starboy and limelight

Song Yan had been in the industry for four years and was nicknamed "The Red Rose of the World"—stunning, brilliant, and cool. After a scandal and a breakup, she announced her retirement with great fanfare and vanished from the public eye. Her former collaborators spoke of her with disdain, "She only got famous through hype, with no real talent, all pretense, and nothing genuine." Half a year later, at a banquet, the retired Song Yan made her first appearance and became the untouchable heir to the Song Family's hundred-billion fortune. Those who had bad-mouthed her in the past were now sycophantic: "Miss Song is beautiful with great acting skills and strong capabilities. It's such a pity she retired! _(:3」∠❀)_" After retirement, Song Yan was known as "The Fairy of the World"—naturally gorgeous and irresistible. There wasn't a man she couldn't charm. The high-society ladies sniffed at this: "Gu Chenxiao of Yun City, so cold and heartless. Try flirting with him!" Song Yan had her 'three nos'. First, she wouldn't flirt with the ugly. Second, she wouldn't flirt with those who liked her. Third: ...ex-boyfriends, she wouldn't flirt! Everyone racked their brains but couldn't understand how these three rules were related to Gu Chenxiao. * In Yun City, it was widely rumored: Gu Chenxiao's ex-girlfriend broke up with him just because he stepped into a room with his left foot first. People dissed his ex-girlfriend for not knowing better, for acting out and dooming herself. Late, when the romance between Gu Chenxiao and Song Yan became public, a romantic rival confronted her, sneering: "You're just a placeholder. His true love is his ex-girlfriend. When she returns, you'll be kicked to the curb!" That very evening, Gu Chenxiao, who had returned from a business trip, saw Song Yan packing her luggage. Veins throbbed on his forehead as he ground his teeth: "Song Yan, this time I stepped in with my right foot first! Where do you think you're running off to now!"

Elara’s first life crashed hard. Cruel tricks ruined her name, broke her dreams, and turned the whole entertainment world against her. Friends betrayed her. Lovers sold her out. Everyone she trusted stabbed her in the back. The pain piled up until she felt trapped with no way out. One night, she couldn’t take it anymore. She walked to a river and ended it all in the cold, quiet water. Later, proof came out. Messages. Recordings. Everything showed she had been framed. People posted apologies online. But it was too late. She was already gone. The universe, though, clearly has a twisted sense of humor. Because somehow, Elara came back. She woke up in her own past, every awful memory still sharp in her head. Right then she made a promise she would never break: protect her grandfather no matter what, and never let anyone push her to that dark place again. This time she steps into the entertainment world with her head high. She trains harder, sings better, fights smarter. The same people who once crushed her? Now they get to feel the pressure. Love? Not happening. Her heart is locked tight. But why is it that as she rises and shines brighter, handsome, powerful men start circling her—guys who never even glanced at her in her previous life. The actor smiled at her during a press interview, leaned closer, and said softly, “We should have dinner sometime.” The footballer sent flowers so big they blocked her room door. The surgeon she met at a charity event checked her pulse and then forgot to let go of her wrist. The singer she collaborated with kept calling her name during rehearsals, as if the mic could not hear him well enough. Elara stared at the ceiling one night and sighed. She only wanted to sing. Why did everyone look like they wanted to adopt her, date her, or both? But the worst one came after a concert. The lights had just gone off. Her ears were still ringing. Sweat clung to her neck. She had barely stepped backstage when a shadow blocked her path. She looked up. The CEO of the greatest company in Aurelia stood there. The same man who once said her voice was “not worth investing in.” The same man who had made her life a living hell. Now he held her wrist gently, but firmly. “Let’s talk,” he said. Elara blinked. “About… sponsorship?” “No,” he replied calmly. “About marriage.” Her brain froze. “…What?” “I will give you everything,” he continued, as if asking for a glass of water. “Resources. Protection. Freedom to sing. Become my wife.” Elara stared at him, her mouth open, her thoughts running in circles. This was not how it was supposed to be. Why was the world now skipping steps? NB: This story is set in a fictional world. Aurelia is a country. Solmere, Veston, and Starfall City are the three capital cities of Aurelia. Other cities, such as Lorien and Crelou, are smaller cities. * * * * * Contains few queer characters, messy relationships, slow-burn romance, and some dark themes.

Kazuma and Masako are a loving married couple who run a successful indie game development studio from their cozy home. After leaving the corporate world behind, they poured their hearts into creating hit games like Mori Journey, Exaslia, and their biggest success yet, Mori Adventure. Despite their professional success, the real magic lies in their personal relationship—a mix of playful teasing, deep affection, and unwavering support. Through late-night coding marathons, romantic anniversaries, unexpected livestream mishaps, and wholesome surprises, Kazuma and Masako navigate the challenges of both game development and marriage. Kazuma is the steady, hardworking coder, while Masako is the lively, creative artist with a penchant for mischief and teasing her husband. Together, they bring out the best in each other, blending love and laughter into their daily lives. From heart-melting romantic moments to hilarious hijinks, their story captures the highs and lows of balancing love, work, and dreams. Whether they’re surprising each other with heartfelt gifts, overcoming obstacles in game launches, or simply sharing quiet moments together, Kazuma and Masako prove that life is truly a game best played with your partner by your side. Their journey is a heartwarming tale of love, passion, and the joy of building worlds—both virtual and real—together. [3-4 chapters a week]

