Rhodes: "We’ll have to face a civilian speaker…”
Ji Ling was silent for a moment and said, “I’ll talk to you again later!” He closed the call on the communicator, and opened the news.
The article described the election as thrilling and turbulent. One chased, then took the lead, and vice versa over and over. It was described as the most dramatic election in history. The number that was always highlighted was the less than 2% that Wen Yan had won over second place. Just a little and he would’ve lost...
However, Ji Ling clearly remembered that Wen Yan won the seat by a landslide last life, leading second place by at least 20%. This was too big a difference.
This was such a major change that Ji Ling couldn’t ignore it even if he wanted to.
An unexpected train of thought suddenly came up. Wen Yan hadn’t fallen out with Carlos, right?
Wen Yan and Carlos colluded with each other last life and he won the position easily. However, with the influence of Wen Yan's current status, it’d be very difficult for him to achieve the position of Speaker of the House once he’d lost Carlos' support. Even winning by such a narrow margin would be extremely difficult.
But why would they fall out? He hadn’t seen any contradictions rise between the two in his last life. The plot had changed for some reason.
Ji Ling couldn’t help but ask the system: [Do you know what’s going on here? 】
The system is silent: [I don't know. 】
Ji Ling: […] He shouldn’t have expected anything of the system.
At this moment, the servant outside came in to relay: “Young Master, His Excellency Wen Yan has come."
Tsk tsk tsk. These rascals all take advantage of the situation and sail wherever the wind blows. The election results had only just come out, and people have already started calling Wen Yan, ‘His Excellency.’
Ji Ling pushed away his thoughts. Wen Yan was probably only coming to report the election results to him. However, Ji Ling wasn’t really in the mood to deal with him now, because he knew that after Wen Yan became Speaker of the House, he’d quickly devote himself to his political battle and career advancement, rapidly increasing his power. Taking care of a rich kid young master like Ji Ling would no longer be important to him.
His journey spanned over the vast universe. Wen Yan wouldn’t have time to walk around in front of him any more!
As he thought of this, Wen Yan opened the door and entered.
Ji Ling sat on a chair, and looked at him haughtily. Raising his chin, he said, “Not bad. You didn’t lose face for me out there."
Wen Yan's silver hair was tied behind him. His black phoenix eyes were respectful as he said, “It is my fortune to not disgrace you.”
Ji Ling appeared very satisfied with his attitude and continued to display his arrogance. He snorted from on high: “Just because you’ve become Speaker of the House, don't get carried away, and forget your identity."
The contempt in his attitude and wording was clear.
After Ji Ling finished this sentence, he expectantly waited for Wen Yan to leave. Who would’ve guessed that Wen Yan would suddenly step forward, take Ji Ling's hand, and drop a gentle kiss on it devoutly? He lifted his line of sight and said, "I won’t forget."
Ji Ling was stunned.
Wen Yan stared at him deeply, and slowly promised: "No matter what my position is, one thing will never change; The fact that I will always be your most loyal servant."
Ji Ling looked at Wen Yan’s long and narrow phoenix eyes in a trance, then immediately came back to himself. The acting skill of these villains was just too good!
This rascal was too hypocritical. Really too hypocritical.
He withdrew his hand and smirked in disgust: "I know, I know. You can go."
In the face of Ji Ling impatiently driving him away, Wen Yan wasn’t the least bit angered. Maintaining his respectful manner, he looked down to hide the burning love in his eyes.
As a civilian speaker, everyone outside was hostile to him now. They really wanted to pull him down from this position by any means. Not only did he need to face numerous political opponents, but he also had to deal with Carlos' counterattack. All of that would no doubt be very difficult.
However, no matter the time or place, as long as he was near this youth, he could feel genuine warmth from the heart.
That was because everyone who faced him had an ulterior motive, and only this young man interacted with him sincerely without hiding his emotions. Although his mouth said words like that, Wen Yan could see through them. Those eyes didn’t contain the slightest disdain or disgust. There wasn’t even much surprise or shock in them… It seemed that no matter what he did, Ji Ling could calmly face the circumstances.
Ji Ling had never questioned him, much less considered him unworthy of this position as a lower civilian.
From last life to this life, Ji Ling was the only one who had always helped him without hesitation. Although seemingly arrogant and willful, in his heart, Ji Ling looked at him as an equal. His attitude wouldn’t change just because his situation in society had changed.
For me, protecting you is everything I want now.
………………
Ji Ling sent Wen Yan away with much difficulty, and continued to live his coach potato life.
It wasn’t until a few days later that he finally saw the news he most wanted to see!
