Carlos returned home and quickly saw that the youth was sitting on the bench in a daze with his chin propped up. His eyes couldn’t help but turn tender.
These days that Ji Ling stayed here, Carlos was able to look at the boy’s lively expressions, his audacious eyes, and his reckless smile any time... To start, the youth’s kindness was difficult to conceal. Even if he was more arrogant and more mischievous, he would never harm anyone. This time around, Carlos saw that very clearly.
His boy was like a bright burning star, warming his cold heart with every action.
The closer he got, the more attracted he became…
How could he have had the heart to hurt such a boy last life?
The pain in Carlos’ eyes flashed away, and he walked up to Ji Ling with a warm and gentle expression. His voice was low as he smiled saying: "What are you thinking about?”
Ji Ling was lost in his thoughts just now, and hadn’t noticed Carlos’ return. If he had to say, his only yield from the days spent here, was learning that Carlos wouldn’t get angry at him no matter what he did. Carlos’ tolerance for him was much higher than he’d imagined. Gradually, his fear diminished, and his courage also increased.
As he thought of this, Ji Ling parted his lips slightly: "Uncle Carlos."
Carlos' eyes were gentle. He motioned for Ji Ling to say whatever he wanted without holding back.
Ji Ling paused and looked at him earnestly. “I’ve stayed here for quite a few days now, and I want to go home."
Carlos didn’t react much. It seemed that everything was within his expectations. He raised his hand and touched Ji Ling's head. In a warm voice, he asked: “Why? Are you not happy here?"
Ji Ling shifted uncomfortably and tilted his head. Why did Carlos always like to do this kind of intimate action lately? He really didn’t want Carlos to pat his head, okay? Ji ‘Straight’ Ling, who didn’t even know he’d lost his first kiss, thought Carlos that old fox was being really strange lately, but couldn’t say how.
However, he didn’t think much on it, and batted his eyes saying, "No, it's not that, but me..." His cheeks were red, and his eyes revealed a bashfulness. He bit his lip and said, "My father is going to the palace to attend the banquet tomorrow, and I want to go with him."
This excuse for leaving had already been prepared before Carlos came. He had to leave this place and go to the palace to meet his sweetheart.
Who knew that as soon as he said this, he noticed Carlos’ ever doting eyes flash coldly. His whole body emanated a frosty chill.
Ji Ling was already accustomed to the Carlos now, who seemed to never get angry. When he suddenly saw him reveal such a terrifying side, he couldn't help but shiver. Looking bewildered at Carlos, he didn’t know what he’d said wrong.
Carlos took a deep breath. He didn’t realize he’d lost control of his emotions until he saw the youth’s perplexed and fearful expression. He might’ve frightened the boy, but at that moment, there was no way he could’ve contained the pain of jealousy in his chest. It was as if sharp vines had wrapped around his heart, bringing up bursts of gloom so great he couldn’t conceal.
He knew why Ji Ling wanted to go to the palace. The answer was obvious. It was because he could see Jing Sui.
He’d invited Ji Ling to stay at his own home, and made no mention of the royal banquet in hopes that the youth would forget about it.
He didn’t want to see the boy continue to fly like a moth to a flame like that man.
But in the end, it couldn’t be avoided. His entire being and all his efforts…weren’t enough to offset the position Jing Sui occupied in Ji Ling’s heart. He couldn’t even compete with one look from Jing Sui, or one word from him.
He was only a respected elder, while Jing Sui was the one he gave everything to love.
Even if he’d changed himself, he couldn’t change the path of destiny.
There was no way he could prevent Ji Ling from seeing him.
Just thinking about their impending meeting, the youth’s eyes brimming with affection, looking unreserved at another man full of love, and continuing to love despite the hurt…made Carlos incredibly jealous and miserable.
For Carlos, who was born with everything, this was the first time he’d tasted jealousy and desire for someone he couldn’t obtain.
He was very careful in his approach, and doted on the boy. However, it only made the youth less afraid of him... Jing Sui, on the other hand, could easily obtain everything he couldn’t even hope for.
Ji Ling looked at Carlos cautiously. The man’s elegant face was covered in a thin layer of frost, and his eyes were as dark as a bottomless pit. Moreover, it seemed that some terrible emotion was brewing inside, something dark…
He thought in fear, Why did Carlos’ expression change so suddenly? Was it related to Jing Sui?!
Speaking of which, Jing Sui was his life-long enemy, and he was defeated by him last life. Had he poked at an old wound? Since Carlos was so proud, the only thing that could make him change expressions had to be Jing Sui! So Jing Sui was the landmine he couldn’t bring up in front of Carlos...
