Ji Ling looked at Carlos kneeling down on one knee in front of him. He saw the man’s elegant and noble visage, and those unfathomable brown eyes... His fingers trembled uncontrollably.
He really couldn't continue this act of theirs!
Even though he had the script in hand, and this was his second run of the plot with an omniscient perspective on top of that, this sudden proposal from Carlos still had him completely confused.
What kind of godly development is this? Don’t tell me I’m dreaming?!
Jing Sui with a brain full of love was bad enough. Now, the biggest and baddest villain in the book was actually proposing to him! This question of Carlos’ was really in a separate class of its own! If he gave the wrong answer, would he be silenced and killed?
Carlos looked at the boy's face that had been shocked pale. His expression was still calm though, since he had expected the boy would be surprised at his proposal. Ji Ling had always treated him as dependable elder after all. Of course the boy would find this shocking.
He would eliminate Ji Ling’s wariness little by little, tuck him under his wing, and lock him by his side.
Carlos' eyes were gentle and concerned. He guided the conversation persuasively, saying: “His Majesty is a man who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal, no matter the means. Since he was able to do something like this, he would never let you go so easily. Only when he forces you into a dead end where you must choose him will that happen. Although I really want to help you, I’m just not in the right position, after all. How could I stop His Majesty from going after you? If you were my wife, however, it’d be a different story ... "
He paused briefly, and added slowly: "If you were my wife, I could protect you and have him give up completely and stop pestering you."
Ji Ling: ...
Carlos saw that Ji Ling was still in a daze and added leisurely: "I know this proposition is quite absurd, but this is the only way I can protect you from His Majesty. You don’t need to worry. This is just a front. We won't really get married, and I won't touch you. We just want His Majesty to give up... then we can break off the engagement at any time. You are free to do anything.”
His line of sight was so gentle, encompassing of every intolerance like the ocean… It was as if everything was completely for Ji Ling’s sake.
Seeing this, Ji Ling almost wanted to believe him…
But that was impossible…!
If Carlos really had this kind of affectionate character setting, then the sun would rise in the west! This guy truly was a terrifyingly cunning old fox. Ji Ling gradually came to understand that Carlos was actually doing this to go against Jing Sui!
Hadn’t Carlos also ruined Jing Sui and Ning Yu’s gossip when it spread last life? Ning Yu was insignificant to him, but he still deliberately went and sowed discord between them. Although he hadn’t made such a crazy proposal, there was at least some courtship. He’d tried to pull Ning Yu into his camp, destroying Jing Sui’s hard-earned prospects of appearing close to the people.
This life, Jing Sui publicly displayed his affections for me, clearly showing his intentions to win me over. That’s what led Carlos, that old fox, to play an even shittier card… proposing to me! If I really accepted his marriage proposal, wouldn't that just be like publicly slapping Jing Sui in the face?!
Is it that fun to go against Jing Sui?
This guy was just too unbelievable. Let’s put aside the fact that you’re chock full of evil tricks. Just based on the fact that you’re a man, I’d be crazy to marry you!
Ji Ling pulled his hand out from Carlos' grasp as if it was on fire. Revealing a look of surprise, he avoided eye contact and said: “No, you don't need to do this. I'm fine, you really don't have to... "
Carlos looked at the boy speaking incoherently and gave a helpless smile. He stood up and gently touched the boy’s head, saying: “This engagement is just an excuse to protect you from being hurt and refuse His Majesty. Once things have settled, we can end this relationship at any time, so there won’t be any burden on you at all."
Ji Ling still refused to accept, even avoiding Carlos' hand and biting his lip as he said: "But…I can't promise you..."
Carlos wasn’t angry. Instead, he smiled gently and said: "It doesn't matter. You can think about it some more. If you need me, you can tell me at any time."
Ji Ling daydreamed, I'll put these words on the record now. The day I willingly marry you, I'll eat my own head!
Ji Ling’s expression showed his heart was already committed: "You needn’t say any more.”
Carlos gave a soft sigh and looked at him indulgently, saying: “Have a good rest. I’ll come see you another day."
After he said this, he turned to leave.
