He didnât know why Carlos was here, nor his purpose, but Carlos had pretended to be very nice to him thus farâŠÂ Since itâs 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 heâs here. You use me, and I use you. Thatâs fair, isnât it?
Carlos looked at the boy's teary blue eyes that were gazing at him expectantly like heâd 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 wasnât 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, heâd 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 Carlosâ 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 aristocratsâ dissatisfaction and force Emperor Sui to call for blood in suppressing the rebels and their civilian supporters.
In order to achieve his goal, he didnât hesitate to sacrifice the youth who trusted in him.
If Ji Ling wasnât as lucky as he was, he wouldâve died then.
But Ji Ling didnât know those things now. He didnât know that this Uncle Carlos, who appeared to treat him very well, was a wolf in sheepâs clothing; ruthless and despicable.
And someone who would stab him in the back.
Brandonâs 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 Carlosâ 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: âOh? 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 Lingâs fearful eyes restrained his impulse like a pair of shackles.\n
For a long time, he looked at Ji Ling deeply. In a low voice, as if he was making a promise, he said clearly: âCome 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 didnât matter.
But⊠the only response given to Brandon was a distant look of fear.
He shouldâve 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 Brandonâs body turn cold. Pain drained him of his strength, as if he had vines twisted around his limbs. It prevented him from accepting this realityâŠ
The youth didn't want to leave there nor come back to him.
He didnât trust him.
Could he just ignore the boyâs wishes? Could he let him experience fear and forcefully steal him away from Carlosâ side? Brandon couldnât. How could he bear to hurt the youth again?
Through lidded eyes, Carlos looked at the youthâs 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 isnât willing to go over. If thereâs nothing else, then, marshal⊠Excuse us.â
After he said this, he hugged Ji Ling and turned to leave.
Brandon reflexively went forward to block him!\nBut he had only taken one step before stopping dejectedly. His knuckles cracked as he watched Ji Lingâs figure finally disappear in front of him againâŠ
A thick darkness surged in his eyes, like a storm brewing.
Even if he went over, Ji Ling wouldnât believe him no matter what he said or did. He trusted in Carlos wholeheartedly.
CarlosâŠ
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 didnât 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 drugâs efficacy wasnât 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 heâd 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, âThank 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 hadnât 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 wasnât 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.
\nHowever, the youthâs love was too direct and fierce; it would only hurt him.
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Although Deng Dong was seriously injured, he didnât die. He was quickly sent for treatment, and with the medical prowess of Empire Star, his life wouldnât 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 himselfâŠ
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. Donât tell me he wasnât tracking me?! This idea made his hair stand on end!
Ji Ling was embraced in Carlosâ 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 youâŠ"
Carlos looked incredibly gently at the little cutie in his arms: âYou donât need to be so polite with me.â
Ji Ling showed a grateful expression, and said cautiously: "Well then, I should go home âŠ"
After he said that, he gently pushed, trying to get out of Carlosâ 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 couldnât read.
Ji Ling was completely at a loss inside and a trace of unease emerged on his face⊠The next moment, he felt the manâs 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, âYouâre going just like that? Your actions make me feel like⊠"
Carlos' thin lips slightly parted, and his tone was meaningful: "Youâre avoiding me."