The more Ji Ling thought about it, the more he was convinced. He suspected once again that Carlos was in fact reborn, and that due to his failure last life, he resented Jing Sui even more. However, even if Ji Ling was afraid, he absolutely had to go to the banquet. That’s why he acted confused and said, "Uncle Carlos, what's wrong?"
Carlos slowly returned to himself, and looked into the boy’s eyes. Little by little, he pushed down the pain in the bottom of his heart. The darkness in his eyes surged up and then hid away. In the end, the only thing left was a deep unfathomable complexity.
After a long time, it seemed he’d finally come to a decision.
He said slowly, "If it's just this matter, then there's no need for you to go back."
Ji Ling looked at him doubtfully.
Carlos gazed at Ji Ling deeply, and said through faintly parted lips, "I can take you there too."
————
Because Carlos had promised to take him to the banquet personally, Ji Ling really didn’t have an excuse to insist on leaving. He could only stay at Carlos' house and pray for smooth sailing tomorrow.
The next day, Ji Ling had just gotten up, and was rubbing his eyes as he sat up on the bed, when he saw the servants respectfully bring in a set of clothes. They were about to help Ji Ling change when Carlos came in and said lightly: "You can all go outside. I'll do it."
Ji Ling: "......"
He watched the servants exit in a flash and really wanted to *hold them here. In the end though, his reason overcame the impulse, and he kept his mouth shut while looking at Carlos innocently, eyes open wide.
Carlos looked at the youth’s dazed and surprised expression. The love and jealousy in his heart mixed together to hide the complex emotions in his eyes. He picked up the clothes and walked to Ji Ling's side, saying with a gentle voice: "I specially chose these for you. They ought to suit you very well.”
Ji Ling looked in horror at the inhumane big villain who was getting ready to help him change clothes. He struggled internally for a long time before finally deciding to follow what his heart said.
He opened his arms cleverly, and changed into the clothes Carlos was holding.
Carlos lowered his eyes slightly as his long and slender fingers fastened the delicate jewel buttons. He buttoned them one after another, and stretched his hand up to smooth the wrinkles by Ji Ling’s shoulders. His line of sight gradually moved downwards, falling on that fair elegant neck… From this angle, he could catch a glimpse of the rarely seen collarbone in all its delicate beauty… Carlos’ hand paused slightly, and fastened the last button. Afterwards, he let go and took a step back.
He looked at the boy in front of him up and down.
The young man was dressed in a white tuxedo with gold lining. The dark blue jewel buttons paired with his blue eyes. The fitted material wrapped nicely around his slim and slender figure, and his short golden hair was softly combed to one side. He looked perfect and noble... like a little prince out of a painting.
He also looked like a pure and perfect angel, standing defenselessly in front of him.
Carlos' adam's apple stirred for a moment. He then bent down and held out his hand to Ji Ling. His deep and refined eyes stared fixedly at Ji Ling, while his thin lips parted to say: “We should go."
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment, but still ended up putting his hand into Carlos’, subconsciously letting himself be lead out.
Not long after, their hover car stopped at the palace gates.
The Imperial Palace was the symbol of the highest authority in the entire empire. With many years of development, the empire had a fairly perfected political system. There was the military department and the legislation to keep the monarchy’s power in check. However, the people generally still recognized the emperor as the supreme ruler of the empire. In reality, the rights and power of each emperor were closely linked to his own ability.
A strong emperor would have more influence, while a weak one would have his power divided up ruthlessly between nobles.
Although Jing Sui had only ascended the throne less than ten years ago, there was no doubt that he was a powerful emperor. Not only did he have the strength of an SSS level evolver, but he was also ruthless and decisive. This stabilized his position against the fierce nobles who eyed his power. After adding Brandon into the mix, he posed a great threat to Carlos.
He wanted to revolutionize the thousand-year-old status quo in the empire and change the relationship between aristocrats and civilians.
This was doomed to be a difficult task. He not only needed the ability to do this, but also great courage. Jing Sui happened to have it all. He was the most powerful protagonist in this book with plot armor after all!
Ji Ling looked up at the palace gates that seemed to almost soar to the sky. Thinking of the plot and what would happen next today, Ji Ling steadied himself and stepped in.
He was continuously surrounded by all kinds of big names and nobles. They saw Carlos and Ji Ling, who was beside him, and gave their greetings respectfully.