A well-known tabloid had released a batch of photos of Jing Sui going in and out of Brandon's house. There were also photos of him looking intimate with Ning Yu. The caption insinuated that Jing Sui and Ning Yu’s relationship wasn’t that shallow. Why else would he have openly reproached Ji Ling to defend him at the banquet? The text hinted that Jing Sui and Ning Yu were in a shocking male x male relationship, and they even brought up Ji Ling’s name to step on him while they were at it. He had become a stepping stone on the path of the gong and shou’s love.
This report immediately brought about an uproar. Ning Yu and Jing Sui’s fans fought chaotically. The fans of Jing Sui cried that there was no way His Majesty could like a lower being, and that he was just playing with him because he had a good impression of him. Ning Yu’s fans praised their idol for being so good, strong, and beautiful. At least His Majesty had enough taste to see him favorably.
When the two sides bashed each other, the flaming would occasionally spread to Ji Ling and he’d get bashed too.
Ji Ling was extremely ecstatic to see this. He was so happy that he didn’t even care that he was getting bashed. This was the news he’d been waiting for! As someone playing his character, how could he take this lying down?
What’s more, he couldn’t accept gossip like this because he was crazy about Jing Sui!
Ji Ling closed the page and immediately switched from couch potato mode to work mode. He ran to find his mother and cried, "Mom, I want to go to the palace. Take me in, okay?”
Madam Marina was at home picking out clothes. Hearing this, she hesitated before she replied, "Why do you want to go to the palace all of a sudden?”
Ji Ling bowed his head and said, “I…I miss Auntie Saman..."
Madam Marina was actually close friends with Jing Sui’s mother, Empress Dowager Saman. Madam Saman had always been very fond of Ji Ling, but this time, Ji Ling's act was way too obvious. He was clearly saying this because of Jing Sui. Madam Marina still didn’t feel too good about doing this, but patted her son's head and said dotingly: "All right."
Ji Ling said happily, "Thank you, Mom."
Madam Marina poked his nose lightly and smiled: “Oh you. You only remember your mother at times like this.”
………………
After an hour, the Ji family’s hover car slowly entered the palace garden.
Ji Ling's memory was quite familiar with this palace, since the original used to come here frequently. His mother, Madam Marina, and Jing Sui’s mother, Madam Saman, had been close friends ever since they were young. They studied together, and grew up together. Later, Marina married Grand Duke Ji Ting, and Saman married the previous imperial emperor, giving birth to Prince Jing Sui. The two girls had always had a good relationship.
When the original was a child, Marina often took him into the palace to play. That’s how he’d met Jing Sui, who was ten years his elder. He adored this perfect, beautiful, omnipotent and godly big brother. Gradually, this adoration turned into love...
In fact, the original wasn’t such an arrogant, bossy and disgusting prick when he was young. Back then, Jing Sui treated him fairly well, and took care of him like a younger brother. However, when he grew up, the original not only became an abominable rich kid, but also frequently made trouble for Jing Sui’s friends due to his excessive desire to monopolize. Little by little, even Jing Sui became disgusted with him.
After all, no one liked *toffee so sticky that you couldn’t break it off. The original was stupid, ignorant and created chaos everyday.
As Ji Ling recalled this, the car came to a stop. He and his mother entered the magnificent palace. Madam Saman had long been waiting for them in the hall. She was very happy to see Ji Ling and smiled lovingly: "Xiao Ling, you haven’t been here for a long time. Auntie missed you so very much."
Ji Ling smiled cutely. He had always been clever and sensible in front of Madam Saman, making himself likable.
Madam Saman took Ji Ling's hand, and looked it up and down for a long time, concerned. She had her servants prepare a lot of gifts, and said, "These are for you. I know you like these things.”
Madam Marina looked on and smiled helplessly: “I told you not to be so polite. Every time we come here, it's like we’re robbing the palace."
Madam Saman's brow ticked, and the empress dowager exerted some imperial might saying: "Who dares say that?"
Ji Ling waited for a while, but thinking of his mission, he couldn't sit still any longer. Turning his eyes down, he looked for an opportunity and said: "Auntie Saman, Mom, I want to go out and look around.”
Madam Saman and Madam Marina glanced at each other with tacit understanding. Then, Madam Saman turned to Ji Ling and said: "Go then. Don’t stay out too late.”
Ji Ling nodded and said, "I know."
After he said this, he quickly turned around and flew out. He was very familiar with the palace, and most of the servants here also knew that the empress dowager doted on this young master. Naturally, nobody would get in his way.
Ji Ling followed his memory and soon arrived outside Emperor Sui's residence.