He hadn’t intended to receive an answer today anyway. As long as the boy dropped his guard little by little, he’d one day willingly walk into this pit himself. He just needed to wait… Even if the boy loved someone else, what did it matter?
………………
Ji Ling sent Carlos away, and gave a distressed sigh. Jing Sui’s changes had already created a butterfly effect. Even the person he and Carlos fought over had changed to himself this life. Carlos had gone so far that he’d even brought up something so deranged as a marriage proposal. A normal person like himself could never guess what was in the minds of the villains, after all!
This really wasn’t a normal world!
And with the spread of that night’s gossip, the public opinion online was little by little, spiraling completely out of control.
Ji Ling publicly denied his relationship with the emperor, and Carlos' gentle concern for Ji Ling was embellished with detail as news spread… His Majesty was actually cuckolded, and the one who did it was even Archduke Carlos who had always been at odds with him! The people eating popcorn on the side were so shocked that even their popcorn fell. Many people couldn’t believe it, thinking it was simply ridiculous!
However, new reports soon popped up. Someone said that they’d met Carlos and asked him about this matter. Apparently, Carlos directly said that he liked Ji Ling and had already proposed to him.
This news swept the net like a storm. It stayed hot on the rankings all day. What love triangle of the century?! Before, they’d all thought it was a beautiful love between His Majesty and a garbage rich kid, but it was actually a bloody royal family drama?!
The two most powerful men in the empire were fighting for the same little rich kid… and His Majesty was the one being cheated on. The world must be crazy.
At this time, Ji Ling was actually the calmest one. He’d already expected this result when he’d acted like that back there.
Jing Sui and Carlos were at odds from the start. This fight was just the two of them putting on a front on the surface. Since this was the case, why not just let the two of them duke it out? Even better if they got so into it that they completely forgot about him.
Anyway, he was just a victim and a pawn of their political battle. It was that way last life, and still that way this life.
Most importantly, Ji Ling thought that, as an emperor, Jing Sui would never be able to stand betrayal and humiliation like this. After the news spread, the man should stop disregarding his identity and stop relentlessly pursuing him. Thinking about it in Jing Sui’s shoes, if he’d confessed in public and was slapped in the face, he’d be so ashamed he wouldn’t have the face to see anyone. Even more so when considering Jing Sui's noble identity. This was why he could still get rid of Jing Sui without even accepting Carlos’ marriage proposal.
Now, all Ji Ling was thinking about was how to get himself out of this situation as soon as possible.
Many people left messages on Ji Ling's personal page online everyday. Everyone was watching Ji Ling, wanting to see what he’d do. They even asked him to prove what was going on was true. However, Ji Ling never showed his stance. He never made any comments, nor responded to any of the news. He turned off his communicator and stayed behind closed doors. As if he’d been cut off from the world, he let the conjecture outside grow.
Two days later, Madam Marina had finally reached her limit and came over to Ji Ling.
She looked concerned and worried as she said: “Baby, what's going on with you and Carlos? Is everything they said online true?"
Ji Ling was expressionless and lowered his eyes, saying: "It's nothing."
Madam Marina was beside herself with worry, and couldn’t help but say: "I think His Majesty sincerely likes you. You used to like him very much. Why don't you believe in him and give him another chance?"
Ji Ling said faintly: "Mom, do you really believe His Majesty likes me?"
In the past, Madam Marina didn’t believe it either, but now she really did, so she said: "I believe His Majesty is sincere."
Ji Ling gave a self-deprecating smile: "Even if he really is sincere, doesn’t Uncle Carlos treat me better? If we’re talking about sincerity, then Uncle Carlos is more sincere, isn't he?"
Madam Marina added hurriedly: "But Carlos is..."
With tears welling up, Ji Ling said, "Mom, please don’t say any more. Let me be by myself, okay?”
Madam Marina: "..."
Although His Majesty was a child with deep thoughts as well, he was at least better than Carlos. Carlos was ruthless, terrifying and shrewd. How could her little precious contend with him? However, no matter what she said, she was unable to persuade Ji Ling. In the end, she had no choice but to leave.
………………
Ji Ling stayed at home staring into space everyday…
and let the storm outside brew however.
On this particular day, he suddenly heard a familiar voice ring in his mind.
