He didn’t know why Carlos was here, nor his purpose, but Carlos had pretended to be very nice to him thus far… Since it’s like that, then you can stand up for me! You and Brandon have always been enemies anyway. It's only natural that you protect me when he’s here. You use me, and I use you. That’s fair, isn’t it?
Carlos looked at the boy's teary blue eyes that were gazing at him expectantly like he’d seen his savior. They were so lovely, arousing sympathy, and involuntarily bringing up a softness from the bottom of his heart. His expression became even gentler.
Although Brandon really shouldn't have frightened the youth, if it wasn’t for him, how else would this little fellow have been willing to take the initiative to come ask for help? Thinking of it this way, even Brandon seemed a little more pleasing to the eye.
Anyway, he’d never give Brandon another chance to hurt the boy this life.
Brandon looked at the youth defenselessly rush into Carlos' arms, and saw the trust and dependence he had for Carlos. This scene made his eyes sting; Anger and jealousy surged in the heart. He really wanted to just go straight up over there and steal Ji Ling away from Carlos’ embrace!
Last life, this ruthless bastard, Carlos, was the one who sent Ji Ling into the hands of that brutal and cold-blooded savage rebel commander. It was all because he wanted to use Ji Ling's death to incite the aristocrats’ dissatisfaction and force Emperor Sui to call for blood in suppressing the rebels and their civilian supporters.
In order to achieve his goal, he didn’t hesitate to sacrifice the youth who trusted in him.
If Ji Ling wasn’t as lucky as he was, he would’ve died then.
But Ji Ling didn’t know those things now. He didn’t know that this Uncle Carlos, who appeared to treat him very well, was a wolf in sheep’s clothing; ruthless and despicable.
And someone who would stab him in the back.
Brandon’s expression was cold. His eyes were full of killing intent. In a stern voice, he said: "Let him go."
Ji Ling was so scared that his whole body stiffened. He grabbed onto Carlos’ coat even more tightly.
Carlos felt how scared Ji Ling was. His heart filled with sympathy, and he tightly embraced the youth in his arms. Lifting his eye line, he looked at Brandon. He raised his eyebrow and said lightly: “Oh? Who are you to make me let him go?"
Brandon's fist made a cracking sound. He looked at Carlos' despicable face, and really wanted to smash that mask off in one blow! But Ji Ling’s fearful eyes restrained his impulse like a pair of shackles.
For a long time, he looked at Ji Ling deeply. In a low voice, as if he was making a promise, he said clearly: “Come here. I won't hurt you."
As long as Ji Ling was willing to come back, he would definitely take good care of him. Even if he made an enemy of Carlos now, it didn’t matter.
But... the only response given to Brandon was a distant look of fear.
He should’ve expected this answer long ago.
Pain and dejection slowly floated up in Brandon's eyes.
When the youth in Carlos' arms looked at him, that expression made all the blood in Brandon’s body turn cold. Pain drained him of his strength, as if he had vines twisted around his limbs. It prevented him from accepting this reality…
The youth didn't want to leave there nor come back to him.
He didn’t trust him.
Could he just ignore the boy’s wishes? Could he let him experience fear and forcefully steal him away from Carlos’ side? Brandon couldn’t. How could he bear to hurt the youth again?
Through lidded eyes, Carlos looked at the youth’s dependent expression. He raised his hand and touched the soft blonde hair, very satisfied with how obedient the boy was… He was so cute… Really, how could he not protect him?
No one is allowed to upset you, not even Brandon.
Carlos looked up at Brandon. His lips raised with a hint of sarcasm, and said: "It seems that he isn’t willing to go over. If there’s nothing else, then, marshal... Excuse us.”
After he said this, he hugged Ji Ling and turned to leave.
Brandon reflexively went forward to block him!
But he had only taken one step before stopping dejectedly. His knuckles cracked as he watched Ji Ling’s figure finally disappear in front of him again...
A thick darkness surged in his eyes, like a storm brewing.
Even if he went over, Ji Ling wouldn’t believe him no matter what he said or did. He trusted in Carlos wholeheartedly.
Carlos...
Brandon's gray eyes turned a shade of ice! You won't get to be so complacent for long, because this time, I will tear your mask off and let Ji Ling see very clearly just how heartless you are inside!
This time, I will never give you another chance to deceive him.
Carlos left with Ji Ling. His men didn’t forget to pick up Deng Dong who was on the ground on their way out either. In the blink of an eye, only Brandon and Ning Yu were left in the room.