At a distance, he could hear the roar of a wild beast from inside. Ji Ling knew this was Jing Sui's pet; a very powerful hunter beast. He’d seen it last life, and even locked in a cage, it could make him piss his pants.
Although his legs went a little soft, Ji Ling braced himself and went in, all for the completion of his mission.
A tall man was standing in front of an iron cage. His black hair was draped over his shoulders, and his beautiful face was cool. In the sunlight, his golden pupils sparkled even more brilliantly. His wide shoulders and narrow waist elongated his straight powerful legs.
He threw a piece of meat on the floor and the huge beast inside the cage quickly devoured it.
Ji Ling saw that from head to toe, it stood close to 100 meters tall. It had sharp bone spurs all over its body, and looked like a huge ferocious monster. Ji Ling silently swallowed down his saliva, and then forced himself to keep looking away. He repeated to himself, ‘I can’t see it, I can’t see it, I can’t see it…’
He focused all his sights on Jing Sui with extreme concentration. He wouldn’t stray to look at his surroundings, not even a little! He walked over with a burst of courage, and looked up saying: “Brother Jing Sui.”
When no outsiders were present, this was how he called Jing Sui. This was the name that was reserved for him when they were alone.
Jing Sui was already aware that Ji Ling came over, but he didn't look back at him until he opened his mouth and called out. His eyes were indifferent as he said: “What did you come here for?”
Ji Ling looked at his apathetic eyes, and remembered the news he’d seen before. Forcing out the tears he’d long been building up, he looked at Jing Sui with red eyes, and asked in disbelief: “Everyone outside… They all say that you and Ning Yu are together..."
He looked fixedly at Jing Sui and asked, “That's not true, is it?"
Jing Sui looked at Ji Ling's eyes. The youth’s clear eyes were so focused, looking at him expectantly, and hoping to receive a negative answer.
Of course it wasn’t true, and just people’s baseless accusations. However, he had zero intentions of clarifying it, let alone explaining it to Ji Ling.
Jing Sui’s lips slowly hooked upwards. After a while, he laughed lightly: "What if I said it was true?"
He looked as the young man's eyes suddenly filled with pain and disbelief. Bending down to approach the boy, his golden pupils beamed coolly in mockery. He said slowly: "What are you planning to do now?”
Translation notes
*The original is a kind of sesame treat that’s really sticky and hard to bite off (牛皮糖).
Rhodes: "We’ll have to face a civilian speaker…”
Ji Ling was silent for a moment and said, “I’ll talk to you again later!” He closed the call on the communicator, and opened the news.
The article described the election as thrilling and turbulent. One chased, then took the lead, and vice versa over and over. It was described as the most dramatic election in history. The number that was always highlighted was the less than 2% that Wen Yan had won over second place. Just a little and he would’ve lost...
However, Ji Ling clearly remembered that Wen Yan won the seat by a landslide last life, leading second place by at least 20%. This was too big a difference.
This was such a major change that Ji Ling couldn’t ignore it even if he wanted to.
An unexpected train of thought suddenly came up. Wen Yan hadn’t fallen out with Carlos, right?
Wen Yan and Carlos colluded with each other last life and he won the position easily. However, with the influence of Wen Yan's current status, it’d be very difficult for him to achieve the position of Speaker of the House once he’d lost Carlos' support. Even winning by such a narrow margin would be extremely difficult.
But why would they fall out? He hadn’t seen any contradictions rise between the two in his last life. The plot had changed for some reason.
Ji Ling couldn’t help but ask the system: [Do you know what’s going on here? 】
The system is silent: [I don't know. 】
Ji Ling: […] He shouldn’t have expected anything of the system.
At this moment, the servant outside came in to relay: “Young Master, His Excellency Wen Yan has come."
Tsk tsk tsk. These rascals all take advantage of the situation and sail wherever the wind blows. The election results had only just come out, and people have already started calling Wen Yan, ‘His Excellency.’
Ji Ling pushed away his thoughts. Wen Yan was probably only coming to report the election results to him. However, Ji Ling wasn’t really in the mood to deal with him now, because he knew that after Wen Yan became Speaker of the House, he’d quickly devote himself to his political battle and career advancement, rapidly increasing his power. Taking care of a rich kid young master like Ji Ling would no longer be important to him.
His journey spanned over the vast universe. Wen Yan wouldn’t have time to walk around in front of him any more!
As he thought of this, Wen Yan opened the door and entered.
Ji Ling sat on a chair, and looked at him haughtily. Raising his chin, he said, “Not bad. You didn’t lose face for me out there."
Wen Yan's silver hair was tied behind him. His black phoenix eyes were respectful as he said, “It is my fortune to not disgrace you.”
