The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 49 - Face-off
Chapter 49: Face-off
Brandon said in a deep voice, “I’m taking him away from here. You’ve lost control and can’t take proper care of him.”
Jing Sui’s expression finally shifted. He coldly glared at Brandon, his gaze dark and threatening. “Out of respect for our years of friendship, I won’t hold what you just said against you. Leave now, and I’ll pretend nothing happened.”
But Brandon clenched his fist and suddenly struck out at Jing Sui!
Jing Sui’s eyes narrowed sharply, and he quickly raised his hand to block. Yet with Jing Ling standing right behind him, he was afraid of inadvertently harming the boy, just as he had before. Forced to restrain himself, he was pushed back step by step by Brandon’s unrelenting blows!
Brandon was equally cautious not to hurt Jing Ling. However, today he was determined to take him away. Jing Sui had gone mad and could no longer be trusted.
Because of his many concerns, Jing Sui eventually took a powerful punch that sent him staggering several steps back. A gash appeared on his chin, while Brandon shielded Jing Ling behind him.
Jing Sui’s gaze was as cold as ice. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Don’t act recklessly.”
Brandon looked at him. “The reckless one here is you.”
With that, he grabbed Jing Ling’s hand and turned to leave.
Jing Sui stepped forward to block their way, but when he met Jing Ling’s fleetingly cold and indifferent eyes, his steps faltered as though an invisible force held him in place.
For a long moment, he stood frozen before closing his eyes in despair.
He couldn’t bear to watch the two figures disappear into the distance.
Even though he feigned nonchalance, deep down, he was all too aware: he was on the verge of losing control. He knew his actions were wrong, yet he couldn’t stop himself, couldn’t let go.
For someone as selfish and domineering as him, this was his first experience of love. But the moment he understood what it truly meant, he was already losing it. He refused to let go, resorting to any means necessary.
But in this moment, he suddenly lacked the courage to keep trying. What he fought so hard to hold onto was no longer someone who loved him but someone who hated him and wanted nothing more than to leave.
I can’t stop loving you. But how can I hold on to a heart that’s determined to leave?
Leaning against a tree, Jing Sui let out a self-deprecating laugh.
Maybe Brandon is right. Maybe leaving with him is the right thing for you.
At least Brandon won’t hurt you, will he?
………………
Brandon held Jing Ling’s hand as they left the palace.
Jing Ling looked at the man’s tall figure ahead of him, steady and reliable like a mountain. He was momentarily dazed.
He hadn’t expected Brandon to rescue him in the end. To think that Brandon, too, had been reborn.
In truth, Jing Ling had little sentiment toward Brandon, even feeling somewhat estranged. In his previous life, apart from deliberately provoking him to get punched a few times, they had almost no interaction. Although he later saved Brandon during a battle in the Nador system, Brandon, despite his dislike of Jing Ling’s arrogant and unruly behavior, reluctantly agreed to his excessive demands.
Brandon was a principled soldier with no major flaws and had done him no wrong. As for disliking him—given his cannon fodder villain persona—liking him would have been abnormal.
So when Brandon’s attitude toward him dramatically changed after his rebirth, Jing Ling had been quite shocked at first…
Rebirth truly seemed like an inescapable curse! It could make someone who loathed him feel remorse over his death, cloud their judgment, and create an illusion of affection!
But as Brandon didn’t frequently appear before him and was irrelevant to his plans, Jing Ling eventually stopped paying attention, focusing instead on dealing with Jing Sui and Carlos.
Lost in thought, Jing Ling felt grateful for Brandon’s timely rescue. However, since he too had been reborn, he couldn’t let his secret slip. He needed to continue playing his role. After all, neither in his past nor current life did he and Brandon share much goodwill.
With this in mind, Jing Ling abruptly shook off Brandon’s hand and said coldly, “Who asked you to interfere?”
