Ji Ling walked around with Carlos and received countless bootlicking comments, feeling like this was so ridiculous and meaningless. He mulled over it for a long time, and felt like he’d already shown enough of his face. Hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "Carlos, I want to go back and rest first."
Carlos put on a concerned expression and said gently: “All right, you go back first then. I’ll come find you later."
All the onlookers were completely shocked. No one expected Ji Ling would actually dare call Carlos by his first name so casually. Not only was Carlos not angry, but he reacted so dotingly. They’d previously thought Carlos was only doing this for the sake of going against His Majesty, but now, it seemed clear that he was somewhat sincere to Ji Ling, at least on the surface. Their expressions changed chaotically as they constantly re-appraised Ji Ling’s value.
Had their previous assumptions been wrong? Did Carlos truly love Ji Ling?!
Ji Ling received Carlos’ affirmative reply, and turned to leave. At this time, the servant by the door suddenly announced loudly: “His Majesty has arrived!”
The whole space suddenly plunged into silence.
Ji Ling paused.
Carlos also raised his head and narrowed his eyes as he looked over.
A black-haired, golden-eyed handsome man dressed in a silver-grey high-collared traditional outfit strode over from a distance. Under the light, his golden eyes appeared even more more piercing. No one dared to look straight at him.
Ji Ling suddenly felt a little nervous, and subconsciously gripped Carlos' hand. He’d thought Jing Sui wouldn't attend, and relaxed inside before. He never imagined that Jing Sui would actually come.
He hadn’t seen the man since they’d parted last. Ji Ling recalled Jing Sui's promise and how pained he looked at the time. Remembering the psychological shadow he must’ve inflicted on Jing Sui with his actions, he didn't dare look Jing Sui in the eye at all. He told himself not to panic!
Jing Sui shouldn’t do anything to him in public!
In the blink of an eye, Jing Sui had already come over to them.
The other guests bowed their heads down in succession to make way, and watched the scene cautiously. Even if His Majesty didn’t say a word, his aura was enough to make them cower in fear. More importantly… today would be a big show, and they didn't dare stick their heads in!
Ji Ling leaned against Carlos, and told himself not to be afraid! He finally summoned up the courage to look towards Jing Sui.
Carlos felt the youth hold his hand dependently, and was happy beyond words. He stepped forward protectively, and shielded the boy behind himself. He greeted Jing Sui’s gaze without running or hiding, and raised his eyebrows as he chuckled: “So Your Majesty has come.”
Jing Sui only gave Ji Ling one glance, and quickly retracted his gaze. He gave Carlos a bitter smile, and said in a calm and indifferent tone: “This is such a happy event, of course I have to come congratulate you in person.”
Carlos flashed a fake smile: "Your Majesty is too polite.”
Jing Sui's lips turned upwards: “No, I must.”
Besides the moment when he first came over, Jing Sui hadn’t looked at him again, appearing as if he didn’t care for him much. Ji Ling could finally put himself at ease. It seemed that his worries before had been unnecessary. How could Jing Sui possibly make a fuss in a situation like this anyway?
His each and every word and action represented that of the imperial emperor, after all. From last life, it could be seen that he was a very calm and controlled man. Even if he was fighting a chaotic battle with Carlos in secret, he would maintain a calm and peaceful relationship on the surface all the while. He definitely wouldn’t make any rash moves, and once he made his move, it would certainly be a vital hit.
It looked like his engagement with Carlos had finally made Jing Sui return to normal!
He hadn’t expected to succeed at this step…
Ji Ling was secretly elated inside. After you give up on my ungrateful rich kid self, you’ll find that Ning Yu is your true destined lover and partner! He is the one most suitable for you. Not only can he help further your cause, but he’s also very considerate, unlike me, who will just drag you down like a deadweight. Why don’t we let bygones be bygones, and each have our own happily ever after!
Ji Ling thought until this point, and no longer wanted to stay to watch these guys being “polite” to each other. He once again said to Carlos: "You talk to His Majesty. I’ll retire first."
Carlos gave a faint smile and nodded.
Relieved of this burden, Ji Ling quickly got out of their line of sight. He was oh so happy!