Ji Ling appeared very satisfied with his attitude and continued to display his arrogance. He snorted from on high: “Just because you’ve become Speaker of the House, don't get carried away, and forget your identity."
The contempt in his attitude and wording was clear.
After Ji Ling finished this sentence, he expectantly waited for Wen Yan to leave. Who would’ve guessed that Wen Yan would suddenly step forward, take Ji Ling's hand, and drop a gentle kiss on it devoutly? He lifted his line of sight and said, "I won’t forget."
Ji Ling was stunned.
Wen Yan stared at him deeply, and slowly promised: "No matter what my position is, one thing will never change; The fact that I will always be your most loyal servant."
Ji Ling looked at Wen Yan’s long and narrow phoenix eyes in a trance, then immediately came back to himself. The acting skill of these villains was just too good!
This rascal was too hypocritical. Really too hypocritical.
He withdrew his hand and smirked in disgust: "I know, I know. You can go."
In the face of Ji Ling impatiently driving him away, Wen Yan wasn’t the least bit angered. Maintaining his respectful manner, he looked down to hide the burning love in his eyes.
As a civilian speaker, everyone outside was hostile to him now. They really wanted to pull him down from this position by any means. Not only did he need to face numerous political opponents, but he also had to deal with Carlos' counterattack. All of that would no doubt be very difficult.
However, no matter the time or place, as long as he was near this youth, he could feel genuine warmth from the heart.
That was because everyone who faced him had an ulterior motive, and only this young man interacted with him sincerely without hiding his emotions. Although his mouth said words like that, Wen Yan could see through them. Those eyes didn’t contain the slightest disdain or disgust. There wasn’t even much surprise or shock in them… It seemed that no matter what he did, Ji Ling could calmly face the circumstances.
Ji Ling had never questioned him, much less considered him unworthy of this position as a lower civilian.
From last life to this life, Ji Ling was the only one who had always helped him without hesitation. Although seemingly arrogant and willful, in his heart, Ji Ling looked at him as an equal. His attitude wouldn’t change just because his situation in society had changed.
For me, protecting you is everything I want now.
………………
Ji Ling sent Wen Yan away with much difficulty, and continued to live his coach potato life.
It wasn’t until a few days later that he finally saw the news he most wanted to see!
A well-known tabloid had released a batch of photos of Jing Sui going in and out of Brandon's house. There were also photos of him looking intimate with Ning Yu. The caption insinuated that Jing Sui and Ning Yu’s relationship wasn’t that shallow. Why else would he have openly reproached Ji Ling to defend him at the banquet? The text hinted that Jing Sui and Ning Yu were in a shocking male x male relationship, and they even brought up Ji Ling’s name to step on him while they were at it. He had become a stepping stone on the path of the gong and shou’s love.
This report immediately brought about an uproar. Ning Yu and Jing Sui’s fans fought chaotically. The fans of Jing Sui cried that there was no way His Majesty could like a lower being, and that he was just playing with him because he had a good impression of him. Ning Yu’s fans praised their idol for being so good, strong, and beautiful. At least His Majesty had enough taste to see him favorably.
When the two sides bashed each other, the flaming would occasionally spread to Ji Ling and he’d get bashed too.
Ji Ling was extremely ecstatic to see this. He was so happy that he didn’t even care that he was getting bashed. This was the news he’d been waiting for! As someone playing his character, how could he take this lying down?
What’s more, he couldn’t accept gossip like this because he was crazy about Jing Sui!
Ji Ling closed the page and immediately switched from couch potato mode to work mode. He ran to find his mother and cried, "Mom, I want to go to the palace. Take me in, okay?”
Madam Marina was at home picking out clothes. Hearing this, she hesitated before she replied, "Why do you want to go to the palace all of a sudden?”
Ji Ling bowed his head and said, “I…I miss Auntie Saman..."
Madam Marina was actually close friends with Jing Sui’s mother, Empress Dowager Saman. Madam Saman had always been very fond of Ji Ling, but this time, Ji Ling's act was way too obvious. He was clearly saying this because of Jing Sui. Madam Marina still didn’t feel too good about doing this, but patted her son's head and said dotingly: "All right."
Ji Ling said happily, "Thank you, Mom."
Madam Marina poked his nose lightly and smiled: “Oh you. You only remember your mother at times like this.”
………………
After an hour, the Ji family’s hover car slowly entered the palace garden.
Ji Ling's memory was quite familiar with this palace, since the original used to come here frequently. His mother, Madam Marina, and Jing Sui’s mother, Madam Saman, had been close friends ever since they were young. They studied together, and grew up together. Later, Marina married Grand Duke Ji Ting, and Saman married the previous imperial emperor, giving birth to Prince Jing Sui. The two girls had always had a good relationship.