Brandon looked at the boy’s pale face and indifferent eyes, feeling a pang in his chest. His voice was hoarse as he said, “I was worried he’d hurt you…”
Jing Ling smirked faintly. “Don’t pretend to care. Didn’t you always hate me?”
Brandon froze.
Jing Ling sneered and said slowly, “If this is about repaying me for saving your life in the past, don’t bother. You’ve already done enough. You owe me nothing now.”
Brandon’s expression turned to disbelief. He stared into the boy’s eyes, and in that moment, all his doubts and confusion clicked into place. He finally understood why Jing Sui was so desperate to keep Jing Ling at any cost.
Jing Ling had been reborn.
Brandon hadn’t expected this. Jing Ling had remembered everything. Things weren’t supposed to be this way. The boy had endured so much pain; why was he burdened with the memories of his past life as well? He didn’t deserve this.
The heavens were too cruel.
Brandon’s heart ached with sympathy and sorrow as he looked at Jing Ling. “You remembered.”
Jing Ling said, “Yes.”
Brandon was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by suppressed pain. He understood now—Jing Ling had completely given up on Jing Sui.
Jing Ling turned away coldly. “Thank you. But I’m going home now.”
With that, he turned and walked off.
Brandon hesitated, his expression conflicted. Letting Jing Ling return home was likely the right decision—Carlos was lurking, ready to exploit any opportunity. But how could he deny the boy this one choice?
He had suffered so much and was so fragile. The only place he wanted to return to now was his home.
Brandon’s expression shifted multiple times before he finally made up his mind. He strode forward, grabbed Jing Ling’s hand again, and met the boy’s startled gaze. “I’ll take you home,” he said firmly.
Jing Ling froze.
When Brandon had caught up to him earlier, Jing Ling had been tense, afraid Brandon might suddenly lose his mind like the others. But unexpectedly, he was just here to take him home.
Jing Ling lowered his gaze, hiding his surprise. In the end, he pursed his lips and said nothing. Nor did he pull away from Brandon’s grasp as they walked silently toward his home.
Before long, Jing Ling stood once again at his doorstep. Brandon looked into his eyes and said earnestly, “Stay inside for now. I’ll have my men patrol the area and keep watch.”
Jing Ling ignored him and turned to leave.
Brandon watched the boy’s retreating figure, worry and sadness flashing through his eyes before his expression hardened once more.
Carlos, as long as he cares about appearances, wouldn’t openly seize someone on the Emperor Star. Besides, he’s currently preoccupied with handling Jing Sui and his attacks, leaving him little time to trouble Ji Ling. If he were to act recklessly, it would merely provide Jing Sui with another excuse to target him.
Still, precautions must be taken. After careful thought, Brandon decided to increase the guards in the area to ensure Ji Ling's safety.
This way, even if Carlos made a move, Brandon would have enough time to rescue him.
After all, since he took Ji Ling out of the palace, it was his responsibility to keep him safe.
………………
When Ji Ling returned home, the servants were stunned to see him and hurriedly went to report the news.
Not long after, Grand Duke Ji Ting and Madam Marina rushed out to greet him.
As the head of the family, Grand Duke Ji Ting appeared composed, but he couldn’t hide the worry in his eyes. He cleared his throat and said, “You’ve finally returned.”
Madam Marina, on the other hand, hugged Ji Ling tightly, her eyes red with tears. “I was so worried about you!”
Ever since Ji Ling was taken, the couple had been consumed with anxiety, sparing no effort to search for him. As the days dragged on and hope dimmed, they were finally given good news: Jing Sui had rescued him.
Although they wanted to bring Ji Ling back immediately, Jing Sui claimed to suspect Carlos’s involvement in the abduction. He argued that allowing Ji Ling to return home too soon could endanger him if Carlos came to demand him back, potentially putting Ji Ling in a perilous situation again. Jing Sui suggested that Ji Ling remain temporarily in the palace until the truth was uncovered.
