Chapter 31.1 - Stolen Kiss

Carlos looked at Jing Sui coldly and said icily: "What does Your Majesty mean by that?”

Jing Sui made no secret of the murder in his eyes and said unhurriedly: “Are you saying that it wasn’t you who put him in such danger?"

Sure enough!

Carlos was raging with anger. In order to get back at him for his previous attack with the gossip, Jing Sui had thrown this bucket of dirty water on him. His voice hinted at his anger, as he retorted deeply: "I can't wait to protect him from harm, so how could I possibly put him in danger?!”

Jing Sui gave a deep laugh: “You know in your heart what you did.” 

Carlos sneered coldly: “You’re just speaking as you please!”

He didn’t pay further attention to Jing Sui. Instead, he looked at Ji Ling and said solemnly: “Xiao Ling, don't believe those words. I would never hurt you."

Ji Ling thought to himself, Like hell I’d believe you, you old baddie, evil to the core. Gabriel told me this himself. As if he’d set you up! And it's not the first time you’ve done something like this to me either… 

He blinked his eyes, and immediately revealed a pained and disappointed look, saying: "I didn't want to believe it either, but that man... he told me himself that it was you..."

Carlos was slightly stunned for a second. He finally revealed a look of surprise: "Gabriel did?”

Ji Ling cautiously nodded, as if he was unwilling to believe this fact. There were tears in his eyes and he choked back his sobs, saying: "Uncle Carlos... Was it really you?"

Carlos looked into Ji Ling's eyes. The boy looked incredibly pained and hurt, yet he still held a bit of hope as he asked: “Was it really you?

At this moment, Carlos couldn’t think of why Gabriel would set him up.

A dull ache suddenly gripped his heart, instantly bringing him back to that dark and lonely night last life.The youth was questioning him, aggrieved in such despair, yet unwilling to let go of that last thread of hope… At the time, he couldn't possibly tell the boy… ‘It was not me.’

This was what he’d regretted the most, and what pained him more than anything.

This time, however, he could answer with full certainty. 

Carlos said unhurriedly: "It was not me."

He held out his hand to Ji Ling. The look in his brown eyes was extremely deep and sincere. He repeated it word by word: “It-was-not-me.”

However… the boy didn’t respond to him this time…

Because he was being protected in Jing Sui’s embrace.

Pain finally appeared in the depths of Carlos' eyes. The jealousy deep inside him bit at his heart like a poisonous snake. The venom made his blood turn cold. He had been reborn, but despite all his efforts, he still couldn't change the result. Could he not get the only person he’d ever wanted?

This result was unacceptable. 

Carlos suddenly tightened his grip on the cane. The aura around him instantly became terrifying. His eyes flashed, and shook slightly. However, he’d only just raised his wrist up, when a strong cold wind whizzed past his cheek! Carlos jerked to the side and took a step back to avoid Brandon's fist!

That tall, cold-hearted man stood in front of him like a god of war, looking at him with gray eyes full of unconcealed hostility! 

And even that Wen Yan, who’d stepped forward who knows when, gazed upon him with a cold glint in his eyes.  

Carlos took a deep breath. His gaze glanced over Brandon and Wen Yan, finally landing on Ji Ling, who was being tightly protected in Jing Sui’s embrace. Gradually, he pressed down the ruthlessness in his eyes.

Now wasn’t the right time to act…

But do you really think you’ve won like this? I hope you don’t celebrate too early... Carlos' lips slowly raised into a cold smile. He suddenly turned around, and left cleanly without further delay.

Ji Ling watched as Carlos finally left before he breathed a sigh of relief. His face was slightly pale.

Carlos had always put on the front of a personable and graceful gentleman with him, so much so that he’d almost forgotten Carlos’ true character... Just now, ruthlessness had suddenly leaked out of the man and it really made him jump in fright. The exchange between Brandon and Carlos was quite brief, but although it only lasted a moment, the terror it brought still left him trembling in fear. 