………………
The front of the estate was packed with guests, but the back was much quieter. Not only was there a clear and beautiful lake there, but the surrounding was lined with lush foliage. The setting was serene and alluring, putting anyone there at ease.
Ji Ling had no plans to go out front again. He’d completed his tasks for today, and all he had to do now was wait until the banquet ended.
He sat by the lake with nothing to do and picked up some stones to throw into the water. After a while, he took off his shoes and did some flutter kicks. Finally, he climbed up a tree and slept for a while. Although he was hungry, he couldn't go out front, so he found a few fruits to eat. Rubbing his dirty hands on his clothes a few times would do.
The restless boy tossed about until the sun went down. He thought to himself, How come this party is so damn long? I’m so bored. Seeing that it was getting dark, he decided to sneak away quietly...
As a result, he hadn’t even walked a few steps before he unexpectedly bumped into Jing Sui.
Ohh, he also came out for a walk?
Under the dim light of night, Jing Sui's face was half hidden in the shadows. His expression couldn’t be seen very clearly.
Ji Ling remembered the false courtesies Jing Sui and Carlos had been dishing out to each other, and thought that the man had given up on him and wouldn’t pester him anymore. However, he had cheated on Jing Sui after all. It’d be better not to face him alone out of self-preservation!
He glanced at Jing Sui, and suddenly turned to leave. I saw nothing, I saw nothing. Pretend that I saw nothing!
However, the man behind him opened his mouth and shouted to stop him. His voice was cold and insipid: "Long time no see."
Ji Ling's footsteps stopped. Now that Jing Sui had spoken to him, it wouldn’t be appropriate to pretend that he hadn’t seen him anymore. He could only look back stiffly and give an awkward cry: "Your Majesty."
Jing Sui approached, step by step. On his cold handsome face was an unprecedented frigidity. He said lightly: "When are you planning to get married? Don't forget to inform me when the time comes, so I can prepare a gift for you."
Ji Ling looked into Jing Sui's golden eyes. His words were obviously very normal and appropriate courtesies, but for some reason, he felt absolutely terrified at this moment. Something wasn’t right… His sense of danger slowly increased.
He gave a dry laugh: “Okay.”
He finished speaking and immediately turned to leave. He decided to get out of here first, because even though Jing Sui appeared to be acting very normal, he still felt that something was amiss…
However, before he could even take a step, the man behind him suddenly approached and pressed him forcefully against the tree.
Ji Ling's terror solidified on his face, and his scalp numbed in fear. He struggled to escape, but the man pinned his hands above his head with ease. A grim face approached him; a mocking and sarcastic smile hung on those lips. There was no warmth in his eyes, only the darkness of the abyss.
Ji Ling had never seen Jing Sui look so terrifying before. For a moment, he forgot to struggle.
Last life, the way Jing Sui looked at him was always cold and indifferent, as if he was looking at an ant, or a piece of dust. The man never took him to heart, and he would never have taken the initiative to approach him.
This life, Jing Sui looked at him with gentle affection most of the time. Occasionally, there was some pain and regret. The man had always doted on him and let him do whatever he wanted, so much so that he’d forgotten just how terrifying he was at times.
And now, there was this expression on Jing Sui’s face that Ji Ling had never seen before.
It was so icy cold…so terrifying, and filled with such a complex struggle within. The intensity was such that he felt like he’d be peeled and eaten whole. It inspired a despairing fear with no means of escape.
Ji Ling was stunned on the spot.
In hindsight, he had finally realized… Who said Jing Sui wasn't angry?! He’s angry to death! He just didn't show it on his face before. God knows how furious he actually is inside. He won’t choke me to death, right?!
Help!
Ji Ling was scared silly. His face paled as he barked with no bite, saying: “Y-You let me go! Don't pull anything, Carlos is just there!"
Who could’ve guessed that as soon as he said this, the look in Jing Sui's eyes grew even colder. The man suddenly approached and spoke by his ear in a meaningful tone: “Really?”
So you trust him this much? You rely on him this much? You believe he can protect you...and you’re even… calling him so intimately by his first name? You think...I will hurt you.
You’re afraid of me.