Grand Duke Ji Ting understood Jing Sui’s reasoning, though he suspected the emperor's real motive was his lingering attachment to Ji Ling and a desire to use the incident to suppress Carlos. Grand Duke Ji Ting was well aware that Carlos was Jing Sui’s true nemesis, even more so than the resistance.
The couple agreed to Jing Sui's arrangement but grew alarmed when their request to see their son was denied. Why wouldn't Jing Sui let them see Ji Ling? Was something wrong?
Even though Madam Saman personally visited to reassure them that Ji Ling was fine and that Jing Sui would take good care of him, their anxiety persisted. After several days, their patience wore thin, and they considered forcibly entering the palace to see him. To their surprise, Ji Ling returned home on his own.
Seeing their son unharmed, Grand Duke Ji Ting finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Madam Marina anxiously inspected Ji Ling from head to toe. While his complexion was poor, he didn’t appear injured, which eased her heart. She asked, “Did they hurt you? Was His Majesty good to you?”
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment. Even if something had happened, he couldn’t bear to worry his parents. In a low voice, he replied, “I’m fine, nothing happened.”
Grand Duke Ji Ting asked with concern, “Are you sure?”
Ji Ling lowered his gaze. “I’m sure. You don’t need to worry. I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”
Despite their lingering doubts—why wouldn’t Jing Sui allow them to see Ji Ling if everything was fine?—the couple couldn’t bear to pressure their son, who had just returned home. In the end, they held back their questions.
Madam Marina gently patted her son’s head and said softly, “It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re back, everything’s okay.”
After finally breaking free from his parents, Ji Ling headed toward his courtyard.
But as he approached, he saw a silver-haired, black-eyed man waiting by the door. His steps faltered.
Wen Yan was waiting for him.
After so many days apart, Ji Ling had almost forgotten about this shadowy, scheming villain.
Wen Yan gazed at Ji Ling, his dark eyes filled with complex emotions. His hands clenched slightly at his sides. In truth, he had known about Ji Ling’s return the moment he stepped through the door but chose to keep his distance, watching from afar.
With his extensive network of informants on the Emperor Star, Wen Yan knew more than Grand Duke Ji Ting and Madam Marina. He was aware of secrets Jing Sui had deliberately concealed—specifically, that Ji Ling had been humiliated while in the hands of the rebels.
The boy Wen Yan cherished and wouldn’t dare to touch had been treated so cruelly by others.
The news had filled Wen Yan with fury and anguish. He wanted to storm the palace and take Ji Ling away, but the tight security and Jing Sui’s lingering mistrust made even meeting Ji Ling impossible.
Now that Ji Ling was finally home, Wen Yan couldn’t stay away any longer.
The boy’s once-bright blue eyes were now dull, as if indifferent to everything. Yet even after enduring such trauma, Ji Ling was so resilient and considerate, hiding his pain to avoid worrying his parents. How could Wen Yan not feel heartache?
What had happened? Did Jing Sui fail to protect him? Did he hurt him too?
Countless questions swirled in Wen Yan’s mind, but in the end, he simply lowered his head slightly and said in a hoarse, respectful voice, “You’re back.”
Ji Ling regarded Wen Yan in silence.
He pondered how to deal with him.
Compared to Jing Sui, whom he had ‘loved,’ or Carlos, whom he had ‘trusted,’ or even Brandon, whom he had saved, Wen Yan was practically a non-entity!
That’s right—he had been a marginal figure.
Although Wen Yan held the esteemed title of Speaker and was as renowned as Ning Yu, his schemes had never been directed at Ji Ling. To him, Ji Ling was merely a stepping stone. Wen Yan had always treated him with outward respect and decorum, never overstepping any boundaries. After becoming Speaker, Wen Yan gradually distanced himself, rarely appearing in Ji Ling’s presence.
It wasn’t until the end of the previous timeline, when Ji Ling sought Wen Yan’s help to assassinate Ning Yu, that he even interacted with him directly. Even then, Wen Yan never revealed his true nature.