Too terrifying.  Are these guys even human?

They’re monsters in human skin, aren’t they?

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that just one punch could kill me!

I should go home. I must go home!

Ji Ling came out from Jing Sui's embrace. He was just thinking of how best to get leave from Jing Sui when Wen Yan, who had been silent until now, finally stood up. He bowed respectfully to Ji Ling, saying: “Young Master, I have come to pick you up."

Ji Ling's eyes brightened. For the first time, he felt that this sinister villain was actually very considerate. Although he didn’t know what Wen Yan’s purpose in coming was, the man had presented him with a way out, so he nodded and replied: “All right.” 

He then turned to Jing Sui and said: "I-"

However, after saying just one word, he was pulled back by Jing Sui and rammed into his tight embrace. With his head still in the clouds, he watched as Jing Sui's handsome face approached him, and heard the man give a light laugh by his ear: “Why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

Ji Ling felt Jing Sui's hot breath fall by his ear, and his face suddenly burned up again. He felt uncomfortable all over, and almost bit his tongue as he said: “I’ve been out for so long, Mom and Dad are probably worried..."

Jing Sui looked at the boy’s shy face. A faint glow appeared on his fair skin. It was so alluring that he really didn't want to let go of the youth, and instead, keep him by his side at every moment… However, it was also because of this that he couldn’t refuse. 

This little rascal had probably wanted to run away from him for a while now. Although he’d always said he liked him, and kept provoking him, pretending to be bold and arrogant... he was actually shyer than anyone else.

Whenever he got close, the boy would dodge faster than anything, just like a frightened rabbit.

How could he be so cute?

Jing Sui rubbed the boy intimately, reluctant to part. Only after seeing the youth’s face flushed red did he finally let go of his hand and smile saying: “All right.”

Ji Ling managed to escape from Jing Sui’s grasp with much difficulty, and walked away without looking back.

Terrifying. Too terrifying! 

What treachery did he commit to be punished with a whole group of reborn rascals?! Why was it so difficult to seriously complete his mission?!

………………

Wen Yan followed behind Ji Ling silently and escorted him onto the car.

Seeing how shy and embarrassed the youth looked, it seemed as if he was still immersed in the intimacy he shared with Jing Sui just now… Wen Yan pressed all the pain and jealousy down to the bottom of his heart.

Jing Sui appeared to really like Ji Ling. This was rather surprising, but even if he didn’t want to admit it, he had to acknowledge that it was a good thing. Then his boy’s deepest wish would be fulfilled, and he could get together with the person he loved the most. 

Yes, this was what he had hoped for…

It's just that the things he had hidden deep in his heart seemed to be struggling restlessly, trying to break through.

Wen Yan’s fingers moved slightly in front of him [towards Ji Ling]. He closed his eyes and told himself, Don't forget what you did last life.

You can't repeat your mistakes.

You can't.

Ji Ling had finally returned home. He saw that Wen Yan was sensible this time and didn’t follow him in. It seemed as if he’d left in a bit of a hurry. Although he was surprised, it made him very happy. This big baddie’s actions were becoming more and more difficult to guess. That’s the most mysterious villain in the book for you. His mind probably turned at 1800rpm. Nobody could see through him, so why would Wen Yan bother wasting time hanging around him?

If he couldn’t think it through, then it’d be best to not think about it at all. Wen Yan didn’t have much to do with him anyway. 

Ji Ling's parents had long been waiting for his arrival at home. Seeing Ji Ling come back safe and sound, they breathed a sigh of relief and pulled him over to get a closer look at him.

When they’d gotten news of the kidnapping, Jing Sui had already saved Ji Ling. Despite this, Madam Marina was still distressed and hugged her little baby tightly, saying: "Mom told you not to go, but you had to have your way! What would I do if something happened to you?!”

Grand Duke Ji Ting also said in a low voice: “It’d be best if you didn’t go out again in the future.” 

Ji Ling said awkwardly: "Sorry, I made you two worry."