Jing Sui stared fixedly at Ji Ling’s face which had paled out of fear.
Although he had only said one simple word, it was like a knife, plunging in and out of his heart. Each time, it wrenched out a piece of flesh with it, bringing a pain so intense it was numbing. All the blood in his body went cold.
You’d rather believe in Carlos’ hypocrisy than my sincerity to you.
No matter what I do, you won't believe me.
Pain condensed in Jing Sui's eyes, soon becoming a deep black vortex. It gradually swallowed up all reason and restraint, leaving only frenzied injustice and gloom in its wake. He raised his hand and lightly caressed Ji Ling's cheek, rubbed over his lips with his fingertips, and gave a strange laugh: "Carlos' fiancee… Do you know what’s very popular amongst imperial aristocrats?”
Ji Ling heard each of Jing Sui’s words as he called him “Carlos' fiancee.” His scalp almost exploded with fear.
Jing Sui pinched Ji Ling's chin up, forcing the boy to look at him. Staring into those blue eyes filled with fear, he revealed a cold and playful smile: “Love affairs.”
Ji Ling’s eyes widened. He couldn't believe Jing Sui would say something like this. Had the guy gone mad?
In the next second, however, he saw Jing Sui suddenly approach. His lips were less than a breadth away from his own. The man’s hot breath fell below his nose, and a strong aggressive air met his face. The man looked into his eyes, smirked and said slowly: "Can I kiss you, Car-los’- fi-an-cee?"
Each word of that sentence seemed to be said through gnashed teeth. Every word carried with it a bone-piercing chill.
Ji Ling was about to be scared crazy, and struggled for his life. He opened his mouth wanting to call for help. As a result, the man kissed him fiercely on the spot! His mouth was mercilessly pried open, and the man stole inside his mouth unscrupulously.
This kiss was fiercer and crueler than ever before, without a trace of the tenderness and consideration of the past. It only carried the ferocity of a beast.
Ji Ling was kissed to tears. He could only make a few pitiful cries, and could in no way break out of Jing Sui's hold. He just felt his wrist hurt. What’s more, the man obviously wasn't satisfied with just a kiss at all. Jing Sui had even savagely tore open his pristine suit…
Ji Ling lifted his foot and kicked. In the end, Jing Sui easily suppressed him. He was about to collapse and was really scared silly… Was he really going to get burnt this time for taking it too far?
When he’d seen just how tolerant Jing Sui was before, he’d assumed the man wouldn’t get angry...
In the end, he had been too careless!
No matter how gentle and indulgent this man appeared, he was still the emperor who stood high above. There was a bottom line that couldn’t be crossed. Jing Sui was no longer restraining himself, and his actions were becoming more and more unbridled. Ji Ling dazed out thinking about whether or not he’d be killed here.
*cry cry cry* Do I have to start the next run now? But it's too miserable and shameful to die like this. I don’t want to die like this!
Jing Sui clung desperately to the youth beneath him, biting into his neck. Just thinking that his beloved boy was going to stay by Carlos’ side like this, being deceived by him, being monopolized by him, being manipulated by him ... The thought of this shattered the only reason he had left to pieces. All he wanted to do was to take him away, so that his boy could no longer be deceived by anyone else… and never be seen by anyone els!
That way, no one would ever be able to take the boy away from him.
Ji Ling felt a surge of pain on his neck. The man's sharp teeth grazed across the soft supple skin of his neck like a bloodthirsty beast. It was as if the man was going to chew him up at any time. He couldn't help but give a look of despair.
He’d really done it this time QAQ
However, just when Ji Ling was about to give into despair and prepare for the re-run, a sharp cold wind suddenly grazed his cheek! A silver-black cane had pierced directly through the tree trunk beside him! Enough power was put into it to go straight through the trunk, and only half of the cane remained exposed, quivering slightly.
Ji Ling was disoriented for a bit. It took him a moment before he could come back to himself.
Jing Sui’s actions had also paused, and he slowly regained himself.
Carlos lowered his hand. His elegant face was covered with a layer of frost, and his eyes were icy cold. His deep voice echoed into the night, bone-piercingly cold: "Your Majesty has gone too far."
