Two days went by just like that. There was basically only one stance on the net now. Everyone said that Ji Ling and Jing Sui were truly in love, because news of what had happened at the banquet the other night had also spread. The nobles had personally witnessed just how much Jing Sui doted on Ji Ling. Who would believe it If they said that wasn’t true love?
Ji Ling was extremely annoyed. All he could do was turn a blind eye to what was on the net. The only good thing was that Jing Sui had never come over. His only comfort was that he didn’t have to face the man directly.
One particular afternoon, Ji Ling was lying in bed daydreaming, when Madam Marina suddenly came in and pulled him out of bed. After washing and dressing, Ji Ling was dragged to the parlor. Completely lost, he pushed open the door, and, without warning, colorful confetti was showered onto his whole body. Everyone welcomed him into the parlor with loud fanfare.
Ji Ling: "..."
Madam Marina took her son's hand and said lovingly: "I called all your friends over, precious. Have a good time at home today."
Ji Ling: "..."
Woe is me. I actually don't want to see anyone right now, okay? As one of the leading roles in the hot gossip that was the focus of the whole nation, he stared back at countless pairs of eyes, sparkling with curiosity. This made him feel so bitter that he wanted to just kill himself.
However, he looked at Madam Marina's concerned expression, and endured yet another hardship. In the end, he said helplessly: "Thank you, Mom."
Madam Marina breathed a sigh of relief. She was really worried about Ji Ling. The evening Ji Ling returned home, she went straight to the palace fuming, only to find Madam Saman already waiting for her.
As a result, she was fuming mad when she went, and dejected and deflated when she came back. It really wasn’t Jing Sui's fault.
Moreover, Madam Saman repeatedly re-assured her that Jing Sui was 1000% serious towards Ji Ling. He would definitely show her his sincerity. Afterwards, she saw the news on the net that Jing Sui had actually displayed his love publicly. For an almost too calm and rational child to do this, he was clearly true to Ji Ling beyond any doubts. That was because Jing Sui had always been concerned about his image. He would never make a joke of doing something like this.
Madam Marina put down her doubts and began to detest Carlos bitterly for spoiling everything and making her baby sad.
And Madam Saman had also told her not to trigger Ji Ling for the time being. They had to take it slow. Only with that could Madam Marina endure her heartache and not discuss things with her son. The worst part was that even though Jing Sui had taken such an action, she hadn’t seen Ji Ling get a tiny bit happy. Was this still not enough to prove Jing Sui’s feelings?
She thought back and forth, but couldn’t come up with anything. In the end, she could only invite all of Ji Ling’s friends home for a party. Maybe more people would make him happy?
Her baby used to love excitement.
Madam Marina patted her son's head and said gently: "Mom will leave first then.” She said this, and turned to go. She had to give her son some space to breathe.
Ji Ling didn't know Madam Marina was thinking so much. If he’d known, he might’ve vomited blood. Looking at his group of curious friends, he could feel his head getting heavy.
Rhodes looked at Ji Ling with admiration: “Young Master Ji, His Majesty truly likes you."
Deng Dong also said in awe: "We all saw it that day. His Majesty really has you in the heart of his heart. I’ve never seen His Majesty treat someone so well!"
Ji Ling’s head hurt terribly. With a gloomy expression, he said: "Don't say anymore.”
Rhodes and Deng Dong both looked at Ji Ling in disbelief. They had no idea why he’d made that expression. Could it be that he wasn’t happy?
Ji Ling didn't want to admit there was any love between him and Jing Sui. Denial was his last act of perseverance. Stubbornly, he said: “I’m not together with His Majesty."
When this statement came out, it shocked not only Rhodes and Deng Dong, but also all of his other rascal friends who had perked their ears to listen to the gossip! Who in the entire Empire Star didn’t know Ji Ling deeply loved His Majesty? Now that His Majesty had proclaimed his love in public, Ji Ling acted lukewarm and even said that they’re not together. Were they hearing things?! Does this mean he’s refusing His Majesty's confession?