Madam Marina looked at her little baby being so cute and lovely, and her heart melted on the spot. She touched his head and said, "You little heartless thing. As long as you understand… Don't worry me next time."

Ji Ling nodded vigorously!

He hadn’t expected to be taken hostage again QAQ

After exchanging pleasantries with his parents for a while, Ji Ling went back to his room alone. At this time, his nerves, which had been tense the whole time, could finally relax completely.

He rolled around on his bed and breathed a sigh of relief. So tiring… Putting on his act was really tiring… 

………………

Ji Ling felt like he had gone out to run a marathon. He’d only returned home after much effort, and couldn't wait to stay at home and sleep until kingdom come. Law-abiding youths from earth were used to this kind of peaceful and comfortable environment, after all.

Plus, there was another reason why he didn't want to go out. He didn’t want to meet Jing Sui again!

That man was too dangerous, and he was always trying to pull something. As a straight man, Ji Ling felt really flustered, and could only use his dodging techniques, and think out of sight, out of mind.  You’re the emperor, pre-occupied with important matters everyday, and also your fight with Carlos. As long as I don't jump around in front of you, you shouldn’t have the time to think about me… 

After all, when I first read the book, I didn't think you were such a hopeless romantic.

Harboring this beautiful hope, Ji Ling hid at home like a quail. He ate with his parents every day, and if he had nothing to do, went online. He spent his days extremely comfortably. 

Jing Sui sent him several messages, asking about his well-being, and inviting him out to meet him, but Ji Ling rejected every time on the grounds of staying at home to keep his parents company.

After that, he didn’t get any more messages from Jing Sui. This made Ji Ling feel like everything was going swimmingly. 

Although Jing Sui appeared to like him very much before, it probably wasn’t anything special. His ‘like’ was probably just to make up for a guilty conscience. A self-respecting emperor absolutely wouldn’t chase a rich kid like him, right?

If he refused a few more times, Jing Sui’s feelings would probably dampen, and he wouldn’t wait anymore.

The more Ji Ling thought about it, the more he thought he was right. He had to draw the line decisively and give Jing Sui the cold palace treatment! After all, whether it was for the success of the mission, or for his own psychological limits, there was no way he could be in that kind of relationship with Jing Sui...

The longer he’d left behind those scary thrilling days outside, the more he felt how blessed this couch potato life at home was.

On this particular day, Ji Ling was happily basking in the sun in his yard, eating the exquisite desserts prepared by his servant. Suddenly, his mother, Madam Marina, came over and pinched Ji Ling's face, saying, "Baby, go get changed. Come with Mom to the palace."

Ji Ling was instantly startled up and asked: "Why are you going to the palace?"

Madam Marina smiled and said, "Your Auntie Saman misses you. She wanted me to take you to the palace."

Oh, so it was Auntie Saman. As long as it wasn't Jing Sui, it was fine. However, Ji Ling was extremely sensitive at this time, and his nerves were stretched thin. He deeply refused to take part in any event where there was a possibility of meeting Jing Sui. He didn’t want to risk going to the palace where he could run into Jing Sui, so he said: "But I don't want to go out today..."

Madam Marina flicked her son's forehead and said: “You’ll grow mold if you stay at home any more.” 

In fact, she had been watching her son keep himself shut up at home this whole time. He didn’t even take part in any of the activities he used to love before. That’s why she was worried and wanted to take Ji Ling out for a bit. As it so happened, Saman had invited her over yesterday, so she simply decided to bring her son along with her. Going to the palace was something he used to love. 

Staying home like this wasn’t good for a child’s physical or mental health. He must’ve been frightened when he went to the outside world last time, and the trauma left a psychological shadow.

Ji Ling really didn't want to go to the palace, and said stubbornly: "I don't want to go..."

Madam Marina clapped her hands, and two servants immediately came over with a set of clothes. She raised her eyebrow and said: "Help the young master change clothes."

Ji Ling: "..."