Ji Ling acted cute on the surface, but his eyes were darting slightly back and forth. He had to find a chance to leave Carlos and act alone. Being with him here was too conspicuous, after all, and it wasn’t convenient for his mission. Plus, with Carlos around... Ning Yu would only get beaten one-sidedly. How would Ji Ling be able to get his own ‘face slapped?’
He had to ditch Carlos!
Seeing as Carlos had watched him so closely during this period of time, Ji Ling was a little worried. Luckily, it didn't take long for him to finally come across a suitable opportunity. Lieutenant Hawke and several other well-known aristocrats were heading towards Carlos.
Ji Ling took the opportunity to speak and said: "Uncle Carlos, you can take care of your business first. I’ll go in by myself."
He thought Carlos wouldn't agree, and was even ready to offer his father up as an excuse. However, he saw Carlos give a gentle smile and say: “All right.”
Ji Ling was startled. How come Carlos had suddenly agreed so readily…?
However, he didn't think much on it, since he could finally get rid of Carlos! He was happily surprised and went away. Jing Sui should have met Ning Yu by now, right?
Carlos stood motionless. He tightened his grip on the cane, and watched Ji Ling as he left in a hurry. Narrowing his eyes slightly, a cold darkness flash through his pupils.
Go then.
Go and see with your own eyes just how ruthless the person you love is.
Then, you will come back to me in the end.
………………
Ji Ling followed his memories and headed inside the palace. He went through the magnificent garden corridors, passed by the beautiful water fountain, and in the end, successfully found the tall man with black hair and golden eyes in the shade of a tree.
Quickly hiding stealthily behind a big tree, he took a deep breath and looked over again.
The man had a godly beautiful face that was peerlessly handsome. His long black hair draped behind him. Below his straight and powerful eyebrows, his golden eyes glowed cooly; so sharp, that people dared not look directly into them. His lips were light and thin, and the bridge of his nose was high. Even just standing there, he would still look just as noble and imposing. He had a kind of strong presence nobody could ignore.
That was the main male lead of the book; The current supreme ruler of the empire… Emperor Jing Sui!
Translator’s notes
*The hold them there is referring to a popular meme with Fu Erkang, a character from the series, ‘My Fair Princess,’ telling someone to wait in an exaggerated manner.
Carlos returned home and quickly saw that the youth was sitting on the bench in a daze with his chin propped up. His eyes couldn’t help but turn tender.
These days that Ji Ling stayed here, Carlos was able to look at the boy’s lively expressions, his audacious eyes, and his reckless smile any time... To start, the youth’s kindness was difficult to conceal. Even if he was more arrogant and more mischievous, he would never harm anyone. This time around, Carlos saw that very clearly.
His boy was like a bright burning star, warming his cold heart with every action.
The closer he got, the more attracted he became…
How could he have had the heart to hurt such a boy last life?
The pain in Carlos’ eyes flashed away, and he walked up to Ji Ling with a warm and gentle expression. His voice was low as he smiled saying: "What are you thinking about?”
Ji Ling was lost in his thoughts just now, and hadn’t noticed Carlos’ return. If he had to say, his only yield from the days spent here, was learning that Carlos wouldn’t get angry at him no matter what he did. Carlos’ tolerance for him was much higher than he’d imagined. Gradually, his fear diminished, and his courage also increased.
As he thought of this, Ji Ling parted his lips slightly: "Uncle Carlos."
Carlos' eyes were gentle. He motioned for Ji Ling to say whatever he wanted without holding back.
Ji Ling paused and looked at him earnestly. “I’ve stayed here for quite a few days now, and I want to go home."
Carlos didn’t react much. It seemed that everything was within his expectations. He raised his hand and touched Ji Ling's head. In a warm voice, he asked: “Why? Are you not happy here?"
Ji Ling shifted uncomfortably and tilted his head. Why did Carlos always like to do this kind of intimate action lately? He really didn’t want Carlos to pat his head, okay? Ji ‘Straight’ Ling, who didn’t even know he’d lost his first kiss, thought Carlos that old fox was being really strange lately, but couldn’t say how.
However, he didn’t think much on it, and batted his eyes saying, "No, it's not that, but me..." His cheeks were red, and his eyes revealed a bashfulness. He bit his lip and said, "My father is going to the palace to attend the banquet tomorrow, and I want to go with him."
This excuse for leaving had already been prepared before Carlos came. He had to leave this place and go to the palace to meet his sweetheart.
Who knew that as soon as he said this, he noticed Carlos’ ever doting eyes flash coldly. His whole body emanated a frosty chill.
