The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Extra 02 - Dinner at Carlos’s
Extra 2: Dinner at Carlos’s
In a picturesque town, nestled amidst lush greenery, stood an ancient estate. Within its verdant gardens, a white Baroque-style building towered elegantly.
This was the castle of the Field family, passed down for centuries.
Anderson had served the Field family since his ancestors’ time. Now, as the current butler, he oversaw the maintenance of this historic castle, ensuring that everything remained in perfect order. Even in the absence of the master, there was never any lapse in discipline. He upheld his duties meticulously, as always.
In recent years, the master had been staying at the castle more frequently. It seemed that, compared to the bustling world outside, he preferred the peace and tranquility of this place.
That morning, Anderson dressed in his usual black tailcoat, fastened his perfectly aligned bow tie, and put on his white gloves before beginning his daily routine.
As he stepped outside, Mars was already waiting in the side hall. Smiling, Mars said, “This is the latest piece by the young painter—Nightfall. I made sure to acquire it the moment it was released. I’m certain His Lordship will love it.”
Anderson nodded with a polite smile. He approached the table, took out a sharp letter opener, and carefully sliced open the protective covering of the painting. A stunning image unfolded before his eyes.
After admiring it for a moment, he said to Mars, “You’ve done well. His Lordship will be pleased. I’ll have the payment sent to you shortly.”
Mars looked delighted. He knew the Earl Field was generous—any item that pleased him always came with a handsome reward. Over the years, Mars had helped the Earl acquire many of Ji Ling’s paintings. However, he couldn’t quite understand why the Earl held this young artist from a distant Eastern country in such high regard. Ji Ling was undoubtedly talented, but he was still just an emerging artist. In the past, the Earl had only collected works from renowned painters like Van Gogh. By those standards, Ji Ling’s paintings should not have been worthy of his collection.
Mars shook his head in puzzlement. As he prepared to leave, he added, “By the way, I heard that the young painter will be holding an exhibition on the 8th of next month. His Lordship might be interested in this news.”
Anderson nodded. “Understood.”
With that, Mars smiled and took his leave.
Anderson watched him go before taking the newly acquired painting to the castle’s eastern wing—the private collection room.
Earl Field’s collection was vast, with artifacts spanning generations. However, his private gallery was strictly off-limits to outsiders. If anyone were ever granted a glimpse inside, they would be astonished by the sheer number of masterpieces it housed. Yet Anderson knew that His Lordship cared little for those treasures…What he valued most was the artwork of a single painter—Ji Ling.
So much so that he had relocated priceless artifacts to other rooms, dedicating his largest collection hall solely to Ji Ling’s paintings.
Anderson carefully hung the new piece on the wall. He personally managed this collection room, as it housed the Earl’s most cherished possessions. It was only natural for him to ensure their safekeeping. As a competent butler, it was his duty to protect what his master treasured.
After finishing his work, he took a step back to observe the room.
Over the past few years, what was once an empty gallery had gradually filled with paintings. The walls now displayed dozens of artworks—some brimming with boundless imagination, others capturing delicate blossoms swaying in the wind, vast deserted plains, or towering cityscapes…
There was no doubt that Ji Ling was an extraordinarily talented young artist. He had gained some recognition in the art world over the years. But what intrigued Anderson most was not Ji Ling’s artistic achievements—it was his connection with Earl Field.
Anderson recalled his wife’s curiosity the other day—she had asked about His Lordship’s personal life. Even the silent children couldn’t help but gossip about the castle’s mysterious master.
In fact, the entire aristocracy and upper-class society were curious about the same thing.
Earl Field was no longer young, yet he showed no interest in marriage. A few years ago, no one thought much of it. After all, the Earl had always been a notorious dandy with countless lovers. It was perfectly normal for a man of his status to be in no hurry to settle down. Many women were happy to indulge in fleeting romances with him. Even if he never married, his life was anything but dull. But in recent years… the Earl seemed to have grown tired of his once-carefree lifestyle. He no longer entertained romantic pursuits, kept his distance from women, and chose to live in seclusion at the family estate, rarely attending any social gatherings.
A man renouncing pleasure yet showing no intent to marry—that was unusual.
Some speculated that the Earl had found true love and was preparing for marriage. But who could possibly be the woman capable of making this once-flamboyant and unattainable man change his ways?