Ji Ling walked around with Carlos and received countless bootlicking comments, feeling like this was so ridiculous and meaningless. He mulled over it for a long time, and felt like he’d already shown enough of his face. Hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "Carlos, I want to go back and rest first."
Carlos put on a concerned expression and said gently: “All right, you go back first then. I’ll come find you later."
All the onlookers were completely shocked. No one expected Ji Ling would actually dare call Carlos by his first name so casually. Not only was Carlos not angry, but he reacted so dotingly. They’d previously thought Carlos was only doing this for the sake of going against His Majesty, but now, it seemed clear that he was somewhat sincere to Ji Ling, at least on the surface. Their expressions changed chaotically as they constantly re-appraised Ji Ling’s value.
Had their previous assumptions been wrong? Did Carlos truly love Ji Ling?!
Ji Ling received Carlos’ affirmative reply, and turned to leave. At this time, the servant by the door suddenly announced loudly: “His Majesty has arrived!”
The whole space suddenly plunged into silence.
Ji Ling paused.
Carlos also raised his head and narrowed his eyes as he looked over.
A black-haired, golden-eyed handsome man dressed in a silver-grey high-collared traditional outfit strode over from a distance. Under the light, his golden eyes appeared even more more piercing. No one dared to look straight at him.
Ji Ling suddenly felt a little nervous, and subconsciously gripped Carlos' hand. He’d thought Jing Sui wouldn't attend, and relaxed inside before. He never imagined that Jing Sui would actually come.
He hadn’t seen the man since they’d parted last. Ji Ling recalled Jing Sui's promise and how pained he looked at the time. Remembering the psychological shadow he must’ve inflicted on Jing Sui with his actions, he didn't dare look Jing Sui in the eye at all. He told himself not to panic!
Jing Sui shouldn’t do anything to him in public!
In the blink of an eye, Jing Sui had already come over to them.
The other guests bowed their heads down in succession to make way, and watched the scene cautiously. Even if His Majesty didn’t say a word, his aura was enough to make them cower in fear. More importantly… today would be a big show, and they didn't dare stick their heads in!
Ji Ling leaned against Carlos, and told himself not to be afraid! He finally summoned up the courage to look towards Jing Sui.
Carlos felt the youth hold his hand dependently, and was happy beyond words. He stepped forward protectively, and shielded the boy behind himself. He greeted Jing Sui’s gaze without running or hiding, and raised his eyebrows as he chuckled: “So Your Majesty has come.”
Jing Sui only gave Ji Ling one glance, and quickly retracted his gaze. He gave Carlos a bitter smile, and said in a calm and indifferent tone: “This is such a happy event, of course I have to come congratulate you in person.”
Carlos flashed a fake smile: "Your Majesty is too polite.”
Jing Sui's lips turned upwards: “No, I must.”
Besides the moment when he first came over, Jing Sui hadn’t looked at him again, appearing as if he didn’t care for him much. Ji Ling could finally put himself at ease. It seemed that his worries before had been unnecessary. How could Jing Sui possibly make a fuss in a situation like this anyway?
His each and every word and action represented that of the imperial emperor, after all. From last life, it could be seen that he was a very calm and controlled man. Even if he was fighting a chaotic battle with Carlos in secret, he would maintain a calm and peaceful relationship on the surface all the while. He definitely wouldn’t make any rash moves, and once he made his move, it would certainly be a vital hit.
It looked like his engagement with Carlos had finally made Jing Sui return to normal!
He hadn’t expected to succeed at this step…
Ji Ling was secretly elated inside. After you give up on my ungrateful rich kid self, you’ll find that Ning Yu is your true destined lover and partner! He is the one most suitable for you. Not only can he help further your cause, but he’s also very considerate, unlike me, who will just drag you down like a deadweight. Why don’t we let bygones be bygones, and each have our own happily ever after!
Ji Ling thought until this point, and no longer wanted to stay to watch these guys being “polite” to each other. He once again said to Carlos: "You talk to His Majesty. I’ll retire first."
Carlos gave a faint smile and nodded.
Relieved of this burden, Ji Ling quickly got out of their line of sight. He was oh so happy!