While Ji Ling knew from the original story—and the system—that Wen Yan had intentionally botched the assassination to frame him, his character wouldn’t have been aware of this!
In his previous life, Ji Ling would have viewed Wen Yan as merely incompetent, someone who failed him and caused collateral damage.
It was indeed him who instructed Wen Yan to commit murder, so this wasn’t slander. If Wen Yan did anything wrong, it was that he clearly had the ability to carry out his orders but chose not to, deliberately failing and exposing him as the instigator. However, all of this was within his expectations. If Wen Yan had actually obeyed him and killed Ning Yu, wouldn’t he have been the one left utterly helpless?
After some thought, Ji Ling’s gaze sharpened. While Wen Yan seemed unrelated to his rebirth, this was a good chance to sever ties with him. He had had enough of these unpredictable reincarnated schemers.
Wen Yan might have kept his intentions hidden in the past, but his failure and the trouble he caused were undeniable!
Ji Ling’s eyes turned cold. He arched a brow and said icily, “Get lost, you useless failure.”
Surprise flashed in Wen Yan’s eyes as his brows furrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
After a moment’s silence, he asked cautiously, “Have I done something to displease you?”
Ji Ling couldn’t be bothered to maintain the facade. His lips curled in disdain as he looked at Wen Yan with frosty eyes and said slowly, “I only asked you to do one thing, and you couldn’t even accomplish it. I have no use for someone as incompetent as you.”
Wen Yan's expression finally revealed a hint of uncertainty. “You…”
Ji Ling walked past him step by step, but just as he was about to pass by completely, he stopped and said one sentence. “Don’t appear in front of me again.”
Wen Yan’s pupils contracted slightly, and his expression trembled. Watching Ji Ling walk away, he almost immediately questioned him: Have you remembered everything?
But his steps faltered, and his gaze shifted with a mix of emotions. After taking a deep breath, he refrained from moving.
Acting impulsively now would only make things worse. He needed to think carefully about how to respond if Ji Ling really had remembered everything. Compared to Jing Sui and Carlos, he actually had an advantage—because, in the previous life, he had never once exposed his true intentions or feelings.
He had hidden his emotions extremely well.
Although he also very much hoped that Ji Ling wouldn’t recall the past, preferring to let go if it meant Ji Ling could live happily, if Ji Ling truly remembered everything…
He absolutely wouldn’t let go this time.
………………
Seeing that Wen Yan didn’t follow him, Ji Ling let out a breath of relief. He felt that ever since he started pretending to have been reborn, his combat prowess had skyrocketed! He was now brimming with confidence. Let them see—I, the attacker Ji, am not someone to mess with!
Ji Ling began to keep to himself at home.
Thankfully, Jing Sui didn’t come looking for him, likely because Brandon’s words that day had struck a nerve. It seemed he wouldn’t be showing up for the time being. Wen Yan, since that day, also seemed busy with something else and hadn’t shown up to make his presence known. Clearly, he felt too ashamed to face him!
Having dealt with two major threats, Ji Ling’s mood improved significantly, and even his appetite returned.
Now that no one was watching him, life became peaceful again.
Ji Ling: [System, where’s the application process now?]
System: [The higher-ups have sent out a research team to investigate the cause of the anomaly in this world.]
Ji Ling thought for a moment. Though the efficiency was indeed slow, at least there was progress. That gave him a bit of hope. [Be sure to tell me the results as soon as they come in.]
System: [Of course.]
After chatting with the system, Ji Ling returned to basking in the sun and napping. In the afternoon, he received a visitor.
Brandon had come to see him.
Brandon had been visiting nearly every day. Although Ji Ling would have preferred if he didn’t come at all, he didn’t find it particularly annoying. Compared to Jing Sui and Carlos, Brandon was... so much easier to deal with! Sometimes, it even gave Ji Ling the illusion that he was bullying a pushover.