Right at this moment, a low and elegant voice sounded, echoing clearly in the parlor hall: "That's right."
Everyone turned around in shock. Then, one by one, they were scared silly [into wooden chickens]. What the heck was going on? How come Archduke Carlos suddenly appeared here?
Even the attendant by Carlos’ side had a headache. He was just a servant, so how could he possibly have stopped the grand duke? If Archduke Carlos suddenly wanted to visit the Ji residence, who could do anything about it?!
Ji Ling was also surprised. Confused, he looked at Carlos as he made his sudden appearance.
Carlos's deep and elegant features were smiling. His lips were hooked up as he approached Ji Ling's side. Looking at him gently, he said: “I’ve been hearing some rumors outside lately. I was very worried about you, so I came to see how you were doing.”
Ji Ling: ...
He didn't know what Carlos was playing at, but on second thought, since he had already used Carlos as an excuse in front of Jing Sui, he might as well act it out until the end. This was the perfect chance for him to destroy the rumors. And so, Ji Ling gave Carlos a feeble smile and said: "Uncle Carlos."
Rhodes and Deng Dong: ...
This group of rascals was as good as a flock of shaking chickens. Naturally, they didn’t dare say a word. Trembling with fear, they looked on in trepidation at the warm tenderness going on between Carlos and Ji Ling before them.
Everyone knew Carlos was like fire and water with His Majesty, so how could Ji Ling, as His Majesty’s true love, deny their love and instead show intimacy with Archduke Carlos instead? This was beyond belief!
What crazy gossip had they witnessed today? They wouldn’t be killed and silenced, would they?!
Ji Ling didn't care how others saw him. With tears in his eyes, he looked at Carlos, appearing to still be depressed, and said faintly: "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Carlos saw the unconcealed pallor and fatigue from the youth’s eyes, and his heart ached for him. He put his arms around the boy’s shoulders and let him lean into his embrace. Comforting, he said softly: "Don't try to be brave. If you’re really in pain, you can come find me. I will always be by your side."
Ji Ling let Carlos hold him. With his eyes downcast, he bit his lip and didn’t say anymore.
Everyone: ...
Crap, what did they even see today? Ji Ling was cheating on His Majesty. Plus, the other party was Archduke Carlos…?!
Someone save them! They didn't want to dieeee!
Was it too late now to poke their eyes out [and claim they saw nothing]?!
Ji Ling looked up at everyone's frightened expressions, and thought to himself, ‘This scene can just about be wrapped up now.’ Then, he stood up and said, "I'm tired, so I’m going back to rest first."
They were all too afraid to say a peep, staying quiet as mice.
Only Carlos stood up and smiled dotingly, saying: “I’ll take you back."
Ji Ling returned to his room, and was just thinking about getting Carlos to leave. This man couldn’t be handled lightly. Carlos likely came today to purposely worsen Jing Sui’s prospects. Luckily, he had also needed Carlos at that moment, so he simply played along. After all, he and Carlos were just using each other, because they had a common goal.
Carlos wanted to attack Jing Sui, and he wanted Jing Sui off of him.
Ji Ling whispered softly: "Uncle Carlos, thank you for coming to see me, but I’m really okay.”
Carlos looked at the youth’s trembling eyelids, his pale face, and the delicate neck exposed from his shirt. The boy was so fragile. It was as if his whole person had suffered a heavy blow, but he still had to try hard to put up a strong front.
The boy had believed in him, but…that’s why he was hurt.
Carlos' heart was full of pain. Before, he had endured and held back many times, all in hopes that the youth would willingly approach him and things would gradually change. Since the situation had reached this point, he really was unwilling to use such a method…
But…he was even more unwilling to let him go.
I'll do whatever it takes to get you.
Carlos stared at Ji Ling gently and sighed: "I know you’re a strong child, but I’m worried that His Majesty won’t let you go just like that.”
Ji Ling looked up in astonishment.