Ji Ling was already accustomed to the Carlos now, who seemed to never get angry. When he suddenly saw him reveal such a terrifying side, he couldn't help but shiver. Looking bewildered at Carlos, he didn’t know what he’d said wrong.
Carlos took a deep breath. He didn’t realize he’d lost control of his emotions until he saw the youth’s perplexed and fearful expression. He might’ve frightened the boy, but at that moment, there was no way he could’ve contained the pain of jealousy in his chest. It was as if sharp vines had wrapped around his heart, bringing up bursts of gloom so great he couldn’t conceal.
He knew why Ji Ling wanted to go to the palace. The answer was obvious. It was because he could see Jing Sui.
He’d invited Ji Ling to stay at his own home, and made no mention of the royal banquet in hopes that the youth would forget about it.
He didn’t want to see the boy continue to fly like a moth to a flame like that man.
But in the end, it couldn’t be avoided. His entire being and all his efforts…weren’t enough to offset the position Jing Sui occupied in Ji Ling’s heart. He couldn’t even compete with one look from Jing Sui, or one word from him.
He was only a respected elder, while Jing Sui was the one he gave everything to love.
Even if he’d changed himself, he couldn’t change the path of destiny.
There was no way he could prevent Ji Ling from seeing him.
Just thinking about their impending meeting, the youth’s eyes brimming with affection, looking unreserved at another man full of love, and continuing to love despite the hurt…made Carlos incredibly jealous and miserable.
For Carlos, who was born with everything, this was the first time he’d tasted jealousy and desire for someone he couldn’t obtain.
He was very careful in his approach, and doted on the boy. However, it only made the youth less afraid of him... Jing Sui, on the other hand, could easily obtain everything he couldn’t even hope for.
Ji Ling looked at Carlos cautiously. The man’s elegant face was covered in a thin layer of frost, and his eyes were as dark as a bottomless pit. Moreover, it seemed that some terrible emotion was brewing inside, something dark…
He thought in fear, Why did Carlos’ expression change so suddenly? Was it related to Jing Sui?!
Speaking of which, Jing Sui was his life-long enemy, and he was defeated by him last life. Had he poked at an old wound? Since Carlos was so proud, the only thing that could make him change expressions had to be Jing Sui! So Jing Sui was the landmine he couldn’t bring up in front of Carlos...
The more Ji Ling thought about it, the more he was convinced. He suspected once again that Carlos was in fact reborn, and that due to his failure last life, he resented Jing Sui even more. However, even if Ji Ling was afraid, he absolutely had to go to the banquet. That’s why he acted confused and said, "Uncle Carlos, what's wrong?"
Carlos slowly returned to himself, and looked into the boy’s eyes. Little by little, he pushed down the pain in the bottom of his heart. The darkness in his eyes surged up and then hid away. In the end, the only thing left was a deep unfathomable complexity.
After a long time, it seemed he’d finally come to a decision.
He said slowly, "If it's just this matter, then there's no need for you to go back."
Ji Ling looked at him doubtfully.
Carlos gazed at Ji Ling deeply, and said through faintly parted lips, "I can take you there too."
————
Because Carlos had promised to take him to the banquet personally, Ji Ling really didn’t have an excuse to insist on leaving. He could only stay at Carlos' house and pray for smooth sailing tomorrow.
The next day, Ji Ling had just gotten up, and was rubbing his eyes as he sat up on the bed, when he saw the servants respectfully bring in a set of clothes. They were about to help Ji Ling change when Carlos came in and said lightly: "You can all go outside. I'll do it."
Ji Ling: "......"
He watched the servants exit in a flash and really wanted to *hold them here. In the end though, his reason overcame the impulse, and he kept his mouth shut while looking at Carlos innocently, eyes open wide.
Carlos looked at the youth’s dazed and surprised expression. The love and jealousy in his heart mixed together to hide the complex emotions in his eyes. He picked up the clothes and walked to Ji Ling's side, saying with a gentle voice: "I specially chose these for you. They ought to suit you very well.”
Ji Ling looked in horror at the inhumane big villain who was getting ready to help him change clothes. He struggled internally for a long time before finally deciding to follow what his heart said.
He opened his arms cleverly, and changed into the clothes Carlos was holding.