Yet, as years passed—one, two, three…
There was still no one by the Earl’s side. Not only had he not married, but he hadn’t even been involved in a single new scandal.
People were left with no choice but to believe that perhaps the Earl had truly abandoned his extravagant lifestyle and chosen to embrace solitude.
Despite being in his prime, he seemed to have entered an era of emotional detachment, indifferent to everything and everyone, as if nothing in this world could truly matter to him anymore.
But Anderson knew better. There was one person His Lordship cared about.
A young man from a faraway Eastern country—Ji Ling. Ever since the Earl’s visit to that country years ago, he had returned a changed man. He became even more unfathomable, and at times, Anderson felt as if he himself was nothing more than an insignificant speck in the Earl’s eyes.
Nothing interested the Earl anymore—except for news about that young man.
In five years, Ji Ling’s paintings had filled the collection room.
The Earl frequently visited, though never for long. He would simply look around before leaving. He had never once gone to see Ji Ling in person.
Except for one occasion—a year ago, when Ji Ling got married. Since that day, the Earl had never set foot in that country again. As if restraining himself. Anderson recalled a moment of bold curiosity when he had once asked His Lordship a simple question: “If you wish to see him, why don’t you go?”
The Earl had merely smiled and replied: “Because it’s not time yet.”
Anderson didn’t understand—if one wanted to see someone, why would there be a matter of timing?
He had looked into the young man’s background, hoping to find what made him so special in the Earl’s eyes. Could he have been the one to change Earl Field? But he hadn’t uncovered any useful information.
If the Earl loved Ji Ling, why didn’t he go see him? Why not bring him back? And besides, Ji Ling was already married to someone else, so it couldn’t be love, could it? Then Anderson wondered—could Ji Ling be the Earl’s illegitimate child? But that guess seemed even more absurd…
Shaking his head, Anderson pushed aside those wild thoughts and turned to close the door to the collection room.
When he arrived at the dining hall, he saw that the Earl had just finished breakfast.
The elegant, brown-haired man gently placed down his knife and fork, wiped the corner of his mouth with a white napkin, and raised a brow. “Anderson, is there anything today?”
Anderson bowed respectfully and said, “Mars brought Ji Ling’s latest painting. I’ve already placed it in the collection room. Also, I’ve learned that Ji Ling will be holding an art exhibition in London on the 8th of next month.”
Carlos arched his brows slightly and nodded. “I see.”
After finishing his usual report, Anderson was about to leave since the Earl had no further instructions. But at that moment, Carlos suddenly spoke in a light tone, “I’ve decided to host a banquet here, inviting social elites and some young artists. The date… let’s set it for the night of the 8th.”
Anderson was taken aback. “The night of the 8th?”
Carlos replied, “Yes. Make the arrangements. I want to see the guests I wish to see.”
Anderson immediately understood. He bowed respectfully and said, “Understood. I will make sure everything is prepared properly. You can rest assured.”
…………………
After the exhibition ended, Ji Ling watched as the staff carefully took down his paintings one by one, packing them into boxes. This was the last stop of his touring exhibition. Once it was over, he could finally go home.
Thinking about how he had been away for quite some time, Ji Ling pulled out his phone and sent a message to Ning Yu: [I’ll be home tomorrow.]
Ning Yu’s reply came quickly: [I’ll pick you up.]
Ji Ling: [Okay.]
Looking at the message, a smile unconsciously formed on his lips. He suddenly felt a strong desire to go home—had it already been over two months since he left?
This was the first time he and Ning Yu had been apart for so long.
Ji Ling stepped out onto the corridor, looking down at the foreigners passing by below. Suddenly, he remembered that Carlos was in this country. Back then, Carlos had once told him that if he ever came here, he would be well received.
But Ji Ling had never considered reaching out to Carlos. To him, everything from that world was already in the past. Carlos hadn’t sought him out either—aside from showing up on his wedding day, he had completely vanished from Ji Ling’s world.
As the years passed, Carlos had become nothing more than a vague figure in his mind. Since Carlos hadn’t tried to disturb him, Ji Ling naturally had no reason to disturb Carlos.
He had no intention of using Carlos’s resources either.