System: [I'm back. 】
Ji Ling paused all of a sudden. He’d always felt that the system was useless and noisy, but now, just hearing one simple sentence was enough to make his eyes water. He’d really missed the system, but he was still angry in his heart, so he pretended to be unhappy and said: "You still know to come back, huh? 】
The system also understood the current situation, and didn’t take offense to Ji Ling’s accusation at all. He said guiltily: [Sorry, the higher ups are also very busy. I waited in line for a long time before I had the chance to even see them…]
Ji Ling: [So bureaucracy for you guys is also pretty serious, huh.]
The system gave a sad laugh: [It's not that bad. 】
Ji Ling: [So any answers? 】
The system paused for a bit, and said cautiously: [The genetic evolution agent bill passing successfully earlier has become an important point of change for the entire plot line. This has led the entire world into a state of natural evolution. Now, the plot of this world is beyond control.】
Ji Ling: [In simpler terms… 】
System: […That is to say, all the plot points you’ve previously seen before no longer exist in this world. From that moment onwards, anything has become possible. This also means that you can act freely and no longer need to follow any plot.】
Ji Ling was extremely angry. You needed to wait this long to tell me something so important? The plot is no more for goodness sake. I’ve already started acting freely long ago!
Ji Ling kept his anger in as he said: [Then what about the rebirth of the protagonists? Is there any way to save that situation? 】
System: [Well...]
Ji Ling’s heart went cold before he even heard the answer.
System: [Each and every one of them is an important character in this world. The main gong and shou are the sons of fate, important parts of this world. Similarly with the progression of this world, they are beyond our control. For the time being, we are still in discussion about what to do about this matter…]
Ji Ling deadpan: [In other words, you can’t do anything. 】
The system didn’t dare speak.
Ji Ling was so angry he didn't have the energy to rage. He said faintly: [Then how can I complete my mission? 】
The system thought for a moment: [Just do it?】
Ji Ling: [...]
The system encouraged: [Man is the determining factor. If you put your heart and soul into it, you can do it. The worst that could happen is that you have to start again. I’ll be with you.]
Ji Ling suddenly wanted the system to f*ck off again :)
Ji Ling looked at Carlos kneeling down on one knee in front of him. He saw the man’s elegant and noble visage, and those unfathomable brown eyes... His fingers trembled uncontrollably.
He really couldn't continue this act of theirs!
Even though he had the script in hand, and this was his second run of the plot with an omniscient perspective on top of that, this sudden proposal from Carlos still had him completely confused.
What kind of godly development is this? Don’t tell me I’m dreaming?!
Jing Sui with a brain full of love was bad enough. Now, the biggest and baddest villain in the book was actually proposing to him! This question of Carlos’ was really in a separate class of its own! If he gave the wrong answer, would he be silenced and killed?
Carlos looked at the boy's face that had been shocked pale. His expression was still calm though, since he had expected the boy would be surprised at his proposal. Ji Ling had always treated him as dependable elder after all. Of course the boy would find this shocking.
He would eliminate Ji Ling’s wariness little by little, tuck him under his wing, and lock him by his side.
Carlos' eyes were gentle and concerned. He guided the conversation persuasively, saying: “His Majesty is a man who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal, no matter the means. Since he was able to do something like this, he would never let you go so easily. Only when he forces you into a dead end where you must choose him will that happen. Although I really want to help you, I’m just not in the right position, after all. How could I stop His Majesty from going after you? If you were my wife, however, it’d be a different story ... "
He paused briefly, and added slowly: "If you were my wife, I could protect you and have him give up completely and stop pestering you."
Ji Ling: ...
Carlos saw that Ji Ling was still in a daze and added leisurely: "I know this proposition is quite absurd, but this is the only way I can protect you from His Majesty. You don’t need to worry. This is just a front. We won't really get married, and I won't touch you. We just want His Majesty to give up... then we can break off the engagement at any time. You are free to do anything.”
His line of sight was so gentle, encompassing of every intolerance like the ocean… It was as if everything was completely for Ji Ling’s sake.
Seeing this, Ji Ling almost wanted to believe him…
But that was impossible…!
If Carlos really had this kind of affectionate character setting, then the sun would rise in the west! This guy truly was a terrifyingly cunning old fox. Ji Ling gradually came to understand that Carlos was actually doing this to go against Jing Sui!