………………
The front of the estate was packed with guests, but the back was much quieter. Not only was there a clear and beautiful lake there, but the surrounding was lined with lush foliage. The setting was serene and alluring, putting anyone there at ease.
Ji Ling had no plans to go out front again. He’d completed his tasks for today, and all he had to do now was wait until the banquet ended.
He sat by the lake with nothing to do and picked up some stones to throw into the water. After a while, he took off his shoes and did some flutter kicks. Finally, he climbed up a tree and slept for a while. Although he was hungry, he couldn't go out front, so he found a few fruits to eat. Rubbing his dirty hands on his clothes a few times would do.
The restless boy tossed about until the sun went down. He thought to himself, How come this party is so damn long? I’m so bored. Seeing that it was getting dark, he decided to sneak away quietly...
As a result, he hadn’t even walked a few steps before he unexpectedly bumped into Jing Sui.
Ohh, he also came out for a walk?
Under the dim light of night, Jing Sui's face was half hidden in the shadows. His expression couldn’t be seen very clearly.
Ji Ling remembered the false courtesies Jing Sui and Carlos had been dishing out to each other, and thought that the man had given up on him and wouldn’t pester him anymore. However, he had cheated on Jing Sui after all. It’d be better not to face him alone out of self-preservation!
He glanced at Jing Sui, and suddenly turned to leave. I saw nothing, I saw nothing. Pretend that I saw nothing!
However, the man behind him opened his mouth and shouted to stop him. His voice was cold and insipid: "Long time no see."
Ji Ling's footsteps stopped. Now that Jing Sui had spoken to him, it wouldn’t be appropriate to pretend that he hadn’t seen him anymore. He could only look back stiffly and give an awkward cry: "Your Majesty."
Jing Sui approached, step by step. On his cold handsome face was an unprecedented frigidity. He said lightly: "When are you planning to get married? Don't forget to inform me when the time comes, so I can prepare a gift for you."
Ji Ling looked into Jing Sui's golden eyes. His words were obviously very normal and appropriate courtesies, but for some reason, he felt absolutely terrified at this moment. Something wasn’t right… His sense of danger slowly increased.
He gave a dry laugh: “Okay.”
He finished speaking and immediately turned to leave. He decided to get out of here first, because even though Jing Sui appeared to be acting very normal, he still felt that something was amiss…
However, before he could even take a step, the man behind him suddenly approached and pressed him forcefully against the tree.
Ji Ling's terror solidified on his face, and his scalp numbed in fear. He struggled to escape, but the man pinned his hands above his head with ease. A grim face approached him; a mocking and sarcastic smile hung on those lips. There was no warmth in his eyes, only the darkness of the abyss.
Ji Ling had never seen Jing Sui look so terrifying before. For a moment, he forgot to struggle.
Last life, the way Jing Sui looked at him was always cold and indifferent, as if he was looking at an ant, or a piece of dust. The man never took him to heart, and he would never have taken the initiative to approach him.
This life, Jing Sui looked at him with gentle affection most of the time. Occasionally, there was some pain and regret. The man had always doted on him and let him do whatever he wanted, so much so that he’d forgotten just how terrifying he was at times.
And now, there was this expression on Jing Sui’s face that Ji Ling had never seen before.
It was so icy cold…so terrifying, and filled with such a complex struggle within. The intensity was such that he felt like he’d be peeled and eaten whole. It inspired a despairing fear with no means of escape.
Ji Ling was stunned on the spot.
In hindsight, he had finally realized… Who said Jing Sui wasn't angry?! He’s angry to death! He just didn't show it on his face before. God knows how furious he actually is inside. He won’t choke me to death, right?!
Help!
Ji Ling was scared silly. His face paled as he barked with no bite, saying: “Y-You let me go! Don't pull anything, Carlos is just there!"
Who could’ve guessed that as soon as he said this, the look in Jing Sui's eyes grew even colder. The man suddenly approached and spoke by his ear in a meaningful tone: “Really?”
So you trust him this much? You rely on him this much? You believe he can protect you...and you’re even… calling him so intimately by his first name? You think...I will hurt you.
You’re afraid of me.