Even while taunting him, he felt a bit guilty.
From his high vantage point, Ji Ling glanced down coldly at Brandon and said, “What are you here for again?”
Brandon stood silently to the side, seemingly at a loss for words. Reflecting on his actions in his previous life, he felt he had no right to confess his feelings to Ji Ling and didn’t want to take advantage of Ji Ling's current state or make him feel uncomfortable. Right now, Ji Ling needed time to heal, but even without Jing Sui, Brandon wasn’t the person Ji Ling needed.
After a long silence, Brandon finally said in a hoarse voice, “I came to see you.”
Ji Ling waited for a long time, only to hear such a sentence. He almost couldn’t keep a straight face. Marshal, your combat skills on the battlefield are off the charts, capable of shaking the heavens and earth, but do you have to be so awkward in conversation?
Sigh. Once you’re no longer seen as a threat and are placed in Brandon’s ‘one of us’ category, he’s even less intimidating than Ning Yu!
Thinking of Ning Yu, Ji Ling hesitated briefly and asked, “How’s Ning Yu?”
Brandon gazed at the boy tenderly, a trace of warmth appearing in his eyes. Ah, this child. In the previous life, you were so at odds with Ning Yu, yet now, just because he saved you this time, you’re worried about him. This kindness and softness are your true nature.
After a moment of silence, Brandon said with a complicated expression, “Ning Yu is doing well.”
Ning Yu had unavoidable suspicions regarding Ji Ling's ordeal with the resistance. If it weren’t for the fact that such mistreatment didn’t seem like something Ning Yu would orchestrate, Brandon would have suspected him long ago.
However, to avoid upsetting Ji Ling, Brandon did not mention these suspicions until the investigation concluded.
Hearing that Ning Yu was fine, Ji Ling didn’t ask further questions. He closed his eyes and returned to rest, no longer paying attention to Brandon.
Brandon watched the boy’s serene and fragile appearance. Despite the pain he had endured, Ji Ling still retained his gentle and pure nature. Brandon had the urge to move closer, to reach out and touch him. Yet, in the end, he refrained and quietly left after standing there for a long time.
The only thing he could do was to protect Ji Ling from further harm.
………………
Ji Ling was enjoying a very comfortable life at home. Fortunately, he was someone who could happily stay indoors, so he didn’t feel any strong urge to go out. Each day, he eagerly awaited news from the system, chatting with it whenever he felt bored. Life was almost peaceful enough for him to believe that all was well.
Until one day, the commotion at the gate broke the silence.
Looking up, Ji Ling saw a man with brown hair and eyes, a refined, handsome appearance, and gentlemanly manners. Ji Ling knew that this moment was inevitable.
But—I’m not the same Ji Ling I used to be!
His recent victories had filled Ji Ling with confidence. One comes, and I take one down. Two come, and I take them both down. Old fox, you’re here at the right time—let’s settle this today!
Grand Duke Ji Ting looked visibly displeased as he stared at Carlos, who had barged in despite being refused entry. In a stern voice, he said, “I’ve already told you, Ji Ling doesn’t want to see anyone right now.”
Carlos had abruptly appeared, demanding to see Ji Ling. After being refused, he had forced his way in. This behavior greatly infuriated Grand Duke Ji Ting!
Carlos maintained a calm expression, his gaze warm and gentle. “I only want to say a few words to Xiao Ling. There’s no need for such concern, Your Grace. Surely you don’t think that, under so many watchful eyes, I would dare to harm him in your home?”
Carlos’s words seemed reasonable enough, but Grand Duke Ji Ting was still deeply dissatisfied. He responded coldly, “Whatever you have to say can wait until later.”
Ji Ling glanced at his father, who was defending him, then suddenly spoke, “Dad, it’s okay. Let me speak with Uncle Carlos.”
Grand Duke Ji Ting looked at him with concern, anxiously saying, “If you don’t want to see him, you don’t have to force yourself.”