When the original was a child, Marina often took him into the palace to play. That’s how he’d met Jing Sui, who was ten years his elder. He adored this perfect, beautiful, omnipotent and godly big brother. Gradually, this adoration turned into love...
In fact, the original wasn’t such an arrogant, bossy and disgusting prick when he was young. Back then, Jing Sui treated him fairly well, and took care of him like a younger brother. However, when he grew up, the original not only became an abominable rich kid, but also frequently made trouble for Jing Sui’s friends due to his excessive desire to monopolize. Little by little, even Jing Sui became disgusted with him.
After all, no one liked *toffee so sticky that you couldn’t break it off. The original was stupid, ignorant and created chaos everyday.
As Ji Ling recalled this, the car came to a stop. He and his mother entered the magnificent palace. Madam Saman had long been waiting for them in the hall. She was very happy to see Ji Ling and smiled lovingly: "Xiao Ling, you haven’t been here for a long time. Auntie missed you so very much."
Ji Ling smiled cutely. He had always been clever and sensible in front of Madam Saman, making himself likable.
Madam Saman took Ji Ling's hand, and looked it up and down for a long time, concerned. She had her servants prepare a lot of gifts, and said, "These are for you. I know you like these things.”
Madam Marina looked on and smiled helplessly: “I told you not to be so polite. Every time we come here, it's like we’re robbing the palace."
Madam Saman's brow ticked, and the empress dowager exerted some imperial might saying: "Who dares say that?"
Ji Ling waited for a while, but thinking of his mission, he couldn't sit still any longer. Turning his eyes down, he looked for an opportunity and said: "Auntie Saman, Mom, I want to go out and look around.”
Madam Saman and Madam Marina glanced at each other with tacit understanding. Then, Madam Saman turned to Ji Ling and said: "Go then. Don’t stay out too late.”
Ji Ling nodded and said, "I know."
After he said this, he quickly turned around and flew out. He was very familiar with the palace, and most of the servants here also knew that the empress dowager doted on this young master. Naturally, nobody would get in his way.
Ji Ling followed his memory and soon arrived outside Emperor Sui's residence.
At a distance, he could hear the roar of a wild beast from inside. Ji Ling knew this was Jing Sui's pet; a very powerful hunter beast. He’d seen it last life, and even locked in a cage, it could make him piss his pants.
Although his legs went a little soft, Ji Ling braced himself and went in, all for the completion of his mission.
A tall man was standing in front of an iron cage. His black hair was draped over his shoulders, and his beautiful face was cool. In the sunlight, his golden pupils sparkled even more brilliantly. His wide shoulders and narrow waist elongated his straight powerful legs.
He threw a piece of meat on the floor and the huge beast inside the cage quickly devoured it.
Ji Ling saw that from head to toe, it stood close to 100 meters tall. It had sharp bone spurs all over its body, and looked like a huge ferocious monster. Ji Ling silently swallowed down his saliva, and then forced himself to keep looking away. He repeated to himself, ‘I can’t see it, I can’t see it, I can’t see it…’
He focused all his sights on Jing Sui with extreme concentration. He wouldn’t stray to look at his surroundings, not even a little! He walked over with a burst of courage, and looked up saying: “Brother Jing Sui.”
When no outsiders were present, this was how he called Jing Sui. This was the name that was reserved for him when they were alone.
Jing Sui was already aware that Ji Ling came over, but he didn't look back at him until he opened his mouth and called out. His eyes were indifferent as he said: “What did you come here for?”
Ji Ling looked at his apathetic eyes, and remembered the news he’d seen before. Forcing out the tears he’d long been building up, he looked at Jing Sui with red eyes, and asked in disbelief: “Everyone outside… They all say that you and Ning Yu are together..."
He looked fixedly at Jing Sui and asked, “That's not true, is it?"
Jing Sui looked at Ji Ling's eyes. The youth’s clear eyes were so focused, looking at him expectantly, and hoping to receive a negative answer.
Of course it wasn’t true, and just people’s baseless accusations. However, he had zero intentions of clarifying it, let alone explaining it to Ji Ling.
Jing Sui’s lips slowly hooked upwards. After a while, he laughed lightly: "What if I said it was true?"
He looked as the young man's eyes suddenly filled with pain and disbelief. Bending down to approach the boy, his golden pupils beamed coolly in mockery. He said slowly: "What are you planning to do now?”
Translation notes
*The original is a kind of sesame treat that’s really sticky and hard to bite off (牛皮糖).