Carlos looked worried as he said: "He made such a statement in public directly, without even caring about your wishes. It was all to set this truth in stone. Since you’re kind-hearted and soft to him from your adoration, I'm afraid you won’t be able to continue refusing him… He can easily force you to go back to him without even lifting a finger. This kind of cruel tactic is truly disappointing.”
Ji Ling: "..."
While he thought to himself, Jing Sui really doesn’t mean it like that, he still pretended to be dazed and hurt. His eyes swam, appearing as if he couldn't bear it any more.
Carlos gave another sigh. His voice was full of remorse as he said: "I thought about it afterwards, and perhaps I did do something wrong. If I hadn’t exposed this truth to you, and if His Majesty could always pretend to like you, then even if the feelings were false... at least you wouldn’t be sad and hurt."
He looked at Ji Ling, and in his deep brown eyes, an extremely complicated struggle with regret could be seen: "I'm sorry."
Ji Ling was shocked silly. What kind of godly acting was this? Are you going for an Oscar???
When an actor is opposite another strong actor, it’s even easier to get into the zone!
Ji Ling subconsciously began to play off his acting. He suddenly burst into tears, and he choked back sobs saying: "Uncle Carlos, you don't have to apologize to me. He’s the one who lied to me. You were just worried that I’d be hurt. All this I understand!"
Carlos was grateful and appeared moved. He looked at Ji Ling lovingly and said in a low voice: "No matter what happens, this is the end of this matter. I won't give him another chance to coerce you or hurt you."
Ji Ling really wanted to say, ‘Okay, okay, I believe you already, all right?’
As a result, he saw Carlos get down on one knee in front of him.
Ji Ling was really scared silly now. He was so shocked that he couldn’t move a single muscle, and just stiffened like a stone. Completely stumped, he let Carlos raise his right hand however he wanted. The man lowered his head, and gently planted a kiss on top.
This man with elegant and profound features looked up at him with incomparably dark eyes. His thin lips arched softly, and his husky voice was magnetic and pleasant as he solemnly promised: "Please give me the chance to protect you... Marry me and be my wife, all right?”
Ji Ling: ? ? ?
Two days went by just like that. There was basically only one stance on the net now. Everyone said that Ji Ling and Jing Sui were truly in love, because news of what had happened at the banquet the other night had also spread. The nobles had personally witnessed just how much Jing Sui doted on Ji Ling. Who would believe it If they said that wasn’t true love?
Ji Ling was extremely annoyed. All he could do was turn a blind eye to what was on the net. The only good thing was that Jing Sui had never come over. His only comfort was that he didn’t have to face the man directly.
One particular afternoon, Ji Ling was lying in bed daydreaming, when Madam Marina suddenly came in and pulled him out of bed. After washing and dressing, Ji Ling was dragged to the parlor. Completely lost, he pushed open the door, and, without warning, colorful confetti was showered onto his whole body. Everyone welcomed him into the parlor with loud fanfare.
Ji Ling: "..."
Madam Marina took her son's hand and said lovingly: "I called all your friends over, precious. Have a good time at home today."
Ji Ling: "..."
Woe is me. I actually don't want to see anyone right now, okay? As one of the leading roles in the hot gossip that was the focus of the whole nation, he stared back at countless pairs of eyes, sparkling with curiosity. This made him feel so bitter that he wanted to just kill himself.
However, he looked at Madam Marina's concerned expression, and endured yet another hardship. In the end, he said helplessly: "Thank you, Mom."
Madam Marina breathed a sigh of relief. She was really worried about Ji Ling. The evening Ji Ling returned home, she went straight to the palace fuming, only to find Madam Saman already waiting for her.
As a result, she was fuming mad when she went, and dejected and deflated when she came back. It really wasn’t Jing Sui's fault.
Moreover, Madam Saman repeatedly re-assured her that Jing Sui was 1000% serious towards Ji Ling. He would definitely show her his sincerity. Afterwards, she saw the news on the net that Jing Sui had actually displayed his love publicly. For an almost too calm and rational child to do this, he was clearly true to Ji Ling beyond any doubts. That was because Jing Sui had always been concerned about his image. He would never make a joke of doing something like this.