Hadn’t Carlos also ruined Jing Sui and Ning Yu’s gossip when it spread last life? Ning Yu was insignificant to him, but he still deliberately went and sowed discord between them. Although he hadn’t made such a crazy proposal, there was at least some courtship. He’d tried to pull Ning Yu into his camp, destroying Jing Sui’s hard-earned prospects of appearing close to the people.
This life, Jing Sui publicly displayed his affections for me, clearly showing his intentions to win me over. That’s what led Carlos, that old fox, to play an even shittier card… proposing to me! If I really accepted his marriage proposal, wouldn't that just be like publicly slapping Jing Sui in the face?!
Is it that fun to go against Jing Sui?
This guy was just too unbelievable. Let’s put aside the fact that you’re chock full of evil tricks. Just based on the fact that you’re a man, I’d be crazy to marry you!
Ji Ling pulled his hand out from Carlos' grasp as if it was on fire. Revealing a look of surprise, he avoided eye contact and said: “No, you don't need to do this. I'm fine, you really don't have to... "
Carlos looked at the boy speaking incoherently and gave a helpless smile. He stood up and gently touched the boy’s head, saying: “This engagement is just an excuse to protect you from being hurt and refuse His Majesty. Once things have settled, we can end this relationship at any time, so there won’t be any burden on you at all."
Ji Ling still refused to accept, even avoiding Carlos' hand and biting his lip as he said: "But…I can't promise you..."
Carlos wasn’t angry. Instead, he smiled gently and said: "It doesn't matter. You can think about it some more. If you need me, you can tell me at any time."
Ji Ling daydreamed, I'll put these words on the record now. The day I willingly marry you, I'll eat my own head!
Ji Ling’s expression showed his heart was already committed: "You needn’t say any more.”
Carlos gave a soft sigh and looked at him indulgently, saying: “Have a good rest. I’ll come see you another day."
After he said this, he turned to leave.
He hadn’t intended to receive an answer today anyway. As long as the boy dropped his guard little by little, he’d one day willingly walk into this pit himself. He just needed to wait… Even if the boy loved someone else, what did it matter?
………………
Ji Ling sent Carlos away, and gave a distressed sigh. Jing Sui’s changes had already created a butterfly effect. Even the person he and Carlos fought over had changed to himself this life. Carlos had gone so far that he’d even brought up something so deranged as a marriage proposal. A normal person like himself could never guess what was in the minds of the villains, after all!
This really wasn’t a normal world!
And with the spread of that night’s gossip, the public opinion online was little by little, spiraling completely out of control.
Ji Ling publicly denied his relationship with the emperor, and Carlos' gentle concern for Ji Ling was embellished with detail as news spread… His Majesty was actually cuckolded, and the one who did it was even Archduke Carlos who had always been at odds with him! The people eating popcorn on the side were so shocked that even their popcorn fell. Many people couldn’t believe it, thinking it was simply ridiculous!
However, new reports soon popped up. Someone said that they’d met Carlos and asked him about this matter. Apparently, Carlos directly said that he liked Ji Ling and had already proposed to him.
This news swept the net like a storm. It stayed hot on the rankings all day. What love triangle of the century?! Before, they’d all thought it was a beautiful love between His Majesty and a garbage rich kid, but it was actually a bloody royal family drama?!
The two most powerful men in the empire were fighting for the same little rich kid… and His Majesty was the one being cheated on. The world must be crazy.
At this time, Ji Ling was actually the calmest one. He’d already expected this result when he’d acted like that back there.
Jing Sui and Carlos were at odds from the start. This fight was just the two of them putting on a front on the surface. Since this was the case, why not just let the two of them duke it out? Even better if they got so into it that they completely forgot about him.
Anyway, he was just a victim and a pawn of their political battle. It was that way last life, and still that way this life.
Most importantly, Ji Ling thought that, as an emperor, Jing Sui would never be able to stand betrayal and humiliation like this. After the news spread, the man should stop disregarding his identity and stop relentlessly pursuing him. Thinking about it in Jing Sui’s shoes, if he’d confessed in public and was slapped in the face, he’d be so ashamed he wouldn’t have the face to see anyone. Even more so when considering Jing Sui's noble identity. This was why he could still get rid of Jing Sui without even accepting Carlos’ marriage proposal.
