Yan would fully embrace this world and eventually move on.
For now, it was best not to push him too hard—just in case he spiraled into another dead end.
When Wen Yan received Ji Ling's permission, a trace of light returned to his eyes. He asked uneasily, “Then, are you still going to participate in the game?”
Ji Ling smiled. “Of course.”
He was already halfway through; there was no reason to quit now.
Wen Yan smiled.
He lowered his gaze, hiding the obsessive love in his eyes, carefully concealing his feelings.
You are still soft-hearted and gentle, never changing.
………………
Wen Yan truly kept his word. He only acted as Ji Ling’s senior and never mentioned that world again.
At first, Ji Ling was cautious, fearing that Wen Yan’s words were just to appease him. But over time, he realized that Wen Yan had probably truly let go.
Seeing Wen Yan finally living like a normal person, leading a positive and bright life, Ji Ling felt deeply relieved, almost like a father watching his son grow up. It hadn't been easy... They had really changed a lot since coming to this world.
With their past burdens lifted, their interactions became more natural and comfortable.
Life was peaceful and warm.
As the character design phase for the game entered its final stages, Ji Ling arranged to meet Wen Yan at the library again. On the other side of the library, Ning Kehan sat observing them from afar, frowning.
She had heard some news in recent days, and the more she looked at Yu Wen Yan, the more unfathomable he seemed.
Not long ago, Yu Wensen had been hospitalized due to a car accident. Less than two days after he was admitted, his secretary, who had accumulated massive gambling debts, fled with company funds. When he was caught and interrogated, he not only confessed to his crimes but also revealed a series of Yu Wensen’s misdeeds—among them, the rape of young girls. Worse, he had filmed videos as evidence. With such solid proof, Yu Wensen was placed under police control while still in the hospital.
Old Master Yu was so enraged when he learned of this that he nearly suffered a fatal heart attack. He spent a fortune suppressing online reports and removing trending topics, trying to minimize the damage. But there was no escaping the law for Yu Wensen—this damage control was only to preserve what little dignity the Yu family had left.
The company’s reputation took a hit, and its stock plummeted. With Yu Wensen behind bars, Old Master Yu in poor health and retired for years, and Yu Yuan being utterly incompetent, the company's management was temporarily handed over to the vice president.
On the surface, none of this had anything to do with Yu Wenyan. He was not directly involved in any way. But he was undoubtedly the biggest beneficiary. Once Old Master Yu regained his senses, he would realize that aside from the illegitimate son he had always looked down on, there was no one else left to take charge of the Yu family. The only alternative would be to hand the family over to outsiders—which was impossible.
Rumors had already begun circulating that Yu Wenyan would be joining the Yu family business headquarters after graduation. This was essentially a declaration that he would replace Yu Wensen as the next heir…
There was no way Yu Wenyan hadn’t played a role in all this. Ning Kehan refused to believe it was mere coincidence. Han Yun certainly didn't have the cunning or ability to orchestrate something like this.
Even her own uncle had warned her to be cautious around Yu Wenyan.
If it was truly Yu Wenyan who had orchestrated this from the shadows—sending his own brother to prison with ruthless precision, while maintaining a calm and indifferent façade—then he was terrifying. Yu Wensen was undeniably a terrible person who deserved no sympathy. But for someone to bear such humiliation, to wait patiently before striking in a way that left his opponent utterly defeated… That kind of ruthlessness sent chills down Ning Kehan’s spine.
And now, that cunning and dangerous man had set his sights on Ji Ling! Ning Kehan was deeply worried for her uncle.
Regardless of whether it was because she was from the Ning family or because Yu Wenyan seemed like trouble, Ning Kehan was firmly on her uncle’s side. She couldn't let Ji Ling be fooled by someone like that!
Ning Kehan quickly sent Ning Yu a message, attaching a photo: Uncle, someone’s trying to steal your boyfriend!