Ning Yu walked over slowly. He had actually recovered before. With his super strong S-class constitution, the drug’s efficacy wasn’t that long, but he had just stood aside quietly without intervening in the dispute between Brandon and Carlos.
He observed Brandon's unusual behavior today, and remembered what he’d said when he was defending Ji Ling last time. He showed a puzzled look his eyes once again, but didn't ask much and just said, “Thank you for coming."
Brandon turned back to see the calm and gentle look in Ning Yu's eyes. He gradually began to feel guilty.
Ji Ling came twice in a row to give Ning Yu trouble. Regardless of how he actually was inside, on the surface at least, he seemed to be going overboard. Ji Ling had in fact harmed Ning Yu, but he hadn’t stood up for Ning Yu this life, instead letting him go through this kind of humiliation. All this pained Brandon.
But how could he explain that Ji Ling wasn’t actually bad-hearted?
Ning Yu keenly perceived Brandon's inner difficulties and struggles. With a faint smile, he said lightly: "I am fine."
With just three words, he revealed everything.
Since I am fine now, it doesn't matter if you don't pursue the issue with Ji Ling. No matter what decision you come to, I believe you have your reasons, because I trust in your character.
Plus, I’m a soldier, not a weak thing who can't take being wronged.
Brandon understood the meaning behind Ning Yu's words. Reading his expression, he breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time, felt even guiltier and remorseful. After a long time, it seemed he finally made a decision and said slowly, "In order to avoid another incident, you can move to my house for the time being."
He still said this sentence…
But this time, it wasn’t said out of fear of Ning Yu encountering danger. He knew that nobody would create difficulties for Ning Yu after this. What happened to Deng Dong would scare those rich kids enough to deter them from making another move on him again.
He only let Ning Yu live at his house, because he knew that Jing Sui would see him there soon and be drawn to him.
After all, an outstanding person like Ning Yu easily captivated people’s attention. His radiance couldn’t be hidden.
Therefore, it wouldn’t make much of a difference if he no longer liked him... because there’d be many other people who would like him and believe in him. Ning Yu never lacked those things…
But Ji Ling was different. No one liked him, or believed in him or protected him.
He was the one who really needed his protection.
Sorry [, Ning Yu].
This life, I hope you can cultivate your love and career. I hope you and Jing Sui can get together smoothly... This is all I can do to compensate you.
That way, Ji Ling might give up on Jing Sui a little earlier, and won’t be hurt as badly.
As they were good friends, Brandon was the clearest on how cold and firm Jing Sui was. Perhaps only a person like Ning Yu, with the same mental decisiveness and a resolute goal, was suitable to be his partner.
However, the youth’s love was too direct and fierce; it would only hurt him.
………………
Although Deng Dong was seriously injured, he didn’t die. He was quickly sent for treatment, and with the medical prowess of Empire Star, his life wouldn’t be in danger. Only after learning this, did Ji Ling breathe a sigh of relief.
It was at this moment, that he finally had the time to feel afraid for himself…
This was like out of the frying pan, and into the fire!
If it wasn't to avoid Brandon, he definitely wouldn't have risked approaching Carlos! That old bastard made such a timely appearance. Don’t tell me he wasn’t tracking me?! This idea made his hair stand on end!
Ji Ling was embraced in Carlos’ arms. He was up to his ears with nervousness, and very anxious to get away immediately. He loosened his grip on the hand holding Carlos' coat. His eyelashes quivered and he raised his head, revealing moist eyes. He said in a soft voice: "Thank you..."
Carlos looked incredibly gently at the little cutie in his arms: “You don’t need to be so polite with me.”
Ji Ling showed a grateful expression, and said cautiously: "Well then, I should go home ..."
After he said that, he gently pushed, trying to get out of Carlos’ arms.
But he had only gotten out a little, when he felt a force pull him above his waist. Ji Ling was too late to do anything and landed back down with a heavy thunk. He lifted his eyes in panic, and faced the man's dark brown eyes. Inside them, was an emotion he completely couldn’t read.
Ji Ling was completely at a loss inside and a trace of unease emerged on his face… The next moment, he felt the man’s aggressive breath approach. The warm breath was mangled in the man's low magnetic voice. It rung in his ear, making him tremble tightly from the bottom of his heart, “You’re going just like that? Your actions make me feel like… "
Carlos' thin lips slightly parted, and his tone was meaningful: "You’re avoiding me."