Madam Marina put down her doubts and began to detest Carlos bitterly for spoiling everything and making her baby sad.
And Madam Saman had also told her not to trigger Ji Ling for the time being. They had to take it slow. Only with that could Madam Marina endure her heartache and not discuss things with her son. The worst part was that even though Jing Sui had taken such an action, she hadn’t seen Ji Ling get a tiny bit happy. Was this still not enough to prove Jing Sui’s feelings?
She thought back and forth, but couldn’t come up with anything. In the end, she could only invite all of Ji Ling’s friends home for a party. Maybe more people would make him happy?
Her baby used to love excitement.
Madam Marina patted her son's head and said gently: "Mom will leave first then.” She said this, and turned to go. She had to give her son some space to breathe.
Ji Ling didn't know Madam Marina was thinking so much. If he’d known, he might’ve vomited blood. Looking at his group of curious friends, he could feel his head getting heavy.
Rhodes looked at Ji Ling with admiration: “Young Master Ji, His Majesty truly likes you."
Deng Dong also said in awe: "We all saw it that day. His Majesty really has you in the heart of his heart. I’ve never seen His Majesty treat someone so well!"
Ji Ling’s head hurt terribly. With a gloomy expression, he said: "Don't say anymore.”
Rhodes and Deng Dong both looked at Ji Ling in disbelief. They had no idea why he’d made that expression. Could it be that he wasn’t happy?
Ji Ling didn't want to admit there was any love between him and Jing Sui. Denial was his last act of perseverance. Stubbornly, he said: “I’m not together with His Majesty."
When this statement came out, it shocked not only Rhodes and Deng Dong, but also all of his other rascal friends who had perked their ears to listen to the gossip! Who in the entire Empire Star didn’t know Ji Ling deeply loved His Majesty? Now that His Majesty had proclaimed his love in public, Ji Ling acted lukewarm and even said that they’re not together. Were they hearing things?! Does this mean he’s refusing His Majesty's confession?
Right at this moment, a low and elegant voice sounded, echoing clearly in the parlor hall: "That's right."
Everyone turned around in shock. Then, one by one, they were scared silly [into wooden chickens]. What the heck was going on? How come Archduke Carlos suddenly appeared here?
Even the attendant by Carlos’ side had a headache. He was just a servant, so how could he possibly have stopped the grand duke? If Archduke Carlos suddenly wanted to visit the Ji residence, who could do anything about it?!
Ji Ling was also surprised. Confused, he looked at Carlos as he made his sudden appearance.
Carlos's deep and elegant features were smiling. His lips were hooked up as he approached Ji Ling's side. Looking at him gently, he said: “I’ve been hearing some rumors outside lately. I was very worried about you, so I came to see how you were doing.”
Ji Ling: ...
He didn't know what Carlos was playing at, but on second thought, since he had already used Carlos as an excuse in front of Jing Sui, he might as well act it out until the end. This was the perfect chance for him to destroy the rumors. And so, Ji Ling gave Carlos a feeble smile and said: "Uncle Carlos."
Rhodes and Deng Dong: ...
This group of rascals was as good as a flock of shaking chickens. Naturally, they didn’t dare say a word. Trembling with fear, they looked on in trepidation at the warm tenderness going on between Carlos and Ji Ling before them.
Everyone knew Carlos was like fire and water with His Majesty, so how could Ji Ling, as His Majesty’s true love, deny their love and instead show intimacy with Archduke Carlos instead? This was beyond belief!
What crazy gossip had they witnessed today? They wouldn’t be killed and silenced, would they?!
Ji Ling didn't care how others saw him. With tears in his eyes, he looked at Carlos, appearing to still be depressed, and said faintly: "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Carlos saw the unconcealed pallor and fatigue from the youth’s eyes, and his heart ached for him. He put his arms around the boy’s shoulders and let him lean into his embrace. Comforting, he said softly: "Don't try to be brave. If you’re really in pain, you can come find me. I will always be by your side."