Jing Sui stared fixedly at Ji Ling’s face which had paled out of fear.
Although he had only said one simple word, it was like a knife, plunging in and out of his heart. Each time, it wrenched out a piece of flesh with it, bringing a pain so intense it was numbing. All the blood in his body went cold.
You’d rather believe in Carlos’ hypocrisy than my sincerity to you.
No matter what I do, you won't believe me.
Pain condensed in Jing Sui's eyes, soon becoming a deep black vortex. It gradually swallowed up all reason and restraint, leaving only frenzied injustice and gloom in its wake. He raised his hand and lightly caressed Ji Ling's cheek, rubbed over his lips with his fingertips, and gave a strange laugh: "Carlos' fiancee… Do you know what’s very popular amongst imperial aristocrats?”
Ji Ling heard each of Jing Sui’s words as he called him “Carlos' fiancee.” His scalp almost exploded with fear.
Jing Sui pinched Ji Ling's chin up, forcing the boy to look at him. Staring into those blue eyes filled with fear, he revealed a cold and playful smile: “Love affairs.”
Ji Ling’s eyes widened. He couldn't believe Jing Sui would say something like this. Had the guy gone mad?
In the next second, however, he saw Jing Sui suddenly approach. His lips were less than a breadth away from his own. The man’s hot breath fell below his nose, and a strong aggressive air met his face. The man looked into his eyes, smirked and said slowly: "Can I kiss you, Car-los’- fi-an-cee?"
Each word of that sentence seemed to be said through gnashed teeth. Every word carried with it a bone-piercing chill.
Ji Ling was about to be scared crazy, and struggled for his life. He opened his mouth wanting to call for help. As a result, the man kissed him fiercely on the spot! His mouth was mercilessly pried open, and the man stole inside his mouth unscrupulously.
This kiss was fiercer and crueler than ever before, without a trace of the tenderness and consideration of the past. It only carried the ferocity of a beast.
Ji Ling was kissed to tears. He could only make a few pitiful cries, and could in no way break out of Jing Sui's hold. He just felt his wrist hurt. What’s more, the man obviously wasn't satisfied with just a kiss at all. Jing Sui had even savagely tore open his pristine suit…
Ji Ling lifted his foot and kicked. In the end, Jing Sui easily suppressed him. He was about to collapse and was really scared silly… Was he really going to get burnt this time for taking it too far?
When he’d seen just how tolerant Jing Sui was before, he’d assumed the man wouldn’t get angry...
In the end, he had been too careless!
No matter how gentle and indulgent this man appeared, he was still the emperor who stood high above. There was a bottom line that couldn’t be crossed. Jing Sui was no longer restraining himself, and his actions were becoming more and more unbridled. Ji Ling dazed out thinking about whether or not he’d be killed here.
*cry cry cry* Do I have to start the next run now? But it's too miserable and shameful to die like this. I don’t want to die like this!
Jing Sui clung desperately to the youth beneath him, biting into his neck. Just thinking that his beloved boy was going to stay by Carlos’ side like this, being deceived by him, being monopolized by him, being manipulated by him ... The thought of this shattered the only reason he had left to pieces. All he wanted to do was to take him away, so that his boy could no longer be deceived by anyone else… and never be seen by anyone els!
That way, no one would ever be able to take the boy away from him.
Ji Ling felt a surge of pain on his neck. The man's sharp teeth grazed across the soft supple skin of his neck like a bloodthirsty beast. It was as if the man was going to chew him up at any time. He couldn't help but give a look of despair.
He’d really done it this time QAQ
However, just when Ji Ling was about to give into despair and prepare for the re-run, a sharp cold wind suddenly grazed his cheek! A silver-black cane had pierced directly through the tree trunk beside him! Enough power was put into it to go straight through the trunk, and only half of the cane remained exposed, quivering slightly.
Ji Ling was disoriented for a bit. It took him a moment before he could come back to himself.
Jing Sui’s actions had also paused, and he slowly regained himself.
Carlos lowered his hand. His elegant face was covered with a layer of frost, and his eyes were icy cold. His deep voice echoed into the night, bone-piercingly cold: "Your Majesty has gone too far."