………………
Ji Ling and Wen Yan left the library together. As they neared the dormitory, they suddenly spotted Ning Yu standing outside Ji Ling’s dorm. Ji Ling was surprised. “Why are you here?”
Ning Yu glanced briefly at Wen Yan before smiling warmly at Ji Ling. “I was worried you might be hungry, so I brought you some late-night snacks. Let’s eat together.”
Ji Ling’s eyes lit up. He was indeed feeling a little hungry and didn’t want to refuse Ning Yu’s offer. But then, seeing Wen Yan still beside him, he hesitated. Wouldn’t it be rude to just leave him behind? If it were any other classmate, he would’ve invited them to join without hesitation, but this was Wen Yan… Ning Yu and Wen Yan happily sharing a meal together? That was a scene too surreal to imagine.
Unexpectedly, Ning Yu spoke up first, raising an eyebrow. “Student Yu, would you like to join us?”
Wen Yan gazed at him calmly, then smiled faintly. “Sure.”
Ji Ling: “…”
And so, in a daze, Ji Ling followed them to a restaurant. As they sat and ate together, he gradually felt like he was in a dream. Since when did the three of them sit down for such a peaceful dinner?
What was even scarier was that Ning Yu and Wen Yan were actually chatting and laughing in harmony!
This was too bizarre…
At first, Ji Ling was unnerved, but then he reassured himself—this must mean Wen Yan had truly let go! He didn’t care about the past anymore, nor was he fixated on him. That was why he could be so nonchalant, right?
That thought made him feel relieved.
After dinner, Wen Yan said goodbye as usual, while Ning Yu walked Ji Ling back to his dorm.
When they reached the building, Ji Ling blinked and said, “Thanks for today. I’m heading up now, so you should go back and rest early too.”
But Ning Yu didn’t move. Instead, he looked at Ji Ling and suddenly asked, “I heard from Ning Kehan that you've been spending a lot of time with Wen Yan lately.”
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned, then chuckled, understanding Ning Yu's concern. “I think he’s different from before. You don’t have to worry, we’re just discussing the game.”
Ning Yu's gaze darkened slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he smiled, leaned in close, and murmured in a low voice, “But you've been seeing him more than me lately. I’m a little jealous…”
Ji Ling's face instantly turned red. This guy—how could he flirt so suddenly?!
He bit his lip and retorted indignantly, “Well, I live with Wang Yixin every day! Are you jealous of him too?”
Ning Yu appeared to seriously consider the question for a moment before replying, “Yes.”
Ji Ling was speechless. That was just unreasonable! He huffed, “Whatever, I’m going upstairs.”
And with that, he stomped off.
Ning Yu watched the boy’s retreating figure, a small smile curling his lips. But soon, his expression grew solemn.
Wen Yan… He really had underestimated him a little.
This person understood patience and endurance better than anyone and was adept at taking advantage of the boy’s soft-hearted kindness.
But he wouldn’t give him the chance to make a move.
………………
Ji Ling returned to his dorm feeling terrible. Why did he always get so easily flustered and have his heart race whenever Ning Yu teased him?
What was wrong with him?
Unable to figure out his own feelings, Ji Ling fell into confusion.
Lately, every time Ning Yu sent him a message, he couldn’t help but glance at it a few more times, and even when replying, he would hesitate and think carefully before responding… Then, looking at Wang Yixin, who had fallen deeply in love and was cautiously replying to his girlfriend’s messages, Ji Ling had an epiphany.
He was probably… completely bent now.
On Saturday morning, Ji Ling lay in bed staring into space.
Suddenly, his phone chimed. It was a message from Ning Yu, asking if he had time today. A new movie had just been released, and he wanted to invite him to watch it together.
Ji Ling hesitated for a long time, unable to decide whether to agree, when he suddenly received a call from his teacher, asking him to go to a hotel. The organizers of the art competition he had participated in wanted to meet him, possibly about exhibiting his work.
Ji Ling replied to Ning Yu: I have something to do right now, I’ll talk to you later.