Thinking back on everything that had happened in the past, Ji Ling let out a self-deprecating chuckle. It was like looking back at one’s childish actions after growing up. Back then, he had been constantly on edge in that world, terrified of the ‘big villain,’ worrying himself sick over survival. He had been so desperate that he often made a fool of himself… If he could do it all over again, he probably would have handled things much better.
But in life, some regrets are inevitable.
At that moment, the owner of the gallery, Isaac, walked over from the other side, flashing a bright smile at Ji Ling from a distance. “Hey, so here you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Isaac was a tall, white man with a straightforward personality and a wide social circle. It was thanks to his invitation that Ji Ling had come here to hold an exhibition. They had known each other for over two years and were fairly good friends.
Isaac slung an arm around Ji Ling’s shoulders and said, “Are you really not staying a few more days?”
Ji Ling smiled and shook his head. “No, I need to go home.”
Isaac dragged out his words in an exaggerated tone. “You must have a stunningly beautiful lover waiting for you at home. Otherwise, why do you always refuse to stay longer every time I ask?”
Ji Ling pondered for a moment. “Mm, a beauty indeed.”
Isaac was speechless. He sighed in exasperation. “Even if they are a beauty, how could home ever be as exciting as the world outside? Fine, I won’t argue with you. Since you’re leaving tomorrow, at least come with me to a banquet tonight.”
Ji Ling wasn’t fond of such gatherings and didn’t really want to go. “I’d rather go back and rest.”
Isaac pulled a stern face and said grumpily, “Some of my friends really want to meet the famous artist Ji Ling. They made me promise to bring you tonight. If you refuse, just consider our friendship over.”
Ji Ling: “…”
Seeing that Ji Ling remained silent, Isaac took it as agreement. Satisfied, he said, “Dear Ji, I knew you were a man of loyalty. Don’t you Chinese have a saying—‘A friend would take two knives for you’?”
Ji Ling: “…”
That’s… not exactly the right usage. First of all, we’re not that close. Secondly, attending a banquet hardly counts as taking two knives for a friend.
But Ji Ling didn’t bother correcting his friend and simply let the beautiful misunderstanding stand.
On the way there, Isaac hummed a tune as he tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, clearly in a good mood. However, the road was getting more and more remote, seemingly leading out of the city.
Ji Ling glanced at his friend in confusion. If they weren’t on such good terms, he might have started wondering if he was about to be murdered.
Just as he was debating whether to ask where they were going, a grand and brilliantly lit castle emerged in the middle of the secluded town. Ji Ling swallowed his questions. So someone really was hosting a banquet here!
Isaac turned to Ji Ling with a smile. “Look, we're here.”
The car drove down a long driveway lined with lush, blooming flowers, evidence that this place was well-maintained. It was clearly the estate of some noble and not some abandoned, haunted castle.
Ji Ling hesitated for a moment. “Your friend is—?”
Isaac winked mysteriously. “You'll find out soon enough.”
Ji Ling gave a helpless smile. This guy was really playing up the mystery.
Though Isaac wouldn't say, Ji Ling didn't mind. He would meet the host soon enough. Over the years, he'd changed—he was no longer the naive and easily flustered young man he once was. People didn't completely change with time, but experience did shape them, helping them mature.
Isaac led Ji Ling into the castle, where they were greeted by a middle-aged man with blond hair and brown eyes, dressed impeccably in a black tailcoat. He bowed respectfully as he welcomed them inside.
Isaac was polite to the butler. “Mr. Anderson, you can go about your business. No need to worry about us.”
Anderson smiled slightly. “Very well. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know.” Then, he glanced at Ji Ling and gave a knowing smile. “Mr. Ji, please enjoy your evening here.”
Ji Ling nodded politely in response.
Once Anderson left, Isaac sighed. “I haven't been here in ages. The last time the Earl held a banquet here was years ago.”
Ji Ling asked curiously. “The Earl?”
Isaac exaggerated his surprise. “Wait, I never told you? The owner of this place is a real noble.”
Ji Ling chuckled. “Maybe you were too busy and forgot.”
Isaac smacked his forehead as if just realizing it. Just then, a friend called out to him from across the hall. He said, “Why don't you wander around a bit? I need to go say hi. I'll be back soon—don't run off. I have friends I want to introduce you to!”