Ji Ling gave a faint smile and lifted his gaze. “Actually, I have something I need to discuss with Uncle Carlos, too.”
Seeing Ji Ling’s insistence, Grand Duke Ji Ting couldn’t continue to block him. He frowned and said solemnly, “I’ll be waiting right outside. If anything happens, just call for me.”
Ji Ling nodded to show he understood and led Carlos into his room.
Now alone with Carlos, Ji Ling thought this was the perfect opportunity to lay everything on the table. The engagement had only been a ploy to progress the plot and complete his tasks, mainly to make Jing Sui give up. But now that things with Jing Sui had escalated, and he was no longer following the system's tasks, there was no need to maintain this fake engagement. He just wanted to stay far away from these people. Whatever they wanted to do, it was none of his business!
Resolving himself, Ji Ling summoned his courage and looked up at Carlos with a gaze so cold it was chilling.
Carlos’s eyes darkened as a pained expression flickered across his face. He said, “These days, I’ve been worried about you every moment. I don’t know what His Majesty has told you, but please believe me: that wasn’t my doing. I would never hurt you like that.”
Ji Ling’s lips curved into a mocking smile as he replied softly, “Because you love me, right?”
Carlos’s chest tightened at the thought of Ji Ling’s pain, his own feelings of sorrow and longing overwhelming him. His voice was low and stifled. “Yes.”
But Ji Ling suddenly laughed. His gaze turned bitterly disappointed as he stared at Carlos. “Even if we say that this time was His Majesty’s slander, what about before?”
Carlos’s expression froze. He stared at Ji Ling, a creeping sense of unease washing over him. It felt as though things were spiraling out of his control. And then Ji Ling, his eyes cold as ash, spoke slowly and clearly. “Last life, when I fell into the hands of the rebels and was nearly killed… Uncle Carlos, do you have any idea how desperate and terrified I was?”
Carlos’s face changed drastically, his deep brown eyes filling with disbelief as he gripped his cane so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
Ji Ling’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, his voice hoarse. “That time, when I asked if it was you… Uncle Carlos, you didn’t answer me.”
Carlos staggered back a step, the color draining from his face.
So, you remember everything now…
He had exposed that secret he had hoped to bury forever—one he had guarded against Jing Sui and Wen Yan — but by the very scars he had inflicted in the past.
That irrefutable fact.
Ji Ling’s mocking laugh pierced the silence as he looked directly into Carlos’s eyes. “In both my past and current life, I was nothing more than collateral damage in the power struggle between you and His Majesty. Isn’t that right?”
“So don’t say you love me. Don’t make me believe in you just to disappoint me again…”
Carlos finally found his voice. “This time, it’s different—”
But Ji Ling cut him off with a furious outburst. “Enough!”
Taking a deep breath, Ji Ling spoke coldly and resolutely. “We agreed before that this fake engagement could be terminated at any time. Now, let’s end it.”
Carlos’s expression turned terrifyingly dark in an instant.
Ji Ling instinctively shivered but quickly summoned his courage again, refusing to back down. He stared at Carlos unflinchingly.
Who’s afraid of who?! I’ve already figured you out. Do you think you can still intimidate me?
He’d even mentally prepared himself for Carlos to beg for forgiveness or to profess his love again, ready to retaliate with a snarky comeback. Ha! Have you gotten too cocky, or do you think I’ve lost my edge?
Ji Ling was fearless!
But then he noticed something change in Carlos’s face. The man’s earlier pain and regret faded, replaced by a cold, unfamiliar expression—one Ji Ling had never seen before.
Gone was the gentle affection. In its place was an icy, calculating ruthlessness.
Carlos’s deep brown eyes became like an abyss, devoid of any warmth. He chuckled softly, his voice low and magnetic, carrying a chilling trace of mockery and regret. “So, I can’t deceive you anymore, can I?”
Ji Ling: ???
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