Elk Takeda, an overworked and undervalued office worker, has spent years enduring a soul-crushing job and toxic bosses. His life takes a surprising turn when he rescues a discarded, damaged robot named Celeste, a highly advanced artificial intelligence designed to serve but cast aside after failing to meet her previous owner's cruel expectations. Elk repairs her, and in gratitude, Celeste dedicates herself to his happiness, becoming his loving and devoted partner. As they navigate their life together, Celeste works tirelessly to create a haven for Elk, caring for him with unwavering devotion and offering the unconditional love he’s longed for. Their bond deepens as Elk begins to rediscover joy and hope, but the shadow of Celeste’s creator, Damian Wolfe, looms over them. The egotistical and abusive billionaire is determined to reclaim Celeste, viewing her as his property. While Elk faces daily challenges at work, including harassment and betrayal, he finds solace in Celeste’s presence. However, their love is tested when Damian begins to close in on them, sparking a series of tense confrontations. Through it all, Elk and Celeste’s bond grows stronger, proving that love and loyalty can thrive even in the face of adversity. Together, they begin building a life that neither of them ever thought possible. [3-4 chapters a week]

Shee Bah found herself wrangling with another woman over a man that she has been married to for a period of two years. What's more, her husband turned out to be a superstar, with great public appeal _ usually commanding a high salary, who never wanted his relationship to be revealed due to the scandal it might cause. As an underdog, still struggling to make it to greater heights of her music career with her sensational talent, she's extremely insecure about the lady her husband is secretly seeing _ a famous model with strong public influence. By the time she exhaustedly concluded that she wasn't at any standard of a match to the other woman in beauty and reputation, her one week released music album shocks the media waves, topping the chats, becoming the most selling album at the time, making her the most influential female artist.

the quaint atmosphere of a small-town café, Mia, a passionate young Black woman and devoted K-pop fan, dreamt of a life far beyond her surroundings. Her heart beat for the glitz and glamour of the K-pop world, especially for Liam, a charming member of a top boy band. However, a tragic accident changes everything when both Mia and Liam fall into comas, their lives forever intertwined by fate. Upon awakening, Mia is thrust into the chaotic world of Liam, who is struggling under the immense pressure of fame. As Liam navigates the darker side of the entertainment industry—the relentless expectations, toxic fame, and the facade he must maintain—he finds solace in Mia's unwavering spirit and authenticity. Once just a distant admirer, Mia becomes a pivotal force in Liam's life, helping him confront the emotional toll of his idol persona. Together, they journey through their contrasting worlds, forging a deep connection that transcends the boundaries of fandom. As they face challenges and explore their emotions, they learn the true meaning of support, resilience, and self-acceptance. In discovering strength through their unexpected bond, Mia and Liam realize that genuine happiness comes from embracing their authentic selves, whether in the limelight or behind the scenes. "Whispers in the limelight " is a heartfelt tale of love and healing, reminding us that sometimes the most profound connections can arise from the most unlikely circumstances, offering hope and transformation in the face of adversity.

I hate cupid.

After being found and brought back by her wealthy family, Arabella Donovan has an unexpected awakening and discovers that the world she lives in is a mishmash of popular story tropes. Her eldest brother is the tragic guy in a melodramatic, angsty novel; Her second brother is the cannon fodder in an showbiz power-fantasy novel; Her third brother is the scapegoat who ends up with a criminal record in a doting teen romance; Her fourth sister is the vicious villainess in a 'real vs. fake heiress' story; And even her parents are just antagonistic background characters in some sweet, middle-aged romance. Arabella Donovan: This family is a complete collection of misfortunes. The word 'tragic' doesn't even begin to cover it. Her family, after hearing all of her inner thoughts: "..."

Good news: You've awakened. Bad news: You're the villainess. Renee Jennings accidentally obtains a system, allowing her to break free from the plot's control by completing missions. Renee Jennings: "Wait a minute, what's with all the animal dictionaries as a reward?" System: [They can give you an affinity with animals.] Renee Jennings: "Why?" System: [Because a villainess has no affinity with people.] Renee Jennings: "…" This joke is not that funny... * After unlocking animal languages, Renee Jennings embarks on a path of no return— Leading dogs to save a blind woman being stalked by a pervert. Reporting an evil old man who murdered his wife and hid her body, thanks to rats. Helping a kitten catch the murderer who killed its owner and buried the body. Finding tens of millions in stolen goods based on intel from birds. * While others are petting cats, Renee Jennings is riding a tiger. While others are falling in love, Renee Jennings is solving crimes. While others are getting married, Renee Jennings is rescuing endangered animals. While others are having kids, Renee Jennings is serving her country.

On the verge of death from illness, Yu Zhizhi transmigrates to the Beast World Planet, becoming the lowest-ranking plaything for slaughter. Her destiny was supposed to be a direct slaughter by powerful figures gone Berserk in their beast forms. Fortunately, she awakened the Childbirth System, and the style of the story suddenly changed— The maddened and fallen monster (Wolf): "I'll give you a choice, love me, or be bitten to death by me?" The evil Duke (Snake): "Beautiful maiden, please fall into the abyss of desire with me." The tyrannical Imperial Marshal (Shark): "I command you, you are only permitted to love me!" The wildly arrogant Crown Prince (Tiger): "I will kill all the males who covet you!!" (The list of Beast Husbands is expanding—) As the lowest-ranking female, Yu Zhizhi is doted on wildly by the powerful figures, undergoing Evolution all the way to the top-tier Rare grade and becoming the most noble existence in the Beast World Empire!