Ji Ling: “…”
This guy was seriously unreliable…
Ji Ling waited for a while, but the crowd was too large, and before he knew it, Isaac had disappeared. He shook his head—Isaac was impossible. But since he'd been dragged here in the first place and now left alone, he had no interest in standing around like an idiot. Instead, he walked out of the hall, considering how he might leave later.
Away from the bustling city, the air here was crisp and fresh, carrying the subtle fragrance of nature.
The garden was meticulously maintained. Along the cobblestone path, white filigree metal lanterns cast a warm golden glow.
Ji Ling strolled along casually until he spotted a glimpse of deep red roses ahead. He unconsciously walked over and bent down to take in their scent, the rich fragrance filling his senses.
From a distance, he had only seen a small patch, but upon stepping in, he realized this was an entire rose garden. Fireflies flickered in the night air like tiny stars, and at the center stood a white marble table and benches.
Ji Ling stood there in a daze, struck by an odd sense of familiarity.
It was as if he'd seen this place before.
But he couldn’t remember where. It was his first time here, after all.
Ji Ling furrowed his brows, thinking hard, but nothing came to mind. The place was quiet, and seeing no one else around, he worried he had wandered somewhere he shouldn’t be. Deciding to leave, he turned—only to hear a soft chuckle behind him.
“I tried my best to recreate it, but Earth lacks the broadleaf plants from Blue Starfish… so it still feels a little off…”
Ji Ling froze and turned back in surprise.
Emerging from the rose bushes was a refined, handsome man with brown hair and matching eyes. He carried a black metal cane and arched a brow as he smiled elegantly. “It’s really difficult to see you, so please forgive me for not revealing my identity before inviting you.”
Ji Ling had been surprised at first, but he quickly composed himself. This was exactly the sort of thing Carlos would do. And now, he finally understood why this garden had felt so familiar—back when he'd just gone through his second life cycle, he'd been invited to stay at Carlos’s estate for a while. That estate had also featured a rose garden like this one. In that world, roses were a nearly extinct ancient plant, nothing like the commonplace flowers they were on Earth.
Ji Ling had only ever seen such a garden at Carlos’s home.
He looked at Carlos and smiled faintly. “If you had simply invited me as a guest, I wouldn’t have refused.”
Carlos studied him for a long moment, then his eyes glimmered with amusement. “You've changed a lot.”
The boy who used to fear him, who was terrified of him and constantly trying to escape, had now grown into a calm and composed young man—one who could face him without fear.
Who could even say such words without hesitation.
Instead of avoiding him altogether.
Carlos shrugged, his smile deepening. “I have invited you many times before, but you've never come. You've never sought me out either. I thought you wouldn’t want to see me.”
Ji Ling was silent for a moment before replying, “Those were just pleasantries—I never took them seriously.”
Carlos feigned a hurt expression. “After all these years, is that really the first thing you say to me? How heartbreaking.”
Ji Ling had long since learned how good Carlos was at pretending. Without expression, he replied, “Oh? Is that so?”
Carlos saw that Ji Ling was unmoved, so he withdrew his wounded expression and shrugged. “You've become even colder and more ruthless than before.”
Ji Ling thought to himself—being called cold and ruthless by the one true, most cold-blooded villain… should he take it as a compliment?
Carlos took a step closer, glancing around at the roses before lowering his gaze to Ji Ling. “Do you remember this place?”
Ji Ling nodded.
Carlos stared at him deeply, a subtle smile curving his lips as he spoke with hidden meaning. “Back then, I tricked you into coming here, and you really came without hesitation. Or perhaps you knew I had ulterior motives but assumed I wouldn’t harm you. In truth, that was a very naïve and reckless decision—walking straight into the hands of someone who harbored ill intentions toward you… I could have done much worse.”
Ji Ling: “…” He had no way to refute those words. Carlos was absolutely right—he had been too naïve.
Back then, he had thought that since Carlos dared to invite him openly, he wouldn’t actually do anything harmful. But this man… his methods were a hundred times more cunning and ruthless than Ji Ling had imagined. His thoughts were beyond prediction. That single moment of poor judgment had almost cost Ji Ling everything…
Thinking back now, the only reason he had walked away unscathed was because Carlos had chosen to let him go.