Ji Ling let Carlos hold him. With his eyes downcast, he bit his lip and didn’t say anymore.
Everyone: ...
Crap, what did they even see today? Ji Ling was cheating on His Majesty. Plus, the other party was Archduke Carlos…?!
Someone save them! They didn't want to dieeee!
Was it too late now to poke their eyes out [and claim they saw nothing]?!
Ji Ling looked up at everyone's frightened expressions, and thought to himself, ‘This scene can just about be wrapped up now.’ Then, he stood up and said, "I'm tired, so I’m going back to rest first."
They were all too afraid to say a peep, staying quiet as mice.
Only Carlos stood up and smiled dotingly, saying: “I’ll take you back."
Ji Ling returned to his room, and was just thinking about getting Carlos to leave. This man couldn’t be handled lightly. Carlos likely came today to purposely worsen Jing Sui’s prospects. Luckily, he had also needed Carlos at that moment, so he simply played along. After all, he and Carlos were just using each other, because they had a common goal.
Carlos wanted to attack Jing Sui, and he wanted Jing Sui off of him.
Ji Ling whispered softly: "Uncle Carlos, thank you for coming to see me, but I’m really okay.”
Carlos looked at the youth’s trembling eyelids, his pale face, and the delicate neck exposed from his shirt. The boy was so fragile. It was as if his whole person had suffered a heavy blow, but he still had to try hard to put up a strong front.
The boy had believed in him, but…that’s why he was hurt.
Carlos' heart was full of pain. Before, he had endured and held back many times, all in hopes that the youth would willingly approach him and things would gradually change. Since the situation had reached this point, he really was unwilling to use such a method…
But…he was even more unwilling to let him go.
I'll do whatever it takes to get you.
Carlos stared at Ji Ling gently and sighed: "I know you’re a strong child, but I’m worried that His Majesty won’t let you go just like that.”
Ji Ling looked up in astonishment.
Carlos looked worried as he said: "He made such a statement in public directly, without even caring about your wishes. It was all to set this truth in stone. Since you’re kind-hearted and soft to him from your adoration, I'm afraid you won’t be able to continue refusing him… He can easily force you to go back to him without even lifting a finger. This kind of cruel tactic is truly disappointing.”
Ji Ling: "..."
While he thought to himself, Jing Sui really doesn’t mean it like that, he still pretended to be dazed and hurt. His eyes swam, appearing as if he couldn't bear it any more.
Carlos gave another sigh. His voice was full of remorse as he said: "I thought about it afterwards, and perhaps I did do something wrong. If I hadn’t exposed this truth to you, and if His Majesty could always pretend to like you, then even if the feelings were false... at least you wouldn’t be sad and hurt."
He looked at Ji Ling, and in his deep brown eyes, an extremely complicated struggle with regret could be seen: "I'm sorry."
Ji Ling was shocked silly. What kind of godly acting was this? Are you going for an Oscar???
When an actor is opposite another strong actor, it’s even easier to get into the zone!
Ji Ling subconsciously began to play off his acting. He suddenly burst into tears, and he choked back sobs saying: "Uncle Carlos, you don't have to apologize to me. He’s the one who lied to me. You were just worried that I’d be hurt. All this I understand!"
Carlos was grateful and appeared moved. He looked at Ji Ling lovingly and said in a low voice: "No matter what happens, this is the end of this matter. I won't give him another chance to coerce you or hurt you."
Ji Ling really wanted to say, ‘Okay, okay, I believe you already, all right?’
As a result, he saw Carlos get down on one knee in front of him.
Ji Ling was really scared silly now. He was so shocked that he couldn’t move a single muscle, and just stiffened like a stone. Completely stumped, he let Carlos raise his right hand however he wanted. The man lowered his head, and gently planted a kiss on top.
This man with elegant and profound features looked up at him with incomparably dark eyes. His thin lips arched softly, and his husky voice was magnetic and pleasant as he solemnly promised: "Please give me the chance to protect you... Marry me and be my wife, all right?”
Ji Ling: ? ? ?