After sending the message, he left for the hotel address his teacher had sent.
Following the room numbers, Ji Ling arrived at the designated private lounge, knocked, and pushed the door open—only to see a brown-haired, brown-eyed man sitting on the sofa, smiling at him.
The room was empty except for Carlos.
Ji Ling’s expression changed slightly as he stood motionless at the door, staring at Carlos.
Carlos smiled gently, his deep voice carrying a trace of warmth. “I was worried you wouldn’t agree to see me, so I asked Teacher Yu to bring you here. Besides… I really am the sponsor of this art competition, so I didn’t deceive you.”
Ji Ling frowned. “What do you want to talk about?”
Carlos gazed at the boy’s guarded and distant expression, his eyes showing a hint of sorrow. Slowly, he said, “You know I would never hurt you.”
Ji Ling was silent for a moment, saying nothing.
Carlos let out a soft sigh and stepped forward, extending his hand. In his palm was a velvet box in a deep shade of red.
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned, and as he realized what it might be, he looked at Carlos in disbelief.
Carlos opened the box before him, revealing a platinum ring inside.
He said, “It’s said that in the ancient times of Earth—which is the present era—lovers exchange rings when they marry as a symbol of their unwavering love. So… I owe you a ring, as a promise to you, as proof of my eternal love—whether or not you accept my feelings.”
Ji Ling’s gaze lowered slightly, and only then did he notice that Carlos was already wearing a matching ring on his own ring finger.
So… you still remember that so-called wedding?
You still believe that I am your lover?
Ji Ling found it ridiculous and absurd, yet he also felt a dull ache in his chest. No matter what kind of person Carlos was or what he had done, in his past life, he had fulfilled his promise to Ji Ling—even withdrawing his army for his sake. Even after coming to this world, he still held on to the so-called marriage. But Carlos knew perfectly well… I never wanted to marry you.
Not in my past life. Not in this one.
This love was not destined to be received.
Ji Ling took a deep breath, lifted his eyes, and said firmly to Carlos, “I don’t love you.”
Carlos, however, remained calm, meeting Ji Ling’s gaze as he slowly said, “But you don’t love Jing Sui either. So why not give loving me a chance? I promise, I won’t disappoint you.”
Ji Ling froze, staring at Carlos in shock. Carlos’s gaze was deep and gentle, like an ocean that could embrace everything. It was just like in that world, yet somehow… different.
He knows I don’t love Jing Sui. That means… he knows about the novel.
For a split second, Ji Ling wasn’t thinking about love or feelings—he was thinking, wouldn’t this major villain turn dark after learning the truth?!
Carlos seemed to read his concerns and chuckled. “Don’t overthink it. In this world, some countries may still retain noble titles, but it’s nothing like my world. The difference between people is insignificant—they’re all just weak ants in the grand scheme of things. Life is short, and I no longer have any interest in playing those tedious games. Rather than chasing supreme power and the fear and submission of others, I would rather—” His voice lowered, eyes softening. “Win the heart of my beloved.”
“At least, for now… my little love doesn’t belong to anyone else.” Carlos leaned down slightly, his gaze locking onto Ji Ling’s eyes, his lips curving into a smile. “I only wish to please you.”
He elegantly took Ji Ling’s hand, lowering his head to press a soft kiss to the back of it. His deep voice carried an intoxicating allure, his gaze filled with indulgence. “May I… have the chance to court you again?”
Ji Ling stared at Carlos, lips parting slightly, unable to form a response. After a long moment, he bit his lip and finally said, “I’m sorry, I—”
Carlos said, “It’s okay if you don’t love me now. I have patience.”
Ji Ling was almost speechless. He didn’t even know how to handle this situation when— A warm, firm hand suddenly pressed against his shoulder, pulling him into a familiar, secure embrace.
Ning Yu’s arm tightened around Ji Ling’s waist as he looked up at Carlos, his gaze sharp and voice deliberate. “Unfortunately for you, that day will never come.”
“Because… he loves me.”
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