Now, all Ji Ling was thinking about was how to get himself out of this situation as soon as possible.
Many people left messages on Ji Ling's personal page online everyday. Everyone was watching Ji Ling, wanting to see what he’d do. They even asked him to prove what was going on was true. However, Ji Ling never showed his stance. He never made any comments, nor responded to any of the news. He turned off his communicator and stayed behind closed doors. As if he’d been cut off from the world, he let the conjecture outside grow.
Two days later, Madam Marina had finally reached her limit and came over to Ji Ling.
She looked concerned and worried as she said: “Baby, what's going on with you and Carlos? Is everything they said online true?"
Ji Ling was expressionless and lowered his eyes, saying: "It's nothing."
Madam Marina was beside herself with worry, and couldn’t help but say: "I think His Majesty sincerely likes you. You used to like him very much. Why don't you believe in him and give him another chance?"
Ji Ling said faintly: "Mom, do you really believe His Majesty likes me?"
In the past, Madam Marina didn’t believe it either, but now she really did, so she said: "I believe His Majesty is sincere."
Ji Ling gave a self-deprecating smile: "Even if he really is sincere, doesn’t Uncle Carlos treat me better? If we’re talking about sincerity, then Uncle Carlos is more sincere, isn't he?"
Madam Marina added hurriedly: "But Carlos is..."
With tears welling up, Ji Ling said, "Mom, please don’t say any more. Let me be by myself, okay?”
Madam Marina: "..."
Although His Majesty was a child with deep thoughts as well, he was at least better than Carlos. Carlos was ruthless, terrifying and shrewd. How could her little precious contend with him? However, no matter what she said, she was unable to persuade Ji Ling. In the end, she had no choice but to leave.
………………
Ji Ling stayed at home staring into space everyday…
and let the storm outside brew however.
On this particular day, he suddenly heard a familiar voice ring in his mind.
System: [I'm back. 】
Ji Ling paused all of a sudden. He’d always felt that the system was useless and noisy, but now, just hearing one simple sentence was enough to make his eyes water. He’d really missed the system, but he was still angry in his heart, so he pretended to be unhappy and said: "You still know to come back, huh? 】
The system also understood the current situation, and didn’t take offense to Ji Ling’s accusation at all. He said guiltily: [Sorry, the higher ups are also very busy. I waited in line for a long time before I had the chance to even see them…]
Ji Ling: [So bureaucracy for you guys is also pretty serious, huh.]
The system gave a sad laugh: [It's not that bad. 】
Ji Ling: [So any answers? 】
The system paused for a bit, and said cautiously: [The genetic evolution agent bill passing successfully earlier has become an important point of change for the entire plot line. This has led the entire world into a state of natural evolution. Now, the plot of this world is beyond control.】
Ji Ling: [In simpler terms… 】
System: […That is to say, all the plot points you’ve previously seen before no longer exist in this world. From that moment onwards, anything has become possible. This also means that you can act freely and no longer need to follow any plot.】
Ji Ling was extremely angry. You needed to wait this long to tell me something so important? The plot is no more for goodness sake. I’ve already started acting freely long ago!
Ji Ling kept his anger in as he said: [Then what about the rebirth of the protagonists? Is there any way to save that situation? 】
System: [Well...]
Ji Ling’s heart went cold before he even heard the answer.
System: [Each and every one of them is an important character in this world. The main gong and shou are the sons of fate, important parts of this world. Similarly with the progression of this world, they are beyond our control. For the time being, we are still in discussion about what to do about this matter…]
Ji Ling deadpan: [In other words, you can’t do anything. 】
The system didn’t dare speak.
Ji Ling was so angry he didn't have the energy to rage. He said faintly: [Then how can I complete my mission? 】
The system thought for a moment: [Just do it?】
Ji Ling: [...]
The system encouraged: [Man is the determining factor. If you put your heart and soul into it, you can do it. The worst that could happen is that you have to start again. I’ll be with you.]
Ji Ling suddenly wanted the system to f*ck off again :)