Carlos lowered his eyes slightly as his long and slender fingers fastened the delicate jewel buttons. He buttoned them one after another, and stretched his hand up to smooth the wrinkles by Ji Ling’s shoulders. His line of sight gradually moved downwards, falling on that fair elegant neck… From this angle, he could catch a glimpse of the rarely seen collarbone in all its delicate beauty… Carlos’ hand paused slightly, and fastened the last button. Afterwards, he let go and took a step back.
He looked at the boy in front of him up and down.
The young man was dressed in a white tuxedo with gold lining. The dark blue jewel buttons paired with his blue eyes. The fitted material wrapped nicely around his slim and slender figure, and his short golden hair was softly combed to one side. He looked perfect and noble... like a little prince out of a painting.
He also looked like a pure and perfect angel, standing defenselessly in front of him.
Carlos' adam's apple stirred for a moment. He then bent down and held out his hand to Ji Ling. His deep and refined eyes stared fixedly at Ji Ling, while his thin lips parted to say: “We should go."
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment, but still ended up putting his hand into Carlos’, subconsciously letting himself be lead out.
Not long after, their hover car stopped at the palace gates.
The Imperial Palace was the symbol of the highest authority in the entire empire. With many years of development, the empire had a fairly perfected political system. There was the military department and the legislation to keep the monarchy’s power in check. However, the people generally still recognized the emperor as the supreme ruler of the empire. In reality, the rights and power of each emperor were closely linked to his own ability.
A strong emperor would have more influence, while a weak one would have his power divided up ruthlessly between nobles.
Although Jing Sui had only ascended the throne less than ten years ago, there was no doubt that he was a powerful emperor. Not only did he have the strength of an SSS level evolver, but he was also ruthless and decisive. This stabilized his position against the fierce nobles who eyed his power. After adding Brandon into the mix, he posed a great threat to Carlos.
He wanted to revolutionize the thousand-year-old status quo in the empire and change the relationship between aristocrats and civilians.
This was doomed to be a difficult task. He not only needed the ability to do this, but also great courage. Jing Sui happened to have it all. He was the most powerful protagonist in this book with plot armor after all!
Ji Ling looked up at the palace gates that seemed to almost soar to the sky. Thinking of the plot and what would happen next today, Ji Ling steadied himself and stepped in.
He was continuously surrounded by all kinds of big names and nobles. They saw Carlos and Ji Ling, who was beside him, and gave their greetings respectfully.
Ji Ling acted cute on the surface, but his eyes were darting slightly back and forth. He had to find a chance to leave Carlos and act alone. Being with him here was too conspicuous, after all, and it wasn’t convenient for his mission. Plus, with Carlos around... Ning Yu would only get beaten one-sidedly. How would Ji Ling be able to get his own ‘face slapped?’
He had to ditch Carlos!
Seeing as Carlos had watched him so closely during this period of time, Ji Ling was a little worried. Luckily, it didn't take long for him to finally come across a suitable opportunity. Lieutenant Hawke and several other well-known aristocrats were heading towards Carlos.
Ji Ling took the opportunity to speak and said: "Uncle Carlos, you can take care of your business first. I’ll go in by myself."
He thought Carlos wouldn't agree, and was even ready to offer his father up as an excuse. However, he saw Carlos give a gentle smile and say: “All right.”
Ji Ling was startled. How come Carlos had suddenly agreed so readily…?
However, he didn't think much on it, since he could finally get rid of Carlos! He was happily surprised and went away. Jing Sui should have met Ning Yu by now, right?
Carlos stood motionless. He tightened his grip on the cane, and watched Ji Ling as he left in a hurry. Narrowing his eyes slightly, a cold darkness flash through his pupils.
Go then.
Go and see with your own eyes just how ruthless the person you love is.
Then, you will come back to me in the end.
………………
Ji Ling followed his memories and headed inside the palace. He went through the magnificent garden corridors, passed by the beautiful water fountain, and in the end, successfully found the tall man with black hair and golden eyes in the shade of a tree.
Quickly hiding stealthily behind a big tree, he took a deep breath and looked over again.
The man had a godly beautiful face that was peerlessly handsome. His long black hair draped behind him. Below his straight and powerful eyebrows, his golden eyes glowed cooly; so sharp, that people dared not look directly into them. His lips were light and thin, and the bridge of his nose was high. Even just standing there, he would still look just as noble and imposing. He had a kind of strong presence nobody could ignore.
That was the main male lead of the book; The current supreme ruler of the empire… Emperor Jing Sui!
Translator’s notes
*The hold them there is referring to a popular meme with Fu Erkang, a character from the series, ‘My Fair Princess,’ telling someone to wait in an exaggerated manner.