Ji Ling pursed his lips. “…But you didn’t do it.”
Carlos suddenly raised his hand, tilting Ji Ling’s chin up with a teasing chuckle. “How do you know I didn’t?” He paused, dragging out his words with amusement. “I stole a kiss while you were asleep… That was—your first kiss, wasn’t it?”
Ji Ling’s pupils shrank as his face registered complete shock. What?! That actually happened?!
He had no idea!
He had always thought his first kiss had been taken by Jing Sui…
A faint, unnatural flush crept onto Ji Ling’s face. “You—you’re making things up.”
Carlos drawled leisurely, “Not just your first kiss, but also your first wedding… both belonged to me. And if things had gone just a little differently, even your first time would have—”
Ji Ling’s face instantly darkened. “Shut up.”
But Carlos did not shut up. His brown eyes were deep and unreadable, his tone low and laced with laughter. “May I have this dance? Before you leave—”
Ji Ling fell silent once more.
The man placed his hand at Ji Ling’s waist, pulling him gently closer as he led them into a slow rhythm.
Ji Ling’s hand was clasped in Carlos’s, following his steps in time with the melody the man softly hummed. There was no accompaniment, and the tune was slightly off, but Ji Ling recognized it—it was a famous song from that world, often played at noble banquets, elegant and lingering.
Carlos did not hum for long before falling silent. His features appeared even more profound in the night.
As the dance ended, he gently lifted Ji Ling’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
Ji Ling’s gaze lowered, and he finally noticed the ring still on Carlos’s finger. Back then… Carlos had offered him the matching ring, but he had refused to take it.
He had originally just wanted to say a proper goodbye, but now his emotions were complicated. Ji Ling spoke. “You don’t have to do this.”
Carlos smiled nonchalantly. “Do what?”
Ji Ling met his eyes and said slowly, “You’ve been in my world for five years now. You know what your world is like, you know what my world is like, and you know that all of this was just a misunderstanding, a coincidence. I’m not as good as you think I am. I only acted that way to complete my mission. It was all just a persona, a facade… In my real world, I’m just an ordinary person, one among countless others. I feel fear, I act selfishly, I struggle to survive, and I’m not all that brave…”
“I know,” Carlos interrupted with a soft smile. “But so what?”
Ji Ling stared at him, stunned.
Carlos said, “I’ve seen the boundless, vast universe. I’ve witnessed an entire star system vanish before my eyes. I’ve met countless brilliant, exceptional individuals who shone brightly for a moment before fading away. I’ve watched empires rise and fall… But after having everything, then losing it all and falling from the heights, there happened to be one person standing before me. So… I like you—not because you’re extraordinary, but simply because you happened to be that person.”
Ji Ling’s throat felt dry. “But I—”
Carlos’s gaze held a quiet warmth as he said, “I didn’t invite you here today to trouble you with this. Although, to me, you truly are the one and only exception… the real you is something I will see with my own eyes, not something I need you to tell me. My feelings for you—they are my own matter.
What you should know is that my feelings for you do not affect my current life, nor do they hinder me from enjoying what I have.
In fact, I should thank you—for allowing me to stop and take in the beautiful scenery around me.”
Carlos said, “I invited you here today only to tell you that I am doing well.”
Ji Ling looked at him for a long time before finally smiling. “I see. Thank you.”
He hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave. Before he left, he looked back once more and said, “Goodbye.”
Carlos watched the young man walk away with a quiet smile.
Before long, Anderson emerged from the shadows and spoke softly. “Are you really going to just let him leave?”
Carlos tapped his fingers lightly against his cane and turned his head slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Do you know the best way to love someone?”
Anderson asked, “What is it?”
Carlos’s thoughts seemed to drift far away.
To be together is a meeting of two hearts, but forcing someone who does not love you to stay… is nothing more than one-sided delusion, bringing pain to both.
He had always been accustomed to destroying everything, seizing and possessing—even the ones he loved, without hesitation.
It had taken two lifetimes for him to understand the simplest truth.
That to love someone… is to learn to let go.
“Come, the banquet is about to begin.” Carlos turned away with a small shake of his head, his lips curving in a faint smile. His voice carried softly into the night. “I can’t keep my guests waiting.”
----------
If you like my translation, please support me by buying me a coffee:
0 comments: